IL292074B1 - Columnar filtration systems - Google Patents

Columnar filtration systems

Info

Publication number
IL292074B1
IL292074B1 IL292074A IL29207422A IL292074B1 IL 292074 B1 IL292074 B1 IL 292074B1 IL 292074 A IL292074 A IL 292074A IL 29207422 A IL29207422 A IL 29207422A IL 292074 B1 IL292074 B1 IL 292074B1
Authority
IL
Israel
Prior art keywords
filtration system
filtering
unit
modular
cage
Prior art date
Application number
IL292074A
Other languages
Hebrew (he)
Other versions
IL292074B2 (en
IL292074A (en
Inventor
Talmi Ofer
Bahahlul Yoel
Original Assignee
Yamit Filtration And Water Treat Ltd
Talmi Ofer
Bahahlul Yoel
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Yamit Filtration And Water Treat Ltd, Talmi Ofer, Bahahlul Yoel filed Critical Yamit Filtration And Water Treat Ltd
Priority to IL292074A priority Critical patent/IL292074B2/en
Publication of IL292074A publication Critical patent/IL292074A/en
Publication of IL292074B1 publication Critical patent/IL292074B1/en
Publication of IL292074B2 publication Critical patent/IL292074B2/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
    • B01D29/11—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements
    • B01D29/114—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements arranged for inward flow filtration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
    • B01D29/50—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with multiple filtering elements, characterised by their mutual disposition
    • B01D29/52—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with multiple filtering elements, characterised by their mutual disposition in parallel connection
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2313/00—Details relating to membrane modules or apparatus
    • B01D2313/54—Modularity of membrane module elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2315/00—Details relating to the membrane module operation
    • B01D2315/06—Submerged-type; Immersion type

Description

IL 292074/ COLUMNAR FILTRATION SYSTEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"
[001] The present invention relates to columnar fluid filtration systems that include at least one filtering assembly equipped with a movable flow restrictor, as well as to columnar fluid filtration systems that include a plurality of filtering assemblies which are fluidly connected to a shared intake manifold and include, each, a plurality of modularly interconnected discrete filtering units.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2"
[002] Fluid filtration systems are designed to remove impurities from a fluid, which can be liquid (e.g., water) or gas (e.g., air), by passing the fluid through a filtering medium serving as a barrier with a plurality of apertures sized to prevent passage of such impurities therethrough. Filtration systems can be used for various applications in a wide variety of environments, such as within industrial facilities, agricultural setups, as well as natural water sources (e.g., seas, lakes, rivers, and the like). 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. There is an ongoing need in the industry for improved filtration systems that can provide improved filtration rate and quality, preferably designed in a manner that can reduce maintenance costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4"
[004] In one representative example, there is provided a filtration system that includes a plurality of modular filtering assemblies and an intake pipe comprising an intake manifold. Each modular filtering assembly comprises a plurality of discrete filtering units releasably connected to each other. Each discrete filtering unit comprises a screen mesh that comprises a plurality of screen apertures and extends between a unit lower end and a unit upper end, each IL 292074/ discrete filtering unit defining a unit lumen which is in fluid communication with the screen apertures. The intake manifold comprises a plurality of manifold branches. Each manifold branch comprises a branch inflow opening in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of modular filtering assemblies. At least one discrete filtering unit of each modular filtering assembly is coupled, directly or indirectly, via a unit lower connection interface disposed at its unit lower end, to a unit upper connection interface disposed at the unit upper end of another discrete filtering unit of the same modular filtering assembly. The unit lumens of the plurality of discrete filtering units of each modular filtering assembly, together define an internal space of the respective modular filtering assembly id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5"
[005] In another representative example, there is provided a filtration system that includes at least one filtering assembly and an intake pipe comprising an inflow opening in fluid communication with filtering assembly. Each filtering assembly comprises at least one filtering unit and a movable flow restrictor. The filtering unit comprises a screen mesh that comprises a plurality of screen apertures and extends between a unit lower end and a unit upper end. The filtering unit defines a unit lumen which is in fluid communication with the screen apertures. The movable flow restrictor is configured to move toward or away from inflow opening. id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6"
[006] 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-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7"
[007] Some examples of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. The description, together with the Figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some examples may be practiced. The Figures 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 Figures are not to scale.
IL 292074/ In the Figures: id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8"
[008] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a columnar filtration system, shown to include four modular filtering assemblies. id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9"
[009] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view in perspective of the columnar filtration system of Fig. 1. id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10"
[010] Fig. 3 shows another example of a columnar filtration system, shown to include seven modular filtering assemblies. id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11"
[011] Figs. 4A and 4B show an example of a discrete filtering unit, illustrated without and with an internal screen mesh, respectively. id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12"
[012] Fig. 5 shows a zoomed in sectional view in perspective of portions of exemplary discrete filtering units. id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13"
[013] Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of an exemplary modular filtering assembly. id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14"
[014] Fig. 7 shows a sectional view in perspective of the columnar filtration system of Fig. 3. id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15"
[015] Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of a lower portion of the sectional view of the filtration system of Fig. 7. id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16"
[016] Fig. 9A shows a perspective view of an example of an adjustment tool. id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17"
[017] Fig. 9B shows an enlarged view of a lower portion of the adjustment tool of Fig. 9A. id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18"
[018] Fig. 10 shows another sectional view in perspective of the columnar filtration system of Fig. 3. id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19"
[019] Fig. 11 shows an enlarged view of a lower portion of the sectional view of the filtration system of Fig. 10. id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20"
[020] Fig. 12 shows another example of a columnar filtration system with a different arrangement of the modular filtering assemblies. id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21"
[021] Fig. 13 shows a sectional view in perspective of the columnar filtration system of Fig. 12.
IL 292074/ id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22"
[022] Fig. 14 shows an enlargement of another sectional view in perspective of the columnar filtration system of Fig. 12. id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23"
[023] Figs. 15A-15B show another example of a columnar filtration system with a different arrangement of the modular filtering assemblies. id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24"
[024] Figs. 16A-16B show another example of a columnar filtration system with a different arrangement of the modular filtering assemblies. id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25"
[025] Fig. 17A shows a sectional view of a filtering assembly with an exemplary rotationally movable sprinkler tube. id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26"
[026] Fig. 17B shows a view in perspective of the rotationally movable sprinkler tube of Fig. 17A. id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27"
[027] Fig. 18 shows a sectional view of another exemplary filtering assembly with stationary sprinkler tubes. id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28"
[028] Fig. 19 shows exemplary filtering assembly with a buoyant circumferential protector. id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29"
[029] Fig. 20 shows a fragmentary sectional view of an upper portion of a filtering assembly with a buoyant circumferential protector. id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30"
[030] Figs. 21A-21B show different optional positions of a buoyant circumferential protector along the height of a filtering assembly. id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31"
[031] Figs. 22 shows an exemplary filtering assembly with rectangularly formed cage openings. id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32"
[032] Fig. 23 shows a perspective view of one cage of the type shown in Fig. 20. id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33"
[033] Fig. 24 shows a perspective view of another type of a columnar filtration system. id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34"
[034] Fig. 25 a partial sectional view in perspective of the columnar filtration system of Fig. 24. id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35"
[035] Fig. 26 shows a perspective view of a filtering unit of the type of filtration system of Figs. 24-25.
IL 292074/ id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36"
[036] Fig. 27 shows a perspective view of an exemplary tubular body of a filtering unit. id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37"
[037] Fig. 28 shows a perspective view of an exemplary filtering pocket. id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38"
[038] Fig. 29 shows the filtering pocket of Fig. 28 with the screen mesh removed from view for clarity. id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39"
[039] Fig. 30 shows another optional implementation of a filtering pocket. id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40"
[040] Fig. 31 shows a sectional view in perspective of one non-binding example of a vibration generator that can be used with a columnar filtration system. id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41"
[041] Fig. 32A shows a view in perspective of a filtration system with a plurality of various types of vibrations generating devices. id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42"
[042] Fig. 32B shows a sectional view of an isolated exemplary filtering assembly provided with a fluid-powered vibration generator. id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43"
[043] Fig. 33 schematically illustrates an exemplary setup of a columnar filtration system submerged in a water source. id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44"
[044] Fig. 34 schematically illustrates an exemplary setup of two submerged columnar filtration systems in fluid communication with each other. id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45"
[045] Fig. 35A shows a view in perspective of an exemplary filtering assembly comprising a plurality of discrete filtering units connected to each other via flexible intermediate unit connectors. id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46"
[046] Fig. 35B shows a sectional view of the filtering assembly of Fig. 32A. id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47"
[047] Figs. 36A-36C shows sectional views of different exemplary filtering assemblies with stirrers extending therethrough. id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48"
[048] Fig. 37 shows a sectional view in perspective of another exemplary movable flow restrictor disposed within a base adaptor. id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49"
[049] Figs. 38A-38B show cross-sectional views of two optional positions of the movable flow restrictor of Fig. 37.
IL 292074/ id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50"
[050] Fig. 39 shows an exemplary filtering assembly that includes a rotatable arm of a mechanism configured to facilitate vibrational movement thereof. id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51"
[051] Figs. 40A-40C show sequential stages of the rotatable arm's movement. id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52"
[052] Fig. 41 shows an exemplary setup that includes an expansion chamber disposed between the intake pipe of a columnar filtration system and the pump. id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53"
[053] Figs. 42A-42B show an exemplary filtration system that includes an opaque cover disposed therearound. id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54"
[054] Figs. 43A-43B show an exemplary filtration assemblage of a columnar filtration system submerged within an intermediate container, illustrated without and with a container cap, respectively. id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55"
[055] Fig. 44 shows an exploded view of an exemplary modular intermediate container. id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56"
[056] Fig. 45 shows an exemplary filtration system that includes a perforated shield, submerged in a running-water source. id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57"
[057] Fig. 46 shows an exemplary filtration system that includes a flowmeter and a secured coupled to a fluid main line.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLES id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58"
[058] 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-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59"
[059] 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 IL 292074/ 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-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60"
[060] 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-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61"
[061] 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-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62"
[062] 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-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63"
[063] 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-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64"
[064] 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 IL 292074/ 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 Figure is described as corresponding to another element in a second Figure, the element in the first Figure is deemed to have the characteristics of the other element in the second Figure, and vice versa, unless stated otherwise. id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65"
[065] The term "plurality", as used herein, means more than one. id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66"
[066] Filtration systems disclosed herein, referred to as columnar filtration systems, include a plurality of filtering assemblies, each including at least one filtering unit, wherein all filtering assemblies are fluidly connected to a common intake manifold. Some implementations of filtration systems disclosed herein include a plurality of modular filtering assemblies, each of which is formed of a plurality of releasably connected discrete filtering units that can be coupled to each other or disconnected and removed from the filtering assembly, thereby providing modularity of the filtering assembly, allowing the total number of interconnected discrete filtering units to be changed according to the operating requirements, such as the characteristics (e.g., depth) of the water source 30 in which the filtration system can be submerged. id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67"
[067] Each discrete filtering unit includes a screen mesh defining a plurality of screen apertures through which raw water 36 surrounding the mesh can be filtered. When a plurality of discrete filtering units are connected to each other, they form a column-like structure of the corresponding modular filtering assembly, together defining a continuous internal space of the modular filtering assembly. id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68"
[068] The filtration system further includes a fluid main line that includes an intake pipe. The intake pipe can include an intake manifold, from which a plurality of manifold branches can extend, each defining a branch inflow opening which is in fluid communication with the internal space of a corresponding filtering assembly, and through which suction or pumping force can facilitate suction of raw water 36 which surround the interconnected discrete filtering units, through the screen apertures, into the intake pipe through the branch inflow openings, at IL 292074/ least as long as the corresponding modular filtering assemblies are not sealed from the intake pipe by a seal member of a movable flow restrictor thereof. id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69"
[069] The intake pipe (for example, intake pipe 150 or intake pipe 350 illustrated throughout the Figs.) can include an intake pipe outlet (for example, intake pipe outlet 152 or intake pipe outlet 352 illustrated throughout the Figs.), opposite to the intake manifold, which is an open end that can be coupled to, directly or indirectly, at an inlet 54 of a suction line 52 (see Figs. 33-34), such that its main lumen is in fluid communication with the suction line 52, wherein the intake pipe 150 and the suction line 52 together can define the fluid main line 60. The suction line 52 is configured to apply suction or pumping force that can facilitate suction of raw water 36 which surround filtering units of the filtering assemblies (e.g., modular filtering assemblies), via the respective manifold branches leading to the intake manifold, through the intake pipe, to the suction line 52. The suction line can be connected, on its opposite outlet end 56, to a pump 58 (e.g., a centrifugal pump) as shown in Figs. 33-34, or alternatively, can be open ended if positioned at a level relatively lower with respect to the main lumen, 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-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70"
[070] In some cases, the fluid main line 66 can be provided as a unitary continuous pipe, wherein the intake pipe 150 can be integrally formed with the suction line 52. In other cases, the intake pipe 150 can be separate component terminating at a pipe outflow opening, which can be attached to a suction line 52 in a sealed manner, for example at a suction line inlet 54, by any suitable pipe coupler known in the art, such that both the intake pipe 150 and the suction line 52, when coupled to each other, together form the fluid main line 66. In some cases, the suction line 52 is directly connected to the intake pipe 150, such that the suction line 52 extends from the intake pipe 150 to the pump 58. In other cases, the pump 58 can be connected between the intake pipe 150 and the suction line 52, such that an inlet of the pump 58 is directly connected to the intake pipe 150, and the suction line 52 is directly connected to an outlet of the pump 58 and extends therefrom to a suction line outlet 56 opposite to the pump 58. id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71"
[071] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a columnar filtration system 100, shown to include four modular filtering assemblies 102. Fig. 2 shows a sectional view in perspective of the columnar filtration system 100 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows another example of a columnar filtration system 100, shown to include seven modular filtering assemblies 102. Figs. 4A and 4B show an example of a discrete filtering unit 104, illustrated without and with an 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ internal screen mesh 124, respectively. Fig. 5 shows a zoomed in view sectional view in perspective of portions of exemplary discrete filtering units 104. Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of an exemplary modular filtering assembly 102. Fig. 7 shows a sectional view in perspective of the columnar filtration system 100 of Fig. 3. Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of a lower portion of the sectional view of the filtration system 100 of Fig. 7. id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72"
[072] Fig. 9A shows a perspective view of an example of an adjustment tool 200. Fig. 9B shows an enlarged view of a lower portion of the adjustment tool 200 of Fig. 9A. Fig. 10 shows another sectional view in perspective of the columnar filtration system 100 of Fig. 3. Fig. shows an enlarged view of a lower portion of the sectional view of the filtration system 100 of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 shows another example of a columnar filtration system 100 with a different arrangement of the modular filtering assemblies 102. Fig. 13 shows a sectional view in perspective of the columnar filtration system 100 of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 shows an enlargement of another sectional view in perspective of the columnar filtration system 100 of Fig. 12. Figs. 15A-16B show additional examples of a columnar filtration systems 100 with different arrangement of the modular filtering assemblies 102 , Figs. 1-16B are described herein together. id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73"
[073] A columnar filtration system 100 includes a plurality of modular filtering assemblies 102, wherein each modular filtering assembly 102 includes a plurality of discrete filtering units 104 releasably attached to each other, such that the total number of interconnected discrete filtering units 104 of any modular filtering assembly 102, together define the total height of the respective modular filtering assembly 102. The terms "releasably connected" or "releasably attached", as used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to components (such as discrete filtering units 104) coupled in such a way that they are coupled together and can be separated without plastically deforming either of the components. This is in contrast to components termed to be permanently coupled, referring to components coupled to each other in such a way that they cannot be separated without plastically deforming at least one of the components. id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74"
[074] A columnar filtration system 100 further includes an intake pipe 150 having an intake manifold 154 which is branched into a plurality of manifold branches 156, each manifold branch 156 being connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of modular filtering assemblies 102. The intake pipe 150 can include an intake pipe outlet 152, opposite to the intake manifold 154.
IL 292074/ id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75"
[075] While a plurality of five modular filtering assemblies 102 are illustrated in Figs. 1-2, a plurality of seven modular filtering assemblies 102 are illustrated in Fig. 3, a plurality of eight modular filtering assemblies 102 are illustrated in Figs. 15A-15B, and a plurality of 14 modular filtering assemblies 102 are illustrated in Figs. 16A-16B, it is to be understood that a columnar filtration system 100 can include any other plurality, such as two, three, six, or more than fourteen modular filtering assemblies 102. The intake manifold 154 can be provided with any suitable shape, depending, for example, on the number of manifold branches 156 extending therefrom, corresponding in turn to the number of modular filtering assemblies 102, including a cross-shaped configurations as shown in Fig. 1, a ring-like configuration shown in Fig. 3, or any other suitable configuration, some examples of which are further shown in Figs. 15A-16B. id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76"
[076] Each discrete filtering unit 104 includes a screen mesh 124 extending between a unit lower end 106 and a unit upper end 110, the screen mesh enclosing unit lumen 135 (see Fig. 4B), such that when a plurality of discrete filtering units 104 are connected to each other, the unit lumens 135 defined by their respective screen meshes 124 together constitute the internal space 136 of the resulting modular filtering assembly 102. For simplicity, any reference to a component of the columnar filtration system 100 (such as filtering assembly 102, screen mesh 124, and so on) in a single form throughout the current specification, will similarly refer to "one or more" of said components for implementations that include a plurality of said components, unless otherwise stated. id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77"
[077] The terms "columnar filtration system 100" and "filtration system 100" are interchangeable, the terms "modular filtering assembly 102" and "filtering assembly 102" are interchangeable, and the terms "discrete filtering unit 104" and "filtering unit 104" are also interchangeable, for system, assembly and unit numerals 100, 102 and 104 throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated. id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78"
[078] The screen mesh 124 of each filtering unit 104 can extend around a perimeter enclosing the hollow space of the filtering unit 104 around an axis extending between its upper end 1and lower end 106. In the illustrated examples, the screen mesh 124 encloses a circular perimeter around such an axis, forming a cylindrical shape. However, it is to be understood that other shapes are similarly contemplated, such as a screen mesh extending around a substantially rectangularly shaped cross-sectional perimeter, triangular perimeter, elliptic perimeter, star-shaped perimeter, and the like.
IL 292074/ id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79"
[079] Each filtering unit 104 can be open ended at both of its unit lower end 106 and unit upper end 110, wherein the unit lower end 106 can include a unit lower connection interface 108, and the unit upper end 110 can include a unit upper connection interface 112. In some implementations, each filtering assembly 102 of a filtration system 100 can include at least two discrete filtering units 104, coupled to each other directly or indirectly. For example, as illustrated. the unit lower connection interface 108 and unit upper connection interface 112 can be complementary, such that two filtering units 104 can be directly connected to each other by connecting a lower connection interface 108 of one filtering unit 104 (such as filtering unit 104a in any of Figs. 5 or 6) to the upper connection interface 112 of the other filtering unit 1(such as filtering unit 104b). In other examples, each filtering assembly 102 can include at least two discrete filtering units 104 which are indirectly coupled to each other, such as via one or more intermediate interconnector. In such implementations, each filtering assembly 1includes a plurality of interconnected discrete filtering units 104, coupled to each other directly or indirectly, which can be configured to be detachably attached to each other and/or to unit connector 250 (shown in figs. 35A-35B) disposed therebetween, via their connection interfaces, optionally implemented as, but not limited to: snap-fit fastener mechanisms, bayonet mounts, screw fittings, threaded attachments (as in the illustrated example), and combinations thereof. id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80"
[080] This configuration enables any desired number of filtering units 104 to be attached to each other, thereby enabling formation of filtering assemblies 102 in a modular manner, having selected lengths (or heights) as desired or required, dictated by the number and sizes of filtering units 104 attached to each other. Advantageously, the filtering assemblies 102 can be modularly adjusted according to the requirements of the filtering process and the water source conditions to provide enhanced filtration capabilities for the filtration system 100. For example, it is possible to increase or decrease the height of the filtering assemblies 102 according to the depth of the water source they are submerged within. As mentioned above, a plurality of interconnected filtering units 104 together define an internal space 136 of the corresponding filtering assembly 102. id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81"
[081] Figs. 35A-35B show another example of modular filtering assembly 102. As shown, in some implementations, an intermediate unit connector 250 can be provided with an interconnector body 252 extending between an interconnector lower connection interface 2and an interconnector upper connection interface 256. The interconnector lower connection IL 292074/ interface 254 can be similar to the unit lower connection interface (108) of a filtering unit (104), allowing it to be similarly connected, in a releasable manner, to the upper connection interface 112 of a discrete filtering unit 104. The interconnector upper connection interface 256 can be similar to the unit upper connection interface (112) of a filtering unit (104), allowing it to be similarly connected, in a releasable manner, to the lower connection interface 108 of a discrete filtering unit 104. Thus, at least one intermediate unit connector 250 can be disposed between at least two discrete filtering units 104 of the same filtering assembly 102. In some implementations, the interconnector body 252 can be rigid, such that the two discrete filtering units 104 coupled thereto are not movable relative to each other. In other implementations, the interconnector body 252 can be flexible, such as the corrugated interconnector bodies 2illustrated in Figs. 35A-35B, configured to bend (for example, when subjected to laterally oriented forces acting thereagainst) such that the orientation of discrete filtering unit 1coupled thereto can change relative to the other discrete filtering unit 104 coupled to its opposite end. id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82"
[082] A filtration system 100 can include, in some examples, a bottom plate 140 (see for example Figs. 1-2) facing the water source bed 34, and can be optionally equipped with legs 142 for placing it over the water source bed 34. In alternative examples, a filtration system 1can be devoid of a base plate (see for example Fig. 3), or include other structural elements in the vicinity or below the lower ends of the filtering assemblies 102. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of legs 142 can extend downward from the intake manifold 154, in the absence of a bottom plate. id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83"
[083] In some examples, each filtering assembly 102 comprises a releasably attachable column cap 128 facing or formed as part of the upper end 110 of the uppermost filtering unit 104, opposite to the branch inflow opening 160, enclosing the internal space 136 from the upper end. The column cap 128 is releasably attachable to the filtering unit 104, and includes a cap connection interface 130 (see Fig. 6) similar to the unit lower connection interface (108) of a filtering unit, allowing it to be similarly connected, in a releasable manner, to the upper connection interface 112 of the uppermost filtering unit 104 (such as to the upper connection interface 112c of filtering unit 104c in Fig. 6). id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84"
[084] In some examples, a filtration system 100 can include a top plate 138, which can be opposite to the bottom plate 140, for example at or slightly below the level of the column caps 128 (see Figs. 1-2). The top plate 138 can be attached to the column caps 128, to the uppermost IL 292074/ filtering units 104 of the filtering assemblies 102, or to both. For example, the top plate 1can include openings defining connection interface to which either the column caps 128, the upper connection interfaces 112 of the uppermost filtering units 104, or both, can be attached. In some examples, the column caps 128 can be integrally formed with the top plate 138. In alternative examples, the filtration system 100 can be devoid of a top plate 138 (as in Fig. 3), or include other structural elements at the upper end of the filtering assemblies 102. id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85"
[085] In some examples, a modular filtering assembly 102 can be further equipped with a release valve 134, such as an air or gas release valve, that can be attached to and/or extend from the column cap 128. For example, a column cap can include a central cap opening 132 (see Fig. 6) to which a release valve 134 can be attached. The air or gas release valve 134 can be a one-way valve (e.g., ball valve or any other suitable type of valve) configured to allow air (or other gas) trapped within the modular filtering assembly 102 (for example, within internal space 136) to be released therefrom. id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86"
[086] In some cases, each filtering assembly 102 include the same number of similarly sized filtering units 104, resulting in a homogenous length or height for all filtering assemblies 102, as in the illustrated examples. In other cases, at least one of a plurality of filtering assemblies 102 can have a different length or height, either as a result of being formed of a different number of filtering units 104, and/or due to including at least one filtering unit 104 having different dimensions than a filtering unit 104 of a different filtering assembly 102. id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87"
[087] In some examples, a filtration system 100 can be utilized as relatively passive filtration systems, meaning that when placed in a body of water, active suction force applied thereto is minimal, and depends only on the rate of filtered water being withdrawn at the opposite end of the intake pipe. This will result in a relatively low flow rate passing through the screen meshes, so as to avoid, as much as possible, any flow disturbances in the vicinity of the filter mediums, thus reducing the likelihood of debris or other particulates being drawn toward the screen apertures and clogging them. id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88"
[088] In some examples, each discrete filtering unit includes a mesh filter supported in an outer cage. The outer cage is designed to provide structural support to which a flexible screen mesh can be coupled. The cage can be disposed around the screen mesh, in which case it will include a plurality of opening through which raw liquid (e.g., raw water) can pass toward and through the screen mesh. In some implementations, the openings formed on the cage can be IL 292074/ further designed to provide a pre-filtration functionality, such that the outer cage can serve in such implementations as a cage. Regardless of whether the outer cage serves solely to provide structural support, or to provide both structural support and pre-filtration functionalities, the cage openings are greater in size than the screen apertures. When the cage is further designed to serve as a pre-filtration first barrier or cage, the shape, density and size of the cage openings can be designed to prevent larger debris (e.g., stones, branches, and the like) or organism (e.g., algae, small fish, and the like) from blocking sticking to and blocking some apertures of the screen mesh. id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89"
[089] Figs. 4A-4B show an exemplary discrete filtering unit that includes a cage 114 serving as the outer filtration layer, and a screen mesh 124 disposed radially inward to the cage, serving as the inner filtration layer. The cage 114 exhibits a cage outer surface 118 and a cage inner surface 120, and includes a plurality of cage openings 116 extending through its thickness, between the cage outer surface 118 and the cage inner surface 120. The screen mesh 124, serving as the primary filtration layer, is disposed radially inward to the cage inner surface 120, and can be attached to the cage inner surface 120. The screen mesh 124 is shown in Fig. 4B, with a zoomed in view of a section thereof, and is transparent in other Figures, such as Fig. 4A and Fig. 5, to expose elements of the cage 114, such as the cage inner surface 120 and cage ribs 122. id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90"
[090] The mesh density of the screen mesh 124 is defined by the pores or screen apertures 126 extending therethrough, each screen aperture 126 having a screen aperture size Ds. Each screen aperture 126 can define a screen aperture area As. The screen apertures can have any of a variety of shapes, such as circular, oval or elliptic, rectangular, and the like. In some implementations, the screen aperture 126 has a circular shape, such that the screen aperture size Ds is the diameter of the screen aperture 126. However, it is to be understood that the screen aperture 126 can take the form of any other geometrical shape. For example, in some implementations the screen aperture 126 is square-shaped, such that the screen aperture size Ds is the length of its edge. In the example illustrated in the enlarged portion of Fig. 4B, the screen mesh 124 is shown to be formed of weft and warp wires defining screen apertures 1that can extend over a not necessarily planar surface of the screen mesh 124 (as evident in the zoomed-in view). The screen aperture size Ds in the example illustrated in the enlarged portion of Fig. 4B can be defined by the distance between adjacent weft wires, which is shown in this specific example to be narrower than the distance between adjacent warp wires.
IL 292074/ id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91"
[091] While screen mesh 124 is illustrated in the enlarged portion of Fig. 4B as composed of intersecting weft and warp wires, it is to be understood that this is shown by way of illustration and not limitation, and that a screen mesh 124 can be provided in any other form known in the art, including meshes being formed of single-layered material sheets, in which the screen apertures 126 can be formed by laser cutting, punching, or other manufacturing methods known in the art. id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92"
[092] In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 3 millimeters. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 2 millimeters. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 1 millimeter. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 500 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 350 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 300 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 200 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 150 microns. id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93"
[093] In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 100 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 75 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 50 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 40 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 30 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 20 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 10 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 5 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 2 microns. In some examples, the screen aperture size Ds is equal to or less than 1 micron. id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94"
[094] As mentioned, the cage 114 includes cage openings 116 which are larger in size than the screen apertures 126. The cage openings 116 can be defined by support struts 115 of the cage 114. If the cage serves merely for providing structural support to a flexible screen mesh 124, the cage opening 116 can be significantly larger (e.g., by one or two orders of magnitude) than the screen apertures 126. When the cage is designed to further provide pre-filtration functionalities, the pre-filtration capacity of the cage 114 is defined by the cage openings 1extending therethrough. Each cage opening 116 having a cage opening size Dt (see Fig. 5). Each cage openings 116 can define a cage opening area At. The cage opening 116 can have any of a variety of shapes, such as circular, oval or elliptic, rectangular, and the like.
IL 292074/ id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95"
[095] In some implementations, the cage opening 116 has a circular shape, such that the cage opening size Dt is the diameter of the cage opening 116. However, it is to be understood that the cage opening 116 can take the form of any other geometrical shape. For example, in some implementations the cage opening 116 is rectangular, as shown for example in Figs. 22-23, such that the cage opening size Dt is the length of its shortest edge. For example, in the case of rectangularly shape cage opening 116 shown in Fig. 23, the cage opening has a short edge size Dt1 and long edge size Dt2. In such a case, the cage opening size Dt will be represented by the short edge size Dt1 (i.e., Dt = Dt1), and the case opening area At will be equal to Dt1*Dt2. id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96"
[096] Even when the cage 114 serves not only to provide structural support, but to serve as a pre-filtration barrier as well, the cage opening size Dt and the cage opening area At are greater than the screen aperture size Ds and the screen aperture area As, since the main role of the cage 1its role as a pre-filter will be to prevent larger bodies from approaching and possible clinging to the screen mesh 124. In some examples, the cage opening size Dt is at least 3 times greater than the screen aperture size Ds. In some examples, the cage opening size Dt is at least 5 times greater than the screen aperture size Ds. In some examples, the cage opening size Dt is at least times greater than the screen aperture size Ds. In some examples, the cage opening size Dt is at least 10 times greater than the screen aperture size Ds. In some examples, the cage opening size Dt is at least 20 times greater than the screen aperture size Ds. In some examples, the cage opening size Dt is at least 30 times greater than the screen aperture size Ds. In some examples, the cage opening size Dt is at least 40 times greater than the screen aperture size Ds. In some examples, the cage opening size Dt is at least 50 times greater than the screen aperture size Ds. id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97"
[097] In some examples, the cage opening area At is at least 10 times greater than the screen aperture size As. In some examples, the cage opening area At is at least 20 times greater than the screen aperture size As. In some examples, the cage opening area At is at least 20 times greater than the screen aperture size As. In some examples, the cage opening area At is at least times greater than the screen aperture size As. In some examples, the cage opening area At is at least 40 times greater than the screen aperture size As. In some examples, the cage opening area At is at least 50 times greater than the screen aperture size As. In some examples, the cage opening area At is at least 100 times greater than the screen aperture size As. id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98"
[098] A cage 114 can include a plurality of axially extending support struts 115', which are support struts 115 extending vertically from the unit upper end 110 toward the unit lower end 106, and a plurality of circumferentially extending support struts 115'', which are support struts 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ extending around the circumference of the filtering unit 104, interconnected with the axially extending support struts 115' and disposed between the unit upper end 110 toward the unit lower end 106. A cage 114 can be designed to include any number of axially extending support struts 115' (including a single support strut 115' or a plurality of support struts 115') and any number of circumferentially extending support struts 115'' (including a single support strut 115'' or a plurality of support struts 115''). id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99"
[099] In the example illustrated in Figs. 22-23, a cage 114 is shown to include two circumferentially extending support struts 115'' interconnected with a plurality (e.g., eight) of axially extending support struts 115'. Fig. 39 shows another exemplary design of a cage 1that includes a plurality of axially extending support struts 115', but no circumferentially extending support struts. In this design, the height of each cage opening 116 is similar to the height of the filtering unit 104, extending from the unit upper end 110 toward the unit lower end 106, resulting in a cage opening area At which is significantly greater than that exemplified in Fig. 22-23, for example. id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100"
[0100]In some examples, the cage 114 includes a plurality of cage ribs 122 extending radially inward (i.e., toward a centerline passing through the filtering unit 104) from the cage inner surface 120. Different arrangements of the cage ribs 122 are contemplated, such as the plurality of parallel circular or ring-like ribs 122 illustrated in Fig. 5, spaced apart from each other at a distance equal to or greater than the screen aperture size Ds, or any other suitable arrangement, such as parallel longitudinal ribs extending between the unit lower end 106 and unit upper end 110, circumferentially spaced from each other (arrangement not shown), parallel diagonally extending ribs, and the like. id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101"
[0101]The screen mesh 124 can be attached to, or otherwise in direct contact with, the cage ribs 122, forming a plurality of channels 123 defined between the cage inner surface 120, cage ribs 122, and the screen mesh 124, as shown in Fig. 5. This configuration advantageously increases the exposed area of the outer surface of the screen mesh 124. For example, if the screen mesh 124 would have been disposed over the inner surface of an alternative construction of a cage that does not include such ribs, the solid matter of the cage, defined between the cage openings 116, would block the portions of the screen mesh 124 and screen apertures 126 in contact therewith, leaving only the screen apertures 126 aligned with the cage openings 1exposed to water flow therethrough. However, the added cage ribs 122 result in raw water 01.06.20 IL 292074/ passing through the cage openings 116, flowing into the corresponding channels 123, such that the water can pass through a significantly larger exposed area of the screen mesh 124. id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102"
[0102]The suction force, applied either by a pump 58 (as shown in Fig. 33-34) or gravitational force, facilitates flow of raw water 36, through the screen mesh, into the intake pipe, and optionally therefrom along the suction line, at an intake flow rate Q, which is equal throughout the system. The flow velocity V can vary at various regions of this flow path, for example depending on the cross-sectional area through which the water passes at each position along the flow path. Specifically, the flow velocity V will be faster when passing through smaller areas. Similarly, for any specific flow rate Q, the flow velocity V will be slower as the area through which water flow at the respective region is increased. Thus, for any specific flow rate Q, the larger the area though which water flow, the slower is the flow velocity V therethrough. id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103"
[0103]Flow velocity through the screen apertures 126 can significantly influence the tendency of various particles, debris and particulates to cling or adhere to the outer surface of the screen mesh 124. It is desired, therefore, to reduce flow velocity through the screen apertures 126 so as to minimize particulate adherence in the first place, instead of allowing such particulates to adhere and cleaning them from the screen mesh 124 afterwards. id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104"
[0104]Thus, by adding cage ribs 122 to created channels 123 surrounding the screen mesh 1as described above, the total exposed area of the screen mesh 124 through which water can pass is greater than the total area of the cage openings 116 surrounding the screen mesh 124, thereby reducing the risk of increased flow velocity and filtride adherence to the screen mesh that could have resulted from an alternative configuration of the screen mesh attached directly to the inner surface 120 of a cage 114 that does not include such ribs 122 and does not create the aforementioned channels 123. id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105"
[0105] While a screen mesh 124 can be provided as a relatively flexible mesh or net, the cage 114 can be provided as a relatively thicker rigid construct, thus providing adequate structural support to the screen mesh 124 attached thereto. The unit lower connection interface 108 and unit upper connection interface 112 can be integrally formed at the lower and upper ends of the cage 114. id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106"
[0106]Despite the advantages conferred by a double-layered filtering unit 104 that includes both a cage 114 and a screen mesh 124, in other implementations, a discrete filtering unit 1can include only a single filtering layer, which is the screen mesh 124. In such implementations, IL 292074/ the screen mesh can 124 be a flexible mesh or net, supported by a cage, ribs, or any other rigid supporting structure that does not necessarily function as a cage, or can be provided as a relatively rigid construct that does not require additional supports. For example, the screen mesh 124 can be similar in shape to the cages illustrated throughout the accompanying drawings, except that it include a higher density of smaller screen apertures 126 instead of the larger cage openings, having a maximal screen aperture size Ds as defined in any of the examples described above. id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107"
[0107]The filtration system 100 can be utilized without any additional housing disposed therearound and/or enclosing the plurality of modular filtering assemblies 102, for example by submerging it in a water source 36 (see Figs. 33-34), which can be the sea, a river, a lake, a water reservoir and the like, allowing the raw water 36 (or other suitable fluid) to be in direct contact with the screen meshes 124, optionally after passing through the cage openings 116, as soon as the filtration system 100 is submerged. id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108"
[0108]Upon the application of a suction force, either by a pump or gravitational force, negative pressure is applied the internal spaces 136 via intake pipe outlet 152, so that raw water 36 flows into the internal spaces 136 of the filtering assemblies 102 through screen meshes 124, optionally by passing through corresponding cages 114 before flowing through the screen meshes 124. The screen meshes 124 have filtration capabilities and functionalities dictated by their screen aperture size Ds as mentioned above, so small particulates or other contaminants in the raw water are not allowed to penetrate into the internal spaces 136. When provided with cages 114, larger debris or organisms, such as stones, leaves, branches, small organisms as algae or small fish, and the like, are not allowed to penetrate into the channels 123, thereby protecting the screen meshes 124 from being contacted and possible obstructed by such debris that can otherwise accumulate thereon and/or cling thereto. id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109"
[0109]The filtered water, also termed herein "filtrate", can then flow from the internal spaces 136 into the manifold branches 156 via the branch inflow openings 160, continue flowing into the intake manifold 154 and intake pipe, exiting via intake pipe outflow 152, into the suction line (which is not illustrated). As shown throughout the Figures, the intake manifold 154 is positioned below the plurality of modular filtering assemblies 102, such that each branch opening 160 is exposed to the lower end of the corresponding internal space 136 and each manifold branch 156 extends, at least along a portion thereof, downwards from the corresponding modular filtering assemblies 102. In this manner, the hydraulic head of the water IL 292074/ in internal spaces 136 serves to drive the water from internal spaces 136, downward through the branch inflow openings 160, into intake manifold 154. The hydraulic head can thus serve as a flow-driving means either alone or in combination with additional suction that can be applied to the intake pipe, such as via a pump or any other manner disclosed herein. Relying on hydraulic head as a fluid-driving force, by placing the intake manifold 154 and manifold branches 156 below the modular filtering assemblies 102 can operatively assist in directing water through filtration system 100 toward and through the main line, even if some portion of the height of internal spaces 136 is not filled by water (or other liquid to be filtered). For example, a filtration system 100 can be placed in a natural water source 30 such that during high tides, the entire height of all modular filtering assemblies 102 is below the water level such that the whole volume of their internal spaces 136 is filled with water, while during low tides, the water level 32 can drop below the upper ends of modular filtering assemblies 1such that only a portion of internal spaces 136 is filled with water. However, since the intake manifold 154 and manifold branches 156 are positioned below the modular filtering assemblies 102, even though the hydraulic head during low tides will be lower, it will be still sufficient to cause the water inside internal spaces 136 to flow toward and into intake manifold 154. id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110"
[0110]The term "raw water 36" (see Figs. 33-34), as used herein, refers to unfiltered water (or other suitable unfiltered fluid). It is to be understood that water flowing through the cage openings 116 into channels 123, are still considered to be unfiltered raw water. The term "filtrate", as used herein, refers to water (or other suitable liquid) that passed through the screen mesh 124 toward internal space 136. For example, water from which a substantial portion of particulates have been filtered is filtrate. The term "filtride", as used herein, refers to the residue (e.g., small particulates) that have been separated from the filtrate by the screen mesh 124. While filtration of water is described in various examples throughout the specification, it is to be understood that, unless otherwise stated, any reference to water is not meant to be limiting, and that any other fluid of choice, including other types of liquid, can be similarly filtered, instead of water, utilizing the same principles, systems and methods. id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111"
[0111]As mentioned above, flow velocity V through the screen meshes 124 can influence maintenance costs, as higher flow velocities V through the screen apertures 126 can result in increased tendency of debris and other particulates to accumulate around the screen meshes 124, possibly clogging significant portions thereof, in a manner that requires more frequent maintenance cycles to cleans the accumulated filtride.
IL 292074/ id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112"
[0112]In some examples, each modular filtering assembly further includes a movable flow restrictor 176 configured to move toward or away from the corresponding branch inflow opening 160, in a manner that can influence water flow therethrough. As illustrated (for example in any of Fig. 8 and Figs. 10-14), the movable flow restrictor 176 is disposed at the bottom of the corresponding filtering assembly 102, below any of the corresponding filtering units 104, to control flow therethrough from the unit lumen(s) 135 into suction line 52 in a downwards-directed flow dictated by hydraulic head of the water, as described above. Restricting the exposed open area through which water can flow from the internal space 136 to the manifold branch 156 (and thus, to the intake pipe 150) can reduce the flow velocity V of the raw water 36 flowing through the screen mesh 124 (including water flowing through the cage 114 toward the screen mesh 124), and onward therefrom into the corresponding manifold branch 156. id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113"
[0113]In some examples, each modular filtering assembly 102 can include a lower opening, such as filtering assembly outlet 170 shown in Fig. 8, which is in fluid communication with the corresponding branch inflow opening 160, at least as long as it is not sealed by the movable flow restrictor. In some examples, each modular filtering assembly 102 can include base adaptor 162, connecting the lowermost discrete filtering unit 104 to the corresponding manifold branch 156. id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114"
[0114]The base adaptor 162 can include a base upper connection interface 166 (see Figs. and 8) that can be similar to the unit upper connection interface (110) of a filtering unit, allowing it to be similarly connected, in a releasable manner, to the lower connection interface 108 of the lowermost filtering unit 104 (such as to the lower connection interface 108a of filtering unit 104a in Fig. 6). The manifold branch 156 can include a branch connection interface 158, for example at the level of the branch inflow opening 160 (see Fig. 6). The base adaptor 162 can include a base lower connection interface 164 (see Figs. 6 and 8) opposite to the base upper connection interface 166. The branch connection interface 158 and the base lower connection interface 164 can be complementary, allowing the base adaptor 162 to be connected to the manifold branch 156 as shown in Fig. 8. The branch connection interface 1and the base lower connection interface 164 can be optionally implemented as, but not limited to: snap-fit fastener mechanisms, bayonet mounts, screw fittings, threaded attachments (as in the illustrated example), and combinations thereof.
IL 292074/ id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115"
[0115]It is to be understood that in alternative implementations, the modular filtering assembly 102 does not necessarily include a base adaptor. In such implementations, the branch connection interface 158 can be similar to the unit upper connection interface (110) of a filtering unit, allowing it to be directly connected to the lower connection interface 108 of the lowermost filtering unit 104. id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116"
[0116]When provided with a base adaptor 162, the base adaptor 162 can include the filtering assembly outlet 170. In some implementations, the base adaptor 162 defines an intermediate seat 168 disposed between its upper and lower ends, such as between the based upper connection interface 166 and base lower connection interface 164, wherein the intermediate seat 168 defines the filtering assembly outlet 170, as shown in Figs. 6 and 8 for example. The base adaptor 162 can be provided with a stepped configuration, wherein the intermediate seat 168 defines a shoulder around the filtering assembly outlet 170, disposed between an upper portion, extending from intermediate seat 168 toward based upper connection interface 166, which is wider than a lower portion thereof, extending from intermediate seat 168 toward manifold branch 156. This can allow the base adaptor to transition between a narrower cross sectional area of the manifold branch 156, to a relatively greater cross-sectional area of the filtering units 104. id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117"
[0117]A movable flow restrictor 176 can include, as shown in Fig. 8, a threaded stem 1axially aligned along (or parallel to) the central axis of the modular filtering unit, and an outwardly directed extension 182 projecting, optionally in a flanged manner, away from the stem 178 (for example, at an upper portion of the stem 178), along a plane parallel to the plane defined by the filtering assembly outlet 170. The term "threaded stem" does not mean to limit the stem 178 to be threaded along its entire length, but rather to be threaded along at least a portion thereof. id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118"
[0118]The stem 178 is threaded through a nut 172 provided with a complementary internal threading, wherein the nut 172 can be positioned at or below the level of the filtering assembly outlet 170, and can be kept in position by one or more nut supports 174 affixing it to an appropriate stationary component of the filtration system 100. In the example illustrated in Fig. 8, the nut supports 174 are provided in the form of radially extending ribs, projection from the nut 172 to inner walls of the manifold branch 156, such as at or near the level of the branch inflow opening 160, branch connection interface 158, and/or filtering assembly outlet 170. In other examples, such nut supports 174 can be attached to the base adaptor 162 instead of to the IL 292074/ manifold branch, such as to the intermediate seat 168 (example not shown). In any implementation of the nut supports 174, they are sized and shaped in a manner that will not block the flow through the filtering assembly outlet 170. id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119"
[0119]While the nut 172 is affixed in position relative to the filtering assembly outlet 170, the stem 178 can be threaded through the nut 172 in a manner that axially translates the outwardly directed extension 182 toward or away from the filtering assembly outlet 170. A gap Gp (see Fig. 8) is defined between the outwardly directed extension 182 and the filtering assembly outlet 170, such that gap Gp is increased when the threaded stem 178 is rotated in one direction to axially translate the outwardly directed extension 182 farther away from the filtering assembly outlet 170 (for example, upward). Similarly, the gap Gp can be decreased when the threaded stem 178 is rotated in the opposite direction to axially translate the outwardly directed extension 182 closer toward the filtering assembly outlet 170 (for example, upward). id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120"
[0120]When gap Gp is decreased by approximating the outwardly directed extension 1closer to the filtering assembly outlet 170, this may introduce flow restriction from the internal space through the filtering assembly outlet 170 and into the corresponding manifold branch 156, in a manner that will decrease the flow velocity V through the screen apertures 126 (as well as through cage openings 116 when present). As mentioned above, such reduction in flow velocity V can result in decreased clogging of the screen mesh 124, thus reducing maintenance costs. id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121"
[0121]While a configuration of an outwardly directed extension 182 disposed above the filtering assembly outlet 170, such that upwardly directed movement of the outwardly directed extension 182 serves to increase Gp, is shown in the illustrated examples, it is to be understood that this is not meant to be limiting, and that in alternative implementations, the outwardly directed extension 182 can project from a lower end of the threaded stem 178, below the filtering assembly outlet 170, in which case an upwardly directed movement of the outwardly directed extension 182 will decrease Gp. id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122"
[0122]If the outwardly directed extension 182 is positioned within the filtering assembly outlet 170 such that it completely blocks within the filtering assembly outlet 170, Gp is zero (see, for example, outwardly directed extension 182a in Figs. 10-11) and no water can flow from the corresponding filtering assembly 102 into intake pipe 150. In some implementations, the IL 292074/ outwardly directed extension 182 is a seal member, configured to completely seal against the filtering assembly outlet 170 in such a position. id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123"
[0123]The movable flow restrictor 176 can further include an engagement head 180, opposite to the nut 172, configured to engage with an adjustment tool 200 utilized to rotate the threaded stem 178. An adjustment tool 200 can be provided with the filtration system 100, or as part of an apparatus that includes the filtration system 100 and a separate adjustment tool 200. An exemplary adjustment tool, shown in Figs. 9A-9B, includes an elongated rod 202 with a rod engagement interface 204 provided at an end (e.g., lower end) thereof. The rod engagement interface 204 is configured to engage with the engagement head 180 of the movable flow restrictor 176, such that rotation of the adjustment tool 200 in a specific direction, will facilitate rotational movement of the threaded stem 178 in the same direction. In the illustrated example, the engagement head 180 is shown to be in the form of a bolt head, while the rod engagement interface 204 is shown to be in the form of a box-end wrench provided with internal facets complementary to the outer facets of the bolt head 180. id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124"
[0124]As shown, when adjustment of Gp is required, the adjustment tool 200 can extend through the internal space 136 of the filtering assembly 102, such that the rod engagement interface 204 interacts with the engagement head 180 of the movable flow restrictor 176 (see Fig. 10). The length of the engagement rod is preferably longer than the total length of the filtering assembly 102, such that an upper portion of the elongated rod 202, optionally including a handle 208, extends upward beyond the upper end of the filtering assembly 102, allowing an operator to conveniently utilized the adjustment tool 200 by grabbing and rotating its handle 208. id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125"
[0125]In some examples, the adjustment tool 200 further comprises at least one centralizing ring support 206, which can be provided in the form of a circumferential ring attached to the elongated rod 202 via a plurality of outwardly extending ribs, as shown in Figs. 9A-9B. The shape and size of the centralizing ring support 206 can be similar or slightly smaller than the shape and size of the internal surface of the filtering units 104, allowing it to axially slide within internal space 136 in a manner that will stabilize the rod 202 along the centerline of the filtering assembly 102, and simplify alignment and engagement of the rod engagement interface 2with the engagement head 180 of the movable flow restrictor 176. While a single centralizing ring support 206 is shown in the illustrated examples, it is to be understood that the adjustment IL 292074/ tool 200 can be provided with any plurality of centralizing ring support 206 disposed along its length, axially spaced from each other. id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126"
[0126]When readjustment of the gap Gp is required, the column cap 128 can be removed (for example, unscrewed), exposing the upper end of the filtering assembly, through which the adjustment tool 200 can be inserted and slid to achieve full engagement between the rod engagement interface 204 with the engagement head 180 of the movable flow restrictor 176. In some implementations, an adjustment tool 200 can include a tool cap 210 (see Fig. 10) which can be structured similar to the column cap 128, and can be placed over the uppermost filtering unit 104 instead of the column cap 128 for the duration of adjustment, optionally providing support in lieu of, or in addition to, the one or more centralizing ring supports 206. id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127"
[0127]In some examples, the columnar filtration system 100 can further include a cleaning pipe 184 that includes a cleaning manifold 186 with a plurality of cleaning branches 1extending therefrom, each cleaning branch 188 extends to a branched outer ring 190 disposed around a corresponding manifold branch 156 of the intake pipe 150, or around a portion of the base adaptor 162, at a position which in close proximity to or below the level of the unit lower end 106 of the lowermost filtering unit 104, wherein each branched outer ring 190 is equipped with a plurality of cleaning release apertures 194 facing upward. The branched outer ring 1can be sized to extend around a projected outer diameter of the filtering units 104, for example aligning the corresponding cleaning release apertures 194 around the projected circumference of the filtering units 104, or within a range of ±10% of the outer diameter of the filtering units 104. id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128"
[0128]The cleaning pipe 184 is configured to release, through the cleaning release apertures 194, a cleaning fluid directed toward the screen meshes 124 and/or cages 114 of the filtering units 104. In some examples, the cleaning fluid is gas or air, and the branched outer rings 190 are gas or air release tubes. When implemented as air-release tubes, the branched outer rings 190 are configured to release air through their cleaning release apertures 194, resulting in bubbles floating toward the screen meshes 124, and when present, cages 114, of the discrete filtering units 104. In some implementations, the bubbles can serve to clean the screen meshes 124 and/or cages 114 as they pass there-along or therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, the bubbles can serve to facilitate vibrational movement of the screen meshes 124 as they impact there-against. The release valves 134 can be utilized, in such cases, to release the air (or gas) bubbles that may have passed through the screen apertures 126 into internal spaces 136.
IL 292074/ id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129"
[0129]In some implementations, the branched outer rings 190 can be utilized to release a liquid, such as pressurized water or other cleaning fluid, wherein jets of the cleaning fluid can be released to clean the screen meshes 124, and when present, cages 114, of the discrete filtering units 104. id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130"
[0130]Figs. 12-14 show another example of a columnar filtration system 100 that includes another optional arrangement of filtering assemblies 102 fluidly connected to a common intake manifold 154. A filtration system can include, as shown in Figs. 12-13, a top plate 138 disposed over the upper ends of the filtering assemblies 102, connected via at least one vertical transmission member 139 to a bottom connection construct 144 disposed below the filtering assemblies 102. The bottom connection construct 144 is rigidly attached, directly or indirectly, to the filtering assemblies 102. In the example illustrated in Figs. 12-14, the bottom connection construct 144 is implemented as interconnected beams 143 which are indirectly attached to the filtering assemblies 102, such as being attached to (or in some example, merely in contact with) the intake manifold 152. id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131"
[0131]The vertical transmission member 139 is a rigid member, such as a rigid rod or beam, connected at its upper end to the top plate 138, and at its lower end to the bottom connection construct 144. While the bottom connection construct 144 is shown in the example illustrated in Figs. 12-14 to be formed of interconnected rigid beams 143, it is to be understood that such a construct 144 can be implemented in any other manner that forms a frame or support construct attached to, or at least in direct contact with, a lower portion of the filtration system 100, such as by being implemented as one or more plates. In some examples, the bottom plate 140 can serve as a bottom connection construct 144. In some examples, the top plate 138 can includes apertures or openings through which release valve 134 can extend, as shown in Figs. 12-13. id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132"
[0132]In some examples, the filtration system 100 includes branched inner rings 192 instead of, or in addition to, branched outer rings 190. Each branched inner ring 192 can be disposed inside a corresponding modular filtering assembly, such as at the bottom around the corresponding filtering assembly outlet 170, as shown in Fig. 14. In such implementations, as further shown in Fig. 14, each base adaptor 162 can include a base bore 196 passing therethrough, through which a cleaning branch 188 (not shown in Fig. 14 for clarity) can extend to connect the cleaning manifold 186 to the corresponding branched inner ring 192 disposed inside the filtering assembly 102. Similar to branched outer rings 190, branched inner rings 1can be configured to release air through their cleaning release apertures 194, resulting in 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ bubbles floating toward the screen meshes 124, such as cleaning bubbles 42 illustrated in Figs. 39-40C. While Fig. 14 illustrates one example of a filtration system 100 equipped both with branched outer rings 190 and branched inner rings 192, it is to be understood that in other implementations, a filtration system 100 can include branched outer rings 190 without branched inner rings 192, can includes branched inner rings 192 without branched outer rings 190, or can be devoid of any branched outer or inner rings. id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133"
[0133]Fig. 15A is a perspective view of another example of a columnar filtration system 1that includes another optional arrangement, shown to include eight modular filtering assemblies 102 of filtering assemblies fluidly connected to a common intake manifold 154. Fig. 15B shows the columnar filtration system 100 of Fig. 15A with the top plate 138 removed from view. In some examples, a columnar filtration system 100 can further include one or more attachment constructs, such as eyelets 137, extending upward above the level of the column caps 128. Such eyelets 137 can be utilized for coupling a columnar filtration system 100 via chains, ropes, cables and the like, to cranes or other systems that can be utilized to move or transport the columnar filtration system 100, for example when submerging the columnar filtration system 100 within the water source, or extracting it from the water source. id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134"
[0134]The one or more eyelets 137 can be integrally formed with, or coupled to, the top plate 138. Alternatively, the eyelet 137 can be coupled to a portion of the vertical transmission member 139, for example extending through a corresponding opening in the top plate. While an eyelet 137 is illustrated in Fig. 15A, it is to be understood that other attachment constructs are contemplated, such as hooks and the like. id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135"
[0135]Fig. 16A is a perspective view of another example of a columnar filtration system 1that includes another optional arrangement, shown to include fourteen modular filtering assemblies 102 of filtering assemblies fluidly connected to a common intake manifold 154. Fig. 16B shows the columnar filtration system 100 of Fig. 16A with the top plate 138 removed from view. In some implementations, the total number of eyelets 137 matches the total number of vertical transmission members 139. The filtration system 100 of Figs 16A-16B is shown to include a plurality of vertical transmission members 139 (four vertical transmission members 139 are illustrated in Fig. 16B), and four eyelets 137 (four eyelets 137 are illustrated in Fig. 16A). As mentioned above, the eyelets 137 can be replaced by hooks or any other suitable type of attachment constructs. 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136"
[0136]Adjustment of gap Gp between the movable flow restrictor 176 and filtering assembly outlet 170 can be performed by removing the column cap of the respective filtering assembly, as demonstrated for filtering assembly 102g in Fig. 16B, and inserting the adjustment tool 2thereinto, engaging its rod engagement interface 204 with the appropriate engagement head 180 within filtering assembly 102g. The handle 208 can then be utilized to rotate the adjustment tool 200 until a desired gap Gp is reached, after which the adjustment tool 200 can be removed and the column cap 128 can be reattached. The handle 208 of the adjustment tool 200 can be provided in various forms, such as in the form of a wheel as illustrated in Fig. 10, speed or flex handle as shown in Fig. 16B, or any other type of handle. id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137"
[0137]In some implementations, the columnar filtration system 100 further comprises one or more sprinkler tube extending through each filtering assembly 102. Fig. 17A shows a sectional view of one exemplary filtering assembly tube 102 that includes a sprinkler tube 146 extending through its internal space 136. Fig. 17B shows an isolated view of the sprinkler tube 146 of Fig. 17A with the discrete filtering units 104 removed from view for clarity. A sprinkler tube 146 comprises a plurality of nozzles 148 residing within internal space 136, configured to spray water toward the screen mesh 124 from the inside. The sprinkler tube 146 can be attached to, or otherwise fluidly connected to, a cleaning feed line which can provide cleaning liquid or gas, including cleaning water, through the sprinkler tube 146, toward one or more nozzles 148. id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138"
[0138]A sprinkler tube 146 can be either a rotationally movable sprinkler tube or a stationary sprinkler tube. Figs. 17A-17B show one example of a rotationally movable sprinkler tube 1configured to rotate around its longitudinal axis, to rotate the nozzles 148 toward varying portions of the screen mesh 124. In the example illustrated in Fig. 17B, the sprinkler tube 1is shown to include two offsetting spray arms 145, both aligned with each other at the same height along the sprinkler tube 146, each extending radially away from the sprinkler tube 1in an opposite direction, and then bent (for example, at a right angle to the radial direction) to terminate with a respective spray opening 147, such that both spray openings 147a and 147b are facing opposite directions. When water (or any other appropriate fluid) flows through the openings 147, This arrangement of the offsetting spray arms 145a and 145b serves to rotate the sprinkler tube 146 around its longitudinal axis. id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139"
[0139]While offsetting spray arms 145a, 145b are shown in the illustrated example to extend from a bottom end portion of the sprinkler tube 146, it is to be understood that in other examples, the offsetting spray arms 145a, 145b can extend from any other portion along the IL 292074/ length of the sprinkler tube 146, and that more than one pair of spray arms 145 can extend from any single sprinkler tube 146. Moreover, it is to be understood that other mechanisms for facilitating rotation of the sprinkler tube 146 can be implemented, including motor-driver mechanisms. id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140"
[0140]Another example of a filtering assembly 102 through which stationary sprinkler tubes 146 extend is illustrated in Fig. 18. Since stationary sprinkler tubes 146 are not meant to rotate, it may be desirable in such implementations to provide more than one sprinkler tube 1extending through each filtering assembly, each directing its nozzles 148 at different portions of the screen mesh 124, as demonstrated in Fig. 18. While three sprinkler tubes 146a, 146b and 146c are illustrated in Fig. 18, it is to be understood that any other number is contemplated, such as one, two, or more than three. For example, a single sprinkler tube 146 can be provided with a plurality of nozzles disposed both along its length and circumference, to cover larger areas of the screen mesh 124. In some implementations, when a plurality of sprinkler tubes 1reside within the internal space 136 of one filtering assembly 102, a spray manifold 149 can fluidly interconnect the sprinkler tubes 146, as further shown in Fig. 18. In such an example, it can be sufficient to connect only one of the sprinkler tubes, such as sprinkler tube 146a in the illustrated example, to a feed line, while the other sprinkler tubes 146b and 146c are fed from the sprinkler tube 146a via the spray manifold 149. id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141"
[0141]In some cases, particularly when a filtration system 100 is placed in a relatively shallow water source, such that the water level 32 is lower than the column caps 128 for example, some screen apertures 126 can be exposed to flotsam at the level of the water source 32. In some implementations, the columnar filtration system 100 further comprises at least one buoyant circumferential protector 198, disposed around at least one of the filtering assemblies 102 and configured to float at the water level 32 when the water level 32 is lower than the columnar caps, for example. id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142"
[0142]Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of one exemplary filtering assembly 102 with a buoyant circumferential protector 198. Fig. 20 shows a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an upper portion of a filtering assembly 102 with a buoyant circumferential protector 198 disposed therearound. In the illustrated example, the buoyant circumferential protector 198 encircles the filtering assembly 102, such that a columnar filtration system 100 can be equipped with a plurality of buoyant circumferential protectors 198, wherein each buoyant circumferential protector 198 is disposed around one of the filtering assemblies 102.
IL 292074/ id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143"
[0143]The buoyant circumferential protector 198 has a buoyant protector inner surface 1facing the cage 114 and screen mesh 124. The buoyant protector inner surface 197 defines a buoyant protector inner diameter Db, which is greater than the cage outer diameter Dc defined by the cage outer surface 118, resulting in a lateral space Sp formed between the cage outer surface 118 and the buoyant protector inner surface 197, as shown in Fig. 20. The axial height Hb of the buoyant circumferential protector 198 (see Fig. 20) is preferably less than the height Ht of the discrete filtering unit 104 (see Fig. 21B), which is defined as the axial length between the unit lower end 106 and unit upper end 108. In some examples, the axial height Hb is less than half the height Ht. In some examples, the axial height Hb is less than one third of the height Ht. id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144"
[0144]The buoyant circumferential protector 198 is axially movable along the filtering assembly 102. Fig. 21A shows a first scenario in which the water level 32 is relatively low (or at least lower than column cap 128). Since the buoyant circumferential protector 198 is configured to float, it is disposed around the filtering assembly 102 at the water level 32, protecting the screen apertures 126 at the level of the water level 32 from flotsam, while enabling raw water to keep flowing into the same apertures 126 from below the lower edge of the buoyant circumferential protector 198 and through the lateral space Sp. When the water level changes, for examples due to high and low tides or due to evaporation of the water source, the buoyant circumferential protector 198 moves therealong, continuously protecting the filtering assembly 102 from surrounding flotsam. id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145"
[0145]As shown in Fig. 21B, when the water level 32 rises or is otherwise higher than the uppermost screen apertures 126, for example when the filtration system 100 is entirely submerged within the water source, the buoyant circumferential protector 198 moves to an uppermost position, preferably at which it does not block or otherwise interfere with flow into any of the screen apertures 126. The filtration system 100 can include stoppers or other elements that retain the buoyant circumferential protector 198. For example, the column cap 128 can be outwardly flanged beyond the diameter Db to serve as such a stopper, or the top plate 138 can similarly serve as an upper stopper. Alternatively, other stopper such as structural elements extending outwardly from upper portions of the filtering assemblies 102 can be implemented. While a single buoyant circumferential protector 198 configured to surround each separate filtering assembly is described, it is to be understood that in alternative IL 292074/ implementations, a buoyant circumferential protector can be provided with an inner diameter configured to surround the entire filtration system 100 (example not illustrated). id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146"
[0146]Fig. 22 shows another example of an isolated filtering assembly 102 that includes another form of a cage 114, with one such cage shown in isolation in Fig. 23 (screen mesh 1is not shown for clarity). As described above, the cage openings 116 can be provided in different shapes, including the rectangular shape illustrated in Figs. 22-23, for which the size and area have been described above. The rectangular cage openings 116 are shown in the illustrated example to be significantly larger, compared for example with the cage openings illustrated throughout Figs. 1-19B. This can be advantageous in implementation in which the cage 114 mainly serves to provide structural support, without pre-filtration functionalities (but can still block very large debris, such as large leaves or branches), in that this configuration can provide a greater total area through which the raw water can flow toward the screen mesh. id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147"
[0147]Figs. 24-25 show another exemplary configuration of a columnar filtration system 300, which can be structurally similar to and function in a similar manner to columnar filtration system 100, except for including a different type of filtering units 304. For example, columnar filtration system 300 includes a plurality of filtering assemblies 302 fluidly connected to a common intake manifold 354, wherein each filtering assembly 302 includes at least one filtering unit 304. In some examples, the filtering assemblies are implemented as modular filtering assemblies 302, each including a plurality of interconnected discrete filtering units 304, coupled to each other directly or via one or more intermediate unit connector(s). Similar to filtering units 104, each filtering unit 304 extends between a unit lower end 306 that includes a unit lower connections interface 308 and a unit upper end 310 that includes a unit upper connection interface 312, which can be implemented in a similar manner described above for connection interfaces 108 and 112. id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148"
[0148]The lowermost filtering unit 304 is attached via its unit lower connection interface 308, directly or indirectly, to a corresponding manifold branch 356, optionally via an intermediate base adaptor 362 (not shown but may be similar to base adaptor 162 described above). The uppermost filtering unit 304 can be attached via unit upper connection interface 312 to a column cap 328, which is not illustrated but can be similar to column cap 128 described above, and can include a release valve 334 (also removed from view).
IL 292074/ id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149"
[0149]The columnar filtration system 300 can further include a cleaning pipe 384 with a cleaning manifold 386, having a plurality of cleaning branches 388 extending therefrom to branched rings. While branched outer rings 390 are shown in the illustrated example, it is to be understood that branched inner rings 392 can be includes in the same manner described above for any of the branched inner rings 192 or branched outer rings 190. While not illustrated in Fig. 25, it is to be understood that each filtering assembly 302 can include a movable flow restrictor 376, which can be structurally and functionally similar to movable flow restrictor 1described above, and can be regulated or adjusted by utilizing adjustment tool 200 in a similar manner. id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150"
[0150]As mentioned above, the main difference between filtration system 300 and filtration system 100 relates to the type of filtering unit 304, which is implemented in columnar filtration system 300 with a plurality of filtering pockets 316. Fig. 26 shows a perspective view of one example of a filtering unit 304 provided with a plurality of filtering pockets 316 disposed around a tubular body 314. Fig 27 shows a perspective view of an exemplary tubular body 3of the type illustrated in Fig. 26. Fig. 28 shows a perspective view of an exemplary filtering pocket 316. Fig. 29 shows the filtering pocket 316 of Fig. 28 with the screen mesh 324 removed from view for clarity. Fig. 30 shows another optional implementation of a filtering pocket 316. Figs. 26-30 are described herein together. id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151"
[0151]Tubular body 314 extends between unit lower end 306 and unit upper end 310, and defines a lumen enclosed thereby, which in turn defines at least a portion of the internal space 336 of the corresponding filtering assembly 302. The tubular body 314 further includes a plurality of tube side openings 315 formed through a thickness of its wall, disposed circumferentially around the tubular body 314. id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152"
[0152]The term "circumferentially", as used herein with respect to any element, refers to a direction around the perimeter of the corresponding element, defined around its centerline. For example, when referring to the tubular body 314, the term "circumferentially" mean along a perimeter of the tubular body defined around its centerline. While cylindrical tubular bodies 314, cylindrical cages 114, cylindrical screen meshes 124, and circular branched outer and inner rings are illustrated in the examples, defining a substantially circular perimeter around their respective centerlines, it is to be understood that any other shape is contemplated for any such element, including shapes defining square-shaped, elliptic, triangular, or any other polygonal or curved perimeters.
IL 292074/ id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153"
[0153]The term "angular position", as used herein, refers to a different position along the circumference of the tubular body, for example at a specific cross-section thereof. The term "axial position" refers to a position along a centerline. The term "angularly aligned", as used herein, refers to being disposed at different angular positions, but aligned with each other at the same axial position. The term "axially aligned", as used herein, refers to being disposed at different axial positions, but aligned with each other at the same angular position. id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154"
[0154]The tubular body 314 includes a plurality of tube side openings 315, which can be disposed circumferentially therearound, along a cross-section defined in at least one axial position of the tubular body 314. In some examples, the tubular body include a plurality of tube side openings 315 spaced from each other at different axial positions, optionally at the same angular position. The tube side openings 315 which are disposed at different angular positions in any axial position of the tubular body 314, can be equally or unequally spaced from each other. id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155"
[0155]While all of the tube side openings 315 are shown to be both circumferentially aligned with each other at any axial position, and axially aligned with each other at any angular position, it is to be understood that in other examples, at least some of the tube side openings can be circumferentially and/or axially offset from each other. id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156"
[0156]Each filtering unit 304 includes a plurality of filtering pockets 316, coupled to the tubular body 314, such that the plurality of the filtering pockets 316 are circumferentially disposed around the tubular body 314, each filtering pockets 316 extending along at least a portion of the length of the tubular body 314, between the unit lower end 306 and the unit upper end 310. id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157"
[0157]The filtering pocket 316 further includes at least one pocket opening 321 at an inner end thereof (the end closest to the tubular body 314), which is in fluid communication with a respective tube side opening 315 when the filtering pocket 316 is coupled to the tubular body 314. In some cases, a filtering pocket 316 can include a plurality of pocket openings 321 axially aligned with each other. When a plurality of pocket openings 321 are provided for each filtering pocket 316, they are coupled to, and are in fluid communication with, a corresponding row of axially-aligned tube side opening 315, resulting in the pocket lumens 322 (defined below) of all filtering pockets 316 being in fluid communication with the internal space 336 of the IL 292074/ corresponding filtering assembly 302. The number of pocket openings 321 of the filtering pockets 316 corresponds to the number of tube side openings 315. id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158"
[0158]Each filtering pocket 316 can include a pocket support frame 317 that defines at least one frame window 319, wherein, as shown in Fig. 28 for example, a screen mesh 324 extends over the at least one frame window 319, covering it along both lateral sides of the window, enclosing a pocket lumen 322 therein. In some implementations, the support frame 317 can include one or more intermediate ribs 318. A plurality of intermediate ribs 318 can be provided, axially spaced from each other. The intermediate rib(s) 318 can define a plurality of frame windows 319. id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159"
[0159]In the specific example illustrated in Figs. 28 and 29, a filtering pocket 316 is shown to include two intermediate ribs 318 defining a total of three frame windows 319, wherein each frame window 319 comprises screen mesh 324 disposed along its lateral sides, defining a pocket lumen 322 therein. A filtering pocket 316 can include a plurality of lumen-portions corresponding in number to the number of frame windows 319, the plurality of lumen-portions together defining the total pocket lumen 322 of the filtering pocket 316. id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160"
[0160]When provided with a plurality of frame windows 319, the intermediate ribs 318 can be structured in a manner that enables fluid communication between the lumen-portions, such that the plurality of lumen-portions can define a substantially continuous pocket lumen 322. Alternatively, the intermediate ribs 318 can extend along the entire pocket width in a manner that prevents fluid flow between adjacent lumen-portions of the same elongated filtering pocket 316, in which case, each lumen-portion of each frame window 319 will be in fluid communication with at least one respective pocket opening 321. id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161"
[0161]Fig. 30 shows another example of a filtering pocket 316, which can be similar to the filtering pocket 316 illustrated in Figs. 28-29, except that the pocket support frame 317 includes five intermediate ribs 318, defining a total of six frame windows 319. It is to be understood that any other number of intermediate ribs 318 and resulting frame windows 319 is contemplated, including a single intermediate rib 318 defining two frame windows 319, as well as no intermediate rib, resulting in a single frame window 319. id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162"
[0162]Screen mesh 324 can be similar in structure and function to any example described above for screen mesh 124, and can include screen apertures 326 shaped and sized according to any example described with respect to screen apertures 126.
IL 292074/ id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163"
[0163]In some implementations, the filtering pockets 316 are coupled to the tubular body 3via connection ports 320, corresponding in number to the number of the pocket openings 3and/or the number of tube side openings 315. Each connection port 320 is coupled to, and optionally extends through, a corresponding pocket opening 321, and is coupled to, and optionally extends through, a corresponding tube side opening 315, such that each connection port 320 maintains a fluid communication between the corresponding pocket lumen 322 and the internal space 336. id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164"
[0164]In some implementations, the connection ports 320 are integrally formed with, or affixed to, the tubular body 314, extending radially from the tube side openings 315. In such implementations, the pocket openings 321 can be configured to slide over the connection ports 320, forming a sealed connection therewith. Various attachment mechanisms can be adapted between the pocket openings 321 and connection ports 320, such as snap-fit attachment, press-fit, and the like. id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165"
[0165]In some implementations, the connection ports 320 are integrally formed with, or affixed to, elongated filtering pockets 316, extending radially from the pocket openings 321, as shown in the exemplary illustration of Fig. 29. In such implementations, the connection ports 320 can be configured to slide into the tube side openings 315, forming a sealed connection therewith. Various attachment mechanisms can be adapted between the connection ports 3and tube side openings 315, such as snap-fit attachment, press-fit, and the like. id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166"
[0166]In some implementations, the connection ports 320 are provided as separate components connectable on one end thereof to the pocket openings 321, and on their opposite end to the tube side openings 315. For example, a tubular body can be provided with a plurality tube side openings 315, as shown in Fig. 27, and the filtering pockets 316 can be provided with a plurality of pocket openings 321, as shown in Figs. 28 or 30, with connection ports 320 that can be attached at both ends to the tube side openings 315 and the pocket openings 321. The connection ports 320 can be provided with different attachment mechanism on each end, for example – with a threading on one end, and a snap-fit or press-fit mechanism of the opposite end. id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167"
[0167]While the filtering pockets 316 are illustrated throughout the drawings to axially extend in a relatively linear manner along the length of the tubular body 314, for example in parallel to its centerline, it is to be understood that such an orientation is shown by way of illustration IL 292074/ and not limitation, and that any other orientation of the plurality of filtering pockets 316 around the tubular body 314 is contemplated. For example, the filtering pockets can helically extend around the tubular body (not shown). In another example, the filtering pockets can circumferentially extend around the tubular body, such that each filtering pocket completely or partially circumscribes the tubular body (for example, around its centerline at a specific axial position). id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168"
[0168]In some implementations, a columnar filtration system 100, 300 can include one or more vibrations generating device(s), which can be provided in the form of fluid-powered vibration generators 400 or vibration motors 94. Fluid powered vibration generators 400, also termed "vibration generators" for short herein, can generate vibrations that form underwater currents 40, which can advantageously repel larger debris from filtering assemblies 102, 302, thereby reducing the likelihood of clogging screen apertures 126 or 326 of screen meshes 1or 324, respectively. Fig. 31 is a sectional view in perspective of one non-binding example of a vibration generator 400 that can be coupled to a component of filtration system 100, 300, or positioned in the vicinity of, and optionally spaced away from, one or more filtering assemblies 102, 302. id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169"
[0169]The vibration generator 400 can define an outer surface 416 between its upper and lower ends, and comprises a rollable weight member 418 that can roll along an endless channel 420. The channel 420 defines an endless path along which the rollable weight member 418, 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 420 can be defined along a substantially horizontal plane within the vibration generator 400, disposed radially inward relative to the outer surface 416, for example. The term "endless", with reference to channel 420, 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-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170"
[0170]The vibration generator 400 further comprises at least one inflow opening 425 through which a working fluid, such as water, can flow into the vibration generator and toward the endless channel 420. In some examples, an inflow port 426 can extend from the inflow opening 425, generally away from the outer surface 416. The inflow port 426 can be in the form of a tubular or otherwise formed extension, configured to engage with a conduit 402 such as a tube IL 292074/ or a hose, through which working fluid, supplied by a feed line 492, can be supplied to the vibration generator 400. id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171"
[0171]The vibration generator 400 further includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, inclined channels 450, each extending from an inclined channel inlet opening 452, which is closer to the inflow opening 425, and an inclined channel outlet opening 454 exposed to the endless channel 420. The vibration generator 400 further includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, discharge openings 458 exposed to the endless channel 420, wherein the discharge openings 458 are distal to (i.e., downward from) the inclined channel outlet openings 454. It is to be understood that the plural use of the term "discharge openings 458" is not meant to be limiting, and may similarly refer to a single discharge opening 458, unless stated otherwise for specific implementations. For example, a single discharge opening 458 is illustrated for the exemplary vibration generator 400 of Fig. 31, while a plurality of discharge openings 458 can be present in other implementations of a vibration generator 400. id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172"
[0172]The inclined channel inlet openings 452 are also circumferentially offset from the respective inclined channel outlet opening 454. The term "circumferential", with respect specifically to the orientation of inclines channels 450, refers to a direction along the path of endless channel 420, circumscribing the central axis of the vibration generator. In some examples, the inclined channel inlet openings 452 can be positioned radially outward (i.e., farther away from the central axis) from the respective inclined channel outlet opening 454. id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173"
[0173]A plurality of inclined channels 450 can be circumferentially disposed around the main axis, spaced from each other. The inclined channels 450 can be equally or unequally spaced from each other. Fig. 24 illustrate an exemplary implementation of a vibration generator 4that can include an inflow port 426 extending generally in an axial or vertical direction, which is in fluid communication with a plurality of inclined channels 450 extending in the axial and circumferential directions, resulting in helically-formed inclined channels 450, each forming a portion of a helix defined around the central axis of the vibration generator. id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174"
[0174]In some examples, discharge ports 462 can extend axially from the discharge openings 458. It is to be understood that the plural use of the term "discharge ports 462" is not meant to be limiting, and may similarly refer to a single discharge port 462. The exemplary vibration generator 400 illustrated in Fig. 31 shows a single annular discharge opening 458 at the bottom of the endless channel 420, with a similarly shaped single discharge port 462 extending IL 292074/ downwards therefrom. Other implementations of a vibration generator can include a plurality of discharge ports 462. id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175"
[0175]The vibration generator 400 can further include, in some examples, at least one, and preferably a plurality of, outflow ports 434, in fluid communication with the discharge openings 458, optionally via discharge ports 462, wherein the outflow ports 434 can terminate with openings defined along a distal portion of the outer surface 416. It is to be understood that the plural use of the term "outflow ports 434" is not meant to be limiting, and may similarly refer to a single outflow port 434. The exemplary vibration generator 400 illustrated in Fig. shows a plurality of outflow ports 434 extending downward from, and in fluid communication with, the annular discharge port 462. id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176"
[0176]In use, working fluid can be streamed through a conduit 402, which can be part of or connected to a feed line 492 which, in turn, can be connected at an opposite end thereof to a pump (not shown), into the inflow opening 425, optionally via inflow port 426. For an inflow opening 425 positioned at the upper end of the vibration generator, optionally having an upwardly-oriented inflow port 426, as in the example illustrated in Fig. 24, the working fluid will flow in a downward direction 20 through the inflow opening 425 toward the inclined channels 450. id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177"
[0177]The working fluid enters through the inclined channel inlet openings 452, forced to flow through the inclined channels 450 in a circumferentially inclined direction 22 (following the orientation of the inclined channels 450), causing the working fluid to be discharged through the inclined channel outlet openings 454 into the endless channel 420 at angles that impinge against the rollable weight member 418, causing it to roll within the endless channel 420, as the working fluid is then discharged from the endless channel 420 through the one or more discharge openings 458, optionally via discharge ports 462 and/or outflow ports 434, out of the vibration generator. The direction of discharged fluid is dictated by the orientation of the outflow ports 434 and/or the discharge ports 462, which can be a downward direction 20 for outflow ports 434 and/or the discharge ports 462 extending vertically. The working fluid can be any suitable fluid, including liquid (e.g., water), gas or air. id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178"
[0178]As the rollable weight member 418 rolls within the endless channel 420 in a circumferential direction 26, it shifts the center of mass of the vibration generator 400, causing it to wobble or vibrate. When attached to another components of a filtration system 100 or 300, IL 292074/ it can facilitate vibrational movements of the filtering assemblies 102, 302, in a manner that results in the formation of currents 40 progressing away from the filtering assemblies 102, 302. When disposed in the vicinity of one or more filtering assemblies 102, 302, for example – spaced away from one or more filtering units 104, 304, it can vibrate in a manner that results in the formation of currents progressing away from its outer face 416 and toward the screen meshes 124, 324 of the filtration systems 100, 300. id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179"
[0179]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 450; the design of the endless channel 420, the design of the discharge openings 458, discharge ports 462 and/or the outflow ports 434; and any combination thereof. id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180"
[0180]The columnar filtration system 300 illustrated in Figs. 24-25 is shown to include a top plate 338 interconnected to bottom connection construct 344 via vertical transmission member 339, in a similar manner described above with respect to these elements in filtration system 100. When a vibrations generating device(s), such as a fluid-powered vibration generator 4or vibration motor 94, is coupled to a top plate, vibration movement thereof causes the top-plate 338 to vibrate therewith. Since the bottom connection construct 344 is rigidly connected to the top plate 338 via vertical transmission member 339, the vibrations of the top plate 3can be further transmitted, through vertical transmission member 339, to the bottom connection construct 344, such that the combined vibrations of the top plate 338 and the bottom connection construct 344 can effectively facilitate vibrational movements of the modular filtering assemblies 302, generating currents 40 that propagate away from their screen meshes 324. id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181"
[0181]Fig. 32A shows one example of a columnar filtration system 300 with a vibration motor attached to its top plate 338. The vibration motor 94 can be implemented, in some examples, as an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor. While a vibration motor 94 is shown in the illustrated example, it is to be understood that other type of vibrations generating device, such as a fluid-powered vibration generator 400, can be coupled to the top plate 338. id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182"
[0182]Fig. 32A further illustrates three vibration generators 400a, 400b and 400c disposed next to the filtering assemblies 302, each at a different spatial position, spatially spaced from the filtering units 304, without being rigidly attached, directly or indirectly, to any filtering assembly 302. A feed line 492 can extend from a remote pump (not shown) to deliver the IL 292074/ working fluid into the vibration generators 400. The feed line 492 can be in fluid communication with the conduits 402, such as by being coupled or branched into one or more conduits 402, or by being integral with a conduit 402 (such that feed line 492 and a conduit 402 can optionally be parts of a single unitary component). In the illustrated example, the feed line 492 is shown to be branched into a conduit 402a attached to vibration generator 400a (such as to an inflow port 426a thereof), and into conduits 402b and 402c, attached to vibration generators 400b and 400c (such as to inflow ports 426b and 426c), respectively. id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183"
[0183]It is to be understood that this specific combination of one vibrations generating device, such as vibration motor 94, coupled to the top plate, along with three additional vibration generators disposed around the filtering assemblies, while possible, is shown mainly for illustrative purposes, and that a filtration system can include any other arrangement, such as, but not limited to: (a) a single vibration motor 94 or vibration generator 400 coupled to (including being rigidly attached to) the top plate (or any other components which is directly or indirectly attached to the filtering assemblies), without any vibration generators that are not coupled (directly or indirectly) to the filtering assemblies; (b) a plurality of vibrations generating devices 94 or 400, each coupled to a different portion of the filtration system, without any vibration generators that are not coupled (directly or indirectly) to the filtering assemblies; (c) a single vibration generator 400 spatially spaced from a filtering assembly of the filtration system without being rigidly connected thereto, without any vibration generators or vibration motors that are coupled (directly or indirectly) to the filtering assemblies; (d) a plurality of vibration generators 400 disposed around the filtering assemblies, each spatially spaced from a filtering assembly of the filtration system without being rigidly connected thereto, without any vibration generators or vibration motors that are coupled (directly or indirectly) to the filtering assemblies; (e) one or more vibration generator(s) 400 disposed within the internal space of one or more filtering assemblies; and (f) any combination of one or more vibration generator(s) 400 or vibration motor(s) 94 coupled to portions of the filtration system, and one or more vibration generator(s) 400 disposed around the filtration system, spatially spaced from a filtering assembly of the filtration system without being rigidly connected thereto. id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184"
[0184]In use, as further exemplified in Fig. 32A, when working fluid is supplied, through the conduits 402a, 402b and 402c, into vibration generators 400a, 400b and 400c, respectively, water currents 40 travel radially away from their outer surfaces (416). The amplitudes of the IL 292074/ water currents and frequencies at which they are generated are dictated by the design parameters of the vibration generators 400 and the flow rate of working fluid thereinto. As shown, at least a portion of the currents 40 travel toward the screen meshes 324. Each vibration generator 400 is preferably positioned relative to the one or more filtering units 304, in a manner that the water currents 40 generated thereby will propagate toward the one or more screen meshes 324 at amplitudes and frequencies that can achieve the desired effect of repelling undesired debris and particulates away from the screen meshes 324. id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185"
[0185]While three vibration generators 400a, 400b and 400c are shown to be disposed at different depths and different circumferential positions around the columnar filtration system 300 in the illustrated examples, it is to be understood that any other arrangement is contemplated, including vibration generators 400 that can be circumferentially aligned with each other, disposed vertically over each other at different depths within the water source, or such as vibration generators 400 that can be circumferentially spaced from each other, yet aligned together at the same depth within the water source 30. id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186"
[0186]Fig. 32B shows another exemplary configuration of a vibration generator, such as a fluid-powered vibration generator 400, disposed within the internal space 136 of the filtering assembly 102, such that some or all of the filtering assemblies of a filtration system can include one or more vibration generator(s) disposed therein. As shown, a vibration generator 4disposed within the internal space 136 of a filtering assembly 102 can create water currents directed radially outward, toward the screen mesh 124. id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187"
[0187]In the case of a fluid-powered vibration generator 400, the conduit 402 can extend through the column cap 128, for example passing through central cap opening 132. In some implementations, the conduit 402 can be made of a relatively rigid material (for example, a rigid metallic or polymeric tube), such that vibrational movements of the fluid-powered vibration generator 400 can be transmitted to a component in direct contact therewith, such as column cap 128, and to the rest of the components of the filtering assembly 102, facilitating further vibrational movement of the filtering units 104 and their screen meshes 124 as well. Furthermore, since one filtering assembly 102 can be interconnected to other filtering assemblies 102 of the filtration system 100, such as via the intake manifold 154, top plate 138, and/or connection construct 144, thereby further transmitting vibrational movements to additional filtering assemblies as well.
IL 292074/ id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188"
[0188]While vibration generating devices 400 are illustrated in various arrangements combined with a filtering assembly 300 in Fig. 30A, and with a filtering assembly 102 of a filtration system 100 in Fig. 30B, it is to be understood that any of these arrangements can be similarly used in combination with other types of filtration systems 100 and 300 disclosed herein. id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189"
[0189]In some examples, a filtration system can include one or more float, to which the filtering assemblies can be coupled, directly or indirectly. Filtration system 300 is illustrated in Fig. 32A to include a float 80. Components of the filtration system 300, such as the top plate 338 in the illustrated example, can be coupled to the float 80 via one or more connectors 64, such as cables, chains, and the like. The float 80 is configured to maintain the filtering assemblies at a relatively defined or desired depth, relative to the water level 32 (as shown in Figs. 33-34). id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190"
[0190]In some examples, a filtration system can include one or more anchor or weight, to which the filtering assemblies can be coupled, directly or indirectly. Filtration system 300 is illustrated in Fig. 32A to include one anchor or weight 90. Components of the filtration system 300, such as the intake manifold 354 in the illustrated example, can be coupled to the anchor via one or more connectors 64, such as cables, chains, and the like. The anchor 90 is configured to counter the float 80 (if provided), and to pull the filtration system 300 toward the water source bed 34 (as shown in Figs. 33-34). id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191"
[0191]Fig. 36A shows another example of a filtering assembly 102, which includes a stirrer 230 disposed therein. The stirrer 230 can include an elongated axle 232 disposed within the internal space 136 of the filtering assembly 102, optionally concentrically therewith (i.e., extending along a centerline of the internal space 136), and can be rotatably coupled to the column cap 128 at an upper end thereof, such as to its cap central opening 132, optionally by an appropriate bearing. The stirrer 230 can be similarly coupled, and more specifically, rotatably coupled, at the lower end of the axle 232, to a component of the filtrations system, such as a base adaptor 162, a filtering unit 104, or a manifold branch 156, also optionally by an appropriate bearing. The stirrer 230 further includes a driving impeller 234 with angular vanes 235 rigidly connected to a lower end of the axle 232, opposite to the column cap 128. The driving impeller 234 can be positioned at or below the level of the filtering assembly outlet 170, or at or below the level of the branch inflow opening 160.
IL 292074/ id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192"
[0192]When water flows from the internal space 136 of the filtering assembly 102 toward and into the intake pipe 150 (optionally via manifold branch 156), the water impinge against the vanes 235 causing the driving impeller 234, and the axle 232 attached thereto, to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the axle 232. The stirrer 230 further includes a plurality of paddles 2extending laterally from the axle 232, shaped and sized to stir the surrounding liquid within internal space 136 during rotational movement thereof. In one example, illustrated in Fig. 36A, the paddles 238 are shown to be formed by radially extending arms 240 which can be grouped to form a plurality of arm groups 241, such as the four arm groups 241 axially spaced from each other at different heights along the axle 232, each group 241 comprising a plurality of radially extending arms 240, such as the three arms 240 in the illustrated example, oriented radially away from the axle 232 in different directions, forming groups of paddles 238. It is to be understood that other arrangements of radially extending arms 240, arms groups 241, as well as paddles 238 that can be defined thereby, are contemplated. As the paddles 238 are rotated during suction of filtered liquid, such as filtered water, into the intake pipe 150, they create eddies and water currents that can advantageously assist in preventing debris and other particulates from sticking to the screen mesh 124. id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193"
[0193]Fig. 36B shows another example of a stirrer 230 extending through a filtering assembly 102. The paddles 238 are shown to be formed in this example by longitudinal bars 242 attached to the radially extending arms 240. The longitudinal bars 242 can be parallel to axle 232, as in the illustrated example, or can be angled. While several bars 242 are shown to be circumferentially spaced from each other around the axle 232, each bar 242 connected to all arms 240 along almost the entire length of axle 232, other arrangements are contemplated, such as a plurality of bars that can be axially spaced from each other at the same angular position, each attached to only some of the radially extending arms. id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194"
[0194]In some examples, as further shown in Fig. 26B, the stirrer 230 can include an additional lifting impeller 236 attached to the axle 232 at an upper end portion thereof, opposite to the driving impeller 234. For example, the lifting impeller 236 can be closer to the column cap 128, while the driving impeller 234 can be closer to the filtering assembly outlet 170. The vanes 237 of the lifting impeller 236 are oppositely angled to the vanes 235 of the driving impeller 234. Thus, while the driving impeller 234 is configured to impart rotational movement of the axle 232 and the paddles 238 extending therefrom, the lifting impeller 236 with the oppositely directed vanes 237 is configured to impart a lifting force on the stirrer 230, serving IL 292074/ to lift the stirrer 230 to some extent upward, thereby relieving some of the frictional forces acting on the bearing supporting the bottom end of the stirrer 230, advantageously improving long term durability thereof. id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195"
[0195]Fig. 36C shows another example of a stirrer 230 extending through a filtering assembly 102. As shown, in some implementations, the stirrer 230 can include stirrer float 244 attached to the axle 232 at an upper end portion thereof, opposite to the driving impeller 234. The stirrer float 244 can serve as an alternative to, or in addition to, the lifting stirrer, and is similarly configured to impart a lifting force on the stirrer 230, serving to lift the stirrer 230 to some extent upward, thereby relieving some of the frictional forces acting on the bearing supporting the bottom end of the stirrer 230, advantageously improving long term durability thereof. While paddles 238 formed with longitudinal bars 242 are illustrated in Figs. 36B and 26C in combination with a lifting impeller 236 and a stirrer float 244, respectively, it is to be understood that this is shown by way of illustration and not limitation, and that each of these components can be separately and independently present in a stirrer 230, and that any of the lifting impeller 236 and stirrer float 244 can be combined with any other type and arrangement of paddles. id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196"
[0196]Figs. 37-38B show another example of a movable flow restrictor 276 that can be utilized as an alternative to movable flow restrictor 176. Movable flow restrictor 276 can be situated within a base adaptor 262, which can be used as an alternative to base adaptor 162. Base adaptor 262 can include a base lower connection interface 264 and a base upper connection interface 266 in a similar manner described above with respect to base adaptor 162, and further include an intermediate flanged seat 268 therebetween, defining a seat opening 270 which is in fluid communication with the internal space 136 and filtering assembly outlet 170 of filtering assembly 102, and with branch inflow opening 160, when connected to both and as long as the seat opening 270 is not completely blocked by the movable flow restrictor 276. id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197"
[0197]Movable flow restrictor 276 includes a restrictor body 278 equipped with a plurality of restrictor ribs 282 extending through the seat opening 270. The restrictor body 278 includes a restrictor lower end 279 attached to the lower end of the restrictor ribs 282, disposed below the seat opening 270, and a restrictor upper connection interface 280 around an upper cup-shaped portion of the restrictor body 278, disposed above the seat opening 270. The movable flow restrictor 276 further comprises a restrictor adjustable cover 274, which can be shaped as a cup-shaped cover opposite to, and complementary to, the cup-shaped upper end of the restrictor IL 292074/ body 278, and include an adjustable cover connection interface 275 configured to connect with the restrictor upper connection interface 280, such as via threaded engagement shown in the illustrated example, though other types of adjustable engagement mechanisms are contemplated. id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198"
[0198]When the restrictor adjustable cover 274 is connected to the restrictor body 278, it traps a volume of air (or other compressible gas) hermetically sealed within an enclosed adjustable volume Vr defined therebetween. The restrictor adjustable cover 274 further includes an upper engagement portions, which can be shaped in the form of a restrictor nut 272, configured to be engaged by, and rotated by, and adjustment tool 200 in the same manner described above for nut 172, for example. id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199"
[0199]The restrictor ribs 281, which are longer than the seat opening 270 formed through the thickness of the intermediate flanged seat 268, define openings or restrictor windows 282 there-between. The portion of the restrictor windows 282 above the seat opening 270 are referred to as restrictor window upper portions 283, defining a height or upper gap Gu between the upper surface of the intermediate flanged seat 268 and the upper end of restrictor windows 282. Similarly, the portion of the restrictor windows 282 below the seat opening 270 are referred to as restrictor window lower portions 284, defining a height or lower gap Gl between the lower surface of the intermediate flanged seat 268 and the upper surface of the restrictor lower end 279. As long as the restrictor window upper portions 283 and restrictor window lower portions 284 are not blocked, water (or other fluid) can flow, during an operational filtering procedure of the filtration system 100, from the internal space 136 of the filtering assembly 102, through the restrictor window upper portions 283, via seat opening 270, and then through the restrictor window lower portions 284, into the intake pipe 150, optionally via manifold branch 160. id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200"
[0200]The height or position of the movable flow restrictor 276, relative to the base adaptor 262, dictates the magnitude of upper and lower gaps Gu and Gl, the lower of the two defining the gap which is the equivalent of gap Gp, restricting, in a similar manner, the flow through the flow velocity through the screen mesh 124 of the filtering assembly 102. Fig. 38A illustrates one optional state of the movable flow restrictor 276, positioned such that the upper gap Gu is substantially similar to the lower gap Gp, in which case, both define the gap Gp (such as Gu = Gl = Gp). This can result in a maximal flow velocity through the corresponding screen mesh 124.
IL 292074/ id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201"
[0201]An adjustment tool 200 can be utilized by engaging the rod engagement interface 2(which can be in the shape of a box-end wrench) with the restrictor nut 272, utilized as described above to axially move the restrictor adjustable cover 274 (for example, by screwing or unscrewing it) relative to the restrictor body 278. When such rotation is chosen to translate the restrictor adjustable cover 274 upwards, the enclosed adjustable volume Vr is increased. Increasing the volume Vr, for the same mass of air (or other compressible gas), will result in lowering its specific weight, thereby causing the entire flow restrictor 276 to move or float upwards, increasing the upper gap Gu and decreasing the lower gap Gl as shown in Fig. 38B. Now, the smaller of the two gaps, Gl, serves as a lower equivalent gap Gp, which restricts the flow therethrough and reduces flow velocity through the corresponding screen mesh 124. id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202"
[0202]While some elements are illustrated and described herein in combination with filtering assemblies 102 of filtration systems 100, it is to be understood that any such elements, such as intermediate unit connectors 250, stirrer 230, base adaptor 262 and/or movable flow restrictor 276, can be similarly used with any example of filtering assemblies 302 of filtration systems 100 disclosed herein. id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203"
[0203]In some implementations, as shown in Fig. 31, the filtration system 300 further includes an interconnection pipe section 351 in fluid communication with the intake manifold 354. When present, an interconnection pipe section 351 can serve to fluidly couple two or more filtration systems to each other, by extending an interconnecting line 60 between the interconnection pipe section 351 of one filtration system 300 and an intake pipe 350 of a subsequent filtration system 300. id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204"
[0204]It is to be understood that any exemplary implementation described with respect to columnar filtration system 100, which is not related to the structure of filtering units 104 that include cages 114 and screen meshes 124 attached thereto, can be similarly implemented in filtration system 300. Similarly, any exemplary implementation described with respect to columnar filtration system 300, which is not related to the structure of filtering units 304 that include filtering pockets 316, can be similarly implemented in filtration system 100. For example, while illustrated in combination with filtration system 300, it is to be understood that one or more vibrations generating devices, such as any vibration motor(s) 94 and/or any vibration generator(s) 400, as well as any of the float(s) 80, and/or weight(s) 90, can be utilized with any columnar filtration system 100, and that any columnar filtration system 100 can IL 292074/ further include an interconnection pipe section 151 (similar to interconnection pipe section 351) extending from its intake manifold 154, mutatis mutandis. id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205"
[0205]Fig. 33 illustrates an exemplary setup of a columnar filtration system, which can be any columnar filtration system 100 or 300, submerged in a water source 30, with a float 80 retained at the water source level 32, and a weight 90 anchored to the water source bed 34, maintaining the columnar filtration system therebetween. A suction line 52 can be connected, at its suction line outlet 56, to a pump 58 placed on shore 38, and extend therefrom into the water source 30, to connect at its suction line inlet 54 to the outlet 152, 352 of the intake pipe 150, 350. id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206"
[0206]Fig. 34 shows another exemplary setup which is similar to the setup shown in Fig. 26, except that it includes two columnar filtration system 100, 300 fluidly connected to each other. Specifically, while the suction line 52 is connected at its suction line inlet 54 to the outlet 152a, 352a of the intake pipe 150a, 350a of a first columnar filtration system 100a, 300a, an interconnecting line 60 extends between the interconnection pipe section 151a, 351a of the first columnar filtration system 100a, 300a and the intake pipe 150b, 350b of a second columnar filtration system 100b, 300b, to maintain fluid communication between intake manifolds 154a, 354a and 154b, 354b, respectively. Thus, a single pump 58 can be utilized to apply simultaneous suction force to both columnar filtration system. While two columnar filtration systems in fluid communication with each other are illustrated in Fig. 27, it is to be understood that additional columnar filtration systems can be serially added in a similar manner. id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207"
[0207]Figs. 39-40C show another exemplary filtering assembly 102 that includes a mechanism for facilitating vibrational movement thereof, based on a rotatable arm 288 that includes a cup 290 and a weight 296 configured to alternately hit against a support rot 286. As shown, a filtering assembly 102 of such a design includes an axially extending support rod 2disposed therein, such as within internal space 136. The support rod 286 can be affixed, at an end thereof, to a component of the filtering assembly 102, such as to a base adaptor 162 and/or to any filtering unit 104, and/or can be otherwise in contact with another components of the filtering assembly 102, such as at least one cage 114 and/or screen mesh 124. The support rod 286 can be positioned in close vicinity to, and in some instances, in direct contact with, the cage inner surfaces 118 and/or screen mesh 124. id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208"
[0208]A rotatable arm 288 is pivotably attached to the support rod 286 at hinge 294. The rotatable arm 288 can include a cup 290 at its end, opposite to the hinge 294. The cup 290 can 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ be shaped, in some example, as a semi-circular cup defining a downwardly facing concave surface 292, and optionally include a lower or downwardly facing cup opening 291. A weight 296 can be further attached to the rotatable arm 288, optionally extending downward, disposed between the hinge 294 and the cup 290. id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209"
[0209]The filtering assembly 102 can further include a biasing fluid release tube 193, configured to release a biasing fluid toward the cup 290, at least when the cup is in a first position, shown in Figs. 39 and 40A for example. The biasing fluid release tube 193 can be disposed inside a corresponding modular filtering assembly, such as at the bottom around the corresponding filtering assembly outlet 170. The biasing fluid release tube 193 can be present in addition to a branched inner ring 192, as shown in the illustrated example, or without branched inner and/or outer rings. In some implementations, the biasing fluid release tube 1can be coupled to and fed from the cleaning manifold 186, or to another manifold that can be similar to the cleaning manifold, designed to similarly deliver biasing fluid, which can be any suitable liquid, gas and/or air, therethrough. In some implementations, the cleaning fluid and the biasing fluid can be the same fluid, fed through the same manifold. In other implementations, the cleaning fluid and the biasing fluid can be different types of fluids, or they can be similar fluids, but each fed independently through a different manifold. id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210"
[0210]In some examples, the basing fluid release tube 193 can be implemented as a tubular ring that includes a plurality of upwardly facing biasing release apertures 195, as illustrated. When implemented as a tubular ring, it can have a shape similar to that illustrated for a branched inner ring 192, and can define a diameter which is less than that defined by a branched inner ring. In other implementations, the basing fluid release tube 193 can have other shapes, such as being formed as a vertically oriented host or tube open ended at its upper end (not shown). id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211"
[0211]When implemented as an air-release tube, the basing fluid release tube 193 is configured to release air through its biasing release apertures 195, resulting in biasing bubbles floating toward the cup 290. The release valves 134 can be utilized to release the air (or gas) bubbles 44 from the internal space 136. id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212"
[0212]The rotatable arm 288 is configured to move between a first position, which can be a lowermost position of the rotatable arm 288, and a second position, which can be a uppermost position of the rotatable arm 288. Figs. 40A-40B show sequential stages of the rotatable arm's 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ movement 288 as it moves from the first state to the second state. Fig. 40A shows the rotatable arm 288 in a first or lowermost state, in which the weight 296 abuts the support rod 286. In the absence of any other biasing force acting against the rotatable arms 288 and/or cup 290, the weight 296 serves to pull the rotatable arm 288 downward, to the first state. id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213"
[0213]Fig 40A shows the rotatable arm 288 in the first state, corresponding also to Fig. 39. In this state, the weight 296 is in contact with the support rod 286, which the cup 290 is distanced from the support rod 286. The biasing fluid release tube 193 is aligned with the cup 290, and more specifically, with the cup opening 291, such that when biasing fluid is released therefrom, such as from the biasing release aperture 195, the biasing fluid flow toward the cup 290 through cup opening 291. In the illustrated example, the biasing fluid is shown in the form of air bubbles flowing upward through the cup opening 291, to impinge against the inner concave surface 292. When the force of impingement is high enough, it may overcome the downwardly directed force of the weight 296, serving to push the cup 290 upward, thereby facilitating rotation of the rotatable arm 288 upward, as shown in Fig. 40B, until it reaches the second state, at which the cup 290 hits against the support rod 286. This hit facilitates vibrational movement of the support arm 288 and any component coupled thereto, directly or indirectly, so as to facilitate similar vibration of the screen mesh 124. id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214"
[0214]In this second or uppermost state, shown in Fig. 40C, the cup is in contact with the support rod 286, while the weight is spaced from the support rod 286. The orientation of the cup opening 292 in the second state can be designed to allow bubble 44 that may have been trapped in the cup 290 to be released therefrom. Since the cup opening 291 and the inner concave surface 292 are no longer fully aligned with the biasing fluid release tube 193 in the second state, the weight 296 is now free to pull the rotatable arm 299 back downward, until the weight 296 forcibly hits against support rod 286 upon reaching the first state. This hit serves to facilitate similar vibrational movement of the support arm 288 and any component coupled thereto, directly or indirectly, so as to facilitate similar vibration of the screen mesh 124. id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215"
[0215]After reaching the first state, the cup opening 291 is once against aligned with the biasing fluid release tube 193, such that as long as biasing fluid is released therefrom, the rotatable arm 288 can continuously alternate between the first and second states as described above, allowing the weight and the cup to hit against the support rod upon reaching each of the respective states, so as to facilitate ongoing vibration movement of the screen mesh 124. 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216"
[0216]While a semi-spherical cup 290 is illustrated, it is to be understood that in other implementations, the end portion of the rotatable arm 288 does not have to define a concave surface. For example, the rotatable arm can include a relatively flattened horizontal end-portion, configured to align with the biasing fluid release tube 193 in the first state. Moreover, it is to be understood that the support rod 286 does not have to be in the form of an elongated narrow rod, but can be provided in other shapes, such as a support plate (including, for example, a curved or concave plate), and the like. id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217"
[0217]While both the cup 290 and the weight 296 are described above to hit against the support rod 286, it is to be understood that in alternative implementations, only one of these components can be designed to actually contact with and hit against the support rod 286. For example, the cup 290 can be designed to hit against the support rod 286 in the second state, while the weight 296 can be spaced away from the support rod at all states thereof. In another example, the weight 296 can be designed to hit against the support rod 286 in the second state, while the cup can be spaced away from the support rod at all states thereof. While described and illustrated for use with a modular filtering assembly 102, it is to be understood that the same vibrational-movement facilitating mechanism, including a rotatable arms 288 pivotably coupled to a support rod 288, can be implemented with a filtering assembly 302, mutatis mutandis. id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218"
[0218]In some examples, an expansion chamber 50 can be added between the intake pipe 1and the pump 58, as illustrated in Fig. 41. The expansion chamber 50 can be disposed downstream from the intake manifold 154, such as by being fluidly connected on one end to a suction line 52 extending from the intake pipe outlet 152, and fluidly connected on the opposite end to a pump inlet like 62 extending toward the pipe 58, as illustrated in Fig. 41. The intake pipe 150 defines a minimal intake pipe diameter Di, which can be the diameter of the intake pipe outlet 152. The suction line 52 defines a minimal suction line diameter Dl, which can be measured at any point along its length if the suction line is provided with a uniform diameter. In some cases, the minimal intake pipe diameter Di can be similar to the minimal suction line diameter Dl. The pump inlet line 62, leading to the pipe, defines a pump inlet line diameter Dp, which can be, in some system designs, less than the suction line diameter Dl and/or less than the intake pipe diameter Di. id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219"
[0219]In the illustrated example, the expansion chamber 50 expands from its inflow end, at which it can be connected to the suction line 52, from the minimal suction line diameter Dl to 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ an expansion chamber diameter De, which is at least twice as great as the minimal suction line diameter Dl, and in some examples, at least three times as great as the minimal suction line diameter Dl. In other implementations, as shown for example in Fig. 44, the expansion chamber can be directly connected to the intake pipe 150, and expand from its inflow end, at which it is connected to the intake pipe 150, from the minimal intake pipe diameter Di to the expansion chamber diameter De, which can be at least twice as great as the minimal intake pipe diameter Di, and in some examples, at least three times as great as the minimal intake pipe diameter Di in such cases. id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220"
[0220]The expansion chamber 50 can include a gradually tapering inflow portion, expanding gradually radially outward from minimal intake pipe diameter Di or minimal suction line diameter Dl to expansion chamber diameter De, a main expanded portion having a uniform diameter De along a length Le, and a gradually tapering outflow portion, narrowing gradually radially inward from expansion chamber diameter De to an optionally narrower pump inlet line diameter Dp. In some examples, the length of expanded main portion Le is at least twice as great as the expansion chamber diameter De. id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221"
[0221]Utilization of an expansion chamber can advantageously allow initialization of the filtration system's performance, without the need for initial priming of the system, which might be otherwise required due to the narrower portion of the tubing leading to the pump. id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222"
[0222]In some examples, a filtration system configured to operate within a natural water source, such as sea water, includes an opaque cover disposed therearound, configured to limit the amount of light passing therethrough. Fig. 42A illustrates one example of an opaque cover, and Fig. 42B shows the opaque cover of Fig. 42A with partial transparency to expose the filtering assemblies 102 disposed therein. The opaque cover 70 includes a cover wall extending from a cover upper end 74 to a cover lower end 76. The cover upper end 74 can be at or above the level of the unit upper ends 110 of the uppermost filtering units 104 of the filtering assemblies 108, and the cover lower end 76 can be at or above the level of the unit lower ends 106 of the lowermost filtering units 104, such that the overall height of the opaque cover 70 can be equal to or greater than the height of the filtering assemblies 108. In some implementations, the cover upper end 74 can be at or above the top plate 138. In some implementations, the cover lower end 76 can be at or below the lower end of intake manifold 154. 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223"
[0223]The cover wall 72 can be made of any material which limits or prevent passage of light therethrough, such that light from around the filtration system 100 is blocked from illuminating the immediate vicinity of the filtering assemblies 102 and their screen mesh 124. In some examples, the opaque cover 70 further includes a cover top ceiling 78 at its upper end 74, which can be made of similar materials and configured to similarly limit or block light from above the filtration system 100. A minimal space or gap is kept at all times between the mesh 124 of the filtering assemblies 102 and the cover wall 72, to allow flow of raw water through this gap, through the screen mesh 124, into unit lumens 135. For example, raw water 36 can flow into this gap from below the cover lower end 74, toward and through the screen mesh 124, into the corresponding unit lumens 135. While a frustoconical opaque cover 70 is illustrated in Figs. 42A-42B, tapering from a wider cover lower end 76 to a narrower cover upper end 74, it is to be understood that any other shape is contemplated, including uniformly shaped opaque covers. id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224"
[0224]One of the major challenges related to filtrations systems submerged within natural water sources, concerns algae adherence to the filtering mesh or other filtering medium, which blocks the apertures through which water is drawn into the filter, and may require frequent maintenance procedures for removing these algae from the system. Algae, like most plants, thrive off sunshine, such that depriving them of light can prevent and/or eliminate their growth. The proposed opaque cover results in the filtering assemblies being disposed within a constantly dark space, thereby advantageously preventing or reducing the likelihood of algae adherence to the screen mesh 124, which eventually reduces costs associated with maintenance of the filtration system. id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225"
[0225]In some examples, a filtration system 100 is disposed within an intermediate container 502 configured to draw water from an external water source. Fig. 43A shows an exemplary filtration assemblage 500 that includes an intermediate container 502 and a filtration system 100 disposed therein. The intermediate container 502 can be in the form of an artificial container, such as a tank, a pool, and the like, which includes a container inlet 510 through which water, drawn from an external water source, such as a natural external eater source, can be drawn into the container. The container 502 includes a container floor 506 at its bottom, and a container wall 504 extending from the container floor 506 to the container upper end 508, which can be an open end as shown in Fig. 43A, and can be optionally covered by a container cap 518 as shown in Fig. 43B. 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226"
[0226]Water drawn from the external water source, which can be a sea, a lake, and the like, can flow into the container 502 through the container inlet 510 and fill its volume with raw water 36 up to a desired water level 32. The filtration system 100 can be submerged within the water 36 contained in the intermediate container 520. The size of the intermediate container 502 can be considerably greater than that of the filtration system 100. For example, when a filtration system 100 is disposed within an intermediate container 502, it can occupy less than 50% of its internal volume, less than 30% of its internal volume, or even less than 20% of its internal volume. id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227"
[0227]The intermediate container 502 can further include a container line opening 512 through which a flow line leading from the filtration system 100 to the pump 58 can extend. In some examples, the pump inlet line 62 extends through the container line opening 512. In some examples, the suction line 52 extends through the container line opening 512. In some examples, the intake pipe 150 extends through the container line opening 512. The component of the flow line extending through the container line opening 512, including any one of the pump inlet line 62, the suction line 52, and/or the intake pipe 150, is sealed around its perimeter to prevent raw water from spilling through any gaps that may otherwise form between such a component and the inner edges of the container line opening 512. id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228"
[0228]In some examples, when an expansion chamber 50 is added between the intake pipe 150 and the pump 58, the expansion chamber 50 can be disposed within the intermediate container 502, as illustrated, In alternative examples, an expansion chamber can be disposed out of the intermediate container 502. id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229"
[0229]While a container inlet opening 510 is shown to be formed through the thickness of the container wall 504 in the illustrated example, it is to be understood that in alternative implementations, raw water can be streamed into the container 502 from above (i.e., from the container upper end 508). While a container line opening 512 is shown to be formed through the thickness of the container wall 504 in the illustrated example, it is to be understood that in alternative implementations, a component of a flow line leading toward the pump 58, such as a suction line 52, can extend over an upper edge of the container upper end 508 instead of passing through its wall 504. Similarly, while the pump 58 is shown to be disposed outside the intermediate container 502, it is to be understood that in alternative implementations, the pump can be disposed inside the container 502. The pump can direct the filtered water further downstream to a target site, in the direction of arrows 28. 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230"
[0230]In some examples, the intermediate container 502 further includes a drain opening 514, configured to drain the water from the container 502 in a controlled manner, for example periodically or upon requirement. The drain 514 can be kept closed in normal use during normal operation of the filtration system 100. id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231"
[0231]A filtration system 100 can be submerged at a desired depth relative to the water level within the container 502 by one or more floats 80, which can be optionally coupled to another component of the system, such as a top plate, via one or more connectors 64. In some examples, the filtration system 100 can further include one or more cushions 92 attached to a lower end thereof, such as at or below the level of the lower end of the intake manifold 152. The cushions 92 can include an inflatable member or otherwise soft or non-abrasive materials, configured to reduce frictional or abrasive damage inflicted on the container floor 506. For example, the container floor 506 can be covered or coated with a lining or other suitable layer (e.g., linoleum), such that upon contacting the container floor 506, cushions 92 can reduce the damage of long-term wear inflicted thereon. id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232"
[0232]Utilization of an intermediate container 502 can be advantageous in disposing of larger debris and organisms that may be present in the water source. For example, a natural water source, such as the sea or a river, can include various bodies, such as leaves, small stones, branches, and the like, which even if unable to pass through the screen apertures 126, may inflict damage if continuously hitting against the screen mesh 124 or other components of the filtration system 100. An intermediate container 502 will draw water from such a natural water source, through the container inlet opening 510, in the direction of arrows 24. Larger and/or heavier bodies will either not be able to pass through the container inlet opening 510 if it is narrower than their size, or will tend to sink toward the container floor 506, allowing the filtration system 100 to operate in a safer manner within the container 502. Moreover, if the water source is a source of running water, such as a river, high currents may stream larger debris, such as stones or branches, at relatively high velocities, toward the filtration system 100, which can inflict damage to components of the system. Drawing water from such a water source can be advantageous in that it separates the filtration system 100 from the high current velocities within the water source, thereby significantly reducing risk of being damaged by large debris flowing at high velocities in such a running water source. id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233"
[0233]In some examples, the intermediate container 502 is further covered by a container cap 518, which can be an opaque cap configured to block light in a similar manner described above 01.06.20 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ with respect to opaque cover 70. This will deprive light from the entire volume of the container 502, reducing the likelihood of algae entering into the container 502 and/or clinging to the screen mesh 124, in a similar manner described above for a filtration system that include an opaque cover 70. In some examples, the container cap 518 can further include an air release valve 516, configured to allow release of air from within the container 502 to the outer atmosphere, for example when the filtration systems 100 includes means by which air bubble or other gas are released into or toward components of the filtration system, as described above. id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234"
[0234]In some examples, the intermediate container 502 can be a modular intermediate container, comprises of a plurality wall segments 520 interconnectable to each other in a sealed manner. Fig. 44 shows an exploded view of a simplified modular intermediate container 502, wherein the container wall 504 includes one or more wall segments 520 that can be connected to each other in a sealed manner, such as by bolts or other suitable means of releasable sealed attachment. The number of wall segments 520 connected to each other defined the total height of the intermediate container. The lowermost container segment can be connected in a sealed manner to the container floor 506. The uppermost wall segment 520 can define the container upper end 508, over which a container cap 518 can be optionally placed. id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235"
[0235]As mentioned above, a filtration system 100 can be modular in the sense that it can include any number of discrete filtering units 104 connected to each other. A filtration assembly 500 that includes a modular columnar filtration system 100 can advantageously also include a modular intermediate container 502, such that an operator or user can adjust the height of the modular filtering assemblies 102 by selecting the number of discrete units 104 that should be connected or disconnected from each other, allowing the intermediate container 502 to be also height-adjusted in accordance with the selected height of the filtration system 100, by adding or removing an appropriate number of wall segments. id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236"
[0236]As mentioned above, when a filtration system is placed within a running water source, such as a river (or a sea during stormy periods, for example), larger particles and debris present in the water, such as stones, branches, and the like, can flow at high velocities and hit against various components of the filtration system. Fig. 45 shows an exemplary setup of a filtration system 100 submerged within a running water source, including a perforated shield positioned upstream from the filtering assemblies 102. The perforated extends from a shield upper end 86 to a shield lower end 88, along a height designed to cover a desired height of the filtration system 100, such as a height equal to or greater than the height of the filtering 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ assemblies 102. Connectors 64 (such as chains, cables and the like) can extend from the shield upper end 86 to one or more floats 80, and from the shield lower end 88 to weights or tethers at the water source bed 54. The perforated shield 82 can be spaced away from the screen mesh 124 of the filtering assemblies 102, to avoid blocking any portion of any screen mesh 124. id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237"
[0237]The perforated shield 82 can be made of a relatively rigid material, against which larger debris can hit. The perforated shield 82 defines a plurality of shield openings 84 extending through its thickness, defining shield aperture size or diameter Dh, which is greater than the screen aperture size Ds (such as at least three times, five time, or ten time greater), to allow free passage of raw water 36 therethrough and toward the filtering assemblies, yet size to be small enough to limit passage of relatively larger debris, such as branches, stones and the like, from passing therethrough. This will advantageously allow a filtration system 100 to be operated in a running water sort in a safe manner. id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238"
[0238]In some examples, as shown in Fig. 46, a flowmeter 612 is provided and secured to fluid main line 66 and is configured to measure the flow of water through fluid main line 66. In some examples, at least a portion of flowmeter 612 is inserted within fluid main line 66. In some examples, flowmeter 612 comprises a variable-area flowmeter, i.e. a flowmeter which measures flow in response to variations in response to the flow, as known to those skilled in the art. In some examples, the variable-area flowmeter 612 is implemented as a rotameter. In some examples, as shown, flowmeter 612 is secured to suction line 52, near an end thereof, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way and flowmeter 612 can be secured to any portion of fluid main line 66 without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239"
[0239]In some examples, as shown in Fig. 46, a turbidimeter 614 is provided and secured to fluid main line 66 and is configured to measure the turbidity of water flowing through fluid main line 66. In some examples, at least a portion of turbidimeter 614 is inserted within fluid main line 66. In some examples, turbidimeter 614 comprises a particle counter that counts the number of particles within the water, and optionally further determines the size of the particles. In some examples, turbidimeter 614 comprises a light source and a light sensor (not shown), the turbidity of the water determined by shining a light from the light source into the water and the light sensor measures the scattering of the light in the water, as known to those skilled in the art. In some examples, as shown, turbidimeter 614 is secured to suction line 52, near an end 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ thereof, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way and turbidimeter 614 can be secured to any portion of fluid main line 66 without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240"
[0240]In some examples, flowmeter 612 and turbidimeter 614 are in communication with a communication unit 620. The communication can be wireless and/or via a wired or optical connection. In some examples, communication unit 620 comprises a network connection, such as a cellular antenna, a cable interface, a digital subscriber line (DSL) interface, and/or a satellite communication interface. id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241"
[0241]In some examples, communication unit 620 is in communication with a user device 630, via a respective network connection, and is configured to transmit data output from flowmeter 612 and turbidimeter 614 to user device. In one example, communication unit 6is configured to store readings of flowmeter 612 and turbidimeter 614 and transmit the data periodically at predetermined time intervals. In another example, communication unit 6transmits the data upon receipt from flowmeter 612 and turbidimeter 614. id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242"
[0242]In some examples, user device 630 comprises a processor, a memory, a display and a network connection. In such examples, user device 630 receives the data from communication unit 620, and the processor is configured, responsive to respective instructions stored on the memory, to display the received data on the display. In some examples, various predetermined calculations are performed on the received data, and the outcome of the calculations are displayed. id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243"
[0243]Although the above has been described in relation to an example where a single communication unit 620 is provided, externally to flowmeter 612 and turbidimeter 614, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In another example, flowmeter 612 and/or turbidimeter 614 each comprise a respective communication unit 620. id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244"
[0244]In some examples, a plurality of filtration systems 100 or 300 can be provided, submerged in different regions of the same water source, or submerged in different water sources. Each filtration system 100, 300 can include any of a flowmeter 612, a turbidimeter and/or particle counter 614, and communication unit 620, wherein a user device 630 can receive data from the various communication units 620, and present such data with appropriate indications of the filtration systems the relevant data is associated with. 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245"
[0245]While all examples of columnar filtration systems 100 and 300 are illustrated throughout the drawings to include a plurality of modular filtering assemblies 102 or 302, respectively, wherein each modular filtering assembly includes a plurality of filtering units 1or 304, together defining its respective internal space 136, it is to be understood that in alternative implementations, even though not specifically illustrated, a columnar filtration system 100 or 300 can include a filtering assembly 102 or 302 equipped with a movable flow restrictor 176, which can be, but is not necessarily, modular. That is to say, for the specific implementations in which the filtering assemblies 102 or 302 include corresponding movable flow restrictors 176 or 376, each filtering assembly 102 can be formed of at least one filtering unit 104 or 304, including optionally including only a single filtering unit 104 or 304, and wherein the filtration system 100 or 300 can optionally include a single filtering assembly 1or 302, respectively. When a filtration systems 100 and 300 includes a single filtering assembly, it will be absent of an intake manifold, defining a single intake opening that can be similar to a corresponding branch inflow opening. id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246"
[0246]While various filtration systems are known in the art for utilization inland, i.e. – in a relatively dry environment, the filtration systems of the current disclosure are meant for full immersion within an open water source, differentiating their structure, designed for such environments. For example, various known filtration systems adapted for inland utilization, are placed within pressure vessels that are sealed from the surrounding environment, except for a dedicate inlet for unfiltered liquid entering the enclosed housing that defines the pressure vessel. This liquid flows through an intermediary passageway defined between the walls of the vessel's housing and the filter medium, through the filter medium, and toward a dedicated outlet of the resulting filtrate. Such vessels can further include dedicated inlets and outlets for wash liquid. Such pressure vessel conventionally operate at high pressures, wherein the unfiltered fluid is injected into the pressure vessel, to the space surrounding the screen mesh, at relatively high pressure that can exceed 10 bar. In contrast, all of the filtration systems disclosed herein are devoid of such a pressure vessels. Specifically, the filter medium is configured to be directly exposed to the environment such that raw liquid of the environment is in direct contact with the medium outer side, without passing through an intermediary passageway. Specifically, currently disclosed systems include an intake pipe, defining an outlet, and are devoid of an inlet pipe, wherein negative pressure is defined at the outlet by the intake pipe, not exceeding 1 bar.
Additional Examples of the Disclosed Technology IL 292074/ id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247"
[0247]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-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248"
[0248]Example A1. A filtration system, comprising: a plurality of modular filtering assemblies, each modular filtering assembly comprising a plurality of discrete filtering units releasably connected to each other, wherein each discrete filtering unit comprises a screen mesh that comprises a plurality of screen apertures and extends between a unit lower end and a unit upper end, each discrete filtering unit defining a unit lumen which is in fluid communication with the screen apertures; and a fluid main line comprising an intake pipe that comprises an intake manifold, the intake manifold comprising a plurality of manifold branches, each manifold branch comprising a branch inflow opening in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of modular filtering assemblies, wherein at least one discrete filtering unit of each modular filtering assembly is coupled, directly or indirectly, via a unit lower connection interface disposed at its unit lower end, to a unit upper connection interface disposed at the unit upper end of another discrete filtering unit of the same modular filtering assembly; wherein the manifold is positioned below the plurality of modular filtering assemblies such that each of the plurality of manifold branches extends, at least partially, downwards from the corresponding one of the plurality of modular filtering assemblies; and wherein the unit lumens of the plurality of discrete filtering units of each modular filtering assembly, together define an internal space of the respective modular filtering assembly. id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249"
[0249]Example A2. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A1, wherein the screen mesh of each discrete filtering unit encloses the corresponding unit lumen.
IL 292074/ id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250"
[0250]Example A3. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A2, wherein each discrete filtering unit further comprises a cage that comprises a plurality of cage openings, wherein the screen mesh is disposed radially inward to an inner surface of the cage, and wherein the size of each cage opening is at least ten times greater than the size of each screen aperture. id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251"
[0251]Example A4. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A3, wherein the size of each cage opening is at least twenty times greater than the size of each screen aperture. id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252"
[0252]Example A5. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A3 or A4, wherein each cage comprises a plurality of cage ribs extending radially inward, and wherein the screen mesh is attached to the cage ribs. id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253"
[0253]Example A6. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A1, wherein each discrete filtering unit comprises: a tubular body enclosing the corresponding unit lumen, the tubular body comprising a plurality of tube side openings in fluid communication with the unit lumen; a plurality of filtering pockets attached to and disposed around the tubular body, each filtering pocket defining a pocket lumen and comprising: a pocket support frame defining at least one pocket window; and at least one pocket opening aligned with a corresponding tube side opening and in fluid communication with the pocket window and the pocket lumen; wherein the screen mesh is disposed around the pocket support frame, such that the screen apertures are in fluid communication with the pocket lumen. id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254"
[0254]Example A7. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A6, wherein the pocket support frame comprises one or more intermediate ribs that define that define a plurality of frame windows.
IL 292074/ id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255"
[0255]Example A8. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of example A1 to A7, wherein each of the unit upper connection interface and the unit lower connection interface is threaded. id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256"
[0256]Example A9. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of example A1 to A8, wherein each modular filtering assembly further comprises an intermediate unit connector coupled to and disposed between the at least one discrete filtering unit which are coupled to each other, wherein the intermediate unit connector comprises an interconnector body, wherein the interconnector body is flexible. id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257"
[0257]Example A10. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of example A1 to A9, wherein each modular filtering assembly further comprises a movable flow restrictor configured to move toward or away from the corresponding branch inflow opening. id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258"
[0258]Example A11. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A10, wherein the movable flow restrictor comprises a stem threadedly engaged with a nut, and an outwardly directed extension projecting away from the stem, at an end of the stem opposed to the nut. id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259"
[0259]Example A12. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A11, wherein the stem terminates at an engagement head, opposite to the nut. id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260"
[0260]Example A13. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A10, wherein the movable flow restrictor comprises a restrictor body comprising a plurality of restrictor ribs defining a plurality of restrictor windows. id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261"
[0261]Example A14. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A13, wherein the movable flow restrictor further comprises a restrictor adjustable cover threadedly engaged with the restrictor body, defining an enclosed adjustable volume filled with compressible gas or air, hermetically sealed between the restrictor adjustable cover and the restrictor body. id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262"
[0262]Example A15. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 or A14, further comprising a cleaning pipe that comprises a cleaning manifold, the cleaning manifold comprising a plurality of cleaning branches, each cleaning branch extending to at least one branched ring associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of IL 292074/ modular filtering assemblies, the at least one cleaning branch defining a plurality of cleaning release apertures. id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263"
[0263]Example A16. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A15, wherein the at least one branched ring comprises a branched outer ring disposed around the corresponding manifold branch. id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264"
[0264]Example A17. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example Aor A16, the at least one branched ring comprises a branched inner ring disposed within the corresponding modular filtering assembly. id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265"
[0265]Example A18. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A17, wherein each modular filtering assembly comprises a base bore through which the corresponding cleaning branch extends toward the corresponding cleaning inner ring. id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266"
[0266]Example A19. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A18, wherein each modular filtering assembly further comprises a column cap enclosing the internal space at an upper end of the modular filtering assembly opposite to the branch inflow opening. id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267"
[0267]Example A20. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A19, wherein the cap is releasably attached to the uppermost discrete filtering unit. id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268"
[0268]Example A21. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A20, wherein the cap comprises a cap connection interface engaged with the unit upper connection interface of the uppermost discrete filtering unit. id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269"
[0269]Example A22. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A17 to A21, further comprising a release valve attached to each cap. id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270"
[0270]Example A23. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A22, further comprising an interconnection pipe section in fluid communication with the intake manifold. id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271"
[0271]Example A24. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 or A23, further comprising at least one buoyant circumferential protector disposed around at least one of the modular filtering assemblies.
IL 292074/ id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272"
[0272]Example A25. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 or A24, wherein each modular filtering assembly further comprises at least one sprinkler tube extending through the internal space, the sprinkler tube comprising a plurality of nozzles residing within the internal space and facing the screen mesh. id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273"
[0273]Example A26. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A25, further comprising a top plate disposed above the modular filtering assemblies. id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274"
[0274]Example A27. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A26, further comprising a bottom connection construct disposed below the modular filtering assemblies, and a vertical transmission member connected to the top plate and the bottom connection construct. id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275"
[0275]Example A28. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example Aor A27, further comprising a vibrations generating device attached to the top plate, configured to facilitate vibrational movement of the top plate. id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276"
[0276]Example A29. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A28, wherein the vibrations generating device comprises a vibration motor. id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277"
[0277]Example A30. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A28, wherein the vibrations generating device comprises a fluid-powered vibration generator. id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278"
[0278]Example A31. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A27, further comprising one or more fluid-powered vibration generators disposed in the vicinity of, and spaced away from, the modular filtering assemblies, without being rigidly attached, directly or indirectly, to any of the modular filtering assemblies. id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279"
[0279]Example A32. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A27, further comprising at least one fluid-powered vibration generator disposed within the internal space of at least one of the filtering assemblies. id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280"
[0280]Example A33. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A31, further comprising a bottom plate below the intake manifold.
IL 292074/ id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281"
[0281]Example A34. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A33, further comprising a float to which the modular filtering assemblies are coupled directly or indirectly. id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282"
[0282]Example A35. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A34, further comprising a weight to which the modular filtering assemblies are coupled directly or indirectly. id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283"
[0283]Example A36. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A35, wherein each modular filtering assembly further comprises a base adaptor, connecting the lowermost discrete filtering unit to the corresponding manifold branch. id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284"
[0284]Example A37. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A36, wherein the filtering assembly further comprises a stirrer, the stirrer comprising an axle extending through the internal space, a driving impeller with vanes, and a plurality of paddles extending radially from the axle, wherein the impeller is configured to rotate, facilitating rotation of the axle and the paddles therewith, in response to fluid from the internal space impinging against the vanes. id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285"
[0285]Example A38. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A37, further comprising a rotatable arm disposed within at least one of the modular filtering assemblies, the rotatable arm movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the rotatable arm is configured to hit against the corresponding modular filtering assembly at least in the first position or the second position. id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286"
[0286]Example A39. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A38, further comprising a biasing fluid release tube configured to release a biasing fluid toward the rotatable arm. id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287"
[0287]Example A40. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A39, further comprising an opaque cover disposed around the modular filtering assemblies, the opaque cover comprising a cover wall configured to limit passage of light therethrough. id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288"
[0288]Example A41. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A40, further comprising: 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ a flowmeter secured to the fluid main pipe; a turbidimeter secured to the fluid main pipe; and a communication unit in communication with each of the flowmeter and the turbidimeter, wherein the communication unit is arranged to transmit data output by the flowmeter and the turbidimeter. id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289"
[0289]Example A42. A filtration assemblage, comprising: an intermediate container comprising a container wall and a container inlet opening formed in the container wall, through which water can be drawn from a natural water source into the intermediate container; and a modular filtration system of any one of examples A1 to A41, disposed within the intermediate container, wherein the fluid main line extends through a container line opening formed in the container wall. id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290"
[0290]Example A43. The filtration assemblage of any example herein, particularly example A42, wherein the container wall is a modular container wall, comprising a plurality of wall segments releasably connected to each other in a sealed manner. id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291"
[0291]Example A44. A filtration system, comprising: at least one filtering assembly, comprising: at least one filtering unit, comprising a screen mesh that comprises a plurality of screen apertures and extends between a unit lower end and a unit upper end, the filtering unit defining a unit lumen which is in fluid communication with the screen apertures; and a movable flow restrictor disposed below any of the at least one filtering unit; a fluid main line comprising an intake pipe that comprises an inflow opening in fluid communication with the at least one filtering assembly, 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ wherein the movable flow restrictor is configured to move toward or away from the inflow opening. id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292"
[0292]Example A45. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A44, wherein the screen mesh encloses the unit lumen. id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293"
[0293]Example A46. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A45, wherein the filtering unit further comprises a cage that comprises a plurality of cage openings, wherein the screen mesh is disposed radially inward to an inner surface of the cage, and wherein the size of each cage opening is at least ten times greater than the size of each screen aperture. id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294"
[0294]Example A47. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A46, wherein the size of each cage opening is at least twenty times greater than the size of each screen aperture. id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295"
[0295]Example A48. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example Aor A47, wherein the cage comprises a plurality of cage ribs extending radially inward, and wherein the screen mesh is attached to the cage ribs. id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296"
[0296]Example A49. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A44, wherein the filtering unit comprises: a tubular body enclosing the corresponding unit lumen, the tubular body comprising a plurality of tube side openings in fluid communication with the unit lumen; a plurality of filtering pockets attached to and disposed around the tubular body, each filtering pocket defining a pocket lumen and comprising: a pocket support frame defining at least one pocket window; and at least one pocket opening aligned with a corresponding tube side opening and in fluid communication with the pocket window and the pocket lumen; wherein the screen mesh is disposed around the pocket support frame, such that the screen apertures are in fluid communication with the pocket lumen. 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297"
[0297]Example A50. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A49, wherein the pocket support frame comprises one or more intermediate ribs that define a plurality of frame windows. id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298"
[0298]Example A51. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A44 to A50, wherein the movable flow restrictor comprises a stem threadedly engaged with a nut, and an outwardly directed extension projecting away from the stem, at an end of the stem opposed to the nut. id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299"
[0299]Example A52. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A51, wherein the stem terminates at an engagement head, opposite to the nut. id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300"
[0300]Example A53. The filtration system of any example herein, any one of examples Ato A50, wherein the movable flow restrictor comprises a restrictor body comprising a plurality of restrictor ribs defining a plurality of restrictor windows. id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301"
[0301]Example A54. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A53, wherein the movable flow restrictor further comprises a restrictor adjustable cover threadedly engaged with the restrictor body, defining an enclosed adjustable volume filled with compressible gas or air, hermetically sealed between the restrictor adjustable cover and the restrictor body. id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302"
[0302]Example A55. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A44 to A54, further comprising a cleaning pipe that comprises at least one cleaning branch, the cleaning branch extending to at least one branched ring associated with the filtering assembly, the at least one cleaning branch defining a plurality of cleaning release apertures. id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303"
[0303]Example A56. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A49, wherein the at least one branched ring comprises a branched outer ring disposed around the filtering assembly. id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304"
[0304]Example A57. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example Aor A56, wherein the at least one branched ring comprises a branched inner ring disposed within the filtering assembly.
IL 292074/ id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305"
[0305]Example A58. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A57, wherein the filtering assembly comprises a base bore through which the corresponding cleaning branch extends toward the corresponding cleaning inner ring. id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306"
[0306]Example A59. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A44 to A56, wherein each filtering assembly further comprises a column cap opposite to the inflow opening. id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307"
[0307]Example A60. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A59, further comprising a release valve attached to the column cap. id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308"
[0308]Example A61. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A44 to A60, further comprising an interconnection pipe section in fluid communication with the intake manifold. id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309"
[0309]Example A62. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A44 to A61, further comprising a buoyant circumferential protector disposed around the filtering assembly. id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310"
[0310]Example A63. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A44 to A62, wherein the filtering assembly further comprises at least one sprinkler tube extending therethrough, the sprinkler tube comprising a plurality of nozzles residing therein and facing the screen mesh. id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311"
[0311]Example A64. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A44 to A63, wherein each filtering assembly further comprises a base adaptor, connecting the lowermost discrete filtering unit to the intake pipe. id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312"
[0312]Example A65. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A44 to A64, wherein the filtering assembly further comprises a stirrer, the stirrer comprising an axle extending therethrough, a driving impeller with vanes, and a plurality of paddles extending radially from the axle, wherein the impeller is configured to rotate, facilitating rotation of the axle and the paddles therewith, in response to fluid flowing from the screen mesh and impinging against the vanes. id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313"
[0313]Example A66. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A44 to A65, further comprising: 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ a flowmeter secured to the fluid main pipe; a turbidimeter secured to the fluid main pipe; and a communication unit in communication with each of the flowmeter and the turbidimeter, wherein the communication unit is arranged to transmit data output by the flowmeter and the turbidimeter. id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314"
[0314]Example A67. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A66, wherein the filtration system is devoid of a pressure vessel disposed around any of the at least one filtering assembly, and is devoid of an inlet pipe. id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315"
[0315]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 (50)

IL 292074/ - 71 - CLAIMS
1. A filtration system, comprising: a plurality of modular filtering assemblies, each modular filtering assembly comprising a plurality of discrete filtering units releasably connected to each other, wherein each discrete filtering unit comprises a screen mesh that comprises a plurality of screen apertures and extends between a unit lower end and a unit upper end, each discrete filtering unit defining a unit lumen which is in fluid communication with the screen apertures; and a fluid main line comprising an intake pipe that comprises an intake manifold, the intake manifold comprising a plurality of manifold branches, each manifold branch comprising a branch inflow opening in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of modular filtering assemblies, wherein at least one discrete filtering unit of each modular filtering assembly is coupled, directly or indirectly, via a unit lower connection interface disposed at its unit lower end, to a unit upper connection interface disposed at the unit upper end of another discrete filtering unit of the same modular filtering assembly; wherein the manifold is positioned below the plurality of modular filtering assemblies such that each of the plurality of manifold branches extends, at least partially, downwards from the corresponding one of the plurality of modular filtering assemblies; and wherein the unit lumens of the plurality of discrete filtering units of each modular filtering assembly, together define an internal space of the respective modular filtering assembly.
2. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein the screen mesh of each discrete filtering unit encloses the corresponding unit lumen.
3. The filtration system of claim 2, wherein each discrete filtering unit further comprises a cage that comprises a plurality of cage openings, wherein the screen mesh is disposed radially inward to an inner surface of the cage, and wherein IL 292074/ - 72 - the size of each cage opening is at least ten times greater than the size of each screen aperture.
4. The filtration system of claim 3, wherein the size of each cage opening is at least twenty times greater than the size of each screen aperture.
5. The filtration system of claim 3 or 4, wherein each cage comprises a plurality of cage ribs extending radially inward, and wherein the screen mesh is attached to the cage ribs.
6. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein each discrete filtering unit comprises: a tubular body enclosing the corresponding unit lumen, the tubular body comprising a plurality of tube side openings in fluid communication with the unit lumen; a plurality of filtering pockets attached to and disposed around the tubular body, each filtering pocket defining a pocket lumen and comprising: a pocket support frame defining at least one pocket window; and at least one pocket opening aligned with a corresponding tube side opening and in fluid communication with the pocket window and the pocket lumen; wherein the screen mesh is disposed around the pocket support frame, such that the screen apertures are in fluid communication with the pocket lumen.
7. The filtration system of claim 6, wherein the pocket support frame comprises one or more intermediate ribs that define that define a plurality of frame windows.
8. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the unit upper connection interface and the unit lower connection interface is threaded.
9. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each modular filtering assembly further comprises an intermediate unit connector coupled to and disposed between the at least one discrete filtering unit which are coupled to each other, wherein the intermediate unit connector comprises an interconnector body, wherein the interconnector body is flexible. IL 292074/ - 73 -
10. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each modular filtering assembly further comprises a movable flow restrictor configured to move toward or away from the corresponding branch inflow opening.
11. The filtration system of claim 10, wherein the movable flow restrictor comprises a stem threadedly engaged with a nut, and an outwardly directed extension projecting away from the stem, at an end of the stem opposed to the nut.
12. The filtration system of claim 11, wherein the stem terminates at an engagement head, opposite to the nut.
13. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a cleaning pipe that comprises a cleaning manifold, the cleaning manifold comprising a plurality of cleaning branches, each cleaning branch extending to at least one branched ring associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of modular filtering assemblies, the at least one cleaning branch defining a plurality of cleaning release apertures.
14. The filtration system of claim 13, wherein the at least one branched ring comprises a branched outer ring disposed around the corresponding manifold branch.
15. The filtration system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one branched ring comprises a branched inner ring disposed within the corresponding modular filtering assembly.
16. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein each modular filtering assembly comprises a base bore through which the corresponding cleaning branch extends toward the corresponding cleaning inner ring.
17. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein each modular filtering assembly further comprises a column cap enclosing the internal space at an upper end of the modular filtering assembly opposite to the branch inflow opening.
18. The filtration system of claim 17, wherein the cap is releasably attached to the uppermost discrete filtering unit. IL 292074/ - 74 -
19. The filtration system of claim 18, wherein the cap comprises a cap connection interface engaged with the unit upper connection interface of the uppermost discrete filtering unit.
20. The filtration system of any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising a release valve attached to each cap.
21. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising an interconnection pipe section in fluid communication with the intake manifold.
22. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising at least one buoyant circumferential protector disposed around at least one of the modular filtering assemblies.
23. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein each modular filtering assembly further comprises at least one sprinkler tube extending through the internal space, the sprinkler tube comprising a plurality of nozzles residing within the internal space and facing the screen mesh.
24. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising a top plate disposed above the modular filtering assemblies.
25. The filtration system of claim 24, further comprising a bottom connection construct disposed below the modular filtering assemblies, and a vertical transmission member connected to the top plate and the bottom connection construct.
26. The filtration system of claim 24 or 25, further comprising a vibrations generating device attached to the top plate, configured to facilitate vibrational movement of the top plate.
27. The filtration system of claim 26, wherein the vibrations generating device comprises a vibration motor.
28. The filtration system of claim 26, wherein the vibrations generating device comprises a fluid-powered vibration generator.
29. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising one or more fluid-powered vibration generators disposed in the vicinity of, and spaced away from, the modular filtering assemblies, without being rigidly attached, directly or indirectly, to any of the modular filtering assemblies. IL 292074/ - 75 -
30. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising at least one fluid-powered vibration generator disposed within the internal space of at least one of the filtering assemblies.
31. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 30, further comprising a float to which the modular filtering assemblies are coupled directly or indirectly.
32. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 31, further comprising a weight to which the modular filtering assemblies are coupled directly or indirectly.
33. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 32, further comprising a rotatable arm disposed within at least one of the modular filtering assemblies, the rotatable arm movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the rotatable arm is configured to hit against the corresponding modular filtering assembly at least in the first position or the second position.
34. The filtration system of claim 33, further comprising a biasing fluid release tube configured to release a biasing fluid toward the rotatable arm.
35. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 34, further comprising an opaque cover disposed around the modular filtering assemblies, the opaque cover comprising a cover wall configured to limit passage of light therethrough.
36. The filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 35, further comprising: a flowmeter secured to the fluid main pipe; a turbidimeter secured to the fluid main pipe; and a communication unit in communication with each of the flowmeter and the turbidimeter, wherein the communication unit is arranged to transmit data output by the flowmeter and the turbidimeter.
37. A filtration assemblage, comprising: an intermediate container comprising a container wall and a container inlet opening formed in the container wall, through which water can be drawn from a natural water source into the intermediate container; and 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ - 76 - a modular filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 36, disposed within the intermediate container, wherein the fluid main line extends through a container line opening formed in the container wall.
38. The filtration system of claim 37, wherein the container wall is a modular container wall, comprising a plurality of wall segments releasably connected to each other in a sealed manner.
39. A filtration system, comprising: at least one filtering assembly, comprising: at least one filtering unit, comprising a screen mesh that comprises a plurality of screen apertures and extends between a unit lower end and a unit upper end, the filtering unit defining a unit lumen which is in fluid communication with the screen apertures; and a movable flow restrictor disposed below any of the at least one filtering unit; a fluid main line comprising an intake pipe that comprises an inflow opening in fluid communication with the at least one filtering assembly, wherein the movable flow restrictor is configured to move toward or away from the inflow opening.
40. The filtration system of claim 39, wherein the screen mesh encloses the unit lumen.
41. The filtration system of claim 40, wherein the filtering unit further comprises a cage that comprises a plurality of cage openings, wherein the screen mesh is disposed radially inward to an inner surface of the cage, and wherein the size of each cage opening is at least ten times greater than the size of each screen aperture.
42. The filtration system of claim 41, wherein the size of each cage opening is at least twenty times greater than the size of each screen aperture.
43. The filtration system of claim 39, wherein the filtering unit comprises: 01.06.2022 IL 292074/ - 77 - a tubular body enclosing the corresponding unit lumen, the tubular body comprising a plurality of tube side openings in fluid communication with the unit lumen; a plurality of filtering pockets attached to and disposed around the tubular body, each filtering pocket defining a pocket lumen and comprising: a pocket support frame defining at least one pocket window; and at least one pocket opening aligned with a corresponding tube side opening and in fluid communication with the pocket window and the pocket lumen; wherein the screen mesh is disposed around the pocket support frame, such that the screen apertures are in fluid communication with the pocket lumen.
44. The filtration system of any one of claims 39 to 43, further comprising a cleaning pipe that comprises at least one cleaning branch, the cleaning branch extending to at least one branched ring associated with the filtering assembly, the at least one cleaning branch defining a plurality of cleaning release apertures.
45. The filtration system of claim 44, wherein the at least one branched ring comprises a branched outer ring disposed around the filtering assembly.
46. The filtration system of any one of claims 39 to 45, wherein the filtering assembly further comprises a column cap enclosing the internal space at an upper end of the filtering assembly opposite to the branch inflow opening.
47. The filtration system of claim 46, further comprising a release valve attached to the column cap.
48. The filtration system of any one of claims 39 to 47, further comprising an interconnection pipe section in fluid communication with the intake manifold.
49. The filtration system of any one of claims 39 to 48, further comprising a buoyant circumferential protector disposed around the filtering assembly.
50. The filtration system of any one of claims 39 to 49, wherein the filtering assembly further comprises at least one sprinkler tube extending therethrough, IL 292074/ - 78 - the sprinkler tube comprising a plurality of nozzles residing therein and facing the screen mesh. Webb+Co. Patent Attorneys
IL292074A 2022-04-07 2022-04-07 Columnar filtration systems IL292074B2 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080047886A1 (en) * 2006-08-23 2008-02-28 Contech Stormwater Solutions, Inc. Stormwater Filter and Mount Assembly
US20120132581A1 (en) * 2007-08-15 2012-05-31 Monteco Ltd. Filter for removing sediment from water
US20160114292A1 (en) * 2014-10-22 2016-04-28 Koch Membrane Systems, Inc. Membrane module system with bundle enclosures and pulsed aeration and method of operation

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080047886A1 (en) * 2006-08-23 2008-02-28 Contech Stormwater Solutions, Inc. Stormwater Filter and Mount Assembly
US20120132581A1 (en) * 2007-08-15 2012-05-31 Monteco Ltd. Filter for removing sediment from water
US20160114292A1 (en) * 2014-10-22 2016-04-28 Koch Membrane Systems, Inc. Membrane module system with bundle enclosures and pulsed aeration and method of operation

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