Filter Assembly Flow Control Component for Pulse Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pulse-jet filtration systems face inefficiencies due to inadequate dust removal from the surface of filter assemblies, leading to high differential pressures and reduced product life, as existing systems often fail to distribute cleaning pressure evenly along the filter length.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a direction-dependent flow resistance mechanism with a flow control component positioned downstream of the filter component, which modulates airflow during cleaning pulses to enhance pressure distribution and prevent airflow dissipation, allowing for more effective dust removal while maintaining minimal resistance during normal operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pulse-jet cleaning is used to remove dust from filter assemblies, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but pressure distribution along the filter length becomes uneven and airflow dissipates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidpressure distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

A flow control component is introduced as an intermediary element between the cleaning pulse source and the filter assembly. This component modulates and distributes the cleaning pulse evenly along the filter length, preventing direct dissipation of pressure while maintaining effective cleaning. The flow control component acts as a mediator that transforms the high-pressure pulse into a more uniform flow pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the flow parameters of the cleaning pulse by introducing a flow control component that modifies pressure distribution and flow direction. By adjusting these parameters, the cleaning pulse achieves more uniform distribution along the filter length while maintaining sufficient force for effective dust removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If higher cleaning pressure is applied to improve dust removal, then cleaning effectiveness increases, but energy consumption and differential pressure increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust removal effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control component serves as an intermediary that optimizes energy utilization during cleaning pulses. By distributing pressure evenly and preventing dissipation, the system achieves effective dust removal at lower energy costs compared to direct high-pressure application without the flow control component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pressure and flow parameters of the cleaning pulse to achieve more efficient energy utilization. The flow control component modifies these parameters to distribute cleaning force evenly along the filter, reducing energy waste while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If filter assemblies are cleaned frequently to maintain airflow, then productivity is maintained, but product life decreases due to repeated stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow maintenanceVSAvoidfilter assembly product life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control component acts as a protective intermediary that reduces mechanical stress on the filter assembly during cleaning. By distributing pressure evenly and preventing sudden pressure spikes, the component extends the filter assembly's service life while allowing frequent cleaning cycles to maintain productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow control component provides beforehand cushioning by pre-distributing and softening the cleaning pulse before it reaches the filter assembly. This cushioning effect reduces the mechanical shock and stress during cleaning cycles, thereby extending the filter assembly's operational life while maintaining frequent cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 cleaning efficiency and extends product life by ensuring more even pressure distribution along the filter assembly during cleaning cycles, reducing energy costs and maintaining airflow efficiency during normal operation.

Implementation Method 1

modulates airflow during cleaning pulses to enhance pressure distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

direction-dependent flow resistance mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow resistance: Drag

Implementation Method 3

The energy of this cleaning pulse expands the filter assembly, knocking off the dust cake

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure pulse expansion: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

a short pulse of compressed air that enters the interior top portion of a filter assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpulse force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 5

The separation of particulate matter from industrial fluid streams is often accomplished using laminate filters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4327914A1Industrial filter assembly enhancement
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 WL GORE & ASSOC INC
  • EP4327914A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4327914A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4327914A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Provided herein are filter assemblies that more effectively harness the energy of a cleaning pulse. Specifically, the filter assembly may have a direction-dependent flow resistance by including a flow control component positioned downstream of the filter component and the support structure which prevents the fluid stream from a cleaning pulse from dissipating through the filter component as it cleans but allows sufficient fluid stream flowing in the forward direction through the filter component during normal operation.