Modular Filter Capsule With Lateral Ports And Bottom Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filter capsule configurations face challenges such as increased space requirements, complex orientation limitations, and uneven temperature gradients due to top-mounted inlet ports, which hinder efficient heat transfer and serviceability, especially when combining loose particulate and membrane filters.
Innovation Solution
The design features ports oriented to extend from the top end of the capsule at an angle, with quick coupling fittings for efficient connection, and a transfer tube that directs incoming liquids or gases to the bottom for uniform heat distribution, allowing for the placement of outlet ports at the top and facilitating the use of both loose and cartridge-based filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ports are positioned at diametrically opposed locations at the top end of the capsule, then the capsule can be configured with inlet and outlet ports, but it requires a substantial amount of space within a larger assembly and limits orientation variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the inlet port and outlet port at adjacent locations on the top end of the capsule rather than at diametrically opposed locations. This asymmetric arrangement allows the capsule to be oriented with ports facing the same direction, reducing the space required in larger assemblies and enabling panel mount configurations that were previously limited.
2Ease of operation
If inlet port is located at the top of the capsule, then connection is simplified, but it creates a significant temperature gradient when hot liquids are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distribution chamber as an intermediary component between the inlet port and the filter capsule. This chamber receives hot liquid at the top and distributes it uniformly to multiple outlet ports positioned at different locations, including the bottom of the capsule. This intermediary structure eliminates the significant temperature gradient that would otherwise occur when hot liquid is introduced directly at the top.
3Adaptability or versatility
If outlet port is positioned at the bottom end of the capsule with loose particulate filter material, then filtration is effective, but it is not possible to position outlet at the top or upstream end for tight spatial requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the port arrangement by positioning both inlet and outlet ports at the top end of the capsule, utilizing the vertical space within the capsule body. This dimensional arrangement allows the capsule to be installed in tight spatial configurations while maintaining effective filtration through the loose particulate material, as the flow path remains optimized from inlet through the media to the outlet.
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
This configuration reduces space requirements, simplifies installation, minimizes temperature gradients, and enhances serviceability by ensuring uniform temperature distribution and efficient heat transfer within the filter capsule.
Implementation Method 1
The infusion of hot liquids (or even in some applications, the introduction of cooled liquids and/or gases), such as hot water for sanitation processes, results in the formation of a significant temperature gradient whereby liquid introduced into the top end of the filter capsule (the locus of the inlet port), has a much higher temperature than the liquid located at the bottom of the capsule
Implementation Method 2
to harness rising heat transfer in the introduced liquids and/or gases to create a significantly more uniform temperature gradient from bottom to top
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a capsule apparatus having a filter housing defining a filter chamber with a top cap having a plurality of ports extending substantially laterally from a top end of the top cap. The lateral and substantially uniform orientation of the ports facilitates connection to panel mount assemblies and improves filter maintenance processes. A transfer tube extending the length of the capsule allows the introduction of heated fluids from a top mounted inlet port to a bottom of the capsule chamber to allow or a substantially uniform heat gradient in the capsule filter chamber. A dispersion ring or dispersion plate may be secured to a distal end of the transfer tube to promote uniform dispersion of liquids and/or gases introduced into the capsule apparatus. An alternative shield secured in the housing defines a first chamber in fluid communication with an inlet and a second chamber wherein the two chambers are in fluid communication via an opening defined by a lower end of the shield and a bottom of the filter chamber. An alternative capsule apparatus has an outlet tube extending downwardly from a top mounted outlet port in fluid communication with an enclosed filter membrane secured below a column of loose filter media.