Wastewater Drum Filter Screen Cleaning via Epicyclic Gear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for separating and lifting solids from wastewater face issues such as filter screen obstruction due to small openings, increased manufacturing and energy costs from separate motor-driven components, improper rotation speed of cleaning elements, and inadequate cleaning mechanisms, leading to inefficient filtration and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device with a stationary drum and coaxial screw conveyor, featuring a secondary reduction gear to adjust the speed of cleaning apparatus and an integrated brush washing system for automatic cleaning, including comb-holder arms and a comb cleansing member to effectively remove solids from the filter screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the filter screen has openings of reduced dimensions to prevent solid fraction obstruction, then the filtration precision is improved, but the openings are obstructed more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus performs preliminary cleaning actions on the filter screen by scraping and washing away solid fractions before they can obstruct the openings. The comb-shaped elements and brushes continuously remove accumulated solids, preventing blockages while maintaining small opening dimensions for precise filtration.
2Ease of operation
If a separate motor is used to drive the rotating drum for cleaning, then the cleaning function is improved, but the manufacturing costs and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is merged with the screw conveyor system, using the same motor to drive both the screw conveyor and the cleaning components. The comb-holder arms and brushes are positioned to clean the filter screen while the screw conveyor transports solids, eliminating the need for a separate motor and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor driving the screw conveyor is made multi-functional by also driving the cleaning apparatus through the epicyclic secondary reduction gear. This universal motor performs both material transport and screen cleaning functions, reducing manufacturing costs and energy usage while maintaining effective cleaning operation.
3Device complexity
If the combs rotate at the same speed as the auger shaft, then the cleaning operation is simplified, but the rotation speed is excessive for effective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The epicyclic secondary reduction gear acts as an intermediary mechanism between the auger shaft and the comb-holder arms. It receives rotational motion from the auger shaft and transforms it into a slower, more effective cleaning speed for the combs and brushes, allowing independent speed control without increasing device complexity.
4Device complexity
If the stationary drum has inwardly projecting circumferential discs with high interspaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the particle size filtration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The filter screen is implemented as a continuous porous mesh or perforated surface on the stationary drum, providing fine filtration capability for small particle sizes. The porous structure maintains adequate strength while enabling precise particle size separation, overcoming the limitations of disc-based structures with large interspaces.
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 solution enables efficient automatic cleaning of the filter screen, optimizing rotation speed and reducing maintenance needs, while preventing filter screen obstruction and energy inefficiencies, thereby improving the separation and lifting of solids from wastewater.
Implementation Method 1
The drum, which is cylindrical, is delimited by a filter screen. The filter screen is adapted to let the liquid fraction of the water flow out downstream of the separating and lifting device.
Implementation Method 2
an upper portion from which the solid fraction taken away from the waste water exits
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for separating and lifting solids from waste water has a stationary drum (2) provided with a first filter screen (6) and a screw conveyor (5). An auger shaft (8) has a lower portion (8a) located inside the stationary drum (2), which is partially surrounded by a second filter screen (10). The lower portion (8a) is connected to a cleaning apparatus (11) of the first filter screen (6) formed by a plurality of comb-holder arms (12) mounted on a cross shaped element (13). The comb-holder arms (12) are integral at the opposite end to an anti-skid ring (14) sliding in a sliding seat (27) integral with the support frame (1). Each comb-holder arm (12) has an elongated comb (15) facing the first filter screen (6) and in contact with it. The comb-holder arms (12) are connected to the auger shaft (8) by means of an epicyclic secondary gear (16).