WO2012145712A2

WO2012145712A2 - Fluid filtration systems having adjustable filter belt devices and associated systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2012145712A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/034573
Authority: WO
Inventors: David G. VOLKENAND; Remembrance Newcombe
Original assignee: Blue Water Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-04-20
Filing date: 2012-04-20
Publication date: 2012-10-26
Also published as: WO2012145712A3

Abstract

Fluid filtration systems having adjustable filter belt devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, for example, a filtering system includes a chamber having an inlet, a first fluid flow pathway, and a second fluid flow pathway. A filter belt is interposed in at least one of the first and second fluid flow pathways. The filter belt is configured to trap contaminants while allowing fluid to pass from the inlet along at least one of the first or second fluid flow pathways. The trapped contaminants form an accumulated porous solids layer on the filter belt. A fluid diversion structure is configured to direct fluid along the first fluid pathway if the fluid has passed through the accumulated porous solids layer or along the second fluid flow pathway if the fluid has not passed through the accumulated porous solids layer.

Description

FLU ID FILTRATION SYSTEMS HAVING ADJUSTABLE FILTER BELT DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/477,324, filed April 20, 201 1 , and pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/477,876, filed April 21 , 201 1 , both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates generally to fluid filtration systems. In particular, several embodiments are directed toward adjustable filter belt devices and associated systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Purified water is used in many applications, including the chemical, power, medical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as for human consumption. Typically, prior to use, water is treated to reduce the level of contaminants to acceptable limits. Treatment techniques include physical processes such as filtration, sedimentation, and distillation; biological processes such as slow sand filters or activated sludge; chemical processes such as flocculation and chlorination; and the use of electromagnetic radiation such as ultraviolet light.

[0004] Physical filtration systems are used to separate solids from fluids by interposing a medium (e.g., a mesh or screen) through which only the fluid can pass. Undesirable particles larger than the openings in the mesh or screen are retained while the fluid is purified. In water treatment applications, for example, contaminants from wastewater such as stormwater runoff, sediment, heavy metals, organic compounds, animal waste, and oil and grease must be sufficiently removed prior to reuse. Water

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -1 - purification plants and water purification systems often make use of numerous water filtration units for purification. It would be desirable to provide improved filtering units to reduce the expense and complexity of such purification systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the various elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

[0006] Figure 1 is a sectional view of a filtration apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0007] Figure 2 is a sectional view of a filtration apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology.

[0008] Figure 3 is a cut-away perspective view of the filtration apparatus illustrated in Figure 2.

[0009] Figures 4 and 5 are sectional views of the filtration apparatus illustrated in Figure 2 in accordance with further embodiments of the present technology.

[0010] Figure 6 is a sectional view of a filtration apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present technology.

[0011] Figure 7 is a cut-away perspective view of the filtration apparatus illustrated in Figure 6.

[0012] Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating methods of filtering fluid in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -2- DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present technology is directed to fluid filtration systems having an adjustable filter belt device, and associated systems and methods. In several embodiments, for example, a filtering apparatus includes a chamber having an inlet, a first fluid flow pathway and a second fluid flow pathway, and further including a filter belt interposed in at least one of the first and second fluid flow pathways. The filter belt is configured to trap contaminants while allowing fluid to pass from the inlet along at least one of the first or second fluid flow pathways. In operation, the trapped contaminants form a temporary augmented filter such as an accumulated porous solids layer on the filter belt. A fluid diversion structure is configured to direct fluid along the first fluid pathway if the fluid has passed through the accumulated porous solids layer or along the second fluid flow pathway if the fluid has not passed through the accumulated porous solids layer.

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a filtration apparatus 100 shown at a time 0, at subsequent time 1 , and at still subsequent time 2. The filtration apparatus 100 includes a chamber 102, a filter belt 104, and a fluid quality control mechanism 106. The chamber 102 includes a fluid intake or inlet 108 and two fluid outlets 1 10 and 1 12. In further embodiments, the chamber 102 can include more or fewer inlets or outlets. The filter belt 104 is positioned in the chamber 102, interposed between the inlet 108 and the two outlets 1 10, 1 12.

[0015] The filter belt 104 can be porous such that fluid and/or contaminants can pass through the filter belt 104 while at least some contaminants are too large to pass through the filter belt 104. The contaminants too large to pass through the filter belt 104 can build up on the filter belt's surface in an accumulated porous solids layer 140. The accumulated porous solids layer 140 can comprise a porous, at least partially solid gradient layer formed by particles ranging in particle size distribution. In operation, the accumulated porous layer 140 can provide augmented filtering capabilities compared to a clean filter belt 104. As will be discussed in further detail below, in several embodiments, the accumulated porous layer 140 is a temporary layer that can be removed from the filter belt 104.

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -3- [0016] The filter belt 140 can comprise a steel mesh, a coated mesh, a non-woven cloth belt, or other material. In some embodiments, the filter belt 140 comprises an endless or looped filter belt. In alternative embodiments, the filter belt 104 can be rotated to remove any accumulated porous layer 140 from the filter belt 104 and allow continual operation. According to aspects of the disclosure, rather than simply being a waste product, the accumulated porous layer 140 can significantly increase the filtering properties of the filter belt 104. For instance, in some scenarios, the accumulated porous layer 140 may offer filtration of contaminants that are an order of magnitude smaller than the contaminants blocked by a 'clean' filter belt. Thus, some of the present implementations can treat fluid that is filtered through the filter belt in the presence of the accumulated porous layer 140 differently than fluid that is filtered through the filter belt 104 without the accumulated porous layer 140 present. The filtration apparatus can also include an optional belt cleaning area 120 where contaminants are removed from the filter belt 104 as it is rotated.

[0017] As will be described in further detail below, the fluid quality control mechanism 106 can take on various forms in alternate embodiments of the technology. In several embodiments, the fluid quality control mechanism 106 can divert the fluid flow from flowing in (a) a first pathway between the inlet 108 and the first outlet 1 10 and (b) a second pathway between the inlet 108 and the second outlet 1 12. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the fluid quality control mechanism 106 includes first and second control valves 1 14 and 1 16, and a controller 1 18.

[0018] In operation, the chamber 102 can receive fluid for treatment (e.g., contaminated water 122) via the intake 108. In some embodiments, the contaminated fluid fills an upper portion 124 of the chamber 102 above an inclined region 126 of the filter belt 104. The inclined region 126 can define an oblique angle a relative to a surface of the contaminated fluid in the chamber 102. (The specific oblique angle a is provided for purposes of explanation and is not intended to be limiting.) The filter belt 104 can be thought of as being in fluid communication with the upper portion 124 of the chamber 102. The filter belt 104 can provide filtering of the contaminated fluid 122 by blocking passage of contaminants. At this point, the size of the contaminants blocked by the filtration

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -4- apparatus 100 generally depends on a pore size of the filter belt 104. For instance, if the pore size is 250 micrometers, then contaminants that are about that size or larger are blocked by the filter belt 104 while contaminants that are substantially smaller than 250 micrometers can pass through the filter belt. In various embodiments, the filter belt 104 alone can be configured to block contaminants such as stormwater runoff, algae, sediment, heavy metals, organic compounds, animal waste, and/or oil and grease. In alternative embodiments, the filter belt 104 and the accumulated porous layer 140 can be configured to block contaminants such as stormwater runoff, algae, sediment, heavy metals, organic compounds, animal waste, and/or oil and grease.

[0019] Relative to time 0, and as indicated by arrow 128, fluid passes through an upwardly facing surface 130 of the filter belt 104 thereby filtering the fluid (i.e., producing filtered fluid 134), since at least some of the contaminants cannot pass through the filter belt 104. For instance, as mentioned above, the filter belt 104 can block or filter contaminants that have a diameter that exceeds a pore size of the filter belt 104. Smaller contaminants can pass through the filter belt 104 with the filtered fluid 134. As it travels downward, the filtered fluid 134 is diverted at point 136 in the y-direction so that it does not pass through an underlying region 138 of the filter belt 104. (This feature may be more readily visualized relative to Figure 3).

[0020] As indicated at time 1 , the controller 1 18 can open a first control valve 1 14 and close a second control valve 1 16 to cause the filtered fluid 134 to be redirected back into the fluid intake 108 to be filtered again. A pump 139 can be utilized to assist in redirecting this fluid to the fluid intake 108. As discussed above, during this time, filtered contaminants begin to form the accumulated porous layer 140 on an upwardly facing surface 130 of the filter belt 104. As the thickness and/or complexity of the accumulated porous layer 140 builds, the accumulated porous layer 140 acts as a secondary filter. The secondary filter or accumulated porous layer 140 has a porosity that may be larger than the filter belt 104, the same as the filter belt 104 or smaller than the filter best 104 such that filter smaller contaminants are removed that would otherwise likely pass through the filter belt 104. Stated another way, the filter belt 104 can block contaminants that then

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -5- form the accumulated porous layer 140 upon the filter belt 104. The accumulated porous layer 140 can enhance further fluid filtration through system.

[0021] At time 2, the accumulated porous layer 140 has matured to a point where relatively small contaminants are blocked by the accumulated porous layer 140 such that relatively highly filtered fluid 134 is produced. At this point, the controller 1 18 can close the first control valve 1 14 and open the second control valve 1 16. The relatively highly filtered fluid 134 can then be collected at the outlet 1 12. Filtered fluid that has the relatively high degree of contaminant removal can be handled as effluent fluid. Filtered fluid that does not satisfy the high degree of contaminant removal can be handled differently. For instance, the latter filtered fluid can be re-filtered. In the above example, the formation of the accumulated porous layer 140 on the filtering belt 104 affects contaminant filtering (e.g., removal). Fluid that is filtered through the belt 104 without the aid of an accumulated porous layer 140 (and/or through an ineffective accumulated porous layer) can be separated from fluid that is filtered through an effective accumulated porous layer 140.

[0022] The controller 1 18 can utilize various fluid control algorithms and/or fluid quality parameters to determine when and how to control the first and second control valves 1 14 and 1 16. For instance, the controller 1 18 may utilize time-based fluid control parameters and/or sensed fluid control parameters. For example, in one scenario, at system start-up (e.g., when contaminated fluid 122 is initially received for treatment), the controller 1 18 may open the control valve 1 14 and close the control valve 1 16 for a predetermined period of time so that filtered fluid 134 is recycled for additional treatment. The predetermined period of time may have been previously established as a time in which an effective accumulated porous layer 140 can be built up upon the inclined region 126 for a given fluid/contaminant composition. Upon expiration of the predetermined period of time, the controller 1 18 can cause control valve 1 14 to close and control valve 1 16 to open so that filtered fluid is emitted as effluent. The controller 1 18 may also begin to rotate the filter belt 104 to maintain a given flow rate through the filter belt 104. The controller 1 18 can rotate the filter belt 104 in an incremental and/or continuous manner. In another implementation, before rotating the filter belt 104, the controller 1 18 could revert

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -6- to the start-up configuration with the control valve 1 14 open and the control valve 1 16 closed, and then rotate the filter belt 104 sufficiently so a portion of the filter belt 104 that does not have the accumulated porous layer 140 formed thereon is exposed to the contaminated fluid 122. The controller 1 18 could then wait the predetermined time to establish another accumulated porous layer and then switch the control valves 1 14, 1 16 as described above.

[0023] In some implementations, the controller 1 18 can be manifest as a software, firmware, and/or hardware element of a computing device. A computing device can be any type of device that has some processing capability and some storage capability for storing computer-readable instructions. In some cases, the controller 1 18 can operate as an application on a personal computing device, or PC. The PC can communicate with other computing devices over a network, such as the Internet or a cellular network, among others. Of course, the computing device is not limited to a personal computing device and can be manifest as a smart phone, personal digital assistant, pad-type device, or other type of evolving or yet to be developed types of computing devices. In other cases, the controller 1 18 can be manifest as an application specific integrated circuit (ASICS), system on a chip, or in another manner.

[0024] Figure 2 is a sectional view of another filtration apparatus 100(1 ) having several features generally similar to those of the filtration apparatus 100 described above with reference to Figure 1 . Figure 3 is a cut-away perspective view of the filtration apparatus 100(1 ). For sake of brevity, the suffix (1 ) is used on elements that are generally similar to those discussed above relative to Figure 1 . Accordingly, the filtration apparatus is designated as 100(1 ), the chamber as 102(1 ) and so on. Further, those elements that are substantially similar to the corresponding elements of Figure 1 are not re-introduced here.

[0025] Referring to Figures 2 and 3 together, a fluid quality control mechanism 106(1 ) includes a filtered a fluid diversion structure 202. In this case, the fluid diversion structure 202 includes an upper component 204, a lower component 206, and a control valve 208. The upper component 204 is disposed between an incline region 126(1 ) of a filter belt 104(1 ) and an underlying region 138(1 ), and can function to block lateral movement of

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 filtered fluid 134(1 ) between the incline region 126(1 ) and the underlying region 138(1 ). Thus, filtered fluid 134(1 ) that passes through an upper or right-hand portion 210 of the incline region 126(1 ) is separated from filtered fluid 134(1 ) that passes through a lower or left-hand portion 212 of the incline region 126(1 ). Similarly, the lower component 206 can separate the filtered fluid below the underlying region 138(1 ). Stated another way, the upper component 204 and the lower component 206 can block filtered fluid 134(1 ) from moving parallel to the x-reference axis.

[0026] Assume for purposes of explanation that the filter belt 104(1 ) begins without an accumulated porous layer formed upon the incline region 126(1 ) as illustrated in Figure 2. At this point, filtration is achieved solely via the filter belt 104(1 ) and thus relatively large amounts of contaminants may occur in the filtered fluid 134(1 ). Further, the filtered fluid 134(1 ) passing through the right-hand portion 210 of incline region 126(1 ) has generally the same amount and size of contaminants as filtered fluid 134(1 ) passing through incline region 126(1 ) to the left of upper component 204 (e.g., left-hand portion 212). Accordingly, a fluid quality controller 1 18(1 ) can cause control valves 1 14(1 ) and 208 to open and control valve 1 16(1 ) to close. Thus, substantially all of the filtered fluid 134(1 ) is recycled to an intake 108(1 ) as the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) builds on the incline region 126(1 ).

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates the filtering apparatus 100(1 ) of Figure 2 in a subsequent scenario where an effective accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) has built up upon the incline region 126(1 ). Now, the accumulated porous layer 140 is contributing to contaminant filtering such that high quality filtered fluid 134(1 ) emerges from the filter belt 104(1 ). Accordingly, the controller 1 18(1 ) can close the control valve 1 14(1 ) and open the control valves 208 and 1 16(1 ). Thus, all of the filtered fluid 134(1 ) can be emitted from the outlet 1 12(1 ) as effluent. While the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) can provide effective contaminant filtering, at some point a thickness and/or density of the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) can increase to a point where a flow rate or throughput falls below predetermined levels. The controller 1 18(1 ) can address this scenario by causing the filter belt 104(1 ) to be rotated to expose fresh filter belt and remove some of the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) from an upper portion 124(1 ) that contains the influent fluid. Recall

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -8- that removal of the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) can be accomplished in a belt cleaning area 120(1 ). For instance, a cleaning mechanism 402 may blow pressurized air and/or water through the filter belt to dislodge the contaminants. The contaminants removed from the filter belt in the belt cleaning area 120(1 ) may be handled in various ways. For example, contaminants and fluid can be separated, such as with a screw press. The cleaning fluid can then be returned to the intake 108(1 ) to be treated.

[0028] Figure 5 illustrates a subsequent view of the filtering apparatus 100(1 ) where the controller 1 18(1 ) has caused the filter belt 104(1 ) to rotate in a clockwise manner for a length L such that the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) now occurs only over the right- hand portion 210 of the incline region 126(1 ) and extends up onto a horizontal region 502. The left-hand portion 212 of incline region 126(2) now has clean filter belt exposed that has no accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) formed thereon. Accordingly, the contaminant removal of the left-hand portion is of relatively low quality, while the contaminant removal of the right-hand side or portion, aided by the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ), remains of relatively high quality. In this scenario, the controller 1 18(1 ) can cause the control valve 208 to close, thereby separating the filtered fluid 134(1 ) produced on the right- and left- hand portions 210, 212, respectively. Further, the controller 1 18(1 ) can open control valve 1 14(1 ) so that the relatively low quality filtered fluid produced without an accumulated porous layer is recycled to the intake 108(1 ). The controller can also cause control valve 1 16(1 ) to be opened so that the relatively high quality filtered fluid from the right-hand side that was filtered with the aid of the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) is emitted as effluent. Thus, the present implementation can continually, or from time-to-time, remove contaminants from the filter belt while at the same time producing high quality effluent produced with the benefit of contaminant removal augmented through the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ). The remaining filtered fluid produced without an adequate accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) can be recycled to be filtered again.

[0029] Various algorithms can be employed by the controller 1 18(1 ) to effectively control the movement of the filter belt 104(1 ) and/or the control valves 1 14(1 ), 1 16(1 ) and 208. The algorithms can control the filtration apparatus 100(1 ) based upon various parameters. For instance, one algorithm can be based upon pre-defined or pre-

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -9- determined times for controlling the filter belt 104(1 ) and/or valves 1 14(1 ), 1 16(1 ) and 208. For instance, a desired effluent fluid profile can be defined. The desired effluent fluid profile can define the concentration and/or size of contaminants in the effluent fluid. Contaminated fluid can be introduced in the intake 108(1 ). Inflow rate, outflow rate, as well as the height of the fluid in portion 124 can be monitored either manually or automatically. Samples of filtered fluid or measurements of fluid quality parameters can be taken at defined intervals, such as every minute. At this point, all treated fluid can be recycled to the intake. As the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) forms, the filtering efficiency increases and resultant effluent fluid quality rises. At some point (e.g., ten minutes for example), the desired effluent fluid profile may be achieved. At that point, control valve 1 14(1 ) can be closed and control valve 1 16(1 ) can be opened and the filtered fluid can be treated as effluent. At a subsequent time, the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) may slow fluid passage through the filter belt 104(1 ) below a desired rate. Assume for purposes of example that this occurs after twenty minutes of operation. At this point, the filter belt 104(1 ) can be rotated for length L; the control valve 208 can be closed and the control valves 1 14(1 ) and 1 16(1 ) can be opened. After another period of time (e.g., an additional ten minutes), the accumulated porous layer 140(1 ) is established over the left- hand portion 212 and the control valve 1 14(1 ) can be closed and the control valve 208 can be opened. For the next time period (e.g., a further ten minutes), all treated fluid can be directed to the outlet 1 12(1 ) and treated as effluent fluid. Then the process can be repeated by closing control valve 208, opening control valve 1 14(1 ) and rotating the filter belt for length L. Figure 6, discussed below, shows built-in parameter sensors that can be used in a feedback fashion by the controller 1 18(1 ) to control the control valves and filter belt movement.

[0030] Figure 6 is a sectional view of another filtration apparatus 100(2) in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present technology. Figure 7 is a cutaway perspective view of the filtration apparatus 100(2). Figures 6 and 7 have several features generally similar to those discussed above with reference to Figures 1 -5. In this embodiment, a fluid displacement structure 202(2) is moveable generally from left-to-right (i.e., generally parallel the x-reference axis). In this case, a controller 1 18(2) can move a

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -10- lower component 206(2) via an assembly 602. The controller 1 18(2) can also move an upper component 204(2) via an assembly 604. The assemblies 602 and 604 can include a controllable drive mechanism such as a motor, and sets of belts and pulleys, gears and chains, hydraulic pistons etc. to transfer force from the drive mechanism to the respective upper or lower component. The assemblies 602 and 604 can allow the controller 1 18(2) to adjust how filtered fluid from different portions of an incline region 126(2) are handled. The controller 1 18(2) can use various parameters and/or algorithms to determine how to control the fluid displacement structure 202(2). This implementation includes several sensors for providing parameter values to the controller. In this case, the sensors include five fluid quality sensors 606(1 ), 606(2), 606(3), 606(4), and 606(5) and three fluid flow sensors 608(1 ), 608(2), and 608(3).

[0031] In one example of how the controller 1 18(2) can utilize parameter(s) to control the filtration apparatus 100(2), the filtration apparatus 100(2) receives contaminated fluid and is required by a quality of service agreement to produce effluent that satisfies a defined contaminant profile. In this operational scenario, assume that at system start-up, the controller 1 18(2) positions the fluid displacement structure 202(2) in the middle of its potential locations parallel to the x-reference axis (i.e., equal distance from both the left and right extremes). Assume further that the controller opens control valves 1 14(2), 208(2) and closes a control valve 1 16(2) so that the filtered fluid is returned to an intake 108(2) while an accumulated porous layer is formed on the incline region 126(2). Fluid quality sensor 606(1 ) and fluid flow sensor 608(1 ) are positioned in the intake 108(2) and can sense the quality and flow rate of the contaminated intake fluid. The flow rate though the filter belt 104(2) can be determined by adding the values from fluid flow sensors 608(2) and 608(3).

[0032] The fluid quality sensor 606(2) can sense the fluid quality (e.g., contaminant concentrations and/or contaminant size in treated fluid from right-hand portion 210(2)). Similarly, the fluid quality sensor 606(3) can sense fluid quality in a left-hand portion 212(2). At some point, fluid quality as measured by fluid quality sensors 606(2) and/or 606(3) can meet predefined effluent fluid quality values. If the right-hand portion 210(2) reaches the fluid quality standards before the left-hand portion 212(2), the controller

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -1 1 - 1 18(2) can close control valve 208(2) and leave control valve 1 14(2) open and open control valve 1 16(2). This can allow the relatively higher quality filtered fluid to be treated as effluent while the relatively lower quality filtered fluid can be recycled. Once the left- hand portion 212(2) filtered fluid meets the quality guidelines, the controller 1 18(2) can close the control valve 1 14(2) and open the control valve 208(2). Thus, all of the filtered fluid can be treated as effluent and emitted from an outlet 1 12(2).

[0033] The flow rate through a filter belt 104(2) can be determined from the flow rate sensor 608(3). At some point, an accumulated porous layer 140(2) may reach a thickness and/or density that significantly impacts flow rate through the filter belt 104(2). The controller 1 18(2) can rotate the filter belt 104(2) to expose clean belt material in the intake region 126(2). The controller 1 18(2) can take various actions depending on the contaminant profile in the intake fluid and/or the desired contaminant profile of the effluent fluid. For instance, if the effluent fluid prior to filter belt movement exceeds the desired effluent fluid quality, the controller 1 18(2) may be able to rotate the filter belt 104(2) a small amount and still meet the desired effluent fluid quality even though some of the fluid is filtered without the accumulated porous layer 140(2). In another embodiment, the controller 1 18(2) can close the control valve 208(2) upon rotating the belt 104(2) and open the control valve 1 14(2). The controller 1 18(2) can then move the upper and lower components left or right to satisfy the desired effluent fluid quality while maintaining a relatively high flow rate to the outlet 1 12(2). In some implementations, such a procedure can be based upon a feedback loop that approaches an optimum setting. In one such example, if the influent fluid contains a high concentration of fibrous contaminants that readily build up an effective accumulated porous layer 140(2), the controller 1 18(2) may be able to move the fluid diversion structure 202(2) to the left. If the influent fluid has a relatively high concentration of small colloidal contaminants, the controller 1 18(2) may move the fluid diversion structure 202(2) to the right to allow more time for an effective accumulated porous layer 140(2) to be established before treating the resultant filtered fluid as effluent.

[0034] Note that while the illustrated filter belt 104(2) is oriented to have both an inclined region and a horizontal region (shown in broken line), further embodiments may

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -12- employ the filter belt 104(2) solely as an incline region without the optional horizontal region, or vice versa. Other implementations can alternatively or additionally employ other filter belt orientations. For example, some implementations can have an adjustable incline region. The controller 1 18(2) can adjust the angle a (see angle a in Figure 1 ) based upon various operating parameters, such as a composition of the contaminated fluid. These variations on the filter belt incline can be applied to any embodiments disclosed herein.

[0035] Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating methods of filtering fluid in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Figure 8 illustrates a method 800 that may be implemented in connection with a filtration system such as those described above with reference to Figures 1 -7. The method 800 includes determining whether a sufficient accumulated porous layer exists on a filter belt to filter fluid to satisfy one or more fluid quality parameters (block 802). Various techniques are described above for determining whether a sufficient accumulated porous layer exists on the filter belt. In an instance where a sufficient accumulated porous layer does not exist on the filter belt (i.e., "no" at block 802), fluid passing through the belt can be recycled (block 804) to be filtered again. In an instance where a sufficient accumulated porous layer does exist on the filter belt (i.e., "yes" at block 802), fluid passing through the belt can be treated as effluent (block 806).

[0036] In an instance where the filtered fluid is treated as effluent, the method 800 can query whether the filter belt is going to be rotated (block 808). In an instance where the filter belt is not rotated (i.e., "no" at block 808), the method 800 can loop back to block 806 and can continue to treat the filtered fluid as effluent. In an instance where the filter belt is rotated (i.e., "yes" at block 808), the method 800 can loop back to block 802 to determine whether a sufficient accumulated porous layer exists on the filter belt to satisfy the fluid quality parameters.

[0037] Figure 9 illustrates another method for filtering fluids. The method 900 may be implemented on a filtration system such as those described above with reference to Figures 1 -7. The method 900 can include obtaining a value for at least one parameter associated with a filtration apparatus that includes a filter belt (block 902). The method 900 further includes controlling fluid that passes through a first portion of the filter belt in a

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -13- different manner than fluid that passes through a second portion of the filter belt based upon the parameter value (block 904).

[0038] The order in which the above methods are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternate method. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof such that a computing device can implement the method. In one case, the method is stored on a computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, hard drive, optical disc, etc., as a set of instructions such that execution by a computing device, causes the computing device to perform the method.

[0039] The present embodiments can handle filtered fluid that has a high degree of contaminant removal in a different manner than filtered fluid lacking the high degree of contaminant removal. The fluid diversion structures can also enable the controllers to control the filter belts in a manner that produces a relatively high throughput of effluent fluid that has a relatively high degree of contaminant removal. Thus, stated another way, the fluid control mechanisms can be configured to separate fluid that passes through the accumulated porous layer from fluid that does not pass through the accumulated porous layer. The fluid control mechanisms can be further configured to handle filtered fluid that does not pass through an effective accumulated porous layer differently from filtered fluid that does. For instance, the fluid that does not pass through an effective accumulated porous layer can be recycled and re-filtered.

[0040] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the disclosure. For example, while various attributes of the fluid flow or the filtering apparatus 100 are designated as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "upwardly-facing", "downward", etc., these terms are used only for purposes of explaining of the accompanying drawings. For example, in some embodiments, an inlet may be at a lower height than an outlet and/or fluids may be filtered upwards through a filter mesh such that gravity assists in keeping contaminants from piercing an overhead filter. In still further embodiments, the filtration systems may include

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -14- additional features, such as overflow chambers, fluid routing systems, or additional flow paths. Additionally, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the new technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein. Thus, the disclosure is not limited except as by the appended claims.

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -15-

Claims

CLAIMS I/We claim:

1 . A filtering apparatus, comprising:

a chamber having an inlet, a first fluid flow pathway, and a second fluid flow pathway;

a filter belt interposed in at least one of the first or second fluid flow pathways, wherein the filter belt is configured to trap contaminants while allowing fluid to pass from the inlet along at least one of the first or second fluid flow pathways, and wherein the trapped contaminants form an accumulated porous solids layer on the filter belt; and

a fluid diversion structure configured to direct fluid along the first fluid pathway if the fluid has passed through the accumulated porous solids layer or along the second fluid pathway if the fluid has not passed through the accumulated porous solids layer.

2. The filtering apparatus of claim 1 wherein the filtering apparatus further comprises a pump configured to channel fluid from the second fluid flow pathway to the inlet.

3. The filtering apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid diversion structure comprises a movable structure configured to separate fluid that has passed through the accumulated porous solids layer from fluid that has not passed through the accumulated porous solids layer.

4. The filtering apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a controller configured to adjust a position of at least one of the filter belt or the fluid diversion structure.

78₄83-8006. US01 /LEG AL23399989.1 -16-

5. The filtering apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a sensor configured to sense one or more conditions associated with the filtering apparatus, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of the fluid diversion structure or the filter belt based at least in part on values received from the sensor.

6. The filtering apparatus of claim 5 wherein the sensor is configured to sense a presence or absence of the accumulated porous solids layer on the filter belt.

7. The filtering apparatus of claim 5 wherein the sensor is configured to sense at least one of a level of fluid flow through the filter belt or a concentration of contaminants in the fluid, or to provide a contaminant profile.

8. The filtering apparatus of claim 5 wherein the filter belt is configured to trap at least one of stormwater runoff, algae, sediment, heavy metals, organic compounds, animal waste, oil or grease.

9. A filtering system, comprising:

a fluid filtering chamber, the chamber having an inlet in communication with a first fluid pathway and a second fluid pathway;

a filter belt positioned in at least one of the first or second fluid pathways, wherein the filter belt comprises a first portion and a second portion;

a quality control mechanism configured to direct fluid flow to the first fluid pathway if the fluid has passed through the first portion of the filter belt and to the second fluid pathway if the fluid has passed through the second portion of the filter belt; and

a controller configured to activate and deactivate the quality control mechanism.

10. The filtering system of claim 9, further comprising a sensor configured to sense one or more conditions associated with the filtering system, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the quality control mechanism based at least in part on values received from the sensor.

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1 1 . The filtering system of claim 9, further comprising a sensor configured to sense one or more conditions associated with the filtering system, wherein:

the first portion of the filter belt comprises a layer of contaminants;

the sensor is configured to sense at least one of a fluid flow rate, a layer thickness, or a layer density; and

the controller is configured to adjust the position of at least one of the filter belt or the quality control mechanism based on a value received from the sensor.

12. The filtering system of claim 9 wherein the quality control mechanism is automatically adjustable based upon a fluid quality parameter.

13. The filtering system of claim 9 wherein at least a portion of the filter belt is positioned in the chamber at an angle between about 10 degrees and about 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

14. A method of filtering contaminants from a fluid, the method comprising:

positioning a quality control mechanism in a first position in a filter chamber;

supplying fluid into the filter chamber, wherein the fluid includes a first type of contaminant and a second type of contaminant;

passing fluid through a filter belt, thereby forming a temporary layer of the second contaminant on the filter belt;

outletting fluid from a first outlet in the chamber;

positioning the quality control mechanism in a second position in the filter chamber; supplying fluid into the chamber a second time;

passing fluid through the filter belt a second time; and

outletting the fluid from a second outlet in the chamber.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the second type of contaminant has a size generally larger than the first type of contaminant, and wherein forming a temporary layer of the second type of contaminant on the filter belt comprises augmenting a filtering capacity of the filter belt.

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16. The method of claim 14 wherein forming a temporary layer of the second type of contaminant on the filter belt comprises adjusting a ratio of the first type of contaminant to the second type of contaminant in the fluid.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising rotating the filter belt within the chamber to adjust the position of the temporary layer relative to the inlet.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein passing fluid through the filter belt a second time comprises passing the fluid through the temporary layer.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising sensing a condition related to at least one of the filter belt or a fluid quality parameter.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising adjusting the quality control mechanism from the first position to the second position based on the sensing.

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