Filter Arrangement With Back-Washing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filtration systems face challenges in efficiently filtering large volumes of water with minimal pressure loss and process fluid loss, particularly in applications like ballast water treatment, where debris buildup leads to increased pressure and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A filter arrangement with a back-washing mechanism that allows for uniform and rapid cleaning of debris from the filtration wall during normal operation, using multiple filter elements with a self-cleaning screen and a back-washing mechanism that minimizes pressure drop and fluid diversion, enabling finer filtration with reduced chemical usage and system scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional filter elements are used to filter large volumes of water, then filtration capacity is improved, but pressure loss increases due to debris buildup on the filter wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse flow back-washing to remove debris from the filter element. Instead of allowing debris to accumulate and increase pressure loss during normal filtration, the system periodically reverses the flow direction to flush debris off the filter wall through the semi-permeable membrane into a debris collection chamber, thereby maintaining low pressure loss while preserving high filtration capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system performs self-cleaning through automated back-washing operations. The control system monitors pressure differential across the filter elements and automatically initiates reverse flow when thresholds are exceeded, enabling the system to maintain its own filtration efficiency without manual intervention or external cleaning services
2Stress or pressure
If back-washing is performed frequently to remove debris, then pressure loss is reduced, but process fluid loss increases due to diversion of filtered water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts debris from the filtration system by directing it into a dedicated debris collection chamber during back-washing operations. This separation allows the system to remove contaminants efficiently while minimizing the volume of process fluid that needs to be diverted, as only the necessary amount for effective back-washing is redirected rather than large volumes of filtered water
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow direction parameter during back-washing to achieve debris removal. By temporarily reversing flow direction rather than continuously diverting process fluid, the system achieves effective cleaning with minimal fluid loss, as the parameter change is brief and targeted only when needed based on pressure differential monitoring
3Manufacturing precision
If filter mesh size is reduced for finer filtration, then water quality is improved, but pressure loss increases and flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous or periodic back-washing to maintain the semi-permeable membrane surface free of debris accumulation. This continuous cleaning action ensures that fine mesh filters operate at their designed flow rates without the typical pressure loss and flow reduction that would otherwise occur with finer filtration, thereby maintaining both high filtration precision and high productivity
4Productivity
If multiple filter elements are used to increase capacity, then filtration volume is improved, but system complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filter elements into a single integrated housing with a common debris collection chamber and centralized back-washing mechanism. This merging approach allows the system to handle large filtration volumes through multiple elements while avoiding the complexity of separate cleaning systems for each element, as all filter elements share common infrastructure for debris collection and reverse flow operation
Solution Approach 2:
The debris collection chamber serves multiple functions: collecting debris from all filter elements during back-washing, storing accumulated contaminants, and facilitating centralized evacuation. This multi-functional design reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate debris management systems for each filter element while maintaining high filtration capacity
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 achieves high efficiency in-line backwashing with minimal pressure and fluid loss, allowing for scalable filtration systems that deliver cleaner water with reduced treatment process burden and minimal disruption to pipework, suitable for high-capacity applications.
Implementation Method 1
each of said hollow filter elements is arranged to communicate fluid from an inside to an outside thereof via a semi-permeable filtration wall
Implementation Method 2
A filter arrangement with a back-washing mechanism that allows for uniform and rapid cleaning of debris from the filtration wall during normal operation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filter arrangement comprising a plurality of elongate hollow filtration elements, each containing a back- washing mechanism. The back- washing mechanisms comprise at least one debris receiving portion having a cross- section corresponding to the cross-section of the hollow filtration element.