Modular Filter Assembly with Disposable Membrane Discs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple filter arrangements for groundwater treatment face challenges such as complex and costly pneumatic packer installations, limited scalability due to complex pump installations, and material degradation from chemical exposure, limiting the number of filter units and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular multiple filter arrangement with interconnected groundwater circuits and flexible pump placement, allowing for adaptive configuration and efficient water exchange between filter units, eliminating the need for complex underground pump installations and enhancing scalability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic packers are used for hydraulic isolation between filter units, then watertight sealing is achieved, but installation complexity and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex pneumatic packers with simple, disposable plastic membrane discs that are inexpensive and require no maintenance. These discs are inserted into the pipe system to create hydraulic isolation between filter units, eliminating the need for complex installation and regular maintenance of pneumatic packers while maintaining reliable watertight sealing.
2Productivity
If pumps are installed in the lower section of conveying pipes to convey water from filter units, then water conveyance is achieved, but the number of filter units is limited due to installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional pump installation approach by placing pumps at the surface level rather than in the lower section of conveying pipes. This allows multiple filter units to be connected in series without the complexity of installing multiple pumps underground, thereby increasing the number of filter units and the overall productivity of the groundwater treatment system.
3Reliability
If pneumatic packers made of non-chemical-resistant materials are used, then hydraulic isolation is achieved, but material deterioration occurs over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-chemical-resistant rubber or plastic materials to chemically resistant plastic membrane discs. This material substitution maintains hydraulic isolation functionality while significantly extending service life by resisting deterioration from chemical exposure in groundwater treatment environments.
4Productivity
If multiple filter units are arranged in an underground shaft, then groundwater treatment capacity is increased, but the complexity of pump installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pumps from the underground shaft environment and relocates them to surface level. This allows multiple filter units to be arranged vertically in the underground shaft for increased treatment capacity, while the pumps operate at surface level where installation and maintenance are significantly easier and less complex.
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 modular design increases the efficiency and adaptability of groundwater treatment by allowing complex filtering processes and flexible pump configurations, reducing maintenance and operational costs while ensuring effective hydraulic isolation between filter units.
Implementation Method 1
Each pipe has impermeable wall segments surrounded by a water-permeable material. In the area of the filter units, the pipe has openings surrounded by a water-permeable material. Water exchange with the surrounding soil can occur via these openings
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A multiple filter arrangement (14) comprising a plurality of filter arrangements (1). Each filter arrangement (1) has a modular arrangement of filter units (6) spaced apart one above the other in a pipe (5), the pipe (5) being located in an underground shaft. In the area of the filter units (6), openings (5a) are provided in the pipe (5) through which water exchange with the surrounding soil (2) can occur, thus creating groundwater cycles in the soil (2) from one filter unit (6) to another. The openings (5a) are designed such that the groundwater cycles of adjacent filter arrangements (1) interact with each other.