Liquid–Fine-Solids Separation With Localized Filter-Cake Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid and fine solids separating devices face challenges in efficiently removing solid particle cakes without altering the product environment, requiring complex operations like turning filters or using external cleaning liquids, and lack versatility for different separation needs.
Innovation Solution
A device with interchangeable filters and a perforated plate that uses radial blades to apply pressurized fluid or suction locally on the plate surface, combined with scraping, to clean, dry, or accelerate separation, all while maintaining product integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If compressed air is used to detach filter cake from filter medium, then cleaning cost is reduced, but product environment control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filter bottom is segmented into multiple sectors, each equipped with independent scraping elements and fluid injection nozzles. This segmentation allows localized cleaning actions that prevent cake accumulation without requiring complete filter inversion or exposure to external environments, thus maintaining product environment control while achieving effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid intermediary (liquid or gas) is injected through nozzles positioned between the filter medium and cake layer. This intermediary facilitates cake detachment and removal by the scraping elements without requiring direct compressed air application to the filter medium itself, thereby maintaining controlled product environment while achieving cleaning objectives.
2Ease of operation
If filter is turned 180° for cake discharge, then cleaning is simplified, but product environment control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The filter bottom is designed with rotational capability that allows dynamic adjustment of cleaning elements' positions and orientations. This enables the scraping elements to effectively remove cake from any position on the filter surface without requiring complete filter inversion, maintaining product environment control while achieving thorough cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the entire filter 180° in a single dimension, the invention introduces a second dimension of movement through independently controllable scraping elements that can move radially and axially. This multi-dimensional approach allows cake removal from all filter surfaces without compromising product environment control.
3Productivity
If continuous filtration is maintained, then productivity is improved, but filter clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic cleaning cycles where fluid injection and scraping elements are activated at regular intervals during continuous filtration. This periodic action prevents cake accumulation and filter clogging while maintaining continuous productivity, as the cleaning occurs without interrupting the overall filtration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraping elements and fluid injection system are designed to operate continuously or near-continuously during filtration, maintaining constant cake removal capability. This ensures that the filter surface remains clean and functional throughout the filtration process, preventing clogging while sustaining high productivity.
4Reliability
If cleaning liquid is applied under pressure against liquid flow, then sieve cleaning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the existing filtration structure by integrating fluid injection nozzles and scraping elements directly into the filter bottom assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate external cleaning systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective sieve cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system performs its own cleaning through self-contained fluid injection and scraping mechanisms integrated into the filter structure. The cleaning media is delivered through the filter bottom itself, and scraping elements are positioned to automatically remove cake without requiring external cleaning equipment, thereby simplifying the overall device while ensuring reliable cleaning.
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
Efficiently removes solid particle cakes without altering the product environment, enhances filtering speed, and adapts to various separation tasks through localized fluid application and scraping, improving overall efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
applying a pressurised fluid on successive localised areas of the lower surface of the perforated plate to clean the filter
Implementation Method 2
applying suction on successive localised areas of the lower surface of the perforated plate to accelerate the filtering and separation of the liquid
Implementation Method 3
scraping the lower surface of the perforated plate to eliminate the product suspended from it
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a liquid and fine solids separating device, comprising a tank (1) containing a mixture of liquid and fine solids to be separated, provided with a lower mouth coupled with a support structure (2) carrying at least one interchangeable filter (3) and a fixed perforated plate (4), arranged below the filter (3); and rotary radial blades (5) provided with a plurality of holes (51) that project pressurised fluid in an upward direction against the perforated plate (4), said fluid passing through the holes of the fixed plate towards the filter (3) to remove the solid particles accumulated in said filter (3). The device incorporates additional blades (9) with a scraper (91) that acts against the lower surface of the perforated plate (4).