Flame Resistant Viscose Filter for Grease-Laden Vapor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional exhaust filtration systems in food preparation and commercial kitchens face challenges with grease buildup, leading to frequent filter cleaning, fire hazards, and inefficiencies in removing grease-laden vapors, as well as the need for costly and time-consuming maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A flame-resistant viscose filter assembly with a bonding emulsion, potentially blended with synthetic or wool fibers, is used to create a self-supporting, disposable filter that efficiently captures grease particulates and provides a fire barrier, reducing the risk of fires and simplifying maintenance by being easily replaceable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal or flame listed baffles are used for filtration, then fire resistance is improved, but grease buildup occurs leading to frequent cleaning requirements and fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable paper filter elements that are replaced rather than cleaned. These filters are made from inexpensive materials including paper, cardboard, or fiberboard, allowing them to be discarded after use. The filters are designed to be thrown away with accumulated grease rather than being cleaned and reused, eliminating the maintenance burden of traditional metal baffles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters from traditional metal or heavy flame-resistant materials to lightweight paper-based materials. By treating the paper with flame-retardant chemicals or using inherently flame-resistant paper formulations, the filters achieve adequate fire resistance while maintaining disposability and low cost.
2Productivity
If filters are designed to capture grease effectively, then grease removal efficiency is improved, but the filters require frequent cleaning and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter elements are designed as disposable components made from inexpensive paper or fiberboard materials. After capturing grease during operation, the entire filter is removed and discarded rather than cleaned. This eliminates cleaning time while maintaining effective grease capture during the filter's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter design extracts the grease-capturing function into a separate, removable disposable element. The baffle structure itself remains clean and permanent, while the disposable filter insert is removed once saturated with grease, separating the contamination from the permanent structure.
3Reliability
If traditional baffle filters are used, then fire barrier function is maintained, but grease accumulates on ductwork creating fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable filter elements are positioned upstream to capture grease before it can accumulate on downstream ductwork and baffle structures. By removing grease particulates from the air stream in advance, the system prevents grease buildup in locations that would create fire hazards, while the baffle structure maintains its fire barrier function.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter design extracts grease particulates from the air stream before they can deposit on ductwork surfaces. The disposable filter elements are removed and discarded with the captured grease, preventing grease accumulation on permanent structures and eliminating the associated fire hazards.
4Ease of operation
If disposable filters are used to simplify maintenance, then ease of replacement is improved, but filter cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter elements are constructed from inexpensive materials such as paper, cardboard, or fiberboard, making the disposable nature cost-effective. The low material cost allows frequent replacement without significant expense, and the simplicity of replacement (merely removing and discarding) greatly improves ease of operation compared to cleaning traditional filters.
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 effectively reduces grease buildup, minimizes fire risks, and extends the cleaning interval of baffle filters, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and efficient filtration system that captures grease-laden vapors before they reach ductwork, thereby preventing fires and simplifying filter replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a bonding emulsion... comprising casein resin, acrylic resin, starch, protein, and/or polylactic acid
Implementation Method 2
efficiently removing or reducing grease particulates from grease-laden vapor or air
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly includes a filter pad comprising flame resistant viscose. The filter assembly also includes a bonding emulsion. The bonding emulsion may comprise casein resin. The bonding emulsion may additionally comprise acrylic resin. The filter assembly also includes a structural support. In particular embodiments, at least a portion of the fibers are treated with a solution that is fire resistant or fire retardant.