Hydrocarbon Filter Apparatus with Segmented Treatment Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently and economically removing hydrocarbons from large quantities of contaminated water, often clogging due to debris and sediment, which requires pre-filtration to maintain apparatus functionality and achieve high liquid flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus with a housing divided into treatment zones, using a separating member with holes and distribution tubes for fluid communication, combined with filtration barriers and media comprising polymers and activated carbon to remove hydrocarbons, and optionally a secondary treatment zone for further purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive filtering devices are used to remove hydrocarbons from contaminated water, then hydrocarbon removal is achieved, but the devices become clogged by debris and sediment
Solution Approach 1:
The filter apparatus is divided into multiple treatment zones (first treatment zone with filtration barrier for particulate matter, second treatment zone with particulate filtration media for hydrocarbons, and optionally a third treatment zone for secondary hydrocarbon removal). This segmentation allows different filtration functions to be performed in separate zones, preventing debris from clogging the hydrocarbon filtration media while maintaining reliable hydrocarbon removal capability.
2Reliability
If pre-filtration is added to remove debris and sediment, then clogging is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter apparatus combines multiple filtration functions (particulate matter removal and hydrocarbon removal) into a single integrated device with multiple treatment zones. The housing contains all treatment zones, distribution tubes, and filtration media within one structure, eliminating the need for separate pre-filtration devices while maintaining reliability through functional integration.
3Reliability
If filtration media is used to remove hydrocarbons, then hydrocarbon removal efficiency is achieved, but liquid flow rate decreases due to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the filtration process into separate zones where the first treatment zone removes particulate matter and the second treatment zone removes hydrocarbons, the apparatus prevents clogging of the hydrocarbon filtration media. This maintains high liquid flow rates while achieving effective hydrocarbon removal, as debris is removed upstream before reaching the hydrocarbon filtration media.
Solution Approach 2:
The first treatment zone performs preliminary filtration of particulate matter before the liquid enters the second treatment zone for hydrocarbon removal. This preliminary action prevents debris from reaching and clogging the hydrocarbon filtration media, maintaining both flow rate and removal efficiency throughout operation.
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 apparatus effectively filters hydrocarbons from contaminated water while preventing clogging by particulate media, achieving high liquid flow rates and efficient hydrocarbon removal, with the secondary treatment zone ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
Implementation Method 1
a filtration barrier within the first treatment zone for removing particulate matter from the liquid flowing through the first treatment zone
Implementation Method 2
a particulate filtration media within the second treatment zone and surrounding the at least one distribution tube, and comprising at least one polymer for removing hydrocarbons from the water flowing through the second treatment zone
Implementation Method 3
The particulate filtration media may further comprise particles of activated carbon
Data Source
AI summary
A filter apparatus for treating hydrocarbon contaminated water comprising a housing defining an internal cavity and having an inlet and an outlet; a separating member that separates the internal cavity into a first treatment zone and a second treatment zone, wherein the first treatment zone is in fluid communication with the inlet and the second treatment zone is in fluid communication with the outlet, the separating member having one or more holes therethrough for fluid flow from the first treatment zone to the second treatment zone; at least one distribution tube within the second treatment zone having an end enclosing at least one of the holes to accept liquid flowing through the hole, the distribution tube further having perforations along its length for distributing liquid into the second treatment zone; a filtration barrier within the first treatment zone for removing particulate matter from the liquid flowing therethrough; and a particulate filtration media within the second treatment zone, surrounding the distribution tube, comprising at least one polymer for removing hydrocarbons from the water flowing through the second treatment zone prior to exiting the outlet.