Hydroclone Filtration System for Small Particle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroclones are not well-suited for filtering applications that require the removal of small-sized particles from large volumes of water, limiting their use in pre-filtering drinking water and other applications due to limitations in filtering ability.
Innovation Solution
A hydroclone-based fluid filtering system with a tapered, frusto-conically shaped chamber and a stepped surface filter that reduces eddies and countercurrents, combined with a circulating cleaning assembly and improved intake structures to enhance particle separation and filter efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing hydroclones are used for particle separation, then larger particles can be removed from water, but small-sized particles cannot be effectively filtered
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroclone is divided into distinct functional zones: an upper separation chamber for initial particle separation and a lower filtration chamber with a filter element for capturing small particles. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, enabling effective removal of both large and small particles from water
Solution Approach 2:
A filter element is introduced as an intermediary component between the separation chamber and the discharge outlet. This filter element acts as a mediator that captures small particles that pass through the hydroclone separation process, thereby enhancing the overall filtering ability for small particles while maintaining the hydroclone's existing separation function
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional filters are used to remove small particles, then filtering efficiency improves, but the system requires large physical space and consumable filters
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroclone separation mechanism and the filter element are merged into a single integrated device. The filter element is positioned within the hydroclone structure, allowing the centrifugal separation and filtration processes to occur in close proximity. This combination achieves high particle removal efficiency while minimizing the physical space required compared to separate hydroclone and filter systems
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element serves multiple functions: it captures small particles that pass through hydroclone separation, provides additional filtration surface area within a compact volume, and can be designed to accommodate different pore sizes for various particle removal requirements. This multi-functionality enables the system to achieve high filtering efficiency without requiring large physical space
3Productivity
If a vortex is created in the hydroclone chamber, then particle separation occurs, but eddies and countercurrents reduce filtering effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is strategically positioned in the lower chamber where flow conditions are more stable and less affected by eddies and countercurrents. This local positioning ensures that the filtration function operates in a zone with more favorable flow characteristics, thereby maintaining high filtering effectiveness despite the presence of vortices in the upper separation chamber
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 system effectively filters small particles from large volumes of water, improving the cleanliness of discharged water and reducing maintenance needs by using a self-cleaning surface filter design, suitable for various water treatment and filtering applications.
Implementation Method 1
a vortex of flowing fluid is formed between the chamber wall and the filter
Implementation Method 2
Centrifugal force tends to cause heavier particles to move towards the periphery of the vortex
Implementation Method 3
A filter (which is preferably a surface filter) is positioned within the internal chamber of the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of improved hydroclone based fluid filtering systems are described. The hydroclones generally include a tank having an internal chamber and a filter (preferably a surface filter) that is positioned within the internal chamber. The filter defines a filtered fluid chamber within the internal chamber of the tank. The hydroclone may be operated such that a vortex of flowing fluid is formed between the chamber wall and the filter with the filter being located in the center of the vortex. With this arrangement, the filter acts as a cross-flow filter. In one aspect of the invention, a circulating cleaning assembly is provided in the hydroclone region. In yet another aspect of the invention, improved hydroclone intake structures are described.