Rectangular Pleated Filters for Better Housing Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cylindrical cartridge filters do not effectively utilize the space inside filter housings, limiting the volume of fluid that can be filtered in a given size, and there is a need for a more efficient filter configuration that can filter the same or more volume in a smaller housing.
Innovation Solution
The use of rectangular shaped filters with pleated media and a central void, supported by a perforated support, arranged in a filter housing to maximize filtration area and fluid flow, allowing for both outside-to-inside and inside-to-outside flow configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cylindrical cartridge filters are used, then the filter is easy to manufacture and use, but the space inside the filter housing is not effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is divided into multiple rectangular filter cartridges arranged in parallel within the housing. Each cartridge contains pleated filter media segmented into multiple layers or sections, maximizing the use of available housing space while maintaining ease of manufacturing individual modular units
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional cylindrical filter cartridges to rectangular filter cartridges with pleated media arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration. The pleated media creates a three-dimensional filtration structure that efficiently utilizes the volumetric space within the rectangular housing, increasing filtration capacity without proportionally increasing housing volume
2Device complexity
If cylindrical cartridge filters are used, then the filter structure is simple, but the volume of fluid that can be filtered in the same size housing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rectangular filter cartridges are nested or arranged in close proximity within the housing, with pleated media configured to create nested flow paths. This nested arrangement maximizes the number of filter elements that can be accommodated in the available space, thereby increasing overall filtration capacity while maintaining a relatively simple structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular configuration with pleated media introduces additional spatial dimensions for fluid flow compared to cylindrical filters. The pleats create multiple flow layers and paths that increase the effective filtration surface area within the same housing volume, enhancing productivity without significantly complicating the device structure
3Productivity
If rectangular filters with pleated media are used, then filtration capacity is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex pleated media structure is segmented into standardized rectangular filter cartridges that can be manufactured independently and assembled in the housing. This segmentation allows the complex filtration function to be achieved through modular repetition of simpler units, balancing increased filtration capacity with manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular filter cartridge design with pleated media serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the filtration surface, structures the fluid flow paths, maximizes space utilization, and enables modular assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby increasing filtration capacity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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 rectangular filters increase filtration capacity, reduce pressure drop, and extend the operational cycle before replacement, enhancing filtration efficiency and reducing turbulent flow, while accommodating different housing shapes.
Implementation Method 1
A filter support can also be provided within the inside the central void to maintain the longitudinal integrity of the filter elements
Implementation Method 2
The rectangular shaped filters are generally comprised of a rectangular shaped top cap, a rectangular shaped bottom cap, and filter media extending between the top cap and the bottom cap
Implementation Method 3
influents are supplied either to the hollow core and flowing outwards through the media of the cartridge filters (inside to outside) or the influent flows from the outside of the filter into a core (outside to inside flow)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a rectangular shaped filter and coalescer elements and a vessel that houses a plurality of such rectangular shaped elements. Greater filtration or separation efficiency is provided due to increased number and alignment of rectangular shaped filter elements in the vessel. The rectangular shaped filter elements are also easy to replace.