WO2023007432A2

WO2023007432A2 - Harvester tank assembly and filtration arrangements therfor

Info

Publication number: WO2023007432A2
Application number: PCT/IB2022/057007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ajit Singh
Original assignee: Edc Tanks
Priority date: 2021-07-28
Filing date: 2022-07-28
Publication date: 2023-02-02
Also published as: ZA202208437B; WO2023007432A3

Abstract

This invention relates to a harvester tank assembly and a filtration arrangements therefor. The harvester tank assembly comprises an inlet for receiving rainwater and a discharge outlet; an elongate body in communication with the inlet, the elongate body defining a holding chamber for holding water; and a filtration arrangement attached or attachable to the elongate body. The filtration arrangement comprises a first filtration system attached or attachable between the holding chamber and the inlet for filtering water received into the elongate body via the inlet prior to the water being fed into the holding chamber. In addition the filtration arrangement comprises a second filtration system attached or attachable between the holding chamber and the discharge outlet to further filter the water prior to the water being released via the discharge outlet. Filter arrangement for harvester tanks are also disclosed herein.

Description

HARVESTER TANK ASSEMBLY AND FILTRATION ARRANGEMENTS

THERFOR

FIELD OF INVENTION

THIS invention relates to a harvester tank assembly and a filtration arrangements therefor.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Tanks which are used to harvest rainwater generally do not have adequately arranged filtration systems to ensure that the harvested water will be free of debris or particulate matter.

In addition, the tanks tend to build up silt which would typically require the entire tank to be flushed out to allow the removal of the silt. Flushing of the tank typically results in the loss of harvested water which would then require the harvesting of rainwater to be started afresh post the flushing process.

The tanks which are currently used are also bulky and not necessarily aesthetically pleasing.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a harvester tank that will ameliorate at least some of the abovementioned problems. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a harvester tank assembly comprising: an inlet for receiving rainwater and a discharge outlet; an elongate body in communication with the inlet, the elongate body defining a holding chamber for holding water; and a filtration arrangement fitted to the body, the filtration arrangement comprising: a first filtration system fitted between the holding chamber and inlet for filtering water received into the body via the inlet prior to the water being fed into the holding chamber; and a second filtration system fitted between the holding chamber and the discharge outlet to further filter the water prior to the water being released through the discharge outlet.

The elongate body may define an overflow chamber disposed adjacent to the holding chamber for collecting excess water from the holding chamber and/or debris/particulate matter flowing from the first filtration system into the overflow chamber.

The elongate body may define an overflow chamber outlet arranged to discharge debris/overflow water through, for example, a gutter discharge spout connected/connectable thereto, into a drainage collector.

The elongate body may define multiple compartments along the length thereof.

The elongate body may be slim in form. The compartments may be arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body and in particular, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the holding chamber.

In one embodiment, the harvester tank assembly may define a first compartment opening in communication with a first compartment arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body, the first compartment may be arranged to removably accommodate the first filtration system.

The harvester tank assembly may further define a second compartment opening in communication with the second compartment arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body and operably disposed at a lower opened end of the holding chamber, the second compartment may be arranged to removably accommodate the second filtration system.

The first and second compartments may be integrally formed with the elongate body.

Alternatively, the harvester tank assembly may be modularized thus having a first housing arranged to be operably fitted across an upper opening defined by the elongate body defining the holding chamber and adjacent overflow chamber. The harvester tank assembly may further comprise a second housing operably fitted across a lower opening defined by the elongate body defining the holding chamber.

The first housing may accordingly define a first compartment opening in communication with a first compartment arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body, the first compartment may be arranged to removably accommodate the first filtration system. The first filtration system may comprise a cassette/housing and a cassette assembly comprising a series of filters arranged obliquely in relation to the longitudinal axis of the housing and arranged so as to discharge matter collected thereon into the overflow chamber. The cassette may comprise an end wall/first sealing member that is arranged to sealingly fit on the first compartment opening.

The series of filters may comprise a first, operatively upper filter, and a second, operatively lower filter, wherein the first filter defines apertures which are larger in size than the apertures on the second filter.

The first filtration system may define a discharge opening in communication with the holding chamber.

The first filtration system may comprise a base defining the discharge opening, the base may be arranged to rest across or fitted across an opening leading into the holding chamber.

The first filtration system may further comprise an overflow opening defined on the base, the overflow opening may be barricaded by a moveable member/gate that is moveable between a closed configuration in which the overflow opening is closed and an opened configuration in which the gate is urged to an open position by excess water in the holding chamber overflowing into the adjacent, overflow chamber.

The series of filters may be arranged obliquely to allow debris and particulate matter to flow under the influence of gravity into the overflow chamber. The second housing may accordingly define a second compartment arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

The second compartment may be arranged to removably accommodate the second filtration system.

The second filtration system may comprise: a filtration body defining a filtration body inlet, a filtered water outlet and a silt water outlet; a filter arrangement fitted to the filtration body between the outlets.

The second compartment may define a filtration chamber for accommodating the second filtration system, a filtered water chamber arranged to be in communication with the filtered water outlet, and a silt chamber arranged to be in communication with the silt water outlet.

In an embodiment, the harvester tank assembly, in particular the second filtration system may comprise a control element arranged to displace the filtration body between an open configuration to allow water to pass through the filtration body inlet, and a closed configuration for preventing passage of water through the inlet and optionally one or more of the outlets of the second filtration system.

The filtration body may be in the form of or may comprise a valve comprising two cylindrical members comprising one or more openings wherein one or more of the openings defining the filtration body inlet, the cylindrical members being rotatable relative to each other between a first configuration in which the one or more openings are in register with each other and thus allow the opening of the filtration body inlet of the second filtration system, and a closed configuration in which the one or more openings are misaligned and shut off the filtration body inlet.

The control element may be an actuator typically in the form of a handle connectable to one of the cylindrical members to rotatably displace one of the cylindrical members relative to the other cylindrical member between the opened and closed configurations.

The second filtration system may comprise a second compartment opening and a third compartment opening in communication with the second compartment, wherein the second compartment opening is in communication with the filtration chamber arranged to house the second filtration system, and wherein the third compartment opening is arranged to allow access into the silt chamber.

The second filtration system may comprise a second sealing member and a third sealing member arranged to suitably seal against the second and third compartment openings, respectively. The actuator may be fitted to the second sealing member, which second sealing member may be fitted to the control element.

The filter arrangement may comprise a filter element and a filter mesh fitted to the filter element.

The filter arrangement may be arranged along the length of one of the cylindrical members and disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of cylindrical member. The second filtration system may be fitted across the silt chamber and filtered water chamber.

The silt chamber opening and filtered water opening may thus be longitudinally spaced from each other and the filter arrangement may be disposed between the openings thereof.

The harvester tank assembly may further define the discharge outlets in communication with the filtered water chamber.

The harvester tank assembly may comprise a base that is removably fitted to the second housing, the base being arranged to be secured or firmly bound to the ground or underlying surface. The base may comprise a meshed internal surface.

The harvester tank assembly may comprise a disinfection mechanism arranged to periodically release doses of disinfectant into the body, in particular the holding chamber.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a filtration arrangement/assembly/apparatus for a harvester tank or harvester tank assembly, the filtration arrangement comprising: a housing for accommodating a filtration system, the housing defining a filtered water chamber; and a filtration system comprising a filtration body defining a filtration body inlet and a filtered water outlet, the filtration system being operable between an opened configuration to allow water to pass through the filtration system for filtering prior to the water being discharged into the filtered water chamber via the filtered water outlet, and a closed configuration to prevent passage of water through one of the inlet and filtered water outlet. The filtration system may comprise a compartment defining a filtration chamber for accommodating the filtration system.

The filtration system may comprise a silt water outlet and the housing may define a silt water chamber arranged to be in communication with the silt water outlet.

In an embodiment, the filtration system may comprise a control element moveable between an open configuration to allow water to pass through the filtration body inlet, and a closed configuration for preventing passage of water through the inlet and optionally one or more of the outlets of the filtration system.

The control element may be in the form of a valve comprising two cylindrical members comprising one or more openings wherein one or more of the openings defining the filtration body inlet, the cylindrical members being rotatable relative to each other between a first configuration in which the one or more openings are in register with each other and thus allow the opening of the filtration body inlet of the second filtration system, and a closed configuration in which the one or more openings are misaligned and shut off the filtration body inlet.

The control element may further comprise an actuator typically in the form of a handle connectable to one of the cylindrical members to rotatably displace one of the cylindrical members relative to the other cylindrical member between the opened and closed configurations. The housing may define a first opening in communication with the filtration chamber and a second opening in communication with the silt chamber.

The filtration arrangement may comprise a first sealing member and a second sealing member arranged to suitably seal against the first and second openings, respectively. The actuator may be fitted to the first sealing member, which first sealing member may be fitted to the control element or form part of the control element.

The filtration system may comprise a filter arrangement which may comprise a filter element and a filter mesh fitted to the filter element.

The filter arrangement may be arranged along the length of the control element and disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the control element.

The filtration system may be fitted across the silt chamber and filtered water chamber.

The filtration arrangement may further define discharge outlets in communication with the filtered water chamber. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a filtration arrangement/assembly/apparatus for a harvester tank or harvester tank assembly, the filtration arrangement comprising: a housing defining an inlet; and a filtration system, in communication with the inlet, fitted to the housing, the filtration system defining a discharge opening and comprising an arrangement of angularly arranged filter members arranged across the discharge opening.

The housing may define a compartment for slidably accommodating the filtration system.

The filtration system may comprise a cassette/filtration housing comprising a base, the base defining the discharge opening.

The base may define an overflow opening which may be barricaded by a moveable member/gate, the gate being moveable between a closed, rest configuration and an open, urged configuration in which the gate is urged open by excess water overflowing from the water holding chamber, in use.

The housing may define a chamber for accommodating a disinfectant agent.

The chamber may define a dispenser outlet in communication with the discharge opening for dispensing, preferably periodically dispensing the disinfectant from the chamber. The filtration arrangement may comprise a dispensing arrangement comprising a timer for setting the intervals in which the disinfectant is to be released through the discharge opening and an actuator mechanism arranged to open the dispenser outlet during the interval and close the opening at the end of the set interval.

According to fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of printing an article including at least one of the harvester tank assembly of the first aspect of the invention, the elongate body of the harvester tank assembly of the first aspect of the invention, the filtration arrangement of the second aspect of the invention, and the filtration arrangement of the third aspect of the invention, the method comprising: processing (e.g. 3D scanning) the article into forming a digital file thereof, the digital file comprising instructions which are arranged to control a 3D printer to print out the article, in use.

The method may further include the step of storing the digital file on a memory device or on a physical or digital (i.e. storage pool) storage location. The method may further include downloading the digital file onto the 3D printer, in use to allow the digital file to control the operation of the 3D printer into printing out the article.

The method may further include transferring the digital file to the 3D printer, in use to allow the digital file to control the operation of the 3D printer into printing out the article.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of printing an article including at least one of the harvester tank assembly of the first aspect of the invention, the elongate body of the harvester tank assembly of the first aspect of the invention, the filtration arrangement of the second aspect of the invention, and the filtration arrangement of the third aspect of the invention, the method comprising: storing a digital file thereof, the digital file comprising instructions which are arranged to control a 3D printer to print out the article, in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The objects of this invention and the manner of obtaining them, will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood, by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a harvester tank assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B shows front and back views of the harvester tank assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional side view of the harvester tank assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention at B-B as illustrated in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 2A shows two perspective views of a top filter assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention comprising a top filter compartment cassette assembly and dripper module in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B shows an exploded perspective view of the top filter compartment and cassette assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional side view of the top filter compartment assembly and cassette assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention at N-N as illustrated in FIG. 2C;

FIG.3A shows two perspective views of the top filter compartment cassette assembly along with the disinfectant dripper module in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG.3B shows an exploded perspective view of the top filter compartment cassette assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG.3C shows a cross-sectional side view of the top filter compartment cassette assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention at C-C as illustrated in FIG. 3C;

FIG.4A shows two perspective views of a second filtration arrangement in accordance with the invention comprising a bottom filter compartment assembly including an inlet to the compartment, via a funnel, an isolator valve, silt chamber door and a quick connect outlet interface in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention’

FIG.4B shows an exploded perspective view of the bottom filter compartment assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG.4C shows a cross-sectional side view of the bottom filter compartment showing the position of the isolator valve, the silt chamber and water distribution chamber in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention at D-D in FIG. 4C;

FIG.5A shows a perspective view of the isolator valve showing an inlet to the valve in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG.5B shows a second perspective view of the isolator valve showing two outlets of the isolator valve, namely a filtered water outlet and the silt chamber outlet in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG.5C is an exploded perspective view of an isolator valve in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG.5D shows a cross-sectional side view of the isolator valve showing a filter element and mesh and the positions of the inlet and outlets with respect to the filter element in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention at F-F in FIG. 5D; and

FIG. 6 shows perspective and front views of an elongate body (viz. tank) in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention, as well as a cross-sectional side view of thereof at E-E as illustrated in Figure 6 in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognise that many changes can be made to the embodiment described, while still attaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be attained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilising other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognise that modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances, and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not a limitation thereof.

It will be appreciated that the phrase “for example,” “such as”, and variants thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. Reference in the specification to “one example embodiment”, “another example embodiment”, “some example embodiment”, or variants thereof means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Thus, the use of the phrase “one example embodiment”, “another example embodiment”, “some example embodiment”, or variants thereof does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s).

Unless otherwise stated, some features of the subject matter described herein, which are, described in the context of separate embodiments for purposes of clarity, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Similarly, various features of the subject matter disclosed herein which are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. For brevity, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e. , meaning “having the potential to”), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning “must”).

The words “include,” “including,” and “includes” and the words “comprises”, “comprising”, and “comprises” mean including and comprising, but not limited to, respectively.

As shown in Figure 1A to 1C, there is provided a harvester tank assembly designated generally by reference numeral (50). The harvester tank assembly (50) essentially comprises of five modular sub-assemblies, namely: a top filter compartment (28), a top filter compartment cassette assembly (29), a middle compartment (i.e. elongate tank body) (10), a bottom filter compartment (31) and an isolator valve (32). The harvester tank assembly 50 further comprises an electronic dripper module (33) fitted to the top filter compartment (28) for purposes of maintaining a constant quantity of disinfectant in the tank, as will be described in more detail below.

The elongate tank body (10) defines a holding chamber(s) (34) and an adjacent overflow chamber (37) as can be seen in Figure 6. The holding chamber (34) and overflow chamber (37) are separated from each other by partition walls/ribs/webs (10A, 10B) also as best seen in Figure 6. In particular, the elongate tank body (10) has two internal partition walls/ribs

(10A, 10B) which divide the holding chamber (34) into a first holding chamber (34A) and a second holding chamber (34B) that may be substantially similar, i.e., they may be of the same volume/size. One of the partition walls (10B/10A) separates the overflow chamber (37) from the holding chamber (34).

The elongate tank body (10) comprises a transparent strip along its elongate edge for the purpose of indicating the level of water in the holding chamber (34). A level indicator strip cover (11) covers the strip. A hinge mechanism, consisting of two pins (12) which fit into either end of the strip cover (11) and into matching holes (not shown) in the top and bottom filter compartment housings (28, 31), is used to open and close the cover. Four magnets (13) are attached to the inside of the strip cover (11) and on a clear strip of the tank body (10) to keep the cover secured to the tank body (10) during normal operation.

As can be seen in FIG. 2A, 2B and 2C, the top filter compartment (i.e. first filtration arrangement) (28) comprises an outer housing (1), a gutter inlet (2) which may be interchangeable to either an 80mm or 110mm diameter opening inlet depending on the building requirements and mounting brackets

(4) for facilitating the attachment of the harvester tank assembly to a wall of a building. The top filter compartment or first filter arrangement (28) comprises and houses a first filtration system (i.e. the filter cassette assembly) (29) and facilitating mounting of the harvester tank assembly 50 to a wall with mounting brackets which are arranged to slide into slots on the sides of the outer housing 1 , thereof.

The top filter compartment (28) comprises a quick fit mechanism (not shown) to snap fit either the 80mm or 110mm gutter inlet to the outer housing 1.

Referring to FIG. 3A, 3B and 3C, the first filtration system, i.e. cassette assembly (29), comprises a cassette (i.e. inner housing) (5), a cassette cover (6), a series of filter members/elements comprising a top filter (7), a bottom filter (8) and filter mesh (9) for removing large and medium sized debris, respectively.

The cassette assembly 29 is essentially a two-stage filtration system arranged to remove any dirt and debris that enters the top filter compartment 28 via the gutter inlet (2). Each of the filter elements are attached to notches

(not shown) on the cassette body (5) and are angled (or arranged obliquely) in relation to the inlet (2) or longitudinal axis of the elongate body (10) to allow debris to fall into a gutter outlet compartment (i.e. overflow chamber) (37), as will be described below, and exit the harvester tank assembly (50) through a gutter outlet pipe. The filter elements (7), (8), (9) and cassette (5) have corresponding notches (not shown) to allow for the filter elements to easily snap into place on the cassette body (5). The filter elements (7), (8), (9) may be easily removably attachable to the cassette body (5). The top filter (7) is designed with ridges to facilitate the movement of large dirt and debris into a gutter outlet compartment/conduit/pipe (17). The bottom filter (8) prevents finer dirt and debris from entering a holding chamber of the elongate body (10) through a discharge opening defined by a base of the filter cassette body (5). The filters (7, 8, 9) are positioned at an angle, as mentioned above, to allow for self-cleansing, i.e. to allow debris to follow under the influence of gravity into the overflow chamber (37), hence minimizing the amount of maintenance required for cleaning and maintaining the cassette assembly (29).

The cassette (5) is modularly constrained to the outer housing (1) using matching notches and grooves (not shown) on the cassette (5) and housing (1), respectively. A handle (1A) on the cassette (5) enables a user to pull the cassette (5) out of the outer housing (1) for maintenance purposes.

A dripper module (33) is fitted to the cassette (5), as mentioned above, to periodically release a predetermined amount of disinfectant into the holding chamber (34). The cassette cover (6) is used to conceal a disinfectant chamber (38) defined by the cassette (5), thus preventing evaporation of the disinfectant from the chamber. The cassette cover (6) is constrained to the cassette (5) using a lip and matching groove arrangement provided on the cassette cover (6) and walls of the cassette (5) defining an opening leading into the disinfectant chamber (38). The cassette (5) and cover (6) are configured such that they may be easily removed or opened when filter maintenance is required.

The cassette (5) comprises a base (5A), the base defines a discharge opening (5B) that is in fluid communication with the holding chamber (34 including 34A and 34B). The base (5A) is arranged to fit along an upper end of the elongate tank body (10) and rest across the openings defining the holding chamber (34: 34A, 34B).

The base (5A) further defines an overflow opening (not shown) to which is attached a swing gate (3). The swing gate (3) is operably arranged to abut against, and thereby close, the overflow opening defined by the cassette (5) to prevent pests and insects from entering into the holding chamber (34). In use, when water in the holding chamber (34) reaches the brim (i.e. the operatively upper edge thereof which interfaces with the base (5A)), the swing gate (3) is pushed/urged open by water overflowing from the holding chamber (34: 34A, 34B) and the overflowing water passes into the gutter outlet compartment/overflow chamber (37).

Further in use, a disinfectant or suitable water treatment agent is added in the disinfectant chamber (38) to eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms that may usually develop and/or thrive in rainwater storage tanks. The disinfectant chamber (38) of the cassette (5) serves to store the disinfectant solution to be used by the automated dripper module (33), allowing for minimal user interference or maintenance required to maintain a given amount of disinfectant in the tank at all times. The electronic dripper module (33) allows a user to set a drip interval through a timer (not shown) and drip volume, through a regulator (not shown), based on consumer requirements. Although not shown, the disinfectant chamber (38) defines a disinfectant discharge opening (not shown) which is arranged to release doses of disinfectant through the discharge opening (5B) of the base (5A). The dripper module (33) may dispense a conventional disinfectant/anti- microbial substance.

Referring to FIGs. 4A, 4B and 4C, the bottom filter compartment assembly (31) (i.e. second filtration arrangement) comprises a second compartment or bottom filter assembly housing (14), a funnel (15) for directing fluid from the holding chamber (34A, 34B) into the second filtration system

(32), a base (16) for engaging the ground and which can be cemented or bounded to the ground to firmly anchor the bottom filter compartment assembly (31) into the ground. The bottom filter compartment assembly (31) further comprises the gutter outlet compartment/conduit/pipe (17) arranged to be in communication with the overflow chamber (37) when the bottom filter compartment assembly (31) is connected/fitted to the elongate tank body (10), and a silt chamber door (24) and O-ring (25) thereof. The bottom filter housing (14) defines a horizontally arranged, elongate filtration compartment for accommodating the second filtration system (i.e. an isolator valve) (32). Immediately below the filtration compartment, the housing (14) defines a silt chamber (35) and an adjacent filtered water chamber (i.e. a water distribution chamber) (36). The bottom filter housing (14) further defines outlets on the filtered water chamber from which extends two outlet pipes (26, 27), namely a 50mm outlet pipe (26) and a ½ inch (0.635cm) BSP (British Standard Pipe) quick connect outlets (27), which are used to distribute filtered water from the filtered water chamber (36) to storage tanks or other devices.

Referring to refer to FIG. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D, the second filtration system, i.e. the isolator valve (32) comprises a filtration body comprising an outer pipe (i.e. outer open ended cylindrical member) (18), an inner pipe (i.e. inner open ended cylindrical member) (19) accommodated in the outer pipe (18), a control element comprising a sealing element (i.e. door) (20) that is attached to the inner pipe (19), a filter arrangement comprising a filter element (21), a filter mesh (22), preferably a 30-micron filter mesh, and two sealing members in the form of O-rings (23).

The 30-micron filter (22) is arranged to allow for tiny particles and silt to be filtered from the water before the water reaches the filtered water chamber (36), thus ensuring that subsequent storage tanks or devices (such as toilet cisterns) remain free of silt - thereby preventing damage and additional maintenance. The O-rings are placed in grooves (not shown) on the outer surface of the inner pipe (19), thus preventing leakage of water through the outer and inner pipes (18, 19). The control element further comprises an actuator, in the form of a handle, that is fitted to the door (20).

The filtration body of the isolator valve (32) defines a filtration inlet (39) on each of the outer and inner pipes (18), (19) that is in communication with the funnel (15) and defines two outlets on each of the inner and outer pipes (18), (19), namely a filtered water outlet (40) and a silt water outlet (41). The filter arrangement is arranged transverse to the direction of flow of water through the inner pipe (18) and is fitted along the length of the inner pipe (19) in between the silt water outlet (41) and the filtered water outlet (40). The filtered water outlet (40) is arranged to be in fluid communication with the filtered water chamber (36) and the silt water outlet is in fluid communication with the silt chamber (35). The door (20) is operably attached to one of the inner pipe (19) and is arranged to displace the inner pipe (19) relative to the outer pipe (18) between an open position, in which the inlets (39) and outlets (40, 41) in the outer pipe (18) align with those of the inner pipe (19), to thus allow water from the holding chamber to be received into the filtration inlet (39) and allow filtered to be collected into the filtered water chamber and water that contains silt is discharged into the silt chamber (35), and a closed position, wherein the inner pipe (19) is rotated such that the inlet (39) thereof and filtered water outlet (40) are blocked by the wall of the outer pipe (18). In the closed configuration, the silt chamber (35) can be accessed via the silt chamber door 24 to allow for the cleaning and removal of silt from the silt chamber (35) in a manner such that none of the harvested water in the holding chamber is lost from the harvester tank assembly 50.

A brief description of the operation of the isolator valve when in the open position is as follows:

1. Harvested rainwater enters from the tank body (10) into the isolator valve (32) via the inlet (39).

2. Water passes through the 30-micron filter under the hydrostatic pressure of the harvested rainwater in the tank body, in particular, the holding chamber.

3. The filtered water enters the filtered water chamber, through the filtered water outlet (40), to be distributed to bulk tank storage systems or various usage points. 4. The silt (which cannot pass through the filter) exits the isolator valve (32) and enters the silt chamber (35) via the silt chamber outlet (41), where it will remain until the chamber is cleaned.

In the event that the 30-micron filter (22) requires cleaning or that silt needs to be removed from the silt chamber (35), the isolating valve (32) will first need be shut. The process of closing the valve (32) is as follows:

1. The handle of the door (20) is turned anticlockwise. The threads (not shown) of the door (20) are locked tight onto the inner pipe (19) which causes the inner pipe to turn without the door being opened. The O-rings (23) prevent leakage from the gap between the door (20) and inner pipe (19) and the outer pipe (18).

2. A notch (not shown) on the inner pipe (19) slides along a turn control groove (not shown) of the outer pipe. The turn control groove restricts the inner pipe (19) to turn a maximum of 90 degrees before it locks into place, to ensure that the valve (32) is appropriately shut.

3. Once the inner pipe (19) is turned 90 degrees (anticlockwise) and is restricted by the turn control groove, the valve (32) is shut, preventing water from escaping the tanks.

4. This would allow for the door (20) to continue to be unthreaded (without turning the inner pipe any further) and completely removed for the purpose of cleaning the filter (22), whilst the inner and outer pipes (18, 19) remain fitted to the elongate tank (10).

5. Once the filter (22) and silt chamber (35) are cleaned, the door (20) may be replaced and screwed in until the turn control groove (not shown) has locked in the opposite position (clockwise). The inner pipe (19) may continue to be turned until the valve (32) is back to its open position.

The bottom filter compartment assembly (31) is a unique design purposed to facilitate communication between the harvester tank assembly (50) and bulk tank storage or outlet devices (not shown). The isolator valve of the bottom filter compartment assembly (31) acts as a third filtration stage of the harvester tank assembly (50), collects silt in the silt chamber (35) and holds filtered water in the filtered water chamber (36). The bottom filter compartment assembly (31) forms the base of the harvester tank assembly (50) and is arranged to transfer large dirt and debris from the overflow chamber / gutter outlet compartment, into a storm water drain.

The 50mm outlets (26) allow for a quick connection of the tank to bulk tank storage systems whilst the quick connect outlets (27) allow for effortless connection of half inch pipes to various usage points. The base serves to anchor the tank into the ground and may be filled with concrete to act as a concrete plinth that prevents the tank from sinking into the ground.

Conventional rainwater harvesting systems require that all existing water in the tank is drained and all pipelines to the tank are disconnected prior to removal of silt and debris from the bottom of the harvester tank. The isolator valve in accordance with the present invention allows for cleaning of the tank without the need for the aforementioned procedures, thus increasing the ease and efficiency of tank maintenance, whilst reducing water loss. While the invention has been described in detail with respect to a specific embodiment and/or example thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the claims and any equivalents thereto, which claims shall be appended hereto upon completion of this patent application.

It will be appreciated that the harvester tank assembly, the elongate body of the harvester tank assembly, the first filtration arrangement and the second filtration arrangement described above could be manufactured by using 3D printing techniques. For the sake of brevity, each one of the harvester tank assembly, the first filtration arrangement and the second filtration arrangement is referred to as an article.

It will also be appreciated that a digital file of each of the articles could be used for 3D printing the article on a 3D printer. Typically, each article as described above could be processed, typically by 3D scanning. Upon 3D scanning the article, the CAD file obtained from the 3D scanning could be converted into a digital file of the article, wherein the digital file comprises suitable machine-readable instructions which are arranged to control the operation of the 3D printer into printing out the article.

The digital file could be stored in a storage pool, such as the cloud, or on a machine-readable device. In addition, the digital file can be downloadable and electronically transferable. The digital file could also be uploaded onto the 3D printer by suitable means to provide the 3D printer with access to the digital file, and which digital file is further arranged to cause a processor of the 3D printer to operate according to the machine readable instructed associated therewith. For completeness, the parts and references used herein with reference to FIGs. 1 to 6 are provided in a tabular format, below:

Claims

1. A harvester tank assembly, wherein the assembly comprises: an inlet for receiving rainwater and a discharge outlet; an elongate body in communication with the inlet, the elongate body defining a holding chamber for holding water; and a filtration arrangement attached or attachable to the elongate body, the filtration arrangement comprising: a first filtration system attached or attachable between the holding chamber and the inlet for filtering water received into the elongate body via the inlet prior to the water being fed into the holding chamber; and a second filtration system attached or attachable between the holding chamber and the discharge outlet to further filter the water prior to the water being released via the discharge outlet.

2. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first and second filtration systems are modular filtration systems which are removably attachable to the harvester tank assembly.

3. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first filtration system comprises: a housing; a cassette assembly located in the housing, wherein the cassette assembly comprising a series of filters arranged obliquely in relation to a longitudinal axis of the housing; and a discharge opening in communication with the holding chamber.

4. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the series of filters comprise a first, operatively upper filter, and a second, operatively lower filter, wherein the first filter defines apertures which are larger in size than the apertures on the second filter.

5. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the harvester tank assembly comprises an overflow chamber disposed adjacent to the holding chamber for collecting excess water from the holding chamber and/or debris/particulate matter flowing from the first filtration system into the overflow chamber; and wherein the housing of the first filtration system defines an overflow opening on a base thereof, wherein the overflow opening is barricaded by a moveable gate that is moveable between a closed configuration in which the overflow opening is closed and an opened configuration in which the gate is urged to an open position by excess water in the holding chamber overflowing into the overflow chamber.

6. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second filtration system comprises: a filtration body defining a filtration body inlet, a filtered water outlet and a silt water outlet; and a filter arrangement fitted to the filtration body between the outlets.

7. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second filtration system comprises a control element arranged to displace the filtration body between an open configuration to allow water to pass through the filtration body inlet, and a closed configuration for preventing passage of water through the inlet and one or more of the outlets of the second filtration system.

8. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the filtration body is in the form of or comprises a valve comprising two cylindrical members comprising one or more openings wherein one or more of the one or more openings defines the filtration body inlet, the cylindrical members being rotatable relative to each other between a first configuration in which the one or more openings are in register with each other and thus allow the opening of the filtration body inlet of the second filtration system, and a closed configuration in which the one or more openings are misaligned and shut off the filtration body inlet.

9. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the filter arrangement is arranged along the length of one of the cylindrical members and disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis of one of the cylindrical members

10. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the filter arrangement may comprise a filter element and a filter mesh fitted to the filter element.

11. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the harvester tank assembly comprises a first compartment attached to the elongate body adjacent an upper end of the elongate body, wherein the first compartment comprises at least one first compartment opening in communication with the holding chamber, and wherein the first compartment is configured to accommodate the first filtration system in a removable fashion therein.

12. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the harvester tank assembly comprises a second compartment attached to the elongate body adjacent a lower end of the elongate body, wherein the second compartment comprises at least one second compartment opening in communication with the holding chamber, and wherein the second compartment is configured to accommodate the second filtration system in a removable fashion therein.

13. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second compartment defines a filtration chamber for accommodating the second filtration system, a filtered water chamber arranged to be in communication with a filtered water outlet of the second filtration system, and a silt chamber arranged to be in communication with a silt water outlet of the second filtration system, wherein the second filtration system is fitted across the silt chamber and filtered water chamber.

14. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the elongate body defines multiple compartments along a length thereof.

15. A harvester tank assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the elongate body defines an overflow chamber disposed adjacent to the holding chamber for collecting excess water from the holding chamber and/or debris/particulate matter flowing from the first filtration system into the overflow chamber.

16. A filtration arrangement for a harvester tank or harvester tank assembly, wherein the filtration arrangement comprises: a housing for accommodating a filtration system, the housing defining a filtered water chamber; and a filtration system comprising a filtration body defining a filtration body inlet and a filtered water outlet, the filtration system being operable between an opened configuration to allow water to pass through the filtration system for filtering prior to the water being discharged into the filtered water chamber via the filtered water outlet, and a closed configuration to prevent passage of water through one of the inlet and filtered water outlet.

17. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claims 16, wherein the filtration system comprises a compartment defining a filtration chamber for accommodating components of the filtration system.

18. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 16, wherein the filtration system comprises a silt water outlet and the housing may define a silt water chamber arranged to be in communication with the silt water outlet.

19. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 16, wherein the filtration system comprises a control element moveable between an open configuration to allow water to pass through the filtration body inlet, and a closed configuration for preventing passage of water through the inlet and/or one or more of the outlets of the filtration system.

20. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 19, wherein the control element is in the form of a valve comprising two cylindrical members comprising one or more openings wherein one or more of the openings defines the filtration body inlet, the cylindrical members being rotatable relative to each other between a first configuration in which the one or more openings are in register with each other and thus allow the opening of the filtration body inlet of the second filtration system, and a closed configuration in which the one or more openings are misaligned and shut off the filtration body inlet.

21. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 20, wherein the control element comprises an actuator in the form of a handle connectable to one of the cylindrical members to rotatably displace one of the cylindrical members relative to the other cylindrical member between the opened and closed configurations.

22. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 17, wherein the housing defines a first opening in communication with the filtration chamber and a second opening in communication with a silt chamber.

23. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 16, wherein the filtration arrangement comprises a first sealing member and a second sealing member arranged to suitably seal against the first and second openings, respectively.

24. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 16, wherein the filtration system comprises a filter arrangement which comprises a filter element and a filter mesh fitted to the filter element.

25. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 18, wherein the filtration system is arranged across the silt chamber and filtered water chamber.

26. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 16, wherein the filtration arrangement defines discharge outlets in communication with the filtered water chamber.

27. A filtration arrangement for a harvester tank or harvester tank assembly, wherein the filtration arrangement comprises: a housing defining an inlet; and a filtration system, in communication with the inlet, fitted to the housing, the filtration system defining a discharge opening and comprising an arrangement of angularly arranged filter members arranged across the discharge opening.

28. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 27, wherein the housing defines a compartment for slidably accommodating the filtration system.

29. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 27, wherein the filtration system comprises a cassette/filtration housing comprising a base, the base defining the discharge opening.

30. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 29, wherein the base defines an overflow opening which is barricaded by a moveable member/gate, the gate being moveable between a closed, rest configuration and an open, urged configuration in which the gate is urged open by excess water overflowing from the water holding chamber, in use.

31. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 27, wherein the housing defines a chamber for accommodating a disinfectant agent.

32. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 31, wherein the chamber defines a dispenser outlet in communication with the discharge opening for dispensing the disinfectant from the chamber.

33. A filtration arrangement as claimed in claim 32, wherein the filtration arrangement comprises a dispensing arrangement comprising a timer for setting the intervals in which the disinfectant is to be released through the discharge opening and an actuator mechanism arranged to open the dispenser outlet during the interval and close the opening at the end of the set interval.