BR112018001095B1 - METHOD FOR CONTROL OF A FILTER EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A FILTERING PROCESS. The present invention relates to a method for controlling a filter apparatus (1), comprising a filter (2) formed by a plurality of filter elements (3), the filter (2) being rotatable around the longitudinal axis (X) of the filter (2). In accordance with the present invention, the method comprises: providing the filter apparatus (1) with a plurality of filter elements (3) comprising an identification unit (5) arranged to store a specific identification code for the filter element (3) ); reading the identification codes of said different filter elements (3), during rotation of the filter (2); performing said reading at least following a change of at least one of the filter elements (3) in the filter (2); repetition of said reading at prescribed time intervals; and displaying reasoned information about the readings in a visual form; wherein the information includes symbols corresponding to the operating time of an individual filter element (3).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a filter apparatus.

[0002] The present invention additionally relates to a computer program product loadable into a computer memory.

[0003] The present invention still further relates to a memory resource.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Filtration is a widely used process whereby a slurry or solid-liquid mixture is forced through a medium, with the solids retained on the medium, like a cake, and the liquid phase passing through (bypassing ). This process is generally well understood in the industry. Examples of types of filtration include deep filtration, pressure and vacuum filtration, and gravity and centrifugal filtration.

[0005] Both pressure filters and vacuum filters are used in the dehydration of mineral concentrates. The main difference between pressure filters and vacuum filters is the way in which the pulling force for filtering is generated. In pressure filtration, overpressure inside the filter chamber is generated with the aid of, for example, a diaphragm, a piston, or external devices, for example, a feed pump. Consequently, solids are deposited on top of the filter and the filtrate flows through (flows straight) into the filtrate channels. Pressure filters often operate in batch mode due to the fact that continuous cake discharge is more difficult to achieve.

[0006] Cake formation in vacuum filtration is based on the generation of suction within the filtrate channels. The most commonly used filter media for vacuum filters are filter cloths and coated media, for example ceramic filter media. These filter media are commonly used in filter apparatus having a filter comprising multiple filter elements, for example in rotary vacuum disc filters and rotary vacuum drum filters.

[0007] Rotary vacuum disc filters are used for the filtration of relatively free filter suspensions on a large scale, such as the dewatering of mineral concentrates. Dehydrating mineral concentrates requires large capacity in addition to produce a cake with low moisture content. Such large processes are commonly energy intensive, and resources to decrease specific energy consumption are needed. The vacuum disk filter may comprise a plurality of filter disks arranged in-line coaxially and around a pipe or a central axis. Each filter disk may be formed from a number of individual filter elements or sectors, called filter plates, which are circumferentially mounted in a radial plane around the piping or central axis to form the filter disk, and as far as that the shaft is fixed in such a way that it turns (rotates), each plate or filter sector is, in turn, moved into a basin (a container) of slurry and additionally, as far as the shaft of rotation spin rises from the basin. When the filter media is submerged in the slurry basin where, under the influence of the vacuum, cake forms on top of the media. Once the sector or filter plate leaves the basin, the pores are emptied as the cake is deliqueured for a predetermined time that is essentially limited by the speed of rotation of the disc. The cake can be discharged by a return air pulse or by scraping, after which the cycle starts again. Whereas the use of a cloth filter media requires heavy commercial vacuum pumps, due to the fact that vacuum losses through the cloth during deliquesting, the ceramic filter media, when wet, does not allow air to pass through. (straight through), which additionally lowers the required vacuum level, making it possible to use smaller vacuum pumps and consequently providing significant energy savings.

[0008] Vacuum filtration is based on producing a suction within the filtrate channels and as a result forming a mineral cake on the surface of the filter medium. The most commonly used filter elements in vacuum filters are filter cloths and ceramic filters.

[0009] Rotary vacuum drum filters are used for the filtration of relatively free filter suspensions on a large scale, such as the dewatering of mineral concentrates. Dehydrating mineral concentrates requires large capacity in addition to produce a cake with low moisture content. The vacuum drum filter may comprise a cylindrical support structure rotating about a longitudinal axis forming a central axis for the drum. There are a plurality of filter elements or plates disposed on the outer surface of the cylinder. Each filter plate forms a portion of the cylindrical outer surface of the cylinder. Each filter plate is displaced during each revolution of the shaft for a certain period of time in a slurry basin located below the shaft. The filter plate rises from the bowl as the shaft revolution proceeds. When the filter plate is submerged in the slurry bowl a cake forms on top of the outer surface of the filter plate due to the fact of the vacuum inside the filter plate. Once the filter plate leaves the basin, the pores are emptied as the cake is deliqueured for a predetermined time which is essentially limited by the speed of rotation of the drum. The cake can be discharged by a return air pulse or by scraping, after which the cycle starts again. The filter elements of rotary vacuum drum filters are advantageously made of porous ceramic.

[0010] Filter elements contain micro-sized pores, ie micropores, which create strong capillary action in contact with liquid. This microporous filter medium allows only liquid to flow through (come through).

[0011] Common to all said filters is typically a large number of filter elements. This gives rise to a problem that the management of filter elements, ie their history, for example installation date or operating hours of a specific element, is very difficult and laborious (burdensome) to deal with.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Viewed from a first aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a filter apparatus can be provided, the filter apparatus comprising a filter formed by a plurality of filter elements, the filter being rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the filter, the method comprising: providing the filter apparatus with a plurality of filter elements comprising an identification unit arranged to store an identification code specific to the filter element; reading the identification codes of said various filter elements during rotation of the filter; performing said reading following at least a change of at least one of the filter elements in the filter; repetition of said reading at prescribed time intervals; and displaying reasoned information about the readings in a visual form; wherein the information includes symbols corresponding to the operating time of an individual filter element.

[0013] As a result of this, a method facilitating the management of filter elements can be achieved.

[0014] Viewed from a second aspect of the present invention, a computer program product can be provided for performing the method which is defined in the accompanying independent patent claim 1 and loadable into a memory of a filter control unit, the computer program product comprising program code which, when executed by the filter control unit processor, causes the filter control unit to: read identification codes of said various filter elements during rotation of the filter; performing said reading at least following a change of at least one of the filter elements in the filter; repeating said reading at prescribed time intervals; and displaying information based on the readings in a visual form, the information including symbols corresponding to the operating time of an individual filter element.

[0015] As a result of this, a computer program product facilitating the management of the filter elements can be achieved.

[0016] Viewed from a third aspect of the present invention, a memory resource can be provided for a memory resource comprising a computer program product as defined and claimed in the accompanying Independent Patent Claim 22.

[0017] As a result of this, a memory resource facilitating the management of filter elements can be achieved.

[0018] The method, the computer program product and the memory resource are characterized by the fact of what is set forth in the corresponding accompanying independent patent claims. Certain other embodiments are characterized by what is set forth in the other accompanying dependent patent claims. Inventive embodiments are also presented in the descriptive report and in the Figure Drawings of this patent application. The inventive content of the patent application may also be defined in other ways than those defined in the following patent claims. The inventive content can also be formed from several separate inventions, especially if the present invention is examined in the light of expressed or implied subtasks or in view of benefits or groups of benefits obtained. Some of the definitions contained in the following patent claims may therefore be unnecessary in view of the separate inventive ideas. Characteristics of the different embodiments of the present invention can, within the scope of the basic inventive idea, be applied to other embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION DRAWINGS

[0019] Some embodiments illustrating the present invention will now be described, and in greater detail, by way of and with reference to the Drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective top view illustrating an exemplary disk filter apparatus ; Figure 2 is a cutaway view of the disk filter apparatus that is shown in Figure 1 and seen in the axial direction; Figure 3 is a perspective top view illustrating an exemplary drum filter apparatus; Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of a disk filter element; Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of a drum filter element; Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of a method for controlling a filter apparatus; and: Figure 7 is showing an embodiment of displaying the information based on the readings of the identification units.

[0020] In the Drawings some embodiments of the present invention are shown simplified for the sake of clarity. Similar parts are marked with the same reference numerals in the Drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Principles of embodiments of the present invention can be applied for drying or dehydrating fluid materials in any industrial processes, particularly in minerals and mining industries. In the herein described embodiments of the present invention, a material to be filtered is referred to as a slurry, but embodiments of the present invention are not intended to be restricted to this type of fluid material. The slurry may have a high concentration of solids, for example, base metal concentrates, iron ore, chromite, ferrochrome, copper, gold, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead and pyrite.

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective top view illustrating an exemplary filter apparatus, and Figure 2 is a cutaway view of the filter apparatus that is shown in Figure 1.

[0023] The disc apparatus (1) shown here is a disc filter apparatus comprising a filter (2) consisting of several consecutive coaxial filter discs (16) arranged in line coaxially around the central axis (4) of the filter (2).

[0024] The filter (2) is supported by bearings (bearings) on a structure (23) of the filter device (23) and is rotatable about the longitudinal geometric axis (X) of the filter (2) in such a way that the portion bottom of the filter (2) is submerged in a slurry basin (24) located below the filter (2). The filter (2) is rotated, for example, by an electric motor that is not shown in Figure 1.

[0025] The number of filter disks (16) can vary from 2 to 20, for example. The diameter of each filter disk (16) can vary in the range from 1.5 m to 4 m, for example. Examples of commercially available disk filters include Outotec Larox CC filters, models CC-6, CC-15, CC-30, CC-45, CC-60, CC-96 and CC 144 manufactured by Outotec Inc.

[0026] All filter disks (16) may preferably be essentially similar in structure. Each filter disk (16) may be formed from a number of individual sector-configured filter elements (3), called filter plates, which are circumferentially mounted in a radial planar plane around the central axis (4) of the filter. (2) to form an essentially continuous and planar disk surface. The number of filter plates can be 12 or 15, for example.

[0027] The operation of the disk filter apparatus (1) can be controlled by a filter control unit, such as a Programmable Logic Controller, (PLC).

[0028] The function of disk filter devices has already been described in the technical overview part of this description.

[0029] The filter apparatus (1) comprises several filter elements (3) comprising an identification unit (5). In one embodiment of the present invention, all filter elements (3) of the filter (2) are provided with the identification unit (5).

[0030] The identification unit (5) stores a specific identification code for the filter element (3). The identification unit (5) comprises a transmitter apparatus (6) for communicating in wireless mode an identification signal comprising said identification code in such a way that the identification code is readable and receptive by the receiver facility (8) of a receiving apparatus (7).

[0031] Exactly one identification unit (5) is shown in Figure 2 for purposes of clarity, but it is evident that each filter element (3) can comprise an identification unit of its own.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the identification unit (5) is an RFID [Radio Frequency Identification] tag or transponder and the transmitter device (6) is the antenna of said RFID tag. RFID. Consequently, the identification signal is a radio frequency signal, and the receiving apparatus (7) is an RFID reader device. The RFID tag can be a passive, semi-passive or active RFID tag. As an embodiment of RFID technology, NFC [Near Field Communication] equipment can be used.

[0033] The receiver resource (8) comprises an antenna (10) tuned to receive the identification signal sent by the identification unit (5). In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the antenna (10) is arranged in an antenna module (11). In the embodiment, using RFID technology, the antenna (10) is an RFID reader antenna, the type of which may be, for example, a dipole antenna, a circular polarized antenna, a monostatic circular antenna or a bistatic circular.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the identification unit (5) is an optically readable identification unit and the receiving apparatus (7) comprises an optical reader, the identification signal being, consequently, an optical signal. The optically readable identification unit may comprise, for example, a bar code, a data matrix code or a QR [Quick Response] code.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter apparatus (1) comprises a receiver apparatus (7) for each filter disk (16) in such a way that each of the receiver apparatuses (7) is arranged to receive the codes identification from the transmitter devices (6) of a specific filter disc (16) only. An advantage is that a reliable and correct reading of the transmitter devices (6) can be ensured through the filter elements (3) being covered by a layer of ore.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotational position of the filter (2) is determined by a position indicator (42). In this way, the row of filter element/s (3) being read by the receiving apparatus (7) can be identified.

[0037] An advantage is that not only the filter elements (3) can be monitored and their historical data collected, but also data about the filter body (43) can be collected. The filter body (43) is provided with mounting means to which the filter elements (43) are attached. There may be variations in the properties of the filter body (43), for example, in the assembly feature, which contributes to the service life of the filter elements (3). These variations can be discovered in historical data collected in a long-term monitoring of the filter. Thanks to the position indicator (42), these historical data are not lost even in the case where all filter elements (3) in the filter (2) are changed at the same time.

[0038] The position indicator (42) may comprise, for example, an inductive sensor, an inclinometer, an identification tag fixedly arranged on the filter (2), such as an RFID tag, etc.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the output signal is sent to a database (22) comprising identification information of all filter elements (3) of the filter apparatus (1). This embodiment of the present invention is presented in greater detail later in this description.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiver resource (8) comprises an antenna (10) that is arranged in an antenna module (11). The antenna module (11) comprises a structure (12) supporting an antenna (10) and a support structure (13) keeping the antenna (10) at a suitable distance from the filter (2). The antenna module can be constructed from one or more antenna module elements (14).

[0041] The proper distance can be selected in such a way that the reading distance, that is, the distance between the antenna (10) and the identification unit (5) to be read by said antenna (10) is in the range of 1cm - 3m. In this range, reading of the identification signal can be performed precisely enough by various signaling technologies, for example RFID, NFC, optical. The reading distance is preferably in the range of 2 cm - 2 m. In this range, a passive identification unit, for example a passive RFID unit, works well during the filtering process. The reading distance is most preferably 5 cm - 70 cm. In this range, the reading of the identification signal can be performed optimally and errors in the readings can be minimized. Additionally, this range is especially suitable for a passive RFID unit.

[0042] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the receiver apparatus (7) is fixed on a support structure (26) separate from the structure (23) of the filter apparatus (1). An example of this embodiment of the present invention is shown by a dashed line in Figure 2. The support structure (26) can be, for example, a part of the building structure covering the filter apparatus (1) or a purposely designed support structure. made separate from the frame (23) of the filter apparatus (1).

[0043] Figure 3 is a perspective top view illustrating an exemplary drum filter apparatus.

[0044] The drum filter apparatus (1) comprises a filter drum (19), and the filter element (3) is an outer surface part of said filter drum (19). The diameter of the filter drum (19) can be, for example, in the range 1.8 m - 4.8 m and length in the axial direction 1 m - 10 m. The surface area of the filter can be, for example, in the range 2 - 200 m2.

[0045] The drum filter apparatus (1) comprises several filter elements (3) comprising an identification unit (5). In one embodiment of the present invention, all filter elements (3) are provided with the identification unit (5).

[0046] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the antenna module (11) is arranged to be located between a washing station (35) of the filter elements (16) and the slurry basin (24) in such a way such that, in the direction of rotation of the filter (2), the antenna module (11) follows the washing station (35) and the slurry basin (24) follows the antenna module (11).

[0047] The function of drum filter apparatus has already been described in the technical overview part of this description.

[0048] Examples of commercially available drum filters include CDF-6/1.8 manufactured by Outotec Inc.

[0049] Figure 4 illustrates a disk filter element embodiment of the present invention. The filter element (3) comprises a permeable membrane layer (17) made of a porous ceramic on both sides of the filter element (3), and a substrate (18) disposed between said permeable membrane layers (17).

[0050] An identification unit (5) that has been previously described is arranged in the filter element (3). In the embodiment of the present invention that is shown in Figure 4, the identification unit (5) is arranged on the peripheral outer edge surface (28) of the filter element (3). Consequently, the distance to the receiving device (7) can be minimized. Evidently, the identification unit (5) can be placed in some other part of the filter element (3). An alternative placement of the identification unit (5) is shown in Figure 4 by dashed line. In this embodiment of the present invention, the identification unit (5) is arranged close to the mounting parts (30) which function as a resource for tying the filter element (3) to the assembly resource on the central axis (4) of the identification apparatus. filter (1).

[0051] The identification unit (5) can be secured to the filter element (3) by adhesive, fastening (tightening) elements, for example, screws, etc. The identification unit (5) is protected against aggressive environment by sealing and/or encapsulation.

[0052] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of a drum filter element of the present invention. The main difference of drum filter filter elements compared to disc filter filter elements is that the latter typically have suction walls on both sides of the filter element, whereas Drum filters typically have only one suction wall on their outer surface. Additionally, drum filter elements typically have a rectangular configuration as shown in Figure 5. An identification unit (5) described above is disposed on the filter element (3). The placement of the identification unit (5) can be chosen differently to the one shown in Figure 5.

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention of a method for controlling a filter apparatus.

[0054] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, information about the identification of filter elements (3) is collected in a database (22). This information is based on identification codes stored in the identification units (5) and read by the receiver resource (8) of the receiver device (7) of said filter device (1).

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the database (22) is arranged in the filter control unit (27). A wireless radio transmitter or some other kind of wireless transmission medium may be employed to transfer signals from the receiver facility (8) to the filter control unit (27). In another embodiment of the present invention, wired mode communication is employed to transfer signals from the receiver facility (8) to the filter control unit (27).

[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, the database (22') is arranged on a network server that is connected to the filter control unit (27) in wired mode or in wireless mode, by example, through an Internet connection.

[0057] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the database (22'') is arranged on a separate external memory resource (39), such as a USB key (port) (USB stick), an SSD card or a pluggable CD-ROM for the filter control unit (27).

[0058] It is to be noted that there may be several filter apparatuses (1) located in different production plants connected to the database (22, 22').

[0059] Receiving devices (7) read the identification units (5) at certain times or following certain process steps.

[0060] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the identification units (5) are read at least following a change of at least one of the filter elements (3) in the filter apparatus (1). Consequently, the database (22, 22') is automatically updated in case of change of one or more element/s of filter (3). In other words, the database (22, 22') is synchronized and the individual filter elements (3) are monitored online. In this way, the identity information of the filter elements (3) in the filter apparatus (1) is always known.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the identification units (5) are read after each stop of rotation of the filter apparatus (1).

[0062] The identification units (5) can also be read by repeating said reading at prescribed time intervals, for example, by performing the reading on each rotation of the filter apparatus (1).

[0063] In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the identification units (5) or identification data are read only once after each stop of rotation of the filter apparatus (1). Between said readings, only duration of time, ie the operating time of the filter apparatus (1) is measured.

[0064] In another embodiment of the present invention, the database (22, 22') is synchronized offline, for example, through a USB key (port) (USB stick) (39) or some other memory resource external.

[0065] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the database (22, 22') may additionally include information about installation data and working hours of the filter elements (3). Consequently, old (old) filter elements (3) about to be changed can be discovered and it is possible to anticipate when new filter elements (3) should be purchased. Consequently, the number of filter elements (3) kept in stock can be optimized and maintenance planning of the filter apparatus (1) is made easier.

[0066] As previously presented in this description, the operation of the filter device (1) can be controlled by a filter control unit (27), such as a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The filter control unit (27) may comprise a processor known as such (per se). A computer program product is executed on the processor, and the method is controlled via the computer program product. The computer program product comprises program code which, when executed by the processor of the filter control unit (27), makes the filter control unit (27): - read the identification codes of said various filter elements (3) during rotation of the filter (2); - performing said reading at least following a change of at least one of the filter elements (3) in the filter (2); - repeat said reading at prescribed time intervals; and: - display background information about the readings in a visual form; - the information including symbols corresponding to the operating time of an individual filter element (3).

[0067] The computer program product can be loaded from an internal memory of the control unit (27). The computer program product can be transferred to the control unit (27) from a separate external memory resource (40), such as a USB stick (USB stick), an SSD card or a CD-ROM. rom. It can also be transferred via a telecommunication network, for example by connecting the control unit (27) via a wireless access network to the Internet.

[0068] The control unit (27) also comprises a user interface, comprising, for example, a display (41), through which the operator using the filter apparatus (1) can control the functions of the apparatus and method.

[0069] Figure 6 is also showing some process steps relating to the manufacture of filter elements (3) and happening, for example, in the filter element factory (32). The identification units (5) are RFID tags which are encoded, i.e. provided with an identification code, with an RFID printer (31) and attached to the filter elements (3).

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least part of the information based on the reading of the identification units (5) is reported to a filter element provider, such as the filter element factory (32).

[0071] An advantage is that purchase needs for filter elements (3) can be anticipated and the stock level of filter elements (3) can be minimized. This lowers operating costs and improves equipment efficiency.

[0072] It is to be noted that the process steps presented here in connection with Figure 6 are adaptable for both disc filter apparatus and drum filter apparatus.

[0073] Figure 7 is showing an embodiment of visualization of the information based on the readings of the identification units (5).

[0074] The information includes visual symbols (36) corresponding to the operating time of an individual filter element (3). In the embodiment of the present invention that is shown in Figure 7, the visual symbol (36) is a pattern style. In another embodiment of the present invention, the visual symbol (36) can be a color code.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the visualization is based on dividing the average life expectancy of the filter element (3) into time periods. For each of the time periods a visual symbol is provided which is preferably clearly distinguished from other said visual symbols. The visual symbol (36) corresponding to the operating time of the filter element (3) at the time of reading is shown to operators controlling the use of the filter devices (1).

[0076] In one embodiment of the present invention, the life expectancy of the filter element (3) is divided into three periods of time: - first period: the operating time of the filter element (3) has not reached more than half life expectancy; - second period: the operating time of the filter element (3) is more than half of the life expectancy, but has not reached the life expectancy; and: - third period: the operating time of the filter element (3) exceeds the life expectancy.

[0077] For example, the life expectancy of the filter element (3) can be 2 years.

[0078] It is to be noted, however, that this is exactly one option to accomplish the visualization and that there are alternative ways to accomplish this.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention which is shown in Figure 7, the visual information refers to a disk filter apparatus. The information is shown on a two-dimensional map (37) where the number of columns corresponds to the number of filter disks (16) and the number of rows corresponds to the number of filter elements (3) arranged on a disk of filter (16). In this case, the disk filter apparatus comprises 20 (twenty) filter disks symbolized by letters (A) to (R), and each filter disk comprises 12 (twelve) filter elements symbolized by numbers (1) to (12 ).

[0080] In another embodiment of the present invention, the filter apparatus (1) may be a drum filter apparatus. So, in the two-dimensional map (37) the number of columns corresponds to the number of filter circles (38) in the drum and the number of rows corresponds to the number of filter elements in a filter circle. The filter apparatus (1) preferably comprises an antenna (10) for a filter circle (38). It is to be noted, that visualization can be carried out in another way, for example, by displaying filter disks or circles on the vertical axis of the map and filter elements on the horizontal axis of the map.

[0081] The map (37) can be shown on any suitable display (display) connected to the database (22, 22') or filter control unit or any user interface comprising a display (display).

[0082] The map (37) that is shown in Figure 7 indicates to its reader, for example, that: a) there are 214 out of 240 filter elements that have not fully reached more than half their life expectancy; b) there are 11 (eleven) filter elements whose operating time is more than half of their expected life, but which have not yet reached their expected life; and: c) there are 8 (eight) filter elements whose operating time has exceeded their life expectancy.

[0083] The operator can very quickly read the state of the filter elements on the map (37). The information provided can prompt further measurements, for example operators can go and check the condition of the filtering process of those filter elements whose operating time has exceeded the expected life. If the filtering process appears to be running satisfactorily, the filtering process can be kept running without stopping (interrupting) the devices.

[0084] In the event of a stoppage of the apparatus, or at least following a change of at least one of the filter elements (3), the reading of the identification codes of the filter elements (3) is performed. If there is/m new filter element/s (3) in the filter (2), their identification code is then read at the same time as that of the rest of the filter elements (3). The new filter element (3) is automatically identified through its identification code, as well as the placement of the new filter element (3) in the filter (2) is automatically recognized, and the calculation of the operating time of the new element filter (3) in the filter (2) is started.

[0085] It is possible that the new filter element will be effectively unused. Instead, the new filter element can be used for some time and removed from a filter apparatus, for example, for cleaning or repair purposes. This kind of newly assembled filter element is identified by its identification code, and the operating time calculation is performed.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reason for changing or for removing a filter element removed from the filter is shown or is indicated in a user interface. In a further embodiment of the present invention, there is a compulsory stage in the user interface for recording the reason for change, for example, starting the filter apparatus can be prohibited until the reason for change has been recorded in the database or in the filter control unit.

[0087] One embodiment of the visualization, for example, the map (37) mentioned above, may include not only information about the operating time, but also additional information about the filter elements (3).

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention, a visual symbol is provided for a filter element (3) the identification code of which cannot be read. As an example, the map (37) that is shown in Figure 7 presents 6 (six) filter elements (5) on the filter disk ('A'), which for some reason are not readable. The reason can be, for example, malfunction of the identification unit (5).

[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, a visual symbol is provided for a filter element (3), the identification code of which has an unidentified nature. As an example, the map (37) that is shown in Figure 7 presents 1 (one) filter element (5) in the first disk ('L'), in row ('9'), which has a readable identification code of that nature.

[0090] The method presented here makes it possible to collect a lot of information (a lot of information) about the filter elements (3), about the filter apparatus (1) and about the filtering process. On the basis of said information it is possible to produce statistical information and statistical investigations with respect to the filter elements, the filter apparatus and the filtering process. For example, the average filter element life expectancy can be reassessed based on realized operating times of the filter elements. It is also possible to discover differences, if any, in average life expectancy between different filter apparatus, or between filter discs or filter circles disposed in the same filter apparatus.

[0091] The present invention is not limited solely to the embodiments described above, but instead many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the patent claims later on. Within the scope of the inventive concept attributes from different embodiments and applications may be used in conjunction with or in place of attributes for another embodiment or application.

[0092] The accompanying Figure Drawings and the related description are only intended to illustrate the idea of the present invention. The present invention may vary in details within the scope of the inventive idea defined in the following patent claims. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, for example, the receiving apparatus (7) can be a portable device.

[0093] Therefore, while the present invention has been described in accordance with some preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be embodied with a number of changes, modifications and variations being conceivable without departing from depart from the inventive spirit of the present invention, which is solely limited with respect to the scope of protection as set out by the subsequent patent claims. REFERENCE SYMBOLS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 1 filter apparatus 2 filter 3 filter element 4 central axis 5 identification unit 6 transmitting apparatus 7 receiving apparatus 8 receiver resource 10 antenna 11 antenna module 12 antenna module structure 13 support structure 14 module element 16 filter disc 17 porous membrane layer 18 substrate 19 filter drum 20 indicator 21 light element 22, 22', 22'' database 23 filter apparatus frame 24 slurry bowl 26 support frame 27 filter control unit 28 peripheral outer edge surface 30 mounting parts 31 RFID printer 32 filter element factory 35 washing station 36 visual symbol 37 map 38 filter circle 39 external memory resource 40 external memory resource for computer program product 41 display 42 position indicator 43 filter body D reading distance H horizontal level L, L' line X long axis tudinal

Claims (21)

1. Method for controlling a filter apparatus, the filter apparatus comprising a filter formed by a plurality of filter elements in which: - the filter is rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the filter, characterized in that the method it comprises: - providing the filter apparatus with a plurality of filter elements comprising: - an identification unit arranged to store an identification code specific to the filter element; - reading the identification codes of said different filter elements; - repetition of said reading at prescribed time intervals; - the method further comprising: - reading the identification codes of said several filter elements during rotation of the filter; - performing said reading at least following a change of at least one of the filter elements in the filter; and: - display background information about the readings in a visual form; where: - the information includes symbols for the operating time of an individual filter element. 2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises carrying out the reading following each stop of the filter rotation. 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises performing the reading on each rotation of the filter. 4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the visual symbol is a color code. 5. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: - dividing the average life expectancy of the filter element into periods of time; - determine a visual symbol for each of the time periods; and: - displaying the filter element by the visual symbol corresponding to the operating time of said filter element at the time of reading. 6. Method, according to claim 5, characterized in that dividing the life expectancy of the filter element into three periods of time comprises: - first period: the operating time of the filter element has not reached more than half life expectancy; - second period: the operating time of the filter element is more than half of the life expectancy, but has not reached the life expectancy; and: - third period: the operating time of the filter element exceeds the life expectancy. 7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises providing a visual symbol for a filter element, the identification code of which cannot be read. 8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises providing a visual symbol for a filter element, the identification code of which has an unidentified nature. 9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises notifying the information to a filter element provider. 10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises displaying a reason for changing a changed filter element. 11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a compulsory stage in a user interface for recording the reason for change. 12. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step to reassess the average life expectancy based on realized operating times of the filter elements. 13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises providing an RFID tag as the identification unit. 14. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises providing all the filter elements of the filter with the identification unit. 15. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter apparatus is a disc filter apparatus, wherein the method comprises: - providing visual information in a two-dimensional map where the number of columns corresponds to the number of filter discs and the number of rows corresponds to the number of filter elements in a filter disc. 16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises reading a filter disk by a receiver resource, consequently, the column being defined by the receiver resource. 17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises reading a filter disk by an antenna. 18. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the filter apparatus is a drum filter apparatus, the method comprising: - providing information on a two-dimensional map where the number of columns corresponds to the number of filter circles in the barrel and the number of rows corresponds to the number of filter elements in a filter circle. 19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that it comprises reading a filter circle by a receiver resource, consequently, the column being defined by the receiver resource. 20. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises reading a filter circle by an antenna. 21. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: - determining the rotational position of the filter by a position indicator.

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