Removable Reactor Filtration Assembly for External Filter Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems in stirred tank reactors require technicians to enter the reactor to replace or clean filters, posing physical and chemical hazards due to the presence of hazardous chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A filtration device with baffles and filters mounted on a frame that can be easily inserted and removed from the reactor without entering it, using a connection means accessible from outside and facilitated by a hoist for handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtration systems are used with filters bolted to the reactor, then the filters can be securely attached, but technicians must enter the reactor to replace or clean filters, creating physical and chemical hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is extracted from the reactor interior and mounted on the exterior of the reactor vessel. The filter housing is positioned outside the reactor with access points that allow filter replacement without entering the reactor, thereby eliminating the hazard to technicians while maintaining secure filter attachment through external mounting structures
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary access mechanism is provided between the external environment and the filter assembly. This includes external access ports, removable cover plates, or coupling mechanisms that allow filter replacement through the reactor wall or from the exterior, serving as a safe intermediary pathway that eliminates the need for technicians to enter the hazardous reactor interior
2Ease of operation
If filters are accessed through the reactor interior, then filter replacement can be performed, but the presence of baffles creates additional physical challenges in accessing and installing filters
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is completely extracted from the interior baffle region and repositioned to the exterior of the reactor. This eliminates the physical obstruction caused by internal baffles and provides unobstructed access for filter installation and maintenance operations from the outside the reactor vessel
Solution Approach 2:
The filter access pathway is moved from the internal three-dimensional space constrained by baffles to an external two-dimensional access surface. This dimensional transition allows filter replacement through external access points, bypassing the spatial constraints and physical barriers created by internal baffle structures
3Reliability
If the filtration device is integrated into the reactor structure, then the filters are securely positioned, but the entire device cannot be easily removed and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into separate modular components: the filter assembly, the mounting structure, and the reactor vessel. This segmentation allows the filter assembly to be securely positioned during operation while enabling its independent removal and replacement as a complete unit from the exterior, significantly improving replacement efficiency without compromising positioning stability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed permanent integration to a dynamic removable connection. The filter assembly is mounted through detachable coupling mechanisms that provide stable positioning during operation but allow easy disassembly and reassembly from the exterior, enabling rapid filter replacement while maintaining operational stability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filtration device, and in particular said filtration device comprising: a. a first part comprising a frame of a generally cylindrical external profile, b. a connection means suitable to attach the filtration device inside a reactor, c. two of more baffles protruding inwardly from the frame, d. at least one set of filters located on the first part, each set of said filters being fluidly connected to a header pipe. The present invention also relates to a reactor comprising the filtration device and to a process for filtration using the filtration device.