Nozzle Filter with Tapered Inlet for Debris Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nozzles in fluid flow systems, such as sprinkler systems, often become blocked due to scale, debris, and marine growth, which can impede fire suppression and pose safety risks, with traditional filtration methods being inadequate as they can become blocked and restrict fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle apparatus featuring a filter with a tapered, dome-shaped inlet and multiple slots extending parallel to the longitudinal direction, which directs debris away from the filter's inlet, ensuring that only small debris enters, reducing the likelihood of blockages and maintaining fluid flow without restricting the nozzle's outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional upstream screen filter is used, then larger particles are blocked, but the filter itself becomes blocked and restricts fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first filter section with larger filtration capacity positioned upstream, and a second filter section with smaller filtration capacity positioned downstream. This segmentation allows the first section to handle larger particles while the second section captures finer debris, distributing the filtration load to prevent clogging of any single section and maintaining fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane filtration approach to a multi-sectional filtration system arranged in series along the fluid flow path. This dimensional arrangement allows different filtration stages to operate simultaneously at different locations, improving overall system reliability without compromising flow.
2Productivity
If the filter inlet cross-sectional area is large, then more fluid can enter, but debris is more likely to be drawn into the filter and block the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the filter have different local qualities: the first filter section has a larger cross-sectional area and higher filtration capacity positioned where debris concentration is highest, while the second section has a smaller area positioned downstream. This local differentiation optimizes both flow capacity and blockage resistance at each stage of filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The first filter section performs preliminary filtration of larger particles before the fluid reaches the second filter section. This preliminary action removes coarse debris that would otherwise clog the narrower passages of the second section, allowing the system to maintain high flow capacity while preventing blockages.
3Reliability
If the filter extends far into the pipeline, then debris is better captured, but the filter becomes more susceptible to blockage from build-up on the inner edge
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple sections positioned at different locations within the pipeline. This segmentation allows debris capture to occur at multiple points along the flow path rather than relying on a single extended filter element, reducing the surface area exposed to debris build-up while maintaining high capture efficiency.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of nozzle blockages, maintains fluid flow and pressure, and prevents injuries from debris, ensuring the system's reliability and safety in firefighting applications.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid flows from a pipeline into the filter through the inlet and the plurality of slots, through the bore of tube, and out of the filter through the outlet into the nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a filter comprising a tube extending from a first end to a second end and having a bore with an internal cross-sectional area. The tube comprises an inlet with an inlet cross-sectional area which is positioned through the first end of the tube. The tube also comprises an outlet with an outlet cross-sectional area, wherein the inlet cross-sectional area is less than the outlet cross-sectional area and so debris small enough to enter the inlet will tend not to block the outlet, which is larger. The filter further comprises a plurality of further inlets, often slots, in the tube between an outside thereof and the bore. The filter has a mounting means for a pipeline and a mounting means for a nozzle; these may be threaded mounting means. The filter may be attached to a pipeline and a nozzle.