Sorption Filter Sensor Unit Acoustic Resonance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorption filters with unidirectional flow struggle to predict filter breakthrough accurately, leading to inefficient utilization and unplanned filter replacements due to complex interdependencies of pollutant type, temperature, humidity, and sorbent type, resulting in temporary pollutant contamination.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit with a sensor sorption element and control unit is integrated into the sorption filter to monitor the loading state by detecting mechanical vibrations, allowing for timely detection of the adsorption front and emitting a warning signal when the maximum permissible loading depth is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If filter replacement is based on operating time or mass gain, then filter utilization can be extended, but accurate prediction of filter breakthrough is insufficient leading to temporary pollutant contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/gravimetric measurement systems with an acoustic resonance-based sensor system. The sensor unit uses acoustic resonance frequency shifts to detect the loading state of the sorbent, enabling real-time monitoring without physical contact or complex mechanical components. This allows accurate breakthrough prediction while maintaining extended filter utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic resonance sensor as an intermediary measurement mechanism. Instead of directly measuring mass gain or operating time, the sensor detects changes in acoustic resonance frequency caused by the loading state of the sorbent, providing an indirect but more accurate indicator of filter breakthrough timing.
2Reliability
If gas sensors are installed at the filter outlet to detect filter breakthrough, then breakthrough can be detected, but temporary pollutant contamination and unplanned filter replacement occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of the loading state using the acoustic resonance sensor positioned within the filter. By monitoring the sensor signal over time and comparing it to reference values, the system predicts filter breakthrough before it occurs, allowing planned filter replacement that prevents pollutant contamination rather than detecting it after breakthrough has happened.
3Ease of operation
If loading forecast is based on operating time or mass gain, then filter replacement can be scheduled, but the complex interdependence of factors makes accurate prediction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-factor calculation models with a direct acoustic resonance measurement system. The sensor unit measures the actual loading state through resonance frequency shifts, which automatically account for all influencing factors (pollutant type, temperature, humidity, sorbent properties) without requiring separate measurements or complex interdependence modeling.
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
Enables efficient filter utilization by avoiding filter breakthroughs, reducing monitoring effort and costs, and ensuring continuous operation under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor unit has a sensor sorbent made of a sensitive material which, upon contact with the raw gas to be filtered, changes its loading state. The frame is designed to couple mechanical vibrations into the sensor sorbent and – after their interaction with the sensor sorbent – to couple them out for signal detection.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor unit (10) for monitoring the loading state of a sorbent (2) through which a unidirectional flow occurs, and to a sorption filter (1) with such a sensor unit (10). The sensor unit (10) allows the loading state of the sorbent (2) in the sorption filter (1) to be determined in order to enable efficient filter utilization while preventing filter breakthroughs. The sensor unit (10) comprises a sensor sorption element (12) consisting of a sensor sorbent, which is held and contacted in a frame (11) on at least two opposite sides of the sensor sorption element (12). The frame (11) is configured to couple mechanical or electrical vibrations into the sensor sorption element (12) and to couple them out for signal acquisition. The sensor unit (10) orThe sorption filters (1) can be used, among other things, in air conditioning and ventilation systems for supply and recirculated air purification.