Continuous Flow Stream Processing via Parallel Media Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Filter clogging and deactivation in fluid processing systems, especially during fire scenarios or prolonged use, lead to disruptive shutdowns and safety risks, as existing methods require offline maintenance or replacement.

Innovation Solution

A continuously-operable flow stream processing system that redirects the flow stream from service-needed to service-ready fluid processing media without stopping the system, using a flow control system with sensors and conduits to manage fluid flow, allowing for online maintenance and continuous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If filters are used to remove airborne particulates and treat gases, then the fluid stream is purified, but the filters eventually clog and require shutdown for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidshutdown time for filter maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the fluid processing function into multiple separate processing media (first, second, and third media) arranged in parallel. The flow control system segments the fluid stream and directs it through different media based on their service status, allowing one media to be serviced while others remain online.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares backup service-ready processing media in advance before they are needed. When the first processing media becomes service-needed, the flow control system has already switched the fluid stream to the second service-ready media, and the first media can be serviced without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If reactive mediums are used to treat gases, then the gas stream is treated, but the reactive mediums become deactivated during prolonged use requiring system shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous treatment capabilityVSAvoidservice duration of reactive medium

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates different functional states for different processing media simultaneously - one media is online and actively treating the gas stream while another is offline and service-ready. This local differentiation of service status allows continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The flow control system ensures that while one processing media is being serviced or has been deactivated, another service-ready media immediately takes over the treatment function. This maintains continuous useful action without interruption to the gas treatment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If filters are replaced or cleaned, then filtration performance is restored, but the system must be taken offline causing disruption and safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidsafety risks during shutdown

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous fluid processing by switching to alternate service-ready processing media when one media requires service. This eliminates shutdowns and the associated safety risks, maintaining system availability and protecting against harmful factors that arise from discontinuation of processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If multiple fluid processing media are used in parallel, then continuous operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous processing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of processing media and control mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple processing media perform the same universal function of fluid processing. Each media is capable of independently handling the complete fluid stream, allowing the system to switch between them based on service status without requiring different specialized components for each path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10239009B2Continuously-operable flow stream processing system and method

Publication Date: 2019.03.26 LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NAT SECURITY LLC

AI summary

A continuously-operable flow stream processing system and method has two or more fluid processing media arranged in a fluid conduit network to provide alternate flow paths for a flow stream to be processed (e.g. filtered). Valves and other flow control devices, e.g. controller module and sensors, are used to redirect the flow stream from one or more service-needed fluid processing media to service-ready fluid processing media without taking the system offline to remove, repair, replace, clean in situ, or otherwise service the service-needed fluid processing media, so that the system may operate continuously to process the flow stream without stoppage. Redirection into alternative flow paths and media may be automatically implemented based on a predetermined threshold or trigger condition, such as may be detected by sensors directly or indirectly monitoring media condition.