Parallel Filter Elements for Particle and Varnish Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter devices struggle to efficiently remove both solid particles and oil aging products (varnish) from fluid streams, as they are typically designed to address only one type of contamination, leading to inefficiencies and the need for frequent filter element replacement.

Innovation Solution

A filter device comprising a combination of two filter elements integrated into a single unit, where one element removes particles and the other removes oil aging products, connected in parallel, with pleated and annular cellulose discs for increased surface area and flow guidance, and a throttle orifice for uniform fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single filter element is used to remove particles, then particle filtration is effective, but oil aging products (varnish) cannot be removed efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidcontamination type coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different filter elements (particle filter with pleated material and varnish filter with cellulose discs) into a single housing, allowing both particle removal and oil aging product removal to occur simultaneously in one filtration unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter device is designed to perform multiple filtration functions (particle removal and varnish removal) within a single system, making it universally applicable to fluids contaminated with both solid particles and oil aging products

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

2Reliability

If multiple filter elements are combined in series, then both particle and varnish removal are achieved, but pressure loss increases and flow uniformity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant removal capabilityVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The filter device segments the filtration process by dividing it into two parallel paths: one for particle filtration and another for varnish removal, allowing simultaneous processing without series connection pressure penalties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A throttle orifice is introduced as an intermediary component to regulate and equalize fluid flow distribution between the parallel filter elements, ensuring uniform flow and preventing excessive pressure loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stress or pressure

If filter elements are connected in parallel, then flow uniformity improves and pressure loss decreases, but without flow regulation the distribution between elements is uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure lossVSAvoidflow distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A throttle orifice is introduced as an intermediary component to regulate and equalize fluid flow distribution between the parallel filter elements, ensuring uniform flow and preventing excessive pressure loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The throttle orifice modifies the flow parameters (velocity, pressure distribution) to achieve uniform flow distribution across parallel filter elements with different flow characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient and continuous treatment of fluid streams by simultaneously removing both types of contaminants, extending the filter element life and ensuring uniform fluid flow, thus enhancing the overall filtration process.

Implementation Method 1

clean contaminated fluid, for example in the form of a hydraulic fluid, supplied in a filter housing, of particle contamination by means of the filter material of a filter element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the filter element for receiving oil aging products is formed from individual annular discs arranged one above the other, which consist at least partially of cellulose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4475975B1Filter apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 HYDAC FLUIDCARECENT
  • EP4475975B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4475975B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4475975B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filter apparatus consists of a combination of various filter elements (10, 12) combined to form a structural unit, one filter element (10) of these filter elements serving to clean off particles and another filter element (12) to clean oil oxidation products from a fluid stream, the filter elements (10, 12) being mounted in parallel to each other for the respective cleaning of the fluid stream.