Rotating Pneumatic Pulse Delivery for Filter Bag Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulse delivery cleaning systems for dust collectors, such as round bag house systems, suffer from mechanical issues like mechanical slip and failures, leading to inaccurate pulse delivery and increased maintenance needs, affecting the manufacturability and performance of these systems.

Innovation Solution

A control system that measures the actual rotational speed of the arm using a position sensor to ensure precise pulse delivery to filter bags, adjusting pulse and jog intervals based on real-time measurements to maintain consistent cleaning, reducing mechanical reliance and requiring less maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical pulse delivery system is used, then the system can deliver pressurized air pulses to filter bags, but mechanical slip and failures occur leading to inaccurate pulse delivery and increased maintenance needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulse delivery accuracyVSAvoidmechanical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pulse delivery system with a pneumatic system. A rotating distribution manifold with radially extending ports delivers pressurized air pulses to filter bags without mechanical contact between the pulse delivery mechanism and the bags. This eliminates mechanical wear, slip, and failure points while maintaining accurate pulse delivery timing and positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a pneumatic distribution system where a rotating manifold distributes pressurized air through radially extending ports to multiple filter bags simultaneously. The pneumatic system provides reliable, maintenance-free operation compared to mechanical linkages, while the rotational positioning ensures accurate targeting of each filter bag with its cleaning pulse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If mechanical components are used for pulse delivery, then the system can operate, but mechanical failures increase maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical components from the pulse delivery path by using a rotating pneumatic distribution manifold. The system uses air pressure and rotational positioning instead of mechanical linkages, actuators, or moving parts that contact the filter bags. This substitution dramatically reduces maintenance requirements and increases operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pneumatic distribution system operates autonomously using the rotation of the manifold and pressurized air supply. There are no mechanical components requiring lubrication, adjustment, or replacement. The system self-regulates pulse delivery through the rotational positioning of ports relative to filter bags, eliminating the need for manual maintenance interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If a rotating arm system is used to deliver pulses, then coverage can be achieved, but mechanical slip affects positioning accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulse positioning accuracyVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems with a rotational pneumatic distribution manifold. The manifold rotates to position air ports relative to filter bags, using rotational mechanics only for distribution, not for direct mechanical contact or positioning of pulses. This eliminates mechanical slip between pulse delivery components and filter bags, ensuring accurate pulse positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from linear or point-to-point mechanical positioning to rotational positioning in a circular dimension. The rotating manifold with radially extending ports creates a rotational distribution pattern that naturally maintains positioning accuracy without mechanical slip, as the rotational interface is sealed and controlled rather than relying on mechanical friction or contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4714521A2Pulse delivery cleaning systems and methods
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 DONALDSON CO INC
  • EP4714521A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4714521A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4714521A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filter system includes a tube sheet defining a plurality of holes in fluid communication with a plurality of filter bags. The system also includes a rotating assembly having an arm defining one or more outlets to provide pressurized air from an air source toward the tube sheet in response to pulsing one or more actuators. A motor is operably coupled to the stationary assembly and the rotating assembly to rotate the arm about an axis at a preset rotational speed. A controller is operably coupled to the motor and the one or more actuators to provide pulse commands based on a pulse interval and a jog interval. The pulse interval and the jog interval may be determined based on a measured rotational speed of the arm, which may be redetermined during operation.