Pleated Filter Section Coupling for Gas-Tight Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to develop a filter assembly that can efficiently replace traditional fabric filter bags with pleated media filter cartridges in baghouses, given the limitations of current pleated media length and handling difficulties due to rigid design and shipping constraints, while ensuring secure and leak-proof connections between filter sections.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a coupling system featuring radially extending hook portions and tubular sections that securely connect pleated filter sections, allowing for axial engagement and disengagement, and a method for installing and removing filter sections from a tube sheet, ensuring a gas-tight seal and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If pleated media filter cartridges are made relatively long (up to 4 meters or more) to occupy the same space as fabric filter bags, then the filtering area is increased, but the filter cartridges become difficult to handle, transport and install
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge is divided into multiple modular filter sections (first filter section, second filter section, etc.) that can be handled and transported separately. Each section has a manageable length that fits within shipping and handling constraints, while the sections are connected via coupling portions to form the complete long-filter assembly when installed.
2Reliability
If conventional threaded connectors are used to connect filter sections, then the filter sections can be joined, but the connectors are difficult to connect when there are imperfections in the threads and manufacturing defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using threaded connections where male threads engage with female threads, the invention uses a hook-and-loop style coupling where radially extending hook portions engage with corresponding portions on adjacent sections. This inversion of the connection mechanism eliminates threading imperfections and provides more reliable connection even with manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism changes the connection parameter from threaded engagement (requiring precise thread pitch and alignment) to radial hook engagement (tolerant of dimensional variations). This parameter change allows for simpler manufacturing while maintaining connection reliability.
3Reliability
If filter sections are designed to be securely connected, then leak-proof connections are achieved, but the required axial pull force of 5300-7100 N makes disconnection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system incorporates dynamic elements including radially flexible sections that can flex during connection and disengagement. These flexible sections allow the rigid hook portions to engage securely for leak-proof operation while enabling controlled disconnection when force is applied, providing both secure operation and maintainability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A baghouse and filter assembly is provided for at least partially removing particulate matter from a gas stream. The filter assembly includes a first and second filter sections to be coupled together by a coupler for establishing fluid communication between the first and second filter sections when connected. The coupler includes a first coupling portion including an interior passage through which the gas stream can pass in an axial direction between the first and second filter sections and a hook projecting from the first coupling portion. The coupler includes a gasket that sealingly engages both the first and second coupling portions when the first coupling portion is connected with the second coupling portion to form a substantially gas-tight seal.