Plate Heat Exchanger Port Filter Assembly for Fast Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter assemblies for cleaning working media in plate heat exchangers are time-consuming to connect and disconnect, require additional space, and do not effectively accumulate all unwanted particles, thereby prolonging downtime and affecting flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with inlet and outlet ports, featuring a proximal and distal flange with filter tubes that receive elongated filter elements, having inlet holes arranged linearly for efficient particle retention and a beveled surface for easy insertion, allowing direct mounting into the heat exchanger ports without additional connections, and a drainage system for filtered particles prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter assembly with multiple filter cartridges is installed downstream of the condensation chamber, then the working medium can be cleaned, but the filter assembly is time-consuming to connect and disconnect and requires additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into multiple filter tubes (at least two) that can be independently inserted and removed through the inlet port. Each filter tube contains a filter element, allowing the system to process large volumes of working medium through parallel filtration paths while maintaining quick access for maintenance of individual tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter elements are nested within filter tubes, which are in turn inserted into the filter assembly housing. This nested structure allows compact arrangement of multiple filtration stages within a space-constrained environment while enabling easy removal of individual filter elements for cleaning or replacement without dismantling the entire assembly.
2Reliability
If a filter assembly with multiple filter cartridges is installed downstream of the condensation chamber, then the working medium can be cleaned, but the filter assembly requires additional space in the setting of the module
Solution Approach 1:
The filter tubes are arranged vertically one above the other within the filter assembly housing, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than spreading components horizontally. This vertical stacking allows multiple filter elements to be accommodated in a compact footprint, fitting within the constrained space of the plate heat exchanger module while maintaining effective filtration capacity.
3Productivity
If filters with big openings are arranged in the inlet pipe to enable large throughput flow, then the flow rate is maintained, but the filters do not accumulate all unwanted particles
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the filter element serve different functions: the upper portion with larger openings allows high throughput flow, while the lower portion features smaller openings or a collection chamber that effectively accumulates and retains particles. This gradient in opening sizes across different locations of the filter element simultaneously achieves high flow rate and effective particle accumulation.
4Reliability
If filters are permanently mounted in the plate heat exchanger during continuous operation, then the working medium is cleaned, but the flow rate through the plate heat exchanger is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than permanently fixed. The filter tubes can be easily inserted, removed, or replaced without permanent mounting, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements. This dynamic design enables quick maintenance and replacement of filter elements without affecting the overall flow characteristics of the plate heat exchanger.
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 solution enables quick and efficient cleaning of the working medium with reduced space requirements, preventing particle return to the heat exchanger and minimizing flow rate impact, thus reducing downtime and improving maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The filter assembly comprises a proximal flange and a distal flange and at least one filter tube attached at respective ends to the proximal flange and the distal flange, respectively, wherein the at least one filter tube is adapted to receive an elongated filter element
Implementation Method 2
a drainage system for filtered particles prevention
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e
AI summary
A filter assembly (1) for a plate heat exchanger (10) comprising inlet and outlet ports (11) for passage of a working medium and a cooling or heating fluid, respectively, wherein the filter assembly (1) is dimensioned to fit into the inlet or outlet ports (11), wherein the filter assembly (1) comprises a proximal flange (3a) and a distal flange (3b) and at least one filter tube (4) attached at respective ends to the proximal flange (3a) and the distal flange (3b), respectively, wherein the at least one filter tube (4) is adapted to receive an elongated filter element (2) and further comprises a plurality of inlet holes (4a) arranged on a circumferential surface thereof, and wherein the distal flange (3b) comprises at least one through-going outlet aperture (4b) in fluid communication with the interior of the at least one filter tube (4).