Feeder Channel Flow Distribution for Mud Shaker Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeder channels for filter separator machines in the petroleum industry inefficiently utilize filtration area, movement patterns, and transport length for particles and fluids, leading to reduced filter quality, increased equipment wear, and high consumption of filter screens, posing health and environmental risks and economic burdens.
Innovation Solution
A feeder channel design that guides fluid and particle flow to the beginning of the filter, utilizing 100% of the available filtration area, ensuring homogeneous distribution and increased reception capacity, allowing for finer filters and reduced wear, and independent flow distribution regardless of feed orientation or angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional feeder channel designs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the filtration area utilization is poor and particle transport efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder channel is divided into multiple functional sections: an upper feeder channel portion with guiding-and-turning plates for flow distribution, and a lower feeder channel portion for directing flow to the filter. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function efficiently, maximizing filtration area utilization while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces three-dimensional flow guidance using inclined guiding-and-turning plates that redirect fluid and particle flow from a horizontal or vertical feed into a optimized distribution pattern across the filter surface. This dimensional transformation of flow paths enables comprehensive filter coverage without increasing structural complexity.
2Productivity
If conventional feeder channels are used, then the design is simple, but the particle transport length and separation efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding-and-turning plates in the upper feeder channel portion pre-condition the flow by distributing particles and fluid homogeneously before they reach the filter surface. This preliminary flow conditioning ensures optimal particle trajectories and extends transport length, improving separation efficiency without requiring complex downstream modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding-and-turning plates act as intermediary elements that mediate between the feed inlet and the filter surface, transforming the incoming flow into an optimized distribution pattern. These intermediate structures enable efficient particle transport and separation while maintaining relatively simple overall design.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional feeder channels are used, then the structure is straightforward, but the filter wear is increased and filter life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lower feeder channel portion is designed to distribute flow uniformly across the entire filter surface, preventing localized concentration of particles that would cause excessive wear in specific areas. This localized flow optimization extends filter life by ensuring even wear distribution, achieved through a relatively simple structural modification.
4Productivity
If conventional feeder channels are used, then the design is simple and maintenance is easy, but the reception capacity and flow distribution homogeneity are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding-and-turning plates are designed to dynamically adapt to varying flow conditions, using the flow's own energy to create homogeneous distribution patterns. This dynamic flow guidance increases reception capacity without requiring complex active control systems or additional mechanical components.
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 design enhances filter durability, increases particle separation efficiency, reduces chemical consumption, minimizes waste treatment needs, and lowers operational costs by optimizing filter area utilization and flow distribution, leading to improved environmental and economic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the inside of the upper channel portion (2) is arranged with a guiding-and turning plate (4), which are inclined towards each other relative to the vertical line so that independent of the orientation of the liquid supply direction and angle, the liquid and the particles will have a more homogeneous flow
Implementation Method 2
A first advantage of the invention is that the fluid and particle flow is led to the beginning of the filter. In this way almost 100% of the filter area is utilized
Implementation Method 3
From that place the liquid is guided out and down to the beginning of the filter via the lower portion of the of the feeder channel (1) - the distributor skirt (9)
Data Source
Figure A1~A2
Figure B1~B2
Figure C1~C2
AI summary
The invention is an feeder channel (1) for use in a filter separator machine used for separation of undesired particles from a well fluid used in petroleum industry which has a purpose of guiding fluid and particle flow to the area of the filter that provides the best utilization of available filtration area and comprises the following features: A feeder channel (1) is arranged so that the upstream well fluids is guided via a guiding- and turning plate (4), which is installed in series in opposite repeated direction in which the outlet of each guiding- and the turning plate (4) facing the center of the vertical line. The fluid will for this reason be independent on how the feeder channel (1) is installed in the direction and angle, and will provide a homogeneous flow profile as it guided through the mouth guide plate (6) and internal guide fin (5) against the distribution plate (7). The fluid is then distributed to the filter's inner part and utilizes the entire filter surface area and the filter separator machines movement and function.