Filter Element With Plate-Like Support For Solid-Liquid Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current filter elements used for solid-liquid separation in filtering devices have a short service life due to inadequate support and installation challenges, which affect productivity in applications like mineral refining and paper manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A plate-like support element made of a uniform, impermeable material with planar side surfaces is integrated into the filter element, providing structural reinforcement and easy installation, featuring flow openings that align with the filter fabric and using fastening methods like welding or adhesive bonding to secure it in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional filter element without support structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the service life is short and installation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is divided into distinct functional components: the filter fabric layer for filtration and the plate-like support element for structural reinforcement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the fabric for filtration performance and the plate for mechanical strength - while working together to extend service life without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element combines two different materials with complementary properties: a permeable filter fabric for solid-liquid separation and an impermeable plate-like support element for structural integrity. This composite structure provides both the filtration function and the mechanical strength needed to withstand tension loads, thereby extending service life while maintaining reasonable device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a filter element with adequate support structure is used, then the durability is improved, but the manufacturing and installation become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetension load capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support element uses a thin plate-like structure that provides adequate structural reinforcement while remaining flexible enough to be integrated with the filter fabric. This thin-film approach maintains manufacturing simplicity compared to bulky rigid supports, while still providing the necessary tension load capacity for durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The support element is permanently fastened to the filter fabric in a single integrated component before mounting to the filtering device. This merging of the support structure with the filter element eliminates separate installation steps, maintaining ease of manufacture and installation while providing the needed structural strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the support element is permanently fastened before mounting, then the installation speed is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is permanently fastened to the filter fabric before the filter element is mounted to the filtering device. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and positioning is achieved during manufacturing rather than during installation, enabling quick installation on-site while maintaining the necessary alignment precision through controlled manufacturing conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2996787B1Filter element, method for manufacturing and use thereof
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 VALMET TECH OY
  • EP2996787B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2996787B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP2996787B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter element, a method for manufacturing the filter element, and use. The filter element (1) is formed of a solid-liquid filter fabric (2) and has at least one separately manufactured support element (14) fastened to it. The support element is a plate-like piece.