Gas-Scoured Filter Medium for High Solids Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems face challenges in maintaining permeability and preventing the accumulation of solids, known as foulants, which can lead to reduced filtration efficiency and system fouling, especially in liquid-solid mixtures with high solids content.
Innovation Solution
The method involves directing a gas flow along and through the filter medium during filtration, sweeping at least 50% of the upstream surface to loosen and dislodge accumulated solids, thereby preventing dense packing and maintaining filtration efficiency without damaging the filter media, and separating the gas and filtrate for effective fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If filtration is performed on liquid-solid mixtures with high solids content, then filtration efficiency is reduced, but maintaining permeability requires additional measures
Solution Approach 1:
Gas is introduced as an intermediary substance to interact with the solid foulants on the filter medium surface. The gas flow acts as a mediator that loosens and removes accumulated solids without directly contacting or damaging the filter medium itself, thereby maintaining permeability and filtration efficiency in high solids content applications
Solution Approach 2:
A gas stream is utilized to apply pneumatic force on the filter medium surface to disrupt and remove accumulated solids. The gas flow creates shear forces and pressure variations that prevent dense packing of solids, maintaining the filter's permeability and extending operational life in high solids content filtration
2Reliability
If gas flow is directed along and through the filter medium to scour the surface, then accumulation of solids is disrupted, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously applying strong gas flow to the entire filter surface, the system uses partial action by directing gas flow to specific areas or applying it intermittently. This approach disrupts solid accumulation effectively while minimizing the total energy input required for the gas flow operation
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow parameters (velocity, pressure, distribution pattern) are optimized to achieve effective solids removal at minimal energy consumption. By adjusting these parameters, the system finds the optimal balance between maintaining filtration performance and reducing energy requirements
3Productivity
If solids accumulate densely on the filter element, then filtration characteristics are altered, but preventing this requires continuous intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium is designed to enable self-cleaning through the introduction of gas flow that automatically disrupts and removes accumulated solids. This self-service mechanism prevents dense packing and maintains filtration characteristics without requiring complex external intervention systems, reducing operational complexity while sustaining productivity
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
This approach significantly extends the filtration time by preventing fouling, enhancing fluid flow, and maintaining the desired filtration characteristics, while consuming low energy and being compatible with various fluid regeneration methods.
Implementation Method 1
directing a flow of the gas along the feed side of the filter medium to scour the surface and loosen accumulated solids from the feed side of the filter medium
Implementation Method 2
passing the liquid component as filtrate from the feed side through the filter medium to a filtrate side of the filter medium
Implementation Method 3
passing at least a portion of the gas with the filtrate through the filter medium from the feed side to the permeate side
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for filtration are disclosed. A feed mixture including at least one liquid component and at least one solid component and a flow of gas may be directed to a filter element and filtrate and gas may be passed through a filter medium from a feed fluid side to a filtrate side. The gas loosens and removes foulants accumulating within and on the upstream surface of the filter medium. The gas and filtrate may be separated from one another after passing through the filter medium.