Movable Filter Device for In-Situ Fluid Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current filtration solutions for dangerous fluids, particularly in nuclear research or irradiation reactors, are complex and costly, and existing methods are ineffective in preventing hydrogen absorption by zirconium alloys, which alters their mechanical properties and compromises experiment results.

Innovation Solution

A filtering device is configured to move within the fluid container, allowing fluid to pass through a filter in one direction while preventing reverse flow, eliminating the need for external filtration circuits and temperature control systems, and ensuring effective filtration without dispersing residues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated filtration circuit with pump and temperature control is implemented, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the filtration function from the complex dedicated circuit and implements it directly inside the fluid container using a simple movable filter device, eliminating the need for external pumps and temperature control systems while maintaining effective filtration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The filtering device utilizes the natural movement of the fluid container or its own movement to drive filtration, eliminating the need for external power sources and control systems, making the system self-sufficient and highly reliable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If passive gravity-based filtration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but filtration rapidity and effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidfiltration rapidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static passive filtration into a dynamic system where the filter moves with the fluid container, continuously engaging with the fluid to maintain high filtration rapidity while keeping the device simple and gravity-based

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the filtering device allows bidirectional fluid flow, then ease of operation is improved, but residue dispersion increases causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoidresidue dispersion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric valve arrangement where intake valves are positioned at upstream locations and outlet valves at downstream locations, creating one-way flow control that prevents residue-laden fluid from re-entering the filter while allowing flexible device movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional filtration approach by filtering at the inlet rather than the outlet, and positions valves to control flow in the opposite direction of conventional systems, ensuring residues are trapped and cannot disperse back into the fluid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This solution provides a simple, reliable, and economical method for filtering dangerous fluids in situ, preventing pollution and maintaining the integrity of experimental samples by ensuring all residues are trapped on the filter's inner face, reducing the risk of contamination and experimental distortion.

Implementation Method 1

a filtering device configured to be moved inside a fluid to be filtered... in such a way that when the filtering device is moved in a first movement direction, at least one part of the fluid passes through the filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The filtering device is configured in such a way as to prevent the fluid from passing through the filter in a second filtering direction opposite to the first filtering direction when the filtering device is moved in a second movement direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10532300B2Filtering device

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A filtering device, a system including the filtering device, and methods of using the filtering device. The filtering device is configured to be arranged inside a fluid to be filtered and comprising at least one main filter and a filter holder supporting the main filter. The filtering device is configured to be moved inside the fluid, in such a way that when the filtering device is moved in a first movement direction, at least one part of the fluid passes through the main filter in a first filtering direction. The filtering device is configured in such a way as to prevent the fluid from passing through the main filter in a second filtering direction opposite to the first filtering direction when the filtering device is moved in a second movement direction opposite to the first movement direction.