Filtrate Vat Grid Topography for Faster Vertical Filter Press Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vertical filter presses, non-uniform filtrate flow leads to turbulent vortices and reduced flow rates, and the grid is prone to misalignment due to inadequate securing, limiting the advancement speed of the filter medium and overall capacity.
Innovation Solution
A grid and filtrate vat assembly with topographical patterns on the grid and vat surfaces that guide filtrate flow and secure the grid in place, reducing turbulence and enabling faster advancement of the filter medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slurry is introduced into the filter chamber at one or more distinct points, then filtration can be performed, but non-uniform filtrate flow is generated causing turbulent vortices and reduced flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The grid surface is equipped with a topographical pattern featuring guide structures at specific locations to direct filtrate flow. This local modification creates regions with different flow guidance functions, directing the non-uniform filtrate flow from feed regions toward the outlet in an organized manner, reducing turbulence and vortices while maintaining the benefit of point-fed slurry introduction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the grid is secured firmly to withstand the weight of filter medium and cake, then grid stability is improved, but the speed of filter medium advancement is restricted due to misalignment risk
Solution Approach 1:
The grid incorporates a topographical pattern with curved guide structures that follow the natural flow path of filtrate. These curved structures provide gradual guidance rather than sharp angles, reducing stress concentration points and allowing the grid to remain stable under load while accommodating the dynamic movement of the filter medium at higher speeds without misalignment.
3Strength
If the grid is positioned close to the vat bottom to support filter medium, then support function is improved, but filtrate flow between grid and vat is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the grid at a fixed distance from the vat bottom, the invention uses vertical guide structures (knobs or protrusions) that extend from the grid surface toward the vat bottom. This creates a three-dimensional flow path that allows filtrate to pass through the grid and flow along the vertical surfaces of the guide structures, maintaining close proximity for support while preserving adequate flow channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A grid and a vat for a vat assembly of a vertical filter press such as a tower press is disclosed. The grid is provided with a topographical pattern engaging with a corresponding, inverse topographical pattern on the filtrate vat. The topographical patterns guide the filtrate flow towards a filtrate outlet and reduces the formation of vortices and turbulent flow of the filtrate, hence increasing the filtrate flow rate through the vat. Simultaneous, the topographical patterns improve secure attachment of the grid onto the vat, thereby allowing increased travel speed of the filter medium during advancement thereof. As a result, the cycle time of a filtration process may be reduced, and consequently, the overall capacity of the associated filter press is increased. A filtrate vat assembly and a vertical filter are also disclosed.