Self-Cleaning Pre-Filter with Axial and Radial Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pond water circulation systems face challenges with debris accumulation, as standard filters require frequent maintenance and are often unsuitable for outdoor use, leading to clogged pumps and decreased water flow.
Innovation Solution
A submerged pre-filter unit with a biological and internal self-cleaning mechanism, featuring a screen cage with filtering surfaces that allow fish to feed on debris and an axial jet combined with radial jets for effective cleaning, preventing large debris from entering the pump while allowing smaller particles to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pre-filter is placed in line ahead of the pump to prevent large debris from entering, then the pump is protected from damage, but the pre-filter is difficult to access and maintain when located in the pond
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-filter incorporates a self-cleaning mechanism where water flow automatically removes accumulated debris from the filtering surface. The system uses the existing water circulation to backwash the filter, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and making the filter self-maintaining while positioned in the pond.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-filter is designed as a removable module that can be easily extracted from the pond for maintenance when needed. The filter assembly separates from the permanent installation, allowing quick removal and reinstallation without complex disassembly, thus improving accessibility while maintaining pump protection.
2Reliability
If a pre-filter is used to capture large debris, then the pump is protected, but the pre-filter requires frequent cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-filter incorporates a self-cleaning mechanism where water flow automatically removes accumulated debris from the filtering surface. The system uses the existing water circulation to backwash the filter, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and making the filter self-maintaining while positioned in the pond.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-filter operates with periodic backwashing cycles where water flow direction is reversed or intensified to automatically clean the filtering surface at regular intervals, reducing the frequency and intensity of manual maintenance required while maintaining continuous pump protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pre-filter is submerged in the pond, then it is less visible and more aesthetically pleasing, but it becomes more difficult to access and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-filter is designed as a removable module that can be easily extracted from the pond for maintenance when needed. The filter assembly separates from the permanent installation, allowing quick removal and reinstallation without complex disassembly, thus improving accessibility while maintaining pump protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-filter incorporates a self-cleaning mechanism that operates while submerged, using water flow to automatically clean the filtering surface without requiring removal from the pond, thus maintaining both aesthetic integration and ease of maintenance.
4Productivity
If the pre-filter capacity is increased to prevent clogging, then water flow is maintained, but the pre-filter becomes larger and more difficult to install and camouflage
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-filter uses multiple filtering surfaces arranged in parallel or stacked configurations, dividing the total filtration capacity into several smaller effective areas. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high total flow capacity while keeping individual filter elements compact and easier to install and camouflage within the pond environment.
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 improves water quality, extends the life of the pump, and reduces maintenance needs by effectively filtering debris and maintaining water flow without the need for frequent filter cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
an axial jet perpendicular to a plurality of radial jets... simultaneously clean the screen cage bottom and top using the outer nozzle and inner nozzles in backwash mode
Implementation Method 2
concentrating dual streams from a plurality of inlets swirled through a plurality of helical channels
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary water circulation pump pre-filter unit (PFU) comprises a backwash pipe in fluid communication with an outer nozzle outside a screen cage and an inner nozzle within the screen cage. The PFU may simultaneously spray inside and outside the screen cage using an inner nozzle and an outer nozzle configured with an axial jet perpendicular to a plurality of radial jets. The inner nozzle may have a restriction chamber with diameter decreasing in flow direction to a full cone nozzle outlet, concentrating dual streams from a plurality of inlets swirled through a plurality of helical channels. Pairs of inner nozzles may be angled to each other, increasing the inner surface area cleaned. Exemplary implementations may simultaneously clean the screen cage bottom and top using the outer nozzle and inner nozzles in backwash mode and in a separate pre-filter mode ingest water through multiple filter pipe inlet apertures.