Filtration Media Cleaning via Mechanical Vibration and Scouring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning porous filtration media, such as compressible filtration media, are inefficient in terms of fluid usage, time, and the need for chemical additives, leading to reduced filtration efficiency and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a directed scouring fluid method and a transition plenum method within filtration units, which utilize a scouring fluid with a restriction point in the nozzle to enhance agitation and a controlled transition zone for increased particle removal, reducing the need for chemical additives and minimizing fluid usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional backwashing methods are used to clean filtration media, then captured solids are removed, but excessive amounts of washing fluid are consumed and chemical additives are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vibratory motion of the filtration media bed during backwashing to enhance the removal of captured solids. The vibration is generated by introducing fluid at specific frequencies that resonate with the media bed, causing particles to be dislodged more effectively. This mechanical vibration approach eliminates the need for chemical additives while reducing washing fluid consumption by improving cleaning efficiency through physical means alone.
2Productivity
If conventional backwashing operations are performed, then filtration media is cleaned, but the process consumes excessive time and reduces filtration efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic backwashing operations with optimized timing and duration. Instead of continuous or overly frequent backwashing, the system performs brief, intensive cleaning cycles at strategically determined intervals. The vibratory enhancement allows each backwashing event to be shorter and more effective, thereby reducing the time lost to cleaning operations while maintaining high filtration efficiency during production cycles.
3Reliability
If chemical cleaning agents are used during backwashing, then particle removal is enhanced, but disposal costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical cleaning agents with a mechanically enhanced backwashing system that uses vibratory motion and optimized fluid dynamics to achieve effective particle removal. The mechanical vibration generated by resonant frequency fluid introduction dislodges captured solids from the filtration media without requiring any chemical additives. This substitution eliminates all chemical disposal requirements and environmental concerns associated with chemical cleaning agents while maintaining or improving particle removal effectiveness.
4Reliability
If frequent backwashing is performed to maintain filtration quality, then contaminant removal is maximized, but operational time and fluid usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory enhancement during backwashing allows for less frequent cleaning operations while maintaining the same level of filtration quality. The resonant vibration intensifies the cleaning action during each backwashing event, enabling the system to achieve the same contaminant removal effectiveness with fewer and shorter backwashing cycles, thereby reducing total washing fluid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements optimized periodic backwashing schedules that leverage the enhanced cleaning power of vibratory motion. By performing brief, intensive backwashing cycles at extended intervals rather than frequent prolonged cycles, the system maintains consistent filtration quality while minimizing the cumulative volume of washing fluid required.
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
These methods significantly improve the degree of cleaning, reduce wash cycle time, and increase the interval between wash cycles, achieving higher contaminant particle removal with less fluid and without chemical additives, thereby enhancing filtration efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a scouring fluid nozzle in fluid communication with at least one of the openings on the top portion of the scouring fluid inlet pipe, wherein the scouring fluid nozzle comprises a restriction point
Implementation Method 2
the scouring fluid has a positive buoyancy in the particle removal fluid and provides a motive force sufficient to produce agitative motion of filtration media
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides improved methods for conducting a wash cycle in a filtration unit. The methods may be used alone or in combination with one another to achieve the improvements described herein. Filtration units adapted for carrying out the novel methods are also provided. Through the use of the methods and filtration units described, significant economic benefits are obtained without a significant increase in the costs of the filtration unit or in the costs of operation of the filtration unit.