Rotary Filter Plate Segmentation and Pressure Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter devices face inefficiencies in filtration due to limited differential pressure control and complex maintenance processes, particularly with large filter plates, which hinder effective filtration and ease of maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A filter device with a pressure housing that allows for adjustable overpressure up to 10 bar, self-supporting filter cells, and a compact design with a ring-shaped base frame and axial bearing, enabling efficient filtration and simplified maintenance by allowing individual cell detachment and assembly within a pressure-tight enclosure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a large diameter filter plate is used to accommodate large quantities of filter material, then the filter capacity is improved, but the structural complexity and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter material capacityVSAvoidfilter plate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter plate is divided into multiple detachable filter cells (3-12 cells) that can be individually removed and replaced. Each filter cell is a separate module that fits into the filter plate structure, allowing maintenance without dismantling the entire large-diameter filter plate. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining large filter capacity while enabling simplified maintenance through individual cell replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the control head is fixed axially in the pressure housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different pressure conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol head structural stabilityVSAvoidpressure condition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control head is designed with axial movability within the pressure housing, allowing it to be positioned at different locations along the axial direction. This dynamic positioning capability enables the control head to adapt to different pressure conditions and operational requirements while maintaining structural stability through guided movement constraints. The control head can be axially adjusted to optimize performance under varying differential pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the filter cells are permanently attached to the disc hub, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cell attachment integrityVSAvoidfilter cell replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cells are designed as detachable modules that can be individually removed from the disc hub using quick-release mechanisms. Each filter cell maintains structural integrity during operation through secure attachment, but can be rapidly detached and replaced during maintenance. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both structural integrity during operation and ease of maintenance through modular replacement of individual cells without affecting the entire filter plate structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If atmospheric pressure is used in the pressure housing, then the device simplicity is improved, but the filtration efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure housing system simplicityVSAvoidfiltration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure housing is equipped with a pressure generation system that can maintain controlled overpressures (e.g., 1-5 bar) to enhance the differential pressure across the filter medium. This pneumatic system improves filtration efficiency by increasing the driving force for liquid passage through the filter cake. The pressure housing design integrates pressure control capabilities while maintaining relative system simplicity through centralized pressure management rather than complex individual cell pressurization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 solution enables efficient filtration by controlling high pressures and facilitating easy maintenance through the use of self-supporting filter cells and a compact design, enhancing filtration efficiency and reducing operational friction.

Implementation Method 1

An overpressure can thus be set at the filter plate in the pressure housing, which is higher than the usual atmospheric pressure. In particular, the pressure housing now allows relatively high pressures of preferably 2 bar to 10 bar to be set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOverpressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

Via a negative pressure in the chambers of the filter plate, which is transmitted via a stationary control head with corresponding connection openings to a plate hub of the filter plate, liquid is discharged from the filter material through a filter medium applied to the filter plate as filtrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The control head, located outside the pressure housing, is pressed from below against a wear plate by means of a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2926879B1Filtration method and filter device
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 BOKELA INGENIEURGESELLSCHAFT FUR MECHANISCHE VERFAHRENSTECHNIK MBH
  • EP2926879B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2926879B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2926879B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter device comprising a base frame, a substantially horizontal, disc-shaped filter plate which is rotatably mounted on the base frame, a plurality of disc-segment-shaped filter cells, and a plate hub to which the filter cells are connected for draining filtrate via inlet openings of the plate hub, and a control head which is provided with channels for draining filtrate from the plate hub, wherein the control head is arranged below the plate hub in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner and rests tightly against an underside of the plate hub. For efficient filtration, a pressure housing is provided which pressure-tightly encloses the filter plate and the control head. Furthermore, a pressure unit is provided with which an overpressure can be set in the pressure housing.