Tubular Filter Vacuum Suction for Slurry Clogging Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid-liquid separation devices for co-precipitation processes face efficiency issues due to filter clogging and require pressurization, leading to decreased filtering efficiency and increased risk of liquid leakage.

Innovation Solution

A filtering device with a tubular filter and suction tube configuration that uses vacuum suction to facilitate solid-liquid separation, preventing filter clogging and allowing for a structurally lighter design with reduced leakage risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pressurization is applied to filter slurry through a tubular filter, then filtering can be achieved, but solid particles form a tight cake layer that blocks the filter lattice and drastically decreases filtering efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering efficiencyVSAvoidfilter clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional filtration approach by applying suction from the inside of the tubular filter rather than pressurizing from the outside. The suction tube extends into the filter interior and applies negative pressure, causing liquid to pass through the filter lattice from the inside outward. This reversal prevents cake formation on the external filter surface, maintaining continuous filtration efficiency without clogging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If an external filtering concentrator is used for solid-liquid separation, then mother liquor removal can be achieved, but the device becomes complex and requires pressurization equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolids content increaseVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering device integrates the filtration function directly into the reaction vessel through a self-contained system. The suction tube and tubular filter are installed within the vessel, allowing the reaction mixture to be filtered in-situ without requiring external concentrator equipment. The system uses the reaction vessel's own structure and applies suction through the integrated filter, eliminating the need for separate pressurization equipment and external filtration units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If pressurization is used to increase filtering rate, then productivity improves, but the risk of liquid leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering rateVSAvoidliquid leakage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the pressure application method from external pressurization to internal suction, the system maintains high filtering rates through negative pressure applied at the filter interior. This suction approach creates a more controlled pressure differential that reduces the risk of liquid leakage compared to external pressurization, while still achieving efficient filtration through the tubular filter lattice.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 device enhances filtering efficiency by channeling the cake formed on the filter media, maximizing effective filter area, and reduces the risk of liquid leakage, thereby improving the overall performance of the co-precipitation process.

Implementation Method 1

uses vacuum suction to facilitate solid-liquid separation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the slurry from a precipitation reaction vessel is conducted inside a vessel or container of the external concentrator where it is destined to be filtered through a filter member, such as a tubular filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4613352A1Filtering device and system and method for manufacturing aqueous slurry using the same
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 UMICORE BATTERY MATERIALS FINLAND OY
  • EP4613352A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4613352A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4613352A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is disclosed a filtering device (100) that comprises a vessel (101) comprising a first inlet (106) for receiving the slurry and a first outlet (104) for conducting out the slurry, respectively. It (100) also comprises a conduit (10) comprising a second inlet (30), a second outlet (20), and a filter module (90) comprising a tubular filter (40) extending inside the vessel (101) having an open first end (40a) and a closed second end (40b). The filter module (90) comprises a suction tube (60) arranged to extend inside the tubular filter (40) between the first end (40a) and the second end (40b), wherein there is an intermediate space (80) between the tubular filter (40) and the suction tube (60), that is fluidly connected to the second inlet (30) of the conduit (10) via the suction tube (60). A system and a method for manufacturing an aqueous slurry are also disclosed.