Modular Pipe Loop Distribution System for Filter Zone Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distribution systems for filtering water from swimming ponds or pools face challenges in ensuring uniform flow and easy cleaning without removing the filter bed, leading to sedimentation and oxygen deficiency issues that impair filtration efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A modular distribution system with perforated pipes forming unbranched loops that allow for high-pressure water or air supply and chemical cleaning, enabling effective flushing of contaminants and sediments without disrupting the filter bed, and using modular designs to accommodate various filter zone geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If perforated drainage pipes are positioned at the bottom of the filter zone, then water distribution is achieved, but the pipes are damaged or crushed by filter material, significantly impairing filter performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidpipe integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution system is divided into modular pipe sections that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows the pipes to be positioned on a support structure rather than directly under filter material, preventing crushing while maintaining water distribution functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pipes are elevated from the bottom dimension (direct contact with filter material) to a higher dimension using a support structure. This dimensional change protects the pipes from mechanical damage while preserving their water distribution function through the filter zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If pipes are damaged or clogged with deposits, then filtering performance is impaired, but restoring proper filtration requires removing the filter bed and replacing the tubes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration performanceVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates self-cleaning capabilities through backflushing functionality, allowing the pipes to clean themselves without external intervention or filter bed removal. This maintains filtration performance while simplifying maintenance to a routine flushing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The modular pipe design with connection points allows for preliminary preparation of maintenance access before deposits accumulate. The system is designed from the outset to enable easy cleaning operations, preventing the need for complex filter bed removal procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If uniform flow through filter material is not ensured, then sediment forms in certain areas, but achieving uniform flow requires complex distribution systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow uniformityVSAvoiddistribution system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular pipe sections can be configured with varying numbers and positions of perforations in different segments, allowing local optimization of water distribution to achieve uniform flow through the filter material without requiring a completely complex centralized system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for dynamic adjustment of pipe configurations and perforation patterns to optimize flow distribution. This adaptability enables uniform flow achievement through simple modular arrangements rather than fixed complex designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If deposits accumulate in the distribution system, then oxygen supply to filter material decreases, but cleaning requires filter bed removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen supplyVSAvoidcleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-cleaning through backflushing operations that can be performed without filter bed removal. This maintains oxygen supply to filter material by allowing routine cleaning access, preventing deposit accumulation that would otherwise require complex maintenance interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures uniform water distribution and easy maintenance by allowing effective cleaning of the distribution system in place, preventing sediment accumulation and maintaining oxygen levels, thus enhancing filtration efficiency and extending the system's operational lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

filter zone for mechanical, and/or biological and/or mineral or chemical filtration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

biological filtration works, the principle of which is based on the formation of a biofilm, which is responsible for the breakdown of organic impurities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiological filtration: Aerobic Digestion

Implementation Method 3

it is necessary to ensure an even flow of the entire filter material during mechanical/biological/mineral/chemical processing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow distribution:

Implementation Method 4

perforated, joinable pipes for introducing water originating from swimming ponds or swimming pools into a filter zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPerforated flow distribution:

Data Source

PatentEP2924010B1Distribution system for introducing water in a filter zone
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 KURZMANN HEIMO
  • EP2924010B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2924010B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2924010B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Distribution system with perforated (6b) connectable pipes (6) for introducing water from swimming ponds, swimming pools, and the like into a filter zone (8) for mechanical, and/or biological and/or mineral or chemical filtration, wherein the filter zone (8) comprises a filter basin or filter tank containing at least one filter medium. The interconnected pipes (6) form at least one unbranched pipe loop running through the filter zone, which extends between an inlet point into the filter zone (8) and an outlet point from the filter zone (8). Due to the unbranched arrangement of the pipes (6) as a pipe loop, when the pipes are flushed with a high-pressure pump, the loosened dirt exits at the second end of the pipe loop, thus eliminating the need to remove the pipes for cleaning.In a preferred embodiment, the distribution system consists of a number of flat, cuboid modules (1, 2, 3, 4). The open-ended pipes (6) run through the housing (5) of the modules.