Continuous Fryer Oil Filtration With Self-Cleaning Piston Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deep fat fryers require inefficient and labor-intensive manual filtering processes, which disrupt cooking operations and lead to oil degradation due to the need for frequent oil drainage and heating, and existing continuous filtering systems face issues with clogging, operator intervention, and reduced oil lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A continuous filter system for deep fat fryers that includes a cylindrical housing with a hollow screen and a reciprocating piston for automatic debris removal, allowing for continuous oil filtration without operator intervention, maintaining oil cleanliness and extending its lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manual filtering is used, then oil can be filtered, but the fryer must be shut down and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous filtration by circulating oil through a filter system during fryer operation. A pump draws oil from the fryer vat through a filter assembly that removes particulate matter, then returns the filtered oil to the vat. This continuous circulation allows filtration to occur without shutting down the fryer, maintaining productivity while ensuring oil quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is designed to be self-cleaning through backflushing mechanisms. Accumulated debris is periodically removed automatically without requiring manual intervention or fryer shutdown. The system includes debris collection chambers and automated clearing mechanisms that maintain filtration efficiency continuously during operation.
2Reliability
If oil is drained and filtered manually, then particulate matter is removed, but energy consumption increases due to cooling and reheating
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous circulation system maintains oil at operating temperature throughout the filtration process. The pump and filter assembly are integrated into the hot oil path, eliminating the need to drain, cool, and reheat the oil. This continuous operation preserves thermal energy while achieving consistent oil cleanliness.
3Reliability
If filter media is used to remove particulate matter, then oil quality improves, but the filter clogs and requires frequent manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly incorporates automated backflushing and debris ejection mechanisms that clean the filter media continuously during operation. When particulate matter accumulates on the filter screen, a reverse flow or mechanical clearing mechanism removes the debris automatically, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and maintaining filtration efficiency without operator intervention.
4Extent of automation
If continuous filtering is implemented, then labor costs decrease, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into modular components: a pump assembly, filter housing with screen, debris collection chamber, and backflushing mechanism. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently maintained or replaced. This segmentation manages complexity while enabling continuous automated operation that reduces labor requirements.
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, efficient filtration of cooking oil, reducing labor costs and maintaining oil quality by automatically removing particulate matter, thus enhancing the longevity and performance of the frying process.
Implementation Method 1
The oil is generally filtered by passing the oil through filter media, typically a paper, cloth, metal, or nylon screen or mesh that mechanically removes the foreign particulate matter entrained within the oil that cannot fit through the mesh
Implementation Method 2
A piston is mounted within a passage defined by the screen and movable along the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends of the screen
Data Source
AI summary
A deep fat fryer with continuous oil filtering and purging of sediments therefrom during uninterrupted fryer operation is provided. The filter includes a cylindrical hollow housing with a first end and a second end and a hollow cylindrical screen with a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. The screen is disposed coaxially within the hollow housing to define an annulus therebetween. A piston mounted within the screen and reciprocatingly movable along the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends of the screen. A pump, seal, and associate motor are provided to provide continuous oil flow through the filter and the remainder of the fryer. A heat exchanger is provided downstream of the pump to transfer heat from the fryer to the oil flowing through the heat exchanger.