Filter Device Integrity Testing via Pressure Decay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for integrity testing of small area hydrophobic filter devices are inefficient and lack sensitivity, particularly when using off-line alcohol wet bubble point tests.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for testing filter device integrity using a test liquid and gas flow, where a test liquid is passed through the filter device, and gas is introduced to measure pressure decay over time, allowing for in-situ, alcohol-free testing without breaching the filter's integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If off-line alcohol wet bubble point test is used, then filter device integrity can be tested, but testing time is long and sensitivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting sensitivityVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical bubble point testing method with a pressure decay measurement system. Instead of observing bubble formation mechanically, the system uses pressure sensors to detect pressure changes over time, providing faster and more sensitive integrity testing of the filter device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the testing parameters by using pressure decay rate as the measurement parameter instead of bubble point pressure. By monitoring how quickly pressure decays over time, the system achieves faster testing with higher sensitivity, resolving the contradiction between testing speed and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional integrity testing methods are used, then filter integrity can be assessed, but the method requires alcohol and offline testing which compromises system integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrityVSAvoidtesting process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the filter device to be tested in-situ within the fluid processing system without removal or breach. The testing system connects to the existing inlet and outlet ports, allowing the filter to test itself while maintaining system integrity and eliminating the need for alcohol or offline processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The testing system is designed to work with the existing filter device structure and fluid pathways. The same inlet and outlet ports used for fluid processing are also used for testing, making the system universal and eliminating the need for separate testing infrastructure or alcohol-based methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If small area hydrophobic filter devices are tested with traditional methods, then integrity testing can be performed, but the sensitivity and speed are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting speedVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces slow mechanical bubble point observation with rapid electronic pressure decay detection. Pressure sensors continuously monitor pressure changes, providing both high-speed testing and high-sensitivity detection simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring pressure decay in real-time. The pressure sensor provides ongoing data about pressure changes, allowing the system to quickly detect integrity issues with high sensitivity while maintaining fast testing speed through continuous measurement rather than sequential observation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach provides faster and more sensitive pressure decay responses, enabling effective testing of small area filters with lower test pressures, suitable for immediate pre-use assessments, and maintaining system integrity.

Implementation Method 1

passing gas along a gas flow conduit and into the test liquid conduit including the test liquid, including applying a first pre-determined gas pressure to the test liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase