IL290708B2 - Filtration systems with solid particulate filtering materials - Google Patents
Filtration systems with solid particulate filtering materialsInfo
- Publication number
- IL290708B2 IL290708B2 IL290708A IL29070822A IL290708B2 IL 290708 B2 IL290708 B2 IL 290708B2 IL 290708 A IL290708 A IL 290708A IL 29070822 A IL29070822 A IL 29070822A IL 290708 B2 IL290708 B2 IL 290708B2
- Authority
- IL
- Israel
- Prior art keywords
- filtration system
- enclosure
- medium
- examples
- filtering unit
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 title claims description 472
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title claims description 160
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 title claims description 158
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 72
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 62
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 60
- 239000000706 filtrate Substances 0.000 claims description 52
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 49
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- YDZQQRWRVYGNER-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron;titanium;trihydrate Chemical compound O.O.O.[Ti].[Fe] YDZQQRWRVYGNER-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
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- GFQYVLUOOAAOGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N zirconium(iv) silicate Chemical compound [Zr+4].[O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] GFQYVLUOOAAOGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B22/00—Buoys
-
- 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
- C02F1/28—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption
- C02F1/283—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption using coal, charred products, or inorganic mixtures containing them
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Filtering Materials (AREA)
Description
FILTRATION SYSTEMS WITH SOLID PARTICULATE FILTERING MATERIALS FIELD OF THE INVENTION id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"
id="p-1"
[001] The present invention relates to fluid filtration systems that include a solid particulate filtering material, forming a 3D semipermeable granular medium that can include either porous hardened solid particulate materials or free-flowing solids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2"
id="p-2"
[002] Water pump systems can be used to draw water from a natural water supply source for various uses. The water supply source can be a river, a lake, the sea, a pond, and the like. Various impurities and debris residing within such a natural water supply source can pass through standard water pumps during pumping, resulting in clogging, slow water flow and can eventually damage the pumps. Additionally, undesired impurities entering the water pump systems may harm other components of these systems, thereby damaging the filter system incorporated therein. These impurities may include particles and debris (such as wood, plants, rocks, and the like) and small microorganisms (such as algae or small fish). id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3"
id="p-3"
[003] Conventional filtration systems generally require periodic removal of clogged filter medium, or periodic cleaning of the filter medium, to remove such debris that accumulated thereon, which can interfere with, or even completely block, flow through the filter medium. id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4"
id="p-4"
[004] There is a need in the industry for improved filtration systems that can provide sub-millimeter filtration quality, for example at the source of the natural water source, preferably designed in a manner that can reduce maintenance costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5"
id="p-5"
[005] The present disclosure is directed toward a filtration system can includes one or more 3D filtering units, each 3D filtering unit including a 3D semipermeable granular medium that encloses or surrounds a filtrate chamber, wherein the 3D semipermeable granular medium includes a plurality of medium through-openings, and may be either formed of a porous hardened solid particulate material or of a free-flowing solid. id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6"
id="p-6"
[006] In one representative example, there is provided a filtration system that includes at least one 3D filtering unit. The 3D filtering unit defines a 3D filtering unit inner face and a 3D filtering unit outer face, and comprises a filtrate chamber, a solid particulate filtering material, and an outflow opening. The filtrate chamber enclosed by the 3D filtering unit inner face. The solid particulate filtering material is maintained in a hollow 3D structure that forms a 3D semipermeable granular medium. The 3D semipermeable granular medium defines a granular medium inner face and a granular medium outer face, wherein the granular medium inner face surrounds the filtrate chamber. The outflow opening is in fluid communication with the filtrate chamber. The 3D semipermeable granular medium comprises a plurality of medium through-openings having a medium through-opening size. The medium through-openings define passage paths between the granular medium outer face and the granular medium inner face. id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7"
id="p-7"
[007] The various innovations of this disclosure can be used in combination or separately. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGS. id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8"
id="p-8"
[008] Some examples of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. The description, together with the Figs., makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some examples may be practiced. The Figs. are for the purpose of illustrative description and no attempt is made to show structural details of an example in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the Figs. are not to scale.
In the Figs.: id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9"
id="p-9"
[009] Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of an exemplary filtration system that includes a three-dimensional filtering unit. id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10"
id="p-10"
[010] Fig. 1B shows a sectional view in perspective of the filtration system of Fig. 1A. id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11"
id="p-11"
[011] Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional view of an exemplary filtering unit of a filtration system. id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12"
id="p-12"
[012] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view in perspective of an exemplary filtering unit of a filtration system. id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13"
id="p-13"
[013] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of one example of a 3D filtering unit. id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14"
id="p-14"
[014] Fig. 5 shows a partial sectional view in perspective of another example of a 3D filtering unit. id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15"
id="p-15"
[015] Fig. 6 shows a view in perspective of an exemplary filtration system that includes a 3D filtering unit coupled to a float. id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16"
id="p-16"
[016] Fig. 7 shows a sectional view in perspective of one non-binding example of a vibration generator that can be coupled to a 3D filtering unit. id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17"
id="p-17"
[017] Fig. 8 shows an exemplary filtration system with a vibration generator coupled to the 3D filtering unit. id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18"
id="p-18"
[018] Fig. 9 shows a view in perspective of an exemplary filtration system that includes a plurality of 3D filtering units. id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19"
id="p-19"
[019] Fig. 10A shows a top view of the filtration system of Fig. 9. id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20"
id="p-20"
[020] Fig. 10B shows a side view of the filtration system taken from direction 10B-10B indicated in Fig. 10A. id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21"
id="p-21"
[021] Fig. 10C shows a side view of the filtration system taken from direction 10C-10C indicated in Fig. 10A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLES id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22"
id="p-22"
[022] The subject matter is described with implementations and examples. In some cases, as will be recognized by one skilled in the art, the disclosed implementations and examples may be practiced without one or more of the disclosed specific details, or may be practiced with other methods, structures, and materials not specifically disclosed herein. All the implementations and examples described herein and shown in the drawings may be combined without any restrictions to form any number of combinations, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, such as if the proposed combination involves elements that are incompatible or mutually exclusive. id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23"
id="p-23"
[023] Although the operations of some of the disclosed examples are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached Figs. may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like "provide" or "achieve" to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art. id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24"
id="p-24"
[024] All features described herein are independent of one another and, except where structurally impossible, can be used in combination with any other feature described herein. id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25"
id="p-25"
[025] As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the terms "have" or "includes" means "comprises." As used herein, "and/or" means "and" or "or," as well as "and" and "or". id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26"
id="p-26"
[026] The term "coupled" without a qualifier generally means physically coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled elements absent specific contrary language. As used herein, the terms "integrally formed" and "unitary construction" refer to a construction that does not include any welds, fasteners, or other means for securing separately formed pieces of material to each other. id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27"
id="p-27"
[027] Directions and other relative references may be used to facilitate discussion of the drawings and principles herein, but are not intended to be limiting. For example, certain terms may be used such as "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "inside," "outside,", "top," "bottom," "interior," "exterior," "left," right," and the like. Such terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships, particularly with respect to the illustrated examples. Such terms are not, however, intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an "upper" part can become a "lower" part simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same part and the object remains the same. id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28"
id="p-28"
[028] Throughout the Figures of the drawings, different superscripts for the same reference numerals are used to denote different examples of the same elements. Examples of the disclosed devices and systems may include any combination of different examples of the same elements. Specifically, any reference to an element without a superscript may refer to any alternative example of the same element denoted with a superscript. In order to avoid undue clutter from having too many reference numbers and lead lines on a particular drawing, some components will be introduced via one or more drawings and not explicitly identified in every subsequent drawing that contains that component. In some cases, the term "corresponding to" may be used to describe correspondence between elements of different Figures. In an example usage, when an element in a first Fig. is described as corresponding to another element in a second Fig., the element in the first Fig. is deemed to have the characteristics of the other element in the second Fig., and vice versa, unless stated otherwise. id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29"
id="p-29"
[029] The term "plurality", as used herein, means more than one. id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30"
id="p-30"
[030] As used herein, the term "about" refers to ±20%, ±15%, ±10%, or ±5% of a specified value. Each possibility represents a separate example of the invention. id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31"
id="p-31"
[031] Figs. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary filtration system 100 that includes a three-dimensional filtering unit 110, according to one implementation. Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a filtration system 100. Fig. 1B shows a sectional view in perspective of the filtration system 100 of Fig. 1A. A filtration system 100 comprises at least one three-dimensional (3D) filtering unit 110, a filtrate chamber 150 and an outflow opening 168 in fluid communication with the filtrate chamber. In some examples, the 3D filtering unit 110 can include an outflow port 170 extending from the outflow opening 168. A 3D filtration unit can also optionally include a coupler 184 that can be utilized to connect it to other components, as will be elaborated in greater detail below. id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32"
id="p-32"
[032] As will be detailed in the following section, the filtration system 100 generally operates immersing it within a water source or water reservoir, which includes contaminated or otherwise unpurified raw water, such as lakes, seas, pools etc., typically such that the entire three-dimensional (3D) filtering unit 110 is soaked within the reservoir water, allowing raw water to partially or completely surround the 3D filtering unit 110. An internal filtrate chamber 150 can be typically empty prior to utilization, such that after immersion of the filtration system 100 in the water source, suction force is applied to filtrate chamber 150 through the outflow opening 168 (optionally via outflow port 170). id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33"
id="p-33"
[033] The filtration system 100 can include an intake pipe or hose (such as pipe section 1illustrated in Fig. 8) which is in fluid communication with the filtrate chamber 150, optionally be being connected to the outflow port 170, and through which suction or pumping force can facilitate suction of raw water which surround the outer face 114 of the 3D filtering unit 110, into the intake pipe via the filtrate chamber 150. The intake pipe can be attached to a suction line which is connected, on its opposite end, to a pump (e.g., a centrifugal pump) or alternatively, being open ended if positioned at a level relatively lower with respect to the outflow opening 168, such that gravitational force can serve to apply the necessary negative pressure difference to apply suction force at the outflow opening instead of a pump. id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34"
id="p-34"
[034] Upon the application of a suction force, either by a pump or gravitational force, pressure is applied to an inner face 112 of the 3D filtering unit 110, so that the reservoir’s unpurified or raw water flows into the filtrate chamber 150 through the 3D filtering unit 110. The 3D filtering unit 110 has filtration capabilities and functionalities, as will be elaborated herein, so that debris, particulates or other contaminants in the raw water are not allowed to penetrate into the filtrate chamber 150, and the water reaching the filtrate chamber 150 is purified. The purified water may then flow out of the filtration system 100 through the outflow opening 168, optionally via outflow port 170. id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35"
id="p-35"
[035] The 3D filtering unit 110 includes a 3D semipermeable granular medium 120. In some examples, 3D filtering unit 110 further includes an internal perforated enclosure 130, between the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 and the filtrate chamber 150. In some implementations, the outer face 124 of the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 forms the outer face 114 of the 3D filtering unit 110. In some implementations, as illustrated in Fig. 1B for example, when included, the inner face 132 of internal perforated enclosure 130 forms the 3D filtering unit inner face 112. However, it is to be understood that inclusion of an internal perforated enclosure is not mandatory, such that in alternative implementations, in which the filtration system 100 is devoid of an internal enclosure, the inner face 122 of 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 can form the 3D filtering unit inner face 112. id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36"
id="p-36"
[036] As detailed above, the 3D filtering unit 110 comprises a 3D semipermeable granular medium 120. In some examples, the 3D filtering unit 110 comprises a solid particulate filtering material. In some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 comprises a solid particulate filtering material. Particles of the solid particulate filtering material are indicated as particles 125. Figs. 2 and 3 relate to an exemplary implementation of a filtration system 100a in which the 3D filtering unit 110a, and in particular, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a, comprises a solid particulate filtering material. Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional view of an exemplary filtering unit 110a of a filtration system 100a. Fig. 3 shows an exploded view in perspective of an exemplary filtering unit 110a of a filtration system 100a. id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37"
id="p-37"
[037] The term "solid particulate material", as used herein, refers to a bulk of particles in their broadest meaning including powders, granular material, comminuted materials, pellets and the like, which is composed of solid particles. The term may refer to any divided homogenous single-compound material or any heterogeneous mixture of such materials. Particulate material may be free-flowing, such as sand, or it may comprise hardened or solidified particles, which are fused into a macro-structure. id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38"
id="p-38"
[038] The term "solid particulate filtering material", as used herein, refers to any solid particulate material which is suitable for use as a filtering medium, i.e., that a bulk amount thereof can form a semipermeable medium. id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39"
id="p-39"
[039] The term "semipermeable medium", as used herein, refers to a medium that allows passage of certain materials there through while preventing the passage of others. For example, semipermeable medium can include medium through-openings defining passage paths through the thickness of the semipermeable medium, dimensioned to prevent passage of solids having a size greater than beyond a size corresponding to the medium through-opening size, while allowing the passage of liquids there though. In many water filters, semipermeable mediums may prevent the passage of debris or contaminants, above a certain diameter, such as sand or small stones, while allowing passage of the aqueous medium in which the contaminants reside. id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40"
id="p-40"
[040] The size of any medium through-opening 118 is defined as the narrowest distance between two ends of the perforation across any cross-section thereof. For example, in the case of a circular medium through-opening 118, the medium through-opening size can be its diameter. In the case of an oval or elliptic medium through-opening 118, the medium through-opening size is defined as its smallest diameter. In the case of an elongated (e.g., slit-like) medium through-opening 118, the medium through-opening size is defined as the distance between its elongated edges (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the elongated dimensions of the medium through-opening 118). id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41"
id="p-41"
[041] The term "raw water", as used herein, refers to unfiltered water that can be present in a natural water source. The term "filtrate", as used herein, refers to water (or other suitable liquid) that passed through the 3D semipermeable granular medium toward the filtrate chamber 150. For example, water from which a substantial portion of debris or particulates have been filtered is filtrate. The term "filtride", as used herein, refers to the residue (e.g., microalgae, debris, or other particulates) that have been separated from the filtrate by the filter medium. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 is permeable to water. Nevertheless, unless otherwise stated, it is to be understood that any reference to water as the liquid to be filtered by filtration system 100 is not meant to be limiting, and that though water can be mentioned throughout the current specification of ease of understanding, any other liquid of choice can be similarly filtered, instead of water, utilizing the same principles, systems and methods. id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42"
id="p-42"
[042] In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than millimeters. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than millimeters. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than millimeter. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 5microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 3microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 3microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 2microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 1microns. id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43"
id="p-43"
[043] In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 1microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 5 microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. In some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 1 micron. id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44"
id="p-44"
[044] According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is a porous hardened solid particulate material, which is rigidly maintained at the hollow 3D structure to form a hollow 3D shape of the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is a porous hardened solid particulate material, which is rigidly maintained at the hollow 3D rigid structure to form a hollow 3D shape of the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120. id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45"
id="p-45"
[045] The term "rigid structure", as used herein, refers to any macro-structure that does not deform upon application of moderate force there against. Rather, upon application of large forces against rigid structures, they may break, but not bend or otherwise deform. For example, aerated concrete and foamed concrete are considered rigid, as upon application of a sufficient amount of force, they will break. In contrast, sand and powders are not considered rigid. Specifically, although a single grain of sand may break prior to deformation, sand macro-structures are compliant with force, and will rapidly deform upon very moderate application of force (e.g., by gravity). id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46"
id="p-46"
[046] The term "hardened solid particulate material" refers to any solid particulate material, which underwent processing in order to transform an originally free-flowing fluidic particulate material into a monolithic macrostructure, in which the individual particles have coalesced fused or assimilated to a collective or merged single unit that mechanically acts as an independent solid element. Exemplary hardened solid particulate materials include, but are not limited to concrete, e.g., porous concretes, such as: foamed concrete, aerated concrete and the like. These exemplary hardened solid particulate materials are made by processing of free-flowing fluidic particulate material(s), such as sand, calcined gypsum, fly ash lime and/or cement, into the hardened concrete solid materials. id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47"
id="p-47"
[047] It is to be understood that during the processing of various free-flowing fluidic particulate materials into a hardened solid particulate material, the shape of the hardened solid particulate material may be conventionally formed. Thus, hollow 3D shape of the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 may be formed during the hardening process of the hardened solid particulate material. Exemplary, non-limiting hardening-molding processes are provided below for foamed concrete and autoclaved aerated concrete. id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48"
id="p-48"
[048] According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is a porous hardened solid particulate material, which is rigidly maintained at the hollow 3D structure to form a hollow 3D shape of the 3D filtering unit 110. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is a porous hardened solid particulate material, which is rigidly maintained at the hollow 3D rigid structure to form a hollow 3D shape of the 3D filtering unit 110. According to some examples, the porous hardened solid particulate material forms a monolithic structure. According to some examples, the porous hardened solid particulate material forms a monolithic 3D hollow structure. According to some examples, the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material forms a rigid monolithic hollow 3D structure. id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49"
id="p-49"
[049] Specifically, it is to be understood that the 3D filtering unit 110 comprises the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 as a main component, optionally as a single component, and therefore, their hollow three-dimensional shapes can be typically similar, according to some examples. id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50"
id="p-50"
[050] In the present description, the term "three-dimensional structure" (or "3D structure") designates a structure exhibiting an non-planar surface, wherein the term "non-planar surface" refers to a surface in which at least one set of two points can be selected such that a straight line connecting the points will not lie wholly within the general contour of the surface. This is in contrast to a planar surface, which can be characterized in that a straight line connecting any two points one the contour lies wholly therein. The terms "face" and "surface", as used herein, for example with respect to any of faces 112, 114, 122 and/or 124, are interchangeable. Thus, a 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 has a non-planar outer face 124, and a 3D filtering unit 110 similarly has a non-planar outer face 114. id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51"
id="p-51"
[051] The term "hollow 3D structure", as used herein, refers to a 3D structure having an inner surface that encloses a volume. For example, granular medium inner face 122 encloses the volume of filtrate chamber 150. It is to be understood that the term "encloses" does not mean that the enclosing element or surface does not necessarily completely surround the enclosed volume, but rather at least 80%. For example, while granular medium inner face 122 encloses the volume of filtrate chamber 150, the enclosed filtrate chamber 150 may still have an outflow opening 168 or outflow port 170 that can pass through the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120, but such passages or discontinuities of the enclosing face will not account for more than 20% of a surface that enclosed the entire volume of filtrate chamber 150. id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52"
id="p-52"
[052] Although the 3D filtering unit 110 and the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 are both shown in Fig. 1 as spheres (e.g., hollow spheres), it is to be understood that other 3D shapes are contemplated, including, but not limited to: spheroids, cubes, cuboids, cylinders, prisms and the like. id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53"
id="p-53"
[053] In specific examples, as illustrated, the solid particulate filtering material can be rigidly maintained at a rigid hollow substantially spherical structure. The term "substantially spherical", as used herein, means that the shape of the structure does not deviate from a perfect sphere by more than about 10%. id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54"
id="p-54"
[054] In some implementations, as illustrated for example in Fig. 2, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a can be provided as a unitary construction, meaning that it is molded, as detailed below, as a single piece. Alternatively, as illustrated for example in Fig. 3, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a may consist of two (or more) separate interconnectable parts. Specifically, in Fig. 3, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 is shown as a sphere consisting of a granular medium first portion 121aA and a granular medium second portion 121aB. In the illustrated example, both portions 121aA and 121aB are shown in the form of hemispheres which are interconnectable to form the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a. id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55"
id="p-55"
[055] According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a is a unitary construction element. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a is a multi-part structure comprising two or more interconnectable parts. id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56"
id="p-56"
[056] Similarly, the internal perforated enclosure 130 can be either a unitary construction, as illustrated in Figs. 1B or 2, or it may consist of two separate interconnectable parts, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Specifically, in Fig. 3, internal perforated enclosure 130a is shown as a sphere consisting of an internal enclosure first portion 131aA and an internal enclosure second portion 131aB. In the illustrated example, both portions 131aA and 131aB are shown in the form of hemispheres which are interconnectable to form the internal perforated enclosure 130a. id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57"
id="p-57"
[057] According to some examples, the internal perforated enclosure 130 is a unitary construction element. According to some examples, the internal perforated enclosure 130 is a multi-part structure comprising two or more interconnectable parts. id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58"
id="p-58"
[058] According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises a granular solid. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is a granular solid. id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59"
id="p-59"
[059] According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises a porous hardened solid particulate material. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is a porous hardened solid particulate material. id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60"
id="p-60"
[060] The term "porous", as used herein, refers to a material which has voids throughout the internal structure which form an interconnected continuous flow path across the thickness of the medium, from one surface to the other. Thus, the medium through-opening 118 of a hardened 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a are the voids or pores 128 formed during its manufacturing process. id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61"
id="p-61"
[061] As detailed above, in some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a comprises the solid particulate filtering material, which is porous, as detailed above. As a result, in such examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a is a 3D semipermeable porous medium. id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62"
id="p-62"
[062] The term "porous medium" denotes a medium having a plurality of pores 128 in its structure. The porous medium may have pores having cross-sectional shapes which are mainly circular or oval, in part, and can extend through the thickness of the medium in the form of pillars or other curved or polygonal paths. The plurality of pores is formed upon formation of medium structure from its constituent, as detailed herein. The medium can advantageously trap or prevent passage of particles in a fluid, having a size greater than a minimal contaminant size, while allowing the fluid to flow through the medium due to the specific porous medium structure. id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63"
id="p-63"
[063] As specified above, according to some examples, the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 3 millimeters, equal to or less than 2 millimeters, equal to or less than millimeter, equal to or less than 500 microns, equal to or less than 350, equal to or less than 300 microns, equal to or less than 200 microns, equal to or less than 150 microns, equal to or less than 100 microns, equal to or less than 75 microns, equal to or less than 50 microns, equal to or less than 40 microns, equal to or less than 30 microns, equal to or less than 20 microns, equal to or less than 10 microns, equal to or less than 5 microns, equal to or less than 2 microns, and/or equal to or less than 1 micron. As understood by the person having ordinary skill in the art, the filtering capabilities of semipermeable porous mediums, which comprise porous material, are generally dictated by the pore size of the porous material. id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64"
id="p-64"
[064] Thus, according to some examples, the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material has pores 128 having average pore size equal to or less than 3 millimeters, equal to or less than 2 millimeters, equal to or less than 1 millimeter, equal to or less than 500 microns, equal to or less than 350, equal to or less than 300 microns, equal to or less than 200 microns, equal to or less than 150 microns, equal to or less than 100 microns, equal to or less than microns, equal to or less than 50 microns, equal to or less than 40 microns, equal to or less than microns, equal to or less than 20 microns, equal to or less than 10 microns, equal to or less than 5 microns, equal to or less than 2 microns, and/or equal to or less than 1 micron. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a has pores 128 having average pore size equal to or less than 3 millimeters, equal to or less than 2 millimeters, equal to or less than 1 millimeter, equal to or less than 500 microns, equal to or less than 350, equal to or less than 300 microns, equal to or less than 200 microns, equal to or less than 150 microns, equal to or less than 100 microns, equal to or less than 75 microns, equal to or less than 50 microns, equal to or less than 40 microns, equal to or less than 30 microns, equal to or less than microns, equal to or less than 10 microns, equal to or less than 5 microns, equal to or less than microns, and/or equal to or less than 1 micron. id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65"
id="p-65"
[065] Two particular porous hardened solid particulate filtering materials identified by the present invention are foamed concrete and aerated concrete, according to some examples. These materials are inexpensive and are well known for their rigidity and porosity. However, their use as filtering media is previously unknown. The present invention, however, is not limited to porous concrete, and may encompass other porous hardened solid particulate filtering materials, according to some examples. Furthermore, examples directed to non-hardened particulate filtering materials (e.g., free flowing particulate filtering materials) are elaborated below, when relating to Figs. 4 and 5. id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66"
id="p-66"
[066] Thus, according to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is a porous concrete. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises porous concrete. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a comprises porous concrete. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a is made of porous concrete. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a consists of porous concrete. id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67"
id="p-67"
[067] According to some examples, the porous concrete is selected from the group consisting of: foamed concrete, aerated concrete, and a combination thereof. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is selected from the group consisting of: foamed concrete, aerated concrete, and a combination thereof. id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68"
id="p-68"
[068] Thus, according to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is aerated concrete. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises aerated concrete. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a comprises aerated concrete. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a is made of aerated concrete. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a consists of aerated concrete. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises AAC. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a comprises AAC. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a is made of AAC. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a consists of AAC. id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69"
id="p-69"
[069] In general, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is a lightweight concrete, which is typically used as a building material, and is suitable for producing concrete masonry units like blocks. Composed of quartz sand, calcined gypsum, lime, cement, water and aluminum powder, AAC products are cured under heat and pressure in an autoclave. Invented in the mid-1920s, AAC simultaneously provides structure, insulation, and fire- and mold-resistance. In addition to their quick and easy installation for construction purposes, AAC materials can be routed, sanded, or cut to size on site using standard power tools with carbon steel cutters. id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70"
id="p-70"
[070] Unlike most other concrete applications, AAC is typically produced using no aggregate larger than sand. Quartz sand, calcined gypsum, lime (mineral) and/or cement and water may be used as binding agents, according to some examples Aluminum powder is typically used at a rate of 0.05%–0.08% by volume (depending on the pre-specified density), according to some examples, as a reactant in a hydrogen forming reaction, which contributes to the porosity of the final product. In other words, the aluminum is added as a foaming agent. In some countries, like India and China, fly ash generated from coal-fired power plants, and having 50–65% silica content, is used as an aggregate. When AAC is mixed and cast in forms, several chemical reactions take place that gives AAC its light weight (typically 20% of the weight of concrete, according to some examples) and thermal properties. Aluminum powder reacts with calcium hydroxide and water to form hydrogen. The hydrogen gas foams and doubles the volume of the raw mix creating gas bubbles, the size of which can be controlled during the manufacturing procedure. At the end of the foaming process, the hydrogen escapes into the atmosphere and is replaced by air. id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71"
id="p-71"
[071] When the forms are removed from the material, according to some examples, it is solid but still soft. It is then cut into either blocks or panels, and placed in an autoclave chamber for hours. During this steam pressure hardening process, according to some examples, when the temperature reaches 190 °C (374 °F) and the pressure reaches 800 to 1,200 kPa (8.0 to 12.bar; 120 to 170 psi), quartz sand reacts with calcium hydroxide to form calcium silicate hydrate, which gives AAC its high strength and other unique properties. Because of the relatively low temperature used, AAC blocks are not considered to be a fired brick but a lightweight concrete masonry unit. After the autoclaving process, the material is ready for immediate use. Depending on its density, up to 80% of the volume of an AAC block is air, according to some examples. AAC's low density also accounts for its low structural compression strength. It can carry loads of up to 8,000 kPa (1,200 psi), approximately 50% of the compressive strength of regular concrete. id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72"
id="p-72"
[072] According to some examples, the AAC exhibits porosity in the range of 60% - 90% v/v. According to some examples, the AAC exhibits porosity in the range of 70% - 85% v/v. According to some examples, the AAC exhibits porosity in the range of 75% - 85% v/v. According to some examples, the AAC exhibits porosity in the range of 80% - 85% v/v. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 exhibits porosity in the range of 60% - 90% v/v. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a exhibits porosity in the range of 70% - 85% v/v. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a exhibits porosity in the range of 75% - 85% v/v. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 exhibits porosity in the range of 80% - 85% v/v. id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73"
id="p-73"
[073] The phrase "exhibits porosity in the range of 60% - 90% v/v" is intended to mean that 60% - 90% of the volume of a body is solid, whereas the rest 10% - 40% of the volume is void, e.g., it may be filled with air when exposed thereto. id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74"
id="p-74"
[074] According to some examples, the AAC 3D semipermeable medium is manufactured by a process comprising the steps of: (a) providing a slurry of quartz sand, calcined gypsum, fly ash lime and/or cement in water; (b) adding aluminum powder to the slurry of step (a) and mixing, optionally at an elevated temperature; (c) placing the mixture of step (b) in a mold to form the hollow 3D shape; and (d) heating the molded product of step (c) at elevated pressure, to form the hardened 3D semipermeable medium. id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75"
id="p-75"
[075] It is to be understood that although aluminum powder is the typically used foaming agent by AAC manufacturers, some examples of the present invention are not limited to this specific foaming agent. Suitable foaming agents can provide AAC with the required filtering requirements as detailed herein according to some examples. id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76"
id="p-76"
[076] According to some examples, step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) at elevated pressure for at least 1 hour, at least 2 hours, at least 4 hours, at least 6 hours, at least hours, or at least 12 hours. According to some examples, step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) at elevated pressure for a period of time in the range of 4 hours to hours, 6 hours to 18 hours, or 7 hours to 14 hours. id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77"
id="p-77"
[077] According to some examples, step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) to a temperature of at least 100℃, at least 120℃, at least 140℃, at least 150℃, at least 160℃, at least 170℃, at least 180℃, or at least 185℃. According to some examples, step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) to a temperature in the range of 120℃ to 250℃, 150℃ to 230℃, or 170℃ to 210℃. id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78"
id="p-78"
[078] According to some examples, step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) at elevated pressure of at least 4 Bar, at least 6 Bar, at least 7 Bar, or at least 8 Bar. According to some examples, step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) at elevated pressure in the range of 3 Bar to 20 Bar, 6 Bar to 15 Bar, or 8 Bar to 12 Bar. id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79"
id="p-79"
[079] According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is foam concrete. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises foam concrete. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a comprises foam concrete. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a is made of foam concrete. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a consists of foam concrete. id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80"
id="p-80"
[080] The terms "foam concrete" and "foamed concrete", as used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a cement-based slurry, with a minimum of 20% (per volume) foam entrained into the solid mortar. Mostly no coarse aggregate is used for production of foam concrete. The density of foam concrete usually varies from 400 kg/m to 1600 kg/m. The density is normally controlled by substituting fully or part of the fine aggregate with foam . Foam concrete is a versatile building material with a simple production method that is relatively inexpensive compared to autoclave aerated concrete. Foam concrete compounds utilizing fly ash in the slurry mix is cheaper still, and has less environmental impact. Foam concrete is produced in a variety of densities from 200 kg/m to 1,600 kg/m depending on the application, according to some examples. id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81"
id="p-81"
[081] Foamed concrete typically consists of a slurry of cement or fly ash and sand and water, although some suppliers recommend pure cement and water with the foaming agent for very lightweight mixes, according to some examples. This slurry is further mixed with a synthetic aerated foam in a concrete mixing plant, according to some examples. The foam is created using a foaming agent, mixed with water and air from a generator. The foaming agent must be able to produce air bubbles with a high level of stability, resistant to the physical and chemical processes of mixing, placing and hardening, according to some examples. Foamed concrete mixture may be poured or pumped into molds, or directly into structural elements. id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82"
id="p-82"
[082] The foam enables the slurry to flow freely due to the thixotropic behavior of the foam bubbles, allowing it to be easily poured into the chosen form or mold. The viscous material requires up to 24 hours to solidify (or as little as two hours if steam cured with temperatures up to 70℃ to accelerate the process), depending on variables including ambient temperature and humidity, according to some examples. Once solidified, the formed product may be released from its mold. A new application in foam concrete manufacturing is to cut large concrete cakes into blocks of different sizes by a cutting machine using special steel wires. The cutting action takes place before the concrete has fully cured. id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83"
id="p-83"
[083] According to some examples, the foam concrete exhibits porosity in the range of 30% - 90% v/v. According to some examples, the foam concrete exhibits porosity in the range of 40% - 80% v/v. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a exhibits porosity in the range of 30% - 90% v/v. According to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a exhibits porosity in the range of 40% - 80% v/v. id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84"
id="p-84"
[084] According to some examples, the foam concrete 3D semipermeable medium is manufactured by a process comprising the steps of: (a) providing an aqueous slurry comprising at least two of: cement, sand and fly ash, in water; (b) mixing the slurry of step (a) with a foam produced from a foaming agent, optionally at an elevated temperature; (c) placing the mixture of step (b) in a mold to form the hollow 3D shape; and (d) optionally heating the molded product of step (c) to form the hardened 3D semipermeable medium. id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85"
id="p-85"
[085] According to some examples, step (a) comprises providing an aqueous slurry comprising cement and sand, or providing an aqueous slurry comprising fly ash and sand, or providing an aqueous slurry comprising cement. According to some examples, step (a) comprises providing an aqueous slurry comprising cement and sand. According to some examples, step (a) comprises providing an aqueous slurry comprising fly ash and sand. According to some examples, step (a) comprises providing an aqueous slurry comprising cement. id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86"
id="p-86"
[086] The term "Fly ash" refers to a coal combustion product that is composed of the particulates (fine particles of burned fuel) that are driven out of coal-fired boilers together with the flue gases. Ash that falls to the bottom of the boiler's combustion chamber (commonly termed a firebox) is called bottom ash. In modern coal-fired power plants, fly ash is generally captured by electrostatic precipitators or other particle filtration equipment before the flue gases reach the chimneys. id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87"
id="p-87"
[087] According to some examples, the foam of step (b) is a synthetic aerated foam. id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88"
id="p-88"
[088] According to some examples, filtration system 100a further comprises an internal perforated enclosure 130a. According to some examples, 3D filtering unit 110a further comprises an internal perforated enclosure 130a. According to some examples, the internal perforated enclosure 130a is enclosed by the hardened 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a. According to some examples, the internal perforated enclosure 130a is enclosing the filtrate chamber 150a. id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89"
id="p-89"
[089] While the internal perforated enclosure 130, when present, is permeable to water (or other liquid of interest), it is to be understood that it is not meant to function as a filter of raw liquid such as raw water, but rather that the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 of the 3D filtering unit 110 is the main component utilized for filtering. When added to a 3D filtering unit 110a of filtration system 100a, internal perforated enclosure 130a mainly serves as a support structure for 3D semipermeable granular medium 120a, and/or as a structural component to which other components of the filtering unit 110a, such as an outflow port 170, coupler 1and/or a coupler anchor 186 (described further below), can be coupled or integrally formed therewith. For example, a coupler anchor 186 can be attached to, or integrally formed with, one portion of the internal perforated enclosure, such as granular medium first portion 121aA shown in Fig. 3, and an outflow port 170 can be attached to, or integrally formed with, another portion of the internal perforated enclosure, such as granular medium first portion 121aB shown in Fig. 3. id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90"
id="p-90"
[090] When present, the internal perforated enclosure 130 is configured to permit fluid flow therethrough. This can be accomplished by inclusion of a plurality of perforations 136 (e.g., holes or slits) to permit fluid flow, in some implementations. According to some examples, the internal perforated enclosure 130 comprises a plurality of internal enclosure perforations 136. Since the internal perforated enclosure 130 is not meant to function as a filtering element, the size of the internal enclosure perforations 136 can be significantly greater than the filtration capacity of the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120. For example, for a semipermeable medium which equipped with medium-through openings 118 with a size of 350 microns, meaning that the semipermeable medium 120 is impermeable to solid debris greater than 3microns, a size of internal enclosure perforations 136 may be equal to or greater than 3microns. id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91"
id="p-91"
[091] The internal perforated enclosure 130 has an internal enclosure inner face 132 which can face the filtrate chamber 150, and an internal enclosure outer face 134 which can face the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120, and optionally be in contact therewith. id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92"
id="p-92"
[092] According to some examples, the internal perforated enclosure 130 is made of a polymeric material. According to some examples, the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, and copolymers thereof. id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93"
id="p-93"
[093] The 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 comprises a granular medium inner face 122 facing the filtrate chamber 150, and an opposite granular medium outer face facing away from the filtrate chamber 150. The 3D semipermeable medium inner face 122 can face the internal perforated enclosure 130 when present. id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94"
id="p-94"
[094] As detailed above, the filtrate chamber 150 is the space within which filtrate is accumulated prior to outflow thereof through the outflow opening 168, optionally via outflow port 170. In some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 encloses the filtrate chamber 150. In some examples, the internal perforated enclosure 130 encloses the filtrate chamber 150. id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95"
id="p-95"
[095] Outflow opening 168 is in fluid communication with the filtrate chamber, and in some examples, can further extend into an outflow port 170. Thus, when present, the outflow port 170 is in fluid communication with the filtrate chamber 150. In some examples, the outflow port 170 extends from the filtrate chamber 150, and more specifically, from the outflow opening 168, through the 3D filtering unit 110. The outflow port 170 can be, in some examples, coupled to the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120 or integrally formed therewith. Alternatively or additionally, the outflow port 170 can be coupled to the internal perforated enclosure 130 or integrally formed therewith. id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96"
id="p-96"
[096] In use, when the 3D filtering unit 110 is submerged in water (or other liquid) and suction force is applied through the outflow opening, optionally via outflow port 170, raw water (or other liquid to be filtered) flow through the 3D filtering unit 110, and more specifically, through the medium through-opening 118 of the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120, toward and into filtrate chamber 150. The filtrate then continued to flow from filtrate chamber 150 through the outflow opening 168 along outflow port 170, optionally via a pipe or a hose that can be attached to outflow port 170. Specifically, when raw water flow through the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120, passage of debris is prevented from entering into filtrate chamber 150. id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97"
id="p-97"
[097] As mentioned above, the filtration system 100 can further include a coupler 184, which can be directly or indirectly attached to the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120, to the internal perforated enclosure 130, or both. In some examples, the filtration system 100 can further include a coupler anchor 186, which can be directly or indirectly attached to the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120, to the internal perforated enclosure 130, or both. While shown to be on an opposite side of the 3D filtering unit 110 to the outflow opening 168 and outflow port 170 in the illustrated examples, it is to be understood that other positions in which the coupler anchor 186 is disposed, or from which the coupler 184 can extend, along the 3D filtering unit 110, are contemplated. id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98"
id="p-98"
[098] Coupler 184 can be implemented as any of a number of elements that can be utilized to allow other components, such as a float or any other component of interest, to be coupled, optionally in a releasable manner, to the 3D filtering unit 110. In some implementations, as illustrated in Figs. 1A-1B for example, coupler 184 includes an eyelet. In other cases, coupler 184 can include a hooks, a chain, a cable, and the like. id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99"
id="p-99"
[099] A coupler anchor 186 can be included, in some example, in 3D filtering unit 110, which can serve as means for anchoring a coupler 184 thereto. Fig. 3 shows one example of a coupler anchor 186 that can be implemented an internally threaded tube, into which an anchor can be threaded, as shown in Figs. 1A-1B. id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100"
id="p-100"
[0100]Additional examples of another type of a filtration system 100b comprising at least one 3D filtering unit 110b having a 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b are illustrated in Figs. and 5. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of one example of a 3D filtering unit 110b. Fig. shows a partial sectional view in perspective of another example of a 3D filtering unit 110b. Filtration system 100b and 3D filtering unit 110b can be implemented in a manner similar to any example described above with respect to filtration systems 100 and 3D filtering units 1in general, and Filtration system 100a and 3D filtering unit 110a in particular, with the exception that the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b is not a hardened solid material but rather comprises particles 125b which are not attached to each other, as will be elaborated in greater detail below, and that while an internal perforated enclosure 130a is optional in filtering units 110a, an internal perforated enclosure 130b, as well as an external perforated enclosure 140b, are mandatory for filtering units 110b. id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101"
id="p-101"
[0101]The 3D filtering unit 110b includes an internal perforated enclosure 130b that can be implemented according to any examples described above, including by being formed as a single unitary component or as a multi-part enclosure which can be attached to each other to enclose the filtrate chamber 150b. The 3D filtering unit 110b further comprises an external perforated enclosure 140b, concentric with and disposed radially outward from internal perforated enclosure 130b, together defining an enclosed compartment 148 therebetween. As will be elaborated in greater detail below, the enclosed compartment 148 serves to contain or house the solid particulate filtering material, which forms the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b. id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102"
id="p-102"
[0102]The external perforated enclosure 140 can be formed in the same manner described above for internal perforated enclosure 130, and define an external enclosure inner surface 1and an external enclosure outer surface 144, such that the external enclosure outer surface 1can define, in such implementations, the 3D filtering unit outer face 114. id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103"
id="p-103"
[0103]The 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b of the 3D filtering unit 110b comprises a solid particulate filtering material in the form of a plurality of unfused or unattached particles 125b, forming inter-particle gaps 126 therebetween that allow passage of water (or other liquid of interest) therethrough. A continuity of inter-particle gaps 126 extending between the granular medium outer face 124 and the granular medium inner face 122 forms a medium through-opening 118. Thus, the medium through-opening size is dictated by the size of the inter-particle gaps 126 it is formed by. id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104"
id="p-104"
[0104]In some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is a free-flowing solid. In some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is a free-flowing solid particulate material. In some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises a free-flowing solid. In some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises a free-flowing solid particulate material. id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105"
id="p-105"
[0105]As used herein, the term "free flowing" refers to the ability of particulate materials to readily flow in response to application of force. In this sense, the particles of the materials do not substantially stick or otherwise conglomerate to form a non-fluidic macro-structure. id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106"
id="p-106"
[0106]In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate material is packed in the enclosed compartment 148 to form a rigid hollow 3D structure. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate material is packed in the enclosed compartment 148 to form a rigid hollow 3D structure of the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate material is packed in the enclosed compartment 148 to form a rigid hollow 3D structure of the 3D filtering unit 110b. id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107"
id="p-107"
[0107]In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate material is packed between the internal perforated enclosure 130b and the external perforated enclosure 140b to form a rigid hollow 3D structure. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate material is packed within the enclosed compartment 148, between the internal perforated enclosure 130b and the external perforated enclosure 140b, to form a rigid hollow 3D structure of the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate material is packed within the enclosed compartment 148, between the internal perforated enclosure 130b and the external perforated enclosure 140b, to form a rigid hollow 3D structure of the 3D filtering unit 110b. id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108"
id="p-108"
[0108]The term "rigid structure", as used herein, is detailed herein above. It is emphasized that although the free-flowing solid particulate material, which constitutes the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b, cannot be considered by itself to be a rigid (macro) structure, the configuration of this free-flowing material packed between two solid perforated enclosures (130b and 140b) forms collectively a rigid structure. Thus, according to some examples, each one of the 3D filtering unit 110b and the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b is considered to be rigid. id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109"
id="p-109"
[0109]It is to be understood that during the preparation of the perforated enclosures 130b and 140b, their shape may be conventionally affected. Thus, hollow 3D shape of the 3D filtering unit 110b may be dictated during the production process of the semipermeable enclosures 130b and 140b. Exemplary, non-limiting materials suitable for the production of shape-formed enclosures 130b and 140b are plastics, as detailed below. id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110"
id="p-110"
[0110]In some examples, the internal perforated enclosure 130b can be made of a polymeric material. In some examples, the external perforated enclosure 140b can be made of a polymeric material. In some examples, each of the internal perforated enclosure 130b and the external perforated enclosure 140b is made of a polymeric material. In some examples, the internal perforated enclosure 130b comprises a polymeric material. In some examples, the external perforated enclosure 140b comprises a polymeric material. In some examples, each of the internal perforated enclosure 130b and the external perforated enclosure 140b comprises a polymeric material. id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111"
id="p-111"
[0111]According to some examples, the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, and copolymers thereof. id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112"
id="p-112"
[0112]Each of the internal perforated enclosure 130b and the external perforated enclosure 140b includes perforations 136b and 146b, respectively, dimensioned to allow passage of water (or other liquid of interest) therethrough, yet prevent the solid particulate filtering material contained within the enclosed compartment 148 from escaping therethrough. In other words, the size of the internal enclosure perforations 136b and the size of the external enclosure perforations 146b is less than the size of particles 125, but can be equal to or greater than the medium through-opening size. The size of any particle 125 is the greatest distance between any two points around the surface of the particle. id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113"
id="p-113"
[0113]Either of the internal enclosure perforations 136 and/or external enclosure perforations 146 can be shaped in any of a variety of shapes, such as round holes, elongated slits, and the like. For example, Fig. 4 illustrates one example of an external perforated enclosure 140b with external enclosure perforations 146b shaped as essentially round holes, while Fig. 5 illustrates another example of an external perforated enclosure 140b with external enclosure perforations 146b shaped as slits. It is to be understood that while the internal perforated enclosure 130 is illustrated throughout the drawings to have essentially round-shaped internal enclosure perforations 136, the internal enclosure perforations 136 of any exemplary internal perforated enclosure 130 can assume any other suitable shape, such as being formed as slits similar to those illustrated for external enclosure perforations 146b in Fig. 5. id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114"
id="p-114"
[0114]In general, while the filtration properties (e.g., above which size, debris or other type of filtride will be prevented from passing through the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b) are typically dictated by the inter-particle gaps 126, between the particles 225b, the size of the internal enclosure perforations 136b and the size of the external enclosure perforations 146b is required to be less than the size of the particles 225b, preventing the particles from infiltrating into filtrate chamber 150b or escaping away from the 3D filtering unit outer face 114b. In some examples, the size of the internal enclosure perforations 136b and the size of the external enclosure perforations 146b is larger than the size of the inter-particle gaps 126. id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115"
id="p-115"
[0115]As mentioned, any of the internal enclosure perforations 136b and the size of the external enclosure perforations 146b can have any of a variety of shapes, such as circular, oval or elliptic, rectangular, and the like. The internal enclosure perforations 136b and external enclosure perforations 146b can be similarly shaped, as shown in the example illustrated in Fig. 4, or they can have different shapes, as shown in the example illustrated in Fig. 4. The size of any perforation, such as the size of internal enclosure perforations 136b and/or external enclosure perforations 146b, is defined as the narrowest distance between two ends of the perforation across any cross-section thereof. For example, in the case of a circular perforation, its size can be its diameter. In the case of an oval or elliptic perforation, its size is defined as its smallest diameter. In the case of an elongated (e.g., slit-like) perforation, its size is defined as the distance between its elongated edges (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the elongated dimensions of the perforation). id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116"
id="p-116"
[0116]Particles 125b can be imagined as generally spherical particles defining particle diameters, though in practice, each particle can be non-uniformly shaped, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 4-5. In the case of non-spherically shaped particles 125b, the term "particle size" is meant to indicate the largest distance between two point which lie on the outer surface of the particle. Since the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b can includes a variety of particles 125b having different shapes and sizes, a median particle size can be defined as the median of all particle sizes, and an average particle size can be defined as the average of all particle sizes. In some examples, the median particle size is greater than the perforation size of any of the internal enclosure perforations 136b and/or external enclosure perforations 146b. In some examples, the average particle size is greater than the perforation size of any of the internal enclosure perforations 136b and/or external enclosure perforations 146b. id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117"
id="p-117"
[0117]As detailed herein, 3D filtering unit 110b has a layered structure, wherein the outermost layer is the external perforated enclosure 140b which surrounds or encloses the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b, which in turn surround or encloses the internal perforated enclosure 130b that encloses or defines the filtrate chamber 150b. id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118"
id="p-118"
[0118]The internal enclosure inner face 132b faces and defines the filtrate chamber 150b, while the internal enclosure outer face 134b faces, and can be in contact with, the granular medium inner face 122b. The external enclosure inner face 142b faces, and can be in contact with, the granular medium outer face 124b, while the external enclosure outer face 144b faces the surrounding environment, such as the raw water in which the 3D filtering unit 110b is submerged. id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119"
id="p-119"
[0119]In some examples, any of the internal perforated enclosure 130b and/or external perforated enclosure 140b can be provided as a unitary construction element. In other examples, as demonstrated for internal perforated enclosure 130a illustrated in fig. 3, any of the internal perforated enclosure 130b and/or external perforated enclosure 140b can be optionally provided as a multi-part structure comprising two or more interconnectable parts. For example, internal perforated enclosure 130b can include an internal enclosure first portion 131bA and an internal enclosure second portion 131bB, optionally in the form of hemispheres which are interconnectable to form the internal perforated enclosure 130b. Similarly, external perforated enclosure 140b can include an external enclosure first portion 141bA and an external enclosure second portion 141bB, optionally in the form of hemispheres which are interconnectable to form the external perforated enclosure 140b. The free-flowing solid particulate material will can be packed upon the connection of the parts portions 131b, 141b. id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120"
id="p-120"
[0120]While both the internal perforated enclosure 130b and the external perforated enclosure 140b are shown to be similarly shaped in the illustrated examples, it is to be understood that this is shown by way of illustration and not limitation. For example, while external perforated enclosure 140b is illustrated as a hollow sphere having a diameter greater than that of the similarly shaped spherical internal perforated enclosure 130b, in other examples, the external perforated enclosure 140b can be differently shaped (e.g., in the shape of a cube, pyramid, and the like) than the internal perforated enclosure 130b (which also can have a non-spherical shape). id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121"
id="p-121"
[0121]The 3D filtering unit 110b can include, in some implementation, at least one filtering material replacement port 180. Figs. 4 and 5 illustrates examples of 3D filtering units 110b equipped with two filtering material replacement ports 180, one of which can function as a filtering material filling port 181A, and the other can function as a filtering material extraction port 181B, any of which can be capped by a port cap 182, which can include a filling port cap 183A that can seal the filtering material filling port 181A, and extraction port cap 183B that can seal the filtering material extraction port 181B. id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122"
id="p-122"
[0122]When present, filtering material replacement port(s) 180 may be conveniently employed in order to periodically replace the free-flowing solid particulate material. In particular, the free-flowing solid particulate material of the 3D filtering unit 110b may absorb an amount of debris or contaminants during use, and may eventually be clogged and required periodic replacement. id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123"
id="p-123"
[0123]When two filtering material replacement ports 180 are provided, free-flowing solid particulate material can be poured into the enclosed compartment 148 through the filtering material filling port 181A in an uncapped state thereof, while the filtering material extraction port 181B is sealed by extraction port cap 183B. When the filling stage is completed, the filtering material filling port 181A can be sealed by the filling port cap 183A. During normal use (i.e., filtration) of the 3D filtering unit 110b, both replacement ports 180 are capped. When periodic replacement is required, the filtering material extraction port 181B can be opened by removing extraction port cap 183B, allowing the free-flowing solid particulate material to gravitationally pour therethrough so as to empty the enclosed compartment 148, after which the filtering material extraction port 181B can be re-capped and while the filling port cap 183A is removed from filtering material filling port 181A, to enable new free-flowing solid particulate material to be poured therethrough. id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124"
id="p-124"
[0124]Filtering material replacement port(s) 180 can extend radially away from the 3D filtering unit outer face 114, and can be coupled to, or integrally formed with, the external perforated enclosure 140. id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125"
id="p-125"
[0125]While two filtering material replacement ports 180 are shown in the illustrated examples, it is to be understood that in alternative implementations, a single filtering material replacement port 180 may suffice. For example, a single filtering material replacement port 180 can be generally oriented upward, as shown for the orientation of filtering material filling port 181A in Figs. 4 and 5, such that in an uncapped state thereof, free-flowing solid particulate material can be poured into the enclosed compartment 148 therethrough. When periodic replacement is required, the 3D filtering unit 110b can be rotated to generally orient the filtering material replacement port 180 downward, for example in an orientation similar to that illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 for filtering material extraction port 181B, after which the port cap 182 can be removed to gravitationally empty the enclosed compartment 148. When all previous free-flowing solid particulate material is removed, the 3D filtering unit 110b can be rotated to re-orient the filtering material replacement port 180 upward, allowing new free-flowing solid particulate material to be poured therethrough. id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126"
id="p-126"
[0126]According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises a powder, a granular solid, or both. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is selected from the group consisting of: a powder, a granular solid and a combination thereof. id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127"
id="p-127"
[0127]According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises a granular solid. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is a granular solid. id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128"
id="p-128"
[0128]According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises a powder. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is a powder. id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129"
id="p-129"
[0129]As specified above, according to some examples, the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b is impermeable to debris or other solid contaminants having a diameter above 350 microns, above 300 microns, above 200 microns, above 150 microns, above 100 microns, above 75 microns, above 50 microns, above 40 microns, above 30 microns, above 20 microns, above 10 microns, above 5 microns, above 2 microns, and/or above 1 micron. id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130"
id="p-130"
[0130]As understood by the person having ordinary skill in the art, the filtering capabilities of semipermeable granular mediums, which comprise free-flowing solid filtering material(s), are generally dictated by the inter-particle gaps 126 between the particles 125b of the a free-flowing solid particulate material. Specifically, the gaps 126 between the particles 125b of the a free-flowing solid particulate material should have a diameter which is large enough to permit water flow through the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120b, but small enough to filter debris or other contaminants of the filtride. The size or diameters of the inter-particle gaps 126, as well as the diameters of the particles 125b, may vary based on the particular free-flowing solid particulate material(s), which can conveniently selected in view of desired filtering requirements. While an inter-particle gap 126 is not necessarily circular in shape, it is to be understood that a diameter of inter-particle gap 126 can be defined as the narrowest distance between two ends across a cross-section of the inter-particle gap 126. Since various non-homogenous gaps 126 can be formed between particles 125b, an average gap diameter can be defined as the average between the diameter of all inter-particle gaps 126. id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131"
id="p-131"
[0131]Thus, according to some examples, the porous free-flowing solid particulate filtering material has inter-particle gaps 126 having an average gap diameter equal to or less than millimeters, equal to or less than 2 millimeters, equal to or less than 1 millimeter, equal to or less than 500 microns, equal to or less than 350, equal to or less than 300 microns, equal to or less than 200 microns, equal to or less than 150 microns, equal to or less than 100 microns, equal to or less than 75 microns, equal to or less than 50 microns, equal to or less than microns, equal to or less than 30 microns, equal to or less than 20 microns, equal to or less than microns, equal to or less than 5 microns, equal to or less than 2 microns, and/or equal to or less than 1 micron. id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132"
id="p-132"
[0132]Six particular free-flowing solid particulate filtering materials identified by the present invention are sand, silica, gravel, anthracite, coal and charcoal. These materials are inexpensive, particulate, free-flowing, and were found to be effective for different filtration purposes. The present invention, however, is not limited to the above-specified free-flowing solid particulate materials, and may encompass other free-flowing particulate filtering materials, according to some examples. Furthermore, examples directed to particulate filtering materials, which are not free-flowing (e.g., hardened particulate filtering materials) are elaborated above, when relating to granular medium 120a illustrated in Figs. 2-3. id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133"
id="p-133"
[0133]Thus, according to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is selected from the group consisting of: sand, silica, gravel, anthracite, coal, charcoal, and any combination thereof. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises sand, silica, gravel, anthracite, coal, charcoal, or any combination thereof. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material is selected from the group consisting of: sand, gravel, and any combination thereof. According to some examples, the solid particulate filtering material comprises sand, gravel, or any combination thereof. id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134"
id="p-134"
[0134]In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material is sand. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material comprises sand. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material is silica. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material comprises silica. In o some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material is gravel. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material comprises gravel. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material is anthracite. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material comprises anthracite. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material is coal. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material comprises coal. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material is charcoal. In some examples, the free-flowing solid particulate filtering material comprises charcoal. id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135"
id="p-135"
[0135]The term "sand", as used herein, refers to any mineral substance with a grain diameter (i.e., particle size) in the range 0.02 to 2 mm. Sand typically includes various finely divided inorganic filter media such as silica sand, fused alumina, garnet particle zircon, ilmenite and glass beads. id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136"
id="p-136"
[0136]The term "silica", as used herein, denotes materials which are mainly composed of silicon and oxygen. These materials comprise, but not limited to, silica, silicon dioxide, silica gel, fumed silica gel, diatomaceous earth, celite, talc, quartz, glass, glass particles including all different shapes of these materials. Glass particles, for example, may comprise particles of crystalline silica, soda-lime glasses, borosilicate glasses, and fibrous, non-woven glass. id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137"
id="p-137"
[0137]The term "gravel", as used herein, refers to a loose aggregation of rock fragments. Gravel occurs naturally throughout the world as a result of sedimentary and erosive geologic processes, or can be also produced in large quantities commercially as crushed stone. Gravel is classified by particle size range and includes size classes from granule- to boulder-sized fragments. It includes relatively large particles in the sand size classification, that is, particles ranging in size from about 0.1 mm up to about 2 mm. id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138"
id="p-138"
[0138]The term "anthracite", as used herein, refers to a hard, compact variety of coal that has a submetallic luster. It has the highest carbon content, the fewest impurities, and the highest energy density of all types of coal and is the highest ranking of coals. Anthracite is the most metamorphosed type of coal. The term is applied to those varieties of coal which do not give off tarry or other hydrocarbon vapors when heated below their point of ignition. Anthracite is categorized into standard grade, which is used mainly in power generation, high grade (HG) and ultra-high grade (UHG), the principal uses of which are in the metallurgy sector. id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139"
id="p-139"
[0139]The term "coal", as used herein, refers to a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, formed as rock strata called coal seams. Coal is mostly carbon with variable amounts of other elements, chiefly hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. Coal is formed when dead plant matter decays into peat and is converted into coal by the heat and pressure of deep burial over millions of years. Coal is primarily used as a fuel. It is understood that coal may conveniently crush into a particulate powder prior to using as the present free-flowing solid particulate material. id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140"
id="p-140"
[0140]The term "charcoal", as used herein, refers to a lightweight black carbon residue produced by strongly heating wood (or other animal and plant materials) in minimal oxygen to remove all water and volatile constituents. In the traditional version of this pyrolysis process, called charcoal burning, often by forming a charcoal kiln, the heat is supplied by burning part of the starting material itself, with a limited supply of oxygen. The material can also be heated in a closed retort. Modern "charcoal" briquettes used for outdoor cooking may contain many other additives, e.g., coal. This process happens naturally when combustion is incomplete. It also happens inadvertently while burning wood, as in a fireplace or wood stove. id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141"
id="p-141"
[0141]In some implementations, a 3D filtering unit 110 can be coupled to a float, designed to retain it at a desired depth within the water source. Fig. 6 shows a view in perspective of an exemplary filtration system 100 that includes a 3D filtering unit 110 coupled to a float 190. The 3D filtering unit 110 of Fig. 6 can correspond to any example of a 3D filtering unit 110a or a 3D filtering unit 110b described above, and can be coupled directly or indirectly to a float 190 by any suitable means, such as a chain 188. The chain 188 can be coupled to coupler 1of the 3D filtering unit 110, or can be part of the coupler 184. It is to be understood that a chain 188 is shown as a means of attachment between the 3D filtering unit 110 and the float 190 by way of illustration and not limitation, and that a chain can be replaced in other implementations by a cable, a rope, and the like. id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142"
id="p-142"
[0142]While a specific shape of a float 190 is illustrated, shown to have an upper hemispherical shaped-portion and a lower tapering portion, it is to be understood that this shape is not meant to be limiting, and that any other shape of a float 190 is contemplated. While the 3D filtering unit 110 is shown in the illustrated example to be coupled to a single float 190, it is to be understood that this is not meant to be limiting, and that any 3D filtering unit 110 can be coupled to more than one float 190. id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143"
id="p-143"
[0143]In some implementations, the float is an adjustable float 190, meaning that the weight of the float 190 can be adjusted to control its buoyancy. In some implementations, the adjustable float 190 may be provided in the form of a ballast tank, with at least one port for controlling the level of ballast water. In some implementations, the adjustable float comprises a float water port or liquid port through which water (or other suitable liquid), such as ballast water, can be poured to fill the internal volume of the float 190, thereby increasing its weight, and an air or gas port, through which air (or other suitable gas) may flow into the float 1while water may exit through the water port. Adjustable float 190 can be utilized, by increasing and decreasing the weight of the float 190, to control the depth of immersion of 3D filtering unit 110 within the water source. id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144"
id="p-144"
[0144]As mentioned above, the 3D filtering unit 110 can be coupled to a suction line or an intake line, for example leading to a pump. The intake line can include a hose or a pipe connected to the 3D filtering unit 110. In some examples, a pipe section, illustrated in Fig. 6 as a vertical pipe section 172, can be coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the outflow port 170. The vertical pipe section 172, in turn, can be coupled to, and in fluid communication with, another component of the intake line, such as a horizontal pipe section 174 in the example illustrated in Fig. 174. While illustrated as generally rigid pipes, it is to be understood that any of the vertical pipe section 172 and/or horizontal pipe section 174 can be rigid or flexible, for example in the form of a hose. It is to be understood that the terms "vertical" and "horizontal", with respect to pipe section 172 and 174, are not meant to be limiting to specific orientation, and that any such pipe section can assume any other orientation. id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145"
id="p-145"
[0145]While a 3D filtering unit 110 is shown to be coupled, in Fig. 6, to both the pipe sections 172, 174 and the float 190, it is to be understood that this combination is shown primarily for illustrative purpose, and that a 3D filtering unit 110 can be coupled to a float 190 without a specific pipe section, or it can be coupled to any pipe section, including such as pipe section 172, with or without being further connected to pipe section 174, without being also coupled to a float. id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146"
id="p-146"
[0146]In some implementations, a 3D filtering unit 110 can be coupled to a vibrations generating device. Vibration generators can generate vibrations that form underwater current, which can advantageously repel larger debris from the 3D generating unit, thereby reducing the likelihood of clogging pores or inter-particle gaps of the 3D granular medium 120. Fig. is a sectional view in perspective of one non-binding example of a vibration generator 210 that can be coupled to a 3D filtering unit 110. The illustrated example is of a fluid-powered vibration generator 210 that can be coupled to a 3D filtering unit 110, configured to facilitate vibrational movements of the 3D filtering unit 110 in a manner that can generate water currents progressing away from the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120. id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147"
id="p-147"
[0147]The vibration generator 210 can define an outer surface 216 between its upper and lower ends, and comprises a rollable weight member 218 that can roll along an endless channel 220. The channel 220 defines an endless path along which the rollable weight member 218, which can be in the form of a ball, a bead, a roller, a wheel and the like, is configured to roll. The endless channel 220 can be defined along a substantially horizontal plane within the vibration generator 310, disposed radially inward relative to the outer surface 116, for example.
The term "endless", with reference to channel 220, means that the channel has no beginning or end, but rather defines a continuous path that encloses a perimeter, symmetrically or asymmetrically, around a central axis of the vibration generator (which can be an axis extending between its upper and lower ends). id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148"
id="p-148"
[0148]The vibration generator 210 further comprises at least one inflow opening 225 through which a working fluid, such as water, can flow into the vibration generator and toward the endless channel 220. In some examples, an inflow port 226 can extend from the inflow opening 225, generally away from the outer surface 216. The inflow port 226 can be in the form of a tubular or otherwise formed extension, configured to engage with a conduit 202 such as a tube or a hose, through which working fluid, supplied by a feed line, can be supplied to the vibration generator 210. id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149"
id="p-149"
[0149]The vibration generator 210 further includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, inclined channels 250, each extending from an inclined channel inlet opening 252, which is closer to the inflow opening 225, and an inclined channel outlet opening 254 exposed to the endless channel 220. The vibration generator 210 further includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, discharge openings 258 exposed to the endless channel 220, wherein the discharge openings 258 are distal to the inclined channel outlet openings 254. It is to be understood that the plural use of the term "discharge openings 258" is not meant to be limiting, and may similarly refer to a single discharge opening 258, unless stated otherwise for specific implementations. For example, a single discharge opening 258a is illustrated for the exemplary vibration generator 210 of Fig. 7, while a plurality of discharge opening 258 can be present in other implementations of a vibration generator 210. id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150"
id="p-150"
[0150]The inclined channel inlet openings 252 are also circumferentially offset from the respective inclined channel outlet opening 254. The term "circumferential", as used herein, refers to a direction along the path of endless channel 220, circumscribing the central axis of the vibration generator. In some examples, the inclined channel inlet openings 252 can be positioned radially outward (i.e., farther away from the central axis) from the respective inclined channel outlet opening 254. id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151"
id="p-151"
[0151]A plurality of inclined channels 250 can be circumferentially disposed around the main axis, spaced from each other. The inclined channels 250 can be equally or unequally spaced from each other. Fig. 7 illustrate an exemplary implementation of a vibration generator 210, that can include an inflow port 226 extending generally in an axial or vertical direction, which is in fluid communication with a plurality of inclined channels 250 extending in the axial and circumferential directions, resulting in helically-formed inclined channels 250, each forming a portion of a helix defined around the central axis. id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152"
id="p-152"
[0152]In some examples, discharge ports 262 can extend axially from the discharge openings 258. It is to be understood that the plural use of the term "discharge ports 262" is not meant to be limiting, and may similarly refer to a single discharge port 262. The exemplary vibration generator 210 illustrated in Fig. 7 shows a single annular discharge opening 258 at the bottom of the endless channel 220, with a similarly shaped single discharge port 262 extending downwards therefrom. Other implementations of a vibration generator can include a plurality of discharge ports 262. id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153"
id="p-153"
[0153]The vibration generator 210 can further include, in some examples, at least one, and preferably a plurality of, outflow ports 234, in fluid communication with the discharge openings 258, optionally via discharge ports 262, wherein the outflow ports 234 can terminate with openings defined along a distal portion of the outer surface 216. It is to be understood that the plural use of the term "outflow ports 234" is not meant to be limiting, and may similarly refer to a single outflow port 234. The exemplary vibration generator 210 illustrated in Fig. shows a plurality of outflow ports 234 extending downward from, and in fluid communication with, the annular discharge port 262. id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154"
id="p-154"
[0154]In use, working fluid can be streamed through a conduit 202, which can be part of or connected to a feed line which, in turn, can be connected at an opposite end thereof to a pump (not shown), into the inflow opening 225, optionally via inflow port 226. For an inflow opening 225 positioned at the upper end of the vibration generator, optionally having an upwardly-oriented inflow port 226, as in the example illustrated in Fig. 7, the working fluid will flow in a downward direction 20 through the inflow opening 225 toward the inclined channels 250. id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155"
id="p-155"
[0155]The working fluid enters through the inclined channel inlet openings 252, forced to flow through the inclined channels 250 in a circumferentially inclined direction 22 (following the orientation of the inclined channels 250), causing the working fluid to be discharged through the inclined channel outlet openings 254 into the endless channel 220 at angles that impinge against the rollable weight member 218, causing it to roll within the endless channel 220, as the working fluid is then discharged from the endless channel 220 through the one or more discharge openings 258, optionally via discharge ports 262 and/or outflow ports 234, out of the vibration generator. The direction of discharged fluid is dictated by the orientation of the outflow ports 234 and/or the discharge ports 262, which can be a downward direction 20 for outflow ports 234 and/or the discharge ports 262 extending vertically. The working fluid can be any suitable fluid, including liquid (e.g., water), gas or air. id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156"
id="p-156"
[0156]As the rollable weight member 218 rolls within the endless channel 220 in a circumferential direction 26, it shifts the center of mass of the vibration generator 210, causing it to wobble or vibrate. When attached to another device, such as a 3D filtering unit 110, it can facilitate vibrational movements of the 3D filtering unit 110, in a manner that results in the formation of currents progressing away from its outer face 114. id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157"
id="p-157"
[0157]The frequency and amplitude of the water currents generated by such vibrational movements can be influenced by a variety of design parameters, including, but not limited to: the design of the inclined channels 250; the design of the endless channel 220, the design of the discharge openings 258, discharge ports 262 and/or the outflow ports 234; and any combination thereof. id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158"
id="p-158"
[0158]Fig. 8 shows an exemplary filtration system 100 that can be generally similar to the filtration system described above with respect to Fig. 6, except for an addition of a vibration generator 210 coupled to the 3D filtering unit 110. While the discharge ports 262 and the outflow ports 234 are shown to extend vertically downward in the implementation illustrated in Fig. 7, it is to be understood that any of the discharge ports 262 and the outflow ports 2can be inclined at any other orientation, such as angled sideways to direct the outflow of the working fluid therefrom further away from the 3D filtering unit 110, shown to be disposed below the vibration generator 210 in the illustrated example. In other implementations, a vibration generator 210 can be disposed below the 3D filtering unit 110 instead of above it, so as to avoid the discharged working fluid from being directed toward the 3D semipermeable granular medium 120. Nevertheless, in some implementations, it may be desirable to direct the discharged working fluid toward the 3D filtering unit 110, optionally utilizing jets of the discharged working fluid to hit against the 3D filtering unit outer face 114 and clean it by dislodging filtride accumulated thereon. id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159"
id="p-159"
[0159]A vibration generator 210 can include a filtration device coupler 284 at its outer surface 216 (optionally extending from the outer surface 216), by which it can be attached to the coupler 184 of the 3D filtering unit 110. Preferably, a relatively rigid attachment is formed between the filtration device coupler 284 and the coupler 184, to facilitate vibrational movements of the 3D filtering unit 110 in response to such movements of the vibration generator 210. id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160"
id="p-160"
[0160]In some examples, a vibration generator 210 can further include a float coupler 286, serving as a means for attachment to a float 190, optionally via a chain 188 or other suitable intermediate connector, such as a cable, a rope, and the like. Different forms and shapes can be implemented for a float coupler 286, including being generally formed as an L-shaped bracket attached to the inflow port 226, allowing the chain 188 to extend in parallel to the conduit 202, without interfering therewith. Conduit 202 can be coupled to, and in fluid communication with, a component of a feed line, such as a feed section 204. id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161"
id="p-161"
[0161]In some implementation, a filtration system 100 can include a plurality of 3D filtering units 110. Fig. 9 shows a view in perspective of an exemplary filtration system 100 that includes a plurality of 3D filtering units 110, wherein each 3D filtering unit 110 can be coupled to a float 190 and/or to a vibration generator 210, in a manner similar to that described with respect to Fig. 8. The chains 188 are removed from view in Fig. 9 for clarity. Fig. 10A shows a top view of the filtration system 100 of Fig. 9. Fig. 10B shows a side view of the filtration system 100 taken from direction 10B-10B indicated in Fig. 10A. Fig. 10C shows a side view of the filtration system 100 taken from direction 10C-10C indicated in Fig. 10A. Figs. 9-10C are described herein together. id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162"
id="p-162"
[0162]An intake line can include an intake pipe 192, which can lead to a pump (not shown) configured to apply a suction force to the plurality of 3D filtering units 110. The intake pipe 192 can include an intake manifold 194, branched into one or more intake branches 196. Each intake branch 196 can be formed of a plurality of pipe sections, such as horizontal pipe sections 174, attached to each other and in fluid communication with each other and with the intake manifold 194. id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163"
id="p-163"
[0163]A feed line can include a feed pipe 292 extending, for example, from a pump configured to direct working fluid therethrough toward the plurality of vibration generators 210. The feed pipe 292 can include a feed manifold 294, branched into one or more feed branches 296. Each feed branch 296 can be formed of a plurality of feed sections, such as feed sections 204, attached to each other and in fluid communication with each other and with the feed manifold 294. id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164"
id="p-164"
[0164]While shown to include a plurality of vibration generators 210 attached to the plurality of 3D filtering units 110, it is to be understood that this is merely shown as an example in a non-binding manner, and that a filtration system 100 can include a plurality of 3D filtering units 110 which are not necessarily coupled to vibration generators 210. Similarly, a filtration system 100 can include a plurality of 3D filtering units 110 which are not necessarily coupled to floats 190. id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165"
id="p-165"
[0165]While an intake manifold 194 is shown to include five intake branches 196, each of which is formed by five interconnected pipe section 174, resulting in a 5-by-5 matrix of a total of 25 filtering units 110, it is to be understood that any other arrangement is contemplated, including any other number of intake branches (including an optional single intake branch, in some implementations), wherein each intake branch can include any number of pipe sections (including a single pipe section coupled to a single 3D filtering unit 110, in some implementations).
Additional Examples of the Disclosed Technology id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166"
id="p-166"
[0166]In view of the above described implementations of the disclosed subject matter, this application discloses the additional examples enumerated below. It should be noted that one feature of an example in isolation or more than one feature of the example taken in combination and, optionally, in combination with one or more features of one or more further examples are further examples also falling within the disclosure of this application. id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167"
id="p-167"
[0167]Example A1. A filtration system, comprising: at least one 3D filtering unit defining a 3D filtering unit inner face and a 3D filtering unit outer face, and comprising: a filtrate chamber enclosed by the 3D filtering unit outer face; a solid particulate filtering material maintained in a hollow 3D structure that forms a 3D semipermeable granular medium, the 3D semipermeable granular medium defining a granular medium inner face and a granular medium outer face, wherein the granular medium inner face surrounds the filtrate chamber; and an outflow opening in fluid communication with the filtrate chamber; wherein the 3D semipermeable granular medium comprises a plurality of medium through-openings having a medium through-opening size, the medium through-openings defining passage paths between the granular medium outer face and the granular medium inner face. id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168"
id="p-168"
[0168]Example A2. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A1, wherein the solid particulate filtering material comprises a powder, a granular solid, or both. id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169"
id="p-169"
[0169]Example A3. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A1 or A2, wherein the solid particulate filtering material is selected from the group consisting of: sand, silica, a porous concrete, gravel, anthracite, coal, charcoal and a combination thereof. id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170"
id="p-170"
[0170]Example A4. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of example A1 to A3, wherein the 3D filtering unit further comprises an outflow port extending from the outflow opening, and in fluid communication with the filtration chamber. id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171"
id="p-171"
[0171]Example A5. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of example A1 to A4, wherein the solid particulate filtering material is a porous hardened solid particulate material, which is rigidly maintained at the hollow 3D structure to form the 3D semipermeable granular medium. id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172"
id="p-172"
[0172]Example A6. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A5, wherein the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material forms a rigid monolithic hollow 3D structure. id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173"
id="p-173"
[0173]Example A7. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A4 or A5, wherein the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material comprises a porous concrete. id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174"
id="p-174"
[0174]Example A8. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A6 or A7, wherein the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material is selected from the group consisting of: foamed concrete, aerated concrete and a combination thereof. id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175"
id="p-175"
[0175]Example A9. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A8, wherein the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material is an autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176"
id="p-176"
[0176]Example A10. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A9, wherein the AAC exhibits porosity in the range of 60% - 90% v/v. id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177"
id="p-177"
[0177]Example A11. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A9, wherein the AAC exhibits porosity in the range of 75% - 85% v/v. id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178"
id="p-178"
[0178]Example A12. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A9 to A11, wherein the AAC 3D semipermeable granular medium is manufactured by a process comprising the steps of: (a) providing a slurry of quartz sand, calcined gypsum, fly ash lime and/or cement in water; (b) adding aluminum powder to the slurry of step (a) and mixing, optionally at an elevated temperature; (c) placing the mixture of step (b) in a mold to form the hollow 3D shape; and (d) heating the molded product of step (c) at elevated pressure, to form the hardened 3D semipermeable membrane. id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179"
id="p-179"
[0179]Example A13. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A12, wherein step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) at elevated pressure for at least 4 hours. id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180"
id="p-180"
[0180]Example A14. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A12, wherein step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) at elevated for a period of time in the range of 4 hours to 24 hours. id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181"
id="p-181"
[0181]Example A15. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A12 to A14, wherein step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) to a temperature of at least 120℃. id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182"
id="p-182"
[0182]Example A16. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A12 to A14, wherein step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) to a temperature in the range of 120℃ to 250℃. id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183"
id="p-183"
[0183]Example A17. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A12 to A16, wherein step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) at elevated pressure of at least 4 Bar. id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184"
id="p-184"
[0184]Example A18. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A12 to A16, wherein step (d) comprises heating the molded product of step (c) at elevated pressure in the range of 3 Bar to 20 Bar. id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185"
id="p-185"
[0185]Example A19. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A8, wherein the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material is a foamed concrete. id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186"
id="p-186"
[0186]Example A20. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A19, wherein the foamed concrete exhibits porosity in the range of 30% - 90% v/v. id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187"
id="p-187"
[0187]Example A21. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A9, wherein the AAC exhibits porosity in the range of 40% - 80% v/v. id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188"
id="p-188"
[0188]Example A22. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A19 to A21, wherein the foamed concrete 3D semipermeable membrane is manufactured by a process comprising the steps of: (a) providing an aqueous slurry comprising at least two of: cement, sand and fly ash, in water; (b) mixing the slurry of step (a) with a foam produced from a foaming agent, optionally at an elevated temperature; and (c) placing the mixture of step (b) in a mold to form the hollow 3D shape. id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189"
id="p-189"
[0189]Example A23. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A22, wherein the manufacturing process further comprises a step of: (d) heating the molded product of step (c) to form the hardened 3D semipermeable membrane. id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190"
id="p-190"
[0190]Example A24. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example Aor A23, wherein step (a) comprises providing an aqueous slurry comprising cement and sand. id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191"
id="p-191"
[0191]Example A25. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example Aor A22, wherein step (a) comprises providing an aqueous slurry comprising fly ash and sand. id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192"
id="p-192"
[0192]Example A25. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example Aor A23, wherein step (a) comprises providing an aqueous slurry comprising cement. id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193"
id="p-193"
[0193]Example A27. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A21 to A26, wherein the foam of step (b) is a synthetic aerated foam. id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194"
id="p-194"
[0194]Example A28. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A5 to A27, wherein the semipermeable granular medium comprises a granular medium first portion and a granular medium second portion, connectable to each other. id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195"
id="p-195"
[0195]Example A29. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A5 to A28, wherein the granular medium outer face is the 3D filtering unit outer face. id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196"
id="p-196"
[0196]Example A30. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A5 to A27, wherein the granular medium inner face is the 3D filtering unit inner face. id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197"
id="p-197"
[0197]Example A31. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A5 to A28, wherein the 3D filtering unit further comprises an internal perforated enclosure defining an internal enclosure outer face in contact with the granular medium inner face, and an internal enclosure inner face enclosing the filtrate chamber, the internal perforated enclosure comprising a plurality of internal enclosure perforations. id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198"
id="p-198"
[0198]Example A32. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A31, wherein the size of the internal enclosure perforations is greater than the medium through-opening size. id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199"
id="p-199"
[0199]Example A33. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example Aor A32, wherein the internal perforated enclosure comprises an internal enclosure first portion and an internal enclosure second portion, connectable to each other. id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200"
id="p-200"
[0200]Example A34. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A31 to A33, wherein the internal perforated enclosure comprises a polymeric material. id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201"
id="p-201"
[0201]Example A35. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A31, wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, and copolymers thereof. id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202"
id="p-202"
[0202]Example A36. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A31 to A35, wherein the internal enclosure inner face is the 3D filtering unit inner face. id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203"
id="p-203"
[0203]Example A37. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A4, wherein the 3D filtering unit further comprises: an internal perforated enclosure defining an internal enclosure outer face in contact with the granular medium inner face, and an internal enclosure inner face enclosing the filtrate chamber; and an external perforated enclosure defining an external enclosure inner face in contact with the granular medium outer face, and an external enclosure outer face opposite thereto; wherein the internal perforated enclosure and the external perforated enclosure define an enclosed compartment therebetween; wherein the internal perforated enclosure comprises a plurality of internal enclosure perforations in fluid communication with the enclosed compartment; wherein the external perforated enclosure comprises a plurality of external enclosure perforations in fluid communication with the enclosed compartment; wherein the solid particulate filtering material is a free-flowing solid comprising a plurality of particles, packed within the enclosed compartment to form the rigid hollow 3D structure. id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204"
id="p-204"
[0204]Example A38. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A37, wherein the solid particulate filtering material comprises sand, gravel, silica, coal, charcoal, or a combination thereof. id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205"
id="p-205"
[0205]Example A39. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example Aor A38, wherein the size of the internal enclosure perforations is less than the size of the particles of the free-flowing solid. id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206"
id="p-206"
[0206]Example A40. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A39, wherein the size of the internal enclosure perforations is greater than the medium through-opening size. id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207"
id="p-207"
[0207]Example A41. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A40, wherein the size of the external enclosure perforations is less than the size of the particles of the free-flowing solid. id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208"
id="p-208"
[0208]Example A42. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A41, wherein the size of the external enclosure perforations is greater than the medium through-opening size. id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209"
id="p-209"
[0209]Example A43. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A42, wherein the internal perforated enclosure comprises an internal enclosure first portion and an internal enclosure second portion, connectable to each other. id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210"
id="p-210"
[0210]Example A44. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A43, wherein the external perforated enclosure comprises an external enclosure first portion and an external enclosure second portion, connectable to each other. id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211"
id="p-211"
[0211]Example A45. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A44, wherein the internal perforated enclosure comprises a polymeric material. id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212"
id="p-212"
[0212]Example A46. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A45, wherein the external perforated enclosure comprises a polymeric material. id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213"
id="p-213"
[0213]Example A47. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A46, wherein the internal enclosure inner face is the 3D filtering unit inner face. id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214"
id="p-214"
[0214]Example A48. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A47, wherein the external enclosure outer face is the 3D filtering unit outer face. id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215"
id="p-215"
[0215]Example A49. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A48, wherein the 3D filtering unit further comprises at least one filtering material replacement port in fluid communication with the enclosed compartment, and at least one port cap releasably sealing the filtering material replacement port. id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216"
id="p-216"
[0216]Example A50. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A49, wherein the at least one filtering material replacement port comprises a filtering material filling port and a filtering material extraction port, and wherein the at least one port cap comprises a filling port cap and an extraction port cap. id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217"
id="p-217"
[0217]Example A51. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than millimeter. id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218"
id="p-218"
[0218]Example A52. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 5microns. id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219"
id="p-219"
[0219]Example A53. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 3microns. id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220"
id="p-220"
[0220]Example A54. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 3microns. id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221"
id="p-221"
[0221]Example A55. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 2microns. id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222"
id="p-222"
[0222]Example A56. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 1microns. id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223"
id="p-223"
[0223]Example A57. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 1microns. id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224"
id="p-224"
[0224]Example A58. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225"
id="p-225"
[0225]Example A59. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226"
id="p-226"
[0226]Example A60. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227"
id="p-227"
[0227]Example A61. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228"
id="p-228"
[0228]Example A62. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229"
id="p-229"
[0229]Example A63. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230"
id="p-230"
[0230]Example A64. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than microns. id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231"
id="p-231"
[0231]Example A65. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A50, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than micron. id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232"
id="p-232"
[0232]Example A66. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A65, wherein the 3D filtering unit further comprises a coupler which is attached, directly or indirectly, to the 3D semipermeable filtering medium. id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233"
id="p-233"
[0233]Example A67. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A66, further comprising a float coupled to the 3D filtering unit. id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234"
id="p-234"
[0234]Example A68. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A67, further comprising a vibration generator rigidly coupled to the 3D filtering unit, configure to facilitate vibrational movement of the 3D filtering unit. id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235"
id="p-235"
[0235]Example A69. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A68, wherein the at least one 3D filtering unit comprises a plurality of 3D filtering unit. id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236"
id="p-236"
[0236]Example A70. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A69, further comprising an intake pipe in fluid communication with the outflow openings of all of the 3D filtering units. id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237"
id="p-237"
[0237]Example A71. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A70, wherein the intake pipe comprises an intake manifold that comprises at least two intake branches, wherein each intake branch is in fluid communication with at least one of the 3D filtering units. id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238"
id="p-238"
[0238]Example A72. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A71, wherein each of the intake branches is in fluid communication with a plurality of 3D filtering units. id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239"
id="p-239"
[0239]It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate examples, may also be provided in combination in a single example. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single example, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described example of the invention. No feature described in the context of an example is to be considered an essential feature of that example, unless explicitly specified as such.
Claims (49)
1. A filtration system, comprising: at least one 3D filtering unit defining a 3D filtering unit inner face and a 3D filtering unit outer face, and comprising: a filtrate chamber enclosed by the 3D filtering unit inner face; a solid particulate filtering material maintained in a hollow 3D structure that forms a 3D semipermeable granular medium, the 3D semipermeable granular medium defining a granular medium inner face and a granular medium outer face, wherein the granular medium inner face surrounds the filtrate chamber; and an outflow opening in fluid communication with the filtrate chamber; wherein the 3D semipermeable granular medium comprises a plurality of medium through-openings having a medium through-opening size, the medium through-openings defining passage paths between the granular medium outer face and the granular medium inner face.
2. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein the solid particulate filtering material comprises a powder, a granular solid, or both.
3. The filtration system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the solid particulate filtering material is selected from the group consisting of: sand, silica, a porous concrete, gravel, anthracite, coal, charcoal and a combination thereof.
4. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the 3D filtering unit further comprises an outflow port extending from the outflow opening, and in fluid communication with the filtration chamber.
5. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the solid particulate filtering material is a porous hardened solid particulate material, which is rigidly maintained at the hollow 3D structure to form the 3D semipermeable granular medium.
6. The filtration system of claim 5, wherein the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material forms a rigid monolithic hollow 3D structure. - 49 -
7. The filtration system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material comprises a porous concrete.
8. The filtration system claim 6 or 7, wherein the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material is selected from the group consisting of: foamed concrete, aerated concrete and a combination thereof.
9. The filtration system of claim 8, wherein the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material is an autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC).
10. The filtration system of claim 9, wherein the AAC exhibits porosity in the range of 60% - 90% v/v.
11. The filtration of claim 9 or 10, wherein the AAC 3D semipermeable granular medium is manufactured by a process comprising the steps of: (a) providing a slurry of quartz sand, calcined gypsum, fly ash lime and/or cement in water; (b) adding aluminum powder to the slurry of step (a) and mixing, optionally at an elevated temperature; (c) placing the mixture of step (b) in a mold to form the hollow 3D shape; and (d) heating the molded product of step (c) at elevated pressure, to form the hardened 3D semipermeable membrane.
12. The filtration system of claim 8, wherein the porous hardened solid particulate filtering material is a foamed concrete.
13. The filtration system of claim 12, wherein the foamed concrete exhibits porosity in the range of 40% - 80% v/v.
14. The filtration system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the foamed concrete 3D semipermeable membrane is manufactured by a process comprising the steps of: (a) providing an aqueous slurry comprising at least two of: cement, sand and fly ash, in water; (b) mixing the slurry of step (a) with a foam produced from a foaming agent, optionally at an elevated temperature; and - 50 - (c) placing the mixture of step (b) in a mold to form the hollow 3D shape.
15. The filtration system of claim 14, wherein the manufacturing process further comprises a step of: (d) heating the molded product of step (c) to form the hardened 3D semipermeable membrane.
16. The filtration system of any one of claims 5 to 15, wherein the semipermeable granular medium comprises a granular medium first portion and a granular medium second portion, connectable to each other.
17. The filtration system of any one of claims 5 to 16, wherein the granular medium outer face is the 3D filtering unit outer face.
18. The filtration system of any one of claims 5 to 17, wherein the granular medium inner face is the 3D filtering unit inner face.
19. The filtration system of any one of claims 5 to 16, wherein the 3D filtering unit further comprises an internal perforated enclosure defining an internal enclosure outer face in contact with the granular medium inner face, and an internal enclosure inner face enclosing the filtrate chamber, the internal perforated enclosure comprising a plurality of internal enclosure perforations.
20. The filtration system of claim 19, wherein the size of the internal enclosure perforations is greater than the medium through-opening size.
21. The filtration system of claim 19 or 20, wherein the internal perforated enclosure comprises an internal enclosure first portion and an internal enclosure second portion, connectable to each other.
22. The filtration system of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the internal perforated enclosure comprises a polymeric material.
23. The filtration system of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the internal enclosure inner face is the 3D filtering unit inner face.
24. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the 3D filtering unit further comprises: an internal perforated enclosure defining an internal enclosure outer face in contact with the granular medium inner face, and an internal enclosure inner face enclosing the filtrate chamber; and - 51 - an external perforated enclosure defining an external enclosure inner face in contact with the granular medium outer face, and an external enclosure outer face opposite thereto; wherein the internal perforated enclosure and the external perforated enclosure define an enclosed compartment therebetween; wherein the internal perforated enclosure comprises a plurality of internal enclosure perforations in fluid communication with the enclosed compartment; wherein the external perforated enclosure comprises a plurality of external enclosure perforations in fluid communication with the enclosed compartment; wherein the solid particulate filtering material is a free-flowing solid comprising a plurality of particles, packed within the enclosed compartment to form the rigid hollow 3D structure.
25. The filtration system of claim 24, wherein the solid particulate filtering material comprises sand, gravel, silica, coal, charcoal, or a combination thereof.
26. The filtration system of claim 24 or 25, wherein the size of the internal enclosure perforations is less than the size of the particles of the free-flowing solid.
27. The filtration system of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the size of the internal enclosure perforations is greater than the medium through-opening size.
28. The filtration system of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the size of the external enclosure perforations is less than the size of the particles of the free-flowing solid.
29. The filtration system of any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the size of the external enclosure perforations is greater than the medium through-opening size.
30. The filtration system of any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the internal perforated enclosure comprises an internal enclosure first portion and an internal enclosure second portion, connectable to each other.
31. The filtration system of any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein the external perforated enclosure comprises an external enclosure first portion and an external enclosure second portion, connectable to each other. - 52 -
32. The filtration system of any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein the internal perforated enclosure comprises a polymeric material.
33. The filtration system of any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein the external perforated enclosure comprises a polymeric material.
34. The filtration system of any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the internal enclosure inner face is the 3D filtering unit inner face.
35. The filtration system of any one of claims 24 to 34, wherein the external enclosure outer face is the 3D filtering unit outer face.
36. The filtration system of any one of claims 24 to 35, wherein the 3D filtering unit further comprises at least one filtering material replacement port in fluid communication with the enclosed compartment, and at least one port cap releasably sealing the filtering material replacement port.
37. The filtration system of claim 36, wherein the at least one filtering material replacement port comprises a filtering material filling port and a filtering material extraction port, and wherein the at least one port cap comprises a filling port cap and an extraction port cap.
38. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 350 microns.
39. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 200 microns.
40. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 100 microns.
41. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 50 microns.
42. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the medium through-opening size is equal to or less than 10 microns.
43. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the 3D filtering unit further comprises a coupler which is attached, directly or indirectly, to the 3D semipermeable filtering medium. - 53 -
44. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 43, further comprising a float coupled to the 3D filtering unit.
45. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 44, further comprising a vibration generator rigidly coupled to the 3D filtering unit, configure to facilitate vibrational movement of the 3D filtering unit.
46. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 45, wherein the at least one 3D filtering unit comprises a plurality of 3D filtering unit.
47. The filtration system of Fig. 46, further comprising an intake pipe in fluid communication with the outflow openings of all of the 3D filtering units.
48. The filtration system of Fig. 47, wherein the intake pipe comprises an intake manifold that comprises at least two intake branches, wherein each intake branch is in fluid communication with at least one of the 3D filtering units.
49. The filtration system of Fig. 48, wherein each of the intake branches is in fluid communication with a plurality of 3D filtering units. Webb+Co. Patent Attorneys
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL290708A IL290708B2 (en) | 2022-02-17 | 2022-02-17 | Filtration systems with solid particulate filtering materials |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL290708A IL290708B2 (en) | 2022-02-17 | 2022-02-17 | Filtration systems with solid particulate filtering materials |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| IL290708A IL290708A (en) | 2022-12-01 |
| IL290708B2 true IL290708B2 (en) | 2023-04-01 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL290708A IL290708B2 (en) | 2022-02-17 | 2022-02-17 | Filtration systems with solid particulate filtering materials |
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| Country | Link |
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Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3120491A (en) * | 1960-09-08 | 1964-02-04 | Themas C Kincaid | Water filter for farm pond |
| US4280238A (en) * | 1975-09-03 | 1981-07-28 | Single Buoy Moorings, Inc. | Single-point mooring buoy |
| WO2016056828A2 (en) * | 2014-10-08 | 2016-04-14 | 수소비전 주식회사 | Hydrogen generator usable underwater or in indoor air state |
| US20200002187A1 (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2020-01-02 | Nathanael Ren | Fluid transportation and filtering container |
-
2022
- 2022-02-17 IL IL290708A patent/IL290708B2/en unknown
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3120491A (en) * | 1960-09-08 | 1964-02-04 | Themas C Kincaid | Water filter for farm pond |
| US4280238A (en) * | 1975-09-03 | 1981-07-28 | Single Buoy Moorings, Inc. | Single-point mooring buoy |
| WO2016056828A2 (en) * | 2014-10-08 | 2016-04-14 | 수소비전 주식회사 | Hydrogen generator usable underwater or in indoor air state |
| US20200002187A1 (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2020-01-02 | Nathanael Ren | Fluid transportation and filtering container |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IL290708A (en) | 2022-12-01 |
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