Backwashable Heating Filter with Floating Granular Media
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating filters for closed circuits are complex, prone to clogging, and require multiple operational steps for backwashing, which can lead to unwanted water flow back into the heating circuit and reduced efficiency due to magnet capacity limitations.
Innovation Solution
A backwashable heating filter using granular or bead filter material with a lower density than water, allowing for effective backwashing without water flow reversal into the circuit, combined with a magnet positioned downstream of the filter material for particle removal and a venting mechanism to release gases, ensuring easy maintenance and reduced clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is used to remove metallic particles in the flow, then particle removal is effective, but the magnet capacity is easily exhausted by coarse particles
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration process is segmented into two stages: first, the filter material (granules, beads, or fluidizable material) captures coarse particles during normal operation; second, the magnet downstream removes fine metallic particles. This segmentation prevents coarse particles from overwhelming the magnet, extending its service life while maintaining effective particle removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter material acts as an intermediary between the heating water and the magnet. It pre-filters the water, removing coarse particles before the water reaches the magnet downstream. This intermediary function protects the magnet from rapid capacity exhaustion while ensuring comprehensive particle removal.
2Ease of operation
If backwashing is performed by reversing water flow through the filter, then dirt particles are carried away, but heating water can flow back into the heating circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The filter sleeve is designed to be movable axially between an operating position and a backwash position. In the operating position, it allows heating water to flow through the filter material. In the backwash position, it redirects fresh water through the filter material in reverse flow to carry away dirt particles, while preventing heating water from returning to the heating circuit. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between backwashing capability and heating circuit protection.
3Ease of repair
If multiple handles and taps are operated for filter cleaning, then wiping elements can clean the brush, but the arrangement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filter enables self-service backwashing by utilizing the existing heating water flow itself. When the filter sleeve is moved to the backwash position, the heating water flow automatically reverses through the filter material, carrying away dirt particles without requiring external cleaning equipment or multiple operational steps. This self-service mechanism simplifies the arrangement while maintaining effective filter cleaning capability.
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 provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance filter that effectively removes dirt particles and gases from the heating circuit during backwashing without interrupting the water flow, maintaining hydraulic separation and extending the magnet's service life by retaining coarse particles within the filter material.
Implementation Method 1
the filter material is made of granules, beads or other fluidizable material, the density of which is lower than the density of water, so that the material floats on the surface of the water
Implementation Method 2
a magnet positioned downstream of the filter material for particle removal
Data Source
AI summary
A backwashable heating filter (10) comprising a closed housing (18, 20; 218) that can be integrated into a heating circuit, with an inlet (14; 214) and outlet (16; 216) each connected to the heating circuit and with a lockable drain (26; 226); a sleeve (42; 242) arranged longitudinally movably in the housing, the diameter of which is selected such that an intermediate space (46, 246) connected to the inlet is formed between the sleeve and the housing, and filter material (58; 258) located in the sleeve (42; 242) for removing particles from the water flowing through the heating circuit and the heating filter, wherein the filter sleeve (42) or a lifting element (251) arranged in the filter sleeve (242) is arranged axially movably between two stops (50, 54; 263, 262) such that a transition (56; 256) from the intermediate space (46; 246) to the interior of the sleeve (42;242) is blocked in the backwash position and at the same time fresh water from a fresh water supply (118, 120; 318, 320) is directed to the interior of the sleeve (42; 242); is characterized in that the filter material (58; 258) is formed of granules, beads or other turbulent material whose density is less than the density of water, so that the material floats on the water surface, and in the backwash position the connection from the fresh water supply to the heating circuit is interrupted.;