Wool Fiber Grease Filter Assembly With Flame-Resistant Exhaust Filtration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional exhaust filtration systems in food preparation and commercial kitchens face issues with grease buildup, leading to frequent cleaning needs, fire hazards, and contamination, as they are not effective in trapping greasy vapors and odors efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A flame-resistant filter apparatus using a filter pad made from wool fibers bonded with a casein resin-based emulsion, which can be easily replaced, providing efficient grease removal and acting as a fire barrier, reducing the risk of fires and allowing for eco-friendly disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal or flame listed baffles are used as filter elements, then flame resistance is provided, but grease builds up quickly requiring frequent cleaning and creating fire hazards in ductwork
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable filter elements made from inexpensive materials such as paper, fabric, or foam that are designed to be replaced rather than cleaned. These filters trap grease particulates effectively and are discarded when saturated, eliminating the cleaning maintenance required by traditional metal baffles while maintaining flame resistance through proper material selection and placement upstream of the ductwork
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the grease trapping function from the traditional metal baffle system and places it in separate disposable filter elements positioned upstream in the exhaust path. This separation allows the disposable filters to capture grease particulates before they reach the ductwork, while the metal baffles maintain their flame blocking function without accumulating grease
2Object-generated harmful factors
If filters are placed in exhaust systems to trap grease, then grease removal is achieved, but the filters require constant cleaning and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements disposable filter elements made from low-cost materials that are replaced rather than cleaned. These filters efficiently trap grease particulates from the exhaust stream and are discarded when saturated, eliminating the time-consuming cleaning process while maintaining effective grease removal. The upstream placement ensures grease is captured before reaching the ductwork
3Productivity
If grease is allowed to collect on ductwork, then filter cleaning frequency is reduced, but fire hazards increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the grease trapping function from the ductwork system and concentrates it in disposable filter elements positioned upstream in the exhaust path. This prevents grease particulates from reaching and accumulating on the ductwork, eliminating fire hazards while allowing continuous operation without cleaning interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable filter elements act as intermediary components between the exhaust source and the ductwork. They intercept and trap grease particulates before they can travel to the ductwork, serving as a protective barrier that prevents fire hazard accumulation while maintaining system productivity
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 particulates in exhaust air, prolongs the cleanliness of ductwork, minimizes fire risks, and offers a cost-effective, disposable filter solution that is environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
The filter assembly may be positioned upstream from a baffle filter or other exhaust filtration device, so that grease and/or other particulates are captured and removed from grease-laden vapor before passage through the baffle filter and/or exhaust ducting
Implementation Method 2
The filter pad may also comprise wool fibers and synthetic fibers. The filter assembly may also comprise a bonding emulsion, wherein the bonding emulsion comprises casein resin
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly includes a filter pad comprising fibers including natural, synthetic and/or hybrid fibers. In particular embodiments, the filter pad comprises wool fibers. The filter assembly also includes a bonding emulsion, wherein the bonding emulsion comprises casein 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.