CA2355723C - Filter system - Google Patents
Filter system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2355723C CA2355723C CA002355723A CA2355723A CA2355723C CA 2355723 C CA2355723 C CA 2355723C CA 002355723 A CA002355723 A CA 002355723A CA 2355723 A CA2355723 A CA 2355723A CA 2355723 C CA2355723 C CA 2355723C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- filter
- housing
- filter element
- face
- sealing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 64
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 73
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005245 sintering Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 26
- 238000011045 prefiltration Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000011001 backwashing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000193901 Dreissena polymorpha Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000000706 filtrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241001474374 Blennius Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000195493 Cryptophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000364021 Tulsa Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000001680 brushing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000839 emulsion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
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- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007790 scraping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
- B01D29/11—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements
- B01D29/13—Supported filter elements
- B01D29/23—Supported filter elements arranged for outward flow filtration
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
- B01D29/50—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with multiple filtering elements, characterised by their mutual disposition
- B01D29/52—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with multiple filtering elements, characterised by their mutual disposition in parallel connection
- B01D29/54—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with multiple filtering elements, characterised by their mutual disposition in parallel connection arranged concentrically or coaxially
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
- B01D29/62—Regenerating the filter material in the filter
- B01D29/66—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by flushing, e.g. counter-current air-bumps
- B01D29/68—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by flushing, e.g. counter-current air-bumps with backwash arms, shoes or nozzles
- B01D29/682—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by flushing, e.g. counter-current air-bumps with backwash arms, shoes or nozzles with a rotary movement with respect to the filtering element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
- B01D29/62—Regenerating the filter material in the filter
- B01D29/66—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by flushing, e.g. counter-current air-bumps
- B01D29/68—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by flushing, e.g. counter-current air-bumps with backwash arms, shoes or nozzles
- B01D29/688—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by flushing, e.g. counter-current air-bumps with backwash arms, shoes or nozzles with backwash arms or shoes acting on the cake side
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
- B01D2201/28—Position of the filtering element
- B01D2201/282—Filtering elements with a horizontal rotation or symmetry axis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
- B01D2201/28—Position of the filtering element
- B01D2201/287—Filtering elements with a vertical or inclined rotation or symmetry axis
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
Abstract
A filter is taught having filter elements (33) with flanged ends (35 36) sealed together. The seal may be secured by use of a rod (56) extending in a lengthwise direction through apertures (55) in the flanged ends, the rod having one end releasably securing the filter element and a second end secured to the housing. A frame (101) can cover the filter elements, and a jack screw (107) in the frame can be used to apply force to the filter elements to secure the seals. The filter may have a cleaning apparatus (80) capable of suctioning material from the filter element.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
FILTER SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fluid filter systems, and more particularly to apparatus for releasably sealing filter elements in a filter system and in particular, self cleaning filter systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
it has been recognized that the use of a plurality of filter elements connected together to accommodate a high flow of fluid is preferable to using a single large filter. Previously, such devices used compressible gaskets, O-rings, or the like in conjunction with male-female fittings or tangs to effect a liquid seal between the tubular filter elements;
see, for example, U.S. patent number 5,141,637 to Reed et al. These sealing methods may be suitable for small, low flow filter units which can be coupled and uncoupled by hand. In a large filter unit (for example, one in which the tubular filter elements are too large to be grasped and rotated easily, each a sealing arrangement is unsatisfactory as it is very difficult to break the seal between filter elements when a filter element requires replacement or when the unit is undergoing routine maintenance. Even in the case of a filter unit having only one filter element, the use of compressible gaskets to provide a seal about the filter element within the unit make removal of the filter element quite difficult if the filter element weighs more than one hundred pounds, is vertically oriented, or both.
Prior art filter systems are difficult to service and repair because it is typically not possible to observe the interior of the device without extensive disassembly of it. For large filter units, disassembly and reassembly require relatively long shutdown periods, the efforts of two or more workers and the assistance of additional machinery to lift and move various components. Because prior devices often do not have means to readily align components during assembly, expensive tubular filter elements can be damaged in the course of maintenance or repair of such devices.
For example, U.S. patent number 4,863,598 to Drori teaches a device for holding a stack of filter disks using externally located rod members which are secured at either end to annuli which secure the disks. However, stacked filter disks may induce a pressure drop of approximately 25 psi (1750 kg/cmz) or more from one side of the filter element to the other, and therefor are not suitable for many applications, such as the high volume filters required by power generating plants. Furthermore, this manner of filter assembly allows material to become trapped between the disks. Consequently, the only effective way to clean these disks is to release the filter elements, separate them, clean them and subsequently reassemble them.
Known methods of self cleaning a filter element often involve scraping or brushing the filter element. U.S. patent number 5,569,383 to Vander Ark, 3r. et al, PCT
patent application number W095/00230, U.S. patent number 4,156,647 to Nieuwenhuis and U.S.
patent number 5,614,093 to Mueggenburg et al. all teach filters which use a rotor with cleaning blades or brushes to scrape clean the pre-filtration side of the filter element. The use of scrapers or brushes for cleaning can damage the filter element either directly or by forcing material through the filter elements.
Other methods of self cleaning a filter element involve backwashing, i.e.
reversing the pressure differential between the pre- and post-filtration sides of the filter element to expel particular matter trapped in the filter element. Typically, such backwashing requires closing z the main inlet and outlet valves and opening backwashing valves to reverse the pressure differential (see, for example, U.S. patent number 5,312,544 to Kinney).
U.5. patent numbers 4,045,345 and 5,228,993 to Drori and U.S. patent number 5,108,592 to Wilkins et al: teach filters which use a series of valves and other mechanical devices to automate a backwashing procedure for cleaning the filter element.
Cleaning is accomplished by reversing the flow of water through the filter element (ie.
exposing the post-filtration side of the filter element to a high pressure) to expel particulate matter caught in the filter element. In U.S. patent number 4,045,345 Drori teaches the reverse flow is induced by pressure at the outlet of the filter, and particulate matter is expelled through a slotted purging chamber which rotates, along with the filter housing, around the filter element. U.5. patent number 5,228,993 to Drori and U.S. patent number 5,108,592 to Wilkins et al.
teach cleaning using a reverse flow through the filter achieved by pressure from a supply pipe. In all of these teachings, particulate matter is expelled from the filter element by spraying the post-filtration side of the filter element through rotating nozzels. The use of spray force for cleaning can damage the filter element either directly or by forcing material through the filter elements. Furthermore, all of these methods of self cleaning require the cessation and reversal of normal filter flow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses these and other problems associated with prior devices by providing a liquid filtration device, comprising a housing having an inlet, an outlet and an inner surface, the housing containing:
(i) a removable filter element having an inner face, an outer face and first and second flanged ends, each flanged end having a sealing surface and a rod aperture, and the rod apertures of the first and second ends align in a lengthwise direction;
(ii) a housing flange on the housing inner surface, the housing flange being . sealable with the first flanged end sealing surface of the filter element;
(iii) a sealing face on the housing inner surface, the sealing face being sealable with the second flanged end sealing surface of the filter element;
FILTER SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fluid filter systems, and more particularly to apparatus for releasably sealing filter elements in a filter system and in particular, self cleaning filter systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
it has been recognized that the use of a plurality of filter elements connected together to accommodate a high flow of fluid is preferable to using a single large filter. Previously, such devices used compressible gaskets, O-rings, or the like in conjunction with male-female fittings or tangs to effect a liquid seal between the tubular filter elements;
see, for example, U.S. patent number 5,141,637 to Reed et al. These sealing methods may be suitable for small, low flow filter units which can be coupled and uncoupled by hand. In a large filter unit (for example, one in which the tubular filter elements are too large to be grasped and rotated easily, each a sealing arrangement is unsatisfactory as it is very difficult to break the seal between filter elements when a filter element requires replacement or when the unit is undergoing routine maintenance. Even in the case of a filter unit having only one filter element, the use of compressible gaskets to provide a seal about the filter element within the unit make removal of the filter element quite difficult if the filter element weighs more than one hundred pounds, is vertically oriented, or both.
Prior art filter systems are difficult to service and repair because it is typically not possible to observe the interior of the device without extensive disassembly of it. For large filter units, disassembly and reassembly require relatively long shutdown periods, the efforts of two or more workers and the assistance of additional machinery to lift and move various components. Because prior devices often do not have means to readily align components during assembly, expensive tubular filter elements can be damaged in the course of maintenance or repair of such devices.
For example, U.S. patent number 4,863,598 to Drori teaches a device for holding a stack of filter disks using externally located rod members which are secured at either end to annuli which secure the disks. However, stacked filter disks may induce a pressure drop of approximately 25 psi (1750 kg/cmz) or more from one side of the filter element to the other, and therefor are not suitable for many applications, such as the high volume filters required by power generating plants. Furthermore, this manner of filter assembly allows material to become trapped between the disks. Consequently, the only effective way to clean these disks is to release the filter elements, separate them, clean them and subsequently reassemble them.
Known methods of self cleaning a filter element often involve scraping or brushing the filter element. U.S. patent number 5,569,383 to Vander Ark, 3r. et al, PCT
patent application number W095/00230, U.S. patent number 4,156,647 to Nieuwenhuis and U.S.
patent number 5,614,093 to Mueggenburg et al. all teach filters which use a rotor with cleaning blades or brushes to scrape clean the pre-filtration side of the filter element. The use of scrapers or brushes for cleaning can damage the filter element either directly or by forcing material through the filter elements.
Other methods of self cleaning a filter element involve backwashing, i.e.
reversing the pressure differential between the pre- and post-filtration sides of the filter element to expel particular matter trapped in the filter element. Typically, such backwashing requires closing z the main inlet and outlet valves and opening backwashing valves to reverse the pressure differential (see, for example, U.S. patent number 5,312,544 to Kinney).
U.5. patent numbers 4,045,345 and 5,228,993 to Drori and U.S. patent number 5,108,592 to Wilkins et al: teach filters which use a series of valves and other mechanical devices to automate a backwashing procedure for cleaning the filter element.
Cleaning is accomplished by reversing the flow of water through the filter element (ie.
exposing the post-filtration side of the filter element to a high pressure) to expel particulate matter caught in the filter element. In U.S. patent number 4,045,345 Drori teaches the reverse flow is induced by pressure at the outlet of the filter, and particulate matter is expelled through a slotted purging chamber which rotates, along with the filter housing, around the filter element. U.5. patent number 5,228,993 to Drori and U.S. patent number 5,108,592 to Wilkins et al.
teach cleaning using a reverse flow through the filter achieved by pressure from a supply pipe. In all of these teachings, particulate matter is expelled from the filter element by spraying the post-filtration side of the filter element through rotating nozzels. The use of spray force for cleaning can damage the filter element either directly or by forcing material through the filter elements. Furthermore, all of these methods of self cleaning require the cessation and reversal of normal filter flow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses these and other problems associated with prior devices by providing a liquid filtration device, comprising a housing having an inlet, an outlet and an inner surface, the housing containing:
(i) a removable filter element having an inner face, an outer face and first and second flanged ends, each flanged end having a sealing surface and a rod aperture, and the rod apertures of the first and second ends align in a lengthwise direction;
(ii) a housing flange on the housing inner surface, the housing flange being . sealable with the first flanged end sealing surface of the filter element;
(iii) a sealing face on the housing inner surface, the sealing face being sealable with the second flanged end sealing surface of the filter element;
(iv) a rod extending in a lengthwise direction through the rod apertures, the rod having a first rod end for releasably securing the filter element and a second rod end secured to the housing; and (v) fastening means for securing the first rod end, wherein, upon securing the fastening means, sufficient force is applied to the sealing surfaces to define a liquid flowpath through the inlet, through the inner face of the filter element to the outer face of the filter element and out the outlet.
In another preferred embodiment, the filter has a plurality of filter elements connected in series, and each f lter element has a first sealing surface sealable with a second sealing surface of an adjacent filter element. The sealing surface may be chamfered.
In a further preferred embodiment, the filter element is cylindrical.
The invention also teaches a door on the housing and the filter elements are removable and replaceable through the door. The door may be hinged. In a further preferred embodiment, the filter has removable extensions for extending the length of the rods to the door.
In a preferred embodiment, the filter has a plurality of rod apertures at the first and second flanged ends and a plurality of rods extending therethrough.
Preferably, the flowpath through the filter surface is perpendicular to the inner face.
Preferably, the filter element comprises a structural screen and a mesh screen, the structural screen consisting of a rigid or semi-rigid plate having multiple apertures, and the mesh is fixed to the structural screen by a sintering process. Preferably, the mesh screen is the inner face and the structural screen is the outer face. Preferably, the mesh screen has a mesh size of to 40 microns.
1n a preferred embodiment the invention also has a pre-screen positioned in the 30 flowpath between the inlet and the filter element, and a pre-screen drain positioned in the flowpath between the pre-screen and the inlet.
In another preferred embodiment, the filter has a plurality of filter elements connected in series, and each f lter element has a first sealing surface sealable with a second sealing surface of an adjacent filter element. The sealing surface may be chamfered.
In a further preferred embodiment, the filter element is cylindrical.
The invention also teaches a door on the housing and the filter elements are removable and replaceable through the door. The door may be hinged. In a further preferred embodiment, the filter has removable extensions for extending the length of the rods to the door.
In a preferred embodiment, the filter has a plurality of rod apertures at the first and second flanged ends and a plurality of rods extending therethrough.
Preferably, the flowpath through the filter surface is perpendicular to the inner face.
Preferably, the filter element comprises a structural screen and a mesh screen, the structural screen consisting of a rigid or semi-rigid plate having multiple apertures, and the mesh is fixed to the structural screen by a sintering process. Preferably, the mesh screen is the inner face and the structural screen is the outer face. Preferably, the mesh screen has a mesh size of to 40 microns.
1n a preferred embodiment the invention also has a pre-screen positioned in the 30 flowpath between the inlet and the filter element, and a pre-screen drain positioned in the flowpath between the pre-screen and the inlet.
In another preferred embodiment, the filter has a housing having an inlet, an outlet and an inner surface, the housing containing:
(i) a removable filter element having an inner face, an outer face and first and second flanged ends, each flanged end having a sealing surface, the first flanged end having a guide receptacle and the second flanged end having a guide projection;
(ii) a sealing face on the housing inner surface, the sealing face being sealable with the second flanged end sealing surface of the filter element, and the sealing face having a guide receptacle which receives the guide projection;
(iii) a housing flange on the housing inner surface, the housing flange having a sealing surface;
(iv) a frame releasably secured to the housing flange; and (iv) jack means located on the frame for applying force to the filter element, wherein, upon the application of force from the jack means, the sealing surfaces are sealed to define a liquid flowpath through the inlet, through the inner face of the filter element to the outer face of the filter element and out the outlet.
Preferably, this embodiment also has a guide rod extending from the first to the second flanged ends of the filter member. Preferably, the guide rod extends outwardly from the second flanged end to define the guide proj ection. In another embodiment, the filter also has a position pin and position pin receptacles located in both the first flanged end and the frame, the position pin receptacles for receiving the position pin. In a further related embodiment, the filter also has a support structure frame located between the first flanged end and the frame; a position pin; and position pin receptacles located in both the first flanged end and the support structure frame, the position pin receptacles for receiving the position pin; wherein the jack means applies force to the filter element through applying force to the support structure frame.
In another embodiment, the invention has a runner located on the inner surface for receiving the guide rod.
In another embodiment, the invention teaches a filter having self cleaning apparatus.
1n this embodiment, the filter also has a cleaning member for cleaning the inner face of the filter element, the cleaning member having: a cleaning head positioned adjacent the inner face; a discharge aperture extending through the housing; a conduit in flow communication from the cleaning head to the discharge aperture; and vacuum means for providing suction to the conduit and cleaning head to suction material from the inner face of the filter element, through the conduit and out the discharge aperture. In a preferred embodiment, the filter element is cylindrical and the cleaning member moves rotationally. In a further preferred embodiment, the filter cleaning member further comprises a plurality of cleaning heads in communication with the conduit, the cleaning heads positioned along the cleaning member such that substantially all of the inner face is subjected to vacuum from the cleaning heads when the motor is operated. Preferably, the cleaning head is a fm nozzle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective partially broken away view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a side cross sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an end plan view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 2.
Figure 7 is a detailed view taken at station 7 of Figure 2.
Figure 8 is a detailed view taken at station 8 of Figure 2.
Figure 9 is a detailed view taken at station 9 of Figure 2.
Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of some features of an alternative embodiment of the device of Figure 1.
Figure 11 is a detailed view taken at station 11 of Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a detailed view taken at station 12 of Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of some features taken along line 13-13 of Figure 10.
Figure 14 is a detailed view taken at station 14 of Figure 13.
Figure 15 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the cleaning member of Figure 10.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
S The invention will be described as it applies to a large capacity, high flow rate continuous filter for water. The skilled person will appreciate that the invention has broad application to a variety of liquid filtration situations, and the scope of the invention should not be restricted because of the description of the preferred embodiment which follows.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the liquid filtration device 10 of the invention has a housing 12 which is preferably cylindrical and which has a first end 14 provided with a liquid-tight door 15, and a second end 17. The filtration device 10 may be oriented vertically, horizontally or otherwise. Fluid flow ports are preferably provided through the housing wall 19 of the housing 12. Thus, an inlet 21 is provided near the first end 14 of the housing 12, an outlet 22 for filtered water is provided midway along the length of the housing 12, and a discharge aperture 23 is provided near the second end 17 of the housing 12.
A partition 25 is fixed within the housing 12 and spaced from the second end 17 to thereby define a discharge chamber 28 between the partition 25 and the second end 17. The discharge aperture 23 has a valve 30 which is opened only during the vacuumed cycle of operation. Preferably, the operation of the valve 30 is governed by an electronic controller.
One or more metal filter elements 33 are positionable within the housing 12. A
preferred embodiment will be described as shown in Figure 2 as having two filter elements 33. One of the advantages of the invention is its capability to be sized with the appropriate number of filter elements 33 to meet the specifications of a particular application. The utilization of a plurality of relatively small filter elements 33 in the device 10 of the invention has a number of decided advantages which will be described.
Each filter element 33 has a panel with an inner face 31 and an outer face 32, and first and second flanged ends 35 and 36 with sealing surfaces formed to provide metal to metal water seals about the filtration zone 40. Filtration zone 40 is defined as the zone WO 99/33542 PCT/CA98/012b0 between the housing wall 19 and the outer face 32 of filter elements 33.
Filtration zone 40 is in flow communication with outlet 22. Pre-filtration zone 85 is defined as the zone between the housing wall 19 and the inner face 31 of filter elements 33. Pre-filtration zone 85 is in flow communication with inlet 21.
As shown in a preferred embodiment in Figures 10 and 11, the invention can also comprise a pre-screen 94 located between inlet zone 60 and pre-filtration zone 85. The pre-screen 94 is a filter means with a mesh size greater than that of filter elements 33. Pre-screen 94 is secured to pre-screen frame 1 O 1 by means of pre-screen bolt 98. Pre-screen 94 functions to prevent larger impurities, for example, seaweed, fish or shells from entering the filtration zone 40, where it might obstruct filter elements 33. Generally, objects Filtered by pre-screen 94 will be large enough that they will fall to the bottom of inlet zone 60, where they may be periodically purged from the filter housing 12 by opening pre-screen drain 90 to a lower pressure than the pressure in inlet zone 60. In other embodiments, pre-screens may be located in the flow path prior to inlet 21, or, depending on the operating conditions, pre-screens may not be required at all.
The filter elements 33 are preferably of metal wire mesh type wherein a fine wire mesh defining a desired pore size is applied to a structural screen made of sheet metal (detail not shown). The structural screen acts as a support for the finer mesh. In a preferred embodiment, the structural screen consists of a rigid or semi-rigid plate having multiple apertures, and the mesh is fixed to the structural screen by a sintering process, such as the proprietary process performed by Purolator Products Company (Tulsa, OK, USA).
By use of this preferred embodiment, any damage to the fine mesh is restricted to the mesh at a given aperture of the structural screen, because the adjacent mesh is fixed to the structural plate.
Isolated damage of this type may be easily repaired by simply soldering over a given structural screen aperture. Also, the use of this embodiment increases the ease with which the mesh may be cleaned, as cor!~pared to filter elements of the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, the mesh side of the filter element faces the pre-filtration zone.
Tn an alternative embodiment the filter elements 33 are of a stainless steel wire mesh type in which a fine wire mesh defining a desired pore size is sandwiched between inner and outer structural screens also made of stainless steel. In another embodiment, the filter elements 33 comprise an outer structural screen, an inner filter mesh, and an intermediate structural screen sandwiched between the inner and outer layers.
By selecting the size of the openings in the filter element, the filter may be used, for example, to filter out zebra mussels, silt, algae, or other particulate matter. In a preferred embodiment, the mesh size is 40 microns or less. A mesh size of 40 microns allows the filter to remove zebra mussel larva. In the preferred embodiments described above, the filters are constructed with metal and stainless steel rings complete the flanged ends 35 and 36 of the filter element. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that for other applications, materials as diverse as ceramics or poly vinyl chlorides may be used.
Alternatively, electrostatic or ionic filters may be used for other applications.
In the preferred embodiments shown, the filter elements are cyclindrical, however, it will be appreciated that other dimensions may be used for the filter elements, so long as the filter element has an inner and outer face and ends having sealing surfaces capable of sealing in the manner described below.
As shown in Figure 8, the flanged end 35 of filter element 33 has a chamfered surface 42 which abuts a mating surface 43 about the sealing surfaces of second flanged end 36 to provide a nesting engagement of two filter elements 33. The water seal between the abutting flanges 35 and 36 is assisted by the addition of a small cross sectional diameter O-ring 44 carned in a groove 45 formed in the surface 43. Likewise, as shown in Figure 9, the partition is provided with an chamfered partition seal surface 47 which aligns with and provides a sealing engagement with the mating surface 43 of a second flanged end 36. As shown in 25 Figure 7, a water seal is provided for the filtration zone 40 about the endmost first flanged end 35 of the filter element 33 positioned nearest the first end 14 of the housing 12 by a housing flange 48. Housing flange 48 has a sealing surface 49 which aligns with sealing surface SO of endmost first flanged end 35. Housing flange 48 is fixed to the wall 19. An O-ring 52 is carried in a groove 53 formed in the surface 50 to provide a sealing engagement of the circumferential sealing surface 50 with the housing flange 48. These sealing arrangements thus are capable of forming a complete seal between filtration zone 40 and pre-filtration zone 85.
The flanged ends 35 and 36 of the filter elements 33 have a plurality of holes spaced around them for receiving filter guide rods 56. In most applications, four filter guide rods 56 are sufficient for the intended purpose. In the embodiments illustrated, the rods are cylindrical. However, it will be appreciated that the rods may be other dimensions, so long as they allow the filter elements to be installed or removed along the length of the rod. The filter guide rods 56 extend through and are fixed to the partition 25. The filter guide rods 56 are sized to extend just beyond the endmost first flanged end 35, and the filter guide rods 56 are threaded at their ends so that the filter elements 33 can be secured in place by means of nuts 57 (Figure 7). Preferably, a precision machined threadless fastening nut is used.
However, it will be appreciated that any suitable releasable fastening means known in the art may be used, for example threaded bolts or latch mechanisms. When installing and removing the filter elements 33 from the housing 12, filter guide rod extensions 59 may be added to the ends of the filter guide rods 56 by a precision machined threadless fastening coupling arrangement as shown in Figure 7. These filter guide rods 56 provide a significant advantage over the prior art as they facilitate the proper positioning of the filter elements 33 within the housing 12, they ensure that the sealing surfaces of the filter elements 33 are aligned and mated properly, and by virtue of the tightening of the nuts 57 at the end of each filter guide rod 56, the filter elements 33 are compressed together to provide the necessary water seals to separate filtered water in the filtration zone 40 from unfiltered water in the pre-filtration zone 85. The extensions 59 when attached to the filter guide rods 56 assist with the installation and removal of filter screens. Preferably, these extensions are long enough to exit the front of the filter housing 12.
In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 10, filter element guide rods 92 are used in place of filter guide rods 56. Filter element guide rod 92 extends between annular flanged ends 35 and 36 of filter element 33. Filter element guide rod 92 provides structural support to filter element 33, as well as a grip for manipulating filter element 33. As seen in Figure 12, filter element guide rods 92 are fixed to flanged ends 35 and 36 by means of welds 117. A
guide projection 131 of filter element guide rod 92 projects outwardly from flanged end 36.
When the filter elements 33 are assembled, guide projection 131 is received by guide rod receptacle 113, thus aligning one filter element 33 with the next during assembly and reassembly.
In a preferred embodiment, the seals between the pre-filtration zone 85 and the filtration zone 40 can be tightened and secured by means of the structure shown in Figure 11.
As in the first embodiment, housing flange 48 extends circumferentially along the inner surface of housing wall 19, and is attached thereto by means of, for example, weld 133.
S When all filter elements 33 are installed, the endmost first flanged end 35 is proximal to housing flange 48. Position pin 96 is held in position pin receptacle 114.
Position pin 96 projects outwardly from endmost first flanged end 35 and is received by a support structure frame 105. A seal between endmost first flanged end 35 and support structure frame 105 is assisted by the addition of a small cross sectional diameter O-ring 135 carned in a groove 137 formed in the surface 139 of support structure frame 105. Pre-screen frame 101 is placed over support structure frame 105 and secured to housing flange 48 by means of pre-screen frame bolt 98. An O-ring 111 is carried in a groove 112 formed in the pre-screen frame 101 to provide a sealing engagement of the circumferential sealing surface 109 with the circumferential housing flange 48. An O-ring 52 is carried in a groove 53 formed in the support structure frame 105 to provide a sealing engagement of the support structure frame 105 with the pre-screen frame 101. These sealing arrangements thus form a seal between filtration zone 40 and pre-filtration zone 85 when frame bolt 103 is tightened. To ensure a tight and secure seal between flanged ends 35 and 36 seen in Figures 12 and 10, a jack screw 107 is received through pre-screen frame 101. When tightened, jack screw 107 applies force to support structure frame 105, and this force is transmitted to the flanged ends of each filter element 33 in the series.
Having regarding to the above description, it will be appreciated that other functional equivalents of the the sealing structure of Figure 11 can be used. For example, the structure could be designed such that sealing surface 106 sealed with housing flange 48 rather than pre-screen fi~ame 101. As another example, support structure frame 105 could be removed, support structure 75 could be incorporated into pre-screen frame 101, and flanged end 35 could align directly with pre-screen frame 101. In this embodiment, jack screw 107 could be received by position pin receptacle 114 to ensure alignment, or another position pin receptacle (not shown) on pre-screen frame 101 could be used to ensure alignment between pre-screen frame 101 and flanged end 35. However, it will be appreciated that use of the preferred embodiment, described above and shown in Figure 11, accommodates a water tight seal even if circumferential housing flange 48 is not perfectly circular. The present inventors have found that, because housing flange 48 is welded to housing wall 19, flange 48 will not form a true circle if housing wall 19 is not perfectly cylindrical, if the welding process induces any distortion, or if the water loads during operation induce any distortion.
S
The invention may fiuther comprise a runner 119, shown in Figure 13. Runner preferably has a runner groove 121, which is suitable for receiving guide rod 92 of Figure 10.
Runner 119 facilitates the installation and removal of filter elements 33 by bearing some of the weight of the filter elements and by acting as a guide for aligning guide projection 131 with guide rod receptacle 113, thus assisting the installation, removal, and support of filter elements 33.
Returning to Figures l and 2, an inlet zone 60 is defined within the housing 12 from the first end 14 to the first filter element 33. The inlet 21 extends through the wall 19 of the housing 12 into the inlet zone 60. The first end 14 has a flange 62 to which the door 15 seals with the aid of an O-ring and a plurality of swing bolts 64 spaced around the circumference of the flange 62. The door 15 has hinges 65 (best shown in Figure 3) to swing completely away fi-om the opening of the first end 14, thus allowing for ready access to the interior of the housing 12.
Thus, in use, as shown by the arrows in Figures l and 2, unfiltered water enters the filter housing 12 through the inlet 21, into the pre-filtration zone 85 where the pressure of the system forces a flow through the filter mesh of the filter elements 33 to provide a flow of filtered water into the filtration zone 40. The water passes perpendicularly through the filter element 33 and into filtration zone. From here filtered water passes from the filtration zone 40 through the outlet 22 and on to its intended purpose. After a period of use, the filter elements 33 will become partially clogged with particulate matter, and a pressure drop will occur at the outlet 22. In response to this problem, the invention can include a vacuum filter cleaning system.
As seen in Figure 2, a hollow shaft 70 extends from the second end 17 of the housing 12 longitudinally through the center of the partition 25 and the filter elements 33. The shaft 70 has a first end 72 which is supported by a bearing 73 in a cross-shaped support structure 75 attached to the filter guide rods 56 by the nuts 57. The second end 76 of the shaft 70 is attached to rotation means, such as a gear box 79, shown in Figure 1. Gear box 79 is actuated by motor 77, both of which are located at the second end 17 of the housing 12.
Gear box 79 may contain a means for selecting various gears relating to various rotational velocities of shaft 70. Alternately, gear box 79 can be designed with a pre-selected optimal gear ratio to achieve an optimal rotational velocity for shaft 70. The optimal velocity will depend on operating conditions of the system for which the filter is designed, for example, the flow rate required, the pressure differential between the prefiltration zone 85 and the discharge chamber 28, and the size and quantity of impurities flowing into the filter.
The shaft 70 has a plurality of hollow filter cleaning heads 80 which extend radially outward from the shaft 70 to a position proximal to the inner surface of each filter element 33.
A portion of the shaft 70 near its second end 76 in the discharge chamber 28 has a plurality of 1 S holes 82 through it. Thus there is provided flow communication from the inner surfaces of the filter elements 33, through the cleaning heads 80, through the hollow shaft 70 to the discharge chamber 28.
Once the filtrate trapped on the filter element becomes dense enough to cause a predetermined drop in pressure, for example, 5 psi (350 kg/cm2), the vacuum cycle may be initiated to remove the filtrate. When the vacuum cycle commences, the motor 77 starts to rotate the gears inside of gear box 79, and the gears rotate the shaft 70 inside of the filter elements 33. Motor 77 may be powered by any means known in the art, for example, electricity or water turbine.
The cleaning heads 80 on the shaft are located with apertures close to the inner face 31 of the filter elements. Since there is water pressure inside the filter body during normal operation, a suction pressure is created once the valve 30 is opened to the atmosphere. As seen by the arrows in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6, the opening of the valve 30 to the atmosphere creates a suction which draws water through the holes 82 in the shaft 70 which in turn provides a suction at the ends of the cleaning heads 80. By rotating the shaft 70 during the vacuum cycle, the cleaning heads 80 are able to remove entrapped particulate matter so that the filter elements 33 are returned to their former efficiency. While the frequency and duration of the vacuum cycle is adjustable to suit particular circumstances, in a preferred embodiment, the cycle is initiated when the pressure drops by about S psi at the outlet 22, and is maintained for 8-10 seconds. In other embodiments, the vacuum cycle could run continuously during filtration, so long as the rate of water flowing through the shaft 70 is less than the rate of water flowing through the inlet 21. In another embodiment, during the cleaning cycle the flow rate through the filter can be reduced or even eliminated, for example, by use of a valve (not shown) at inlet 21.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 S, the cleaning heads are fin nozzle cleaning heads 123. The fin nozzle design increases the efficiency and effective force of the vacuum to better clean the filter elements. The fin nozzle design also decreases the outer surface area of the cleaning heads, thus decreasing the resistance to rotation encountered by the cleaning heads during rotation, thus requiring less energy to rotate the cleaning heads. Also in the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the cleaning heads are offset such that the distribution of weight of the cleaning heads is distributed more evenly from the centerline of shaft 70.
Also in the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the invention fiurther comprises connector tubes 125 which are in flow communication between the cleaning heads 123 and the hollow of shaft 70. Stem 129 of cleaning head 123 adjustably inserts into connector tubes 125 to form a substantially water tight seal. Adjuster screw 127 provides a means for adjusting the outward projection of cleaning head 123 from shaft 70. By adjusting adjuster screw 127, the intake of cleaning head 123 can be positioned a preferred distance from inner face 31.
The preferred clearance between inner face 31 and the intake of cleaning head 123 will depend on the size of the impurities which are to be suctioned from filter element 33. This preferred clearance is often between 1/8th to 1/l6th of an inch (1.59 mm to 3.17 mm).
From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a number of advantages over prior devices. Stainless steel wire mesh filter units are expensive components, particularly those large units required for high throughput devices. Previously, filter units have been designed to serve a particular purpose, and thus, one design has usually been found not to be suitable for either scaled up or scaled down applications. In contrast, the present invention provides a combination of components which can readily be sized and configured to serve a wide variety of applications. The present invention is a modular system which allows the use of a plurality of smaller filter units which are nested together using metal to metal water seals. The releasable securing mechanism for the filter elements of the present invention is particularly useful in that it allows for a plurality of filter elements of a smaller size, as opposed to a single filter element of a larger size to be used. This facilitates construction, maintenance, removal and replacement of the filter elements.
These filter units are lighter and easier to manufacture, hence, cheaper than larger units.
Because they are smaller and lighter, the filter units of the invention are easy to install and remove.
The guide rods of the present device ensure an accurate alignment of the filter units and provide means for ensuring that the filter elements and their respective seals are aligned and centered properly, and to generally assist in securing them in place.
These rods allow the design of the invention to be scaled up to handle very large flows. The rods, together with the use of the sealing surfaces and the support structure enable one to compress the filter elements together to form the proper sealing required for the fimction of the filter.
Also, the use of the cross shaped support structure 75 allows the shaft 70 to be centered and solidly supported.
The large water-tight door at one end of the present device allows a worker to more readily observe the filter operation, including the rotation of the shaft, while the device is empty of water, thus enabling a quicker determination of a malfunction than is possible with prior devices. Removal and replacement of the filter elements is likewise facilitated by the use of the door.
Removal and replacement of the filter elements are further facilitated by the sealing mechanism of the present invention. Whereas the prior art teaches methods of sealing using, for example, a lower O-ring in conjunction with a locking slit, the use of the sealing surfaces of the present invention, in conjunction with the compression from the rods allows for removal and replacement of filter elements without rotating or otherwise unlocking the filter elements.
This allows for the handling of larger filter elements than would be practical with conventional methods of sealing in the art.
Thus there are several aspects of the present invention that counter size and mass concerns of industrial filters. The present invention is particularly suited to industrial uses requiring high throughput, large volume filters. The sealing mechanism of the present invention has been found to be useful for filters where the pressure differential from one side of the filter element must be kept at a low level, for example, less than approximately S psi (350 kg/cm2), in order to maintain the required flow of water.
The present invention also provides a low maintenance filter system, thus increasing cost efficiency. By employing a minimum of moving parts, and by providing for a self cleaning system, the filters of the invention can operate for months, and possibly years without requiring maintenance apart from standard maintenance for the motor, which is conveniently located outside the filter housing. Unlike self cleaning filters of the prior art, motor or gearbox maintenance may be readily performed without opening or draining the filter housing.
The filter of the present invention may be particularly suited for water intake ports, such as those found at power plants. The filter of the present invention is also useful for other applications, for example, in the food industry, pulp and paper industry, and for fish hatcheries. The filter is also useful for non-water applications, for example, for filtering machine cuttings out of an oil emulsion.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus lie within the scope of the present embodiments.
(i) a removable filter element having an inner face, an outer face and first and second flanged ends, each flanged end having a sealing surface, the first flanged end having a guide receptacle and the second flanged end having a guide projection;
(ii) a sealing face on the housing inner surface, the sealing face being sealable with the second flanged end sealing surface of the filter element, and the sealing face having a guide receptacle which receives the guide projection;
(iii) a housing flange on the housing inner surface, the housing flange having a sealing surface;
(iv) a frame releasably secured to the housing flange; and (iv) jack means located on the frame for applying force to the filter element, wherein, upon the application of force from the jack means, the sealing surfaces are sealed to define a liquid flowpath through the inlet, through the inner face of the filter element to the outer face of the filter element and out the outlet.
Preferably, this embodiment also has a guide rod extending from the first to the second flanged ends of the filter member. Preferably, the guide rod extends outwardly from the second flanged end to define the guide proj ection. In another embodiment, the filter also has a position pin and position pin receptacles located in both the first flanged end and the frame, the position pin receptacles for receiving the position pin. In a further related embodiment, the filter also has a support structure frame located between the first flanged end and the frame; a position pin; and position pin receptacles located in both the first flanged end and the support structure frame, the position pin receptacles for receiving the position pin; wherein the jack means applies force to the filter element through applying force to the support structure frame.
In another embodiment, the invention has a runner located on the inner surface for receiving the guide rod.
In another embodiment, the invention teaches a filter having self cleaning apparatus.
1n this embodiment, the filter also has a cleaning member for cleaning the inner face of the filter element, the cleaning member having: a cleaning head positioned adjacent the inner face; a discharge aperture extending through the housing; a conduit in flow communication from the cleaning head to the discharge aperture; and vacuum means for providing suction to the conduit and cleaning head to suction material from the inner face of the filter element, through the conduit and out the discharge aperture. In a preferred embodiment, the filter element is cylindrical and the cleaning member moves rotationally. In a further preferred embodiment, the filter cleaning member further comprises a plurality of cleaning heads in communication with the conduit, the cleaning heads positioned along the cleaning member such that substantially all of the inner face is subjected to vacuum from the cleaning heads when the motor is operated. Preferably, the cleaning head is a fm nozzle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective partially broken away view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a side cross sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an end plan view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 2.
Figure 7 is a detailed view taken at station 7 of Figure 2.
Figure 8 is a detailed view taken at station 8 of Figure 2.
Figure 9 is a detailed view taken at station 9 of Figure 2.
Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of some features of an alternative embodiment of the device of Figure 1.
Figure 11 is a detailed view taken at station 11 of Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a detailed view taken at station 12 of Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of some features taken along line 13-13 of Figure 10.
Figure 14 is a detailed view taken at station 14 of Figure 13.
Figure 15 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the cleaning member of Figure 10.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
S The invention will be described as it applies to a large capacity, high flow rate continuous filter for water. The skilled person will appreciate that the invention has broad application to a variety of liquid filtration situations, and the scope of the invention should not be restricted because of the description of the preferred embodiment which follows.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the liquid filtration device 10 of the invention has a housing 12 which is preferably cylindrical and which has a first end 14 provided with a liquid-tight door 15, and a second end 17. The filtration device 10 may be oriented vertically, horizontally or otherwise. Fluid flow ports are preferably provided through the housing wall 19 of the housing 12. Thus, an inlet 21 is provided near the first end 14 of the housing 12, an outlet 22 for filtered water is provided midway along the length of the housing 12, and a discharge aperture 23 is provided near the second end 17 of the housing 12.
A partition 25 is fixed within the housing 12 and spaced from the second end 17 to thereby define a discharge chamber 28 between the partition 25 and the second end 17. The discharge aperture 23 has a valve 30 which is opened only during the vacuumed cycle of operation. Preferably, the operation of the valve 30 is governed by an electronic controller.
One or more metal filter elements 33 are positionable within the housing 12. A
preferred embodiment will be described as shown in Figure 2 as having two filter elements 33. One of the advantages of the invention is its capability to be sized with the appropriate number of filter elements 33 to meet the specifications of a particular application. The utilization of a plurality of relatively small filter elements 33 in the device 10 of the invention has a number of decided advantages which will be described.
Each filter element 33 has a panel with an inner face 31 and an outer face 32, and first and second flanged ends 35 and 36 with sealing surfaces formed to provide metal to metal water seals about the filtration zone 40. Filtration zone 40 is defined as the zone WO 99/33542 PCT/CA98/012b0 between the housing wall 19 and the outer face 32 of filter elements 33.
Filtration zone 40 is in flow communication with outlet 22. Pre-filtration zone 85 is defined as the zone between the housing wall 19 and the inner face 31 of filter elements 33. Pre-filtration zone 85 is in flow communication with inlet 21.
As shown in a preferred embodiment in Figures 10 and 11, the invention can also comprise a pre-screen 94 located between inlet zone 60 and pre-filtration zone 85. The pre-screen 94 is a filter means with a mesh size greater than that of filter elements 33. Pre-screen 94 is secured to pre-screen frame 1 O 1 by means of pre-screen bolt 98. Pre-screen 94 functions to prevent larger impurities, for example, seaweed, fish or shells from entering the filtration zone 40, where it might obstruct filter elements 33. Generally, objects Filtered by pre-screen 94 will be large enough that they will fall to the bottom of inlet zone 60, where they may be periodically purged from the filter housing 12 by opening pre-screen drain 90 to a lower pressure than the pressure in inlet zone 60. In other embodiments, pre-screens may be located in the flow path prior to inlet 21, or, depending on the operating conditions, pre-screens may not be required at all.
The filter elements 33 are preferably of metal wire mesh type wherein a fine wire mesh defining a desired pore size is applied to a structural screen made of sheet metal (detail not shown). The structural screen acts as a support for the finer mesh. In a preferred embodiment, the structural screen consists of a rigid or semi-rigid plate having multiple apertures, and the mesh is fixed to the structural screen by a sintering process, such as the proprietary process performed by Purolator Products Company (Tulsa, OK, USA).
By use of this preferred embodiment, any damage to the fine mesh is restricted to the mesh at a given aperture of the structural screen, because the adjacent mesh is fixed to the structural plate.
Isolated damage of this type may be easily repaired by simply soldering over a given structural screen aperture. Also, the use of this embodiment increases the ease with which the mesh may be cleaned, as cor!~pared to filter elements of the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, the mesh side of the filter element faces the pre-filtration zone.
Tn an alternative embodiment the filter elements 33 are of a stainless steel wire mesh type in which a fine wire mesh defining a desired pore size is sandwiched between inner and outer structural screens also made of stainless steel. In another embodiment, the filter elements 33 comprise an outer structural screen, an inner filter mesh, and an intermediate structural screen sandwiched between the inner and outer layers.
By selecting the size of the openings in the filter element, the filter may be used, for example, to filter out zebra mussels, silt, algae, or other particulate matter. In a preferred embodiment, the mesh size is 40 microns or less. A mesh size of 40 microns allows the filter to remove zebra mussel larva. In the preferred embodiments described above, the filters are constructed with metal and stainless steel rings complete the flanged ends 35 and 36 of the filter element. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that for other applications, materials as diverse as ceramics or poly vinyl chlorides may be used.
Alternatively, electrostatic or ionic filters may be used for other applications.
In the preferred embodiments shown, the filter elements are cyclindrical, however, it will be appreciated that other dimensions may be used for the filter elements, so long as the filter element has an inner and outer face and ends having sealing surfaces capable of sealing in the manner described below.
As shown in Figure 8, the flanged end 35 of filter element 33 has a chamfered surface 42 which abuts a mating surface 43 about the sealing surfaces of second flanged end 36 to provide a nesting engagement of two filter elements 33. The water seal between the abutting flanges 35 and 36 is assisted by the addition of a small cross sectional diameter O-ring 44 carned in a groove 45 formed in the surface 43. Likewise, as shown in Figure 9, the partition is provided with an chamfered partition seal surface 47 which aligns with and provides a sealing engagement with the mating surface 43 of a second flanged end 36. As shown in 25 Figure 7, a water seal is provided for the filtration zone 40 about the endmost first flanged end 35 of the filter element 33 positioned nearest the first end 14 of the housing 12 by a housing flange 48. Housing flange 48 has a sealing surface 49 which aligns with sealing surface SO of endmost first flanged end 35. Housing flange 48 is fixed to the wall 19. An O-ring 52 is carried in a groove 53 formed in the surface 50 to provide a sealing engagement of the circumferential sealing surface 50 with the housing flange 48. These sealing arrangements thus are capable of forming a complete seal between filtration zone 40 and pre-filtration zone 85.
The flanged ends 35 and 36 of the filter elements 33 have a plurality of holes spaced around them for receiving filter guide rods 56. In most applications, four filter guide rods 56 are sufficient for the intended purpose. In the embodiments illustrated, the rods are cylindrical. However, it will be appreciated that the rods may be other dimensions, so long as they allow the filter elements to be installed or removed along the length of the rod. The filter guide rods 56 extend through and are fixed to the partition 25. The filter guide rods 56 are sized to extend just beyond the endmost first flanged end 35, and the filter guide rods 56 are threaded at their ends so that the filter elements 33 can be secured in place by means of nuts 57 (Figure 7). Preferably, a precision machined threadless fastening nut is used.
However, it will be appreciated that any suitable releasable fastening means known in the art may be used, for example threaded bolts or latch mechanisms. When installing and removing the filter elements 33 from the housing 12, filter guide rod extensions 59 may be added to the ends of the filter guide rods 56 by a precision machined threadless fastening coupling arrangement as shown in Figure 7. These filter guide rods 56 provide a significant advantage over the prior art as they facilitate the proper positioning of the filter elements 33 within the housing 12, they ensure that the sealing surfaces of the filter elements 33 are aligned and mated properly, and by virtue of the tightening of the nuts 57 at the end of each filter guide rod 56, the filter elements 33 are compressed together to provide the necessary water seals to separate filtered water in the filtration zone 40 from unfiltered water in the pre-filtration zone 85. The extensions 59 when attached to the filter guide rods 56 assist with the installation and removal of filter screens. Preferably, these extensions are long enough to exit the front of the filter housing 12.
In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 10, filter element guide rods 92 are used in place of filter guide rods 56. Filter element guide rod 92 extends between annular flanged ends 35 and 36 of filter element 33. Filter element guide rod 92 provides structural support to filter element 33, as well as a grip for manipulating filter element 33. As seen in Figure 12, filter element guide rods 92 are fixed to flanged ends 35 and 36 by means of welds 117. A
guide projection 131 of filter element guide rod 92 projects outwardly from flanged end 36.
When the filter elements 33 are assembled, guide projection 131 is received by guide rod receptacle 113, thus aligning one filter element 33 with the next during assembly and reassembly.
In a preferred embodiment, the seals between the pre-filtration zone 85 and the filtration zone 40 can be tightened and secured by means of the structure shown in Figure 11.
As in the first embodiment, housing flange 48 extends circumferentially along the inner surface of housing wall 19, and is attached thereto by means of, for example, weld 133.
S When all filter elements 33 are installed, the endmost first flanged end 35 is proximal to housing flange 48. Position pin 96 is held in position pin receptacle 114.
Position pin 96 projects outwardly from endmost first flanged end 35 and is received by a support structure frame 105. A seal between endmost first flanged end 35 and support structure frame 105 is assisted by the addition of a small cross sectional diameter O-ring 135 carned in a groove 137 formed in the surface 139 of support structure frame 105. Pre-screen frame 101 is placed over support structure frame 105 and secured to housing flange 48 by means of pre-screen frame bolt 98. An O-ring 111 is carried in a groove 112 formed in the pre-screen frame 101 to provide a sealing engagement of the circumferential sealing surface 109 with the circumferential housing flange 48. An O-ring 52 is carried in a groove 53 formed in the support structure frame 105 to provide a sealing engagement of the support structure frame 105 with the pre-screen frame 101. These sealing arrangements thus form a seal between filtration zone 40 and pre-filtration zone 85 when frame bolt 103 is tightened. To ensure a tight and secure seal between flanged ends 35 and 36 seen in Figures 12 and 10, a jack screw 107 is received through pre-screen frame 101. When tightened, jack screw 107 applies force to support structure frame 105, and this force is transmitted to the flanged ends of each filter element 33 in the series.
Having regarding to the above description, it will be appreciated that other functional equivalents of the the sealing structure of Figure 11 can be used. For example, the structure could be designed such that sealing surface 106 sealed with housing flange 48 rather than pre-screen fi~ame 101. As another example, support structure frame 105 could be removed, support structure 75 could be incorporated into pre-screen frame 101, and flanged end 35 could align directly with pre-screen frame 101. In this embodiment, jack screw 107 could be received by position pin receptacle 114 to ensure alignment, or another position pin receptacle (not shown) on pre-screen frame 101 could be used to ensure alignment between pre-screen frame 101 and flanged end 35. However, it will be appreciated that use of the preferred embodiment, described above and shown in Figure 11, accommodates a water tight seal even if circumferential housing flange 48 is not perfectly circular. The present inventors have found that, because housing flange 48 is welded to housing wall 19, flange 48 will not form a true circle if housing wall 19 is not perfectly cylindrical, if the welding process induces any distortion, or if the water loads during operation induce any distortion.
S
The invention may fiuther comprise a runner 119, shown in Figure 13. Runner preferably has a runner groove 121, which is suitable for receiving guide rod 92 of Figure 10.
Runner 119 facilitates the installation and removal of filter elements 33 by bearing some of the weight of the filter elements and by acting as a guide for aligning guide projection 131 with guide rod receptacle 113, thus assisting the installation, removal, and support of filter elements 33.
Returning to Figures l and 2, an inlet zone 60 is defined within the housing 12 from the first end 14 to the first filter element 33. The inlet 21 extends through the wall 19 of the housing 12 into the inlet zone 60. The first end 14 has a flange 62 to which the door 15 seals with the aid of an O-ring and a plurality of swing bolts 64 spaced around the circumference of the flange 62. The door 15 has hinges 65 (best shown in Figure 3) to swing completely away fi-om the opening of the first end 14, thus allowing for ready access to the interior of the housing 12.
Thus, in use, as shown by the arrows in Figures l and 2, unfiltered water enters the filter housing 12 through the inlet 21, into the pre-filtration zone 85 where the pressure of the system forces a flow through the filter mesh of the filter elements 33 to provide a flow of filtered water into the filtration zone 40. The water passes perpendicularly through the filter element 33 and into filtration zone. From here filtered water passes from the filtration zone 40 through the outlet 22 and on to its intended purpose. After a period of use, the filter elements 33 will become partially clogged with particulate matter, and a pressure drop will occur at the outlet 22. In response to this problem, the invention can include a vacuum filter cleaning system.
As seen in Figure 2, a hollow shaft 70 extends from the second end 17 of the housing 12 longitudinally through the center of the partition 25 and the filter elements 33. The shaft 70 has a first end 72 which is supported by a bearing 73 in a cross-shaped support structure 75 attached to the filter guide rods 56 by the nuts 57. The second end 76 of the shaft 70 is attached to rotation means, such as a gear box 79, shown in Figure 1. Gear box 79 is actuated by motor 77, both of which are located at the second end 17 of the housing 12.
Gear box 79 may contain a means for selecting various gears relating to various rotational velocities of shaft 70. Alternately, gear box 79 can be designed with a pre-selected optimal gear ratio to achieve an optimal rotational velocity for shaft 70. The optimal velocity will depend on operating conditions of the system for which the filter is designed, for example, the flow rate required, the pressure differential between the prefiltration zone 85 and the discharge chamber 28, and the size and quantity of impurities flowing into the filter.
The shaft 70 has a plurality of hollow filter cleaning heads 80 which extend radially outward from the shaft 70 to a position proximal to the inner surface of each filter element 33.
A portion of the shaft 70 near its second end 76 in the discharge chamber 28 has a plurality of 1 S holes 82 through it. Thus there is provided flow communication from the inner surfaces of the filter elements 33, through the cleaning heads 80, through the hollow shaft 70 to the discharge chamber 28.
Once the filtrate trapped on the filter element becomes dense enough to cause a predetermined drop in pressure, for example, 5 psi (350 kg/cm2), the vacuum cycle may be initiated to remove the filtrate. When the vacuum cycle commences, the motor 77 starts to rotate the gears inside of gear box 79, and the gears rotate the shaft 70 inside of the filter elements 33. Motor 77 may be powered by any means known in the art, for example, electricity or water turbine.
The cleaning heads 80 on the shaft are located with apertures close to the inner face 31 of the filter elements. Since there is water pressure inside the filter body during normal operation, a suction pressure is created once the valve 30 is opened to the atmosphere. As seen by the arrows in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6, the opening of the valve 30 to the atmosphere creates a suction which draws water through the holes 82 in the shaft 70 which in turn provides a suction at the ends of the cleaning heads 80. By rotating the shaft 70 during the vacuum cycle, the cleaning heads 80 are able to remove entrapped particulate matter so that the filter elements 33 are returned to their former efficiency. While the frequency and duration of the vacuum cycle is adjustable to suit particular circumstances, in a preferred embodiment, the cycle is initiated when the pressure drops by about S psi at the outlet 22, and is maintained for 8-10 seconds. In other embodiments, the vacuum cycle could run continuously during filtration, so long as the rate of water flowing through the shaft 70 is less than the rate of water flowing through the inlet 21. In another embodiment, during the cleaning cycle the flow rate through the filter can be reduced or even eliminated, for example, by use of a valve (not shown) at inlet 21.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 S, the cleaning heads are fin nozzle cleaning heads 123. The fin nozzle design increases the efficiency and effective force of the vacuum to better clean the filter elements. The fin nozzle design also decreases the outer surface area of the cleaning heads, thus decreasing the resistance to rotation encountered by the cleaning heads during rotation, thus requiring less energy to rotate the cleaning heads. Also in the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the cleaning heads are offset such that the distribution of weight of the cleaning heads is distributed more evenly from the centerline of shaft 70.
Also in the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the invention fiurther comprises connector tubes 125 which are in flow communication between the cleaning heads 123 and the hollow of shaft 70. Stem 129 of cleaning head 123 adjustably inserts into connector tubes 125 to form a substantially water tight seal. Adjuster screw 127 provides a means for adjusting the outward projection of cleaning head 123 from shaft 70. By adjusting adjuster screw 127, the intake of cleaning head 123 can be positioned a preferred distance from inner face 31.
The preferred clearance between inner face 31 and the intake of cleaning head 123 will depend on the size of the impurities which are to be suctioned from filter element 33. This preferred clearance is often between 1/8th to 1/l6th of an inch (1.59 mm to 3.17 mm).
From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a number of advantages over prior devices. Stainless steel wire mesh filter units are expensive components, particularly those large units required for high throughput devices. Previously, filter units have been designed to serve a particular purpose, and thus, one design has usually been found not to be suitable for either scaled up or scaled down applications. In contrast, the present invention provides a combination of components which can readily be sized and configured to serve a wide variety of applications. The present invention is a modular system which allows the use of a plurality of smaller filter units which are nested together using metal to metal water seals. The releasable securing mechanism for the filter elements of the present invention is particularly useful in that it allows for a plurality of filter elements of a smaller size, as opposed to a single filter element of a larger size to be used. This facilitates construction, maintenance, removal and replacement of the filter elements.
These filter units are lighter and easier to manufacture, hence, cheaper than larger units.
Because they are smaller and lighter, the filter units of the invention are easy to install and remove.
The guide rods of the present device ensure an accurate alignment of the filter units and provide means for ensuring that the filter elements and their respective seals are aligned and centered properly, and to generally assist in securing them in place.
These rods allow the design of the invention to be scaled up to handle very large flows. The rods, together with the use of the sealing surfaces and the support structure enable one to compress the filter elements together to form the proper sealing required for the fimction of the filter.
Also, the use of the cross shaped support structure 75 allows the shaft 70 to be centered and solidly supported.
The large water-tight door at one end of the present device allows a worker to more readily observe the filter operation, including the rotation of the shaft, while the device is empty of water, thus enabling a quicker determination of a malfunction than is possible with prior devices. Removal and replacement of the filter elements is likewise facilitated by the use of the door.
Removal and replacement of the filter elements are further facilitated by the sealing mechanism of the present invention. Whereas the prior art teaches methods of sealing using, for example, a lower O-ring in conjunction with a locking slit, the use of the sealing surfaces of the present invention, in conjunction with the compression from the rods allows for removal and replacement of filter elements without rotating or otherwise unlocking the filter elements.
This allows for the handling of larger filter elements than would be practical with conventional methods of sealing in the art.
Thus there are several aspects of the present invention that counter size and mass concerns of industrial filters. The present invention is particularly suited to industrial uses requiring high throughput, large volume filters. The sealing mechanism of the present invention has been found to be useful for filters where the pressure differential from one side of the filter element must be kept at a low level, for example, less than approximately S psi (350 kg/cm2), in order to maintain the required flow of water.
The present invention also provides a low maintenance filter system, thus increasing cost efficiency. By employing a minimum of moving parts, and by providing for a self cleaning system, the filters of the invention can operate for months, and possibly years without requiring maintenance apart from standard maintenance for the motor, which is conveniently located outside the filter housing. Unlike self cleaning filters of the prior art, motor or gearbox maintenance may be readily performed without opening or draining the filter housing.
The filter of the present invention may be particularly suited for water intake ports, such as those found at power plants. The filter of the present invention is also useful for other applications, for example, in the food industry, pulp and paper industry, and for fish hatcheries. The filter is also useful for non-water applications, for example, for filtering machine cuttings out of an oil emulsion.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus lie within the scope of the present embodiments.
Claims (28)
1. A filter for filtering liquids comprising a housing having an inlet, an outlet and an inner surface, the housing containing:
(i) a removable filter element, the filter element having an inner face, an outer face, and first and second outwardly flanged ends, the first flanged end having a first sealing face and the second flanged end having a second sealing face;
(ii) a member extending from the housing inner surface, the member having a third sealing face sealable with the second sealing face of the second flanged end;
(iii) a housing flange on the housing inner surface, the housing flange having a fourth sealing face sealable with the first sealing face of the first flanged end;
(iv) a frame releasably secured to the housing flange; and (v) jack means for applying force to the filter element, wherein, upon the application of force from the jack means, the sealing first, second, third, and fourth sealing faces are sealed to define a liquid flowpath through the inlet, through the inner face of the filter element to the outer face of the filter element and out the outlet.
(i) a removable filter element, the filter element having an inner face, an outer face, and first and second outwardly flanged ends, the first flanged end having a first sealing face and the second flanged end having a second sealing face;
(ii) a member extending from the housing inner surface, the member having a third sealing face sealable with the second sealing face of the second flanged end;
(iii) a housing flange on the housing inner surface, the housing flange having a fourth sealing face sealable with the first sealing face of the first flanged end;
(iv) a frame releasably secured to the housing flange; and (v) jack means for applying force to the filter element, wherein, upon the application of force from the jack means, the sealing first, second, third, and fourth sealing faces are sealed to define a liquid flowpath through the inlet, through the inner face of the filter element to the outer face of the filter element and out the outlet.
2. The filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the first and second flanged ends includes a guide projection and the other of the first and second flanged ends includes a guide receptacle for receiving the guide projection.
3. The filter as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a guide rod which defines the guide projection, the guide rod extending between the first and second flanged ends.
4. The filter as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third sealing face includes a guide receptacle which receives a guide projection of the filter element.
5. The filter as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a support structure located between the first flanged end and the frame;
a position pin; and position pin receptacles located in both the first flanged end and the support structure, the position pin receptacles aligned for receiving the position pin;
wherein the jack means applies force to the filter element through applying force to the support structure.
a support structure located between the first flanged end and the frame;
a position pin; and position pin receptacles located in both the first flanged end and the support structure, the position pin receptacles aligned for receiving the position pin;
wherein the jack means applies force to the filter element through applying force to the support structure.
6. The filter as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support structure includes a fifth sealing face, and the frame includes sixth and seventh sealing faces, wherein the jack means applies force to seal the fifth sealing face with the sixth sealing face and the seventh sealing face with the fourth sealing face.
7. The filter as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a runner located on the inner surface of the housing for receiving the guide rod.
8. The filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter further comprises a plurality of filter elements connected in series along a lengthwise direction, each filter element having at least one mating surface sealable with the mating surface of an adjacent filter element.
9. The filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing faces are chamfered.
10. The filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter further comprises a hinged door on the housing for accessing the filter element and the filter element is removable and replaceable through the door.
11. The filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter element is cylindrical.
12. The filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter element comprises a structural screen and a mesh screen, the structural screen consisting of a rigid or semi-rigid plate having multiple apertures, and the mesh is fixed to the structural screen by a sintering process.
13. The filter as claimed in claim 12, wherein the mesh screen is the inner face and the structural screen is the outer face.
14. The filter as claimed in claim 12, wherein the mesh screen has a mesh size of 30 to 40 microns.
15. The filter as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pre-screen positioned in the flowpath between the inlet and the filter element, and a pre-screen drain positioned in the flowpath between the pre-screen and the inlet.
16. A filter for filtering liquids comprising a housing having an inlet, an outlet and an inner surface, the housing containing:
(i) a removable filter element having an inner face, an outer face and first and second outwardly flanged ends, the first flanged end having a first sealing face and the second flanged end having a second sealing face;
(ii) a housing flange on the housing inner surface, the housing flange having a fourth sealing face sealable with the first sealing face of the first flanged end;
(iii) a member extending from the housing inner surface, the member having a third sealing face sealable with the second sealing face of the second flanged end;
(iv) a rod extending in a lengthwise direction along and secured to the filter element, the rod having a first rod end for releasably securing the filter element and a second rod end secured to the housing;
(v) fastening means for securing the first rod end, wherein, upon securing the fastening means, sufficient force is applied to the first, second, third and fourth sealing faces to define a liquid flowpath through the inlet, through the inner face of the filter element to the outer face of the filter element and out the outlet; and (vi) a runner located on the inner surface for receiving the rod.
(i) a removable filter element having an inner face, an outer face and first and second outwardly flanged ends, the first flanged end having a first sealing face and the second flanged end having a second sealing face;
(ii) a housing flange on the housing inner surface, the housing flange having a fourth sealing face sealable with the first sealing face of the first flanged end;
(iii) a member extending from the housing inner surface, the member having a third sealing face sealable with the second sealing face of the second flanged end;
(iv) a rod extending in a lengthwise direction along and secured to the filter element, the rod having a first rod end for releasably securing the filter element and a second rod end secured to the housing;
(v) fastening means for securing the first rod end, wherein, upon securing the fastening means, sufficient force is applied to the first, second, third and fourth sealing faces to define a liquid flowpath through the inlet, through the inner face of the filter element to the outer face of the filter element and out the outlet; and (vi) a runner located on the inner surface for receiving the rod.
17. The filter as claimed in claim 16, wherein the filter further comprises a door on the housing for accessing the filter element and the filter element is removable and replaceable through the door, and the filter further comprises removable extensions for extending the length of the rods to the door.
18. The filter as claimed in claim 16, wherein the filter further comprises a plurality of rod apertures at the first and second flanged ends and a plurality of rods extending therethrough.
19. The filter as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cleaning member for cleaning the inner face of the filter element, the cleaning member having:
a cleaning head positioned adjacent the inner face;
a discharge aperture extending through the housing;
a conduit in flow communication from the cleaning head to the discharge aperture, the conduit passing through the housing; and vacuum means for providing suction to the conduit and cleaning head to suction material from the inner face of the filter element, through the conduit and out a discharge aperture.
a cleaning head positioned adjacent the inner face;
a discharge aperture extending through the housing;
a conduit in flow communication from the cleaning head to the discharge aperture, the conduit passing through the housing; and vacuum means for providing suction to the conduit and cleaning head to suction material from the inner face of the filter element, through the conduit and out a discharge aperture.
20. The filter as claimed in claim 19, wherein the filter further comprises a motor connected to the cleaning member, and the motor moves the cleaning head parallel to the inner face of the filter element.
21. The filter as claimed in claim 20, wherein the filter element is cylindrical and the cleaning member moves rotationally.
22. The filter as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cleaning head does not contact the inner face.
23. The filter as claimed in claim 20, wherein the cleaning member passes through the housing and the motor is located outside of the housing.
24. The filter as claimed in claim 20, wherein the cleaning member further comprises a plurality of cleaning heads in communication with the conduit, the cleaning heads positioned along the cleaning member such that substantially all of the inner face is subjected to vacuum from the cleaning heads when the motor is operated.
25. The filter as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cleaning head is a fin nozzle.
26. The filter as claimed in claim 19, further comprising a support structure located between the first flanged end and the frame, and the support structure supports the conduit.
27. The filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is oriented vertically.
28. A filter for filtering liquids comprising a housing having an inlet, an outlet and an inner surface, the housing containing:
(i) a removable filter element having an inner face, an outer face and first and second flanged ends, the first flanged end having a first sealing face and the second flanged end having a second sealing face, and each flanged end having a rod aperture, the rod apertures of the first and second ends aligning in a lengthwise direction;
(ii) a housing flange on the housing inner surface, the housing flange having a third sealing face sealable with the first sealing face of the first flanged end;
(iii) a member extending from the housing inner surface, the extending member having a fourth sealing face sealable with the second sealing face of the second flanged end;
(iv) a rod extending in a lengthwise direction through the rod apertures, the rod having a first rod end for releasably securing the filter element and a second rod end secured to the housing;
(v) fastening means for securing the first rod end, wherein, upon securing the fastening means, sufficient force is applied to the first, second, third and fourth sealing faces to define a liquid flowpath through the inlet, through the inner face of the filter element to the outer face of the filter element and out the outlet;
(vi) a door on the housing for accessing the filter elements; and (vii) removable extensions for extending the length of the rods to the door.
(i) a removable filter element having an inner face, an outer face and first and second flanged ends, the first flanged end having a first sealing face and the second flanged end having a second sealing face, and each flanged end having a rod aperture, the rod apertures of the first and second ends aligning in a lengthwise direction;
(ii) a housing flange on the housing inner surface, the housing flange having a third sealing face sealable with the first sealing face of the first flanged end;
(iii) a member extending from the housing inner surface, the extending member having a fourth sealing face sealable with the second sealing face of the second flanged end;
(iv) a rod extending in a lengthwise direction through the rod apertures, the rod having a first rod end for releasably securing the filter element and a second rod end secured to the housing;
(v) fastening means for securing the first rod end, wherein, upon securing the fastening means, sufficient force is applied to the first, second, third and fourth sealing faces to define a liquid flowpath through the inlet, through the inner face of the filter element to the outer face of the filter element and out the outlet;
(vi) a door on the housing for accessing the filter elements; and (vii) removable extensions for extending the length of the rods to the door.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US6859997P | 1997-12-23 | 1997-12-23 | |
| US60/068,599 | 1997-12-23 | ||
| PCT/CA1998/001200 WO1999033542A1 (en) | 1997-12-23 | 1998-12-23 | Filter system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2355723A1 CA2355723A1 (en) | 1999-07-08 |
| CA2355723C true CA2355723C (en) | 2006-07-04 |
Family
ID=22083574
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002355723A Expired - Fee Related CA2355723C (en) | 1997-12-23 | 1998-12-23 | Filter system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU1865799A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2355723C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999033542A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2278433C (en) * | 1999-06-22 | 2009-12-01 | Robert Koopmans | Improved filter system |
| ITMI20041666A1 (en) * | 2004-08-25 | 2004-11-25 | Valerio Vernocchi | SELF-CLEANING FILTER WITH FILTER NET WITH PROTECTION |
| DE102005048101B4 (en) * | 2005-09-30 | 2010-10-07 | Ltg Aerob Air Engineering Gmbh | Device for cleaning a filter medium |
| CN105833590A (en) * | 2016-06-09 | 2016-08-10 | 威海中远造船科技有限公司 | Negative-pressure type self-cleaning filter |
| ES1199133Y (en) * | 2017-10-27 | 2018-02-23 | Fluytec S A | SELF CLEANING FILTER |
| CN108865397B (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2021-03-05 | 深圳康纳环保有限公司 | Waste oil and waste emulsion treatment and regeneration device |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2578441B1 (en) * | 1985-03-05 | 1989-10-20 | Assainissement Distr Ste Gle | SELF-CLEANING FILTER |
| US5041214A (en) * | 1988-06-10 | 1991-08-20 | Beloit Corporation | Wave screen plate |
| US5326470A (en) * | 1992-12-08 | 1994-07-05 | Bird Escher Wyss Inc. | Non-compressive loading of a screen basket for a pulp pressure screening apparatus |
| SE500893C2 (en) * | 1993-02-10 | 1994-09-26 | Sunds Defibrator Ind Ab | Touch screen device |
| US5569383A (en) * | 1994-12-15 | 1996-10-29 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Filter with axially and rotatably movable wiper |
| FI101235B (en) * | 1996-02-19 | 1998-05-15 | Ahlstrom Machinery Oy | Strainer |
-
1998
- 1998-12-23 AU AU18657/99A patent/AU1865799A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-12-23 WO PCT/CA1998/001200 patent/WO1999033542A1/en active Application Filing
- 1998-12-23 CA CA002355723A patent/CA2355723C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU1865799A (en) | 1999-07-19 |
| CA2355723A1 (en) | 1999-07-08 |
| WO1999033542A1 (en) | 1999-07-08 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20121224 |