EP3668818A1 - Filtre à eau - Google Patents

Filtre à eau

Info

Publication number
EP3668818A1
EP3668818A1 EP18759690.3A EP18759690A EP3668818A1 EP 3668818 A1 EP3668818 A1 EP 3668818A1 EP 18759690 A EP18759690 A EP 18759690A EP 3668818 A1 EP3668818 A1 EP 3668818A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fluid
filter
outlet
filtered
flow
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP18759690.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
John Griffith
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP3668818A1 publication Critical patent/EP3668818A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
    • C02F1/002—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance using small portable filters for producing potable water, e.g. personal travel or emergency equipment, survival kits, combat gear
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
    • C02F1/003—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance using household-type filters for producing potable water, e.g. pitchers, bottles, faucet mounted devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2321/00—Details relating to membrane cleaning, regeneration, sterilization or to the prevention of fouling
    • B01D2321/04—Backflushing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a fluid filter including a flow limiter, which can be operated manually or automatically, configured to cause back flushing of the fluid filter.
  • the invention also relates to a method of operating such a fluid filter.
  • the invention generally relates to a fluid filter for making water biologically safe to drink at the point of use. Discussion of the invention below is in particular in the context of this example use, but the invention may be applicable to any fluid filter where the advantages of the back-flushing capability might apply.
  • the invention uses a known method of purification, for example using a filter module, which may include a hollow fibre membrane module, which contains hollow fibres.
  • the hollow fibres of the filter module allow the passage of water through microscopic pores in their walls, but hold back pathogens and other particles.
  • PCT publication WO 2008/1 10172 describes such a filtration system using hollow fibre membranes.
  • one object of the invention is to provide a simpler system of back flushing. This feature is particularly important when used in emergency situations and by low income communities.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a simple automatic means of back flushing suitable for a hand operated filter.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to combine automatic back flushing with automatic cross flow.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a water filter suitable for use in emergencies, and by low income families and communities.
  • a fluid filter including: a filtration element; a supply conduit positioned to supply fluid to be filtered to the filtration element; a delivery conduit positioned to receive filtered fluid from the filtration element; a pressure chamber fluidly continuous with the delivery conduit; a filtered fluid outlet in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, wherein the filtered fluid outlet includes a flow limiter that is operable to restrict and is preferably operable to substantially or entirely prevent flow of filtered fluid from the filtered fluid outlet; wherein, when the flow limiter is so operated, filtered fluid is caused to flow back from the pressure chamber to back flush the filtration element.
  • unfiltered fluid such as water to be filtered
  • unfiltered fluid is caused to flow into the filtration element, via the supply conduit, through the filtration element and into the pressure chamber, via the delivery conduit, and out of the filtered fluid outlet.
  • the filtered fluid outlet is restricted and, for example, substantially or entirely closed by the flow limiter.
  • the filtered fluid which accumulates in the pressure chamber reaches a point where a back-pressure is created that causes filtered fluid to flow back through the filtration element passing in the opposition direction to the normal operational mode, or to "back flush", and thus to clean the filtration element.
  • the arrangement provides a means of cleaning the filtration element by forcing clean fluid, under back-pressure, through the filtration element. This provides the advantage that the fluid filter is a less complex design and is less expensive to manufacture. Additionally, the fluid filter is easy to operate by a user, particularly in an emergency situation.
  • the fluid filter may further include a filtration module, wherein the filtration module comprises: a housing defining a filtration volume therein containing the filtration element; an inlet for the ingress of fluid to be filtered, the inlet being in fluid communication with the supply conduit; a primary outlet for the egress of filtered fluid, the primary outlet being in fluid communication with the delivery conduit.
  • the filtration module comprises: a housing defining a filtration volume therein containing the filtration element; an inlet for the ingress of fluid to be filtered, the inlet being in fluid communication with the supply conduit; a primary outlet for the egress of filtered fluid, the primary outlet being in fluid communication with the delivery conduit.
  • the inlet to the filtration volume may be provided with a one-way flow regulator.
  • the one-way flow regulator may be so structured as to allow flow of unfiltered fluid in a direction into the filtration volume, but to limit, and preferably at normal operating fluid pressures substantially or entirely prevent, flow of unfiltered fluid in the other direction out of the filtration volume.
  • a one-way flow regulator which allows passage of fluid in a first direction into the filtration volume, but limits, either substantially or entirely, the passage of fluid in a second direction out of the filtration volume.
  • the one-way flow regulator is a one-way valve.
  • the filtration module may include a secondary outlet, the secondary outlet being in fluid communication with the filtration volume for the egress of fluid therefrom.
  • a secondary outlet being in fluid communication with the filtration volume for the egress of fluid therefrom.
  • the secondary outlet should be on the opposite side of the filtration module to the primary outlet in a flow direction, which is to say that the primary outlet should be downstream of the filtration module during normal operational mode and the secondary outlet should be downstream of the filtration module during back-flush operational mode.
  • the secondary outlet may be provided with a closure, wherein the closure is selectively operable to close the secondary outlet at fluid pressures below a predetermined pressure, and wherein the closure is selectively operable to open the secondary outlet at fluid pressure above the predetermined pressure.
  • the predetermined pressure is selected such that the selectively operable closure is closed in normal operational mode, but opens at a higher pressure such as those arising in the back-flush operational mode. These higher pressures arise when fluid to be filtered continues to flow into the filtration volume, but filtered fluid outflow, via the filtered fluid outlet and flow limiter, is restricted. Thus, pressure builds up within the pressure chamber volume.
  • the closure may be, for example, disposed to be opened in back-flush operational mode by pressure of the fluid to be filtered.
  • the closure may comprise a valve. Said valve may, for example, be biased and for example spring-biased to a closed position.
  • Said valve may, for example, include a diaphragm that is spring-biased in a closed position during the normal operational mode.
  • the spring-biased diaphragm opens, against the spring force, thus being selectively operable to open at a higher pressure.
  • the valve may include a diaphragm, which may include a generally flat resilient piece of material that is biased by a spring in use.
  • the resilient material may be an elastic material.
  • the diaphragm may close, or otherwise shut off, an opening in use, as the spring biases the diaphragm to make a hermetic seal with the opening. Once the spring force is overcome in the back-flush operation mode, the diaphragm is forced to deflect, thereby breaking the hermetic seal, and allowing fluid to flow through the opening and out of the fluid filter.
  • the closure whether it be a valve, diaphragm or the like, is opened at a relatively high pressure and remains open at a lower pressure.
  • the secondary outlet may be provided with a bleed pipe, wherein the bleed pipe substantially prevents the flow of fluid.
  • a pipe including a lumen sized such that the flow of fluid is restricted therethrough.
  • this allows pressure builds up within the fluid filter to cause back flushing of filtered fluid through the filtration element.
  • the pressure chamber may include: a pressure chamber inlet in fluid communication with the primary outlet of the filtration volume; and a pressure chamber outlet in fluid communication with the delivery conduit. That is to say, the pressure chamber can include an inlet for the ingress of filtered fluid received from the primary outlet of the filtration volume via the delivery conduit. The pressure chamber can also include an outlet for the egress of said filtered fluid, the outlet being in fluid communication, or otherwise fluidly connected, with the delivery conduit.
  • the pressure chamber may include an elongate conduit extending from the pressure chamber outlet, wherein the elongate conduit is in fluid communication with the delivery conduit. That is to say, a generally elongate conduit or pipe, having a length, extends within the pressure chamber from the pressure chamber outlet and substantially towards the pressure chamber inlet.
  • the pressure chamber conveniently defines a pressure chamber volume, and the inlet of the pressure chamber volume communicates directly with the outlet of the filtration volume, and an elongate supply conduit extends from a delivery conduit inlet within the pressure chamber volume through the pressure chamber outlet to the closable delivery conduit outlet positioned beyond the pressure chamber outlet.
  • the supply conduit may be configured to input fluid to the filter under pressure, and thereby constitute a means of passing fluid through the filtration element under pressure.
  • the fluid filter may further include a pumping module configured to input fluid through the supply conduit, and into the filtration element, under pressure.
  • a pumping module configured to input fluid through the supply conduit, and into the filtration element, under pressure.
  • the user slows down or stops the supply of input fluid from the pumping module, through the supply conduit and into the filtration element.
  • the user completely stops supplying filtered to be fluid during the back-flush operational mode. This allows for the pressure that has built up within the fluid filter, due to supplying fluid to be filtered under pressure, to force filtered fluid back through, and thus back-flushing, the filtration element.
  • the pumping module may include a manually operated pump.
  • the manually operated pump may include: a piston enclosed by a barrel, wherein the piston is coupled to a handle; a fluid cavity in fluid communication with the piston, the fluid cavity comprising an inlet for the ingress of fluid to be filtered, wherein the fluid cavity is in fluid communication with the supply conduit.
  • the user slows down or stops operating the manually operated pump.
  • the user completely stops operating the manually operated pump during the back-flush operational mode. This allows for the pressure that has built up within the fluid filter, due to the operation of the manually operated pump, to force filtered fluid back through, and thus back-flushing, the filtration element.
  • the pumping module also provides for a less complex construction, and thus reduces manufacturing costs.
  • the inlet of the manually operated pump may include a one-way flow regulator, for example a one-way valve. That is to say, the one-way flow regulator may allow flow of unfiltered fluid in a direction into the fluid cavity, but which limits, and preferably at normal operating fluid pressures substantially or entirely, flow of unfiltered fluid in the other direction out of the fluid cavity.
  • a one-way flow regulator for example a one-way valve. That is to say, the one-way flow regulator may allow flow of unfiltered fluid in a direction into the fluid cavity, but which limits, and preferably at normal operating fluid pressures substantially or entirely, flow of unfiltered fluid in the other direction out of the fluid cavity.
  • a one-way flow regulator which allows passage of fluid in a first direction into the fluid cavity, but limits, either substantially or entirely, the passage of fluid in a second direction out of the fluid cavity.
  • the fluid filter may include a bleed hole that may be configured to allow for fluid communication between the fluid cavity of the manually operated pump and the filtration element. That is to say, a bleed hole may be provided within a plate that separates the fluid cavity of the manually operated pump and the filtration element, to allow fluid communication therebetween.
  • a bleed hole may be provided within a plate that separates the fluid cavity of the manually operated pump and the filtration element, to allow fluid communication therebetween.
  • This provides the advantage that cross flow cleaning within the filtration element is increased.
  • the filtration element of the fluid filter may include hollow filter fibres. That is to say, the filtration element may include filter media such as hollow filter fibres, which are generally elongate fibres having a lumen.
  • the generally elongate fibres, being hollow, may also include microscopic pores which allow only clean fluid to pass therethrough. Thus, contaminants are trapped within these microscopic pores, and filtered fluid results as fluid leaks out of these microscopic pores.
  • the fluid filter may also include a pre-filter.
  • the pre-filter may allow for filtering of coarse or larger particles before the fluid is filtered.
  • the pre-filter may be in fluid communication with the supply conduit, or may be in fluid communication with the fluid cavity of the pumping module.
  • the filtered fluid outlet may include a filtered fluid outlet tube including a non-return device.
  • the filtered fluid outlet tube includes a device which allows for passageway of the filtered fluid out of the outlet only, and does not allow for return towards the flow limiter or pressure chamber. This provides the advantage that contamination of the pressure chamber, in which filtered fluid is retained, is minimised.
  • the filtered fluid outlet tube can be an elastic tube, and the non-return device is a flattened portion of the elastic tube.
  • the flattened portion of the elastic tube can be held in place by a rigid outer portion. That is to say, an elastic tube is substantially surrounded by, and contained within, a rigid outer portion, wherein the rigid out portion engages the elastic tube to provide the flattened portion. This provides a suitable seal to provide contamination of the pressure chamber, in which the filtered fluid is retained.
  • the supply conduit may be configured to input fluid to the filter under pressure and thereby constitute a means of passing fluid through the filtration element under pressure.
  • the fluid filter preferably further comprises a fluid supply module, for example adapted to supply fluid to the supply conduit, for example comprising a pumping module disposed to supply to supply fluid to be filtered via the supply conduit to and through the filtration element.
  • a fluid supply module for example adapted to supply fluid to the supply conduit, for example comprising a pumping module disposed to supply to supply fluid to be filtered via the supply conduit to and through the filtration element.
  • the pumping module may include a manually operated pump
  • the flow limiter is actuatable manually.
  • the flow limiter may be adapted to be actuated manually, by a user or by other intervention. Further, the flow limiter may be actuatable directly, or otherwise independently of the fluid flow in the delivery conduit. Such a flow limiter generally requires a user's intervention to substantially or entirely prevent the flow of filtered fluid from the filtered fluid outlet.
  • the flow limiter is a manually-operated tap that is manually closed by the user. This provides the advantage that the user can control when the back-flush operational mode is engaged, thus providing more user control over the fluid filter.
  • the invention in the first alternative arrangement comprises a filter, the filter comprising a filtration element, a means of passing a fluid through it under pressure, and a means of cleaning the element by forcing clean fluid under pressure back through the filtration element, characterised by the method of initiating the back flow of clean fluid by a valve which is opened by the pressure of the untreated fluid.
  • the valve is opened by a relatively high pressure and remains open at a lower pressure. It follows that preferably the valve is structured to be opened by a relatively higher opening pressure but to remain open until a relatively lower closure pressure is reached.
  • the valve consists of a diaphragm.
  • the valve is opened by opening a small stopper under pressure, and is held open at a lower pressure by a piston with a larger cross section than the stopper.
  • the clean fluid for back flushing is stored in a reservoir.
  • the fluid filter further includes a reservoir.
  • the reservoir may be fluidly continuous with and for example provided by the pressure vessel.
  • the reservoir may be closed at the top, so that fluid is put under pressure by air trapped in the top as it is filled.
  • the reservoir is filled by closing an outlet tap and applying input fluid under pressure.
  • the reservoir functions as a pressure vessel as above described.
  • the input fluid is supplied by a pump.
  • the pump is manually operated.
  • the filter can include a pre-filter to remove coarse particles from the fluid.
  • the filter is also cleaned by cross flow produced by an intermittent pump pushing the fluid into its lower end, and a dosed air reservoir at its upper end.
  • a filter with a hollow fibre membrane module with a clean water reservoir, a pump, an outlet for the treated water with a tap, and an outlet for untreated water with a valve which opens under pressure. Back flushing can then be carried out by closing the outlet tap and pumping.
  • the flow limiter may be actuatable automatically in response to fluid flow in the delivery conduit.
  • the flow limiter is actuated automatically as a result of the fluid flow in the delivery conduit.
  • the flow limiter may be configured to be actuated automatically at a predetermined flow rate.
  • such a flow limiter may be directly dependent upon the fluid flow in the delivery conduit.
  • Such a flow limiter may require no user intervention, thus automatically controlling the back-flush operational mode.
  • the fluid filter may be provided with automatic back-flush capability, characterised by one or more valves, closures or the like, including at least the flow limiter, being directly operated by fluid in the system.
  • the automatically-actuatable flow limiter may be in fluid communication with the delivery conduit.
  • This provides the advantage that, should the filtration element become clogged as a result of contaminants, the user simply has to keep pumping fluid to be filtered into the fluid filter.
  • the construction of this arrangement provides an automatic back-flushing system, thus making the fluid filter easier to operate.
  • Such an automatic back-flushing system requires minimal instruction to use, and can be used for a longer period of time.
  • the automatically-actuatable flow limiter may open in response to the secondary outlet of the filtration module closing.
  • the automatically-actuatable flow limiter may be in communication, for example fluid communication, with the secondary outlet of the filtration module.
  • the automatically-actuatable flow limiter is a valve.
  • the valve may be a diaphragm that is spring-biased closed in use.
  • the diaphragm may be of resilient material, for example an elastic material, such that it can be deflected upon against the spring force when pressure builds.
  • the invention in the second principal alternative arrangement comprises a fluid filter with automatic back flush, which includes an input of fluid under pressure, and an output fluid store, characterised in that the back-flushing is implemented by one or more valves operated directly by fluid pressure.
  • the input fluid pressure closes the outlet flow at a set pressure by means of a valve, and the input fluid opens a second valve at a higher pressure, enabling the stored output water to flow backwards through the filter.
  • the filter comprises hollow membrane fibres.
  • automatic cross flow cleaning is provided by means of a piston pump, a water reservoir, and an air cushion.
  • the valve controlling the output fluid opens at a set pressure of the input fluid, and closes at a lower pressure.
  • the valve controlling the output fluid may be configured to open at a set opening pressure of the input fluid and to close at a set closing pressure of the input fluid, wherein the said opening pressure is higher than the said closing pressure.
  • the valve controlling the input fluid is opened at a set pressure of the same fluid, and closes at a lower pressure.
  • the valve controlling the input fluid may be configured to open at a set opening pressure of the input fluid and to close at a set closing pressure of the input fluid, wherein the said opening pressure is higher than the said closing pressure
  • the set pressure of the valve controlling the input fluid is set at a higher input fluid pressure than the input fluid pressure closing the output fluid.
  • the valves are opened or closed directly by air or fluid pressure, and not by any other means.
  • both valves controlling back flushing are returned by springs.
  • a filter with a membrane module and an automatic system to back flush the membrane fibres by the pressure of the untreated water, which is achieved by spring loaded valves.
  • this system of back flushing is combined with automatic cross flow cleaning.
  • a method of filtering a fluid comprises: a) Supplying fluid to be filtered into a filtration element from a supply conduit; b) Supplying filtered fluid from the filtration element, through a delivery conduit and into a pressure chamber, wherein the pressure chamber is fluidly continuous with the delivery conduit;
  • the method is preferably a method of use of the filter of the first aspect of the invention, and most particularly is a method of cleaning a filter of the first aspect of the invention by back flushing with filtered water.
  • the method may include a flow limiter that is actuatable manually. That is to say, the flow limiter may be adapted to be actuated manually, by a user or by other intervention. Further, the flow limiter may be actuatable directly, or otherwise independently of the fluid flow in the delivery conduit. Such a flow limiter generally requires a user's intervention to substantially or entirely prevent the flow of filtered fluid from the filtered fluid outlet.
  • the flow limiter is a manually-operated tap that is manually closed by the user.
  • the method may include the step of manually closing the manually actuatable flow limiter.
  • the method may include the step of manually closing a manually-operated tap to cause back flushing of the filtration element.
  • the method may include a flow limiter that is automatically actuatable.
  • the flow limiter that is automatically actuatable may be actuatable automatically in response to fluid flow in the delivery conduit. That is to say, the flow limiter is actuated automatically as a result of the fluid flow in the delivery conduit.
  • the flow limiter may be configured to be actuated automatically at a predetermined flow rate.
  • Such a flow limiter may be directly dependent upon the fluid flow in the delivery conduit. Such a flow limiter may require no user intervention, thus automatically controlling the back-flush operational mode.
  • the fluid filter may be provided with automatic back-flush capability, characterised by one or more valves, closures or the like, including at least the flow limiter, being directly operated by fluid in the system.
  • the method may include an automatically-actuatable flow limiter that is in fluid communication with the delivery conduit.
  • the filtration element includes a primary outlet - the primary outlet being for the egress of filtered fluid - which is in fluid communication with the delivery conduit; and a secondary outlet - for the egress of fluid from the back-flush of the filtration element - which is in fluid communication with the filtration element.
  • the method may include the step of, in response to the secondary outlet closing, automatically opening the automatically-actuatable flow limiter. That is to say, the automatically-actuatable flow limiter may be in communication, for example fluid communication, with the secondary outlet of the filtration module.
  • the secondary outlet of the filtration module closes, pressure builds within the system as described, which causes the automatically-actuatable flow limiter to open.
  • the automatically-actuatable flow limiter is a valve.
  • the valve may be a diaphragm that is spring-biased closed in use.
  • the diaphragm may be of resilient material, for example an elastic material, such that it can be deflected upon against the spring force when pressure builds.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a water filter according to a first arrangement of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative valve for use in the water filter of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative valve for use in the water filter of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a water filter according to a second arrangement of the invention
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative valve for use in the water filter of Figure 4;
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an outlet tube of the water filter of Figure 4; and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a water filter according to another aspect of the invention.
  • a water filter 10 in a first arrangement of the invention, includes a water filter module 20, a pressure chamber 30 and a pumping module 40.
  • the water filter module 20 includes a housing 22 and hollow membrane fibres 24.
  • the hollow fibres 24 are sealed within the housing 22 by known means.
  • the water filter 10 is placed in water to be filtered 1.
  • the untreated water 1 is passed through a pre-filter, such as a gauze strainer 12, and then pumped into the water filter module 20, specifically the cores of the hollow fibres 24, by means of the pumping module 40.
  • the pumping module 40 in the depicted embodiment is a user-operated pump which includes a cylindrical housing 42, a piston and seal 44, a piston rod 46 and a handle 48.
  • Flow is facilitated by pushing the handle 48 up and down, so that the water to be filtered 1 passes into a fluid cavity 18 via a first valve 14, such as a suction valve, and then through an inlet 16 of the water filter module 20, which is a second valve in the described embodiment.
  • the first and second valves 14, 16 incorporate resilient elements which allow water to pass one-way only by known means. That is to say, the valves 14, 16 in the described embodiment are one-way valves.
  • the water to be filtered 1 is then forced through the walls of the hollow fibres 24, with the contaminants held back, and out through an outlet 26 to the pressure chamber 30.
  • untreated water is forced through the walls of the hollow fibres 24, the contaminants are held back in the microscopic pores thereof, and treated water is pushed out of the hollow fibres 24 and through the outlet 26.
  • the pressure chamber 30 includes an inlet 32, which is in fluid communication with the outlet 26 of the water filter module 20, a reservoir 34, an elongate pipe 36 and a tap or stopper 38.
  • treated water flows from the pores of the hollow fibres 24, through the outlet 26 and into the pressure chamber 30 via the inlet 32.
  • the treated water then flows up the elongate pipe 36 and through the tap or stopper 38, when open, and out of the treated water outlet 39.
  • continuous cross flow is optionally achieved by a dosed air chamber 50 when the tap or stopper 38 is open.
  • water is pushed up the bores of the hollow fibres 24 and compresses the air in the air chamber 50, so that on the up stroke of the pump 40, the air within the air chamber 50 expands and pushes water back down.
  • the inner walls of the hollow fibres 24 are continually washed by cross flow.
  • some of the water passes though the walls of the hollow fibres 24, causing a continuous flow at the outlet 26.
  • the tap or stopper 38 When it is required to back flush, the tap or stopper 38 is closed, and the pump 40 is operated so that clean water now partially fills the reservoir 34, and compresses the air trapped in its top. In other words, the air trapped between the closed tap 38 and the reservoir 34, through the elongate pipe 36, is compressed as clean water fills the reservoir 34.
  • This increases the pressure of the water input into the filter module 20 until a diaphragm 54, covering the outlet of a pipe 52 which is in fluid communication with the filter module 20 via the air chamber 50, is forced to deflect open by water in the pipe 52.
  • the diaphragm 54 is normally biased closed in use by a spring 56, and when the pressure builds by the fluid, the spring force is overcome to deflect open the diaphragm 54.
  • the diaphragm 54 is of a resilient material. Once opened, the diaphragm 54 stays open under water pressure, and because the force of the water is now over a greater area of the diaphragm 54, it only closes again due to the force of the spring 56 at a lower pressure.
  • continuous pumping causes clean water from the reservoir 34 of the pressure chamber 30 to first go back through the walls of the hollow fibres 24, and then be flushed out of the filter module 20 through via the air chamber 50 and through the pipe 52.
  • the diaphragm 54 is open, the clean water flows through the pipe 52 and out of a back-flushed water outlet pipe 58.
  • an alternative pressure operated valve 60 Like the diaphragm 54 of Figure 1 , the valve 60 closes the pipe 52.
  • the outlet of the pipe 52 is closed with a stopper 62.
  • the stopper 62 incorporates a disk 64 which is a close fit in the housing 66, so once the stopper 62 is opened, water pressure keeps it open, and allows the water to escape through the back-flushed water outlet pipe 58.
  • FIG 3 there is provided another alternative pressure operated valve 70.
  • the pressure operated valve 70 closes the pipe 52 with a stopper 72, which is held down by a spring 74 within housing 76. In this embodiment, the back flush still works, but the purging is less effective.
  • a water filter 100 including a water filter module 120, a pressure chamber 130 and a pumping module 140.
  • the water filter module 120 contains hollow fibres 124 sealed in a housing 122 with cement 122a, 122b.
  • the filter is placed in water to be treated 101.
  • untreated water 101 typically passes into fluid cavity 1 18 via pre-filter 1 12, which may be a gauze strainer as shown, and a valve 1 14.
  • the untreated water 101 is then pumped through a valve 1 16, which is the inlet to the water filter module.
  • valves 1 14, 1 16 may be one-way valves.
  • the untreated water 101 is thus pumped through the bores of the hollow fibres 124, and clean water leaks through microscopic pores in their walls.
  • the clean water then flows out of the module 120 via an outlet 126 and into the pressure chamber 130 via the inlet 132.
  • the inlet 132 is in fluid communication with the outlet 126.
  • the clean water is pumped up through a pipe 136, along a tube 136a, through a valve 138, which in the depicted embodiment is a diaphragm biased open in use, and out through the treated water outlet 170.
  • a non-return opening in the form of a flattened elastic tube, or other non-return device, or a tap.
  • valve 138 shown as a diaphragm, is made of an elastic material, and is normally biased open by spring 138a to allow passage of clean water therethrough. However, above a set air pressure from the untreated water, caused by the increase in pressure due to the clogging of hollow fibres 124, the valve 138 is made to close, which shuts off the supply of clean water. Continued pumping then forces clean water into the reservoir 134 to a level 134a.
  • valve 138 Since the valve 138 is closed, air is trapped within the pipes 136, 136a as water fills the reservoir 134. Thus, the air trapped within the pipes 136, 136a then pushes clean water back through the filter module 120, thereby increasing the air pressure in the air chamber 150.
  • This increased air pressure opens another valve 154, in this embodiment it is another diaphragm, which is normally biased closed by a spring 156.
  • Untreated water can flow through the air chamber 150, through a passage 152 and out of the filter through the back-flushed water outlet 158. The passage from outlet 158 to the outside of the filter 100 is not shown, but the water can exit either into a separate container, or back into the untreated water where the water to be treated 101 is contained.
  • the valve 154 depicted as a diaphragm is this embodiment, also acts as a pressure relief valve, which limits the pressure of fluid in the filter in the event of excessive pumping force.
  • valves 138, 154 require a high pressure in passage 150b and hole 152, and on account of a greater surface once open, stay in that condition until the pressures become much lower. This means that when the pressures drop after back-flushing, the valves 138, 154 return to their operating positions for continued supply of clean water.
  • non-return valve 160 which can replace either, or both, valves 138, 154.
  • the non-return valve 160 includes a seal 162 closing an input hole 164, and a rod with a disc 166.
  • the rod and disk 166 are biased downwards, in other words the rod and disk 166 are biased closed, by a spring 166a.
  • the rod and the disk 166 are held down with the spring 166a.
  • the air pressure builds up on the disk 166 and acts upon it, such that it is forced against the spring force urged upon it by spring 166a, thereby opening the valve 160.
  • the disk 166 and seal 162 stay above the outlet 168 until a lower pressure is achieved at which point they can return to the closed state.
  • the treated water outlet 170 of Figure 1 is shown in more detail.
  • the treated water outlet 170 includes an outer piece 172 and an inner piece 139.
  • the inner piece 139 forms the actual outlet for outputting treated water.
  • the outer piece 172 engages the inner piece 139 to hold the mouth of the inner piece 139 closed. In turn, this makes the treated water outlet 170 leak resistant by encasing the inner piece 139 within an outer piece 172 to provide a larger flattened shape.
  • FIG 7 shows a third arrangement of the invention.
  • the water filter 200 is similar to the construction of the water filter 100 shown in Figure 5, with the exception that the diaphragm valve 158 is replaced by a bleed pipe 258. All other elements of the water filter 200 are substantially the same as water filter 100, shown in Figure 4, and operate in the same manner.
  • the bleed pipe 258 enables a proportion of the pumped input water to continually return to an input container (not shown), which contains the water to be treated.
  • a valve 238, shown again as a diaphragm in this embodiment closes the treated water output 270, continued rapid pumping will fill the reservoir of the pressure chamber (not shown, but equivalent to 134 shown in Figure 4), and when pumping stops, the water in the reservoir pushes water back through the microscopic pores of the hollow fibres and out through the bleed pipe 258.
  • valve 238 is the same as that described in relation to valve 138 of Figure 4.
  • the valve 238 is biased open in use by a spring 238a.
  • a passage 250a and a hole 250b which allows fluid communication between an air chamber 250 and the valve 238.
  • the valve 238 is forced to close against the force of the spring 238a.
  • a treated water outlet 270 including an outer piece 272 and inner piece 239, is closed off due to the closing of valve 238. This allows back-flushing of the hollow fibres of filter module 220, and thus the flow of water out of the bleed pipe 258.
  • water filters 100, 200 may include automatic cross flow by making use of a second air chamber 180, 280.
  • a second air chamber 180, 280 On the down stroke of the pumping module 140, water goes up through the bores of the hollow fibres 124 and compresses air in the second air chamber 180, 280, and on the return stroke the air can expand and push the water back down the hollow fibres 124.
  • some of the water leaks through the walls of the hollow fibres 124, and through the outlet 126.
  • a small bleed hole 182 can be included which is in fluid communication with the cavity 1 18. This makes some of the untreated water flow back into the pump barrel 142, which is returned on the down stroke of the pumping module 140.
  • valves 138, 154, 238, passageways 150a, 150b, 250a, 250b are housing by housing components 184, 186, 188; 284, 286, 288.
  • Said housing components 184, 186, 188; 284, 286, 288 illustrate a possible construction of this part of the filter, although other constructions can be recognised by the person skilled in the art.
  • the housing components 184, 186, 188; 284, 286, 288 are conveniently screwed together and sealed with gaskets and rubber rings.
  • the pump and reservoir do not show constructional detail, but together with this disclosure and the common general knowledge, the person skilled in the art could envisage such detail.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)

Abstract

Un filtre à fluide comprenant un élément de filtration; un conduit d'alimentation positionné pour fournir un fluide à filtrer dans l'élément de filtration; un conduit de refoulement positionné pour recevoir le fluide filtré provenant de l'élément de filtration; une chambre de refoulement qui est en communication fluidique avec le conduit de refoulement; et une sortie de fluide filtré en communication fluidique avec la chambre de refoulement, la sortie de fluide filtré comprenant un limiteur de débit qui restreint l'écoulement de fluide filtré. Lorsque le limiteur de débit est actionné, le fluide filtré reflue de la chambre de refoulement pour un rinçage à circulation inversée de l'élément de filtration. Le limiteur de débit peut être actionné manuellement ou automatiquement.
EP18759690.3A 2017-08-16 2018-08-16 Filtre à eau Pending EP3668818A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1713111.1A GB201713111D0 (en) 2017-08-16 2017-08-16 Water filter
PCT/GB2018/052324 WO2019034879A1 (fr) 2017-08-16 2018-08-16 Filtre à eau

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3668818A1 true EP3668818A1 (fr) 2020-06-24

Family

ID=59896031

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18759690.3A Pending EP3668818A1 (fr) 2017-08-16 2018-08-16 Filtre à eau

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3668818A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN111194297A (fr)
GB (1) GB201713111D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2019034879A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3079512B1 (fr) * 2018-03-30 2021-07-16 Fonto De Vivo Dispositif pour potabiliser de l'eau a fonctionnement manuel

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2539048B1 (fr) * 1983-01-11 1988-10-14 Diffusion Materiels Fluides Systeme de filtre pour eau potable a utilisation intermittente adapte notamment sur un reservoir transportable
CN2056470U (zh) * 1989-08-30 1990-04-25 赵正诗 带气压控制关闭装置的自来水阀
CN2512483Y (zh) * 2000-10-25 2002-09-25 朴长珉 废水处理用过滤装置
DE10302014A1 (de) * 2003-01-18 2004-07-29 W.E.T. Wasser-Energie-Technologie Gmbh Filtermembranrückspülung mit einem Druckbehälter
WO2008110165A1 (fr) 2007-03-09 2008-09-18 Vestergaard Sa Filtre microporeux ayant une source d'halogène
GB2473836A (en) * 2009-09-24 2011-03-30 John Griffith Water filter
CN101891311A (zh) * 2010-07-30 2010-11-24 浙江大学 一种家用净水处理装置
CN102910752B (zh) * 2012-08-27 2013-11-27 段成同 用于水处理的气囊及带气囊的净水装置
WO2016066382A1 (fr) * 2014-10-28 2016-05-06 Unilever N.V. Purificateur d'eau et procédé de nettoyage de membrane

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN111194297A (zh) 2020-05-22
GB201713111D0 (en) 2017-09-27
WO2019034879A1 (fr) 2019-02-21

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