Dynamic Pretreatment Dosing for Liquid Filtration Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter methods for liquids are inefficient due to the accumulation of residues on the filter inlet, leading to reduced filtering ability, and current pretreatment agent dosing methods are ineffective in adapting to changing contamination levels during the filtering process.
Innovation Solution
A method that continuously calculates process variables reflecting the filter's efficiency, adjusting the dosing of pretreatment agents at specific intervals based on these variables to optimize the filtering process, using a relative energy consumption per filter cycle as a key metric to account for changes in contamination and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant stream of pre-treatment agent is mixed with the liquid to be filtered, then the filter residues are precipitated and flocculated, but the dosing is ineffective when the degree of contamination changes during the filtering process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control circuit that continuously monitors filter performance parameters (such as differential pressure across the filter) and automatically adjusts the dosing rate of the pre-treatment agent accordingly. When contamination increases and filter performance deteriorates, the system increases dosing to enhance precipitation and flocculation. When contamination decreases, the system reduces dosing to optimize chemical consumption. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the dosing is always adapted to current contamination levels, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable filtering efficiency and adapting to changing contamination conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static dosing (constant stream or fixed concentration) to dynamic dosing where the pre-treatment agent dosing rate continuously varies based on real-time filter performance. The dosing device adjusts the amount of chemical injected at different time points during the filtering process, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that responds to changing contamination levels, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are used to record specific parameters in a closed control circuit, then dosing can be adjusted based on detected parameters, but general conditions before and during filtering cannot be recorded in their entirety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional control circuit that not only monitors specific parameters like differential pressure but also integrates multiple sensing capabilities to detect various aspects of filter performance and liquid characteristics. The system combines pressure sensors, flow sensors, and potentially optical or electrical sensors to comprehensively monitor filtering conditions. This multi-functional approach allows the single control circuit to capture general conditions before and during filtering, overcoming the limitation of single-parameter detection while maintaining measurement precision.
3Reliability
If the filter is backwashed with liquid at specified intervals, then filter residues are removed from the filter, but the backwashes reduce the efficiency of the filtering process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an optimized periodic backwashing regime where the timing, duration, and intensity of backwashes are dynamically adjusted based on real-time filter performance monitoring. Instead of fixed-interval backwashing, the system performs backwashes only when performance parameters indicate actual contamination buildup, and adjusts the backwash intensity to the minimum required for effective residue removal. This optimized periodic action maintains filter performance while minimizing productivity loss during backwashes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes backwashing parameters (flow rate, duration, pressure) based on filter contamination levels and performance degradation rates. When contamination is low, backwashes are performed with lower intensity and shorter duration. When contamination is high, more intensive backwashes are applied. This parameter optimization ensures effective residue removal while minimizing the impact on overall filtering process efficiency, resolving the contradiction between maintaining filter performance and preserving productivity.
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 approach significantly enhances the efficiency of the filtering process by dynamically adjusting pretreatment agent dosing, improving the filter's performance and reducing energy and agent consumption, thereby maintaining optimal filtering efficiency despite changing contamination levels.
Implementation Method 1
A pre-treatment agent is supplied to the liquid to be filtered on the inlet side of the filter... which cause the substances contained in the liquid to precipitate or flocculate on the inlet side of the filter
Implementation Method 2
A pre-treatment agent is supplied to the liquid to be filtered on the inlet side of the filter... which cause the substances contained in the liquid to precipitate or flocculate on the inlet side of the filter
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a filtration process in which a liquid to be filtered is passed through a filter, the filter is backwashed at predetermined intervals, and a pretreatment agent is added to the liquid at the filter inlet. During filtration, a process variable describing the filtration efficiency is continuously calculated, and the dosage of the pretreatment agent is adjusted at predetermined intervals based on the values of the process variable or a characteristic value derived therefrom. (Fig. 2)