WO2023046601A1 - Unité de filtre avec conduit de distribution - Google Patents

Unité de filtre avec conduit de distribution Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023046601A1
WO2023046601A1 PCT/EP2022/075861 EP2022075861W WO2023046601A1 WO 2023046601 A1 WO2023046601 A1 WO 2023046601A1 EP 2022075861 W EP2022075861 W EP 2022075861W WO 2023046601 A1 WO2023046601 A1 WO 2023046601A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
filter unit
inlet
liquid
particle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/075861
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gareth Jones
Original Assignee
Fresh Works Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fresh Works Ltd filed Critical Fresh Works Ltd
Priority to EP22785721.6A priority Critical patent/EP4405078A1/fr
Publication of WO2023046601A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023046601A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D33/00—Filters with filtering elements which move during the filtering operation
    • B01D33/06—Filters with filtering elements which move during the filtering operation with rotary cylindrical filtering surfaces, e.g. hollow drums
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04B—CENTRIFUGES
    • B04B1/00—Centrifuges with rotary bowls provided with solid jackets for separating predominantly liquid mixtures with or without solid particles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04B—CENTRIFUGES
    • B04B11/00—Feeding, charging, or discharging bowls
    • B04B11/04—Periodical feeding or discharging; Control arrangements therefor
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/10—Filtering arrangements

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a filter unit for the separation of particulate matter from particulate-laden liquid and a washing apparatus including the filter unit.
  • the present disclosure also relates to a method of filtering particulate matter from particulate-laden liquid.
  • sewage treatment requires the removal of particulate matter from the incoming effluent before discharge of the filtered water into rivers.
  • Another example is the food industry where vegetables need to be washed before they can be processed.
  • the soil and sediment cleaned from the vegetable contaminates the wash water which then needs to be filtered before it can be either reused or discharged.
  • a yet further example is textile processing and washing, both domestic and commercial, where water and chemicals are used to condition or wash fabric or garments.
  • the effluent from this process can contain a range of particulates including many thousands of microscopic fibres which enter the water cycle and contaminate rivers and seas.
  • filters to remove contaminants in a fluid. These filters usually feature a barrier filter arrangement (typically a mesh or a bag) to remove impurities from the effluent before it is discharged or reused. Barrier filters require regular cleaning or replacement of the filter medium in order to operate effectively and not to block. Manual removal of the accumulated particulate matter is inconvenient and messy. In addition, because the matter is either wet or damp, and can remain in the filter for some time, it provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria which can be injurious to health. In order to fully clean mesh or bag filters, it is necessary to wash the filter - which results in particulate matter entering the drain.
  • a barrier filter arrangement typically a mesh or a bag
  • Centrifugal separators have long been known to be effective at filtering particulate matter from a fluid without suffering from blockages. However, emptying of the collected debris can also be problematic.
  • the debris captured in a centrifugal separator is usually mixed with an amount of residual water. If the separator is operated intermittently the combined debris and residual water results in a dilute effluent which is more difficult to dispose of than a concentrated effluent. It is therefore desirable to concentrate the effluent as far as is possible into a sludge or a paste in order to make disposal easier.
  • a filter unit for separation of particulate matter from particulateladen liquid, the filter unit comprising: a chamber defined by an upper axial end wall and an opposing lower axial end wall and a peripheral particle collection wall, the upper and lower axial end walls being spaced by the peripheral particle collection wall, the chamber being rotatable about an axis of rotation so as to impart rotational motion to the liquid; an inlet for delivering particulate-laden liquid into the chamber; an outlet for discharging filtered liquid from the chamber; wherein the chamber comprises a particle dispense conduit extending from or proximal the lower axial end wall of the chamber for dispensing particulate matter from within the chamber; and wherein the particle dispense conduit is selectively openable to dispense particulate matter out of the chamber.
  • the particle dispense conduit can be opened as and when is required e.g. after each filtration cycle or after processing a certain volume of particle-laden liquid. This gives the user complete control overthe emptying of the filter unit e.g. depending on how dirty the particulate-laden liquid is.
  • the filter unit comprises a moveable member provided within the particle dispense conduit for selectively opening and closing the particle dispense conduit.
  • the moveable member prevents any leakage from the particle dispense opening/conduit during filtration.
  • the moveable member may be axially or rotationally moveable to open the particle dispense conduit.
  • the particle dispense conduit In a closed position, the particle dispense conduit may be obstructed by the member. In an open position, the particle dispense conduit may be unobstructed by the member.
  • the member may remain within the particle dispense conduit in the open position but may provide a passageway for discharge of debris.
  • the particle dispense conduit may be provided with a ball valve or rotary valve in which a passageway throught the moveable (rotatable) member is only in fluid communication with the chamber for discharge of debris in the open position.
  • An axially moveable member (which may be considered and referred to hereinafter as a plug) may comprise a sealing member (e.g.
  • an o-ring or other resiliently deformable body that seals against inner walls of the particle dispense conduit in a closed position and that is moved, e.g. axially moved out of sealing contact with the inner walls of the particle dispense conduit in an open position.
  • the sealing member e.g. an annular flange seal may seal against the lower axial end wall of the chamber around the particle dispense opening.
  • the plug may be moveable e.g. axially moveable so as to move the sealing member to within the filter chamber in the open position.
  • the plug may be axially moveable upwardly towards the upper axial end wall of the chamber.
  • the plug may be moveable e.g. axially moveable so as to remove the sealing member from both the chamber and particle dispense conduit.
  • the plug may be axially moveable downwardly through the particle dispense conduit away from the chamber.
  • the particle dispense conduit may extend (e.g. may extend axially) from a particle dispense opening formed in the lower axial end wall of the chamber.
  • the axial centre of the particle dispense opening may be aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the chamber.
  • the filter may further comprise a plug shaft extending through the particle dispense conduit and connected to the plug, the shaft being moveable e.g. axially movable to effect movement of the plug.
  • the plug may comprise a flow directing portion facing into the chamber to guide radial flow of liquid in the closed position.
  • the flow directing portion may comprise a flow surface extending from an apex. The apex may be aligned with the inlet conduit.
  • the flow directing portion may have a substantially conical shape.
  • the moveable member (e.g. plug) may be biased towards the closed configuration.
  • the moveable member may be biased using a resilient member e.g. a spring.
  • the moveable member may be opened against the resilient force e.g. by pushing the plug shaft inwards towards the chamber.
  • the filter unit may comprise an actuator for effecting movement of the moveable member e.g. axial movement of the plug or rotational movement of a rotationally moveable member (e.g. a ball of a ball valve).
  • the actuator may be operatively connected to the plug shaft.
  • the outlet is in the upper axial end wall.
  • the filter unit comprises a flow path from the inlet to the outlet wherein the flow path includes a radial component from the inlet to the peripheral particle collection wall and an axial component along the peripheral particle collection wall.
  • particulate-laden liquid can enter the rotating chamber and flow from the inlet towards the collection wall and subsequently along the collection wall before exiting the chamber via the outlet.
  • particulate matter e.g. hair, micro-fibres, particles etc.
  • the flow path axial component may be adjacent (e.g. directly adjacent) the collection wall.
  • the flow path axial component may be parallel to the collection wall.
  • the radial component may be adjacent the lower axial end wall (hereinafter referred to as the lower end wall).
  • the inlet and the outlet may be axially spaced.
  • the inlet may be at (or proximal) the lower end wall and the outlet at (or proximal) the upper end wall.
  • the flow path will include an axially upwards component along the collection wall.
  • the liquid will include a circumferential component (around the axis of rotation), i.e. the liquid in the chamber rotates to create a vortex.
  • the liquid vortex in the rotating chamber enables the liquid to travel upwards from the inlet to the outlet.
  • the axial spacing between the inlet and the outlet may be the axial length of the chamber (e.g. the inlet may be an aperture at the lower end wall and the outlet an aperture at the upper end wall). In other embodiments, the axial spacing between the inlet and the outlet may be less than the full axial length of the chamber, for example the axial spacing may be less than 90% or less than 75%. Generally speaking the greater the axial spacing, the better the separation of fine particulate matter.
  • the filter unit may include a guide surface from the inlet to the collection wall.
  • the guide surface may be configured to guide the liquid radially from the inlet to the collection wall.
  • the guide surface may extend radially from the inlet towards the collection wall (i.e. the guide surface may at least partly define the radial component of the flow path from the inlet to the collection wall).
  • the guide surface may be a solid (i.e. unperforated) surface.
  • the guide surface may be an inside surface of the lower end wall.
  • the guide surface may also comprise the flow directing surface of the plug.
  • the liquid introduced into the chamber is guided from the inlet to the collection wall.
  • the filter unit may include an inlet conduit extending within the chamber (e.g. from the upper axial end wall) and the inlet may be a conduit opening.
  • the inlet/conduit opening may be an open end of the inlet conduit (i.e. an opening in the axial end of the inlet conduit).
  • the inlet/conduit opening may be towards the lower end wall, e.g. the axial spacing between the conduit opening and the lower end wall may be smaller than the axial spacing between the conduit opening and the upper end wall, such that, in use, liquid is delivered closer to the lower end wall than the upper end wall.
  • the inlet conduit may extend within the chamber from or through the upper axial end wall towards the lower axial end wall with an opening (e.g. end opening) within the chamber proximal the lower axial end wall.
  • the axial spacing between the conduit opening and the upper end wall may be greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80% or greater than 90% of the axial length of the chamber.
  • the inlet conduit may extend from an opening in the upper end wall.
  • the inlet conduit may extend through the upper end wall (i.e. the inlet conduit may extend from above the upper end wall through the upper end wall and into the chamber).
  • the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit may be coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the chamber.
  • the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit may be coaxial with the axis of rotation of the chamber.
  • the axis of the plug shaft may be coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit and/or the central longitudinal axis of the chamber.
  • the apex of the flow directing surface of the plug may be aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit and/or the central longitudinal axis of the chamber.
  • the rotational axis of the rotatable member may be coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit and/or the central longitudinal axis of the chamber (e.g. in the case of a rotatory valve) or may be perpendicular with the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit and/orthe central longitudinal axis of the chamber (e.g. in the case of a ball valve).
  • the inlet conduit may be rotatable about the axis of rotation of the chamber.
  • the inlet conduit may be rotatable about the axis of rotation at the same speed as the chamber.
  • the inlet conduit may be rotatable about the axis of rotation at a different speed as the chamber.
  • the inlet conduit may include a rotary seal for connecting the inlet conduit to the chamber (such that, in use, the inlet conduit rotates at a different speed to the chamber).
  • Feed to the inlet conduit may be under gravity, by a pressure pump, or by impeller within the filter chamber.
  • the inlet conduit may include an inlet radial flange.
  • the inlet flange may be shaped substantially as a disc.
  • the inlet flange may extend radially from or proximal the axial end (e.g. the axial open end) of the inlet conduit.
  • the inlet flange (where present) at least partly defines the radial component of the flow path.
  • the inlet flange diverts the delivered liquid radially outwards towards the collection wall of the chamber.
  • the diverted liquid can then flow axially at a position nearer to the radially outer edge of the chamber where it will be subject to higher centrifugal forces (compared to liquid closer to the axis of rotation), therefore increasing the likelihood of particulate matter contained within the liquid being forced towards and against the collection wall.
  • centrifugal force increases in direct proportion to the radial spacing from the axis of rotation.
  • the inlet flange may be a lower flange extending proximal the lower end wall.
  • the radial flow path will extend between the upper (guide) surface of the lower end wall/flow directing portion of the plug and the lower surface of the lower flange.
  • the inlet conduit may additionally or alternatively comprise an outlet flange extending radially from the inlet conduit proximal the outlet.
  • the outlet flange may at least partly define a second radial component of the flow path e.g. from the collection wall to the outlet
  • the outlet flange diverts the liquid radially inwards from the collection wall towards the central axis of the chamber where it can exit via the outlet.
  • outlet flange may help trap particles with a relative density less than the liquid which may not be collected on the collection wall.
  • the outlet flange may be an upper flange extending proximal the upper end wall.
  • the second radial flow path will extend between the lower surface of the upper end wall and the upper surface of the upper flange.
  • there may be a radial passage defined between the upper flange and the upper end wall.
  • including an outlet flange may prevent choking of the liquid when delivered to the chamber from an inlet towards the lower end wall.
  • the axial location of the outlet (upper) flange along the inlet conduit and the diameter of the outlet flange may be varied to control the flow rate through the filter.
  • the filter unit may include an outlet (upper) flange and an inlet (lower) flange. Including both an outlet (upper) flange and an inlet (lower) flange can advantageously increase the filtration efficiency of the filter unit.
  • the outlet (e.g. upper) and/or inlet (e.g. lower) flange may each include a vent or bleed arrangement extending between opposing axial faces of the respective flange.
  • the vent/bleed arrangement may be an aperture, e.g. a circular aperture, or a channel. It may include a valve.
  • The/each vent/bleed arrangement in the outlet/inlet flange may be about 1 ,5mm in width, for example it/they may be 3.0 mm or greater.
  • the radial spacing between the vent/bleed arrangement in the outlet/inlet flange and the inlet conduit may be smaller than the radial spacing between the vent/bleed arrangement in the outlet/inlet flange and a radially outer edge of the outlet/inlet flange.
  • the radial spacing between the vent/bleed arrangement in the outlet/inlet flange and the inlet conduit may be smaller than the radial spacing between the outlet and the inlet conduit i.e. the vent/bleed arrangement is closer to the
  • the vent/bleed arrangement may be configured to allow air to pass from one side of the flange to the other side of the flange in order to balance air pressure (and thus water levels).
  • the vent/bleed arrangement also helps prevent the outlet/inlet flange from choking the flow of liquid in the chamber.
  • the outlet/inlet flange may be a continuous or discontinuous annulus.
  • the radial spacing between the radially outer edge of the outlet/inlet flange and the collection wall may be smaller than the radial spacing between the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit and the radially outer edge of the flange (i.e. the radially outer edge of the flange is closer to the collection wall than the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit).
  • the distance from the axial centre of the inlet conduit to the radially outer edge of the outlet/inlet flange may be greater than 50%, greaterthan 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90% (e.g. between 95-96%) of the radius of the chamber.
  • the radial spacing between the radially outer edge of the outlet/inlet flange and the collection wall may be largerthan the radial spacing between the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit and the radially outer edge of the flange (i.e. the radially outer edge of the flange is closer to the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit than the collection wall).
  • the distance from the axial centre of the inlet conduit to the radially outer edge of the outlet/inlet flange may be 95% or less or 70% or less, such as 60% or less, e.g. 50% or less, or 40% or less, such as 30% or less, or 20% or less of the radius of the chamber.
  • the distance from the axial centre of the inlet conduit to the radially outer edge of the outlet/inlet flange may be between 20-95% or 30-95%, such as between 40-95% or 50 and 95%. These ranges mean that the inlet conduit/flange extend radially across between 20-95% or 30-95%, such as between 40-95% or 50 and 95% of the diameter of the chamber. In general, the larger the diameter of the flange, the greater the ‘g’ force that the water is subjected to as it flows past the flange and the greater the filtration efficiency.
  • the outlet (upper) flange may have a greater radius than the inlet (lower) flange.
  • the radial spacing between the outlet (upper flange) and the collection wall may be greater than the radial spacing between the inlet (lower) flange and the collection wall.
  • the filter unit may include an inlet impeller (e.g. a rotatable impeller) at the inlet.
  • the inlet impeller may be downstream of the inlet conduit, e.g. at the open end of the inlet conduit.
  • the inlet impeller may be mounted on a lower surface of the inlet (lower) flange.
  • the central axis of the inlet impeller may be coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the chamber i.e. coaxial with the axis of rotation of the chamber.
  • the inlet impeller may be oriented such that the vanes of the inlet impeller extend transversely/radially across the chamber, i.e. the inlet impeller may be rotatable about the central longitudinal axis of the chamber.
  • the inlet impeller may be configured to increase the flow rate of the liquid entering the chamber.
  • the inlet impeller may be configured to rotate the liquid at the same rotational speed as the chamber.
  • the inlet impeller may be configured to suction liquid into the chamber.
  • the impeller vanes may be radially straight or rearwardly or forwardly-curved.
  • transverse is used to define a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the chamber e.g. in a radial direction for a chamber having a substantially circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • upstream and downstream are used with reference to the direction of travel of the liquid from inlet to outlet through the component during normal use of the component.
  • the outlet may include a circular opening e.g. a circular opening in the upper end wall.
  • the outlet may be radially spaced from the axis of rotation of the chamber.
  • the radial spacing from the axis of rotation to the outlet may be less than the radial spacing from the outlet to the collection wall.
  • the outlet may be an annular opening. The axial centre of the annular opening may be coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the chamber i.e. coincident with the axis of rotation.
  • the annular opening may surround/circumscribe the inlet conduit as the inlet conduit passes through the upper end wall.
  • the radius of the particle dispense opening in the lower axial end wall of the chamber may be greater than radial distance between the central longitudinal axis of the chamber and the radially outer limit of the outlet.
  • the greater the radius of the particle dispense opening the quicker that the particulate matter can be removed from the filter unit.
  • the moveable member prevents any leakage from the particle dispense opening/conduit during filtering operation.
  • the outlet may be fluidly connected to a drain.
  • the outlet may be fluidly connected to a washing drum so that water is recirculated back to the washing drum. This allows filtration of the washing water during the washing cycle i.e. water from the washing drum can be passed to the inlet of the filter unit during the washing cycle and then returned to the washing drum via the outlet. As a result, the washing water used during the washing cycle remains cleaner and better able to ensure thorough washing of the items being washed within the washing drum.
  • the outlet may be in the upper end wall.
  • the outlet may comprise an outlet opening. It is preferable that the radius of the particle dispense opening is less than the radius of the outlet opening.
  • the outlet opening may taper outwardly (i.e. from the inside surface of the upper end wall to the outside surface of the upper end wall). In use, this may encourage the ejected liquid to move upwards and outwards as it exits the chamber.
  • the size and position of the outlet opening may be used to determine the liquid flow rate through the filter as the pressure in the rotating liquid within the filter varies as the square of the radial distance from the axis of rotation.
  • the filter unit includes a chamber for receiving particulate-laden liquid.
  • the chamber may be cylindrical.
  • the cylindrical chamber may have a diameter ranging from 120mm to 180mm.
  • the cylindrical chamber may have a diameter of about 300mm.
  • the chamber may have an axial length of 80-100 mm.
  • the volume of the chamber may be between 1-30 litres.
  • the volume of the chamber may be between 20-30 litres.
  • the volume of the chamber may be about 1 litre. Larger volumes (and thus axial heights and larger diameters) may be appropriate for high volumes applications e.g. for sewage treatment.
  • the chamber may be polygonal or any other symmetrical shape about the axis of rotation i.e. its transverse cross-sectional profile (perpendicular to the axis of rotation) may be polygonal or otherwise symmetrical.
  • the collection wall may be solid (i.e. may contain no apertures).
  • the upper end or the lower end wall may be solid (i.e. unperforated) (other than the inlet/outlet).
  • the filter unit may include a chamber housing for housing the filter chamber.
  • the chamber housing may be configured to collect the discharged filtered liquid and channel it to a drain or to recirculate it back to the washing drum.
  • the chamber housing may be configured to collect particulate matter ejected from the chamber (described further below).
  • the chamber housing may be a static housing.
  • the filter unit may be configured such that the flow of particulate-laden material extends entirely within the filter chamber and does not flow through the chamber housing (outside of the filter chamber).
  • the filter unit may include a motor for rotating the filter chamber about the axis of rotation.
  • the motor may be operatively coupled to the particle dispense conduit so as to effect rotation of the chamber via rotation of the particle dispense conduit.
  • the motor may be axially offset from the axis of rotation of the chamber. It may be operatively connected to the particle dispense conduit via a belt drive.
  • the belt drive advantageously allows higher spin speeds in the filter chamber than the motor.
  • the motor may be configured to rotate the chamber (e.g. via the particle dispense conduit) in a first direction and a second direction (i.e. reverse direction).
  • the chamber may be rotatable in the first direction and/or the second direction.
  • the inlet conduit may be rotatable about the axis of rotation.
  • the motor may be configured to rotate the inlet conduit.
  • the inlet conduit may be rotatable in a first direction and/or the second direction.
  • the motor may be configured to rotate the chamber and the inlet conduit in the same direction and the same rotational speed.
  • the motor may be configured to rotate the chamber at a speed between 1000 - 20,000 rpm, e.g. between 10,000 and 20,000 rpm. These high rotation speeds are especially useful for smaller filter units whilst slower speeds e.g. between 4000 and 6000 rpm may be more suitable for larger filter units.
  • the filter unit may be configured to be operated in one or more configurations.
  • the above features may relate to the filter unit when operated in a use configuration where the chamber is rotatable about the axis of rotation such that, in use it collects particulate matter against the collection wall. In this use configuration, the particle dispense conduit is sealed by the moveable member.
  • the filter unit may be configured to be operated in a dewatering configuration where any excess residual liquid that may remain in the chamber following operating the filter unit in the use configuration may be drained from the chamber.
  • the particle dispense conduit is sealed by the moveable member.
  • the filter unit may be configured to be operated in a particle dispense configuration where the filter chamber is static and where the particulate matter collected in the chamber (e.g. on the collection wall) may be extracted or ejected from the chamber.
  • the particle dispense conduit is open i.e. it is unsealed by the moveable member.
  • the filter unit may be configured to be operated sequentially through the configurations, for example the filter unit may be configured to be operated in the use configuration, then the dewatering configuration and finally in the particle dispense configuration.
  • the filter unit may be configured to be operated in the use configuration multiple times before moving to the next configuration.
  • the filter unit may be configured to be operated in the use configuration multiple times, then the dewatering configuration before moving to the particle dispense configuration. In this way the debris dispensed from the filter chamber is concentrated.
  • the filter unit may stop rotating between the use and dewatering configurations.
  • the filter unit may move immediately from the use to dewatering configuration without stopping rotating.
  • the filter unit stops rotating in the particle dispense configuration.
  • residual liquid that was not ejected from the chamber via the outlet during the use configuration may remain in the chamber.
  • the filter unit may be operated in the dewatering configuration to drain the majority of residual liquid from the chamber. Draining the residual liquid from the chamber may concentrate the particulate matter to a paste or may dry the layer of particulate matter to a solid.
  • the chamber may include a drain hole having an open configuration for allowing excess residual liquid left in the chamber after the use configuration to drain out of the chamber (in the dewatering configuration).
  • the drain hole also has a closed configuration in the use configuration of the filter unit.
  • the drain hole may be at the upper end wall.
  • the drain hole in the upper end wall may be radially spaced from the central longitudinal axis of the chamber.
  • the radial spacing between the central longitudinal axis of the chamber and the drain hole may be larger than the radial spacing between the drain hole and the collection wall.
  • the drain hole may be radially spaced from the collection wall.
  • the radial spacing between the drain hole in the upper end wall and the collection wall may define a dewatering liquid level.
  • the drain hole may include a valve for moving the drain hole between the open configuration and the closed configuration.
  • the drain hole In the open configuration, the drain hole may be open to allow liquid to drain out of the chamber.
  • the valve may be a centrifugal valve (i.e. a valve that is configured to open when the chamber rotates at a predetermined rotational speed and the centrifugal force is sufficiently high to open the centrifugal valve).
  • the filter unit may be configured to be operated in the particle dispense configuration (to extract/eject the particulate matter from the chamber).
  • the filter unit may be operated in the particle dispense configuration immediately after being operated in the dewatering configuration.
  • the filter unit may be configured to be operated in the particle dispense configuration every 20, 30 or 100 cycles of the filter unit being operated in the use configuration depending on the volume of particulate matter in the particulate-laden liquid.
  • a washing apparatus for washing textile items, the apparatus comprising: a housing in which a washing drum is rotatably mounted, the drum including side walls comprising one or more apertures configured to discharge liquid from the drum; a collector located downstream of the washing drum and configured to collect liquid discharged from the washing drum; a filter unit according to the first aspect; and a flow pathway between the collector and the inlet of the filter unit.
  • the outlet of the filter unit may be fluidly connected to the washing drum so that water is recirculated back to the washing drum. This allows filtration of the washing water during the washing cycle i.e. water from the washing drum can be passed to the inlet of the filter unit during the washing cycle and then returned to the washing drum via the outlet. As a result, the washing water used during the washing cycle remains cleaner and better able to ensure thorough washing of the textiles within the washing drum.
  • the outlet of the filter unit may be fluidly connected to a drain.
  • the outlet of the filter unit also or alternatively may be connected to a storage reservoir for re-use of the filtered liquid in a subsequent wash cycle.
  • a storage reservoir for re-use of the filtered liquid in a subsequent wash cycle.
  • rinse water from a first wash cycle can be stored and used as the wash water in a second wash cycle. In this way the washing machine water consumption can be reduced by up to 60%.
  • the outlet of the filter unit may be selectively fluidly connectable to the washing drum or storage reservoir so as to be selectively fluidly connected to the drum/reservoir during a washing process.
  • the outlet filter unit may be selectively fluidly connectable to a drain during a dewatering process.
  • the apparatus may be a washing machine.
  • the filter unit can be used to clean water during the wash water during the wash cycle to improve wash performance.
  • a method of filtering particulate matter from particulateladen liquid in a washing apparatus including the filter unit according to the first aspect, the method comprising: introducing particulate-laden liquid into the chamber via the inlet; and rotating the chamber about the axis of rotation at a first speed configured to move the liquid in a radial direction from the inlet to the peripheral particle collection wall and axially along the peripheral particle collection wall.
  • Rotating the chamber about the axis of rotation may include operating the motor to rotate the chamber.
  • the method may include rotating the chamber at a first speed configured to generate centrifugal forces in the rotating liquid that are orders of magnitude greater than the gravitational forces acting on the liquid.
  • centrifugal forces being orders of magnitude greater than gravitational forces, it will be apparent to the skilled person that the filter unit may work effectively as described in any orientation, i.e. upside down, horizontally or any point in between.
  • the rotational speed may be chosen such that the centrifugal force is sufficient to capture a desired percentage of particulate matter against the peripheral particle collection wall (i.e. the collection wall) without the use of any form of barrier filter (e.g. a mesh).
  • the first speed may be between 1000 - 20000 rpm, e.g. between 10,000 and 20,000 rpm. These high speeds may be especially suitable for smaller filter units whilst slower speeds, e.g. between 4000 and 6000 rpm may be more suitable for larger filter units.
  • the method may include rotating the chamber such that the centrifugal force generated in the liquid is 100,000 ms 2 or about 10000 G.
  • the method may include providing an inlet conduit as described above for the first aspect, rotating the inlet conduit about the axis of rotation in the same direction and/or at the same rotational speed as the chamber.
  • the method may include providing an outlet as described above for the first aspect and rotating the chamber at the first speed such that particulate matter in the liquid may be collected against the collection wall and filtered liquid may exit the outlet.
  • the filter unit may have a dwell time (i.e. the amount of time a given volume of rotating liquid remains within the rotating chamber before being expelled out of the chamber) of 1 to 120 seconds.
  • the filter unit may have a dwell time of 6 seconds, e.g. the filter unit may have a chamber capacity of 1 litre and a flow rate of 10 litres/min.
  • the filter unit may have a dwell time of 120 seconds, e.g. the filter unit may have a chamber capacity of 1 litre and a flow rate of 0.5 litre/min.
  • the filter unit may have a flow rate of between 0.5 litres/min to 20 litres/min.
  • the filter unit may have a flow rate of about 10 litres/min.
  • the filter unit may have a flow rate of 15-20 litres/min. Embodiments with significantly higher flow rates are also envisioned.
  • the dwell time may also be increased by increasing the volume of the filter chamber. Increasing dwell time has been shown to increase filtration efficiency i.e. the filter unit can filter particularly small particles and capture a larger percentage of particulate matter in the feed liquid.
  • the separation efficiency of the filter may be varied during use by varying the flow rate through the filter.
  • Flow rate may be varied by throttling the inlet to the chamber, or by changing the size of the outlet opening(s) in the chamber and/or the position of the outlet opening(s) relative to the axis of rotation.
  • a liquid quality sensor may monitor the cleanliness of the liquid exiting the filter at the outlet and the flow rate adjusted to maintain a constant filtration efficiency.
  • the above features may relate to the filter unit being operated in the use configuration.
  • the method may comprise operating the filter unit in the use configuration multiple times.
  • liquid may no longer be introduced into the inlet.
  • Any excess liquid remaining in the chamber may be ejected from the chamber via the drain hole(s) during the dewatering configuration and the remaining slurry/paste of particulate matter may be ejected from the particle dispense conduit during the particle dispense configuration.
  • the method may include providing an outlet and at least one drain hole in the upper end wall as described above for the first aspect and rotating the chamber at the first speed such that filtered liquid may exit the outlet (e.g. the annular outlet). Once all the available liquid has been filtered, liquid may no longer be introduced into the inlet. Any remaining excess liquid in the chamber may be ejected from the chamber via the drain hole by rotating the chamber (e.g. at the first speed).
  • the chamber may stop rotating. As the chamber stops rotating, the slurry/paste of particulate matter collected on the collection wall may be allowed to fall (under gravity) toward the lower end wall.
  • the method may include providing a particle dispense conduit in the lower end wall as described above forthe first aspect such that, as the chamber stops rotating, opening the particle dispense conduit by moving the moveable member such that the particulate matter may fall out of the particle dispense conduit via the particle dispense opening.
  • Moving the moveable member may comprise axially moving the moveable member e.g. axially moving the plug so that is located within the chamber or so that it is removed from the chamber and particle dispense conduit.
  • the method may comprise moving the plug by moving the plug shaft e.g. by pushing the plug shaft inwardly or pulling the plug shaft outwardly.
  • the method may comprise moving the plug shaft e.g. moving the plug shaft inwardly or outwardly using an actuator.
  • moving the moveable member may comprise rotationally moving the moveable member e.g. rotationally moving the rotatable member so that a passageway way through the member is brought into fluid communication with the chamber.
  • the disclosure includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a filter unit according to a first embodiment with the plug in a closed position;
  • Figure 2 is an enlargement of the plug of the first embodiment in an open position
  • Figure 3 is an enlargement of the plug of a second embodiment in a closed position
  • FIG. 4 is an enlargement of the plug of a third embodiment showing both positions.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of a filter unit 10 according to a first embodiment.
  • the filter unit 10 includes a cylindrical chamber 12 defined by an upper axial end wall (upper end wall) 14, an opposing lower axial end wall (lower end wall) 16 and a peripheral particle collection wall (collection wall) 18.
  • the upper and lower end walls are spaced by and connected by the collection wall 18.
  • the filter unit 10 includes an inlet opening 23 for delivering particulate-laden liquid into the chamber 12.
  • the inlet includes a conduit 20 which extends axially through the upper end wall 14 and into the chamber 12.
  • the inlet opening 23 is an axial open end of the conduit 20.
  • the inlet opening 23 is towards the lower end wall 16.
  • the inlet conduit 20 includes a length that is greater than 80% of the axial length of the chamber 12 such that the axial spacing between the inlet opening 23 and the lower end wall 16 is smaller than the axial spacing between the inlet opening 23 and the upper end wall 14.
  • the filter unit 10 includes an outlet 24 at the upper end wall 14 for discharging filtered liquid from the chamber 12.
  • the outlet 24 is an annular opening which circumscribes the inlet conduit 20.
  • the chamber 12 is rotatable about an axis of rotation 30 which in this embodiment is the central longitudinal axis of the chamber 12.
  • the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit 20 and the axial centre of the annular outlet 24 are coaxial with the axis of rotation 30.
  • the filter unit 10 includes a motor (not shown) for rotating the chamber 12 about the axis of rotation 30.
  • the motor is off-set from the chamber and a belt drive 34 is provided in communication with a particle dispense conduit 36 (described in more detail below) in order to rotate the chamber 12 via rotation of the particle dispense conduit 36.
  • the flow path of the liquid from the inlet 23 to the outlet 24, as indicated by the arrows 22, includes a radial component from the inlet 23 to the collection wall 18 and an axially upwards component along the collection wall 18.
  • the inlet 23 being towards the lower end wall 16 results in the radial component of the flow path being directly adjacent and parallel to the lower end wall 16.
  • the inside surface of the lower end wall 16 forms a solid guide surface which guides the liquid from the inlet 23 to the collection wall 18.
  • the filter unit 10 includes a flange 50, in particular a lower flange.
  • the flange 50 extends radially outwardly from the axial open end 23 of the conduit.
  • the radial spacing i.e. the transverse annular spacing
  • the radial spacing between the outer edge of the flange 50 and the collection wall 18 is smaller than the radial spacing between the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit 20 and the outer edge of the flange (i.e. the outer edge of the flange is closer to the collection wall 18 than the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit 20). This advantageously ensures that the majority of the liquid introduced into the chamber is diverted radially outwards towards the collection wall 18 of the chamber 12 where it will be subject to higher centrifugal forces.
  • the axial component of the liquid along the collection wall 18 is therefore closer to and preferably directly adjacent the collection wall 18 (i.e. the axial component of the flow path is directly adjacent to the outer edge of the chamber 12).
  • the lower surface of the flange 50 forms a guide surface.
  • the inside surface of the lower end wall 16 and the lower surface of the flange 50 both provide solid guide surfaces to guide the liquid from the inlet 23 to the collection wall 18.
  • the outlet is an annular opening 24 centred on the axis of rotation 30.
  • the radial spacing from the axis of rotation 30 to the annular opening 24 is less than the radial spacing from the annular opening 24 to the collection wall 18 (i.e. the annular opening 24 is closer to the axis of rotation 30 than to the collection wall 18).
  • the filter unit 10 includes an inlet impeller 60 immediately downstream of the open end 23 of the inlet conduit 20, extending from the flange 50 towards the lower end wall 16.
  • the inlet impeller 60 central axis is coaxial with the axis of rotation 30.
  • the vanes of the inlet impeller 60 lie transversely/radially across the chamber such that the inlet impeller 60 is rotatable about the central longitudinal axis of the chamber.
  • the vanes are spaced from the inside surface of the lower axial end wall 16. This allows debris such as hair to be ejected from the inlet conduit without catching on the impeller vanes.
  • the inlet impeller 60 is configured to increase the flow rate of the liquid entering the chamber 12 and suction liquid into the chamber 12 (and to facilitate rotation of the liquid at the same speed as the chamber 12).
  • the particle dispense conduit 36 is provided in the lower end wall 16 and extends axially from a particle dispense opening 38 provided in the lower end wall 16.
  • a plug 40 is provided that is moveable i.e. axially moveable between an open configuration (show in Figure 2) and a closed configuration (shown in Figure 1).
  • the particle dispense conduit 36 (and opening 38) is blocked by the plug 40.
  • the plug includes a resiliency deformable sealing member 42 (e.g. an o-ring) that seals against the inner walls of the particle dispense conduit 36 in the closed position.
  • the plug 40 has a substantially conical flow surface 44 facing the chamber 12.
  • the apex 46 of the conical flow surface faces the inlet conduit 20 and is axially aligned therewith. As particulate-laden material enters the chamber 12 via the opening 23 of the inlet conduit 20, it is directed radially by the flow surface 44 of the plug 40.
  • particulate-laden liquid is introduced into the chamber 12 via the inlet 23 and the filter unit 10 is operated to rotate the chamber 12 about the axis of rotation 30 so as to impart rotational motion to the liquid.
  • the motor is operated to rotate the chamber 12 at a first speed. Rotating the chamber at the first speed causes the liquid in the chamber to create a vortex.
  • the liquid in the chamber 12 moves radially from the inlet 23 to the collection wall 18 and then axially along the collection wall 18 before being discharged out of the chamber 12 via the outlet(s) 24.
  • Rotating the chamber at the first speed results in centrifugal forces being generated in the rotating liquid that are orders of magnitude greater than the gravitational forces acting on the liquid.
  • the chamber 12 is rotated at a first speed of 10000 rpm generating centrifugal forces of up to 100000 ms 2 in the liquid at the periphery.
  • the centrifugal forces in the liquid force particulate matter within the liquid away from the axis of rotation 30 and against the collection wall 18, forming a layer of particulate matter against the collection wall 18.
  • the inlet conduit 20 and the lower flange 50 are rotated in the same direction and at the same rotational speed as the chamber 12.
  • the chamber 12 may stop rotating. As the chamber stops rotating, the particulate matter collected against the collection wall 18 is allowed to fall (under gravity) towards the particle dispense opening 38 and conduit 36.
  • the plug 40 is moved axially to the open configuration (as shown in Figure 2) using plug shaft 48 so the plug 40 is within the chamber 12 and so that the particulate matter can exit the chamber 12 via the particle dispense opening 38 and conduit 36.
  • Figure 3 shows a second embodiment which is similar to the first embodiment except that the sealing member is a resiliently deformable annular flange 42’ that seats again the inside surface of the lower axial end wall 16 of the chamber 12 around the particle dispense opening 38 in the closed configuration (see in Figure 3).
  • the plug 40 In the open configuration (not shown) the plug 40 is moved to within the chamber 20 (using plug shaft 48) so that the sealing member flange 42’ is unseated from the lower axial end wall 16 to allow particulate matter to exit via the particle dispense opening 38 and conduit 36.
  • Figure 4 shows a third embodiment with the plug 40 duplicated and shown in both the closed configuration where the sealing member 42 seals against the inner walls of the particle dispense conduit 36 and the open configuration in which the plug shaft 48 has been used to pull the plug 40 from the chamber 12 and the particle dispense conduit 38.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Centrifugal Separators (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une unité de filtre pour la séparation de matière particulaire à partir d'un liquide chargé en particules, l'unité de filtre comprenant une chambre définie par une paroi d'extrémité axiale supérieure et une paroi d'extrémité axiale inférieure opposée et une paroi de collecte de particules périphérique, les parois d'extrémité axiale supérieure et inférieure étant espacées par la paroi de collecte de particules périphérique, la chambre pouvant tourner autour d'un axe de rotation de façon à imprimer un mouvement de rotation au liquide. Le filtre comprend en outre une entrée pour distribuer un liquide chargé de particules dans la chambre et une sortie pour évacuer le liquide filtré de la chambre. La chambre comprend un conduit de distribution de particules s'étendant depuis ou à proximité de la paroi d'extrémité axiale inférieure de la chambre, le conduit de distribution de particules pouvant être sélectivement ouvert pour distribuer la matière particulaire hors de la chambre. L'unité de filtre peut comprendre un élément mobile qui est mobile pour ouvrir l'ouverture de distribution de particules.
PCT/EP2022/075861 2021-09-21 2022-09-16 Unité de filtre avec conduit de distribution WO2023046601A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22785721.6A EP4405078A1 (fr) 2021-09-21 2022-09-16 Unité de filtre avec conduit de distribution

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2113446.5 2021-09-21
GB202113446 2021-09-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2023046601A1 true WO2023046601A1 (fr) 2023-03-30

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EP (1) EP4405078A1 (fr)
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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2083809A (en) * 1934-06-02 1937-06-15 Abraham B Asch Bowl centrifuge
GB2113446A (en) 1982-01-13 1983-08-03 Sir Patrick Alexander Be Grant Mouthpiece for bagpipes
US20050120685A1 (en) * 2003-08-23 2005-06-09 Mann & Hummel Gmbh Centrifugal separator
KR20070021592A (ko) * 2005-08-19 2007-02-23 전광수 농축여과장치
WO2018198649A1 (fr) * 2017-04-27 2018-11-01 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Séparateur centrifuge et machine à laver équipée d'un séparateur centrifuge
CN113117899A (zh) * 2021-04-02 2021-07-16 谢彦诚 一种食用油加工用提纯装置

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2083809A (en) * 1934-06-02 1937-06-15 Abraham B Asch Bowl centrifuge
GB2113446A (en) 1982-01-13 1983-08-03 Sir Patrick Alexander Be Grant Mouthpiece for bagpipes
US20050120685A1 (en) * 2003-08-23 2005-06-09 Mann & Hummel Gmbh Centrifugal separator
KR20070021592A (ko) * 2005-08-19 2007-02-23 전광수 농축여과장치
WO2018198649A1 (fr) * 2017-04-27 2018-11-01 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Séparateur centrifuge et machine à laver équipée d'un séparateur centrifuge
CN113117899A (zh) * 2021-04-02 2021-07-16 谢彦诚 一种食用油加工用提纯装置

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