Filling Valve Liquid Filtration Using Circumferential Flow Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid filters in filling valves and other liquid-carrying lines are prone to clogging, reducing flow rates and requiring frequent maintenance due to the resistance they create.

Innovation Solution

The filter device employs an axial flow deflection mechanism that converts liquid flow into a circumferential flow, utilizing centrifugal forces to deflect dirt particles outward, combined with a filter element that provides mechanical filtration, minimizing clogging and maintaining high flow rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter device is installed in the liquid-carrying line, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but flow rate is reduced due to resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidflow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is divided into multiple sections with progressively smaller through-opening sizes from inlet to outlet. This segmentation allows different size particles to be filtered at different stages, maintaining high flow rate while achieving effective filtration. The segmented structure prevents clogging by distributing the filtration load across multiple zones rather than a single restrictive layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional axial flow filtration to a combination of axial and circumferential flow. By deflecting the liquid flow outward in a circumferential direction using means in the filter chamber, the system creates a two-dimensional flow pattern that reduces direct pressure against the filter element, thereby maintaining higher flow rates while preserving filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a filter device is installed in the liquid-carrying line, then contamination prevention is improved, but maintenance frequency increases due to clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is pre-configured with progressively sized through-openings that are optimized to capture particles of different sizes in sequence. This preliminary design ensures that larger particles are captured first in upstream sections, preventing them from clogging downstream sections with smaller openings. This pre-arranged structure extends the time between maintenance operations by distributing particle capture across multiple zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The circumferential flow deflection mechanism dynamically redirects liquid flow around the filter element rather than forcing it directly through. This dynamic flow pattern reduces the velocity and pressure of liquid approaching the filter surface, preventing particles from being forced into and clogging the through-openings. The dynamic flow distribution extends maintenance intervals while maintaining contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a filter element with through-openings is used, then mechanical filtration is provided, but clogging of through-openings occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical filtrationVSAvoidclogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is segmented into multiple sections with progressively smaller through-openings from inlet to outlet. This segmentation prevents clogging by distributing the particle capture function across multiple zones. Larger particles are captured in upstream sections with larger openings, preventing them from reaching and clogging downstream sections with smaller openings. Each segment handles a specific particle size range, reducing overall clogging risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By introducing circumferential flow deflection in addition to axial flow, the system creates a two-dimensional flow pattern that reduces the velocity and direct pressure of liquid against the filter element surface. This dimensional change prevents particles from being forced into the through-openings, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining mechanical filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively prevents clogging while maintaining high flow rates and reducing maintenance needs, achieving efficient hydraulic and mechanical filtration with minimal pressure loss.

Implementation Method 1

an axial flow within the filter device is at least partially deflected outwards, in particular by being redirected into a circumferential flow. This creates centrifugal forces that cause dirt particles to be deflected outwards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the filter element itself, with its through-holes, provides mechanical filtration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4568767B1Device and method for filtering liquids, in particular in filling valves
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SANITAERTECHNIK EISENBERG GMBH
  • EP4568767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4568767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4568767B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3e

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (20) and a method for filtering liquids, in particular in filling valves, wherein the filter device (20) is very easy to maintain and for a long period of time requires no maintenance. The filter action is excellent, without the filter action abating too quickly. The filter device (20) offers only slight resistance to a flow of liquid, and both the filter action and the flow resistance can be set in a targeted manner.