Self-Cleaning Filter Element Using Internal Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brine filtering systems require frequent cleaning of filters, which is time-consuming and requires significant amounts of cleaning water, and the used water needs treatment for reuse or disposal.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus with a cylindrical casing, a cylindrical filter element, and a plurality of nozzles within the filter element to direct a cleaning fluid at the interior surface of the filter element, allowing for automatic cleaning using the brine itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning with scrapers and water spraying is used, then filter cleaning is achieved, but significant quantities of cleaning water are required and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element cleans itself by using the brine flow that passes through it during normal operation. The brine acts as a self-cleaning fluid that removes accumulated particulates from the filter surface without requiring external cleaning resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful accumulation of particulates on the filter surface is extracted and removed by the flowing brine, which carries the particulates away through the system rather than requiring separate cleaning equipment or water.
2Ease of operation
If manual cleaning with scrapers and water spraying is used, then filter cleaning is achieved, but the process requires frequent stopping and significant time investment
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning action occurs continuously during normal brine circulation rather than requiring periodic shutdowns. The brine flow continuously removes particulates from the filter surface, maintaining filter efficiency without interrupting the brining process.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element performs its own cleaning function through the natural flow of brine, eliminating the need for manual intervention or dedicated cleaning cycles that would stop production.
3Ease of operation
If traditional water spraying cleaning is used, then particulate removal is achieved, but the used cleaning water must be treated for reuse or disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The brine serves dual functions: it performs the cleaning action and then becomes the waste stream that would otherwise need treatment. This eliminates the need to treat separate cleaning water because the cleaning medium is the same as the process medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is merged with the brine circulation system, so that the same fluid performs both process and cleaning functions, consolidating waste streams and eliminating separate cleaning water treatment requirements.
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 effectively reduces the need for manual cleaning and minimizes water usage by using the brine to clean the filters, thereby improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of nozzles disposed within the filter element, the nozzles positioned to direct a cleaning fluid at the interior surface of the filter element
Implementation Method 2
the filter element having porous end adjacent the outlet for flow of the filtered liquid out the interior of the filter element and through the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A filter apparatus includes a cylindrical casing defining an inlet for receiving a liquid to be filtered and an outlet for the filtered liquid. A cylindrical filter element is disposed within the casing and is sized to define an annular volume between the exterior for the filter element and the interior of the casing. The annular volume is in fluid flow communication with the inlet. The particulate in the liquid is retained on the exterior of the filter element, while the liquid flows into the interior of the filter element. The filter element has a porous end adjacent the outlet for flow of the filtered liquid out the center of the filter element and through the outlet. Nozzles are disposed within the filter element, to direct a cleaning fluid at the interior surface of the filter element to wash the particulate off the exterior of the filter element.