Filter Life Prediction Using Differential Pressure Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter life prediction methods, such as the clogging alarm switch, cannot accurately determine the remaining usable time of a filtration member due to variations in filter type and usage environment, as they only detect differential pressure without considering the relationship between pressure and dust accumulation over time.

Innovation Solution

A filter life predicting apparatus that includes a differential pressure detection unit, a storage unit, and a life predicting unit, which continuously measures and corrects differential pressures to estimate the remaining life of the filtration member based on stored differential pressure characteristics, accounting for changes in flow rate and viscosity, and environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a clogging alarm switch is used to detect differential pressure, then the clogging state of the filter element can be known, but the remaining time of the filter element cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclogging state detectionVSAvoidremaining time information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors differential pressure and compares it against stored characteristics to provide feedback on filter status. The life predicting unit continuously obtains remaining lives based on continuously detected differential pressures, creating a feedback loop that updates the remaining time prediction as the filter operates and accumulates dust.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The storage unit stores differential pressure characteristics in advance, representing the expected pressure-dust amount relationship for a clean filter. This preliminary data allows the life predicting unit to calculate remaining time by comparing actual differential pressure against the stored characteristics, enabling prediction before the filter is completely clogged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If differential pressure is measured at a single point in time, then the clogging state at that time is known, but the accuracy of remaining life prediction is reduced due to usage environment variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidcontinuous monitoring time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The differential pressure detection unit continuously detects differential pressures throughout the filter's operation, and the life predicting unit continuously obtains remaining lives based on these continuous measurements. This continuous monitoring allows the system to adapt to changing usage conditions and provide increasingly accurate remaining life predictions as more data is collected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses continuous differential pressure measurements as feedback to continuously update the remaining life prediction. The life predicting unit corrects the remaining life based on the obtained results from continuous monitoring, allowing the prediction to adapt to actual usage conditions and improve accuracy over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the filtration member is used in varying environmental conditions, then the filter serves multiple purposes, but the remaining life changes depending on the usage environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter usage adaptabilityVSAvoidremaining life prediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores differential pressure characteristics for different conditions (such as varying flow rates and liquid viscosities) and selects the appropriate characteristics based on the current operating conditions. The life predicting unit determines which stored characteristics to use by comparing current conditions with the stored condition data, allowing accurate predictions across different environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables accurate prediction of the filtration member's remaining life by continuously detecting differential pressures and correcting for environmental changes, ensuring appropriate inventory management and extended filter lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a differential pressure detection unit configured to detect a differential pressure as a pressure difference between a high pressure side and a low pressure side in the filtration device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential pressure: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP3895775B1Filter life prediction device
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 YAMASHIN FILTER CORP
  • EP3895775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3895775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3895775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is possible to predict how long a filtration member is usable (a remaining time). A first differential pressure that is a differential pressure as a pressure difference between a high pressure side and a low pressure side in a filtration device is detected at a first time as a time while the filtration device filters a liquid. A remaining life that indicates how long the filtration member is usable from the first time is obtained based on the first differential pressure and differential pressure characteristics.