Multi-Filter Fryer Assembly for Continuous Oil Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid filtering systems for cooking oil in deep fryers are inefficient in removing smaller particulate contaminants and require interruptions for filtering, leading to contamination and health risks due to charred food particles.
Innovation Solution
A continuous filtering system with multiple filter assemblies and a manifold, allowing for selective interruption of flow to individual filter assemblies for maintenance while maintaining operation, using vertically oriented stainless steel wire mesh screens and a pump for continuous filtration during cooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If wire mesh strainers are used to remove particulate matter from cooking oil, then some particulate matter is removed, but smaller particulate contaminants remain and the oil becomes contaminated with charred food particles
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into multiple wire mesh screens with different mesh sizes (e.g., 100 mesh, 200 mesh, 400 mesh) stacked in sequence. Each screen segment captures particulate matter of different sizes, with finer screens capturing smaller contaminants that coarser screens miss. This segmented approach progressively filters the cooking oil to remove even fine charred particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wire mesh screens with controlled porosity (mesh sizes) to filter cooking oil. The porous structure of the wire mesh allows oil to pass through while trapping particulate contaminants. Multiple screens with progressively finer porosity achieve high-level filtration without blocking oil flow completely.
2Reliability
If conventional filtering systems are used, then filtering can be performed, but the cooking operation must be interrupted and the system requires shutdown for filter maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed to be continuously submerged in the cooking oil during frying operations, enabling uninterrupted filtration. The pump continuously circulates oil through the filter assembly and back into the fryer, maintaining filtering action without stopping the cooking process. This eliminates downtime and keeps the system in continuous useful operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is pre-installed and positioned in the fryer before cooking begins. The pump is pre-configured to draw oil through the filter. This preliminary setup allows filtering to start immediately with the cooking operation, rather than requiring installation or activation during or after cooking.
3Ease of repair
If filter assemblies are removed for cleaning or replacement, then filter maintenance is achieved, but the entire fryer operation must be shut down
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering system includes multiple independent filter assemblies (e.g., two or more) that can be independently removed and replaced. When one filter assembly needs maintenance, the others continue to filter the oil, allowing selective replacement without shutting down the entire fryer operation. This segmented redundancy maintains productivity during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-filter configuration to a multi-filter configuration, changing the operational parameter of filter redundancy. This allows the system to maintain filtering capacity (parameter of filtration effectiveness) even when one filter is removed for maintenance, thereby maintaining productivity during repair operations.
4Productivity
If multiple filter assemblies are used with selective flow interruption, then continuous operation during maintenance is possible, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the filtering function into multiple separate filter assemblies, each with its own flow control valve. This segmentation allows independent control of each filter's flow path. When maintenance is needed on one filter, its valve closes to isolate it, while other filters continue operating, achieving continuous productivity despite the added complexity of multiple components.
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
Enables continuous filtration of cooking oil during frying operations, effectively removing contaminants and extending the oil's usability by allowing for on-demand filter assembly replacement without shutting down the fryer.
Implementation Method 1
Cooking oil is drawn through wire mesh screens by applying suction at the filter interior. As the cooking oil is drawn through the wire mesh screens, the screen serves to remove particulates from the cooking oil.
Implementation Method 2
Cooking oil is drawn through wire mesh screens by applying suction at the filter interior
Data Source
AI summary
A filter system for use in a fryer includes multiple filter apparatus in a container. The filter apparatus each comprise a filter assembly, and a manifold block. Each filter assembly has a drain bracket and drain fitting attached to the lower edge. The drain fitting is shaped to slidably fit into the manifold block. Multiple filter assemblies with associated valves are in fluid communication with a pump each valve operable to close fluid communication. Flow through a filter assembly may be shut off for removal or replacement of the filter assembly during continued operation of the fryer and continued filtration by another filter assembly.