Filter Device Back-Flushing Particle Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filter devices for gases contaminated with particles, such as those produced by 3D metal printers, face rapid clogging due to high particle contamination, leading to short filter lifetimes and safety hazards during particle handling and disposal, as existing solutions like shielding with non-oxidizable materials are not sufficiently safe and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with a back-flushing process that uses a further filter circuit with a fluid filter element to absorb particles in a fluid like white oil, allowing for safe handling and extended filter lifetimes, and includes a pressure accumulator for independent backwashing, ensuring effective operation and safety by encasing particles in fluid for risk-free disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter elements are used to filter particles from gases, then particle filtration is achieved, but filter lifetime is short due to rapid clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a back-flushing process that recovers particles accumulated on filter elements by reversing the gas flow direction. This allows the filter element to be regenerated and reused, extending its service life while maintaining filtration effectiveness. The recovered particles are collected in a receptacle for safe disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system operates with periodic back-flushing cycles alternating with normal filtration cycles. During normal operation, particles are collected on the filter element; periodically, the flow direction is reversed to remove accumulated particles. This periodic regeneration maintains continuous filtration effectiveness without requiring frequent filter replacement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If particles are shielded with non-oxidizable materials like sand, then safety during handling is improved, but implementation difficulty increases and air introduction risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid medium (white oil) instead of solid shielding materials like sand. The liquid is introduced through the back-flushing gas flow, which naturally carries the liquid into the receptacle containing the particles. This hydraulic approach eliminates the difficulty of introducing solid materials without creating air pockets, while still providing effective shielding and safe disposal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The back-flushing gas flow acts as an intermediary that transports the liquid shielding medium (white oil) to the particles in the receptacle. This intermediary mechanism naturally delivers the protective liquid without requiring complex introduction systems, avoiding air entrapment issues while ensuring complete particle coverage for safe handling.
3Duration of action of moving object
If back-flushing is used to regenerate filter elements, then filter lifetime is extended, but additional system complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow system serves dual functions: during normal operation, it filters particles from the production room; during back-flushing, the same system reverses flow to clean the filter elements. The receptacle serves both as a particle collection point during filtration and as a receiving chamber during back-flushing. This multi-functionality extends filter lifetime without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the filtration function and the particle disposal function into a single integrated system. The back-flushing process merges the cleaning of filter elements with the transfer of particles to the receptacle. The liquid medium is introduced through the existing gas flow paths, combining multiple functions (filtration, particle recovery, filter regeneration, and safe disposal) into one unified system rather than separate independent systems.
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 enables economical and safe operation by extending filter lifetimes and eliminating safety risks associated with particle handling and disposal through the absorption of particles in a fluid filter circuit, allowing for continuous production room operation without interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
the particles are absorbed in the fluid of the further filter circuit
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure accumulator is provided for the backwashing process, which pressure accumulator can be pressurized with a gas of a pre-determinable pressure by a compressor device
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device is for the filtration of gases contaminated with particles, such as welding gases, in particular produced in manufacturing processes using 3D printers in a production room (52). The filter device has a filter circuit having at least one filter element (55, 56), which filters the particles from the gas. At least a part of those particles get from this filter element (55, 56) into an assignable receptacle (59). The particles within a back-flushing process get into the respective receptacle (59). At least one further filter circuit has at least one further filter element (NF1, NF2 that filters a fluid having the particles obtained at the back-flushing process.