Filter Head Swirling Flow for Dead Volume Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter systems face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the deposition of foreign particles in dead volumes, which enlarges the dead volume and clogs filter inlets, requiring complex backwashing processes that interrupt the filter process and result in contaminated fluid disposal.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a filter module with a filter head having two openings, where fluid is channeled in and out to create a swirling flow that minimizes dead volume and removes foreign particles, using structural geometry elements and flow control to enhance fluid flow and prevent particle attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If backwashing is used to clean the filter, then foreign particles are removed, but the filter process must be interrupted and complex flow reversal is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous filter operationVSAvoidcomplex cleaning steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of reversing the flow direction through complex backwashing systems, the invention inverts the approach by using the normal forward flow direction to generate swirling motion that performs the cleaning function. The fluid flows in the same direction as filtration but creates rotational movement that prevents particle deposition, eliminating the need for flow reversal while maintaining continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The swirling flow is generated continuously during normal filter operation, allowing the cleaning action to occur simultaneously with filtration. This eliminates interruptions in the filter process while maintaining effective particle removal, as the useful filtration action continues uninterrupted while the swirling flow prevents deposit formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If backwashing is used to clean the filter, then deposits are removed, but contaminated fluid must be disposed of

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcontaminated fluid disposal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of forward flow (which normally causes particle deposition in dead volumes) into a beneficial cleaning mechanism. By generating swirling motion through the forward flow, particles that would normally settle are instead kept in suspension and directed toward the outlet, transforming the filtration flow from a harmful deposit-causing force into a beneficial cleaning agent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter system performs its own cleaning using the same fluid flow that performs filtration. The swirling motion generated by the forward flow automatically prevents particle deposition and removes accumulated particles without requiring external cleaning systems or separate backwashing operations, allowing the system to self-maintain during continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If dead volumes are present in the filter, then foreign particles deposit, but the dead volume enlarges over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter structure designVSAvoidfilter efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces rotational motion (a form of mechanical movement) into the fluid flow through swirling. This rotational flow creates dynamic forces that prevent particles from settling in dead volumes, effectively eliminating the harmful effects of dead volumes without requiring changes to the filter's structural design or geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 method efficiently and cost-effectively cleans the filter module by continuously removing foreign particles, maintaining continuous filter operation with reduced cleaning times and minimizing the need for contaminated fluid disposal.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid is partially swirled in the filter head. Swirling the fluid in the filter head results in the advantage that an intense fluid flow is developed in a large part of the filter head, whereby the dead volume is minimized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentUS20240050903A1Method for cleaning a filter module, and filter module for carrying out said method

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

A method is disclosed for cleaning a filter module by means of a filter module having the following steps: providing a filter module having a filter head with two filter head openings; channelling fluid into the filter head via a first filter head opening; and channelling a portion of the fluid out of the filter head via a second filter head opening. The method is characterized in that, after fluid has been channelled into the filter head (210) via a first filter head opening, the fluid is partially swirled in the filter head.