Disk-Shaped Gas Filter Elements for Reduced Maintenance Downtime

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional filtration systems for natural gas processing are costly, prone to downtime due to frequent filter element replacements, and restrict gas flow, as they are bulky, difficult to handle, and require multiple access points for maintenance, leading to increased operational costs and maintenance issues.

Innovation Solution

A filtration system utilizing a pressure vessel with a single access port and disk-shaped filter elements that can be easily installed and removed, allowing for axial and radial loading, reducing downtime and maintenance costs while maintaining efficient gas flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cartridge-type filter elements are used, then filtration efficiency is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is divided into multiple disk-shaped stages stacked together, with each stage being a separate, manageable unit. This segmentation allows the filter to maintain high filtration efficiency through multiple filtering stages while enabling easier handling and replacement of individual disks rather than entire complex cartridges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter transitions from conventional cylindrical cartridge shapes to flat disk-shaped elements stacked in an axial arrangement. This dimensional change from 3D cylindrical to 2D disk stacking enables simpler handling, reduced space requirements, and easier installation/removal while maintaining multi-stage filtration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional cartridge-type filter elements are used, then filtration efficiency is improved, but maintenance time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is divided into multiple disk-shaped stages stacked together, with each stage being a separate, manageable unit. This segmentation allows the filter to maintain high filtration efficiency through multiple filtering stages while enabling easier handling and replacement of individual disks rather than entire complex cartridges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter transitions from conventional cylindrical cartridge shapes to flat disk-shaped elements stacked in an axial arrangement. This dimensional change from 3D cylindrical to 2D disk stacking enables simpler handling, reduced space requirements, and easier installation/removal while maintaining multi-stage filtration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of repair

If multiple access ports are provided for filter replacement, then ease of filter maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter replacement easeVSAvoidaccess port quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure vessel is designed with a single access port that serves multiple functions: it allows for the removal and installation of the entire filter assembly, individual disk replacement, and maintenance access. This universal access point eliminates the need for multiple specialized access ports while maintaining ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple access functions are merged into a single access port location. Instead of having separate access points for different maintenance operations, one unified access port handles all filter element removal, installation, and replacement activities, simplifying the pressure vessel design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system provides a cost-effective solution with reduced downtime and maintenance costs by using disk-shaped filter elements that can be easily replaced and configured for efficient axial and radial loading, minimizing the restriction on natural gas flow.

Implementation Method 1

the inlet flow tube is configured to direct the pressurized fluid stream from the inlet tube towards a central portion of the at least one disk-shaped filter element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAxial and radial flow pattern:

Implementation Method 2

at least one disk-shaped filter element housed within the pressure vessel arranged to filter fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8709121B2Disk-shaped gas production filter elements

Publication Date: 2014.04.29 PARKER INTANGIBLES LLC

AI summary

A filter element that includes a disk-shaped filter medium having an axially upstream surface, an axially downstream surface, and an outer peripheral surface extending axially therebetween. An embodiment of the filter medium has a radial inlet flow surface formed along the outer peripheral surface. Further, there is an inlet flow surface formed along the axially upstream surface, wherein a fluid is able to flow both radially and axially through the filter element.