Rotatable Screen Carrier Filtering Device for Thermoplastics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtering devices for thermoplastics in molten state, particularly those using recycled plastic waste, face challenges in achieving efficient backwashing and filter arrangement exchange without interrupting fluid throughput or increasing operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A filtering device with a stationary core part and a rotatable screen carrier, where the screen carrier can be easily adjusted for filter arrangement exchange and backwashing, featuring conduits and recesses on the core part for simplified setup and maintenance, and a system for controlled backwashing using a suction/pressure pump with valves for effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the screen carrier is made rotatable with multiple screening nests, then the fluid throughput is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen carrier is divided into multiple independent screening nests that can be individually exchanged while others remain in operation. This segmentation allows continuous fluid throughput through multiple parallel filtration paths, resolving the contradiction between increased productivity and device complexity by distributing the filtration load across separate modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen carrier is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic repositioning of screening nests between filtration positions and exchange positions. This dynamic capability enables maintenance of high throughput by continuously rotating the carrier to bring fresh screens into service while impeded screens are exchanged, balancing productivity gains with manageable operational complexity.
2Reliability
If the filter arrangements are exchanged frequently, then the filtration effectiveness is improved, but the operational interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple screening nests are pre-loaded onto the rotatable screen carrier before operation begins. This preliminary preparation allows the carrier to be rotated into position with fresh, effective filters already in place, enabling filter exchange without interrupting the overall filtration process. The system maintains continuous operation by switching between pre-prepared screening nests, resolving the contradiction between filtration effectiveness and operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable screen carrier with multiple screening nests enables continuous filtration operation by allowing one nest to be in use while another is being prepared or exchanged. This continuity of useful action ensures that filtration effectiveness is maintained without operational interruptions, as the system can seamlessly transition between multiple screening nests rather than stopping for filter exchange.
3Ease of manufacture
If the conduits and recesses are formed on the core part, then the setup and maintenance are simplified, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conduits and recesses are integrated directly into the core part structure rather than being separate components. This merging of functions into a single integrated core part simplifies setup and maintenance by reducing the number of separate parts to assemble, while the manufacturing complexity is managed through standardized casting or molding processes for the core part.
Solution Approach 2:
The core part is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously houses multiple conduits for fluid distribution and contains recesses for mounting screening nests. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one component, simplifying both setup and maintenance operations while managing manufacturing complexity through integrated design rather than assembly of multiple specialized parts.
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
Ensures high throughput of plastic melt with minimal operational interruptions, reduces heat losses, and simplifies the setup and maintenance of the filtering device, allowing for efficient backwashing and filter exchange without compromising fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
a suction/pressure pump with valves for effective cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filtering device for fluids, in particular thermoplastics, comprising a screen carrier (2) which has a rotationally cylindrical outer face (41) and is mounted rotatably in a rotationally cylindrical recess (5), adapted to its circumference, of a stationary housing (3) and in which a number of screening nests (6) having filter arrangements (7) are formed along its circumference. According to the invention, there is provision whereby the screen carrier (2) is penetrated by a rotationally cylindrical core part (1) and is mounted rotatably on this, the core part (1) and the housing (3) being designed to be stationary and fixed in terms of rotation with respect to the rotatable screen carrier (2).