Process Water Sampling Probe Asymmetric Air Exit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stationary process water sampling immersion probes require frequent manual cleaning of air exit openings to maintain the quality of the cleaning air bubble curtain, leading to cumbersome operation and continuous operation of the cleaning air pump.
Innovation Solution
The process water sampling immersion probe features a cleaning air generator with air exit openings that are horizontally widening, which reduces clogging by increasing the braking force against clogging structures and allows for continuous operation without significant deterioration in cleaning quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If horizontal air exit openings are used in the cleaning air generator, then the cleaning air bubble curtain can be generated effectively, but the air exit openings become overgrown and clogged by wastewater substances requiring frequent manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The air exit openings are designed with an asymmetric trapezoidal shape where the horizontal width increases from top to bottom. This asymmetric geometry creates a braking force that resists clogging structures, allowing the openings to remain functional for extended periods without manual cleaning while maintaining effective cleaning air bubble curtain generation
2Reliability
If the cleaning air pump runs continuously to reduce clogging tendency, then the cleaning quality is maintained, but the lifetime of the cleaning air pump is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning air pump is designed to operate intermittently rather than continuously. The specially shaped air exit openings reduce clogging sufficiently to allow periodic operation, extending pump lifetime while maintaining cleaning quality through strategic on/off cycles controlled by the control unit
3Reliability
If the air exit opening is horizontally widening in the downward direction, then the braking force against clogging structures increases, but the complex geometry requires precise manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The air exit openings are designed with specific geometric parameters: a trapezoidal shape with horizontal width increasing from top to bottom, with the bottom width being at least twice the top width. These parameter specifications create the necessary braking force against clogging while providing clear manufacturing guidelines for achieving the required geometry
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
This design extends the interval between manual cleanings by at least a factor of two, reducing operational burdens and prolonging the lifespan of the cleaning air pump by allowing intermittent operation.
Implementation Method 1
air bubbles are generated distally of the air exit opening which rise along the distal surface of the filter screen
Implementation Method 2
the pressure difference between the pressurized cleaning air inside the bubble generator housing and the wastewater outside of the bubble generator housing causes a braking force with respect to a clogging structure
Implementation Method 3
the clogging structure is continuously eroded by the cleaning air flow in the horizontal center of the air exit opening, which has an indentation effect in the center of the clogging structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a process water sampling immersion probe (10) comprising a filter module (20) comprising a filter screen (24, 24') and a cleaning air generator (40) arranged vertically adjacent to the vertical lower end (d24) of the filter screen (24, 24'), wherein the cleaning air generator (40) comprises a bubble generator housing (41) with an air exit opening (51, 52) having a non-horizontal opening plane (p54), wherein the air exit opening (51, 52) widens vertically downwardly so that the air exit opening top width (wt54) at the openings top end (t54) is smaller than the air exit opening down width (wd54) at the openings lower end (d54).