GB2593714A

GB2593714A - Apparatus for filtering cooking fluids

Info

Publication number: GB2593714A
Application number: GB2004667.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Calvert Steven
Original assignee: Premier1filtration
Current assignee: Premier1filtration
Priority date: 2020-03-31
Filing date: 2020-03-31
Publication date: 2021-10-06
Also published as: EP4125513A1; JP2023528559A; WO2021198673A1; GB202004667D0; AU2021247582A1

Abstract

A process and apparatus 100 for filtering cooking fluids, such as cooking oil. The apparatus comprises an inlet 102 for receiving cooking fluid, a filter system 110 for filtering the cooking fluid, and a pump 104. A fluid path is defined between the inlet and the pump for flow of the cooking fluid and the filter system is located in the fluid path between the inlet and the pump. The filter system 110 may include a first filter 112 , such as a mesh filter and a second filter 114 in the form of a filter pad containing activated carbon. In use, the apparatus is configured to be partially submerged in cooking fluid such that the inlet is below a surface level of the cooking fluid and a handle 142 is arranged above the surface level of the cooking fluid. Advantageously the apparatus is handheld and portable and can remove small impurities within the cooking fluid.

Description

Apparatus for Filtering Cooking Fluids The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for filtering cooking fluids and a process for filtering cooking fluids using the apparatus.

Background

Cooking fluids are used in both the domestic and industrial sector to cook food products. For example, cooking oils are commonly used to produce deep fried food products. Due to the high costs of cooking fluids, and in attempts to reduce waste and increase sustainability, it is desirable to extend the useful life of cooking fluids where possible.

In use, cooking fluids deteriorate over time because of heating to elevated temperatures, exposure to air, exposure to water and contamination by the food products. These are key factors contributing to degradation of the cooking fluid. This degradation is accelerated when cooking fluids are reused and repeatedly heated to elevated temperatures, such as upwards of 160 degrees Celsius.

The reduced quality of cooking fluid has a negative effect on the taste and quality of the food products cooked therein. Additionally, reduced quality of cooking fluid can also impact the safety for the user when using the cooking fluid, because the properties of the cooking fluids can be affected. For example, cooking oils have reduced smoke points when they are reused due to degradation of the cooking oil and the presence of impurities and particulates.

In other words, cooking fluids become contaminated with impurities when heated to elevated temperatures for cooking food products. These impurities lead to degradation of the cooking fluids which impacts upon the quality, taste and safety of the fried food product. The faster that the cooking fluid degrades, the faster it requires replacement, thereby impacting the sustainability of activities by increasing cooking fluids usage, delivery, waste and collection.

It is known to provide a filtration system that can remove particles from the cooking fluid. However, the existing filtration systems are often cumbersome and/or not effective at removing smaller impurities within the cooking fluid, for example the impurities that are smaller than approximately 5 microns, typically smaller than 0.7 microns.

Known cooking fluid filtration systems are often large and relatively heavy and, as such, are not suitable for moving between different facilities. For example, the known cooking fluid filtration systems may weigh at least 50kg. Further, in order to clean the cooking fluid, the cooking fluid is to be moved from the cooking vessel and put into the cooking fluid filtration system. This is a cumbersome and time-consuming task and it would be desirable to filter the cooking fluid in situ within the cooking system.

Further, known filtration systems commonly utilise pumps positioned upstream of the filter media which can result in pressurised cooking fluids, especially when, over time, the filtration systems become less efficient. Additionally, filtrations systems of the prior art commonly require high power to operate, which is provided by a live electrical power cable.

It is an aim of the present invention overcome at least some of the above-mentioned problems and therefore extend the lifetime of the cooking fluid.

Summary

According to the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus for filtering cooking fluids as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first example, there is provided an apparatus for filtering cooking fluids, the apparatus comprising: an inlet for receiving cooking fluid; a filter system for filtering the cooking fluid; and a pump; wherein a fluid path is defined between the inlet and the pump for flow of the cooking fluid, wherein the filter system is located in the fluid path between the inlet and the pump.

This configuration of the apparatus substantially reduces the potential for build-up of cooking fluid in the fluid path between filter and pump. Further, the position of the pump being downstream from the inlet and the filter system prevents regions of high-pressure cooking fluids within the apparatus.

The configuration of the apparatus additionally mitigates against pump damage because any debris or particulates are filtered out prior to entering the pump. In other words, the above configuration reduces the pumps exposure to unfiltered cooking fluid thereby resulting in an increased pump life.

In one example, the apparatus may include a filter system which comprises a first filter and a second filter. The use of two filters increases the efficiency of the filtration apparatus, and therefore this results in a longer lifetime of cooking fluid because the two filters provide higher quality filtered cooking fluid. In other words, the improved performance of the apparatus of the present invention advantageously results in effectively extending the life of cooking fluid and therefore reduces cooking fluid usage and waste, which enhances both sustainability and profitability of the apparatus.

The first filter may be a passive filter. The second filter may be an active filter.

The combination of a passive filter and an active filter provides improved quality of filtered cooking fluids. Further, the combination of the passive and active filter provides increased filtration efficiency which results in a longer life time of the cooking fluid. The combination of a passive and active filter according to the present invention provides better filtration by removing smaller particles and by removing chemical impurities.

In one example the passive filter is a mesh filter. A mesh filter may provide a barrier through which particles that are at least 5 microns in size can be removed, when a fluid is filtered through the mesh. Mesh filters are readily available.

In one example the active filter is a chemically active filter for providing filtration via a chemical process. Typically, the active filter comprises activated carbon. An active filter provides a filter which can remove particles that are at least 0.5 microns in size. Additionally, an active filter can filter impurities by adsorption of the impurities. An active filter provides improved quality of filtered cooking fluid by more effectively removing impurities.

The active filter may comprise a filter pad. A filter pad is readily available. The active filter may also be considered a depth filter such that the active filter applies depth filtration by retaining particulates within the body of the filter pad, for example, by way of absorption and/or adsorption.

In one example the filter system is detachable from the apparatus to enable at least one of the first filter and the second filter to be replaced.

Replacement of the first or second filter improves the lifetime of the apparatus and ensures that the cooking fluid is filtered to a high filtration quality by the apparatus. A detachable filter system means that at least the first filter or second filter can be replaced and/or cleaned after use. Typically, the first filter can be cleaned, and the second filter can be replaced after use.

In one example the first filter is configured to filter contaminates from the cooking fluid of approximately at least 3 microns, typically in the range of at least 3 microns to 7 microns and the second filter is configured to filter contaminates from the cooking fluid of approximately at least 0.3 microns, typically in the range of at least 0.3 microns to 0.7 microns. In one example, the first filter is configured to filter contaminates from the cooking fluid of at least 5 microns. The second filter may be configured to filter contaminates from the cooking fluid of at least 0.5 microns.

The filtered cooking fluid that has had more contaminants removed is purer which additionally increases the lifetime of the cooking fluid.

The pump may be a positive displacement pump.

The positive displacement pump moves fluid at a constant rate regardless of the pressure on the inlet. Therefore, the positive displacement pump provides reliable filtration throughout the lifetime of the apparatus. The positive displacement pump may also operate are a lower speed than other pumps that are known in the art, and therefore increase the operating efficiency of the apparatus by reducing power consumption.

Another surprising advantage of the positive displacement pump is that by operating at low speeds, the pump causes minimal agitation to the cooking fluid. This advantageously results in less oxidation of the cooking fluid, Additionally, the positive displacement pump has a constant torque that is sufficient to move fluids with a high viscosity, or fluids with a variable viscosity. For example, cooking fluids often have a high viscosity when at room temperature, or when cold, such cooking fluids decrease in viscosity with increasing temperature.

When heating cooking fluids, often the lowest effective temperature is used to help prevent degradation of the fluid. For example, heated cooking oils are more prone to acrylamide formation when at high temperatures. Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention to be able to effectively filter cooking fluids independent of their temperature because the apparatus is able to filter high viscosity fluids.

The pump may be a positive displacement gear pump.

In one example the apparatus comprises a motor for driving the pump.

In one example the apparatus comprises a battery for powering the motor.

The battery for powering the motor and pump of the apparatus, as disclosed herein, provides improved convenience to the user because the apparatus does not require to be connected to a plug socket (power outlet) when in use. This is especially beneficial when there is limited or no access to plug sockets. Additionally, the battery results in an apparatus that is safe to use because of the improved mobility of the apparatus. Further, the battery also eliminates the presence of high voltage wires being used adjacent to cooking fluids or becoming submerged in said cooking fluids.

The apparatus of the present invention utilising a positive displacement pump operates at less power than pumps of the prior art, for example, a centrifugal pump. This allows the use of a battery for powering the motor and pump for longer periods of time, increasing the cycle time of the device, or the number of cycles before re-charging is required, thereby advantageously increasing the usability of the apparatus.

In one example the apparatus comprises an outlet through which the cooking fluid can exit from the apparatus after passing through the filter system. The outlet may increase the mobility of the apparatus because a large internal reservoir is not required.

In one example the outlet is positioned below the surface of the cooking fluid to be filtered. This design advantageously reduces agitation, and therefore oxidation, of the cooking fluid because the outlet discharges directly below the surface of the cooking fluid reservoir. This also improves the circulation of the cooking fluid.

In one example the apparatus comprises a handle.

The apparatus may be configured to be partially submerged in cooking fluid such that the inlet is below a surface level of the cooking fluid and the handle is arranged above the surface level of the cooking fluid.

In one example the cooking fluid is a cooking oil.

According to one example, there is provided a process for filtering cooking fluids using the apparatus disclosed herein, the method comprising steps of: submerging the inlet into a cooking fluid; engaging the pump to draw cooking fluid into the fluid path of the apparatus via the inlet, and filtering the cooking fluid in the filter system, wherein the filter system is located in the fluid path between the inlet and the pump.

The apparatus of the present invention is suitable for filtering heated cooking fluids.

In one example the apparatus filters cooking fluid in a continuous process. Alternatively, the apparatus filters cooking fluid in a semi-continuous process. Typically, the apparatus is designed to operate with a cycle times of 5 minutes.

All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above examples and in any combination.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the 30 accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a cross-section view of an example of part of an apparatus for filtering cooking fluids; Figure 2 shows a cross-section view of an example of an apparatus for filtering cooking fluids; Figure 3 shows a perspective cross-section view of an example of an apparatus for filtering cooking fluids; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for filtering cooking fluids; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an example of a filter system for filtering cooking fluids; Figure 6A to 60 shows perspective views of examples of an apparatus for filtering cooking fluids; and Figure 7 shows an example of a process for filtering cooking fluids.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for filtering cooking fluids. In particular, the apparatus may be an apparatus for filtering cooking oils, typically, frying oils, including but not limited to vegetable oil or rapeseed oil.

The apparatus includes an inlet for receiving cooking fluid; a filter system for filtering the cooking fluid and a pump for drawing fluid into the inlet and through the filter system. A fluid path is defined by flow of the cooking fluid through the apparatus, via the inlet, through the filter system and then the pump. In other words, the cooking fluid enters the apparatus through the inlet, and is drawn through the filter system by the pump. The filter system is situated in between the inlet and the pump. The pump provides negative pressure to the inlet and filter and therefore cooking fluid is drawn into the inlet and passes through the filter. The arrangement of the pump, filter and inlet in this orientation means that there are no regions of high pressure in the apparatus, which results in a reliable, stable and efficient apparatus.

The cooking fluid that is filtered through the filter system provides improved performance for cooking food by eliminating contaminants and enhances sustainability by reducing both resource use and cooking fluid waste.

In one example, the apparatus is handheld and portable and so can be partially submerged in the cooking fluid, in use. In one example, the apparatus is less than approximately 15kg. For example, the apparatus may be approximately 10kg. This means that the apparatus can be easily moved to different locations as required.

Further, the apparatus can be configured to continuously filter cooking fluid. It has been

B

found that the apparatus can filter large volumes of cooking fluids, relative to its internal fluid capacity in a continuous process. The apparatus may operate semi-continuously, and cycle the filtering process, typically in 5-minute cycles.

Figure 1 shows an example of part of an apparatus 100 for filtering cooking fluids. The apparatus 100 includes an inlet 102 for receiving cooking fluid, a filter system 110 for filtering the cooking fluid and a pump 104. A fluid path 106 is defined between the inlet 102 and the pump 104 for flow of the cooking fluid through the apparatus 100. The filter system 110 is located in the fluid path 106 between the inlet 102 and the pump 104. In other words, the filter system 110 is between the inlet 102 and the pump 104, with the inlet 102 positioned upstream of both the filter system 110 and the pump 104, and the filter system 110 positioned upstream of the pump 104.

The pump 104 acts to draw fluid through the inlet 102 and the filter system 110. In one 15 example, the pump 104 may be a positive displacement pump, such as a positive displacement gear pump.

Figure 2 shows an example of an embodiment of the apparatus 100 for filtering cooking fluids.

In one example. the filter system 110 may comprise a first filter 112 and a second filter 114. The filter system 110 may further comprise a filter cartridge 116. The filter system 110 is discussed in more detail below with reference to figure 4.

In one example, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a filter housing 150 in which the filter system 110 may be located in the apparatus 100. The filter housing 150 may further comprise a filter housing handle 152 for easily accessing the filter housing 150, by pivoting the filter housing 150 about a housing hinge 154. The filter housing 150 is discussed in more detail below with reference to figure 6A-C.

The apparatus 100 may further comprise a fluid conduit 108 through which the filtered fluid can flow. The fluid conduit 108 may define part of the fluid path 106. In one example, the filter system 110 and the pump 104 may be connected by the fluid conduit 108. In use, the fluid conduit 108 contains fluid that has entered the apparatus 100 through the inlet 102 and passed through the filter system 110. The fluid in the fluid conduit 108 is therefore filtered and may have reduced impurities.

The fluid conduit 108 may be a pipe that is capable of transferring cooking fluid without leaking. The fluid conduit 108 may be capable of transferring heated cooking fluid. The fluid conduit 108 may be fluidly connected at a first end to the filter system 110 and fluidly connected at a second end to the pump 104.

In one example. the apparatus 100 further comprises a filter cartridge outlet 118 and a complementary attachment means 122, which are discussed in more detail below with reference to figure 5 and 6.

The apparatus 100 may further comprise a motor 130 for driving the pump 104. In one example, the motor 130 may be connected to the pump 104 by a drive coupler 134 and/or a drive spindle 136. The motor 130 is typically an electric motor, more typically, a DC electric motor, most typically a brushless DC motor, especially a low speed (rpm) motor.

The output of the motor 130 may be aligned with the pump 104 input so that it is connectable by the drive spindle 136. In one example, the motor 130 may be positioned above pump 104, suitably, directly above the pump 104.

The motor 130 may be fixedly attached to the drive coupler 134, which in turn is fixedly attached to the drive spindle 136, which in turn is fixedly attached to the pump 104.

The apparatus 100 may further comprise a battery 132 for providing electricity to the motor 130. In one example, the battery 132 is configured for powering the motor 130.

In other words, the battery 132 and the motor 130 may be in electrical communication. Advantageously, the battery 132 may be a portable battery and in combination with the features of apparatus 100, provide a mobile apparatus that can be easily moved using the handle 142. In other words, the apparatus 100 is a handheld apparatus.

The battery 132 may be positioned adjacent to the motor 130, typically, the battery 132 is housed above the motor 130.

The battery 132 may be a rechargeable battery, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The battery 132 may further comprise a charging port 133. The charging port 133 can be used to provide electricity to the battery 132 and therefore recharge the battery 132.

The battery 132 may be hermetically sealed to prevent contact with the cooking fluid in use or in the event that the device is fully submerged in the cooking fluid. Typically, the battery 132 may is sealed against exposure to heated cooking fluids.

In one example, the apparatus 100 may further comprise an outlet 140 which is fluidically adjacent to the pump 104. The outlet 140 may be in fluid communication with the fluid path 106 and provides an exit path for cooking fluid after filtration through the filter system 110. The outlet 140 may be downstream of the inlet 102, the filter system 110 and the pump 104. In other words, the apparatus 100 may contain the outlet 140 through which cooking fluid can exit from the apparatus 100 after passing through the filter system 110.

The pump 104 of the apparatus 100 may provide the negative pressure to draw cooking fluid into the inlet 102, and simultaneous positive pressure to push filtered cooking fluid out of the apparatus 100 via the outlet 140. In other words, the apparatus 100 may use the pump 104 to filter cooking fluids in a continuous or semi-continuous method. As a result, by providing a continuous or semi-continuous method of filtering cooking fluids, the power consumption of the apparatus is reduced compared to the larger batch filtration type apparatus of the prior art. This advantageously results in smaller power consumption per filtration cycle and therefore the apparatus 100 of the present invention can be suitably powered by the battery 132. The battery 132 of the apparatus 100 synergistically increases the usability of the apparatus 100 for continuous and semi-continuous methods of filtering cooking fluids because it makes the apparatus 100 easier to handle, for example, the apparatus 100 comprising the battery 132 can be easily moved in and out of containers of cooking fluids to be filtered with less effort. Furthermore, the battery 132 provides a safer apparatus 100 because high voltage cables are not required which may also obstruct the movability of the handheld apparatus 100.

In one example, the apparatus 100 further comprises a handle 142. The handle 142 provides a convenient method to carry or move the apparatus 100. The handle 142 may be positioned at the top of the apparatus 100, typically, the handle 142 forms the highest portion of the apparatus 100 to improve the usability of the apparatus 100 and results in the apparatus 100 being easily picked up and put down by a user.

In use, the apparatus 100 may be submerged into the cooking fluid to be filtered by holding the handle 142. When submerged, the inlet 102 may be below the surface level of the cooking fluid and the handle 142 may be above the level of the cooking fluid because the handle 142 is positioned at the top of the apparatus 100, and therefore the handle 142 may form the highest point of the apparatus. In other words, the apparatus may be configured to be partially submerged in cooking fluid such that when partially submerged the inlet 102 is below a surface level of the cooking fluid and the handle 142 is arranged above the surface level of the cooking fluid. The handle 142 allows the apparatus 100 to be inserted and removed from the cooking fluid safely because it increases the distance the user's hand is to the cooking fluid. This is especially important when filtering heated cooking fluids with the apparatus 100.

In one example, the apparatus 100 is removably attachable to an adjustable frame (not shown). The adjustable frame is removably attachable to the cooking apparatus such that the adjustable frame may securely anchor the apparatus 100 in place during use.

Typically, the adjustable frame allows the apparatus 100 to be removably submerged into the heated cooking fluid within the cooking apparatus safely.

In one example, the apparatus 100 is a portable such that it can easily be moved between different cooking systems to filter cooking fluid that is in-situ within the cooking apparatus. In other words, the apparatus 100 is suitable for filtering cooking fluid within the cooking apparatus. This removes the requirement to empty cooking fluid from the cooking apparatus and add it to a separate filtering device to be filtered and cleaned.

Figure 3 shows an example of the apparatus 100 for filtering cooking fluids. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cross-section of apparatus 100 as shown in figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an example of the apparatus 100 for filtering cooking fluids. The apparatus 100 comprises an inlet 102, filter system 110 and pump 104.

Figure 5 shows an example of the filter system 110. The filter system 110 may comprise a first filter 112 and a second filter 114. In one example, the first filter 112 may be a passive filter, such as a mesh filter. The first filter 112 may be a mesh filter such as a metal mesh, for example, a stainless-steel mesh or a paper filter. Alternatively, the first filter 112 may be any mesh suitable for use at elevated temperatures, such as upwards of 160 degrees Celsius.

The first filter 112 may be configured into a shape to increase the surface area of the first filter 112 in the filter system 110, for example, the first filter 112 may be configured into a corrugated shape.

The second filter 114 may be an active filter. The second filter 114 in the form of an active filter 114 is a chemically active filter for providing filtration via a chemical process.

In one example, the second filter 114 comprises a filter pad containing activated carbon.

The second filter 114 in the form of an active filter may further provide a surface for adsorption of impurities onto the surface of the activated filter medium, such as the activated carbon. Additionally, the second filter 114 in the form of an active filter 114 may remove impurities by chemically reacting with such impurities. In other words, an active filter may provide a surface which is suitable for impurities to bind to chemically, for example, via chemisorption.

The first filter 112 may be orientated fluidically adjacent to the inlet 102, whereas the second filter 114 may be fluidically adjacent to the pump 104. In other words, in use cooking fluid entering the apparatus 100 may be first exposed to the first filter 112 before coming into contact with the second filter 114.

The filter system 110 may further comprise the filter cartridge 116. In one example, the filter cartridge 116 may contain the first filter 112 and the second filter 114. Figure 5 shows the filter cartridge 116 with the first filter 112 and the second filter 114 removed.

In one example, the first filter 112 and/or the second filter 114 may be removable from the filter cartridge 116.

In one example, the filter cartridge 116 may be a cuboid container. The filter cartridge 116 may be an elongated cuboid shaped with six faces labelled 116a-e in figure 5, shown in a "face-down" orientation so that the rear face 116b of filter cartridge 116 is positioned to the top-side in figure 5. The filter cartridge faces 116b-d form the sides of the elongated cuboid, with the filter cartridge face 116a forming the top face, and the filter cartridge face 116e forms the open bottom face of the filter cartridge 116. On the front face 116d of filter cartridge 116 in figure 5, there may be a lower open portion that protrudes from the face of the filter cartridge 116 to form the inlet 102 for the apparatus 100.

The filter cartridge 116 may further comprise a filter cartridge outlet 118 which is formed of an aperture in a face of the filter cartridge 116 through which fluid may exit the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge outlet 118 may be positioned proximal to a second filter 114. Typically, the filter cartridge outlet 118 is positioned centrally on the rear face 116b of the filter cartridge 116. The filter cartridge outlet 118 may form part of the fluid path 106 as seen in figure 1.

The filter cartridge outlet 118 is typically a Viton sealed connection.

In one example, the filter cartridge 116 comprises attachment members 120. In one example, these are positioned along opposing faces (116c and 116e) of the interior of 15 the filter cartridge 116. The attachment members 120 may be formed of two rungs that are positioned parallel with respect to each other In one example, the first filter 112 is removably attachable into the interior of a filter cartridge 116 and is positioned in between the opposing attachment members 120, and the front face of the filter cartridge 116d. The first filter 112 may be configured to be proximal to the inlet 102.

In one example, the second filter 114 is removably attachable to the interior of the filter cartridge 116 and is positioned in between corresponding rungs of the attachment members 120 of the opposing faces 116c and 116e in the filter cartridge 116.

In one example the first filter 112 and/or the second filter 114 may be removed from the filter cartridge 116 by sliding them towards, and through, the open face 116e of the filter cartridge 116.

In use, cooking fluid enters the filter cartridge 116 through the inlet 102 that may be formed in the bottom section of the filter cartridge 116. The cooking fluid passes through the first filter 112 and the second filter 114 and then exits the filter cartridge 116 through the filter cartridge outlet 118. The cooking fluid exiting the filter system 116 has been filtered and is filtered cooking fluid.

The filter cartridge 116 may be removably attachable from the apparatus 100. In other words, the filter cartridge 116 is can be removed from the apparatus 100 so that when the filter system 110 becomes ineffective the filter system 110 can be replaced or cleaned.

The filter cartridge outlet 118 may be removably attachable with a fluid conduit 108 to form a sealed connection. In one example, when the apparatus 100 is assembled, the filter cartridge 116 forms part of the fluid path 106, as seen figure 1, between the inlet 102, the filter system 110 and the pump 104.

In one example, the filter cartridge outlet 118 is an aperture surrounded by a fixing means capable to engage with the apparatus 100. The filter cartridge outlet 118 may be configured to engage with the complementary attachment means 122 of the fluid flow line 108. The filter cartridge outlet 118 is a male connector and the complementary attachment means 122 is a female connector.

Figure 6A-C shows the apparatus 100 where the filter housing 150 has been rotated about the housing hinge 154 so that the filter housing 150 in an open configuration. Figure 6A-C show the process of inserting the filter cartridge 116 into the filter housing 150 of the apparatus 100. Figure 6A shows the filter cartridge 116 detached from the filter housing 150. Figure 6B shows the filter cartridge 116 being aligned before insertion and attachment to the apparatus 100. Figure 6C shows the assembled apparatus 100 with the filter cartridge 116 inserted into the filter housing 150.

In one example, the apparatus 100 comprises the filter housing 150, which houses the filter system 110. The filter system 110 may further comprise the filter cartridge 116 that is removable attachable from the filter housing 150.

In other words, the filter system 110 may be removable from the apparatus 100, and therefore replaceable. The filter system 110 may be detachable from the apparatus 100 which may permit at least one of the first filter 112 and/or the second filter 114 to be cleaned or replaced. Typically, the filter system 110 may be detachable from the apparatus 100 which may permit the first filter 112 to be cleaned and/or the second filter 114 to be replaced.

In one example. the filter housing 150 may further comprise the filter housing handle 152 that may be used to move the filter housing 150 about the housing hinge 154 between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The filter housing 150 is shown in figures 2-4 in a closed configuration and in figures 6A-C in an open configuration.

The filter housing 150 may be a cuboid shape. The filter housing 150 may be larger than the filter system 110 and/or the filter cartridge 116 so that the filter system 110 and/or filter cartridge 116 can be housed inside the filter housing 150. The filter housing 150 has an open rear face that is exposed in the open configuration to allow the filter cartridge 116 to be inserted. The filter housing 150 when in the closed configuration has the open face positioned against the fluid conduit 108 so that the filter cartridge forms part of the fluid flow path 106 (as seen in figure 1).

Figure 7 shows an example of the steps for filtering cooking fluids using the apparatus 100 of the present invention The filter system 110 is located in between the inlet 102 and the pump 104. The cooking fluid enters apparatus 100 through inlet 102, which filters the cooking fluid by delivering the cooking fluid through the filter system 110. The cooking fluid is pulled through the inlet 102 and then the filter system 110 by the motor 104.

In other words, the process involves the first step of providing fluid to the inlet 102 and then engaging the pump 104 to draw the cooking fluid into the apparatus 100 via the inlet 102 and then the filter system 110, which filters the cooking fluid before reaching pump 104.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

20 25 30 Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for filtering cooking fluids, the apparatus comprising: an inlet for receiving cooking fluid; a filter system for filtering the cooking fluid; and a pump, wherein a fluid path is defined between the inlet and the pump for flow of the cooking fluid, wherein the filter system is located in the fluid path between the inlet and the pump.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filter system comprises a first filter and a second filter.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first filter is a passive filter and the second filter is an active filter.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the passive filter is a mesh filter.
5. The apparatus according to claims 3 or 4, wherein the active filter is a chemically active filter for providing filtration via a chemical process.
6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3, 4 or 5, wherein the active filter comprises a filter pad.
7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the filter system is detachable from the apparatus to enable at least one of the first filter and the second filter to be replaced.
8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first filter is configured to filter contaminates from the cooking fluid in the range of approximately 3 microns to 7 microns and the second filter is configured to filter contaminates from the cooking fluid in the range of approximately 0.3 microns to 0.7 microns.
9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump is a positive displacement pump.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the pump is a positive displacement gear pump
11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus comprising a motor for driving the pump.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, the apparatus comprising a battery for powering the motor.
13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus comprising an outlet through which the cooking fluid can exit from the apparatus after passing through the filter system.
14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus comprising a handle.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, in use, the apparatus is configured to be partially submerged in cooking fluid such that the inlet is below a surface level of the cooking fluid and the handle is arranged above the surface level of the cooking fluid.
16. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooking fluid is a cooking oil.
17. A process for filtering cooking fluids using the apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising steps of: submerging the inlet into a cooking fluid; engaging the pump to draw cooking fluid into the fluid path of the apparatus via the inlet, and filtering the cooking fluid in the filter system, wherein the filter system is located in the fluid path between the inlet and the pump.C\I COCO