Graphene Oxide Filter Spacer Tool for Microbial Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid filters are ineffective in removing microbial contaminants, as they require small pore sizes that lead to high filtration pressure and inefficient flow rates, failing to capture microorganisms such as bacteria efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular graphene oxide-based microbial fluid filter with a scaffold and compression spacer tool that allows correct compression pressure and prevents internal leakage, using graphene oxide to achieve high filtration efficiency without the need for sub-micrometer pore sizes, maintaining flow rates similar to existing filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small pore size membranes are used to filter fine particulates and microorganisms, then filtration efficiency is improved, but filtration pressure increases excessively and flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous graphene oxide filter medium with optimized pore structure that enables effective microbial filtration without requiring extremely small pore sizes. The graphene oxide material provides a controlled porous architecture that balances filtration efficiency with acceptable pressure drop, allowing bacteria and other microorganisms to be captured while maintaining reasonable flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite filter system combining graphene oxide filter medium with a support scaffold structure. This composite approach allows the graphene oxide layer to provide the filtration function while the scaffold provides structural support, preventing collapse under pressure and maintaining flow characteristics. The combination resolves the contradiction by distributing the filtration load across a supported porous structure rather than relying on thin, high-resistance membranes.
2Reliability
If small pore size membranes are used to capture microorganisms, then microbial filtration efficiency is improved, but flow rate decreases to inefficient levels
Solution Approach 1:
The porous graphene oxide material provides a three-dimensional network of interconnected pores that allows efficient fluid passage while trapping microorganisms. The controlled porosity of the graphene oxide structure enables high surface area contact for filtration without creating a sealed membrane that would restrict flow, thus maintaining productivity while achieving reliable microbial removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional membrane filtration to a three-dimensional porous graphene oxide structure supported by a scaffold. This dimensional change allows the filter to capture microorganisms on multiple surfaces and within the porous network while maintaining open flow paths through the three-dimensional architecture, preventing flow rate reduction.
3Reliability
If compression pressure is increased on the filter cartridge, then filtration efficiency is improved, but internal leakage occurs along the internal wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compression spacer as an intermediary element between the filter cartridge and the compression mechanism. This spacer distributes the compression force uniformly across the filter assembly, preventing localized pressure points that would cause the filter media to deform and leak along the walls. The spacer acts as a mediator that transmits compression efficiently while preventing harmful leakage effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression system is segmented into distinct components including the compression spacer, filter cartridge, and housing, with the spacer serving as a separate functional element. This segmentation allows the compression force to be applied through the spacer rather than directly to the filter media, distributing the load and preventing wall leakage while still achieving the necessary compression for efficient filtration.
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
The solution achieves microbial filtration efficiency of up to 99.99% while maintaining flow rates comparable to filters without sub-micrometer pore sizes, reducing pressure drop and improving filtration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a filter tool which allows the correct compression pressure of a modular filtration cartridge, and prevents internal leakage along the internal wall of the filter
Implementation Method 2
Such modular graphene oxide-based microbial fluid filter does not require a sub-micrometer pore filtering medium, yet has a microbial filtration efficiency of up to 99.99% and the ability to filter particulates
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a reclamation and recycling process for graphene oxide, a scaffold comprising graphene oxide, a modular graphene oxide-based microbial fluid filter and a filter tool that allows the correct compression pressure of a modular filtration cartridge, and prevents internal leakage along the internal wall of the filter and thus provides correct sealing of the filter. Such modular graphene oxide-based microbial fluid filter does not require a sub-micrometer pore filtering medium, yet has a microbial filtration efficiency of up to 99.99% and the ability to filter particulates while still providing the filtration flow rates of current filters that do not employ a sub-micrometer pore filtering medium.