Exhaust Gas Scrubber Bottom Filter Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust gas scrubbers for ship engines face challenges in preventing filler pieces from entering the discharge outlet and subsequently the pump, which can lead to equipment damage and safety risks, and require complex and expensive duplex filters for effluent filtration, making them difficult to install and control, especially in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a filter located under the support grate at the bottom part of the exhaust gas scrubber with apertures smaller than the grate's, preventing filler pieces from entering the discharge outlet, and optionally using a by-pass path with blocking devices to manage clogging and ensure reliable operation without the need for a duplex filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a duplex filter is installed upstream of the pump to prevent filler pieces from entering, then the pump is protected from damage, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the filtration function from the complex duplex filter system and relocates it to a simple grate structure positioned at the bottom of the scrubber column. This grate is integrated into the effluent discharge path, allowing filler piece removal without requiring a separate upstream filter system. The extraction principle simplifies the overall device by removing the need for complex filtration mechanisms while maintaining pump protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary element - a simple grate structure with appropriately sized openings - that serves as a mediator between the filler material in the bed and the pump. This grate acts as a mechanical barrier that allows effluent to pass through while blocking filler pieces, providing an intermediate solution that protects the pump without requiring complex filtration systems.
2Reliability
If a duplex filter is used for effluent filtration, then filler pieces are prevented from entering the pump, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the filtration function with the existing structural elements of the scrubber by integrating a simple grate into the bottom discharge path. This grate combines the structural support function with the filtration function, eliminating the need for separate filtration components and reducing overall installation space requirements compared to a duplex filter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by positioning a simple grate with specifically designed opening sizes at the critical location where effluent exits the scrubber column. This localized solution provides effective filler piece prevention only where needed - at the discharge point - rather than requiring comprehensive filtration throughout the entire effluent path, thus minimizing space requirements.
3Reliability
If a duplex filter is installed to filter effluent, then the pump is protected from filler pieces, but the control and monitoring difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simple grate structure performs filtration automatically without requiring any control systems, monitoring mechanisms, or operational intervention. The passive design allows effluent to pass through while automatically blocking filler pieces based on size differential, eliminating the need for complex control and monitoring systems that would be required for a duplex filter.
4Productivity
If the discharge outlet is positioned at the bottom to remove effluent, then effluent removal is efficient, but filler pieces may enter the discharge outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by positioning a simple grate with specifically designed opening sizes at the critical location where effluent exits the scrubber column. This localized solution provides effective filler piece prevention only where needed - at the discharge point - rather than requiring comprehensive filtration throughout the entire effluent path, thus minimizing space requirements.
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 solution ensures reliable transfer of effluent without filler pieces, simplifies the filtration process, reduces the need for complex duplex filters, and facilitates easier installation and operation, ensuring the exhaust gas scrubber's efficiency and safety even in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the filter having apertures having a size typically smaller than the size of the apertures in the grate to prevent the filler material from entering the discharge outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an exhaust gas scrubber (1') for cleaning exhaust gases from combustion engines, particularly ship engines, of impurities, the exhaust gas scrubber comprising a bed-like structure (3') which is supported from below by a support grate (14') and through which uncleaned exhaust gases are fed, and feed devices (5') for feeding scrubbing water into the bed-like structure, the exhaust gases being cleaned while passing through the bed-like structure. In order to ensure reliable operation of the exhaust gas scrubber (1') and to be able to dismiss a duplex filter used in connection with removal of effluent from the exhaust gas scrubber, a lower part of the exhaust gas scrubber is, beneath the support grate (14'), provided with a filter (12') to prevent a filler material from entering a discharge outlet (13') located in the lower part of the exhaust gas scrubber and provided for discharging the scrubbing water containing impurities of the exhaust gases, i.e. the effluent, from the exhaust gas scrubber. The invention also relates to a ship provided with an exhaust gas scrubber (1').