Slidable Filtration Screen Assembly for Butter Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration apparatuses for flowable materials like butter require frequent screen replacements, leading to increased waste, contamination risks, and reduced throughput due to the need for disconnecting and reconnecting the supply line, which complicates the filtration process and extends processing shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A filtration apparatus with a slidable screen assembly that allows for screen replacement without disconnecting the supply line, featuring a screen assembly with a slidable support and retainer plate, and transition ports to maintain continuous flow and prevent backpressure, enabling quick and sanitary screen changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the supply line is disconnected to replace the screen, then the screen can be replaced, but waste of flowable material increases and processing shutdown time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into modular components: a removable screen assembly that can be independently accessed and replaced. The screen is mounted on a support structure with a retainer plate that can be detached to slide out the screen, allowing replacement without disconnecting the entire supply line or housing.
Solution Approach 2:
A transition port with a seal is introduced as an intermediary component between the supply line and the screen assembly. This seal maintains the fluid barrier during screen replacement, enabling the screen to be changed while the supply line remains connected and sealed, thus preventing material waste.
2Ease of repair
If the supply line is disconnected to replace the screen, then the screen can be replaced, but processing shutdown time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen assembly is segmented into independently replaceable components (screen, support, retainer plate), allowing rapid screen replacement without affecting the entire filtration system or requiring supply line disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is pre-mounted on the support structure with the retainer plate, allowing it to be quickly inserted and secured as a complete assembly. The retainer plate design enables rapid engagement and disengagement, reducing the time required for screen replacement operations.
3Reliability
If a fine screen is used for filtration, then filtration effectiveness increases, but backpressure increases when debris accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The screen assembly design allows for dynamic maintenance - the screen can be quickly replaced when debris accumulation causes backpressure issues. The slidable support and retainer plate mechanism enable rapid screen exchange to restore optimal filtration performance and pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can be discarded after accumulating debris and replaced with a clean screen, restoring filtration effectiveness without requiring complex cleaning or recovery processes.
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 reduces waste, minimizes contamination risks, and increases processing throughput by allowing for seamless screen replacements without interrupting the flow of butter, thus enhancing the efficiency and sanitation of the filtration process.
Implementation Method 1
Filtration protocols may involve passing the butter through a fine screen, or 'noodle plate,' to physically block such debris from advancing to subsequent processing stages
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration apparatus includes a screen assembly with a screen having a plurality of through holes, a slidable support to support the screen, and a retainer plate to slidably engage the support for securing the screen between the support and the plate. The support and the plate each define an opening aligned with the plurality of through holes such that a flowable material, such as butter, can pass through the screen. A housing of the filtration apparatus includes a screen assembly receiving portion configured to slidably receive the screen assembly, and a throughput portion for receiving a flowable material that extends through the housing in a direction transverse to the screen assembly receiving portion. A transition couples the housing to a supply line and is for delivering the flowable material to the housing.