Filter Unit with Stretchable Frame for Gas Turbine Pocket Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pocket filter assemblies for gas turbines are cumbersome to replace during operation, leading to potential particle intrusion and costly maintenance, and frequent shutdowns for filter replacement result in economic losses and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A pocket filter assembly with a filter unit that includes a frame and support structure to stretch and fold, allowing for easy insertion and removal of filter pockets without auxiliary bars, maintaining filtration efficiency and preventing particle intrusion during operation, and facilitating storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter replacement is performed during gas turbine operation, then particle intrusion prevention is maintained, but handling complexity increases and operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into a permanent filter unit and replaceable filter pockets. The filter unit with its frame and support structure remains installed in the gas turbine, while only the filter pockets need to be replaced. This segmentation allows the filter unit to stay in place maintaining particle intrusion prevention, while the removable pockets simplify the replacement operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is pre-assembled with the frame and support structure before installation in the gas turbine. This preliminary preparation ensures that when filter replacement is needed, only the pockets need to be swapped out without disturbing the already-installed filter unit, thereby maintaining reliability while easing operation.
2Ease of operation
If gas turbine is switched off for filter replacement, then handling complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to operational stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the filter system into a stationary filter unit and removable filter pockets, the invention enables quick pocket replacement without shutting down the gas turbine. The filter unit remains securely installed maintaining particle intrusion prevention, while only the pockets need to be swapped, allowing continuous operation and maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter pockets are designed to be dynamically replaceable during operation. The removable design allows operators to swap pockets quickly without interrupting gas turbine operation, thereby maintaining productivity while simplifying the replacement process through dynamic, on-the-fly changes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If auxiliary metal bars are used to prevent sideway flexing, then filter unit stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is merged with the filter pocket assembly itself rather than being a separate auxiliary component. The support structure is integrated into the filter pocket design, providing sideway flexing prevention while maintaining a simple, unified structure without additional metal bars or external support elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter pocket assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: filtration, structural support, and sideway flexing prevention. The integrated support structure provides both the filtration function and the stability function, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary metal bars and reducing overall device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If filter pockets are made removable for easy replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential particle intrusion during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a permanent filter unit that remains installed in the gas turbine and removable filter pockets. The filter unit with its frame and support structure stays in place, maintaining the sealed structure and particle intrusion prevention, while only the pockets are removed and replaced. This segmentation ensures reliability is maintained during replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit acts as an intermediary structure that remains in place during pocket replacement. It provides a stable, sealed framework that prevents particle intrusion while allowing the filter pockets to be removed and replaced. The permanent filter unit mediates between the need for removable pockets and the need to maintain particle intrusion prevention.
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 solution enables convenient and efficient filter pocket replacement without interrupting gas turbine operation, reducing maintenance costs and extending filter unit lifespan by preventing particle intrusion and maintaining filtration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the filter unit is arranged to receive at least one filter pocket, and the filter bag comprises an opening portion and an end portion opposite the opening portion. The filter unit further comprises a frame arranged at a periphery of the opening portion, and a support structure arranged at the periphery of the end portion for stretching an area of the end portion.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 2d~3
AI summary
A filter unit comprising a filter bag for removing particles from an air or gas flow, wherein the filter unit is arranged to receive at least one filter pocket and the filter bag comprises an opening portion and an end portion opposite said opening portion. The filter unit further comprises a frame arranged at a periphery of the opening portion, and a support structure arranged at the periphery of the end portion for stretching an area of the end portion. The frame and the support structure act to stretch the filter bag into a substantially parallelepiped shape such that the filter unit is arranged to provide a free passage for the at least one filter pocket into and out of said filter bag. Furthermore, the filter unit is arranged to fold between the frame and the support structure into a folded state.