Filter Device Comprising a Bionic Filter Element and Method for Separating Microplastics from Fluids

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a bionic filter device and method, inspired by fish gills, for removing microplastics from fluids such as water. The system uses a specially shaped, conical, gill-like filter element that induces a circular flow inside, concentrating microplastics for easy removal. The filter allows the clean fluid to pass laterally through a porous mesh while microplastics are collected and periodically or continuously discharged via a controlled drain.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Microplastic removal from wastewater in washing machines and dishwashers.
• Treatment of industrial or urban water and wastewater to reduce microplastic pollution.
• Purification in food and beverage processing industries where microplastic contamination may occur.
• Water treatment plants to improve environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
• Portable water filtration devices for field collection or emergency use.
• Retrofitting existing filtration systems in residential, municipal, or industrial settings.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly efficient removal of microplastics (up to 97% as shown in tests).
• Continuous or periodic self-cleaning to avoid clogging and reduce maintenance requirements.
• Biomimetic (nature-inspired) design enhances filtration performance and energy efficiency.
• Minimizes water loss by concentrating microplastics into a small retentate volume.
• Adaptable for various fluids and particle sizes by adjusting filter geometry and pore size.
• Can be integrated or retrofitted into existing systems with minimal disruption.
• Reduces environmental and health risks associated with microplastic pollution.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a bionic device and to a method for separating microplastic from a fluid. The device consists of at least one housing and at least one filter element or at least one self-supporting filter element which has a gill-shaped design, wherein the fluid enters the housing and the filter element or the self-supporting filter element at one end via an inlet opening, and the separated microplastic accumulates at the other end as retentate by means of a circular flow within the filter element and can be discharged or suctioned centrally in the region of the filter element via a retentate drain or can be collected in a container and removed. The housing and the filter element or the self-supporting filter element have an opening angle relative to the inlet opening of a « 90° in order to generate the circular flow and are designed to be at least partly conical, the filter element at least partly has a lattice-shaped or porous filter structure, and the fluid exits laterally through the lattice-shaped or porous filter structure of the filter element and through the filtrate drain.