Helical Support Body for Pleated Filter Backflow Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pleated filters in coalescing separators suffer from sudden collapse and irreparable damage due to backflow, leading to reduced service life and performance deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with a support body in the shape of a helix or coil, such as a helical spring, is integrated within the support tube to support the pleated filter element, providing stability during backflow and preventing collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pleated filter element is used in a coalescing separator, then filter performance is improved, but the filter element collapses and suffers irreparable damage during backflow
Solution Approach 1:
A support body is pre-installed inside the support tube before the pleated filter element is placed. This support body creates a predetermined structural framework that prevents the filter element from collapsing during backflow, allowing the filter to maintain its performance over an extended service life without sudden failure
Solution Approach 2:
The support body acts as an intermediary structure between the support tube and the pleated filter element. It provides mechanical support to the filter element during backflow conditions, preventing direct contact between the collapsing filter and the support tube, thereby avoiding irreparable damage while maintaining filter performance
2Productivity
If the support tube interior is fully utilized for filtration, then productivity is improved, but the pleated filter collapses under backflow pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is designed as a segmented structure with multiple support points distributed along the length of the support tube. This segmentation allows the filter element to maintain its shape and structural integrity during backflow while maximizing the utilization of the support tube interior for filtration, thereby maintaining both productivity and strength
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is added to prevent filter collapse, then filter element stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is designed with a flexible or semi-flexible structure that can adapt to the internal diameter of the support tube while providing sufficient support to prevent filter collapse. This flexible design reduces device complexity compared to rigid support structures, as it eliminates the need for precise manufacturing tolerances and complex assembly procedures while maintaining filter element stability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter device (1) comprising a support tube (10) having an inner surface (11) and an outer surface (12), the inner surface (11) forming an interior space (IR) into which an inlet opening (13) opens, and the through-openings (14) connecting the interior space (IR) to an ambient space (UR) located on the outer surface (12) of the support tube (10), and a first filter element (20) having an inner surface (21) and an outer surface (22), wherein the first filter element (20) is arranged in the interior space (IR) of the support tube (10) and with its outer surface (22) adjacent to the inner surface (11) of the support tube (10). It is provided that a support body (30) is arranged in the interior space (IR) of the support tube (10) and adjacent to the inner surface (21) of the first filter element (20).According to the invention, such a filter device can be arranged in a filter housing and can in particular also be used for separating water from hydrocarbons.