External Mounted Filter Cleaning With In Situ Spray Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for cleaning external mounted filters, such as those on cooling towers, are inefficient and require manual demounting or removal of the filters, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system and assembly that uses a fluid supply conduit with angled spray nozzles secured above the intake opening to direct a cascading curtain of water or air flow for progressively clearing debris from the filter surface without dismounting, incorporating adjustable and traversable configurations for complete cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual cleaning methods (broom, leaf blower, garden hose) are used, then the filter can be cleaned, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring filter removal
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cleaning system enables the filter to be cleaned in situ without removal, where the cleaning apparatus serves itself by positioning the spray conduit directly against the filter surface and activating the spray mechanism to clean the filter while it remains mounted on the air handling unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning methods (broom sweeping, leaf blower, garden hose) with an automated spray conduit system that delivers pressurized cleaning solution through a movable conduit positioned against the filter surface, eliminating the need for manual labor and filter removal
2Reliability
If the filter is removed for cleaning, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but system operation is interrupted and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system allows the filter to serve dual purposes: both filtration during operation and cleaning surface when the spray conduit is positioned against it, enabling cleaning without system shutdown or filter removal
Solution Approach 2:
The spray conduit is designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing it to be dynamically positioned against the filter surface for cleaning while the filter remains fixed in its mounted position, providing flexibility in the cleaning operation without requiring filter removal
3Productivity
If a fixed spray conduit is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively clean all areas of the filter surface
Solution Approach 1:
The spray conduit is designed with movable and adjustable characteristics, allowing it to be repositioned along the filter surface to cover different areas. The conduit can be moved vertically and horizontally to ensure complete coverage of the filter while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The spray conduit system is divided into multiple spray outlets distributed along the conduit length, with each outlet covering a specific zone of the filter surface. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage without requiring a single complex spray mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cleaning a filter mounted over an intake opening of an air handling unit. A conduit is secured to an elevated location of the unit and includes a plurality of spaced nozzles arrayed against the filter. A supply tube connects to the conduit for supplying a pressurized fluid through the nozzles in order to clear debris from an exterior of the mounted filter. The pressurized fluid includes either of water or compressed air provided from any of a source or a supply reservoir. A pump is incorporated into the supply tube for pressurizing the fluid. A filter incorporated into the supply tube filters the pressurized fluid prior to delivery to spray issuing conduit.