WO2023041977A1

WO2023041977A1 - Fluid purification apparatus and method to operate the same

Info

Publication number: WO2023041977A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/061167
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arun Ganesaraman
Original assignee: Arun Ganesaraman
Priority date: 2021-09-14
Filing date: 2021-12-01
Publication date: 2023-03-23

Abstract

A fluid purification apparatus is disclosed. The fluid purification apparatus includes a vertical cylindrical body (20), a retainer plate (70) associated with a gasket ring (80). The vertical cylindrical body (20) includes a media positioning section (90) which receives at least one predefined filtration media. The fluid purification apparatus includes at least one feed well pipe (100) which passes the impure fluid below the at least one predefined filtration media which purifies the impure fluid to obtain purified fluid. The fluid purification apparatus includes at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) which draws the purified fluid and passes into the at least one feed well pipe (100). The fluid purification apparatus includes a sludge pit section (290) which receives sludge. The fluid purification apparatus includes at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330) which draws and eliminates the sludge. The fluid purification apparatus also includes an outlet port (390) which discharges the purified fluid.

Description

FLUID PURIFICATION APPARATUS AND METHOD TO OPERATE THE

SAME

EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE:

This Application claims priority from a patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202141041293, filed on September 14, 2021 and titled “FLUID PURIFICATION APPARATUS AND METHOD TO OPERATE THE SAME”

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to purification of fluids, and more particularly to a fluid purification apparatus and a method to operate the same.

BACKGROUND

Fluid purification refers to a process of treating impure fluids in order to purify, filter, or clean them. The impure fluid may include untreated drinking water, industrial raw water, municipal sewage, industrial wastewater after discharge, or the like. There are multiple approaches that have been implemented to perform purification of the impure fluid based on a type of treatment needed or the nature of the impure fluid. Some of the multiple approaches include a treatment system that uses media filters such as sand filters, gravity sand filters, or carbon filters for particulate filtration, or a moving bed filter for biological filtration. However, such multiple approaches possess multiple disadvantages, thereby making them less efficient and less reliable. The disadvantages include providing less loading rate, and hence such media filters need a greater number of filters for large flow. Further, such media filters also need separate backwash pumps, separate air scouring systems, and complicated frontal piping with a large number of valves. Also, the operation of the multiple valves is complex, thereby making the usage complicated. Moreover, frequent backwash and downtimes are needed, thereby wasting a large quantity of water as backwash water.

Furthermore, in the case of the moving bed filter, though microorganisms are attached to a media used in the moving bed filter, many of them continuously get detached because of constant agitation due to air bubbling required for aeration. This makes the moving bed filter full of suspended biomass as well as requiring an additional clarifier for suspended solids clarification and a pumping system for recirculating the settled biomass.

Hence, there is a need for an improved fluid purification apparatus and a method to operate the same which addresses the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a fluid purification apparatus is provided. The fluid purification apparatus includes a vertical cylindrical body of a first predefined height. The vertical cylindrical body includes a body top end and a body bottom end. The fluid purification apparatus also includes a retainer plate positioned at a second predefined height below the body top end, upon associating with a gasket ring. The retainer plate includes a plurality of perforations of a first predefined size and one or more openings of a second predefined size. The gasket ring is adapted to seal a gap between periphery of the retainer plate and an inner circumference of the vertical cylindrical body. The vertical cylindrical body also includes a media positioning section located below the retainer plate. The media positioning section is adapted to receive at least one predefined filtration media when the at least one predefined filtration media floats upon filling the vertical cylindrical body with impure fluid. Further, the fluid purification apparatus also includes at least one feed well pipe adapted to pass the impure fluid below the at least one predefined filtration media, upon receiving the impure fluid at a first predefined flow rate via an inlet port of the vertical cylindrical body to initiate the filling up of the vertical cylindrical body. The at least one predefined filtration media is adapted to purify the impure fluid as a level of the impure fluid rises up through the at least one predefined filtration media to obtain purified fluid. The purified fluid is collected on top of the retainer plate upon straining the at least one predefined filtration media against the retainer plate. Furthermore, the fluid purification apparatus also includes at least one air lift recirculatory pipe. The at least one air lift recirculatory pipe includes a suction top end and a recirculatory top end. The at least one air lift recirculatory pipe is adapted to draw the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate at a second predefined flow rate via the suction top end upon performing an air-lift operation to obtain recirculatory fluid. The at least one air lift recirculatory pipe is also adapted to pass the recirculatory fluid via the recirculatory top end into the at least one feed well pipe, thereby recirculating the recirculatory fluid through the at least one predefined filtration media for purification of the recirculatory fluid. Furthermore, the fluid purification apparatus also includes a sludge pit section located at a body bottom portion of the vertical cylindrical body, wherein the sludge pit section is adapted to receive sludge upon initiation of a cleaning cycle of the at least one predefined filtration media via at least one bubble generator. Furthermore, the fluid purification apparatus also includes at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe. The at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe is adapted to draw and eliminate the sludge from the sludge pit section upon performing a suction operation. The at least one feed well pipe, the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe, and the at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe are positioned by passing through the one or more openings of the retainer plate from the top of the retainer plate and protrude below the at least one predefined filtration media. Furthermore, the fluid purification apparatus also includes an outlet port adapted to discharge the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate towards outside of the vertical cylindrical body when the purified fluid overflows.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of purifying impure fluid using a fluid purification apparatus is provided. The method includes filling a vertical cylindrical body of a first predefined height with at least one predefined filtration media. The method also includes positioning a retainer plate at a second predefined height below a body top end of the vertical cylindrical body by associating the retainer plate with a gasket ring, wherein the gasket ring is adapted to seal a gap between periphery of the retainer plate and an inner circumference of the vertical cylindrical body. Furthermore, the method also includes passing the impure fluid below the at least one predefined filtration media upon receiving the impure fluid via an inlet port of the vertical cylindrical body. Furthermore, the method also includes floating the at least one predefined filtration media on the impure fluid as a level of the impure fluid raises in the vertical cylindrical body while receiving the impure fluid. Furthermore, the method also includes straining the at least one predefined filtration media against the retainer plate when the at least one predefined filtration media floats on the impure fluid and reaches a media positioning section of the vertical cylindrical body located below the retainer plate. Furthermore, the purifying the impure fluid as the level of the impure fluid rises up through the at least one predefined filtration media, upon straining the at least one predefined filtration media against the retainer plate, thereby obtaining purified fluid, wherein the purified fluid is collected on top of the retainer plate. Furthermore, the method also includes drawing the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate upon performing an air-lift operation to obtain recirculatory fluid. Furthermore, the method also includes passing the recirculatory fluid into the at least one feed well pipe, thereby recirculating the recirculatory fluid through the at least one predefined filtration media for purification of the recirculatory fluid. Furthermore, the method also includes collecting sludge in a sludge pit section of the vertical cylindrical body upon initiation of a cleaning cycle of the at least one predefined filtration media via at least one bubble generator. Furthermore, the method also includes drawing and eliminating the sludge from the sludge pit section upon performing a suction operation. Furthermore, the method also includes discharging the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate towards outside of the vertical cylindrical body when the purified fluid overflows, thereby purifying the impure fluid.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an isometric view of a fluid purification apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the fluid purification apparatus of FIG. 1 operating under a particulate filtration mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the fluid purification apparatus of FIG. 1 operating under a disinfection mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the fluid purification apparatus of FIG. 1 operating under an adsorption mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 (a) is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cage-type structure of the fluid purification apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 (b) is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cage-type structure of the fluid purification apparatus of FIG. 1 with a sponge type media in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the fluid purification apparatus of FIG. 1 operating under a biological treatment mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method of purifying impure fluid using a fluid purification apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a fluid purification apparatus. As used herein, the term “fluid purification” refers to a process of treating impure fluids in order to purify, filter, or clean them. In one embodiment, the impure fluid may include untreated drinking water, industrial raw water, municipal sewage, industrial wastewater after discharge, oil, or the like. Further, an apparatus described hereafter in FIG. 1 is the fluid purification apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an isometric view of a fluid purification apparatus (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the fluid purification apparatus (10) may be composed of a predefined material including at least one of plastic, metal, glass fiber, polymeric material, and the like. The fluid purification apparatus (10) includes a vertical cylindrical body (20) of a first predefined height and a first predefined diameter. The first predefined diameter may be decided based on a flow rate of impure fluid to be treated or purified using the fluid purification apparatus (10). Also, in an embodiment, the first predefined diameter may be directly proportional to the flow rate of the impure fluid. Moreover, in an embodiment, the first predefined height may be at least about 1.2 times to about 1.5 times greater than the first predefined diameter. The vertical cylindrical body (20) includes a body top end (30) and a body bottom end (40). In one embodiment, the body top end (30) and the body bottom end (40) are adapted to receive and attach a top plate (50) and a bottom plate (60) respectively to completely cover the vertical cylindrical body (20). In one exemplary embodiment, the top plate (50) may be attached to the body top end (30) and the bottom plate (60) may be attached to the body bottom end (40) via one or more fasteners. In one embodiment, the one or more fasteners may include at least one of one or more screws, one or more bolts, one or more clamps, and the like. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the top plate (50) may be attached to the body top end (30) and the bottom plate (60) may be attached to the body bottom end (40) by directly implementing a molding mechanism or a welding mechanism. Also, in one embodiment, the top plate (50) may include a second predefined diameter, wherein the second predefined diameter may be greater than the first predefined diameter. In an alternative embodiment, the second predefined diameter may be same as the first predefined diameter. Similarly, in one embodiment, the bottom plate (60) may include a third predefined diameter, wherein the third predefined diameter may be greater than the first predefined diameter and projecting out. In an alternative embodiment, the third predefined diameter may also be same as the first predefined diameter. Also, in an embodiment, the bottom plate (60) attached to the vertical cylindrical body (20) may be placed evenly on a flat floor or a flat surface without any attachment or may be affixed to the corresponding flat floor or the flat surface using the one or more fasteners.

The fluid purification apparatus (10) also includes a retainer plate (70) positioned at a second predefined height below the body top end (30), upon associating with a gasket ring (80). The retainer plate (70) includes a plurality of perforations of a first predefined size and one or more openings of a second predefined size. The gasket ring (80) is adapted to seal a gap between periphery of the retainer plate (70) and an inner circumference of the vertical cylindrical body (20). In one exemplary embodiment, the gasket ring (80) may be flexible. Also, in one embodiment, the first predefined diameter may be greater than a diameter of the retainer plate (70), and hence there may be a possibility of the presence of the gap between the periphery of the retainer plate (70) and the inner circumference of the vertical cylindrical body (20). The vertical cylindrical body (20) also includes a media positioning section (90) located below the retainer plate (70). The media positioning section (90) is adapted to receive at least one predefined filtration media when the at least one predefined filtration media floats upon filling the vertical cylindrical body (20) with the impure fluid. In one embodiment, the second predefined size may be greater than the first predefined size. In an embodiment, the at least one predefined filtration media may include a third predefined size. In such embodiment, the third predefined size may be greater than the first predefined size of the plurality of perforations on the retainer plate (70), thereby preventing movement of the at least one predefined filtration media towards a top of the retainer plate (70) when the at least one predefined filtration media is strained against the retainer plate (70) upon filling up of the vertical cylindrical body (20) with the impure fluid.

Further, the fluid purification apparatus (10) also includes at least one feed well pipe (100) adapted to pass the impure fluid below the at least one predefined filtration media, upon receiving the impure fluid at a first predefined flow rate via an inlet port (110) of the vertical cylindrical body (20) to initiate the filling up of the vertical cylindrical body (20). Basically, in an embodiment, the at least one feed well pipe (100) may be a hollow vertical cylindrical pipe having a feed top end (120) and a feed bottom end (130), wherein the feed top end (120) and the feed bottom end (130) are open. The feed bottom end (130) may be exactly at the bottom or on one or more sides at the bottom. Also, in one exemplary embodiment, the at least one feed well pipe (100) may also be adapted to provide ventilation via the feed top end (120). Moreover, in one embodiment, the at least one feed well pipe (100) may include at least two feed side openings on a feed top portion of the at least one feed well pipe (100). In such embodiment, the at least two feed side openings may include a first feed side opening (140) and a second feed side opening (150). In one exemplary embodiment, the first feed side opening (140) may be mechanically coupled to the inlet port (110) via a horizontal feed pipe (160). Thus, in an embodiment, the at least one feed well pipe (100) may receive the impure fluid through the first feed side opening (140) and pass into the vertical cylindrical body (20) through the feed bottom end (130).

In one embodiment, the at least one feed well pipe (100) may include a fourth predefined diameter. Also, in one embodiment, the first feed side opening (140) may include a fifth predefined diameter, wherein, the fifth predefined diameter may be smaller than the fourth predefined diameter, thereby enabling an unrestricted flow of the impure fluid by gravity into the vertical cylindrical body (20). Also, in a specific embodiment, the impure fluid may be received via the inlet port (110) with the first predefined flow rate, wherein the first predefined flow rate may be controlled via a first controlling valve (not shown in FIG. 1), wherein the first controlling valve may be mechanically coupled to the inlet port (110). Also, in an embodiment, the impure fluid may be pumped using a motor or may flow due to gravity into the vertical cylindrical body (20) via the inlet port (110). In one embodiment, the inlet port (110) may be located at a first predefined location above the retainer plate (70), and on an outer surface of the vertical cylindrical body (20).

In addition, the at least one predefined filtration media is adapted to purify the impure fluid as a level of the impure fluid rises up through the at least one predefined filtration media to obtain purified fluid. The purified fluid is collected on top of the retainer plate (70) upon straining the at least one predefined filtration media against the retainer plate (70). Basically, in one embodiment, the impure fluid may be impure because of presence of one or more unwanted particles such as, but not limited to, one or more suspended solids, one or more pathogens, one or more toxic compounds, and the like. Hence, in an embodiment, there is a possibility that a few of the one or more unwanted particles may escape through the retainer plate (70) in a single pass. Therefore, multiple stages of such purification or filtration may be needed. Thus, the fluid purification apparatus (10) also includes at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) including a suction top end (180) and a recirculatory top end (190). The at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) is adapted to draw the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate (70) at a second predefined flow rate via the suction top end (180) upon performing an air-lift operation to obtain recirculatory fluid. The at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) is also adapted to pass the recirculatory fluid via the recirculatory top end (190) into the at least one feed well pipe (100), thereby recirculating the recirculatory fluid through the at least one predefined filtration media for purification of the recirculatory fluid. Thus, in one embodiment, the at least one feed well pipe (100) is adapted to pass the recirculatory fluid below the at least one predefined filtration media for recirculating through the at least one predefined filtration media, upon receiving the recirculatory fluid passed by the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) via the recirculatory top end (190).

In one embodiment, the suction top end (180) and the recirculatory top end (190) may be protruding on the top of the retainer plate (70) and are open. In one embodiment, the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) may have a U-type shape having two hollow vertical portions, wherein the two hollow vertical portions may include a first portion and a second portion. In such embodiment, the first portion may refer to a draft tube portion (200). In one exemplary embodiment, the recirculatory top end (190) may be mechanically coupled to the second feed side opening (150) via a discharge pipe (210) and a predefined bend piece (220). In one embodiment, the predefined bend piece (220) may include a short bend, a medium bend, or a long bend. Also, in one embodiment, the second feed side opening (150) may include a sixth predefined diameter, wherein, the sixth predefined diameter may be smaller than the fourth predefined diameter, thereby enabling an unrestricted flow of the recirculatory fluid by gravity into the vertical cylindrical body (20). Further, in order to perform the airlift operation, air may be needed. Thus, in one exemplary embodiment, the fluid purification apparatus (10) may also include an air blower (230) fastened to an upper surface (240) of the top plate (50) of the vertical cylindrical body (20).

The air blower (230) may be adapted to draw the air from atmosphere and deliver the air into the vertical cylindrical body (20) via at least three air pipes. In one exemplary embodiment, the air blower (230) may include a centrifugal blower, a high-speed blower, a regenerative blower, or the like. Moreover, in an embodiment, the air blower (230) may have a predefined capacity, wherein the predefined capacity may be dependent on a size of the vertical cylindrical body (20). Also, in an embodiment, the air blower (230) may be covered with a blower cover (250) as a protection for the air blower (230), wherein the blower cover (250) may possess sufficient perforations for air circulation. In one embodiment, the at least three air pipes may include a first air pipe (260), a second air pipe (270), and a third air pipe (280). Also, in one embodiment, the at least three air pipes may be flexible or rigid. In a specific embodiment, the first air pipe (260) may be connected to the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) for performing the air-lift operation. In such embodiment, the first air pipe (260) may be connected to the draft tube portion (200) of the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) where the air-lift operation may be performed. In an embodiment, the air-lift operation may include ejecting the air drawn by the air blower (230) into the draft tube portion (200) via the first air pipe (260), thereby causing intense turbulence and breaking the air into one or more microbubbles. Further, the air may mix with the purified fluid drawn from the top of the retainer plate (70), thereby causing density reduction in the draft tube portion (200), which may make the purified fluid and the air mixture rise up and flow out into the at least one feed well pipe (100). Basically, in an embodiment, the purified fluid and the air mixture may refer to as the recirculatory fluid. Further, as the recirculatory fluid starts to flow into the at least one feed well pipe (100), more of the purified fluid may be drawn at the suction top end (180), and the flow of the recirculatory fluid into the at least one feed well pipe (100) continues. Here, as the recirculatory fluid is already the purified fluid, further purification of the recirculatory fluid may happen upon performing the air-lift operation via the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) and the air blower (230).

Also, in one embodiment, the second predefined flow rate at which the purified fluid may be drawn at the suction top end (180), may be greater than the first predefined flow rate, and hence within a single cycle of purification via the at least one feed well pipe (100), multiple cycles of recirculation may happen via the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170), thereby improving purification quality of the purified fluid thus obtained. Also, the second predefined flow rate may be adjusted by adjusting air flow by the air blower (230). Moreover, in an embodiment, a ratio of the second predefined flow rate to the first predefined flow rate may be used to determine a count for a number of times the impure fluid has been filtered. For example, when the first predefined flow rate is about 2 cubic meters per hour (cum per hour) and the second predefined flow rate is about 50 cum per hour, then the ratio is 25 and so the impure fluid will be filtered 25 times within the fluid purification apparatus (10). The ratio may be adjusted from zero to as many times as needed and may also be operated in a single-pass mode without any recirculation. Basically, with continuous operation, one or more void spaces inside of the at least one predefined filtration media may eventually get clogged by the one or more unwanted particles which may be present in the impure fluid. Because of this, the purification may not happen properly, and hence cleaning of the corresponding at least one predefined filtration media may be needed. Further, in order to detect the clogging of the at least one predefined filtration media, a sensor (not shown in FIG. 1) may be placed inside of the at least one feed well pipe (100). In one embodiment, the sensor may be adapted to check for a rise in a level of the impure fluid or the recirculatory fluid in the at least one feed well pipe (100) due to backpressure created by flow restriction because of clogging. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor may include a water level sensor. Thus, upon detection of the rise in the level, a cleaning cycle may have to be initiated. Subsequently, the fluid purification apparatus (10) also includes a sludge pit section (290) located at a body bottom portion of the vertical cylindrical body (20). The sludge pit section (290) is adapted to receive sludge upon initiation of the cleaning cycle of the at least one predefined filtration media via at least one bubble generator (300). In one specific embodiment, the at least one bubble generator (300) may be mechanically coupled to one or more raised platforms (310) via one or more coupling means, wherein the one or more raised platforms (310) are located on an upper surface (320) of the bottom plate (60) of the vertical cylindrical body (20). In an alternative specific embodiment, the at least one bubble generator (300) may be freely placed on the upper surface (320) of the bottom plate (60) of the vertical cylindrical body (20) without may attachment. In one embodiment, the one or more coupling means may include at least one of welding, fastening, and the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the fastening may be done using the one or more fasteners. Also, in one embodiment, the one or more raised platforms (310) may have a maximum height, or a minimum height based on a requirement of an application where the corresponding fluid purification apparatus (10) may be used.

Initially, in an embodiment, the cleaning cycle may include closing of the inlet port (110). Then, the flow of the recirculatory fluid via the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) may also be stopped. Then, the at least one bubble generator (300) may be started. However, for the at least one bubble generator (300) to function, the air may be needed. Thus, in an embodiment, the air blower (230) may be connected to the at least one bubble generator (300) via the second air pipe (270) for initiation of the cleaning cycle. Basically, in an embodiment, the at least one bubble generator (300) may be adapted to generate one or more bubbles of the air during the cleaning cycle, thereby agitating and cleaning the at least one predefined filtration media by separating the sludge from the corresponding at least one predefined filtration media. Basically, in one embodiment, the one or more bubbles may include one or more large toroidal bubbles that may travel upwards. Upon traveling upwards inside of the vertical cylindrical body (20), the one or more bubbles may loosen and agitate the at least one predefined filtration media with high turbulence continuously, thereby cleaning the at least one predefined filtration media with a scrubbing action. After few minutes when the at least one bubble generator (300) is stopped, all the one or more unwanted particles may settle down to the sludge pit section (290).

Once all of the one or more unwanted particles may get settled in the sludge pit section (290), the sludge may have to be eliminated from within the vertical cylindrical body (20), to complete the cleaning cycle. Thus, the fluid purification apparatus (10) also includes at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330). The at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330) is adapted to draw and eliminate the sludge from the sludge pit section (290) upon performing a suction operation. In one embodiment, the at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330) may be a hollow vertical cylindrical pipe having a decanter top end (340) and a decanter bottom end (350), wherein the decanter top end (340) and the decanter bottom end (350) are open. Also, in an embodiment, the decanter top end (340) and the decanter bottom end (350) may be attached with a first decanter bend piece (360) and a second decanter bend piece (370). Moreover, in an embodiment, the decanter top end (340) along with the first decanter bend piece (360) may be protruding on the top of the retainer plate (70). Also, in an embodiment, the vertical cylindrical body (20) may also include a sludge eliminating outlet port (380), wherein the sludge eliminating outlet port (380) may be located at a second predefined location above the retainer plate (70), and on the outer surface of the vertical cylindrical body (20). Thus, in an embodiment, the decanter top end (340) may be connected to the sludge eliminating outlet port (380) via the first decanter bend piece (360). Also, in one embodiment, the second decanter bend piece (370) may open inside the sludge pit section (290). In addition, in order to perform the suction operation, the air may be needed to be channeled inside of the at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330) to create suction. Thus, in one embodiment, the at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330) may to connected to the air blower (230) via the third air pipe (280) for performing the suction operation upon receiving the air from the air blower (230). In one exemplary embodiment, the third air pipe (280) may be attached to the at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330) at a lower decanter portion of the at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330). Thus, once all of the one or more unwanted particles may get settled in the sludge pit section (290), the suction operation may be initiated by introducing the air into the at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330). Here, the air ejected into the at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330), may mix with the impure fluid possessing the sludge, in form of one or more microbubbles and may rise upwards as a low-density mixture. Further, upon rising, the low-density mixture possessing the sludge may be displaced or eliminated outside of the vertical cylindrical body (20) via the sludge eliminating outlet port (380), thereby completing the cleaning cycle. The at least one feed well pipe (100), the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170), and the at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330) are positioned by passing through the one or more openings of the retainer plate (70) from the top of the retainer plate (70) and protrude below the at least one predefined filtration media.

Moreover, upon cleaning of the at least one predefined filtration media, the inlet port (110) may be opened, and the flow of the recirculatory fluid via the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) may be started, to continue receiving the impure fluid and continue the purification of the same. Also, in one exemplary embodiment, the flow via the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) may be started first, to initiate the recirculation of the recirculatory fluid to ensure that the purified fluid or the recirculatory fluid is cleaned or purified completely before freshly receiving the impure fluid via the inlet port (110). Further, the purified fluid may have to be collected upon purification, thus, the fluid purification apparatus (10) also includes an outlet port (390) adapted to discharge the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate (70) towards outside of the vertical cylindrical body (20) when the purified fluid overflows. In one embodiment, the outlet port (390) may be located at a third predefined location above the retainer plate (70), and on the outer surface of the vertical cylindrical body (20). Basically, in an embodiment, the fluid purification apparatus (10) may be operated under one or more modes based on the at least one predefined filtration media. Thus, in one embodiment, the at least one predefined filtration media may include at least one of a floating media and a non-floating media. In one exemplary embodiment, the floating media may include a small bead type media such as, but not limited to, one or more light-weight particles (as shown in FIG. 2), one or more disinfectants (as shown in FIG. 3), and the like. In one embodiment, the one or more light-weight particles may include at least one of one or more solid particles made out of plastic material, one or more foam type particles, one or more regular- shaped particles, one or more irregular- shaped particles, and the like of small size. In one embodiment, the one or more modes may include a particulate filtration mode, an adsorption mode, a particulate filtration with adsorption mode, an iron removal mode, a disinfection mode, a biological treatment mode, or the like. Further, in one exemplary embodiment, the non-floating media may be enclosed inside a cagetype structure (as shown in FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. 5 (b)), wherein the cage-type structure is adapted to float upon filling the vertical cylindrical body (20) with the impure fluid. In such embodiment, the non-floating media may include at least one of activated carbon, green sand, sponge type media (as shown in FIG. 5 (b)), and the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the vertical cylindrical body (20) may include one or more body ports (395) attached to the outer surface of the vertical cylindrical body (20). In such embodiment, the one or more body ports (395) may be available for one or more reasons such as, but not limited to, for servicing purposes, to view internal parts, for a ventilation purpose, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the fluid purification apparatus (10) of FIG. 1 operating under the particulate filtration mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the fluid purification apparatus (10) may be operating under the particulate filtration mode, when the at least one predefined filtration media may include the one or more lightweight particles (400). In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more light-weight particles (400) may have a small diameter such as, but not limited to, about 0.5 millimeters (mm) to about 20 mm when the one or more light-weight particles (400) may include the one or more foam type particles, wherein the one or more foam type particles may be used for fine filtration or coarse filtration based on a size of the corresponding one or more foam type particles. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more light-weight particles (400) may have a medium diameter such as, but not limited to, about 1 mm to about 20 mm when the one or more light-weight particles (400) may include the one or more solid particles made out of plastic material or plastic granules, wherein the one or more solid particles made out of plastic material of plastic granules may be used for the fine filtration or the coarse filtration.

Moreover, in the particulate filtration mode, the one or more unwanted particles present in the impure fluid may get trapped in interstices between the one or more light-weight particles (400). As the interstices between the one or more light-weight particles (400) are very small, almost all of the one or more unwanted particles are filtered out and the purified fluid thus obtained is clean and turbid free when the purified fluid overflows. Also, in one embodiment, as the interstices between the one or more light-weight particles (400) are very small, the first predefined flow rate and the second predefined flow rate may have a limitation and hence possess a maximum flow rate which starts reducing as the corresponding at least one predefined filtration media starts clogging with the sludge. However, a sequence of the operation of the fluid purification apparatus (10) under the particulate filtration mode may remain the same as described above for the fluid purification apparatus (10) of FIG. 1. In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid purification apparatus (10) may be made to operate under the iron removal mode by using the corresponding at least one predefined filtration media which is used for the particulate filtration mode. However, a difference here is that an emphasis here is more on aeration of the impure fluid to oxidize one or more iron particles that may be present in the impure fluid. Further, upon oxidization, the one or more iron particles may precipitate as sludge in the sludge pit section (290) and get eliminated, thereby providing the purified fluid which is free from the one or more iron particles. In such an embodiment, the second predefined flow rate may be much more than the first predefined flow rate.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the fluid purification apparatus (10) of FIG. 1 operating under the disinfection mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the fluid purification apparatus (10) may be operating under the disinfection mode, when the at least one predefined filtration media may include the one or more disinfectants (410). In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more disinfectants (410) may include at least one of chlorine tablets, sodium hypochlorite, and the like. Basically, in such embodiment, the one or more disinfectants (410) may be dosed to the fluid purification apparatus (10) via the at least one feed well pipe (100). The one or more disinfectants (410) may mix with the impure fluid and upon completion of the purification using the fluid purification apparatus (10), the purified fluid thus obtained may not only be purified but also be disinfected. In an embodiment, the one or more disinfectants (410) may be dosed to the fluid purification apparatus (10) via the at least one feed well pipe (100) upon connecting a predefined dosing pump (420) at the inlet port (110). As used herein, the term “dosing pump” refers to a small, positive displacement pump that is designed to pump a very precise flow rate of a chemical or substance into either a fluid, steam, or gas flow. In one exemplary embodiment, the predefined dosing pump (420) may include a diaphragm type constant injection, a diaphragm type pulse injection, a lobe type pump, or the like. However, a sequence of the operation of the fluid purification apparatus (10) under the disinfection mode may remain the same as described above for the fluid purification apparatus (10) of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the fluid purification apparatus (10) of FIG. 1 operating under the adsorption mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the fluid purification apparatus (10) may be operating under the adsorption mode, when the at least one predefined filtration media may include the activated carbon (430), the green sand, or the like. Since, in such embodiment, the at least one predefined filtration media is the non-floating media, the cage-type structure (440) may be used to hold the corresponding non-floating media. In one embodiment, a size and a count of the cagetype structure (440) may be dependent based on at least one of a weight of the nonfloating media filled inside of the corresponding cage-type structure (440), buoyancy required to keep the cage-type structure (440) floating, a type of treatment, filtration or purification needed, a capacity of the vertical cylindrical body (20), and the like. Moreover, in one exemplary embodiment, along with the non-floating media, one or more hollow particles (445) may also be mixed and placed inside of the cage-type structure (440) to create buoyancy and avoid sinking of the cage-type structure (440) when filled with the non-floating media. In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more hollow particles (445) may be spherical in shape. Further, a sequence of the operation of the fluid purification apparatus (10) under the adsorption mode may remain the same as described above for the fluid purification apparatus (10) of FIG. 1. However, an exception being that the one or more unwanted particles being trapped between the non-floating media and also any organics may also be adsorbed on the corresponding non-floating media. In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid purification apparatus (10) may be made to operate under the particulate filtration with adsorption mode when the at least one predefined filtration media may include both the floating media and the non-floating media. Generally, in the adsorption mode, one or more void spaces between one or more cage-type structures that have been placed inside of the vertical cylindrical body (20) may be considerably more, and hence the corresponding one or more void spaces may be filled with the floating media.

FIG. 5 (a) is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the cage-type structure (440) of the fluid purification apparatus (10) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the cage-type structure (440) may have a predefined shape including a spherical shape, a cube shape, a cuboid shape, or the like. Basically, in an embodiment, the cage-type structure (440) may include at least two pieces (450). The non-floating media may be placed inside of the corresponding at least two pieces (450) and the at least two pieces (405) may have to be locked tightly with each other. In one specific embodiment, the at least two pieces (450) may be composed of plastic having a plurality of openings similar to a wire mesh. In one embodiment, the plurality of openings may be big enough to pass the impure fluid through the corresponding plurality of openings, but small enough to hold the non-floating media inside of the cage-type structure (440) without spilling out. Also, in an embodiment, the at least two pieces (450) may use a locking mechanism to tightly lock with each upon filling with the non-floating media. Thus, in an embodiment, the at least two pieces (450) may include one or more locking means (455) such as, but not limited to, one or more projections, one or more clips, one or more eye holes, one or more clamps, and the like.

FIG. 5 (b) is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the cage-type structure (440) of the fluid purification apparatus (10) of FIG. 1 with the sponge type media (460) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the sponge type media (460) may have the predefined shape and may be composed of porous spongy material. However, in an embodiment, the cage-type structure (440) may resemble the cage-type structure (440) as described in FIG. 5 (a). Moreover, in an embodiment, the sponge type media (460) may be enclosed inside of the cage-type structure (440) having the at least two pieces (450) locked tightly with each other upon filling with the sponge type media (460). Also, in an embodiment, the plurality of openings may be big enough to pass the impure fluid through the corresponding plurality of openings, but small enough to hold the sponge type media (460) inside of the cage-type structure (440) without spilling out.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the fluid purification apparatus (10) of FIG. 1 operating under the biological treatment mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the fluid purification apparatus (10) may be operating under the biological treatment mode, when the at least one predefined filtration media may include the sponge type media (460). Since, in such embodiment, the at least one predefined filtration media is the non-floating media, the cage-type structure (440) (as shown in FIG. 5 (b)) may be used to hold the corresponding non-floating media. In one embodiment, a size and a count of the cage-type structure (440) may be dependent based on at least one of a weight or a volume of the sponge type media (460) filled inside of the corresponding cage-type structure (440), buoyancy required to keep the cage-type structure (440) floating, a type of treatment, filtration or purification needed, a capacity of the vertical cylindrical body (20), and the like. Further, a sequence of the operation of the fluid purification apparatus (10) under the biological treatment mode may remain the same as described above for the fluid purification apparatus (10) of FIG. 1. However, an exception being that the spongy porous material of the sponge type media (460) may provide a huge surface area for bacteria to get attached to the corresponding sponge type media (460) and grow inside of the same. In an embodiment, the ratio of the second predefined flow rate to the first predefined flow rate may be the highest. Moreover, in an embodiment, during the operation, the bacteria may enter one or more pores of the spongy porous material and the organics that might have got trapped may act as food for the bacteria, thereby providing an environment for the bacteria to grow. Thus, when the fluid purification apparatus (10) may be made to operate under the biological treatment mode, the fluid purification apparatus (10) may act as a storage house of the bacteria which may eat contaminants present in the impure fluid which is passing through, and hence a name being the biological treatment mode. In addition to the one or more modes, various other types of the floating media or the non-floating media in various shapes such as, but not limited to, a cross-shaped, a cup-shaped, an irregular shape, or the like may also be used, which may trap one or more solids present in the impure fluid flowing through the corresponding predefined filtration media.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (470) of purifying impure fluid using a fluid purification apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (470) includes filling a vertical cylindrical body of a first predefined height with at least one predefined filtration media in step 480.

Further, the method (470) also includes positioning a retainer plate at a second predefined height below a body top end of the vertical cylindrical body by associating the retainer plate with a gasket ring, wherein the gasket ring is adapted to seal a gap between periphery of the retainer plate and an inner circumference of the vertical cylindrical body in step 490.

Furthermore, the method (470) also includes passing the impure fluid below the at least one predefined filtration media upon receiving the impure fluid via an inlet port of the vertical cylindrical body in step 500.

Furthermore, the method (470) also includes floating the at least one predefined filtration media on the impure fluid as a level of the impure fluid raises in the vertical cylindrical body while receiving the impure fluid in step 510.

Furthermore, the method (470) also includes straining the at least one predefined filtration media against the retainer plate when the at least one predefined filtration media floats on the impure fluid and reaches a media positioning section of the vertical cylindrical body located below the retainer plate in step 520.

Furthermore, the method (470) also includes purifying the impure fluid as the level of the impure fluid rises up through the at least one predefined filtration media, upon straining the at least one predefined filtration media against the retainer plate, thereby obtaining purified fluid, wherein the purified fluid is collected on top of the retainer plate in step 530. Furthermore, the method (470) also includes drawing the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate upon performing an air-lift operation to obtain recirculatory fluid in step 540. In one embodiment, drawing the purified fluid may include drawing the purified fluid via a suction top end (180) of at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170).

Furthermore, the method (470) also includes passing the recirculatory fluid into the at least one feed well pipe, thereby recirculating the recirculatory fluid through the at least one predefined filtration media for purification of the recirculatory fluid in step 550. In one embodiment, passing the recirculatory fluid may include passing the recirculatory fluid via a recirculatory top end (190) of the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170).

Furthermore, the method (470) also includes collecting sludge in a sludge pit section of the vertical cylindrical body upon initiation of a cleaning cycle of the at least one predefined filtration media via at least one bubble generator in step 560.

Furthermore, the method (470) also includes drawing and eliminating the sludge from the sludge pit section upon performing a suction operation in step 570. In one embodiment, drawing and eliminating the sludge may include drawing and eliminating the sludge via at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330).

Furthermore, the method (470) also includes discharging the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate towards outside of the vertical cylindrical body when the purified fluid overflows, thereby purifying the impure fluid in step 580. In one embodiment, discharging the purified fluid may include discharging the purified fluid via an outlet port (390) of the vertical cylindrical body.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable the fluid purification apparatus a multipurpose filter as the corresponding fluid purification can operate under the one or more modes as described above upon simply changing the at least one predefined filtration media. The fluid purification apparatus also possesses an inbuilt air blower which is used for recirculating the impure fluid multiple times for enhanced purification, cleaning the at least one predefined purification media, eliminating the sludge from the sludge pit section, thereby eliminating a requirement of separate backwash pumps, separate air scouring systems, and complicated frontal piping with a large number of valves. Also, the fluid purification apparatus possesses a smaller size in comparison to conventional filters, thereby making the fluid purification apparatus cost-effective and space-saving filter.

Further, the fluid purification apparatus does not require the usage of pressure vessels as the purification happens by gravity flow. Furthermore, in the biological treatment mode, the purification efficiency thus obtained is excellent because the at least one predefined filtration media used is static and provides a large surface area for attached bacteria to grow. Also, power consumption is considerably less because amount of air required, amount of pressure required, and amount of electricity that gets wasted is considerably less in comparison to conventional filters.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

23 I/WE CLAIM:

1. A fluid purification apparatus (10) comprising: a vertical cylindrical body (20) of a first predefined height comprising a body top end (30) and a body bottom end (40); a retainer plate (70) positioned at a second predefined height below the body top end (30), upon associating with a gasket ring (80), wherein the retainer plate (70) comprises a plurality of perforations of a first predefined size and one or more openings of a second predefined size, wherein the gasket ring (80) is adapted to seal a gap between periphery of the retainer plate (70) and an inner circumference of the vertical cylindrical body (20), wherein the vertical cylindrical body (20) comprises a media positioning section (90) located below the retainer plate (70), and adapted to receive at least one predefined filtration media when the at least one predefined filtration media floats upon filling the vertical cylindrical body (20) with impure fluid; at least one feed well pipe (100) adapted to pass the impure fluid below the at least one predefined filtration media, upon receiving the impure fluid at a first predefined flow rate via an inlet port (110) of the vertical cylindrical body (20) to initiate the filling up of the vertical cylindrical body (20), wherein the at least one predefined filtration media is adapted to purify the impure fluid as a level of the impure fluid rises up through the at least one predefined filtration media to obtain purified fluid, wherein the purified fluid is collected on top of the retainer plate (70) upon straining the at least one predefined filtration media against the retainer plate (70); at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) comprising a suction top end (180) and a recirculatory top end (190), wherein the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) is adapted to: draw the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate (70) at a second predefined flow rate via the suction top end (180) upon performing an air-lift operation to obtain recirculatory fluid; and pass the recirculatory fluid via the recirculatory top end (190) into the at least one feed well pipe (100), thereby recirculating the recirculatory fluid through the at least one predefined filtration media for purification of the recirculatory fluid; a sludge pit section (290) located at a body bottom portion of the vertical cylindrical body (20), wherein the sludge pit section (290) is adapted to receive sludge upon initiation of a cleaning cycle of the at least one predefined filtration media via at least one bubble generator (300); at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330) adapted to draw and eliminate the sludge from the sludge pit section (290) upon performing a suction operation, wherein the at least one feed well pipe (100), the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170), and the at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330) are positioned by passing through the one or more openings of the retainer plate (70) from the top of the retainer plate (70) and protrude below the at least one predefined filtration media; and an outlet port (390) adapted to discharge the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate (70) towards outside of the vertical cylindrical body (20) when the purified fluid overflows.

2. The fluid purification apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body top end (30) and the body bottom end (40) are adapted to receive and attach a top plate (50) and a bottom plate (60) respectively to completely cover the vertical cylindrical body (20).

3. The fluid purification apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one predefined filtration media comprises a third predefined size, wherein the third predefined size is greater than the first predefined size of the plurality of perforations on the retainer plate (70), thereby preventing movement of the at least one predefined filtration media towards the top of the retainer plate (70) when the at least one predefined filtration media is strained against the retainer plate (70).

4. The fluid purification apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one feed well pipe (100) comprises at least two feed side openings on a feed top portion of the at least one feed well pipe (100), wherein the at least two feed side openings comprises a first feed side opening (140) and a second feed side opening (150), wherein the first feed side opening (140) is mechanically coupled to the inlet port (110) via a horizontal feed pipe (160), wherein the second feed side opening (150) is mechanically coupled to the recirculatory top end (190) via a discharge pipe (210) and a predefined bend piece (220).

5. The fluid purification apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one feed well pipe (100) is adapted to pass the recirculatory fluid below the at least one predefined filtration media for recirculating through the at least one predefined filtration media, upon receiving the recirculatory fluid passed by the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170) via the recirculatory top end (190).

6. The fluid purification apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one bubble generator (300) is mechanically coupled to one or more raised platforms (310) via one or more coupling means, wherein the one or more raised platforms (310) are located on an upper surface (320) of a bottom plate (60) of the vertical cylindrical body (20), wherein the at least one bubble generator (300) is adapted to generate one or more bubbles of air during the cleaning cycle, thereby agitating and cleaning the at least one predefined filtration media by separating the sludge from the corresponding at least one predefined filtration media.

7. The fluid purification apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one predefined filtration media comprises at least one of a floating media and a non-floating media, wherein the floating media comprises a small bead type media comprising at least one of one or more light-weight particles (400) and one or more disinfectants (410), 26 wherein the non-floating media is enclosed inside a cage-type structure (440), wherein the cage-type structure (440) is adapted to float upon filling the vertical cylindrical body (20) with the impure fluid, wherein the non-floating media comprises at least one of activated carbon (430), green sand, and sponge type media (460).

8. The fluid purification apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an air blower (230) fastened to an upper surface (240) of a top plate (50) of the vertical cylindrical body (20), wherein the air blower (230) is adapted to draw air from atmosphere and deliver the air into the vertical cylindrical body (20) via at least three air pipes.

9. The fluid purification apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least three air pipes comprises a first air pipe (260), a second air pipe (270), and a third air pipe (280) connected to the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170), the at least one bubble generator (300), and the at least one air lift sludge decanter respectively for performing the air-lift operation, initiation of the cleaning cycle, and the suction operation respectively upon receiving the air from the air blower (230).

10. A method (470) of purifying impure fluid using a fluid purification apparatus comprising: filling a vertical cylindrical body of a first predefined height with at least one predefined filtration media; (480) positioning a retainer plate at a second predefined height below a body top end of the vertical cylindrical body by associating the retainer plate with a gasket ring, wherein the gasket ring is adapted to seal a gap between periphery of the retainer plate and an inner circumference of the vertical cylindrical body; (490) passing the impure fluid below the at least one predefined filtration media upon receiving the impure fluid via an inlet port of the vertical cylindrical body; (500) 27 floating the at least one predefined filtration media on the impure fluid as a level of the impure fluid raises in the vertical cylindrical body while receiving the impure fluid; (510) straining the at least one predefined filtration media against the retainer plate when the at least one predefined filtration media floats on the impure fluid and reaches a media positioning section of the vertical cylindrical body located below the retainer plate; (520) purifying the impure fluid as the level of the impure fluid rises up through the at least one predefined filtration media, upon straining the at least one predefined filtration media against the retainer plate, thereby obtaining purified fluid, wherein the purified fluid is collected on top of the retainer plate; (530) drawing, via a suction top end (180) of at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170), the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate upon performing an airlift operation to obtain recirculatory fluid; (540) passing, via a recirculatory top end (190) of the at least one air lift recirculatory pipe (170), the recirculatory fluid into the at least one feed well pipe, thereby recirculating the recirculatory fluid through the at least one predefined filtration media for purification of the recirculatory fluid; (550) collecting sludge in a sludge pit section of the vertical cylindrical body upon initiation of a cleaning cycle of the at least one predefined filtration media via at least one bubble generator; (560) drawing and eliminating, via at least one air lift sludge decanter pipe (330), the sludge from the sludge pit section upon performing a suction operation; and (570) discharging, via an outlet port (390) of the vertical cylindrical body, the purified fluid from the top of the retainer plate towards outside of the vertical cylindrical body when the purified fluid overflows, thereby purifying the impure fluid (580).