Froth Separator Using Porous Filter for Liquid Gas Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing froth in fluid pumping systems, such as in imaging devices, are either ineffective in continuous operations or alter the fluid composition, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A froth-liquid/gas separator system that uses a filter and pressure differential to separate liquid and gas, allowing only liquid to pass through, while venting the gas, which is designed for integration into fluid-handling systems and imaging devices to prevent froth accumulation and fluid loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If extra space and time are provided for froth to accumulate and dissipate, then froth reduction is achieved, but device volume increases and continuous operation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas phase from the froth mixture by forcing the froth through a porous filter medium. The filter allows gas bubbles to pass through while retaining liquid, effectively removing the harmful gas component without requiring additional space for froth accumulation or dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous filter medium with specific pore size and structure to separate liquid and gas phases. The porous material allows selective passage of gas bubbles while maintaining liquid retention, enabling compact froth separation without increasing device volume.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If chemicals are added to break up bubble infrastructure, then froth reduction is achieved, but fluid composition is altered and usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical methods with a mechanical separation approach using a porous filter medium. The mechanical structure of the filter physically separates gas bubbles from liquid through size exclusion and surface tension effects, avoiding any alteration of fluid composition while effectively breaking up froth structure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If mechanical force is added to break up froth, then froth reduction is achieved, but additional froth is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts gas bubbles from froth through the porous filter medium without applying mechanical force that would generate additional froth. The passive filtration process allows gas to escape while liquid is retained, reducing froth volume without creating new froth through mechanical agitation.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If pump pressure is increased to prevent froth accumulation, then froth control is improved, but energy consumption increases and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a porous filter medium as an intermediary device between the pump and the fluid system. This intermediary passively separates gas from liquid through its porous structure, allowing the pump to operate at normal pressure without generating excessive froth or requiring increased energy consumption for froth control.
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
Effectively separates liquid and gas, preventing froth accumulation and reducing the risk of fluid loss and device damage, while maintaining the fluid's composition and suitability for use in continuous operations.
Implementation Method 1
a filter and pressure differential to separate liquid and gas, allowing only liquid to pass through
Implementation Method 2
a pump produces a suction pressure in a lower portion of the housing. The pressure at the inlet of the flow passage is greater than the suction pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Froth is directed through a flow passage bounded by a filter and a non-porous surface, and liquid is drawn from the froth through the filter as the froth flows through the flow passage.