Reverse Pulse Filter Cleaning System for Gas Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems for gas turbines face efficiency issues due to non-uniform cleaning of particulate matter from filter media, leading to reduced turbine performance and thermal efficiency, as the distance between the cleaning nozzle and filter areas affects cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reverse pulse cleaning system with a support frame and integrated cleaning system, featuring a plurality of support legs and cleaning apertures, directs cleaning fluid in a second direction opposite the intake air flow to ensure uniform cleaning of the filter media, preventing air bypass and oscillations, and maintaining unimpeded airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cleaning nozzle is used downstream of the filter, then the cleaning system is simple, but the cleaning uniformity across the filter media is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The single cleaning nozzle is segmented into multiple nozzles arranged in an array. Each nozzle targets a specific region of the filter media, ensuring uniform cleaning across the entire surface. The support frame is also segmented into multiple legs, each supporting individual nozzles, which simplifies the overall structure while achieving uniform cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system transitions from a single-point nozzle to a distributed array of nozzles across two dimensions. This spatial distribution ensures that cleaning fluid reaches all areas of the filter media uniformly, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and cleaning uniformity.
2Reliability
If the filter media is cleaned periodically, then particulate matter removal is achieved, but air flow is impeded during saturation periods
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates periodically by directing cleaning air pulses through the filter media at scheduled intervals. This periodic action removes accumulated particulate matter that would otherwise impede air flow, maintaining system reliability while minimizing productivity loss during saturation periods.
3Reliability
If cleaning air is directed opposite to intake air flow, then particulate matter is effectively removed, but pressure drop increases during cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic pulses of cleaning air directed opposite to the normal intake air flow. This reverse pulse technique effectively dislodges and removes particulate matter from the filter media. The pressure drop increase during cleaning is temporary and acceptable given the effectiveness of particulate removal, with the system returning to normal operating pressure once cleaning ceases.
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 system enhances gas turbine efficiency by ensuring uniform cleaning of the filter media, extending its lifespan, and preventing air bypass, thereby maintaining unimpeded airflow and reducing pressure drops.
Implementation Method 1
directs cleaning fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction
Implementation Method 2
providing cleaning fluid to the cleaning system at a supply pressure sufficient to dislodge particulate matter from the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A particulate filtration reverse pulse cleaning system is disclosed. The system comprising a housing, a tubesheet disposed within the housing, a filter for fluid communication with a tubesheet aperture, a support frame connectable with the tubesheet, and a cleaning system associated with the support frame. A filter cleaning system is also disclosed, the support frame comprising a plurality of hollow support legs comprising at least one cleaning aperture and a cleaning system associated with the plurality of hollow support legs. A method for cleaning a filter is also disclosed.