Abstract: A filter device has a cup-shaped filter housing and a filter element disposed in the filter housing. A filter head is connectable to the filter housing and forms a cover for the filter housing. A spring element is provided that is acting on the filter element. The filter head has at least one first form-fit element. The filter housing has at least one second form-fit element for interacting with the at least one first form-fit element. The spring element is arranged such that the filter head and the filter housing for reaching a closed position, in which the at least one first form-fit element and the at least one second form-fit element engage each other, are movable relative to each other axially against the force of the spring element. The spring element clamps the filter element axially between filter head and filter housing in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element (10) having a first fluid path (12) on a raw side (60) for filtering a first fluid (64) and a second fluid path (14) having a fluid line (16) on a clean side (62) for carrying a second fluid (66). The filter element (10) is provided at least on one side with a first end plate (20). Here, the fluid line (16) is arranged in the central inner region (36) of the filter element (10) and connected with the end plate (20) for joint disassembly, especially securely connected to the filter element. The invention further relates to a filter system (100) including such a filter element (10).

Abstract: A filter for gravity-fed applications, having filter media with a hollow center, the filter being generally prone to a degradation or cessation in fluid flow due to air entrapment or air lock within the filter housing cavity, which develops during filtering. A diffuser element is introduced to pierce the entrapped air bubble, the diffuser element being an elongated structure connected to the filter housing top end cap and extending through the entrapped air bubble to the filter media.

Abstract: A pivoting vacuum fitting support vacuum post enables fittings to be quickly manually re-oriented during set up, break down, storage, and shipping of a vacuum support or other device using the vacuum post. A segmented core pivotally supports an outer fitting pivoting support sleeve that supports a pair of segregated and independently operable vacuum ports typically to supply vacuum independently to a base of a vacuum support to hold it in place, and to an upper work piece vacuum hold down support. Incorporation of a spacer that can be supplied in varying heights enables use of the vacuum post in a variety of vacuum supports of varying height.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, articles, and methods for removing water from hydrocarbon fluids. In an embodiment, the invention includes a water/fuel separation system including a filter housing and a filter element disposed within the filter housing. The filter element can include a separation article including a porous polymer layer having and a porous substrate comprising a hydrophobic surface. In an embodiment, the invention includes a filter element for separating emulsified water from a hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for filtering water out of a hydrocarbon fluid including passing a hydrocarbon fluid through a separation article including a polymer layer comprising polytetrafluoroethylene; and a porous substrate comprising a hydrophobic surface, the polymer layer disposed on the porous substrate.

Abstract: In a conventional storm overflow chamber of a combined sewer system, inflowing floating debris do not flow into an intercepting pipe in a rainy weather, and flow out to a public water body, causing a water pollution in the public water body. According to a vortex flow type water surface control device for a draining device of the present invention, a control plate (6) higher than at least a separating weir (1) is provided between an opening of an inflow pipe (2) and an opening of an intercepting pipe (3) in a storm overflow chamber of a combined sewer system. Moreover, a guide wall (7) higher than at least the separating weir (1) is provided along the separating weir between the opening of the inflow pipe (2) and the separating weir (1).

Abstract: In a device and a process for purifying water which is contaminated with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions, the water is collected in a water reservoir and a substance having basic activity in water is fed to the water reservoir in such a manner that a precipitant having heavy metal ions is precipitated from the water, wherein at least a subquantity of water is taken off from the water reservoir and is separated into pure water which is substantially freed from sulphate ions and heavy metal ions and dirty water which is enriched with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions. The dirty water is at least in part recirculated to the water reservoir, as a result of which a concentration of sulphate ions in the water reservoir is achieved such that a precipitant having sulphate ions is precipitated from the water.

Abstract: A waste/sediment collecting container has a front vertical wall, a back vertical wall, two side vertical walls, and a sloped bottom surface. Along the lowest portion of the sloped floor surface lays a debris grate which allows water and pieces of sediment to pass through (but prevents larger pieces of waste from passing). The collection container includes a sump directly beneath the debris grate for collecting heavy sediment which passes through the grate. Sloped walls along the sides of the sump lead to U-traps on both sides of the container that allow liquid to pass through but prevent any solid waste from leaving the sump. Solid waste may be removed from the sump by removing the threaded service cap from the drain hole. Located beyond the traps are filter chambers having drain holes for inserting sediment filters which liquid passes through and exits the container.

Abstract: An equipment assembly for preparing, harvesting and collecting particles is disclosed. The assembly comprises a tandem filter system with one or more high pressure filters, one or more low pressure filters and one or more collection vessel. Particles can be prepared, harvested and collected continuously, semi-continuously or in a batch-type operation. A tandem filter system and its method of use are also disclosed. Particles made with the assembly and according the instant methods are also disclosed. The assembly provides improved particle harvesting and collection over other systems and permits continuous particle formation, in particular by dispersion of a solute-containing process fluid within a supercritical anti-solvent.

Abstract: A waste water treatment apparatus includes a physical filter unit. The physical filter unit includes a filter screen layer therein to filter impurities which are large particles and a distal end connected with a changeable fluid dirt activation unit to discharge the bubbles and particles of the waste water. A side wall of the storage cylinder is provided with a storage pipe to communicate with the top of at least one microorganism filter unit. The microorganism filter unit includes a microorganism filter cylinder to purify the waste water through microorganisms. The waste water treatment apparatus further includes a water storage unit. The water storage unit includes a water storage cylinder to collect the treated water for use.

Abstract: A particle collector for a dynamic cyclone placed on the ocean bottom for separation of particles in a fluid is described, where the dynamic cyclone comprises a tank (2) which is equipped with an upper inlet opening (25) and an upper and lower outlet opening (26, 32) for outflow of fluid and particles, respectively. Furthermore, the tank comprises a shaft (5) which is equipped with a number of vanes or blades (6) and which is arranged to be driven by an adjoining motor (1), where a centrally placed piece of pipe (4) with a number of slits is arranged around the shaft (5).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disposable fluid path for processing complex materials. The disposable fluid path comprises a gravity assisted disposable system for separating a biological sample into two or more distinct submaterials through sedimentation. The fluid path is comprised of a sample delivery conduit and bag-set wherein the bag set comprising a tubing assembly, a separation assembly, and a filter assembly. Methods of using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for exhausting impurities included in a fluid, the apparatus including: a filtering net installation body; an impurity filtering net body; a fluid inflow pipe; a fluid exhaust pipe; a ball valve; and an air chamber housing (80) detachably assembled with a connecting part (70), which is inserted into and fixed to an inner periphery of an upper part of a hollow part (12) of the filtering net installation body (10), wherein the air chamber housing (80) includes an assembling part (82) assembled with the connector (70) and a collector (84) which is formed integrally with the assembling part (82) so as to communicate with the assembling part (82) and allows compressed air to be collected into the collector (82).

Abstract: A vortex flow type water surface control device for a draining device is provided. The vortex flow type water surface control device may include an inflow pipe, an outflow pipe, an intercepting pipe, and a separating weir that is disposed to block the intercepting pipe and the inflow pipe from the outflow pipe. The vortex flow type water surface control device may also include a control plate that is disposed between an opening of the inflow pipe and an opening of the intercepting pipe. A height of the control plate may be higher than at least a height of the separating weir. The control plate may be apart from the separating weir, and may approximately extend to a center axis of the intercepting pipe.

Abstract: A purging assembly for a fuel filter housing. The purging assembly comprises a shaft having towards an upper end an upper sealing element, located around the perimeter of the shaft, and having towards a lower end a lower sealing element, located around the perimeter of the shaft. A sensor is integrated with the shaft.

Abstract: A removable drain filter apparatus (20) with an housing (22) connectable with upstream and downstream drain pipes (40, 46) has a filtering chamber wider than the drain pipes and divided into an upstream portion (78) and a downstream portion (82) by a generally planer filter element (50). A hatch cover (32) carries a downwardly extending central core (76) with an O-ring seal (84), a filter securement member (86) for pressing the filter element (50) against an underlying support ledge (29) and a drain hole plug (88). The location of the O-ring (84) relative to the filter element (50) and the plug (88) being tapered enables the filter housing (22) to be drained of any water during removal of the hatch cover and before the watertight seal is broken to eliminate leakage of drain water out of the housing (22) when the hatch (31) is completely opened. The filter (50) bends out of the way of a plumber's auger (96).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating solids from a fluid. The apparatus includes a first container for receiving solids and fluid and a second container adjacently disposed to the first container in fluid communication therewith. The apparatus includes a conveying member extending upwardly from the bottom of the first container and angling upwardly through the second container such that the conveying member transports solids that settle to the sloped bottom portion of the first container from the first container and through the second container. A conveyor member housing may be disposed in the second container so as to provide an enclosure about the conveyor member to prevent solids that are being transported through the second container by the conveyor member from being deposited into the second container while permitting fluid that separates from the solids during transport to pass from the conveyor member housing and into the second container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel filter (1), in particular for internal combustion engines of vehicles, comprising: a filter housing (2) having a cover (4) and a housing pot (3), a filter element (5) arranged in said housing pot (3) having a water collection space (9) formed in a floor region (10) between said filter element (5) and said housing pot (3) and a guide pipe (11) exiting from said water collection space (9) wherein a water discharge pipe (16) is arranged through which the water contained in said water collection space (9) can be borne out to the top side of said filter housing (2), wherein said guide pipe (11) protrudes over said cover (4) of said filter housing (2).

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a one-piece housing having a port and a filtration element disposed in the housing. The filtration element is a coherent filter block that can be larger in cross dimension than the port. The filtration element can be a coherent filter block that generally conforms to the shape of the hollow interior, but is slightly smaller than the hollow interior so as to define a gap between the filtration element and the inner surface. One method for constructing a filter cartridge includes providing a housing having a hollow interior and at least one port, introducing a granular material into the hollow interior via the port, and transforming the granular material in the hollow material into a coherent filter block. Another method for constructing a filter cartridge includes providing a filtration element in the form of a coherent filter block, and overmolding a housing around the filtration element.

Abstract: Treatment of contaminated liquid is provided including an integrated ultra-filtration and clarification apparatus. Clarification of liquid occurs in a gap between a casing and a tank of the apparatus. Solids settle and aggregate in the bottom of the tank. The solids act as a secondary filter prior to contact of the liquid with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters. An upstream electrocoagulation unit and a downstream reverse osmosis unit may be included in combination. Electrocoagulation can occur in the tank by reaction plates mounted within the tank. One embodiment includes dual integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier apparatuses and corresponding electrocoagulation units.

Abstract: A device for separating platelets from a fluid suspension comprises a mixing chamber operable to receive and mix fluid suspensions and an aggregating agent to form platelet aggregates and residual fluid components. A filter can be configured to be in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and can be further configured to collect platelet aggregates and allow residual fluid components to pass therethrough. The mixing chamber and the filter are operable by a user without input from an external energy source.

Abstract: A method for purifying fluids and a sedimentation tank, the sedimentation tank includes: a perforated plate spaced from an upper and of the sedimentation tank dividing the sedimentation tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; an inlet adapted to inlet fluid into the tank; a first outlet, positioned above the perforated plate for outletting a clarified fraction of the fluid; a second outlet positioned at a bottom of the tank, for outletting a concentrated sludge fraction of the fluid; a pump; and a washing mechanism, positioned at least partially above the perforated plate; wherein the pump is adapted to provide a washing fluid to the washing mechanism when a level of fluid in the sedimentation tank is below a predefined level; and wherein the washing mechanism washes an upper surface of the perforated plate by the washing fluid.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for treating a fluid containing solids which has been flushed back from a reversible flow filter, comprising a sedimentation device for separating solids from the flushed back fluid by a process of sedimentation in a sediment collecting region which enables solids to be removed in a manner free from filter-aids and which exhibits as small a degree of fluid loss as possible, it is proposed that the sediment collecting region is arranged to be subjected to a positive pressure and/or a negative pressure in order to remove residual fluid from the sediment collecting region.

Abstract: A self-cleaning discharge system used with a wastewater treatment system. The wastewater treatment system includes a tank for collecting wastewater while the wastewater typically includes solid particles. The discharge system comprises a housing, a filter positioned in the housing, an effluent discharge apparatus positioned inside the filter, and a venturi effect flushing system positioned proximate to the bottom of the housing. The housing includes a perimeter and at least one intake aperture positioned in the perimeter to accept the wastewater. The filter is shaped to substantially restrict flow of particles into the filter and to the discharge apparatus. The discharge apparatus is in fluid communication with the wastewater in the tank and includes a discharge path to position to transport filtered wastewater outside of the tank. The venturi effect system is in fluid communication with the housing and the tank to return the particles restricted by the filter to the tank.

Abstract: A fuel filter has a filter housing and an annular filter element arranged in the filter housing. Between the bottom of the filter housing and the bottom area of the filter element a water collecting chamber is formed. The filter element has a coalescing element and a particle filter element. Fuel flows radially from the interior to the exterior of the coalescing element and from the exterior to the interior of the particle filter element. A riser tube extends through the clean chamber and the raw chamber from the bottom of the filter housing to the top. The riser tube has a clean channel and a guide channel. A seal on the riser tube separates a clean chamber from a raw chamber of the filter. A water removal tube is arranged inside the guide channel for removing water from the water collecting chamber.

Abstract: A unitary plumbing apparatus is disclosed that serves as a drain waste water strainer trap for sinks and other plumbing fixtures as well as a filter or strainer for the exiting waste water to keep the drain pipe free flowing or to recover valuables lost into drain lines. The filter or strainer can be removed from the apparatus for cleaning by removing a cap at the bottom of the apparatus. The cap can be removed by hand. The top and bottom sections of the body of one embodiment of the apparatus are mutually rotatable for convenience in connecting inlet and outlet apparatus conduits to standing plumbing drain piping.

Abstract: A mobile water treatment unit is provided with separation and filtration components secured to a trailer.

Abstract: Drain trap assembly for separating sediment from discharged wastewater including a conduit with a first upper inlet portion and a second upper outlet portion. Between the inlet and outlet is located a lower bend portion. Interrupting the lower bend portion is a third conduit portion including a cup closure for sediment accumulation out of the wastewater pathway. Affixed to the cup closure and extending generally upwardly within the assembly and across the wastewater flow is a strainer including at least one plate with through-holes sized to reject particulate sediment and other solids of a predetermined size. Another strainer embodiment includes fibers affixed to the closure and extending across the wastewater flow. A strainer support leg may be concave to guide or deflect sediment-laden wastewater downwardly to the accumulation area and may include at least one wastewater flow aperture. Closure removal automatically withdraws the strainer, offering ready access to accumulated sediment.

Abstract: A fuel filter has a filter housing and an annular filter element arranged in the filter housing. Between the bottom of the filter housing and the bottom area of the filter element a water collecting chamber is formed. The filter element has a coalescing element and a particle filter element. Fuel flows radially from the interior to the exterior of the coalescing element and from the exterior to the interior of the particle filter element. A riser tube extends through the clean chamber and the raw chamber from the bottom of the filter housing to the top. The riser tube has a clean channel and a guide channel. A seal on the riser tube separates a clean chamber from a raw chamber of the filter. A water removal tube is arranged inside the guide channel for removing water from the water collecting chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water purification and treatment apparatus using a combination of sedimentation, filtration, and bio-contact aeration processes, which comprises at least one rapid water purification filter having a hopper base for settled sludge and a filtering tank; at least one cylindrical settling basin for sedimentation and filtration; and at least one aeration basin having an under water and an over water bio-film contact parts, for rapidly filtering raw water or wastewater contacted with bio-contact aeration, and performing water purification and treatment.

Abstract: A filter device for filtering liquids including a filter membrane, a main body which is arranged upstream from the filter membrane, and which has a feed channel perpendicular to the surface of the filter membrane, a gap extending between the filter membrane and the main body forming a tangentially directed cross-flow, and a return channel which is used to return the tangential flow to the feed channel. The flow is primarily returned thereto by means of a contraction in the feed channel at the mouth of the return channel. Preferably, a solid separator is disposed in the return channel. At least one baffle element is arranged in the feed channel in order to create a turbulent flow. The tangential flow along the filter membrane is used to clean said membrane.

Abstract: In a filtration device (1) comprising a pressure-resistant housing (2) with a liquid inlet opening (3) and an outlet opening (4) for filtered matter, into which a collecting channel (12) terminates, at least one filter element (8–11) designed as flat membrane is connected to the collecting channel (12) in a pressure-tight manner. This device provides a high liquid throughput at the same time having a compact construction.

Abstract: An overflow chamber (2) is provided for use in a combined sewer overflow. An inlet (12) and an outlet (14) open into the chamber (2) below a screen (20), and an overflow outlet (15) opens into the chamber above the screen. Baffles (26) are provided underneath the screen (20) across the general flow of storm water. In storm conditions, the storm water in the chamber (2) will reach the level of the screen (20), which traps aesthetically offensive material and gross solids, leaving the water to flow through the screen (20) to the overflow outlet (15). The baffles (26) circulate the storm water, and this dislodges material accumulated on the underside of the screen (20) and so helps to prevent blinding of the screen (20) in storm conditions.

Abstract: A pre-separator feed well for use with hydrous slurry feed is provided in a hindered-bed separator that includes an elongate body defining an interior space with upper and lower portions. The feed well is elongate and includes a vertically adjustable conical plate adjacent the bottom thereof for control of downward flow of heavy material. The top of the feed well includes an overflow weir including an overflow ring having a plurality of vertical slots through which flows the lighter material onto an overflow weir adjacent an overflow launder and to an outlet pipe. Feed is introduced into the upper portion of the feed well in a tangential manner. A perforated barrier may be mounted below the feed well in some circumstances. Teeter flow is introduced in a lower portion of the separator and flows upwardly. Alternatively, the lower part of the separator can be perforated for heavy/coarse material discharge.

Abstract: A fluid filtering system for filtering dirt and other debris from fluids being conveyed in a pipeline for snow making apparatus and other devices. An upright pipe segment is connected to a horizontal pipe segment through a pipe elbow or angle for conveying fluid such as water and/or air under pressure from the horizontal pipe segment through the pipe angle and upwardly through the upright pipe segment. A filter is provided in the upright pipe segment adjacent its lower end and an external drain is disposed in the pipe angle directly under the filter to automatically flush and clean the filter when the drain is opened.

Abstract: An interior pipe has an upper end, a lower end and a central extent. An exterior pipe has an upper region receiving the central extent of the interior pipe and a lower region receiving the lower extent of the interior pipe. The lower region terminates with a removably coupled plug. A T-shaped pipe has an upper, lower and central portions. The upper portion is coupled with respect to the interior pipe. The lower portion is coupled with respect to the exterior pipe. The central portion is adapted to be joined to a wastewater line. Water passing from the sink will flow downwardly through the interior pipe and upwardly through the space between the interior and exterior pipes passing through one or more screens, then laterally through the central portion of the T-shaped pipe.

Abstract: An oil/grease separator separates a lighter liquid from a mixture of the heavier liquid and a lighter liquid. A housing has an inner volume, an inlet to receive influent flow, an outlet to discharge the heavier liquid, which defines a static liquid level, and an outlet port above the static liquid level to discharge substantially all of the lighter liquid and portions of the heavier liquid. The lighter liquid floats on the heavier liquid, so that large volume flows into the inlet raises the liquid level in the housing, flowing the floating lighter liquid through the outlet port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid separating device for separating fluids and solids from a composite liquid. Said separating device comprises a channel (12) which is arranged transversely upwards with a closed lower end and an outlet (19). Said channel is provided with an axial screw conveyor (14) which is arranged in the interior. A filter tank (22) communicating with said conveyor is located above the channel (12). An inlet (32) for the composite liquid to be separated is located at the upper edge approximately in the middle of the filter tank (22). A rotation filtering device (34, 70, 92) is arranged at the free end of the filter tank (22). Said device partially dips into the fluid contained in the filter tank (22). The invention provides a means for effectively separating a composite fluid into three different fractions, the clear liquid, a sludge fraction and a particle fraction.

Abstract: An encapsulated filter cartridge is disclosed, which includes a filter assembly including a carbon block filter element and a microporous filter element. The filter cartridge has a permanently sealed sump defining an interior chamber configured to accommodate the filter assembly, the sump having an inlet for permitting unfiltered fluid to enter the interior chamber for communicating with the radially outer surface of the filter assembly and an outlet for permitting filtered fluid to exit the interior chamber from the axial portion of the filter assembly. The microporous filter element of the filter assembly may include a hollow fiber subassembly housed within the axial cavity of the carbon block element, said fiber subassembly including a plurality of hollow microporous fibers, or a pleated filter element surrounding the radially outer surface of the carbon block element.

Abstract: An installation for recovering debris stopped by a filter at the inlet of a heat exchanger: a washing water manifold (36) at the outlet of the filter (11) feeds a separator (37) provided with an outlet pipe (39) for water free of debris to which is connected a hydro-ejector (50) which is connected to the outlet pipe (16) of the exchanger (19).

Abstract: A water filter includes an egg-shaped housing formed from a lower shell and an upper shell. The lower shell is divided into an intake chamber and an outflow chamber. A filter or membrane is placed between the upper and lower shells.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for separating solids from a slurry includes a screen, and an extractor screw connected to the screen outlet by means of a flexible conduit, wherein the outlet of the extractor screw is at a higher elevation than the outlet of the screen.

Abstract: A filter with a cylindrical filter cartridge in which the filter cartridge has a recess 23, through which functional parts, such as a water level sensor 25 and a water discharge tube 24, can be inserted. This filter may be used, for example, as a fuel filter in which the separated water can be removed from the housing through the functional parts. The functional parts are arranged on a support member 26 and extended through the recess 23, 23a in the filter cartridge 19, and can be accommodated in a space saving manner on the housing cover 12. As a result, the fuel filter can be accommodated particularly in cramped installation spaces in the engine compartment of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a sewage treatment plant comprises a settlement tank, an inlet channel for delivering an input sewage flow to the settlement tank, and a screen arrangement having a continuous belt screen for capturing screenings contained within the sewage flow to enable their subsequent removal therefrom. The screen arrangement is arranged within the settlement tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of a bath (15) for processing photographic material comprises a tank (14) adapted for holding the bath, a container (18) for holding a feedstock fluid and a separator (1) in fluid communication with the container to receive feedstock fluid from the container. The separator comprises a fluid inlet port (2), a liquid outlet (4), a vent opening (3) and means adapted for separating liquid and gas by a cyclone action. The separator provides a manifold for merging inlet flow connections from several containers. The invention provides an apparatus, a method, a manifold, and a use of a manifold.

Abstract: A device for collecting water polluting phytoplankton drifts and a method for collecting water polluting phytoplankton drifts by use of such device is provided such that the deterioration of water quality as a result of extraordinary proliferation of phytoplankton is suppressed and prevented such that a water area is kept clean. The device 1 for collecting water polluting phytoplankton drifts defines a predetermined volume of space therewithin with enclosing faces, the enclosing faces including at least one face section 3 composed of a water blocking member and other face sections 4 and 5 composed of a plurality of water admitting members, each water admitting member being formed with a plurality of water admitting holes.

Abstract: A subsea raw water injector including a pump which is connected to an injection string and a filter connected to an inlet of the pump to remove particulates from the surrounding sea water. The filter is in the form of an inclined tube settler disposed such that particulates separated from sea water flowing through it are discharged to the seabed.

Abstract: An automatic oil-water separator which separates wastewater into oil or grease and water fractions is disclosed. The separator does not include any mechanical pumps in its structure and therefore does not generate oil or grease and water emulsions which are characteristic of separators using pumps and which are very difficult to separate. The separator is constructed without moving parts, filters or coalescing plates and operated without the addition of chemicals or the use of electricity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbid liquid is provided. The apparatus is preferably used to filter particulates from water used to flush a pipeline after a cleaning operation, after hydrostatic testing or during product displacement at a high flow rate. The apparatus includes an inlet valve for receiving the turbid liquid from a liquid source connected to a gas buster for discharging the turbid liquid and air into a break tank located beneath the gas buster. A self-cleaning portable liquid filter having an inlet is connected to an outlet of the break tank and includes a screen filter for receiving the turbid liquid from the break tank. Particulates from the turbid water are accumulated on an internal surface of the screen filter and clean water is discharged from the filter through a discharge port. A flush mechanism is provided to rinse the accumulated particulate cake from the surface of the screen filter upon actuation of an automatic rinse cycle.

Abstract: A self-purifying filter apparatus comprising (1) a filter having a first surface and a second surface; (2) flow control means, such as a vacuum pump, for causing a stream of fluid interspersed with solid particulates to pass from the first surface to the second surface through the filter, thereby removing some of the solid particulates from the first stream of fluid and depositing them on the first surface; and (3) a purging device, such as a small reservoir of water (potentially formed, in part, by water previously filtered by the filter), for causing a second stream of fluid to pass from the second surface to the first surface through the filter without substantially changing the position of the filter, thereby rinsing and removing from the first surface at least some of the solid particulates that were deposited there.