Media-Free Swirl Filter for Supercritical CO2
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supercritical CO2 systems in chemical processes face challenges with contaminants such as fluorine-containing compounds and non-volatile resist residues, which are difficult to filter due to high pressure drops through conventional filters, leading to material degradation and inefficiencies in advanced power cycles.
Innovation Solution
A media-free filter device utilizing a Y-pipe configuration with a descending obtuse angle to induce eddy current turbulence, allowing for the removal of contaminants with minimal pressure loss by leveraging swirl technology to trap contaminants in the Y-pipe segment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filters are used to remove contaminants from supercritical CO2, then contaminant removal is achieved, but pressure drop increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the filtering function from traditional media-based filters and implements it through a media-free Y-pipe configuration. The Y-pipe segment separates contaminants from the supercritical CO2 stream using centrifugal forces generated by the angled geometry, eliminating the need for filter media that cause pressure drops while maintaining effective contaminant removal
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes fluid dynamic principles by creating a Y-pipe configuration that generates eddy currents and centrifugal forces within the supercritical CO2 flow. The 45-degree angled intersection creates a hydraulic separation mechanism where contaminants are thrown outward by centrifugal force and collected in the Y-pipe segment, achieving filtration through fluid mechanics rather than physical media
2Reliability
If media filters are used in supercritical CO2 systems, then filtration is provided, but system efficiency decreases due to pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the filter media component entirely from the filtration system, replacing it with a geometric Y-pipe configuration that achieves separation through fluid dynamics alone. This extraction of media eliminates the source of pressure loss while preserving the essential filtration function through centrifugal separation in the angled Y-pipe segment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of filtration from media-based physical blocking to media-free centrifugal separation. By altering the filtration mechanism from resistance-based to force-based separation, the system maintains contaminant removal capability while eliminating the pressure loss associated with traditional filter media
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 Y-pipe configuration achieves effective contaminant filtration with negligible pressure drop, enhancing system efficiency and replacing traditional media filters that cause pressure drops, thereby maintaining high operational efficiency with reduced system losses.
Implementation Method 1
The y-pipe section induces an eddy current turbulence zone adjacent the intersection joint to remove substantially all contaminants suspended in the supercritical fluid
Implementation Method 2
In fluid dynamics, vortex shedding is an oscillating flow that takes place when a fluid flows past a bluff—as opposed to streamlined—body at certain velocities
Data Source
AI summary
A media-free filter device for a supercritical fluid process is disclosed. The media-free filter device includes a first pipe section connected in flow communication with a closed-loop system for a supercritical fluid. A y-pipe segment intersects the first pipe section at an intersection joint. The intersection joint intersects at a descending obtuse angle with respect to the first pipe section flow direction. The y-pipe segment is open at the intersection joint and closed opposite the intersection joint, in flow communication with the first pipe section. The y-pipe section induces an eddy current turbulence zone adjacent the intersection joint to remove substantially all contaminants suspended in the supercritical fluid; and the contaminants are deposited in the descending y-pipe segment. An SCO2 process incorporating the media-free filter device is also disclosed.