Disc Filter Flow Diverter for Standalone Self-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-cleaning disc filter systems require external controllers and neighboring fluid sources for automated cleaning, leading to increased costs and water wastage, as they rely on downstream filtered water for the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A standalone self-cleaning disc filter apparatus with an internal fluid diverter that controls the flow direction, allowing for manual or automated operation, and utilizes upstream unfiltered water for cleaning, thereby reducing the need for external controllers and conserving water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If external controllers and electronic valves are used for automated self-cleaning, then automation extent is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control valve and controller into a single integrated unit that is internally mounted within the filter housing. This merging of previously separate external components into one compact internal assembly reduces the number of separate parts, simplifies installation, and eliminates the need for complex external piping while maintaining automated self-cleaning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized self-cleaning valve as an intermediary component that automatically controls the diversion of water flow for cleaning purposes. This valve acts as a mediator between the incoming water supply and the filter elements, automatically switching flow paths to enable backwashing without requiring complex external control systems.
2Reliability
If downstream filtered water is used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using upstream unfiltered water instead of downstream filtered water for the self-cleaning process. This reversal eliminates water wastage by directing the raw water supply through the filter elements in reverse flow direction, thereby cleaning them without consuming the valuable filtered water that would otherwise be discharged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and reuses the upstream water supply that would otherwise be wasted during normal operation. By diverting this water through the filter elements during self-cleaning cycles, the system transforms a waste stream into a useful cleaning resource, eliminating the need to discard filtered water for cleaning purposes.
3Productivity
If neighboring filtering apparatus are networked for self-cleaning, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the self-cleaning capability into a self-contained unit that operates independently within each filter apparatus. Instead of requiring a networked system where multiple filters depend on each other for cleaning, each filter is divided into autonomous modules with integrated valves and control mechanisms that enable individual self-cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal self-cleaning mechanism that can be applied to any single filter apparatus regardless of whether other filters are present. The integrated valve and control system provides multi-functionality by handling both normal filtration and self-cleaning operations within one device, eliminating the need for specialized networked configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The internal fluid diverter enables efficient self-cleaning without wasting filtered water, reducing operational costs and energy consumption, and allowing for standalone operation in various applications beyond agricultural use.
Implementation Method 1
an internal flow diverter provides for controlling the direction of flow through the disc filter apparatus so as to determine the apparatus mode and/or phase either the filtering phase or the self-cleaning phase
Implementation Method 2
The ring discs are diagonally grooved on both sides to a specific micron size. A series of the ring discs are stacked and compressed on a spine. The compressed discs are placed within a housing to form an efficient filtering element, such that when stacked the grooves on top of each disc runs opposite from the grooves below it, creating a filtration system having a series of grooves and traps for solids particles suspended within the water.
Implementation Method 3
Self-cleaning filters or counter-current flow filter cleaning operations are known, and are believed to reduces the frequency of required disassembly of the filter and ring discs, improving the operation of the filter system and reduces labor costs, and saves on water during the disc cleaning operations.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A filtering apparatus (100) having a filtering mode and a self-cleaning mode, the apparatus provided for filtering an upstream flowing fluid with filtering elements (20) in the form of a plurality of stackable discs during filtering mode utilizing a first flow direction, apparatus (100) also configured to self-clean the filtering elements (20) the apparatus (100) including an internal fluid diverter (110,210, 310) that is internal to the filter housing. The position of the internal fluid diverter determines the direction of fluid flow through the filter housing and the filter phase. The position of the internal fluid diverter is controlled with a controller disposed external to the filter housing that may be manipulated either manually or by automated means.