Filter Containing Flow Disrupter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filters in hydronic heating and cooling systems are ineffective in capturing both magnetic and non-magnetic impurities, leading to reduced system efficiency and potential corrosion due to the accumulation of debris like iron oxide particles, which can cause perforated pipes and damage components.
Innovation Solution
A filter design featuring a manifold and a main filter body with a tiered plate assembly that disrupts fluid flow, allowing particles to settle at the bottom, where they can be collected, without relying on magnets for magnetic debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic filtration is used to capture magnetic particles, then magnetic debris removal is improved, but the filter cannot effectively capture non-magnetic particles
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple functional segments: a magnetic filtration section with magnets for capturing magnetic particles, and a separate hydrocyclonic section with cyclonic separators for capturing non-magnetic particles. This segmentation allows each section to specialize in one type of particle removal while working together to provide comprehensive filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines magnetic filtration and hydrocyclonic filtration into a single integrated filter unit. The magnetic elements and cyclonic separators are positioned to work in sequence, merging two different filtration mechanisms into one device that handles both magnetic and non-magnetic debris simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a magnet is used to capture magnetic particles, then magnetic filtration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter body and internal structure are designed to serve multiple functions: housing the magnets, containing the cyclonic separators, directing fluid flow, and collecting both magnetic and non-magnetic particles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydrocyclonic action - a fluid dynamic principle - to create centrifugal forces that separate non-magnetic particles from the water flow. This hydraulic mechanism replaces what would otherwise require additional mechanical components, simplifying the device while maintaining effective particle capture.
3Reliability
If the filter captures all particles, then system protection is improved, but the filter requires more frequent maintenance and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic elements are designed to be easily removable from the filter body, allowing users to extract and clean the magnetic section separately from the rest of the filter. This extraction capability simplifies maintenance by enabling targeted cleaning of the most heavily soiled component without disassembling the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter design allows accumulated particles to be easily removed and discarded from the collection chamber at the bottom of the filter body. The open-top design and internal structure facilitate quick particle removal, enabling rapid maintenance cycles without complex disassembly procedures.
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 filter effectively captures both magnetic and non-magnetic particles, achieving comparable results to magnetic filtration systems while avoiding the need for magnets, thus enhancing system performance and reducing maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrocyclone applies centrifugal force to a liquid to promote separation of particles from the liquid
Implementation Method 2
Magnetic filtration works by capturing the impurities and/or dirt and/or debris by a magnet as system water passes through a magnetic filter
Implementation Method 3
The shape of the filter is designed to create a dead zone at the bottom where heavier particles are deposited
Data Source
AI summary
A filter for removing particles held in suspension by a fluid. The filter includes (a) a manifold having an inlet and an outlet; and (b) a main filter body connected to the manifold. The main filter body includes a flow disrupter, the flow disrupter comprising a tiered plate assembly arranged in the filter body and each plate in the tiered plate assembly comprises an arrangement of apertures. The inlet of the manifold, the tiered plate assembly, the outlet of the manifold and a bottom of the main filter body define a flow path for fluid to be treated.