Metal Filter Cleaning Using Bubble Action and Centrifugal Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning metal filters, such as ultrasonic cleaning, require significant space, time, and water resources, and are inefficient in removing foreign substances from the filters used in large-scale production facilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a cylindrical metal filter with a vertically elevatable and horizontally slidable jig in a single cleaning bath, where compressed air and water are used to generate bubbles and rinse the filter, followed by drying with heated air, to efficiently remove foreign substances while minimizing space and water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic cleaning method is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but installation space and cleaning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cleaning, rinsing, and drying operations into a single integrated bath unit. The cleaning bath serves multiple functions: it contains cleaning solution for washing, drains for rinsing, and heating elements for drying. This merging of functions reduces the overall installation space required compared to separate ultrasonic cleaning, rinsing, and drying equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning bath is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs cleaning, rinsing, and drying operations. The bath can accommodate different operational modes: filling with cleaning solution for washing, draining for rinsing with potable water, and heating for drying. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate equipment pieces.
2Reliability
If ultrasonic cleaning method is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating the cleaning solution and maintaining optimal cleaning conditions before the actual cleaning cycle begins. The heating elements prepare the cleaning environment in advance, and the automated sequence ensures that rinsing and drying are immediately prepared, reducing overall cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process maintains continuous useful action through automated sequencing. The bath fills with cleaning solution, performs cleaning, then automatically drains and fills with rinsing water, and finally heats for drying without interruption. This continuous automated process eliminates idle time between operations that would occur with manual ultrasonic cleaning methods.
3Reliability
If traditional cleaning process is used, then cleaning is achieved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system discards used cleaning solution through controlled drainage and recovers clean potable water by using it for the rinsing cycle after cleaning. The same bath volume is reused for multiple purposes: cleaning solution for washing, then rinsing water for flushing, and finally heated for drying. This recovery and reuse approach significantly reduces overall water consumption compared to traditional methods that use separate large volumes for each step.
4Device complexity
If multiple separate baths are used for cleaning, rinsing, and drying, then process separation is improved, but space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cleaning, rinsing, and drying functions into a single bath unit while maintaining process separation through controlled operational sequences. The bath is equipped with separate drainage systems for cleaning solution and rinsing water, and heating elements for drying, allowing distinct processes to occur in the same physical space. This merging maintains functional separation while maximizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic operational modes to achieve process separation within a static single-bath structure. The bath dynamically transitions between different functions: filling with cleaning solution for washing, draining and filling with rinsing water for rinsing, and heating for drying. This dynamic reconfiguration allows complete process separation without requiring multiple permanent physical compartments.
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 method reduces installation space, decreases water consumption, enhances cleaning efficiency through bubble action and centrifugal force, and prevents water escape during the closed-bath process, achieving effective cleaning and drying of metal filters.
Implementation Method 1
spraying compressed air through the nozzle to discharge bubbles toward an inner surface of the metal filter
Implementation Method 2
enhances cleaning efficiency through bubble action and centrifugal force
Implementation Method 3
spraying the compressed air through the nozzle to dry the metal filter
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning method according to the present invention comprises mounting the metal filter on a jig that is vertically elevatable and horizontally slidable in a cleaning bath so that the opening is faced downward, descending the jig so that a first nozzle installed in the cleaning bath enters the opening, injecting a predetermined amount of water and a cleaning solution into the cleaning bath so that the metal filter is immersed, spraying compressed air through the first nozzle to discharge bubbles of the compressed air toward an inner surface of the metal filter, draining the cleaning bath, spraying water through a second nozzle to remove the cleaning solution from the metal filter, and spraying the compressed air through the first nozzle to dry the metal filter. An apparatus for cleaning a metal filter is also disclosed.