Gas-Solids Filter Support Grid With Impact Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas-solids filtration systems, such as those described in US20140047806, face issues with filter module vibration leading to potential damage and the need for manual maintenance due to ash accumulation on support structures, which disrupts continuous operation.

Innovation Solution

A system with a support grid having interconnected arms and cleaning elements that provide mechanical or hydraulic impulses to remove accumulated solids, preventing blockage and allowing continuous operation by limiting solids accumulation to a threshold through controlled vibrations and energy impulses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If filter modules are used to filter gas-solids mixture, then filtration efficiency is improved, but filter modules are damaged due to vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidfilter module durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration through impact devices that deliver controlled impulses to the support grid and filter modules. This vibration prevents harmful resonant vibrations that could damage filter modules while maintaining filtration efficiency. The impact devices create beneficial vibrations that counteract the detrimental vibrational effects mentioned in the problem statement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a support grid structure that provides mechanical support and cushioning to the filter modules before damage can occur. The impact devices deliver controlled impulses that prevent excessive vibration accumulation, acting as a protective mechanism that cushions the filter modules against damaging forces before they can cause structural failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If manual cleaning of support structures is performed, then ash accumulation is removed, but operational shutdown is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveash accumulationVSAvoidcontinuous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-cleaning mechanism where impact devices automatically remove ash accumulation from the support grid and filter modules through mechanical impulses. This self-service cleaning system operates continuously without requiring manual intervention or operational shutdowns, allowing the filtration system to maintain productivity while eliminating harmful ash buildup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous operation by implementing an automatic cleaning system that removes ash accumulation without interrupting the filtration process. The impact devices operate continuously or periodically to prevent ash buildup, maintaining the useful action of gas filtration without the need for shutdowns for manual cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Stability of the object's composition

If support structures are provided for filter modules, then filter stability is improved, but solids accumulation on support structures causes blockage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter module stabilityVSAvoidsolids accumulation on support grid
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration through impact devices that deliver impulses to the support grid and filter modules. This vibration prevents solids accumulation on the support structures by dislodging ash and dust particles, maintaining filter module stability while preventing blockage of the support grid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static support grid into a dynamic system by introducing impact devices that deliver periodic impulses. This dynamic approach allows the support structures to actively shed accumulated solids through vibration, maintaining both structural stability and preventing blockage that would occur with a purely static support system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables continuous operation with reduced maintenance costs by preventing ash and dust accumulation on the support grid, thus avoiding operational shutdowns and extending the lifespan of filter modules.

Implementation Method 1

providing a mechanical impulse to the filter elements for the removal of accumulated solids from a surface of the filter elements, said impulse being adapted to provide excitation energy causing vibration of the cleaning elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3393618B1System and method for filtering a gas-solids mixture
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 AIR PROD & CHEM INC
  • EP3393618B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3393618B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3393618B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system (300) for filtering a gas-solids mixture, comprises: a housing (302); a separating body dividing the housing (302) in a raw gas chamber (310) and a clean gas chamber (312), the raw gas chamber (310) being accessible via an inlet for the gas-solids mixture and the clean gas chamber (312) comprising an outlet for discharging a cleaned gas; a number of filter elements suspended from the separating body; lower ends of the filter elements being connected to a support grid (360), the support grid (360) comprising a number of arms; one or more cleaning elements (380) provided on the arms of the support grid (360) for cleaning thereof.