Parallel Post-Filter Valving for Pumpless Backwashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional final-stage media filter systems in water treatment require complex maintenance operations involving multiple valves, actuators, and separate water sources, leading to high costs, mechanical failures, and potential delays due to operator errors.
Innovation Solution
A post filter system utilizing two multi-position valves per filter to automate backwashing and flushing processes, leveraging head pressure for flow reversal without external pumps, reducing valve counts and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional final-stage media filter systems use multiple dedicated valves and actuators for maintenance operations, then the system can perform backwashing and flushing, but the mechanical complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing each post filter to perform multiple operations (filtration, backwashing, flushing) using the same basic valve configuration. The two multi-position valves per filter enable the system to switch between different maintenance modes without requiring separate dedicated valves for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full maintenance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple dedicated valves into a unified two-valve configuration per filter. By combining the backwashing and flushing operations into a single integrated valve system, the patent reduces the total number of valves and actuators needed, directly addressing the complexity reduction goal while preserving all necessary maintenance functions.
2Reliability
If conventional systems use separate water sources and high flowrate pumps for backwashing, then effective backwashing can be achieved, but ongoing costs and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the filter system to perform backwashing using its own operational characteristics. The two multi-position valves redirect the filter's own effluent flow to serve as the backwash medium, eliminating the need for external high flowrate pumps and separate water sources. This self-service approach maintains backwashing effectiveness while dramatically reducing energy consumption and ongoing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and reuses the effluent from the filter during normal operation as the backwash medium. Instead of discarding the effluent or requiring fresh water for backwashing, the system recycles its own output flow through the valve configuration to provide the necessary backwash flow, thereby reducing water consumption and eliminating the need for additional pumping energy.
3Reliability
If conventional systems require specific actuation orders for valves, then proper maintenance can be performed, but operator errors may delay production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through the controller that monitors valve positions and actuation sequences. The system provides real-time feedback to ensure valves are actuated in the correct sequence and position, preventing operator errors. This feedback control maintains maintenance reliability while reducing the time lost to corrective actions for human errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming the controller with the correct actuation sequence for the two multi-position valves. The controller automatically executes the proper sequence without requiring operators to remember complex procedures, thereby preventing errors and reducing the time needed for maintenance operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional filter systems have multiple leak paths and mechanical failure points, then the system can be configured for maintenance, but up-front and ongoing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical components from the system. By reducing the valve configuration to exactly two multi-position valves per filter and removing the need for separate actuators and plumbing for backwashing, the patent takes out the sources of potential failure points. This simplification maintains maintenance flexibility while significantly reducing the risk of leaks and mechanical failures.
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
Simplifies mechanical complexity, reduces costs, and minimizes human error by enabling efficient, pumpless maintenance with reduced valve operations, allowing continuous production during filter servicing.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging head pressure for flow reversal without external pumps
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a post filter set configured as parallel post filter branches. Each post filter branch includes a post filter, an upstream multi-position valve, and a downstream multi-position valve. Each the upstream and the downstream multi-position valves are actuatable to at least two configurations to enable backwashing and filter to waste operations using fewer valve operations. For backwashing, a head pressure from the combined output of other post filters in the post filter set is leveraged such that backwashing a particular post filter can be performed as a pumpless operation.