Filtering Apparatus Axial Remover for Fibrous Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filtering apparatuses face challenges in restoring filtering performance when fibrous substances or substances coated with adhesive materials are entangled in filter elements, as backwashing using fluid pressure alone is insufficient to remove these trapped objects effectively.
Innovation Solution
The filtering apparatus incorporates tubular filter elements with trapped object removers that move axially within the filter elements during filtration or backwashing, utilizing backwashing pipes connected to opposite end openings at different timings to dislodge and remove trapped objects through the backwashing fluid drain pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backwashing is performed by causing fluid to flow through the filter elements in the reverse directions, then the filtering performance is restored, but objects strongly stuck on the filter element surfaces (especially gel-like substances and fibrous dust) cannot be completely removed
Solution Approach 1:
A trapped object remover (brush or scraper) is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element inside the filter element to physically remove strongly adhered objects. The remover is moved by fluid flow in axial direction to scrape bristles or blades against the inner peripheral surface, complementing the fluid-based backwashing and enabling complete removal of gel-like substances and fibrous dust that fluid pressure alone cannot dislodge.
2Measurement precision
If filter elements with mesh size less than 200 μm are used to achieve fine filtration, then filtering precision is improved, but backwashing becomes insufficient to remove trapped objects
Solution Approach 1:
The trapped object remover acts as a mechanical intermediary that directly contacts and removes particles from the fine mesh surfaces. Since smaller mesh sizes create more surface area and stronger particle adhesion, the mechanical scraping action of the remover (brush bristles or scraper blades) provides the necessary force to dislodge particles that fluid backwashing alone cannot remove from these delicate fine-filtering surfaces.
3Productivity
If fibrous substances and algae are trapped in the filter elements during water filtration, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the entangled substances cannot be easily removed by conventional backwashing
Solution Approach 1:
The movement of the trapped object remover through the filter element creates mechanical action that disrupts and loosens entangled fibrous substances and algae. As the remover is propelled by fluid flow in axial direction, its bristles or blades scrape against the inner surface, breaking up entanglements and facilitating the removal of these complex organic materials that conventional steady-state backwashing cannot effectively dislodge.
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 configuration enables more stable restoration of filtering performance even with fibrous substances and adhesive-coated materials, effectively removing trapped objects and maintaining apparatus efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the trapped object removers is moved, by a flow of the fluid in an axial direction of the filter element generated during filtration or backwashing, in the filter element in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
while an outer periphery of the trapped object remover slides in contact with an inner periphery of the filter element so as to remove an object trapped by the filter element
Implementation Method 3
backwashing by allowing the fluid to flow through the filter element from the outside to the inside
Data Source
AI summary
The filtering apparatus includes: a casing having an inlet for a fluid from the outside and an outlet for the fluid having filtered therein; filter elements having opposite-end openings, provided in the casing, and each filtering the fluid by allowing the fluid to flow therethrough in inside-to-outside directions; backwashing pipes sequentially connected to the opposite-end openings at different timings between the opposite-end openings of each filter element so as to backwash the filter element by allowing the fluid to flow therethrough in outside-in directions; removers each axially moved in the corresponding filter element by the filtration or backwashing flow, while sliding in contact with the inner periphery of the filter element so as to remove trapped objects; and a backwashing fluid drain pipe coupled to the discharge side of the backwashing pipes and allowing the trapped objects removed by each remover to be discharged to the outside.