Compact Filter Back-Washing Nozzle Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact ballast water filters on ships face challenges in back-washing efficiency due to limited space, leading to decreased filtration efficiency if not properly cleaned, especially in zig-zag configurations.
Innovation Solution
A filter arrangement with a zig-zag configured semi-permeable filtration wall and a back-washing arrangement featuring a hollow body with laterally projecting nozzles aligned in a straight line, allowing for rotational and axial movement to efficiently clean the filter surface, ensuring effective back-washing of compact filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the filter is arranged in a zig-zag configuration to reduce space, then the filter area is maintained, but the back-washing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The back-washing arrangement is divided into multiple nozzles (at least two) distributed along the longitudinal extension, each targeting different sections of the folded filter. This segmentation allows simultaneous cleaning of multiple areas, overcoming the limitation of compact zig-zag configurations where a single cleaning point would be insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles are arranged in a distributed pattern along the longitudinal axis of the filter element, transitioning from a single-point cleaning approach to a multi-point distributed cleaning system. This dimensional distribution along the length of the filter enables effective back-washing of the compact zig-zag configuration by addressing different folded sections simultaneously.
2Volume of moving object
If the filter is made compact to save space, then the space requirement is reduced, but the back-washing arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The back-washing arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables effective cleaning of the compact folded filter surface, maintains structural integrity within limited space, and allows for rotational movement to access different areas. The distributed nozzle configuration serves both cleaning and structural support functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The back-washing arrangement with its hollow body and distributed nozzles is designed to fit within the confined space of the compact filter assembly. The nozzles are positioned to extend into the folded filter structure, nesting the cleaning mechanism within the filter's own volume rather than requiring external space.
3Productivity
If the nozzles are arranged in a distributed pattern, then the back-washing coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nozzles are integrated into a single hollow body structure that rotates as one unit. This merging of multiple nozzle elements into a unified rotating assembly reduces the complexity of controlling individual nozzles while maintaining the benefits of distributed cleaning coverage across the folded filter surface.
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 enhances the back-washing efficiency of compact filters, maintaining their performance by ensuring thorough cleaning of the filter surface, thus preventing clogging and maintaining energy efficiency in ballast water treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of nozzles arranged in fluid communication with a cavity inside of said body, said plurality of nozzles projecting laterally from said body
Implementation Method 2
a filter element having a longitudinal extension arranged inside of said chamber, wherein said filter element comprises a semi-permeable filtration wall comprising a folded filter arranged in a zig-zag configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A filter arrangement includes: a chamber including a chamber inlet for unfiltered liquid, a chamber outlet for filtered liquid and a wall arranged to keep the unfiltered liquid and the filtered liquid separated, a filter element having a longitudinal extension arranged inside of the chamber, wherein the filter element includes a semi-permeable filtration wall including a folded filter arranged in a zig-zag configuration between an inner perforated cylinder and an outer perforated cylinder and an internally located back-washing arrangement. The back-washing arrangement includes: an elongated and hollow body having a longitudinal extension, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the filter element, a mechanism configured to drive the body in a rotational and/or an axial movement, a plurality of nozzles arranged in fluid communication with a cavity inside of the body, the plurality of nozzles projecting laterally from the body such that a distal end of each of the plurality of nozzles is arranged in close proximity to the inner perforated cylinder and an outlet arranged in fluid communication with the cavity of the elongated and hollow body and wherein the plurality of nozzles are arranged parallel to each other along a straight line on the body such that they all project in the same direction.