JP2003502139A - Filter with vacuum cleaning head - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: A filter having a filter sealed within a housing and a cleaning device capable of aspirating material from the filter element, wherein each cleaning head teaches a filter corresponding to a cleaning conduit. A deflection plate located between the outlet and the filter element is also taught.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improved filter systems, and more particularly to self-cleaning filter systems.

[0002]

[Cross reference to related application]

This application is based on Canadian patent application No. 2,278, filed June 22, 1999.
Claim priority to No.433.

[0003]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known methods for automatic cleaning of filter elements often involve scraping or brushing the filter elements. Vander Ark, Jr. et al., US Patent No. 5,569,383, International PCT Patent Application No. WO 95/00230
No. 4,156,647 to Nieuwenhuis, and Mueggenbu.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,093 to Rg et al. teaches a filter for cleaning the pre-filtration side of a filter element using a rotor with cleaning blades or brushes. The use of a scraper or brush for cleaning can damage the filter element, either directly or by forcing material through the filter element.

Another method of self-cleaning a filter element is backwashing. That is, the pressure difference between the pre-filtration side and the post-filtration side of the filter element is reversed and the particulate matter trapped in the filter element is discharged. Generally, such backwash requires closing the main inlet and outlet valves and opening the backwash valve to reverse the pressure differential (see, for example, US Pat. No. 5,312,544 to Kinney). .

US Pat. Nos. 4,045,345 and 5,228,99 assigned to Drori
No. 3, and Wilkins et al., US Pat. No. 5,108,592, teaches a filter with an automated backwash procedure that uses a series of valves and other mechanical devices to clean the filter element. . Cleaning reverses the flow of water through the filter element (ie, exposes the filtered side of the filter element to high pressure) and expels particulate matter trapped in the filter element. In US Pat. No. 4,045,345, Drori states that backflow is induced by pressure at the outlet of the filter and particulate matter is expelled through a slotted purge chamber that rotates with the filter housing around the filter element. I am teaching. US Patent No. 5,228,9 attributed to Drori
No. 93 and Wilkins et al., US Pat. No. 5,108,592, teaches cleaning backflow achieved by pressure from a supply pipe through a filter. In all of these teachings, particulate matter is ejected from the filter element by spraying through a rotating nozzle onto the post-filtration side of the filter element. The use of atomizing forces for cleaning can damage the filter element, either directly or by forcing material through the filter element. All these automatic cleaning methods require stopping and reversing normal filter flow.
All of these methods teach that all cleaning heads are in communication with one backwash conduit.

[0006]

[Outline of the Invention]

The present invention includes a housing (12) having an inlet (21), an outlet (22) and an inner surface.
A filter (10) for filtering a liquid, the housing comprising: (i) an inner surface (31), an outer surface (32), and first and second ends each having a sealing surface (50). A filter element (33) having a portion (35, 36); and (ii) a first sealing surface (43) on an inner surface of the housing, the first sealing surface comprising the first end of the filter element. A sealing surface of the filter element, and further comprising: (iii) a second sealing surface (49) on the inner surface of the housing, the second sealing surface being the sealing surface of the second end of the filter element. The sealing surface is sealable to define a liquid flow path through the inlet, through the inner surface of the filter element, to the outer surface of the filter element, and out of the outlet. And (iv) the filter A plurality of cleaning heads (129) disposed adjacent the inner surface; a discharge port (82) extending through the housing; A conduit (70) for communicating with one of the plurality of cleaning heads from the cleaning head to the outlet and further providing suction to the conduit and the cleaning head. , A filter having vacuum means for drawing material from the inner surface of the filter element, passing it through a conduit and out the outlet.

In one embodiment, the filter has four cleaning heads and four conduits. In a further embodiment, the conduits are each arranged in a quarter of the length of the hollow shaft. In a further embodiment, the cleaning heads are arranged in first and second pairs, each having a first and a second cleaning head, said first and second cleaning heads each parallel to said shaft. And the first pair extends from the shaft in an opposite direction to the second pair. In one embodiment, the cleaning heads are arranged in pairs, each pair having a first and a second cleaning head, the first cleaning head being structurally fixed to said second cleaning head.

The present invention provides a housing (12) having an inlet (21), an outlet (22) and an inner surface.
A filter (10) for filtering a liquid, the housing comprising: (i) an inner surface (31), an outer surface (32), and first and second ends each having a sealing surface (50). A portion (35, 36) and (ii) a first sealing surface (43) on the inner surface of the housing, the first sealing surface being sealable with a sealing surface at the first end of the filter element. And (iii) including a second sealing surface (49) on an inner surface of the housing, the second sealing surface being sealable with a sealing surface at the second end of the filter element, A sealing surface is sealable to define a liquid flow path through the inlet, the inner surface of the filter element, to the outer surface of the filter element, and out of the outlet; and (iv) the outlet and the Deflection located between the filter elements A filter including a plate (170) is also taught.

In one embodiment, the deflector plate has a shape similar to the cross-section of the outlet, perpendicular to the flow path through the outlet. In another embodiment, the deflector plate has a surface area, similar to the cross-sectional area of the outlet, perpendicular to the flow path through the outlet. In another embodiment, the deflector plate has a surface area perpendicular to the flow path through the outlet that is about 1.5 times the outlet cross-sectional area.

In one embodiment, the filter element is cylindrical. In another embodiment, a filter lag comprises a prescreen filter disposed in the flow passage between the inlet and the filter element, and a prescreen disposed in the flow passage between the prescreen and the inlet.・ Has a drain.

In one embodiment, the filter further comprises a motor (77) connected to the cleaning member, the motor operating the cleaning head parallel to the inner surface of the filter element. In another embodiment, the filter element is cylindrical and the cleaning member is in rotary motion. In one embodiment, the cleaning head does not contact the inner surface. In one embodiment, a cleaning member extends through the housing and the motor is located outside the housing.

In one embodiment, the cleaning member further comprises a plurality of cleaning heads in communication with the conduit, wherein the cleaning heads have substantially all of the inner surface from the cleaning heads during operation of the motor. Is placed along the cleaning member to be exposed to the vacuum. In one embodiment, the cleaning head is a triangular fin nozzle. In one embodiment, the housing is vertically oriented.

[0013]

[Description of Embodiments]

The present invention will be described in the state of being applied to a large capacity, high flow rate continuous filter for water. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention has broad application to a wide variety of liquid filtration situations, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiments below.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid filtering device 10 of the present invention has a housing 12, which is preferably cylindrical and has a first end 1 provided with a liquid tight door 15.
4 and a second end 17. The filtering device 10 can be oriented vertically, horizontally or in other directions. A fluid outlet is preferably provided through the housing wall 19 of the housing 12. Therefore, an inlet 21 is provided near the first end 14 of the housing 12, an outlet 22 of filtered water is provided midway along the length of the housing 12, and an outlet 23 is provided at the second end of the housing 12. It is provided near the end portion 17.

A partition 25 is fixed within the housing 12 and is spaced from the second end 17 thereby defining a discharge chamber 28 between the partition 25 and the second end 17. Outlet 23
Has a valve 30 that opens only during the vacuum cycle of operation. The operation of valve 30 is preferably governed by an electronic controller.

One or more metal filter elements 33 can be disposed within the housing 12. The embodiment will be described as having two filter elements 33, as shown in FIG. One of the advantages of the present invention is the ability to resize with an appropriate number of filter elements 33 to meet the specifications of a particular application. The use of a plurality of relatively small filter elements 33 in the device 10 of the present invention has some obvious advantages, which are described below.

Each filter element 33 has a panel with an inner surface 31 and an outer surface 32, and first and second flanged ends 35 and 36, forming a sealing surface to provide a metal-to-metal seal around the filtration region 40. Provide water seal. The filtering area 40 is defined as the area between the housing wall 19 and the outer surface 32 of the filter element 33. The filtration region 40 communicates with the outlet 22. The pre-filtration area 85 is defined as the area between the housing wall 19 and the inner surface 31 of the filter element 33. Area before filtration 85
Communicate with the inlet 21.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the present invention may also include a pre-screen 94 disposed between the inlet region 60 and the pre-filtration region 85. The pre-screen 94 is a filter means whose amino size is larger than the filter element 33. The prescreen 94 is fixed to the prescreen frame 101 by the prescreen bolt 98. The pre-screen 94 functions to prevent relatively large impurities, such as seaweed, fish or shells, from entering the filtration area 40, which thereby blocks the filter element 33. Generally, the prescreen 94
The objects to be filtered by the filter housing 12 are of a size large enough to fall to the bottom of the inlet region 60, where the prescreen drain 90 is opened to a pressure lower than the inlet region 60. Can be periodically purged from. In other embodiments, the prescreen may be located in the flow path prior to the inlet 21 or may not require any prescreen depending on the working conditions.

The present invention may also include a deflector 170, as shown in the perspective view embodiment of the filter element 33 of FIG. The deflector plate 170 is disposed between the inner opening 175 of the outlet 22 and the portion of the filter element 33 closest to the inner opening 175. The deflector plate 170 is a static fluid directing means that allows fluid to enter the inner port 175 of the outlet 22,
It is mainly drawn out from a plurality of directions perpendicular to the outlet 22. Deflection plate 1
Without 70, the flow of fluid entering the outlet 22 outlet is primarily drawn from the fluid passing from the pre-filtration region 85 through the portion of the filter element 33 closest to the inner outlet 175 of the outlet 22 to the filtration region 40. .

The deflection plate 170 preferably has the same shape as the inner opening 175 and the same size as or larger than the inner opening 175. In the illustrated embodiment, the deflector plate 170 is circular and has a diameter of about 1.5 times the diameter of the mouth 175. The deflector plate 170 may be, for example, spot welded to the flanged ends 35 and 36 or a guide rod 92 for a filter element.
It is secured to the filter element 33 by any means known in the art such as. The incoming fluid flow is withdrawn from a range of directions rather than directly from the filter screen 33 adjacent the mouth 175, but its distribution and diversion is
Promotes the efficient generation of entrained fluid streams. This entrained fluid flow is withdrawn from the filtration region 40 in multiple directions and predominantly perpendicular to the plane of the filter element 33, and thus flows predominantly through a portion of the filter screen 33, i. No flow path is created.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 27, the deflector plate comprises two plates 171 and 172. The deflector plate 171 is fixed to the first filter means 33 and the deflector plate 171 is fixed to the second filter means 33, so that when the first and second filter means are arranged together in the liquid filtering device, the deflector plate 171 is 171 and 172 are aligned and form a circular plate. This deflector embodiment is such that the position of the mouth 175 and the size of the filter element 33 of the liquid filtering device, after assembly, are the flanged ends 35 of the two filter elements.
And 36 are used where they are positioned and sized to fit along a line corresponding to the line that bisects the mouth 175. Thus, when assembled, the deflector plates 171 and 172 combine to form a deflector plate centered on the mouth 175.

The filter element 33 is preferably of the wire mesh type and a fine wire mesh defining the desired pore size is added to a structural screen made of sheet metal (details not shown).
. The structural screen acts as a support for the finer mesh. In one embodiment, the structural screen is composed of a rigid or semi-rigid plate with multiple apertures and the wire mesh is a sintering process such as the proprietary process performed by Purolator Products Company (Tulsa, OK, USA). Fixed to the structure screen by. By using this embodiment, damage to the fine net is limited to the net at any mouth of the structural screen. This is because the adjacent wire mesh is fixed to the structural plate. This type of isolated damage can be easily repaired by simply soldering the mouth of any construction screen. Also, the use of this embodiment facilitates cleaning of the wire mesh as compared to prior art filter elements. 1
In one embodiment, the wire mesh side of the filter element faces the pre-filtration area. In an alternative embodiment, the filter element 33 is a stainless steel wire mesh type, with a fine wire mesh defining the desired pore size sandwiched between an inner structural screen and an outer structural screen, also made of stainless steel. In another embodiment, the filter element 33 comprises an outer structured screen, an inner filter screen, an intermediate structured screen sandwiched between inner and outer layers.

By selecting the size of the openings in the filter element, the filter can be used, for example, for the removal of mussels, silt, algae, or other particulate matter. In one embodiment, the mesh size is 40 microns or less. With a net size of 40 microns, the filter is able to remove larvae of the mussels. In the embodiments described above, the filter is constructed of metal and a stainless steel ring completes the flanged ends 35 and 36 of the filter element. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials such as ceramics or polyvinyl chloride may be used in other applications. Alternatively, electrostatic or ionic filters may be used in other applications.

In the illustrated embodiment, the filter element is cylindrical, but other filter element elements may be used as long as the filter element has an inner surface and an outer surface and an end having a sealing surface that can be sealed in the following manner. It is understood that dimensions can be used.

As shown in FIG. 8, the flanged end 35 of the filter element 33 has a chamfered surface 42, which surrounds the mating surface 4 around the sealing surface of the second flanged end 36.
3 abuts and provides a nested engagement of the two filter elements 33. The water seal of the abutting flanges 35 and 36 is assisted by the addition of an O-ring 44 carried in a groove 45 formed in the surface 43 and having a small cross-sectional diameter. Similarly, FIG.
The partition 25 is provided with a chamfered partition sealing surface 49, as shown at, which is aligned with the mating surface 43 of the second flanged end 36 and provides a sealing engagement therewith. As shown in FIG. 7, the flange 48 of the housing provides a filtering area 40 around the farthest first flanged end 35 of the filter element 33 which is located closest to the first end 14 of the housing 12. A water seal is provided. The housing flange 48 has a sealing surface 49 that aligns with the sealing surface 50 of the furthest first flanged end 35. The housing flange 48 is fixed to the wall 19. An O-ring 52 is carried within a groove 53 formed in the surface 50 to provide a sealing engagement between the peripheral sealing surface 50 and the housing flange 48. Therefore, these sealing engagements can form a complete seal between the filtration region 40 and the pre-filtration region 85.

The flanged ends 35 and 36 of the filter element 33 are connected to the filter guide rod 56.
For receiving, it has a plurality of holes 55 spaced around it. In most applications,
Four filter rods 56 are sufficient for the intended purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod is cylindrical. However, it is understood that the rod may have other dimensions as long as the filter element can be installed and removed along the length of the rod. The filter guide rod 56 extends through and is secured to the partition 25. Filter guide rod 5
6 is sized to extend beyond the furthest first flanged end 35, and the filter guide rod 56 allows the filter element 33 to be secured in place by a nut 57 (FIG. 7). Thread the end. It is preferable to use precision machined screwless tightening nuts. However, it is understood that any suitable releasable tightening means known in the art can be used, such as, for example, threaded bolts or latching mechanisms.

When installing the filter element 33 or removing it from the housing 12,
As shown in FIG. 7, the filter guide rod extension 59 may be added to the end of the filter guide rod 56 by a precision machined screwless tightening connection configuration. This filter guide rod 56 offers great advantages over the prior art. This facilitates proper placement of the filter element 33 within the housing 12, ensuring that the sealing surfaces of the filter element 33 are properly aligned and mated, and at the end of each filter guide rod 56. By tightening the nut 57, the filter elements 33 are squeezed together to provide the required water tightness and separate the filtered water in the filtration zone 40 from the unfiltered water in the pre-filtration zone 85. The extension 59, when attached to the filter guide rod 56, assists in installing and removing the filter screen. This extension is
It is preferably long enough to exit the front of the filter housing 12.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the filter element guide rod 92 is a filter guide rod 56.
Used in place. The filter element guide rod 92 extends between the annular flanged ends 35 and 36 of the filter element 33. The filter element guide rod 92 is
It provides structural support to the filter element 33 and also provides a grip for operating the filter element 33. As seen in FIG. 12, the filter element guide rod 92 is secured to the flanged ends 35 and 36 by welds 117. The guide projection 131 of the filter element guide rod 92 projects outward from the flanged end 36. When the filter element 33 is assembled, the guide projection 131 is received in the guide rod receiver 113, thus aligning one filter element 33 with the next during assembly and reassembly.

In one embodiment, the seal between the pre-filtration area 85 and the filtration area 40 is shown in FIG.
It can be tightened and fixed by the structure shown in. As in the first embodiment, a housing flange 48 extends circumferentially along the inner surface of the housing wall 19 and is attached thereto, for example by welds 133. All filter elements 3
When 3 is installed, the furthest first flanged end 35 abuts the housing flange. The position pin 96 is held in the position pin receiver 114. Position pin 96
Projects outward from the furthest first flanged end 35 and is received by the support structure frame 105. The seal between the furthest first flanged end 35 and the support structure 105 is aided by the addition of an O-ring 135 with a smaller cross-sectional diameter carried by a groove 137 formed in the surface 139 of the support structure 105. To be done. The prescreen frame 101 is located on the support structure frame 105 and is secured to the housing flange 48 by prescreen frame bolts 98. The O-ring 111 is carried in a groove 112 formed in the prescreen frame 101 to provide a sealing engagement between the peripheral sealing surface 109 and the peripheral housing flange 48. The O-ring 52 is carried in a groove 53 formed in the support structure frame 105 to provide a sealing engagement between the support structure frame 105 and the prescreen frame 101. Therefore, these sealing configurations are
When 03 is tightened, it forms a seal between the filtration area 40 and the pre-filtration area 85.
A screw jack 107 is received through the prescreen frame 101 to ensure a tight and fixed seal with the flanged ends 35 and 36 of FIGS. When tightened, the screw jacks 107 exert a force on the support structure 105, which force is transmitted to the flanged flange of each filter element 33.

With respect to the above, it will be appreciated that other essentially equivalents can be used for the sealing structure of FIG. For example, the structure can be designed to seal the sealing surface 106 with the housing flange 48 rather than the prescreen frame 101. As another example, the support structure frame 105 can be removed, the support structure 75 can be incorporated into the prescreen frame 101, and the flanged end 35 can directly face the prescreen frame 101. In this embodiment, the screw jack 107 is received by the position pin receiver 114 to ensure alignment or another position pin receiver (not shown) on the prescreen frame 101 is used to flange the prescreen frame 101 and the flange. Alignment with the attached end portion 35 can be ensured. However, it is understood that the use of the embodiment described above and illustrated in FIG. 11 accommodates a watertight seal even though the surrounding housing flange 48 is not perfectly circular. The inventor of the present invention has found that the housing flange 48 is welded to the housing wall 19 so that the housing wall 19 is not perfectly cylindrical, the welding process causes distortion, or the loading of water during operation causes distortion. In that case, we have found that the flange 48 does not form a true circle.

The present invention can further include a runner shown in FIG. Runner 119
Has a runner groove 121, which is preferably suitable for receiving the guide rod 92 of FIG. The runner 119 bears part of the weight of the filter element and guides the guide protrusion 1
By acting as a guide for the alignment of 31 with the guide rod receiver 113 and thus assisting in the installation, removal and support of the filter element 33, it facilitates the installation and removal of the filter element 33.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, an inlet region 60 is defined within the housing 12 from the first end 14 to the second filter element 33. The inlet 21 is the wall 1 of the housing 12.
It extends through 9 into the entrance area 60. The first end 14 has a flange 62,
In contrast, the door 125 is sealed with the aid of one O-ring and a plurality of swing bolts 64 spaced around the flange 62. Door 15 is hinge 6
5 (best shown in FIG. 3) and swings completely away from the mouth of the first end 14 thereby allowing easy access to the interior of the housing 12.

Therefore, in use, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2, unfiltered water enters the filter housing 12 through the inlet 21 and into the pre-filtration region 85 where the system pressure is increased. Thereby provides a flow of filtered water to the filtration region 40 through the filter mesh of the filter element 33. Water passes vertically through the filter element 33 and enters the filtration area. From here, the filtered water passes from the filtration region 40 through the outlet 22 and continues further to its intended purpose. After some period of use, the filter element 33 is partially clogged with particulate matter, causing a pressure drop at the outlet 22. In response to this problem, the present invention may include a vacuum filter cleaning system.

As seen in FIG. 2, the hollow shaft 70 includes a second end 17 of the housing 12.
From the center of the partition 25 and through the filter element 33. Shaft 70
In the cross-shaped support structure 75 attached to the filter guide rod 56 with the nut 57,
It has a first end 72 supported by a bearing 73. The shaft 70 closes at the first end 72. The shaft 70 has a second end 76 attached to a rotating means such as a gear box 79 shown in FIG. The gearbox 79 is activated by a motor 77, both of which are located at the second end 17 of the housing 12. The gear box 79 has a shaft 7
Means may be included for selecting different gears for different rotational speeds of zero. Alternatively, the gear box 79 can be designed with the optimum rotational speed of the shaft 70 by selecting a preselected optimum gear ratio. The optimum rate is determined by the system design objectives of the filter, such as operating conditions of the system, such as the required flow rate, the pressure differential between the pre-filtration region 85 and the discharge chamber 28, and the size and nature of impurities flowing through the filter.

In another alternative, rather than using a motor, the filter may be provided with a shaft 70, such as by fins fixed directly or indirectly to the shaft 70.
It can be designed to take advantage of the forces of water flow through the system for use in rotating.

The shaft 70 has a plurality of hollow filter cleaning heads 80 extending radially outward from the shaft 70 to a position adjacent the inner surface of each filter element 33. The portion of the shaft 70 near the second end in the discharge chamber 28 has a plurality of holes 81,
82, 83 and 84 (only 82 is shown in FIG. 2). Thus, flow communication is provided from the inner surface of the filter element 33 through the cleaning head 80, the hollow shaft 70 to the discharge chamber 28.

The filtrate trapped on the filter element is, for example, 5 psi (350 kg / cm ² )
A vacuum cycle may be initiated to remove the filtrate once it is dense enough to cause a predetermined pressure drop, such as. When the vacuum cycle begins, the motor 77 begins to rotate the gear inside the gearbox 79, which causes the shaft 70 inside the filter element 33 to rotate. The motor 77 can be powered by any means known in the art, such as an electric or water turbine.

The cleaning head 80 on the shaft is placed with the mouth close to the inner surface 31 of the filter element. Since there is water pressure inside the filter body during normal operation, the valve 3
When is opened to the atmosphere, a suction pressure is created. As shown by the arrows in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, when the valve 30 is open to the atmosphere, water is passed through holes 81, 8 in the shaft 70.
There is a suction effect that pulls through 2, 83 and 84, which provides a suction effect at the end of the cleaning head 80 (83 not shown; located opposite shaft 81 bore 81). By rotating the shaft 70 during a vacuum cycle, the cleaning head 80 can remove trapped particulate matter so that the filter element 33 can return to its previous efficiency. The frequency and duration of the vacuum cycle can be adjusted to suit particular circumstances, and in one embodiment, the cycle begins when the pressure drops at the outlet 22 by about 5 psi and is maintained for 8-10 seconds. In other embodiments, the vacuum cycle can be run continuously during filtration as long as the velocity of the water flow through the shaft 70 is slower than the velocity of the water flow through the inlet 21. In another embodiment, a valve (not shown) at inlet 21 during the cleaning cycle.
Can be used to reduce or even eliminate the flow rate through the filter.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the cleaning head is a fin nozzle cleaning head 123. The fin nozzle design increases the vacuum efficiency and effective force and improves the cleaning of the filter element. The fin nozzle design also reduces the outer surface area of the cleaning head, and thus the resistance to rotation encountered by the cleaning head during rotation, reducing the energy required to rotate the cleaning head. Reduce. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the cleaning head is offset so that the weight distribution of the cleaning head is more evenly distributed from the centerline of the shaft 70.

Structural strength is added to the nozzle cleaning head 123 by pairing and joining the cleaning heads 123 at two locations. First, the cleaning head 123 mates in pairs at its distal end, or inlet 120. Second, the cleaning heads are mated in pairs by the support bar 124, which connects to the cleaning head 123 approximately midway between its inlet 120 and the connecting tubes 141, 142, 143 and 144.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the present invention further includes connecting tubes 141, 142, 14 in flow communication between the corresponding cleaning head 123 and the hollow of the shaft 70.
3 and 144. The connection pipe 141 is closest to the first end 72 of the shaft 70 among the four connection pipes. The connecting pipe 142 is the second closest to the first end 72 of the shaft 70 among the four connecting pipes. The connecting pipe 143 is the shaft 7 of the four connecting pipes.
Third closest to the first end 72 of zero. The connecting pipe 144 is closest to the second end portion 76 of the shaft 70 among the four connecting pipes.

The mandrel 129 of the cleaning head 123 has adjustable connection pipes 141, 14
2, 143 and 144 to form a substantially watertight seal. Adjuster screw 127 provides a means of adjusting the outward protrusion of cleaning head 123 from shaft 70. By adjusting the adjuster screw 127, the inlet 123 of the cleaning head 123 can be located at a preferred distance from the inner surface 31. The preferred clearance between the inner surface 31 and the inlet 120 of the cleaning head 123 is determined by the size of impurities drawn from the filter element 33. This preferred clearance is often 1/8 inch to 1/16 inch (1.59 mm to 3.17 mm).

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-25, the shaft 70 comprises four vacuum chambers 161, 162, 163, 164 within the shaft. The four vacuum chambers have different lengths. The shaft 70 has a first vacuum chamber 161 which extends between the connection pipe 141 and the hole 81 and communicates therewith. The second vacuum chamber 162 extends between the connection pipe 142 and the hole 82 and communicates therewith. The third vacuum chamber 163 has a connecting pipe 14
3 and a hole 83 (not shown), and communicates with this. Fourth vacuum chamber 16
4 extends between the connecting pipe 144 and the hole 84 and communicates therewith. By using separate vacuum chambers, the vacuum in the holes 81, 82, 83 and 84 is more evenly distributed in each connecting pipe 141, 142, 143 and 144 and each mandrel 129.
And the cleaning 123 distributes it uniformly. If there is no separate vacuum chamber,
The vacuum in the shaft 70 is mainly the closest cleaning head, eg the connecting tube 1.
Withdrawn from the cleaning head extending from 43 and 144. This reduces the vacuum available on the cleaning head extending from the connecting tubes 141 and 142.

The vacuum chambers 161, 162, 163 and 164 can be created by securing various plates and end walls within the shaft 70 as follows.

As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 17 to FIG. 25, the plate 151 for dividing the connecting pipe 1 into
41 to a second end 76 of the shaft 70 extending longitudinally along the interior of the shaft 70 and bisecting the interior of the shaft. As shown in FIG. 17, the first end wall 181 seals the end of the vacuum chamber 161 adjacent to the first end 72 of the shaft 70, so that the interior portion of the bisected shaft 70 is connected to the connecting tube. Communicating with 141 and hole 81,
The first vacuum chamber 161 is formed.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 19 to 25, a first quadrant 153 extends longitudinally within the shaft 70 from the connecting pipe 142 to the second end 76 of the shaft 70 and has a length thereof. Along the inside, the interior of the vacuum chamber 161 is divided into two, and the second vacuum chamber 162 is divided from the first vacuum chamber 161, which continues along the inside of the shaft 70, and the cross section is reduced by half. As shown in FIG. 19, the second end wall 182 seals the end of the vacuum chamber 162 adjacent the first end 72 of the shaft 70, so that a dedicated portion inside the shaft 70 has a connection tube 142 and a hole. A second vacuum chamber 162 is formed in communication with 82.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 21 to 25, the third end wall 183 is connected to the connecting pipe 14
3, the end of the vacuum chamber 163 is sealed, so that the inside of the shaft 70 communicates with the connecting pipe 143 and the hole 83 (not shown) to form the third vacuum chamber 163.

A second quadrant 154 extends longitudinally within the shaft 70 from the connecting tube 144 to the second end 76 of the shaft 70, as shown in FIGS. Along the distance, the inside of the vacuum chamber 163 is divided into two to divide the fourth vacuum chamber 164, so that the third vacuum chamber 163 continues along the inside of the shaft 70, and the cross-sectional area is reduced by half. A fourth end wall 184 seals the end of the vacuum chamber 164 adjacent the first end 72 of the shaft 70, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 25. Therefore, the inside of the shaft 70 communicates with the connecting pipe 144 and the hole 84 to form the fourth vacuum chamber 164.

Since the shaft 70 is closed at the first end 72, the vacuum chambers 161, 162, 16
The interior of shaft 70, which does not include one of 3 or 164, remains essentially watertight and free of water. This prevents a "dead zone" containing non-flowing water from being created in the shaft 70. By preventing such "dead zones", the possibility of accumulation of debris such as mussels and organic growths is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 15, the holes 81, 82, 83 and 84 (83 not shown; located on the opposite side of the hole 81 of the shaft 70) are such that the holes collectively form the end 7 of the shaft 70.
6 is arranged so as not to significantly reduce the structural strength of 6. To maximize the distance between the four holes and thus the area of the structural shaft between each hole, the holes 81
, 82, 83 and 84 are staggered around the shaft 70 by 90 ° in the direction of rotation, the holes 81 and 82 being holes 82 and 84 (83 not shown; opposite to the hole 81 of the shaft 70). Staggered) on the shaft 70 in the longitudinal direction.

From the above, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides several advantages over prior art devices. Stainless steel wire mesh filter units are expensive components, especially large units that require high throughput equipment. Previously, filter units were designed to serve a particular purpose, and thus one design has typically been found not suitable for scaled up or down applications. On the contrary,
The present invention provides a combination of components that can be easily sized and configured to be useful in a wide range of applications. The present invention is a modular system, which allows the use of multiple relatively small filter units that nest with each other using metal-to-metal watertightness. The releasably securing mechanism of the filter element of the present invention is particularly useful in that it allows multiple filter elements of relatively small size to be used rather than one filter element of relatively large size. This facilitates the construction, maintenance, removal and replacement of filter elements. This filter unit is lighter in weight, easier to manufacture and therefore cheaper than a larger unit. Being smaller and lighter, the filter unit of the present invention is easier to install and remove.

The guide rod of the present invention provides a means of ensuring the correct alignment of the filter unit and ensuring that the filter element and its individual seals are properly aligned and centered. It generally assists in fixing in place. These rods allow the design of the present invention to be extended to handle very large flows. The rod, in combination with the use of a sealing surface and support structure, allows the filter element to be compressed to form the proper seal required for the function of the filter. Further, by using the cross-shaped support structure 75, the shaft 70 can be centered and firmly supported.

A large watertight door at one end of the device of the present invention allows the operator to more easily observe filter activity such as shaft rotation while the device is free of water, more so than in prior art devices. It is possible to quickly determine the malfunction. Removal and replacement of filter elements is facilitated by the use of doors as well.

Removal and replacement of filter elements is further facilitated by the sealing mechanism of the present invention. While the prior art teaches sealing methods using, for example, a lower O-ring in combination with a locking slit, the present invention uses a sealing surface in combination with compression from a rod to rotate the filter element, , The filter element can be removed and replaced without being otherwise unlocked. This allows handling of filter elements that are larger than those available with the prior art conventional sealing methods.

Thus, there are several aspects of the present invention that address the size and mass issues of industrial filters. The present invention is particularly suitable for industrial applications requiring high throughput and large volume filters. The sealing mechanism of the present invention provides a pressure differential from one side of the filter, for example about 5 psi (350 kg / 350 kg /
It has been found to be useful for filters that must be maintained at low levels, such as <cm ² ).

The present invention also provides a low maintenance filter system and is therefore cost effective. By providing an automatic cleaning system with a minimum of moving parts, the filter of the present invention operates for months or even years without maintenance other than standard maintenance of the operating means. And the operating means is conveniently located outside the filter housing. Unlike prior art self-cleaning filters, maintenance of the motor or gearbox can be easily performed without opening or draining the filter housing.

The filter of the present invention is particularly suitable for water intakes such as those found in power plants. The filters of the present invention are also useful in other applications such as the food industry, pulp and paper industry, and fish farms. Filters are also useful for applications other than water, such as filtration machines that cut oil emulsions.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is understood that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus may fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1]   FIG. 3 is a perspective partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 2]   2 is a side sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

[Figure 3]   FIG. 3 is an end view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[Figure 4]   FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

[Figure 5]   FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

[Figure 6]   FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2.

[Figure 7]   FIG. 3 is a detailed view obtained at station 7 of FIG. 2.

[Figure 8]   FIG. 3 is a detailed view obtained at station 8 in FIG. 2.

[Figure 9]   3 is a detailed view obtained at station 9 of FIG.

[Figure 10]   FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing some configurations of alternative embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11   11 is a detailed view obtained at the station 11 of FIG.

[Fig. 12]   11 is a detailed view obtained at the station 12 of FIG.

[Fig. 13]   FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of some configurations taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14   FIG. 14 is a detailed view obtained at station 14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15   FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the cleaning member of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16   16 is a cross-sectional view of some configurations taken along line 16-16 of FIG.

FIG. 17   17 is a cross-sectional view of some configurations taken along line 17-17 of FIG.

FIG. 18   18 is a cross-sectional view of some configurations taken along line 18-18 of FIG.

FIG. 19   19 is a cross-sectional view of some configurations taken along line 19-19 of FIG.

FIG. 20   FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of some configurations taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 21   21 is a cross-sectional view of some configurations taken along line 21-21 of FIG.

FIG. 22   22 is a cross-sectional view of some configurations taken along line 22-22 of FIG.

FIG. 23   23 is a cross-sectional view of some configurations taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 24   16 is a cross-sectional view of some configurations taken along line 24-24 of FIG.

FIG. 25   FIG. 16 is a perspective partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the hollow shaft 70 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 26   FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the filter element 33 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 27   11 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the filter element 33 of FIG.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme code (reference) B01D 29/38 520B (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI) , FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN , TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK , LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Makoulei, Kevin, Graydon Canada Em 8 Z 6 C 4 Ontario, Toronto, Kipling Avenue 800, within Ontario Power Technologies

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A filter (10) for filtering a liquid, comprising a housing (12) having an inlet (21), an outlet (22) and an inner surface, said housing comprising: (i) an inner surface (31); A filter element (33) having an outer surface (32) and first and second ends (35, 36) each having a sealing surface (50); and (ii) a first sealing surface on the inner surface of the housing. (43), the first sealing surface being sealable with a sealing surface at the first end of the filter element, and (iii) a second sealing surface (49) on the inner surface of the housing. The second sealing surface is sealable with a sealing surface at the second end of the filter element, the sealing surface passing through the inlet, through the inner surface of the filter element, and through the filter element. To the outer surface of the A cleaning member that is sealable to define an exiting liquid flow path, and further comprises: (iv) a cleaning member configured to clean the inner surface of the filter element, the cleaning member disposed adjacent the inner surface. A plurality of cleaning heads (129), an outlet (82) extending through the housing, and a plurality of conduits (70), each of the conduits cleaning from the cleaning head to the outlet. In communication with one of the heads and further arranged to be connected to a conduit and a cleaning head, to provide suction thereto, to suck substances from the inner surface of said filter element through the conduit and out the outlet A filter having a vacuum section. 2. The filter of claim 1 having four cleaning heads and four conduits. 3. Each of the conduits comprises a hollow shaft 4 which is longitudinally quadranted.
The filter according to claim 2, wherein the filter is arranged at one-half. 4. The filter of claim 3, wherein the quarter of the hollow shaft is sealed at the end of the conduit adjacent the respective cleaning head opposite the outlet. 5. The cleaning heads are arranged in first and second pairs having first and second cleaning heads, respectively, the first and second cleaning heads each extending parallel to the shaft. 5. The filter of claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the first pair extends from the shaft in a direction opposite to the second pair. 6. The cleaning head further comprises a plurality of cleaning heads arranged in pairs, each of the pair having a first cleaning head and a second cleaning head, the first cleaning head including the second cleaning head. A filter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is structurally fixed to the filter. 7. A filter (10) for filtering a liquid, comprising a housing (12) having an inlet (21), an outlet (22) and an inner surface, said housing comprising: (i) an inner surface (31); An outer surface (32) and first and second ends (35, 36) each having a sealing surface (50); and (ii) a first sealing surface (43) on the inner surface of the housing, The first sealing surface is sealable with a sealing surface at the first end of the filter element, and further includes: (iii) a second sealing surface (49) on an inner surface of the housing, the second sealing surface A surface is sealable with a sealing surface at the second end of the filter element, the sealing surface extending through the inlet, the inner surface of the filter element to the outer surface of the filter element and out of the outlet. Can be sealed to define a liquid flow path And (iv) a filter including a deflector (170) disposed between the outlet and the filter element. 8. The filter of claim 7, wherein the deflector plate has a shape that is similar to the cross section of the outlet, perpendicular to the flow path through the outlet. 9. The filter of claim 7, wherein the deflector plate has a surface area, similar to the cross-sectional area of the outlet, perpendicular to the flow path through the outlet. 10. The filter of claim 7, wherein the deflector plate has a surface area perpendicular to the flow path through the outlet that is about 1.5 times the exit cross-sectional area. 11. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the filter element is cylindrical. 12. A prescreen disposed in the flow path between the inlet and the filter element, and a prescreen drain disposed in the flow path between the prescreen and the inlet. The filter according to any one of 1 to 6. 13. The filter further comprises a motor (77) connected to the cleaning member, the motor operating the cleaning head parallel to the inner surface of the filter element. 6. The filter according to any one of 6 above. 14. The filter according to claim 13, wherein the filter element is cylindrical and the cleaning member moves in a rotational direction. 15. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning head does not contact the inner surface. 16. The filter according to claim 13, wherein the cleaning member penetrates the housing, and the motor is arranged outside the housing. 17. The cleaning member further comprises a plurality of cleaning heads in communication with the conduit, the cleaning heads being disposed along the cleaning member and, thus, during operation of the motor, the inner surface of the inner surface. 14. A filter according to any one of claims 1-6 or 13, wherein substantially all is exposed to vacuum from the cleaning head. 18. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning head is a triangular fin nozzle. 19. A filter according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein the housing is vertically oriented.