High Temperature Filter For Edible Cooking Oil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filters for edible cooking oil used in fryers are inefficient at high temperatures, prone to blinding, and require frequent replacement, leading to significant oil waste and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A filter made from non-woven polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) material that maintains open interstitial openings at temperatures up to 425°F, capable of filtering particulate down to 0.5 microns, and is reusable with minimal oil absorption, allowing extended use and reduced waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filters (cellulose, rayon, stainless steel mesh) are used for filtering cooking oil, then filtration is possible, but the filters become blinded by particulate at high temperatures requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the filter from conventional cellulose/rayon/stainless steel to polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fabric, which has inherent high-temperature resistance. This material parameter change allows the filter to maintain its structural integrity and interstitial openings at cooking temperatures up to 425°F, preventing blinding and extending service life without requiring frequent replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining PPS fabric with a polymeric adhesive to create a heat-resistant filter medium. The PPS fabric provides the structural framework with high-temperature stability, while the polymeric adhesive binds the fabric layers together. This composite material approach enables the filter to withstand high temperatures and particulate accumulation without degrading or becoming blinded.
2Productivity
If filtration is performed at high temperatures (up to 425°F), then oil contamination is reduced, but conventional filters degrade and require replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal stability parameter of the filter material by using PPS fabric, which has a melting point above 425°F. This allows the filter to be operated at high temperatures (up to 425°F) without degrading, maintaining both filtration efficiency and structural stability. The high-temperature operation enables better removal of contaminants while the PPS material ensures the filter remains reliable throughout extended service periods.
3Reliability
If frequent filter replacement is performed, then filtration efficiency is maintained, but significant oil waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the service life parameter of the filter by using PPS fabric, which resists blinding and degradation. This extends the filter's usable life from daily replacement to weekly or monthly replacement, significantly reducing the amount of oil wasted during filter changes. The extended service life is achieved while maintaining filtration quality because the PPS fabric retains its interstitial openings and filtering capability throughout the extended period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the filter a long-lasting, reusable component rather than a disposable one. Conventional filters are cheap and short-lived, requiring frequent replacement; the PPS filter is more expensive initially but lasts much longer, reducing the frequency of replacement and the associated oil waste. This transforms the filter from a consumable item to a durable investment.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional filter materials are used, then manufacturing is simple, but filtration capability at high temperatures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from conventional cellulose/rayon to PPS fabric, which provides inherent high-temperature resistance. This material change enables the filter to achieve the required filtration performance at high temperatures without complex manufacturing processes. The PPS fabric can be manufactured using standard textile techniques, maintaining ease of production while dramatically improving high-temperature filtration 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 PPS filter effectively removes contaminants from cooking oil at high temperatures, extending its lifespan and reducing oil waste, while maintaining filtration efficiency and ease of cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
A filter made from non-woven polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) material that maintains open interstitial openings at temperatures up to 425°F, capable of filtering particulate down to 0.5 microns
Data Source
AI summary
A method for filtering particulate down to 0.5 micron from cooking oil at a filtration temperature of up to 425° Fahrenheit is provided. The method includes providing a filter having a non-woven panel of randomly oriented fibers of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) material and exposing the filter to the oil for a period of time while applying a pressure or vacuum to move the oil through the filter for filtering particulate from the cooking oil.