Exterior Level Sensor for Filtration Biomass Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alternating tangential flow filtration systems face issues with biomass buildup on the expansion chamber surfaces, which interferes with level sensor functionality and affects the accuracy of fluid level detection and control, leading to impaired system performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an improved level sensor assembly with a trigger point set 25-35% lower than the empty chamber signal and a longitudinally offset sensor position, combined with a time delay mechanism, to minimize biomass interference and enhance fluid control within the expansion chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional level sensor assembly is used in alternating tangential flow filtration system, then fluid level detection is performed, but biomass buildup on expansion chamber surfaces interferes with sensor functionality and reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the level sensor assembly from direct contact with the expansion chamber interior by mounting it on the exterior surface. The sensor detects fluid level through the chamber wall, separating the sensing function from the biomass-contaminated environment inside the chamber. This extraction eliminates biomass buildup interference while preserving level detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion chamber wall serves as an intermediary medium between the biomass-filled interior and the sensor assembly on the exterior. The sensor detects changes in the chamber environment (such as pressure or transmission properties) through this intermediate wall, allowing level detection without direct exposure to biomass that would interfere with sensor functionality.
2Measurement precision
If sensor is positioned at the upper limit level, then fluid level detection is accurate, but biomass accumulates on the sensor surface reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is extracted from the interior environment where biomass accumulates and mounted on the exterior surface of the expansion chamber. This positioning removes the sensor from the biomass accumulation zone while maintaining its ability to detect the upper limit level through the chamber wall, thereby preserving both accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is segmented into distinct functional components (sensing element, signal processing, control) that are isolated from the biomass environment. The sensing function is separated from the contamination source, allowing continuous operation without biomass interference while maintaining detection accuracy at the upper limit level.
3Productivity
If trigger point is set close to empty chamber signal, then fluid level control is sensitive, but biomass interference causes false signals and control instability
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is positioned on the exterior of the expansion chamber, extracting the signal generation function from the biomass-filled interior. This allows the trigger point to be set close to the empty chamber signal for sensitive control, while the exterior mounting prevents biomass from interfering with the signal, ensuring reliability even at high sensitivity settings.
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 configuration provides more accurate fluid level detection and control, reducing biomass buildup and minimizing holdup volume, thereby improving the robustness and consistency of the filtration process.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first and second sensor assemblies includes an emitting part and a receiving part, the receiving part detects an empty chamber signal when there is no fluid between the respective receiving part and emitting part in the expansion chamber, and the receiving part detects a filled chamber signal when there is fluid between the respective receiving part and emitting part in the expansion chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An improved fluid filtration system is described. The system uses improved sensor assemblies to avoid the problem of biomass build up and reduce the holdup volume of liquid outside of the process vessel. It significantly enhances the performance, robustness and consistency of the filtration.