Nanofiber Filter Medium with Buffer Layer for High-Pressure Backwashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filter media face challenges in maintaining mechanical strength and filtration efficiency while minimizing deformation and damage during backwashing, especially when subjected to high pressure, leading to issues with delamination and reduced water permeability.
Innovation Solution
A filter medium comprising a first support with a plurality of pores, a nanofiber web forming a three-dimensional network structure on both sides of the support, and a second support interposed between them, with specific conditions for elongation rate, air permeability, porosity, and tensile strength to ensure mechanical stability and high flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure is applied to remove foreign substances from the filter medium, then filtration performance is restored, but the filter medium may be damaged or delamination may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer layer between the filtration layer and the support layer that acts as a cushion during backwashing. This buffer layer absorbs and distributes the high pressure applied during backwashing, preventing direct transmission of stress to the filtration layer and support layer interface, thereby preventing delamination while still enabling effective removal of foreign substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer layer serves as an intermediary element between the filtration layer and the support layer. It mediates the mechanical stress during backwashing by providing a compliant interface that protects the filtration layer from direct high-pressure damage while still allowing the backwashing function to occur effectively.
2Productivity
If the amount of nanofiber is decreased to reduce filter medium size, then water permeability increases, but mechanical strength is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of the nanofiber filtration layer, the buffer layer, and the support layer. This composite structure allows the nanofiber layer to be optimized for filtration performance with appropriate thickness for water permeability, while the additional buffer and support layers provide the necessary mechanical strength and stability without compromising the nanofiber layer's permeability.
3Productivity
If the thickness of filtration media is increased to increase filtration efficiency, then filtration efficiency improves, but pressure loss increases and water permeability is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filtration system into functionally distinct segments: a thin nanofiber filtration layer for high-efficiency particle capture, a buffer layer for mechanical support and pressure distribution, and a support layer for structural stability. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, enabling high filtration efficiency with minimal thickness in the critical nanofiber layer, thereby reducing pressure loss while maintaining water permeability.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter medium is provided. The filter medium according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first support body having a plurality of pores; a nanofiber web comprising nanofibers disposed on upper and lower sides of the first support body and forming a three dimensional network structure; and a second support body having a plurality of pores interposed between the first support body and the nanofiber web, wherein the nanofiber web is realized as a filter medium that satisfies: (1) an elongation of 25% or more, (2) an air permeability of 0.1 to 2.00 cfm, and 3) porosity of 60%˜85%. Accordingly, since the filter medium has a fixed level of mechanical properties of the nanofiber web, the shape, structure deformation, and damage of the filter medium are minimized and a flow path is smoothly secured during a water treatment operation so that the filter medium can have a high flow rate. In addition, since the filter medium of the present invention has a prolonged use life due to excellent durability of the filter medium even at high pressure applied during backwashing, and has excellent filtration efficiency and water permeability, the filter medium can be applied in various ways in various water treatment fields.