Filtration Reducing Connector for Partition Plate Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filtration systems with multiple membrane modules suspended from a partition plate face challenges such as increased cost due to thick, reinforced plates, potential leakage from large sealing areas, and limited cleaning capabilities, particularly in efficiently managing pressure differentials and performing thorough cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
A filtration apparatus with a vessel divided into multiple chambers, utilizing reducing connectors that securely engage filtration modules with smaller diameter holes in the partition plates, allowing for thinner plates, reduced sealing areas, and enabling reverse flow and gas distribution for enhanced cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple membrane modules are suspended from a partition plate with holes accommodating the full module width, then the modules can be securely mounted, but the plate strength is significantly weakened requiring thick reinforced plates
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plate is segmented into multiple small holes rather than one large hole, distributing the structural weakness across many small openings. This allows secure module mounting while preserving overall plate strength, eliminating the need for thick reinforced plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing arrangement extends the sealing interface from a single plane to multiple surfaces including the partition plate surface and the reducing connector surfaces, distributing the sealing function across different dimensional planes and reducing the burden on any single area.
2Reliability
If holes in the partition plate are dimensioned to accommodate the full width of filtration modules, then modules can be properly sealed, but the sealing area becomes large increasing leakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented across multiple small contact points between the reducing connector and the partition plate, rather than relying on a large continuous sealing area. This distributes the sealing stress and reduces leakage pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the hole large to accommodate the module, the module is adapted to a smaller hole via the reducing connector. This inversion approach reduces the hole size while maintaining sealing capability through the connector's sealing surfaces.
3Strength
If thick reinforced plates are used to maintain structural integrity, then plate strength is sufficient, but the cost of vessels increases particularly with expensive materials like titanium
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plate uses multiple small holes instead of large openings, distributing structural stress and allowing the use of thinner, less expensive materials while maintaining sufficient strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The hole dimensions are changed from large (accommodating full module width) to small (reduced diameter holes), fundamentally altering the structural requirements and enabling cost-effective material selection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional filtration systems are used with individual module pressure housings and manifolds, then each module can be independently operated, but the infrastructure requirements and footprint are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual module pressure housings and manifolds are merged into a single common pressure vessel with a partition plate, consolidating infrastructure while maintaining the ability to operate multiple filtration modules independently through their respective reducing connectors.
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 reduces the structural integrity compromise and sealing area requirements, allowing for more efficient filtration and thorough cleaning of membrane modules, including backwashing and gas scouring, while minimizing downtime and infrastructure needs.
Implementation Method 1
permit communication between the filtration module and the first chamber... accommodate the pressure differential therebetween
Implementation Method 2
filtration is well known for the treatment of fluids, such as water, and is typically achieved by use of appropriate filtration media, such as filtration membranes
Implementation Method 3
Gas Scouring... gas bubbles which function to scour the surfaces of the membranes
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration apparatus (10) for treating a fluid comprises a vessel (12), a first partition plate (18) dividing the vessel into first and second chambers (22, 26) and defining a through hole (40), and a filtration module (30) located within the second chamber (26) and including a body section (32) defining an outer diameter which is greater than the diameter of the through hole (40) in the first partition plate (18). The apparatus (10) further comprises a reducing connector (36) having a first end secured to the body section (32) of the filtration module (30) and a second end sealed relative to the through hole (40) in the first partition plate (18) to permit communication between the filtration module (30) and the first chamber (22).In a disclosed embodiment the apparatus (10) includes a second partition plate (20) such that the vessel is divided into first, second and third chambers (22, 24, 26), wherein the filtration module (30) is mounted between the partition plates (18, 20).