Fuel Tank Retention Device Dynamic Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing foreign fluids from fluids require large, expensive filter units with large filter surfaces, making them inefficient and costly for large volume treatments.
Innovation Solution
A compact retaining device with a filter element, volume flow control, and sensor system that adjusts flow rates based on foreign fluid content, using inexpensive filter materials and optimizing coalescence efficiency by reducing flow speed when foreign fluid levels exceed targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large filter units with large filter surfaces are used to ensure reliable removal of foreign fluid, then separation reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the volume flow rate through the filter element based on real-time foreign fluid content measurements. When foreign fluid content is high, the flow rate is reduced to maximize separation efficiency. When foreign fluid content is low, the flow rate is increased to maintain productivity. This dynamic adaptation allows a compact filter to achieve the performance of a much larger static filter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (volume flow rate) based on the concentration of foreign fluid in the fluid stream. By modulating the flow rate parameter in response to sensor feedback, the filter element operates at optimal conditions for separation when needed, and at high throughput when separation demand is low, effectively replacing the need for a large filter surface area.
2Productivity
If high flow velocity is maintained to treat large volumes of fluid, then productivity is improved, but separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor device continuously monitors the foreign fluid content in the fluid stream and provides feedback to the control device. The control device uses this feedback to adjust the volume flow rate through the filter element, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically balances productivity and separation efficiency based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static high-flow operation to dynamic flow modulation. The volume flow rate is continuously adjusted based on foreign fluid content, allowing the system to operate at high throughput when the fluid is clean and switch to high-efficiency separation mode when foreign fluid is detected, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Reliability
If expensive filter media are used to achieve effective foreign fluid removal, then separation reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses comparatively inexpensive filter materials that would normally be suitable only for brief or low-demand applications. By controlling the volume flow rate to match the actual separation needs, the system extends the effective service life and utility of these cheaper filter materials, making them economically viable for continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters (volume flow rate) are adjusted to optimize the performance of cost-effective filter materials. By reducing the flow rate when foreign fluid content is high, the system maximizes the separation capability of inexpensive filter media, allowing them to achieve the same effectiveness as expensive materials would provide at high flow rates.
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 efficient and cost-effective removal of foreign fluids from large volumes of fluid, maintaining high separation efficiency while minimizing filter material costs and preventing foreign fluid accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
coalescence can be achieved with the help of a permeable polyurethane foam, so that an initially existing dispersion of water and a liquid gasoline hydrocarbon is separated into two layers as it flows through the polyurethane foam
Implementation Method 2
As soon as the accumulating liquid forms larger droplets on the polyurethane foam, these can detach and layer according to their density, forming a layer of liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a retention device (1) with a filter element (3) in a fluid line (2) through which a fluid (F) containing an extraneous fluid (X) can flow in a flow direction (V), with a volume flow control device (5) with which the volume flow (S) through the fluid line (2) can be controlled, a sensor device (6) with which the proportion of extraneous fluid (X) in the fluid (F) can be determined, and with a control device (7) with which the volume flow (S) can be controlled with the volume flow control device (5) depending on the proportion of extraneous fluid (X) in the fluid (F) determined by the sensor device (6). The invention also relates to a fuel refueling system and a method for retaining extraneous fluid from a fluid.