Heating filter arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating filters for closed circuits require interrupting the heating circuit for maintenance and backwashing, are complex, and can become blocked, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A heating filter design with a bypass channel and a movable filter element that allows for backwashing without interrupting the circuit, using mechanical means to move the filter element between operating and bypass positions, and a drain valve to manage backwash water, eliminating the need for additional fresh water connections and reducing the risk of heating water discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the heating circuit is interrupted for filter maintenance and backwashing, then the filter can be cleaned effectively, but the heating system operation is disrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing is divided into separate sections with the filter element positioned such that it can be accessed and removed independently. The housing includes a removable cover or access point that allows maintenance personnel to reach the filter element without shutting down the entire heating system, enabling continuous operation during routine inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass channel is introduced as an intermediary flow path that allows heating water to circumvent the filter element during maintenance operations. This bypass enables backwashing and filter cleaning activities to proceed while unfiltered water continues to flow through the system, maintaining heating productivity without complete system interruption.
2Reliability
If a brush filter element is used to remove particles, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the filter becomes prone to blockages and requires complex cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element design incorporates self-cleaning capabilities through its geometric structure. The pleated or corrugated surface geometry creates channels that facilitate automatic flushing of accumulated particles during normal water flow or backwashing operations. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external cleaning devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable particle removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional linear filter element is inverted into a pleated or folded configuration that increases surface area while maintaining compact dimensions. This inverted geometry allows water to flow through multiple alternating channels, creating natural flushing action that prevents blockages and simplifies the removal of accumulated particles during maintenance.
3Device complexity
If the filter element is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the filter cannot be removed or cleaned without system disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to be moved between a fixed operational position and a removable maintenance position. The housing includes guide rails, slots, or magnetic coupling mechanisms that enable the filter element to be easily extracted and reinserted without complex tools or system disconnection, balancing structural simplicity with operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is nested within the filter housing in a telescoping or slide-fit arrangement that allows it to be partially inserted or completely removed as needed. This nesting configuration maintains a compact overall structure when the filter is in place while enabling easy access for cleaning and replacement without requiring complete system disassembly.
4Ease of manufacture
If backwashing is performed with heating water, then fresh water connections are eliminated, but heating water is lost and circuit refilling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The backwashing system is designed to capture and recover the heated water that flows through the bypass during cleaning operations. A collection reservoir or return line redirects the backwash water back into the heating circuit after cooling, preventing complete loss of the valuable thermal resource while still allowing effective filter cleaning to proceed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-cools a portion of the heating water before directing it through the bypass for backwashing purposes. This preliminary cooling action reduces the thermal energy loss during backwashing, and the cooled water is then returned to the circuit, minimizing the overall impact on system thermal balance and reducing the amount of make-up water required.
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 operation of the heating circuit during filter cleaning, simplifies maintenance, reduces the risk of blockages, and minimizes the use of heating water, thus improving efficiency and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
an interior space in which a magnet is arranged to retain magnetizable dirt particles from the heating water
Implementation Method 2
a filter element arranged in a flow direction between the inlet and the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A heating filter (10) for filtering out particles from heating water in a heating circuit, comprising a valve housing (12, 28) with an inlet (14) and an outlet (16) for installation in a pipe of the heating circuit; and a filter element (68) arranged flow-wise between the inlet and outlet; is characterized in that a bypass channel (120) is provided, which is led past the filter element (68) from the inlet (14) to the outlet (16); the filter element (68) and/or a closure element (82, 84) connected to the filter element is movably arranged between an operating position and a bypass position, wherein the bypass channel (120) is blocked by the filter element and/or the closure element in the operating position and is released in the bypass position; and mechanical means (52, 48) for moving the filter element (68) and/or the closure element (82, 84) between the operating position and the bypass position.