Tunnel Washer Wash Waste Treatment with Self-Cleaning Wedge-Wire Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous washing machines in preclinical pharmaceutical research face issues with filter clogging, complex self-cleaning systems, high water consumption, and accumulation of dirt residues in the wash bath, leading to inefficiencies and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a cylindrical wash tub with tangential suction and conical bottom, a centrifugal wash pump with an open impeller, an in-line wedge-wire filter, and a counter-flow system for automatic self-cleaning, along with a motorized separator to manage wash waste, ensuring efficient filtration and separation of solid residues without disrupting the washing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static filters are used in continuous washing machines, then the system is simpler to manufacture and operate, but the filters require manual cleaning intervention and stop production
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system performs self-cleaning through a counter-current water flow mechanism that automatically removes accumulated dirt without requiring manual intervention or production shutdown. Clean water flows in the opposite direction to the washing liquid, creating a self-cleaning action that maintains filter functionality continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is pre-equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism that activates before the filter becomes completely clogged. The counter-current flow continuously prevents dirt accumulation from blocking the filter, ensuring uninterrupted operation without waiting for manual maintenance
2Reliability
If self-cleaning systems are implemented in continuous washing machines, then filter functionality is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-cleaning mechanism utilizes hydraulic principles by employing a counter-current water flow system. Clean water flows opposite to the washing liquid direction, creating hydraulic pressure that automatically removes dirt from the filter without requiring complex mechanical cleaning components
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine's existing water circulation system serves dual functions: it performs the primary washing function and simultaneously provides the counter-current flow for filter self-cleaning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning systems, reducing overall complexity
3Device complexity
If conventional filtration systems are used, then the structure is simpler, but dirt residues accumulate in the wash bath and clog the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static filtration to dynamic self-cleaning filtration. The filter operates continuously with active counter-current flow that dynamically removes dirt accumulation, preventing clogging while maintaining simple structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-current flow operates periodically or continuously to flush accumulated dirt from the filter. This periodic cleaning action prevents dirt residues from building up and clogging the filter, maintaining reliable operation without complex structures
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 system effectively prevents filter clogging, reduces water consumption, and maintains continuous operation by automatically cleaning the filter and separating solid residues, addressing issues of dirt accumulation and cavitation, while ensuring ergonomic design and efficient waste management.
Implementation Method 1
a tangential liquid suction outlet in the tub bottom area... adapted to generate a rotational motion of the liquid in said tub
Implementation Method 2
an in-line filter with an internal filter cartridge of the 'wedge-wire' type, adapted to filter the liquid coming from said centrifugal pump
Implementation Method 3
comprising a flush valve for discharging the filtering waste
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating wash waste liquid is described, configured for coupling to a wash module of a continuous Tunnel washing machine for the field of Preclinical Pharmaceutical Research, said wash module (12) comprising a wash chamber (25), characterized in that it comprises:a wash tub (22) with a side wall (31) substantially cylindrical in shape, with a tangential liquid suction outlet (33) and a substantially conical bottom, with a wash waste drain point (35) at the vertex of the cone, said tangential suction being adapted to generate a rotational motion of the liquid in said tub, said tub being positioned under said wash chamber (25), so as to receive said wash liquid by gravity;a centrifugal wash pump (21) with an open impeller, adapted to take in liquid from said tangential liquid suction outlet (33);an in-line filter (26) with an internal filter cartridge of the “wedge-wire” type, adapted to filter the liquid coming from said centrifugal pump (21) and deliver it back, filtered, into said wash chamber (25), and comprising a flush valve (27) for discharging the filtering waste.