Filter Holder Assembly for High-Pressure Membrane Filtration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sintered metal filters used for fluid filtration in rock sample experiments have a small surface area, leading to rapid clogging and frequent, labor-intensive replacements, which are costly and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A filtration system with a filter holder base, backing, filter membrane, seal assembly, and cover design that allows for a larger filtration surface area using replaceable cellulose acetate membranes, reducing the need for frequent replacements of expensive sintered metal filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If sintered metal filters are used for fluid filtration, then filtration at high pressures is achieved, but the small surface area causes rapid clogging and frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into modular components: a reusable sintered metal filter support structure and a replaceable cellulose acetate membrane. This segmentation allows the membrane to be replaced independently without replacing the entire expensive sintered metal filter, resolving the contradiction by maintaining high-pressure capability while increasing effective filtration surface area through affordable membrane replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The cellulose acetate membrane is nested within the sintered metal filter support structure. The membrane fits inside the cylindrical support, creating a nested configuration where the inner membrane provides the filtration surface while the outer support maintains structural integrity at high pressures. This nesting allows the membrane to be replaced without removing the support structure
2Stress or pressure
If sintered metal filters are used, then high pressure filtration is maintained, but labor-intensive and expensive frequent replacements are required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the filter into a permanent sintered metal support and a replaceable membrane, only the membrane needs replacement when clogged. This reduces replacement time significantly compared to replacing entire sintered metal filters, while the support structure continues to provide high-pressure containment
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cellulose acetate membrane is discarded after use, while the expensive sintered metal support structure is recovered and reused. This approach eliminates the need to replace the entire filter assembly, reducing both time and cost of replacements while maintaining high-pressure filtration capability
3Area of stationary object
If larger surface area filters are used, then particle collection is improved, but the cost and complexity of the filter system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the filtration function into a simple cylindrical support structure and a separate membrane, allowing the membrane to provide large surface area without increasing overall system complexity. The membrane can be easily inserted and secured within the support using simple retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cellulose acetate membrane is a thin, flexible film that can be formed into a cylindrical shape fitting within the support structure. This thin-film approach provides large surface area for particle collection while maintaining simplicity in the overall filter assembly design
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 provides efficient filtration at high pressures and temperatures, minimizing operational disruptions and costs by allowing for less frequent replacement of lower-cost membranes, thus enhancing the analysis of rock and fluid properties for better decision-making in projects.
Implementation Method 1
filtering the fluid through a filter membrane disposed on a backing located within a cavity of a filter holder base
Implementation Method 2
sealingly engaging a surface of the filter membrane via a seal assembly of the filter holder
Data Source
AI summary
A filter holder, a filtration system, a method of filtering a fluid, and a method of manufacturing a filtration system are provided. A filter holder includes a filter holder base having an aperture extending therethrough and a cavity formed at a first end thereof. The filter holder base is shaped to receive and support a backing on a first surface thereof and to receive and support a filter membrane on a second surface thereof. The filter holder includes a seal assembly configured to be coupled to the filter holder base and to sealingly engage a surface of the filter membrane when the filter membrane is on the second surface. The filter holder further includes a cover having an aperture formed therethrough and configured to be disposed over the seal assembly and over at least a portion of the filter holder base and secured to the filter holder base.