Self-Cleaning Filter Bag for Gas Turbine Inlet Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face reduced filter life and increased pressure drop due to dust and debris accumulation in inlet air filtration systems, leading to decreased performance and higher maintenance costs, particularly in high dust loading areas.
Innovation Solution
A pulse filtration system incorporating a breathable expandable filter bag surrounding the pulse filter, which is pulsed with compressed air to dislodge debris and maintain efficiency without increasing the filter house size, utilizing materials like polypropylene or polyester with hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to prevent water and oil ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pulse filtration system is used to remove contaminants, then filter cleaning efficiency is improved, but dust and debris migrate into the filter media element over time causing pressure drop to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into two distinct components: an outer filter bag for capturing dust and debris, and an inner pulse filter for handling finer contaminants. This segmentation prevents dust migration into the pulse filter media while maintaining effective cleaning capability through the pulse air system.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter bag acts as an intermediary layer between the incoming air and the pulse filter. It captures larger particles and prevents them from penetrating into the pulse filter media, thereby maintaining low pressure drop while allowing the pulse filter to focus on finer contamination removal.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If filter size is increased to extend filter life in high dust loading areas, then filter life is improved, but capital costs and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-filter segmentation allows the system to handle high dust loading effectively without requiring an oversized filter house. The filter bag captures the bulk of dust particles, protecting the pulse filter and extending its operational life while maintaining a compact overall system size.
3Productivity
If a breathable filter bag is added to surround the pulse filter, then dust cake removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter bag and pulse filter are merged into a single integrated assembly where the bag surrounds the filter element. This combination allows the pulse air to simultaneously clean both the filter media and the bag surface, improving dust cake removal efficiency without requiring separate cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter bag serves multiple functions: it acts as a pre-filter for larger particles, provides an additional surface for dust cake formation that can be removed by pulsing, and protects the pulse filter media from dust penetration. This multi-functionality improves productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 system extends filter life, reduces pressure drop, and maintains system efficiency while avoiding the need for oversized filter houses, thereby reducing capital costs and downtime, with improved maintenance efficiency and complete dust cake removal.
Implementation Method 1
The pulse filtration system may include a filter bag surrounding the pulse filter in whole or in part to limit the intake of dust and other types of debris
Implementation Method 2
pulsing compressed air through the pulse filter and the filter bag, and forcing the filter bag into an expanded configuration to remove debris thereon
Implementation Method 3
utilizing materials like polypropylene or polyester with hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to prevent water and oil ingress
Implementation Method 4
utilizing materials like polypropylene or polyester with hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to prevent water and oil ingress
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a pulse filtration system for use with a compressor of a gas turbine engine. The pulse filtration system may include a pulse filter, a compressed air system in communication with the pulse filter, and a filter bag surrounding the pulse filter in whole or in part.