Filter Apparatus With Control Plate For Backwash Pulse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter apparatuses face challenges in maintaining effective and reliable filtration and backwashing processes, especially under heavy contaminant loads, which can lead to clogged filter elements and obstructed filtration processes.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus with a pressure control device featuring a control plate that laterally moves over the upper element openings of filter elements to control fluid flow and generate a pulse pressure surge for particle removal, combined with a backwash device that enhances tangential cross flow, reducing the need for individual plate valves and simplifying the actuation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a backwash device with individual plate valves for each filter element is used, then particle removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual plate valves into a single common plate that can be actuated by a single actuator. This common plate serves multiple filter elements simultaneously, reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to control fluid flow to each element during backwashing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The common plate is designed to perform the function of multiple individual valves simultaneously. By being positionable relative to different filter elements, the single plate structure provides multi-functional capability, enabling one component to replace several specialized components
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple individual plate valves are used for each filter element, then flow control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single actuated plate structure, reducing the number of actuators from multiple individual ones to a single common actuator. This simplifies the operational interface while preserving flow control capabilities through the plate's positioning mechanism
3Device complexity
If a common plate actuated by a single actuator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but flow control precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The common plate is designed with multiple separate openings that can be independently positioned relative to different filter elements. This segmentation allows each opening to control flow to a specific element while the plate itself remains a single actuated structure, combining simplicity with precision control
Solution Approach 2:
The plate's position is made variable and adjustable relative to the filter elements, allowing dynamic control of which openings align with which elements. This dynamic positioning capability enables precise flow control to be achieved through a single actuator by changing the plate's position rather than using multiple fixed actuators
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 solution improves the efficacy of backwashing by ensuring continuous cleaning, reducing operational costs and maintenance, and enhancing particle removal efficiency through controlled fluid flow and pressure surges, while maintaining reliable filtration performance.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure gradient arising between the filter inlet and a backwash line... gives rise to a radial flow
Implementation Method 2
a fluid flow along the filter element to be cleaned is controllable during a backwashing process
Implementation Method 3
enhances tangential cross flow, reducing the need for individual plate valves
Implementation Method 4
the fluid... flows through the filter elements from the inside to the outside... the particles to be separated from the fluid flow are deposited on the inside of the filter elements
Data Source
AI summary
A filter apparatus (10) has a plurality of filter elements (20) in a filter housing (12) having a filter inlet (50) for a fluid to be filtered and a filter outlet (52) for the filtered fluid. A pressure control device (42) has at least one control plate (58) located inside a connection chamber (14). The control plate laterally passes over individual upper element openings (54) of the filter element to be backwashed (20), in a predefinable sequence, covering the opening to an increasing degree and then exposing the opening again. A discharge opening (46) of the backwash device (44) is, at least in part, fluidically connected to a lower element opening (56) of the filter element (20) to be backwashed, as the pressure control device (42) moves towards the upper element opening (54).