Handling System for Filter Press Subframe Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance of subframes in horizontal filter presses of the tower type is challenging due to the need for frequent replacement of wearing components like seals and diaphragms, which requires time-consuming disassembly of the filter frame assembly and poses safety risks when working at high heights.
Innovation Solution
A handling system comprising a supporting structure with interconnected rails and a suspension arrangement that allows the subframe to be safely and easily moved in and out of the filter plate frame assembly, facilitating maintenance without disassembling the filter press.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the filter plate frame assembly is removed for maintenance, then the subframe components can be replaced, but the filter press must be out of operation and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The filter plate frame assembly is divided into separable components with removable frame ends, allowing the subframe to be extracted without removing the entire filter press assembly. This segmentation enables maintenance of wearing components while keeping the rest of the system operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The subframe is designed as a removable component that can be extracted from the filter plate frame assembly through the removable frame ends. This extraction allows maintenance to be performed on the subframe and its wearing components without taking out the entire filter press, thus maintaining productivity.
2Reliability
If precautionary safety measures are implemented for in-place maintenance, then operator safety is improved, but the maintenance process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The subframe is extracted from the filter press through removable frame ends, allowing maintenance to be performed outside the high-risk environment. This eliminates the need for complex safety measures required when working under suspended filter plate frame assemblies, simplifying the maintenance procedure while ensuring operator safety.
3Ease of repair
If the subframe is made removable for easier maintenance, then maintenance access is improved, but the handling and reinstallation of the subframe becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A handling system with supporting structure and suspension arrangement acts as an intermediary between the removable subframe and the operator. This intermediary system facilitates safe and easy handling of the subframe during extraction and reinstallation, overcoming the difficulty that would otherwise result from making the subframe removable.
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 handling system enables safe and efficient maintenance of subframes and their components by allowing them to be inspected and replaced outside the filter press, reducing the risk of injury and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a suspension arrangement, wherein the supporting structure is supported by the suspension arrangement, which is configured to support the supporting structure when being moved in the vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
the first and second rails being interconnected with a support surface configured to slidingly support a subframe when being moved in and out of the filter plate frame assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A handling system of a subframe forming part of a filter plate frame assembly in a horizontal filter press of a tower type is provided. The handling system includes a supporting structure and a suspension arrangement. The supporting structure includes a first longitudinally extending rail and a second longitudinally extending rail which are interconnected with a support surface configured to slidingly support a subframe when being moved in and out of the filter plate frame assembly. The suspension arrangement is arranged in a first end portion of the supporting structure. The suspension arrangement is configured to allow the supporting structure to be selectively and removably connected to the filter press in an area adjacent a filter plate frame assembly. Further, a method of performing maintenance of a subframe is provided, which method involves the use of such handling system.