Tubular Filter Element With Axial Trapped Object Remover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtering apparatuses face challenges in restoring filtering performance due to trapped fibrous substances and adhesive materials, which are not effectively removed by conventional backwashing methods, leading to increased resistance and reduced efficiency, especially in filtering industrial liquids and seawater.
Innovation Solution
A tubular filter element with openings at both ends, equipped with a trapped object remover that moves axially within the filter by fluid flow during filtration or backwashing, and a flow rate restricting mechanism at one end to ensure effective removal of trapped objects, allowing for improved backwashing efficiency and continuous filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional backwashing is performed by causing fluid to flow through the filter elements in reverse directions, then some trapped objects are removed, but gel-like substances and fibrous dust remain strongly stuck on the filter element surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The trapped object remover is designed to move dynamically within the filter element in response to fluid flow direction changes. During backwashing, the remover moves axially to scrape and remove trapped objects from the filter media surfaces, transforming the static backwashing process into a dynamic mechanical cleaning action that effectively removes adhesive gel-like substances and fibrous dust
Solution Approach 2:
The trapped object remover acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the fluid flow and the trapped objects. It translates fluid flow energy into mechanical scraping action, enabling effective removal of strongly adhered substances that cannot be removed by fluid flow alone
2Measurement precision
If filter elements with mesh size less than 200 μm are used to improve filtration precision, then filtering performance increases, but trapped objects become more difficult to remove during backwashing
Solution Approach 1:
The trapped object remover provides dynamic mechanical action that overcomes the increased adhesion strength caused by fine mesh filtration. Its movement within the filter element creates scraping forces that effectively remove trapped objects even from the surfaces of filter elements with mesh sizes less than 200 μm
Solution Approach 2:
The trapped object remover is driven automatically by the fluid flow itself during backwashing operations. The reverse flow of fluid naturally moves the remover to the appropriate position and provides the driving force for its cleaning action, eliminating the need for external mechanical drive systems
3Reliability
If fibrous dust and algae are trapped in the filter elements during filtration of seawater or industrial liquids, then filtration effectiveness increases, but the trapped substances become entangled and cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The trapped object remover transforms the static entangled mass of fibrous substances into a dynamic cleaning process. Its axial movement during backwashing mechanically breaks up and removes entangled fibrous dust and algae that have been trapped during effective filtration of seawater or industrial liquids
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic backwashing operations where the trapped object remover is activated during intervals between filtration cycles. This periodic mechanical cleaning action prevents permanent entanglement buildup and maintains filtration effectiveness over extended operation periods
4Device complexity
If simple backwashing is performed without additional mechanisms, then device complexity remains low, but filtering performance cannot be fully restored when gel-like substances are strongly adhered
Solution Approach 1:
The trapped object remover is self-driven by the fluid flow during backwashing operations. The reverse flow of fluid automatically moves the remover axially and provides the mechanical action needed for cleaning, eliminating the need for external motors, pumps, or complex control systems while achieving effective performance restoration
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic principles to drive the trapped object remover. The fluid flow itself, generated by the backwashing pump, provides the mechanical force to move and operate the remover, converting hydraulic energy directly into mechanical cleaning action without additional mechanical drive components
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 solution enables reliable removal of trapped objects and maintains filtration efficiency by restricting fluid flow rates, improving backwashing effectiveness and allowing for simultaneous filtration during the backwashing process, resulting in a simpler and cost-effective apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
movable in its axial direction by the fluid flow in the axial direction generated during filtration or backwashing
Implementation Method 2
an outer periphery of the trapped object remover slides in contact with an inner periphery of the filter member so as to remove an object trapped by the filter member
Implementation Method 3
filtering apparatuses are used for filtering water such as seawater, lake water, river water, drinking water or sewage water... so as to trap and remove substances such as microparticles and dust included in such fluid to be filtered
Implementation Method 4
backwashing,' which is a process of causing fluid to flow through the filter elements in the reverse directions of those for filtration so as to release objects trapped and adhered to the filter elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a tubular filter element 3 configured to filter fluid by allowing the fluid to pass therethrough from the inside to the outside, and to be backwashed by allowing the fluid to pass therethrough from the outside to the inside. The filter element 3 includes: a tubular filter member 31; first and second end members 32 and 33 having openings and respectively provided at first and second ends of the filter member 31; and a trapped object remover 34 provided in the interior of the filter member 31, and movable by the fluid flow while its outer periphery slides in contact with the inner periphery of the filter member 31 to remove trapped objects. A flow rate restricting means for restricting the fluid flow rate through the second end member 33 is provided on the second end side of the filter member 31.