Self-Cleaning Filter with Simultaneous Flushing and Backspraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-cleaning filtration systems face inefficiencies in simultaneously and effectively cleaning both internal and external surfaces of filter elements, particularly in maintaining optimal differential pressure and ensuring thorough cleaning cycles.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning fluid filter system equipped with a flushing and backspraying assembly that includes symmetrically disposed nozzles, a controller for automated initiation of cleaning cycles based on time, volume, or differential pressure, and a pipe-in-pipe configuration for simultaneous or selective flushing and backwashing, ensuring thorough cleaning of both surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cleaning mechanism is used for both internal and external surfaces, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness and thoroughness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism is segmented into two independent subsystems: an internal cleaning mechanism with flushing nozzles for the inner surface, and an external cleaning mechanism with backspraying nozzles for the outer surface. Each subsystem can be independently controlled and optimized for its specific cleaning task, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
Both cleaning mechanisms are integrated into a single rotating assembly that revolves around the filter element. The flushing pipe and backspraying pipe are coupled together and rotate simultaneously, combining two cleaning functions into one unified mechanical structure that simplifies the overall device while maintaining thorough cleaning capability.
2Extent of automation
If manual cleaning initiation is used, then automation complexity is reduced, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from sensors that monitor differential pressure across the filter element and operational parameters. When the differential pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold or after a specified time interval, the controller automatically initiates the cleaning cycle, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining simple operational logic based on real-time system state monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system performs self-diagnosis and self-maintenance by automatically detecting when cleaning is needed based on differential pressure readings and time elapsed since the last cleaning cycle. The system serves itself by triggering cleaning operations without external input, thereby improving productivity while keeping the automation system simple and intuitive.
3Productivity
If flushing and backwashing are performed sequentially, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing and backwashing operations are merged into a simultaneous process. The rotating assembly contains both flushing nozzles directed at the inner surface and backspraying nozzles directed at the outer surface, allowing both cleaning actions to occur at the same time during a single cleaning cycle, thereby doubling the cleaning productivity without significantly increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process transitions from a sequential temporal dimension to a parallel spatial dimension. By positioning flushing and backspraying nozzles at different radial locations and orientations within the same rotating assembly, the system performs dual cleaning functions simultaneously in different spatial zones, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to achieve time-saving parallel operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If differential pressure is not monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but filtration performance and cleaning timing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A differential pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure difference across the filter element and provides feedback to the controller. When the differential pressure reaches a predetermined threshold indicating excessive dirt accumulation, the controller automatically initiates a cleaning cycle to restore optimal filtration performance, ensuring precise maintenance of differential pressure without requiring complex manual monitoring systems.
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 achieves efficient and automated cleaning of both internal and external filter surfaces, maintaining optimal differential pressure and ensuring continuous filtration performance by simultaneously or selectively performing flushing and backwashing operations.
Implementation Method 1
said system configured for initiating a self cleaning cycle manually or in a fully automated fashion
Implementation Method 2
Cleaning mechanisms offer scraping, rinsing by a jet of fluid emitted over the filter unit
Implementation Method 3
structure for performing suction scanning of solid materials accumulated on the internal surface of the filter element
Implementation Method 4
The term lower pressure source as used herein the specification and claims refers to pressure at the flushing arm and indicates pressure lower than the raw fluid pressure, wherein said lower pressure source can be atmospheric pressure or vacuum
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid filtration unit comprising a housing accommodating a stationary cylindrical filter element, defining a raw fluid chamber extending between an inlet of the housing and raw fluid face of the cylindrical filter element, and a filtered fluid chamber extending between a filtered fluid face of the filter element and an outlet from the housing. A flushing and backspraying assembly comprising at least one flushing pipe coupled to a lower pressure source and extending within the raw fluid chamber, and configured with a plurality of flushing nozzles disposed in close proximity with the raw fluid face of the filter element, and at least one backspraying arm coupled to a pressurized fluid source and extending within the filtered fluid chamber and configured with an array of backspraying nozzles disposed in close proximity with the filtered fluid face of the filter element, and a driving mechanism for selectively imparting the flushing and backspraying assembly with rotary and linear motion.