Nested Tubular Filter Elements for Sequential Fluid Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid treatment devices face limitations in efficiency and versatility, particularly in performing different treatment steps such as separation of solids, liquids, or combinations thereof, depending on intended use.

Innovation Solution

A fluid treatment device with first and second tubular elements forming a flow chamber, where the first element has a uniform or non-uniform contour and the second element has a complementary contour, allowing for tailored treatment steps and flow behavior, with the selection of contour determining the treatment properties and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional filter device with single or multiple filter cartridges is used, then basic filtration function is achieved, but treatment efficiency and versatility for different separation requirements (solids-liquid, liquid-liquid) are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment versatilityVSAvoidtreatment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple treatment chambers (first treatment chamber with first filter element, second treatment chamber with second filter element) that can be arranged in series. Each chamber performs a specific treatment step, allowing the system to handle different separation requirements (solids-liquid separation in first chamber, liquid-liquid separation in second chamber) independently and efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to perform multiple treatment functions within a single integrated system. By combining different filter elements (depth filter, surface filter, coalescing filter) in different chambers, the device can accomplish both solids-liquid separation and liquid-liquid separation, making it versatile for various applications without requiring multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If filter elements with fixed contours are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but flow distribution uniformity and treatment performance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidflow distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filter elements are designed with non-uniform contours that create different local flow characteristics. The contour is specifically shaped to distribute flow more uniformly across the filter surface in critical areas, improving treatment performance without requiring complex manufacturing processes throughout the entire element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single chamber design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform sequential treatment steps (solids separation followed by liquid separation) is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechamber structure complexityVSAvoidsequential treatment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The second treatment chamber is positioned inside or adjacent to the first treatment chamber, with the first filter element extending into the second chamber. This nested arrangement allows sequential treatment steps to occur in a compact configuration, maintaining relatively simple device complexity while enabling sophisticated multi-stage treatment functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 efficient fluid flow and high treatment efficiency by routing fluid across a large surface area, enabling effective separation and coalescence processes, and allowing for modular design and easy replacement of elements for cost-effective operation.

Implementation Method 1

enabling effective separation and coalescence processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoalescence: Coagulation

Data Source

PatentUS11219847B2Device for treating fluid
Publication Date: 2022.01.11 HYDAC PROCESS TECH
  • US11219847B2 patent drawing
  • US11219847B2 patent drawing
  • US11219847B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for treating fluid, in particular a filter device, has first and second tubular elements (12), (14) forming an element assembly (10). One element (14) is accommodated in the other element (12) forming a flow chamber (33) between the two elements (12, 14), with a first element (12) arranged in the direction of the inflow side (29) of a fluid to be treated and a second element (14) arranged in the direction of the outflow side (31) of the treated fluid in the element assembly (10). During the fluid treatment, the flow is routed through both elements (12, 14) in succession from the direction of the inflow side (29) towards the outflow side (31). In a joint viewing direction (P), the first element (12) facing the inflow side (29) at least partially has a uniform or non-uniform contour and the second element (14) facing the outflow side (31) at least partially has a non-uniform or uniform contour.