Disk Filter Backwash Shoe Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filtration systems face challenges with increased hydraulic imbalances and premature filter media wear due to the need for different backwash shoes at manifold edges and the complexity of piping, which adds height and complexity to the system, requiring deeper tanks and more maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A disk-type fluid filtering apparatus with a backwash pump and a movable backwash shoe that extends from the tank's upper portion to its base, featuring a cylindrical shape with side and end openings for efficient particulate removal, allowing for translational movement and simultaneous cleaning of filter media across the tank without taking the system offline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different backwash shoes are used at manifold edges versus center locations, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and hydraulic imbalance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single backwash shoe structure that can function effectively at both edge and center locations of the manifold. The backwash shoe includes a body with a backwash opening and is configured to remove accumulated material from the filter media regardless of position, eliminating the need for different shoe types at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple specialized backwash shoes into a single universal design. By combining the cleaning capabilities needed for both edge and center locations into one standardized component, the system reduces part variety while maintaining cleaning effectiveness across all manifold positions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If piping is located below the filter media boxes to remove filtered effluent, then gravity flow is utilized, but system height and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the piping arrangement from a vertical configuration (below filter media boxes) to a horizontal configuration (along the top of the tank). Effluent collection channels are positioned at the top of the tank and extend horizontally, allowing gravity flow to be utilized without increasing tank depth. This dimensional change moves the solution from the vertical dimension to the horizontal dimension.
3Reliability
If spring-loaded backwash shoe is used to push into filter media, then cleaning contact is improved, but filter media wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of contact force from variable (spring-loaded) to controlled (gravitational). The backwash shoe is configured to contact the filter media with a controlled force based on gravity and hydraulic pressure rather than spring force, maintaining cleaning effectiveness while reducing mechanical wear on the filter media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic pressure to drive the backwash operation instead of mechanical spring force. Water flows through the backwash shoe and onto the filter media, providing the cleaning action through hydraulic means rather than mechanical contact, thereby reducing wear on the filter media while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
4Reliability
If backwash shoe scans filter media during fluid flow, then filter restoration is achieved, but hydraulic imbalance occurs at manifold edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning backwash shoes at specific locations (edge and center) with configurations optimized for their respective positions. Each backwash shoe is placed to address the specific hydraulic conditions and accumulation patterns at its location, ensuring effective filter restoration while maintaining overall hydraulic balance across the manifold.
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 design enhances serviceability, reduces the system's footprint, and allows for effective backwashing without the need for additional pumps, maintaining hydraulic balance and extending filter media lifespan while enabling operation during filtering.
Implementation Method 1
a backwash pump; wherein the inner conduit forms a passageway in communication with the backwash pump
Implementation Method 2
a first filter media disposed within the inner volume and disposed to separate the fluid influent inlet from the fluid effluent outlet
Implementation Method 3
fluid filtration is a function of gravity, i.e., the effluent exit of the tank is at a height lower than the level of the influent in the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid filtering apparatus such as for filtering particulates and other materials from treated water includes a tank and a filtering region configured as a plurality of individual effluent regions, defined in part by channel frames, disposed between a plurality of influent regions interposed between the effluent regions. A double sided backwash shoe is scannable in the influent regions, to simultaneously clean opposed filter media exposed thereto. The backwash shoe is free to move inwardly and outwardly of the opposed filter media. Additionally, the backwash shoe includes an end opening, positioned adjacent to the base of the tank, to remove sludge and particulates which have settled to the area near the base of the tank while backwashing a filter media.