Flange-to-Flange Coupler for Pleated Filter Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in replacing traditional fabric filter bags with pleated media filter cartridges in baghouses is due to the difficulty in installing long, rigid pleated media filter cartridges in baghouses with limited access space, and existing connector structures are prone to imperfections leading to connection issues.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a coupler system that includes a side wall with interior passages and flanges supporting male studs, and a second coupling portion with female keyhole-shaped receivers, allowing for secure and leak-tight connection of axially aligned filter portions, facilitating the use of longer pleated filter media while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If pleated media filter cartridges are made longer to increase filtering area, then the effective filtering area increases, but the difficulty of installation increases due to limited access space in the clean air plenum
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge is divided into multiple modular sections that can be connected together. Each section has a manageable length that can be installed through the limited access space, and multiple sections are joined using coupling portions to form the complete long filter assembly, thereby achieving both large filtering area and ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portions are designed with telescoping structures where one section can be inserted into another. The coupling portion includes an outer section and an inner section that nest together, allowing the filter sections to be compact during installation and then extend to full length once positioned, resolving the contradiction between length and installability
2Device complexity
If conventional threaded connectors are used to connect filter portions, then the connection structure is simple, but connection reliability decreases due to thread imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection element is extracted and replaced with a flange-to-flange connection system. The coupling portions feature flat flanges with bolt holes that connect via bolts and washers, eliminating threads entirely. This provides a more reliable connection that is less sensitive to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism changes from threaded engagement to flange-to-flange bolting. This parameter change in the connection method provides greater tolerance for manufacturing variations and ensures more reliable sealing and mechanical connection between filter sections
Data Source
AI summary
A baghouse and filter assembly are provided for at least partially removing particulate matter from a gas stream. The filter assembly includes first and second filter portions to be coupled together by a coupler for establishing fluid communication between the first and second filter portions when connected. The coupler includes a first coupling portion including a side wall defining an interior passage through which the gas stream can pass in an axial direction between the first and second filter portions, and one or more flanges projecting from said side wall, the one or more flanges supporting a plurality of male studs. The coupler further includes a second coupling portion including a plurality of female keyhole-shaped receivers spaced apart for receiving at least a portion of the male studs and coupling the first coupling portion to the second coupling portion.