Disc Filter Venting Mechanism for Vacuum Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disc filters in wastewater treatment plants face a vacuum issue during the filtering process due to air entrapment, leading to turbulence and the re-deposition of particulates back into the water, which contaminates the filtered output.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with a venting mechanism, featuring a drum with a fluid passageway between the filter sets and the drum headspace, allowing air to escape and preventing vacuum formation by enabling fluid communication between the filter sets and the headspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If filter supports are used without openings to hold filter panels, then structural support is provided, but vacuum formation occurs during filtering due to air entrapment
Solution Approach 1:
The filter support is designed with openings that allow air to pass through during the filtering process. This porous structure maintains structural support while preventing vacuum formation by enabling air escape from the filter cavity, thus resolving the contradiction between needing structural integrity and avoiding harmful vacuum effects.
2Manufacturing precision
If filter media with tight weave is used to capture particulates, then filtration efficiency is improved, but air cannot readily pass through when wet, causing vacuum issues
Solution Approach 1:
The filter support with openings acts as an intermediary structure between the filter media and the external environment. It provides a separate pathway for air to escape through the support openings rather than through the wet filter media, allowing the media to maintain its tight weave for high filtration efficiency while the support structure prevents vacuum formation by enabling alternative air passage.
3Productivity
If drum rotation is used to move filter segments through water, then continuous filtration is achieved, but turbulence occurs when air rushes into filter segments, washing off particulates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter support openings provide a preliminary air escape pathway that allows air to leave the filter cavity gradually and controllably during drum rotation. This preliminary action prevents sudden air rush-in that would cause turbulence, thereby maintaining continuous filtration productivity while avoiding harmful particulate re-deposition.
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
This solution reduces turbulence and prevents the re-deposition of particulates, resulting in cleaner filtered water by maintaining a consistent flow and reducing vacuum-induced contamination.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid passageway extends between the supports, wherein the fluid passageway provides fluid communication between the tank headspace and a filter set to vent a filter set.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device having a vent device for inhibiting formation of a vacuum in the filter device. The filter device includes a drum for receiving the liquid wherein the drum includes a drum headspace. The filter device also includes filter sets for filtering the liquid. The drum is rotated to enable cleaning of filter media. The filter device also includes a frame having spaced apart supports for supporting each of the filter sets. A fluid passageway extends between the supports, wherein the fluid passageway provides fluid communication between the tank headspace and a filter set to vent a filter set.