Segmented Water Cleaning Unit with Adsorbent and Inert Filter Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water cleaning systems face challenges in maintaining effective filtration and microbial/chemical purity, particularly in swimming pools and drinking water, due to inadequate rinsing processes and the formation of halogenated organic compounds, leading to filter contamination and health risks.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning unit with two interconnected devices: one using a particulate adsorbing cleaning substance with a high BET surface area for organic substance removal and another with chemically inert, spherical particles for turbidity removal, designed to optimize flow resistance and prevent contamination, integrated into a cyclic cleaning system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional filter system with organic filter material is used, then filtration is performed, but halogenated organic compounds are formed and filter contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidhalogenated organic compounds
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system is divided into two separate devices: Device A with activated carbon for adsorbing organic substances and halogenated compounds, and Device B with inert filter material for mechanical filtration. This segmentation prevents the formation of halogenated organic compounds by separating the adsorption function from the filtration function, eliminating the harmful chemical reactions that occur in conventional single-system filters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If rinsing is performed with inadequate flow rate, then energy consumption is reduced, but filter bed expansion and discharge of contamination is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverinsing energy consumptionVSAvoidfilter bed cleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rinsing function is separated into two independent devices that can be operated separately. Device A handles adsorption while Device B handles mechanical filtration and rinsing. This allows Device B to be rinsed independently at optimal flow rates without the energy constraints affecting the overall system performance, ensuring proper filter bed expansion and contamination discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If filter material is replaced frequently, then filter performance is maintained, but operational complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter performanceVSAvoidfilter maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system is segmented into two replaceable devices (A and B) that can be independently maintained. This allows for simplified replacement procedures where only one device needs to be replaced at a time, reducing operational complexity compared to maintaining a single complex filter system. The inert material in Device B does not degrade chemically, extending its service life and reducing replacement frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses inexpensive activated carbon in Device A that can be easily replaced when exhausted, while Device B uses durable inert filter material that requires minimal replacement. This combination of disposable adsorbent material and permanent structural material simplifies maintenance operations and reduces long-term costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Productivity

If high linear filtration speed is used, then productivity is increased, but rinsing effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration speedVSAvoidrinsing process effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the high-speed filtration function (Device B with inert material) from the adsorption function (Device A). This allows Device B to operate at high linear filtration speeds for productive water treatment while Device A handles the slower adsorption process. The independent operation of Device B ensures that rinsing effectiveness is not compromised by the filtration speed requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances the effectiveness of water purification, reduces filter contamination, and complies with microbiological and physico-chemical standards, improving the efficiency of water treatment and extending filter lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

one cleaning device (A) containing a particulate adsorbing cleaning substance of a minimum BET surface of 100 m2/g

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the particulate cleaning material of the further cleaning device (B) is chemically inert and consists of spherical particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2377820B1Cleaning unit for water treatment
Publication Date: 2013.09.18 SIGMUND LINDNER
  • EP2377820B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2377820B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A purification unit for treating water, in particular industrial process and wastewater, drinking water and swimming pool water, is described, wherein the purification unit has at least two purification devices (A, B) (35, 50) which are fluidly connected to each other via a connecting line (40), wherein a purification device (A) (35) contains a particulate adsorbing cleaning agent with a minimum BET surface area of ​​100 m2/g, in particular 300 m2/g, for removing organic substances, in particular halogenated hydrocarbons and amines, and a further purification device (B) (50) contains a chemically inert, in particular with respect to disinfectants, particulate cleaning material for removing turbidity.This cleaning unit is preferably integrated into a cyclic cleaning system comprising a first water tank (5) fluidically connected to a second water tank (20) via a line (10), wherein the cleaning device (A) (35) is assigned to the second water tank (B) (20) for cleaning the water contained therein. This cleaning unit offers the advantage that bacterial contamination of filters is largely prevented and the filters are easier to clean by backwashing. Furthermore, the legal standards for the microbiological and physicochemical load of the water are easily met.