Timed Spray Cleaning for External Intake Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for cleaning external mounted filters, such as those on cooling towers, require manual labor and are inefficient, often necessitating filter removal and leading to suboptimal debris clearance.
Innovation Solution
A system with angled spray nozzles and fluid conduits secured above the filter intake, utilizing pressurized water or air to cascade debris removal, combined with timer functionality and dedicated zones for automated cleaning, and incorporating fluid recovery and filtration systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods (broom, leaf blower, garden hose) are used, then the filter can be cleaned, but the process requires significant manual labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning through automated spray nozzles that are triggered by a sensor detecting debris on the filter screen. The controller automatically activates the spray nozzles to clean the filter without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning methods (broom sweeping, leaf blower, garden hose spraying) with an automated fluid spray system controlled by sensors and a controller. This substitution eliminates the need for manual labor while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the filter is removed for cleaning, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but the system requires filter demounting and reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzles are positioned to clean the filter screen while it remains installed in the housing. The sensor detects debris on the installed filter and triggers the controller to activate the spray nozzles, enabling cleaning without filter removal and simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray nozzles are positioned above the filter screen and directed downward to spray cleaning fluid across the filter surface. This vertical spraying approach from above allows effective cleaning of the installed filter without requiring removal, changing the cleaning dimension from manual surface contact to overhead fluid delivery.
3Productivity
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then the filter can be cleared of debris, but operational efficiency is reduced due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the filter screen condition via a sensor and automatically activates the spray nozzles when debris is detected. This self-monitoring and self-cleaning capability eliminates the need for manual inspection and cleaning operations, significantly improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides feedback about the filter screen condition (debris presence) to the controller, which then activates the spray nozzles accordingly. This feedback loop enables automated responsive cleaning, improving productivity by eliminating manual intervention while maintaining effective debris clearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cleaning a filter mounted over an intake opening of an air handling unit. A conduit is secured to an elevated location of the unit and includes a plurality of spaced nozzles arrayed against the filter. A supply tube connects to the conduit for supplying a pressurized fluid through the nozzles in order to clear debris from an exterior of the mounted filter. The pressurized fluid includes either of a liquid (typically water) or a compressed air provided from any of a source or a supply reservoir. A pump is incorporated into the supply tube for pressurizing the fluid. A filter incorporated into the supply tube filters the pressurized fluid prior to delivery to spray issuing conduit. A processor/controller is provided in combination with an arrangement of control valves for providing timed sequenced washing of the filters. A collection basin is provided for recycling used liquid for re-delivery and re-use through the spray delivery conduits.