Variable-Speed Kidney-Loop Filtration for Portable Fluid Cleanup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems for industrial and mobile fluids are not scalable for different types of fluids, viscosities, or volumes, requiring specific design for each application, and are often large and cumbersome, hindering portability and quick setup.
Innovation Solution
A variable speed pump with a direct current motor and a filter assembly form a kidney-loop filtration circuit, controlled by a voltage-adjustable system, allowing flow rates from 0.05 to 0.45 gpm, and compatible with various filter configurations and fluid types, using a brushless motor and magnetic drive for compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional kidney-loop filtration system uses high capacity pumps to circulate 3-8 gpm of fluid, then the filtration capacity is sufficient for large volumes, but the system size, weight, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable speed pump that can dynamically adjust flow rate between 0.05-0.45 gpm based on actual filtration needs. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain adequate filtration capacity when needed while operating at minimal flow rates during normal operation, significantly reducing the required pump size and system weight compared to traditional fixed high-capacity pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters by using a pump capable of variable flow rates rather than fixed high flow rates. The pump can operate at 0.05-0.45 gpm for portability and 3-8 gpm when high filtration capacity is needed, allowing the system to adapt its parameters to match actual requirements rather than always operating at maximum capacity.
2Reliability
If the filtration system is designed for specific applications with fixed pump sizes, then the system performs optimally for that particular application, but the system lacks portability and requires redesign for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal filtration system through a modular design where the variable speed pump can be configured for different flow rates and the filter assembly can be adapted to various fluid types and viscosities. This multi-functional design allows the same basic system to serve multiple applications from small portable units to larger industrial setups, eliminating the need for complete redesigns for different applications while maintaining optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable speed capability allows the system to dynamically adapt to different application requirements. By adjusting the pump speed, the same physical system can optimize its performance for different fluid volumes, viscosities, and filtration demands, providing both reliability across applications and adaptability to specific needs without requiring fixed design for each case.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a portable cart with filters is used to minimize system size, then the system becomes moveable and adaptable, but the filtration capacity and flow rate are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The portable filtration system incorporates a variable speed pump that can dynamically increase flow rate from 0.05-0.45 gpm in portable mode up to 3-8 gpm when high filtration capacity is required. This dynamic capability allows the same portable system to provide adequate filtration capacity on-demand without sacrificing portability, as the high capacity is only activated when actually needed rather than being permanently required.
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 is scalable, compact, and versatile, enabling quick setup on different equipment with varying fluids, reducing size and cost, and maintaining efficient filtration performance.
Implementation Method 1
a variable speed pump having a direct current motor... A control circuit in communication with the direct current motor of the variable speed pump varies a voltage supplied to the direct current motor
Implementation Method 2
The direct current motor comprises a brushless motor and the variable speed pump is magnetically driven by the direct current motor, whereby no driveshaft or transmission is employed
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration system includes a variable speed pump having a direct current motor in communication with a source of fluid to be filtered, and a filter assembly having in communication the variable speed pump and with the source of fluid, such that the source of fluid, the variable speed pump and the filter assembly define a kidney-loop filtration circuit in which the fluid is circulated and filtered. A control circuit in communication with the direct current motor varies a voltage supplied to the direct current motor such that the speed of the direct current motor is variable and consequently the flow of fluid through the variable speed pump and through the filter assembly is variable.