Cleaning Filter Utilizing Wave Energy (e.g., Vibrating, Pulsating, Etc.) Patents (Class 210/785)
  • Patent number: 11213792
    Abstract: A spiral-wound type gas separation membrane element includes a central tube and a laminate wound around the central tube. Laminate includes at least one structure where a feed-side flow path member, a gas separation membrane, and a permeate-side flow path member are superimposed in this order. Permeate-side flow path member has a thickness of 400 ?m to 1300 ?m. Gas separation membrane is a membrane where a hydrophilic resin composition layer, a porous layer, and a permeate-side surface layer are superimposed in this order. Permeate-side surface layer faces Permeate-side flow path member and has a Young's modulus of 20 MPa to 400 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Takenori Kitaura, Yudai Ota
  • Patent number: 11141701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a clogging location determination program for a separation membrane module, in which, in order to determine a clogging location of a separation membrane module in a fresh water generation system for obtaining treated water by filtrating water to be treated by a separation membrane module having a separation membrane, a computer is caused to function as a clogging location determination means for determining a clogging location of the separation membrane module from a resistance in a lower part of the separation membrane module, a filtration resistance of a hollow-fiber membrane, and a resistance in an upper part of the separation membrane module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kazuki Hagawa, Daishi Tateoka, Kazunori Tomioka, Masayuki Shintani
  • Patent number: 11065582
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a clogging location determination program for a separation membrane module, in which, in order to determine a clogging location of a separation membrane module in a fresh water generation system for obtaining treated water by filtrating water to be treated by a separation membrane module having a separation membrane, a computer is caused to function as a clogging location determination means for determining a clogging location of the separation membrane module from a resistance in a lower part of the separation membrane module, a filtration resistance of a hollow-fiber membrane, and a resistance in an upper part of the separation membrane module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kazuki Hagawa, Daishi Tateoka, Kazunori Tomioka, Masayuki Shintani
  • Patent number: 10543512
    Abstract: A device and system applicable to separating components of a slurry is disclosed. The slurry can be a mixture of drilling fluid and drilling cuttings that can be separated with a separatory screen. A separatory tray can be disposed below an underside of the separatory screen. A pressure differential pan can provide fluid flow to a sump. A pressure differential generator can be located within the pressure differential pan and create a pressure differential between an upper side and a lower side of the separatory screen to enhance the flow of drilling fluid through the separatory screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Evan Frazier
  • Patent number: 10502675
    Abstract: Methods of detecting, quantifying and/or characterizing the fouling of a device from a combination of pressure and spectroscopic data are provided. The device can be any device containing components susceptible to fouling. Components can include membranes, pipes, or reactors. Suitable devices include membrane devices, heat exchangers, and chemical or bio-reactors. Membrane devices can include, for example, microfiltration devices, ultrafiltration devices, nanofiltration devices, reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, osmosis, reverse electrodialysis, electro-deionisation or membrane distillation devices. The methods can be applied to any type of membrane, including tubular, spiral, hollow fiber, flat sheet, and capillary membranes. The spectroscopic characterization can include measuring one or more of the absorption, fluorescence, or raman spectroscopic data of one or more foulants. The methods can allow for the early detection and/or characterization of fouling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Szilard Bucs, Sacco te Lintel Hekkert, Marc Jaap Staal, Johannes Vrouwenvelder
  • Patent number: 10322949
    Abstract: Separation of particles or droplets from a host fluid may be achieved using a transducer and/or reflector that is a thin, non-planar structure. The thin non-planar structure improves operation of an acoustic standing wave generated by an acoustic transducer. The structure may operate as a pressure release boundary and may be constructed as plastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Lipkens, Walter M. Presz, Jr., Kedar Chitale, Brian McCarthy, Benjamin Ross-Johnsrud, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Dane Mealey, Brian Dutra, David Sokolowski
  • Patent number: 10195552
    Abstract: A device and method that removes moisture from human, animal, vegetable, and plant materials, yielding clear discharge water that can be returned to a sewage treatment plant. Some wastes can also yield fertilizer and an energy positive fuel source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Paul Koenig
  • Patent number: 9772312
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for detecting and analyzing deposits in liquid-bearing systems. More particularly, the device relates to being able to detect and analyze deposits in a liquid-bearing systems such as industrial plants that use and store fluids. The method relates to being able to determine a distribution of the run time of a detected ultrasonic reflection signal and analyzing the distribution to determine if deposits are deposited onto a heated reflecting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Solenis Technologies, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Seida, Christian Flocken, Patric Bierganns, Michael Schultz
  • Patent number: 9328426
    Abstract: A system includes a photoelectrolysis system having a solar collector configured to collect and concentrate solar radiation to heat water, generate electricity, or both. The system also includes an electrolysis unit configured to electrolyze the heated water using at least the generated electricity to produce a first gas mixture and a second gas mixture. The first gas mixture includes oxygen and steam and the second gas mixture includes hydrogen and steam. The system further includes a first device configured to receive and use the first gas mixture as well as a hydrogen membrane configured to receive and separate the hydrogen and steam mixture into a hydrogen component and a steam component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Judith Pauline Oppenheim
  • Patent number: 9205458
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sorting and determining the length distribution of fibers in a sample are disclosed. One method of sorting and determining the length distribution of fibers includes immersing the fibers in a liquid to form a mixture; placing the mixture into a stack of sieves; progressively applying a predetermined number of frequencies of sound energy to each sieve in the stack of sieves; draining the mixture from the stack of sieves; and quantifying the collected fibers in each sieve in the stack of sieves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Umesh N. Gandhi, Raghuram Mandapati
  • Publication number: 20150122500
    Abstract: A scalping insert includes a scalping surface having a plurality of scalping slots therethrough, and a vertical base portion. A shaker screen assembly includes a screen frame having at least one slot, and at least one scalping insert disposed in the at least one slot of the screen frame. A method of processing fluid includes providing a flow of fluid to a shaker screen assembly; and flowing the fluid through a scalping surface and a screen surface of a single shaker screen deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Eric Cady
  • Patent number: 8945385
    Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane filtration device comprising a plurality of planar membrane filter elements which are combined to form a membrane package and are disposed within the membrane package parallel to and spaced apart from one another. A wall encloses the membrane package on all sides, and within which at least one inlet chamber which is connected to at least one inlet, and at least one outlet chamber which is connected to at least one outlet. An oscillation unit is connected to the membrane package and the wall to induce oscillation in a direction parallel to the membrane filter elements. The oscillation unit is connected to a frame which encloses the membrane package and which is connected to the wall of the membrane package by means of least one spring, whose main direction of spring action extends parallel to the plane of the membrane filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Big Dutchman International GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Wesselmann, Amin Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8911552
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for qualifying a filter used to filter fluid used in a coating operation associated with photolithography or other semiconductor manufacturing processes, provides a semiconductor manufacturing tool that includes a filter and an acoustic wave generator. The filter may be housed inside a filter housing and the acoustic wave generator may produce ultrasonic, megasonic or other acoustic energy. The acoustic wave generator contacts or is in close proximity with the filter housing and provides acoustic wave energy to the filter through the housing. The acoustic wave energy causes any bubbles in the filter to become disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Wafertech, LLC
    Inventor: Guy Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20140202966
    Abstract: A system for processing returned drilling fluid including a flow line configured to provide a return flow of drilling fluids and at least one vibratory separator having at least one screen, wherein the vibratory separator is fluidly connected to the flow low and is configured to receive at least a partial flow of fluids and separate the flow of fluids into a primarily fluid phase and a primarily solids phase. The system further includes a dual-trough configured to receive the primarily solid phase from the at least one vibratory separator and a slurry tank configured to receive the solids phase from the trough. Additionally, a method of processing a return drilling fluid including dividing the return drilling fluid into a primarily fluids phase and a primarily solids phase with a primary separatory operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joe Sherwood, Greg McEwen
  • Patent number: 8695809
    Abstract: A system for processing returned drilling fluid including a flow line configured to provide a return flow of drilling fluids and at least one vibratory separator having at least one screen, wherein the vibratory separator is fluidly connected to the flow low and is configured to receive at least a partial flow of fluids and separate the flow of fluids into a primarily fluid phase and a primarily solids phase. The system further includes a dual-trough configured to receive the primarily solid phase from the at least one vibratory separator and a slurry tank configured to receive the solids phase from the trough. Additionally, a method of processing a return drilling fluid including dividing the return drilling fluid into a primarily fluids phase and a primarily solids phase with a primary separatory operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Joe Sherwood, Greg McEwen
  • Patent number: 8580084
    Abstract: A method of water desalination in a filter press may comprise: providing a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press, the chamber being lined by filter cloths; substantially filling the chamber with a plurality of beads; pumping water into the chamber filled with the beads; heating the water in the chamber; and collecting water vapor generated by the heating; wherein salts precipitate in the chamber during the heating. Furthermore, during the heating, the chamber may be vacuum pumped to facilitate removal of water vapor. The beads may be reused in the chambers of the filter press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel J. Simpson, Ferdinand Kogler
  • Patent number: 8512568
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane filtration module (6), the module (6) including at least one membrane (8) located in a feed-containing vessel (7), the membrane (8) having a permeable wall which is subjected to a filtration operation wherein feed containing contaminant matter is applied to one side of the membrane wall and filtrate is withdrawn from the other side of the membrane wall. The method comprising the steps of: suspending the filtration operation; performing a cleaning process on the membrane wall to dislodge contaminant matter therefrom into liquid surrounding the membrane (8); performing a high velocity sweep of the feed-containing vessel (7) to remove the liquid containing the dislodged contaminant matter; and recommencing the filtration operation. An improved gas scouring method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Fufang Zha, Anthony James Stubbs
  • Patent number: 8454841
    Abstract: A filter for removing at least some impurities (e.g. foreign matter of any nature including a solid, a liquid or a gas) from water or wastewater. A vibrator operably associated with at least a portion of the filter for imparting a vibrational force to enhance any one or more of numerous aspects of the filtration process including: (i) installation of the filter and/or various components thereof; (ii) servicing of the filter and/or components thereof; and, (iii) operation of the filter during a filtration cycle and a cleaning cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Roberts Marketing DE, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Lee Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130105413
    Abstract: A separator for separating solids and liquids from slurry includes a housing defining a liquid channel and oriented at an acute angle such that a top end is positioned higher than a lower end. A slot sieve extends between and supported at opposing side edges of the housing and is suspended above the liquid channel, the slot sieve including a vibration zone and at least one reaction zone. A slurry delivery apparatus positioned to deliver slurry to the top end of the slot sieve. A liquid removal conduit fluidly coupled to the bottom of the liquid channel. A mechanical vibrator assembly is coupled to the vibration zone of the slot sieve to directly impart mechanical vibration to the reaction zone of the slot sieve and to couple the mechanical vibration to the at least one reaction zone of the slot sieve to dislodge solids from slots of the slot sieve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Rejean Houle
  • Patent number: 8424219
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of a drying apparatus for drying pellets from a process fluid are provided. The drying apparatus can include at least one screen device. The at least one screen device can have a screen area with screen openings. The drying apparatus can also have an oscillating device that sets at least the screen area of the screen device into oscillation. The oscillations can move the pellets relative to the screen openings, and the process fluid can drain off through the screen openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Automatik Plastics Michinery GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Dahlheimer
  • Publication number: 20120279932
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating drilling fluid from drill cuttings using pressurized air and/or a vacuum. In a first embodiment, the apparatus provides for improved separation of drilling fluid from drill cuttings on a shaker, the shaker including a shaker screen, an air vacuum system and a drilling fluid collection system. In a second embodiment, the shaker includes a shaker screen and an air blowing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Guy Pomerleau
  • Patent number: 8227396
    Abstract: A method for cleaning process apparatus used for production of liquids, especially for cleaning filters, for example membrane filters. The apparatus is contacted with a solution of peroxydisulphate. It is especially preferred that the cleaning process is carried out at a temperature between 15 and 95° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: X-Flow B.V.
    Inventors: Arie Cornelis Besemer, Elmar Van Mastrigt, André Mepschen
  • Patent number: 8210042
    Abstract: A spiral wound module assembly comprising: a permeate collection tube, at least one membrane envelope wound about the permeate collection tube, an outer module housing, and at least one acoustic transducer located adjacent to the permeate collection tube. Several embodiments are disclosed including a stand-alone probe adapted for insertion into the permeate collection tube. In several other embodiments, one or more transducers are secured to the inner surface of the permeate collection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: William E. Mickols, Michael S. Koreltz, David J. Moll, Donald B. Streeter
  • Patent number: 8206582
    Abstract: A shaking device for filter plates of a filter press including a fixed support, a movable frame, a sleeve spring device, and a shaking rod. The fixed support includes a main beam and a support crossbeam. The movable frame includes a frame crossbeam and a vertical beam. The movable frame is disposed on the support crossbeam. One end of the sleeve spring device is attached to the frame crossbeam and the other end is attached to the shaking rod. The movable frame is driven by a gear motor. The shaking device further includes a cylinder assembly. The cylinder assembly is coaxially connected with the sleeve spring device and the shaking rod in a straight line. When the cylinder assembly acts on the shaking rod, the shaking rod shakes to separate and shakes a plurality of filter cloth rods of the filter plates to remove the filter cakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Guiting Jiang, Baochang Liu
  • Publication number: 20120067831
    Abstract: Apparatus for recovering clean drilling fluid from fluid contaminated with entrained debris comprises an input conduit for the contaminated drilling fluid, the conduit being branched whereby a portion of the contaminated fluid is delivered to a preliminary separation stage and the remainder flows to a main separation stage, each said stage comprising a screen for separating debris from the fluid. The preliminary separation stage comprises a vibrating screen and conveyor means for conveying separated debris into the remainder flow to the main separator stage, thereby increasing the proportion of entrained debris in the remaining fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: John Astleford
  • Patent number: 8123946
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for removal of metal sulphide particles from a liquid stream comprising a solvent and metal sulphide particles, using a filter system comprising at least one membrane, the method comprising contacting the liquid stream with the membrane, thereby transferring metal sulphide particles from the liquid stream onto the membrane surface to obtain a liquid stream depleted of metal sulphide particles and a filter system comprising a membrane enriched in metal sulphide particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Johannes Leendert Willem Cornelis Den Boestert, Arian Nijmeijer, Wim M Bond, Hubert Willem Schenck
  • Publication number: 20110284481
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating drilling fluid from drill cuttings using pressurized air and/or a vacuum. In a first embodiment, the apparatus provides for improved separation of drilling fluid from drill cuttings on a shaker, the shaker including a shaker screen, an air vacuum system and a drilling fluid collection system. In a second embodiment, the shaker includes a shaker screen and an air blowing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Guy Pomerleau
  • Publication number: 20110278238
    Abstract: A filter for removing at least some impurities (e.g. foreign matter of any nature including a solid, a liquid or a gas) from water or wastewater. A vibrator operably associated with at least a portion of the filter for imparting a vibrational force to enhance any one or more of numerous aspects of the filtration process including: (i) installation of the filter and/or various components thereof; (ii) servicing of the filter and/or components thereof; and, (iii) operation of the filter during a filtration cycle and a cleaning cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: R. Lee Roberts
  • Patent number: 8012355
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from an untreated fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: PSS Acquisitionco LLC
    Inventor: Raymond Ford Johnson
  • Patent number: 8011239
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of chamber holders having openings therein, and an exposure chamber positioned in each chamber holder. Each exposure chamber includes a mesh portion and a top end cap. One exposure chamber contains a mesh bottom and one contains a closed bottom. Each chamber holder is positioned within an opening contained within a base portion. One exposure chamber may extend beyond the lower boundary of the base portion. A top portion may be secured to the base portion to contain the chamber holders. A pump, with connected supply hose, may be coupled to the top portion. The supply hose is routed through the chamber holders such that a supply hose opening is adjacent to each chamber holder. The system may include a water quality sensor and a passive sampling device coupled to the base portion. A deployment system may be connected to the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David B. Chadwick, Gunther H. Rosen, G. Allen Burton
  • Publication number: 20110210083
    Abstract: A method for operating a shale shaker to separate solids from a solids laden fluid, the shale shaker comprising a basket for holding at least one screen and a vibratory mechanism for vibrating the basket to an acceleration value, the method comprising the steps of monitoring the magnitude of the load of solids laden fluid in the basket and adjusting the acceleration value induced in the basket according to the magnitude of the load, wherein the acceleration is stepped down to a low acceleration value below a low load threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Eric Scott, George Alexander Burnett, Khaled El Dorry, Nahum Ronquillo
  • Publication number: 20110011811
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the continuous treatment of the flow of a mixture containing liquids and solids. A pump provides the mixture to tube that includes a woven material. The liquid is filtered from the mixture, leaving a solids-enriched mixture in the tube. The tube may be flexed during the process, freeing solids trapped in the tube to flow through the center of the tube. A valve may be provided to the tube to generate a back-pressure in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Claude Edward Brown
  • Publication number: 20100181265
    Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory separator, the screen assembly vertically-mountable and further including a support, at least two screening faces on the support, said at least two screening faces each including screening material through which fluid is flowable from outside the screen assembly into a space within the screen assembly and interiorly of the at least two screening faces, and the support including an exit from which fluid may exit from within the screen assembly; shakers with at least one such screen assembly; and methods of using such a screen assembly in a vibratory separator. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: David L. Schulte, JR., Paul Dufilho, Thomas Larson
  • Publication number: 20100133204
    Abstract: A reusable filter for testing drilling fluids including a non-porous filter medium configured to be disposed in a drilling fluid testing device. The non-porous filter medium having a plurality of perforations extending therethrough. Additionally, a method of cleaning a reusable filter medium for a drilling fluid test device including exposing the reusable filter medium to a washing fluid, and agitating the washing fluid with a mechanical agitator to break up solids disposed on the reusable filter medium. Also, a drilling fluid test device including a cell body having a fluid inlet configured to provide a test fluid, a filtrate outlet configured to discharge a filtrate, and a fluid outlet configured to discharge the fluid. The drilling fluid test device also having a non-porous filter medium disposed in the cell body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Mostafa Ahmadi Tehrani, Jacqueline Joan Cameron
  • Publication number: 20090277847
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtering device, facilitating the filtration of media to be cleaned, and also the cleaning of the filter material or filter elements in a filtering device. Said filtering device comprises at least one filter element arranged in a housing, with at least one filter material and at least one rebound element. The invention further relates to a cleaning device, comprising at least one nozzle, which is arranged perpendicularly and/or angularly in relation to the filter element for removing a filter cake on the filter material, wherein the cleaning medium at least partially penetrates the filter material during cleaning. The rebound element deflects the cleaning medium at least partially for renewed penetration through the filter material, while at least partially removing the filter cake at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: ETS Trade S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Harald Schmidt, Frank Jonigkeit
  • Publication number: 20090236298
    Abstract: A wastewater filter assembly comprising a filter having an influent side and an effluent side, a backwash system adapted to control flow of backwash fluid from the effluent side to the influent side, and an agitation system adapted to control the flow of an agitating fluid (e.g., air) from the influent side to the effluent side. In one embodiment, the agitation system includes an agitating tank that stores the agitating fluid, and a series of valves to control the flow of backwash fluid and agitating fluid. In another embodiment, the assembly further includes a control system that controls the backwash system and the agitation system. Preferably, the control system is programmed to pulse the agitation system during operation of the backwash system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: MUNICIPAL FILTRATION COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt M. Lindsley
  • Patent number: 7534358
    Abstract: A horizontal vibratory centrifuge, which includes a slurry separating component; a drive motor; a drive unit for rotating the separating component; a feed pipe for feeding the slurry into the separating component; a product discharge for discharging the solid portion of the slurry from the separating component and a pipe for discharging the fluid portion from the separating component; at least one vibratory motor mounted onto the drive unit; a plurality of connecting rods moveably connecting the drive unit to a torsion bar assembly, the assembly including a plurality of torsion bars, each mounted on a first end to an upper fixed spring clamp and a lower fixed spring clamp, and on a second end to the connecting rods with bearings, so that the vibrations of the low energy vibrating motor is in resonance with the springs so as to provide in part maximum vibration to the vibrating assembly at low energy levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin R. Whisler, Christopher A. Bertocchini
  • Publication number: 20090045149
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for removing sediment from water is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a tubular filter assembly comprising a support member; and a filtratable element surrounding the support member, the filtratable element comprising a backing mesh; and a fibrous batting. A system for removing sediment from water is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the system includes a filter chamber to receive a liquid having suspended particles therein; at least one filtration cartridge housed within the filter chamber, wherein the filtration cartridge comprises at least one elongated filtratable element, each filtratable element comprising a support member, and a filtratable media adapted to surround the inner core. A method for removing sediment from water is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Adam Murray, Darren Francis Kevin Lawless
  • Patent number: 7445716
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the duration of uninterrupted filtering flow by using crossflow filtration and ultrasonic energy with in difficult to filter process liquids (e.g. of the kind having (1) a carrier liquid, (2) coalescing solids particles which tend to adhere and bridge filter element gaps sized substantially larger than such particles, and (3) larger impurity elements to be filtered out of such process liquid and sized larger than such filter element gaps).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton LP
    Inventors: Mark A. Quintel, Christopher S. Rau, Michael E. Isch
  • Publication number: 20080121587
    Abstract: A fluid filter, particularly suitable for high pressure and high volume use, comprises a cylindrical housing (201) having an attachment plate (209) at an inlet end (202) to which is attached a plurality of bundles (303) of fibres (211), with the fibres being left unsecured at their distal end adjacent an outlet (203) of the housing. Between the bundles is provided a balloon (212) which can be distended in order to crush the fibres around the periphery of the housing. In use, a fluid to be filtered is introduced into the inlet end, adjacent to where the fibres are secured. In order to flush the filter the pressure within the balloon is released, and a flushing fluid is passed through the housing in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Water Maiden Limited
    Inventors: Michael John Ernest Frye, Soren Ingemann Jensen, Philip McIntyre
  • Patent number: 7335312
    Abstract: A centrifuge with combinations of multiple features is disclosed. In one aspect, a centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a fluid separation wall placed within a sleeve. The fluid separation wall rotates around the axis of rotation. A receptacle aids in separation of the more dense material from the fluid medium. The receptacle defined in a part by a respective geometry and a respective shape. An opening extends from the void area to the outer surface to transport the more dense material to the containment zone. An excitation apparatus associated with the receptacle creates a vibration within the receptacle. The centrifuge may further include a valve ring including a valve orifice the valve ring having a first position which blocks the more dense material from exiting the receptacle and a second position that allows the more dense material to move into the containment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7285225
    Abstract: The current invention provides improved methods and filter stacks for concentrating a slurry of titanium dioxide. The improved filter stack comprises a series of filter disks and diverter trays arranged in parallel. The present invention provides an improvement over prior art filter stacks by using a substantially complete weld to attach a diverter plate to the diverter trays. The current invention also provides an improved method for pre-conditioning a filter stack. The improved method is designed to pre-condition and gradually prepare the filter stack for production of the desired slurry of titanium dioxide. Further, the current invention provides an improved process for preparing and transporting a slurry of titanium dioxide. Finally, the current invention provides a method for enhancing the lifespan of a filter stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Tronox, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Copeland, John A. Parker
  • Patent number: 7282147
    Abstract: A filtration system is provided with hollow membrane filter elements operable to remove solids, particulate and colloidal matter from a process fluid. Acoustic, vibration and ultrasonic energy may be used to clean exterior portions of the hollow membrane filter elements to allow substantially continuous filtration of process fluids. The filtration system may be satisfactorily used with process fluids having a relatively high concentrations of solids, particulate and colloidal matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7261823
    Abstract: The method is for treating a liquid or slurry with an ultrasonic energy. A first rotatable member being permeable to a medium and a first vibrating device are provided. The first vibrating device and the first member have a first gap formed therebetween so that the first gap represents a first distance. A guide member aligned with the first member exerts a pressure on the medium. The guide member breaks up fiber flocculation close to the upper surface of the medium. The medium is fed between the first member and the guide member. The first vibrating device generates pulses through the first member to form imploding bubbles in the medium. The bubbles have a critical diameter prior to implosion that is greater than the first distance to prevent the bubbles from growing in the first gap to a size greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Ultra Technology Europe AB
    Inventors: Hakan Dahlberg, Heikki Sojakka
  • Patent number: 7229562
    Abstract: A filtration system comprising a filter cassette having integrated ultrasonic transducers incorporated therein, and a method for using the same. The integrated system of filters and transducers can be hardened for use in hazardous environments, and is particularly suitable for the implementation of sonication in cross flow filtration processes further integrated with a manufacturing process. The system provides cost savings both in terms of less equipment and space for cleaning processes on the manufacturing floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond K. Crandall, Kenneth Strong, Robert Meyer
  • Patent number: 7008540
    Abstract: A filtration system and a method of cleaning a particle and/or colloidal fouled filtration membrane are provided. The filtration system includes at least one filtration membrane disposed in a casing, and at least one ultrasonic transducer in direct contact with a fluid to be filtered. Ultrasonic energy is emitted by the ultrasonic transducer in the direction of the filtration membrane. Dislodged particles cleaned by the ultrasonic energy from the filtration membrane are carried away in a cross-flow stream and wasted or recycled back to the beginning of the treatment process. The ultrasonic transducer can be fixed or movable. The filtration system can use different filtration membrane configurations such as, but not limited to, tubular, flat sheet, hollow fiber and spiral wound membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Linda Kay Weavers, Harold W. Walker, Mikko O. Lamminen, Dong Chen
  • Patent number: 6932913
    Abstract: A system and method for vibration in a centrifuge is disclosed. A centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a fluid separation wall placed within a non-rotating sleeve. The fluid separation wall rotates around the axis of rotation and includes an inner surface and an outer surface with at least one receptacle formed on the inner surface of the fluid separation wall. The receptacle aids in separation of more dense material from the fluid medium by forming a void space between the inner and outer surface. An excitation apparatus associated with the receptacle to create a vibration within the receptacle. A flow path may extend through the wall from the void area to the outer surface to transport more dense material to the containment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6861004
    Abstract: A self-cleaning water filter, coupled to a water flow having particulates therein, that includes a pair of canisters, each having a cylindrical wedge wire water filter screen. An elongated brush running the length of the screen is disposed between two confining walls also running the length of the screen to form a chamber. A elongated partition, including two sets of apertures, is used, along with the elongated brush, to divide the chamber into two particulate dislodge chambers and a drain subchamber. A drain is in fluid communication with the drain subchamber. During cleaning, the drain is opened and the screen is rotated against the brush for liberating the particulate contaminants and a limited amount of the water flow into the two dislodge subchambers. The particulate contaminants and the limited amount of water then pass through the apertures at a high velocity and into the drain subchamber which exits through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: James Benenson, Jr., David A. Laing
  • Patent number: 6821444
    Abstract: A self-cleaning fuel oil strainer, coupled to a continuous fuel flow, that includes a pair of canisters, each having a cylindrical wedge wire fuel oil filter screen. An elongated brush running the length of the screen is disposed between two confining walls also running the length of the screen to form a chamber. A elongated partition, including two sets of apertures, is used, along with the elongated brush, to divide the chamber into two particulate dislodge chambers and a drain subchamber. A drain is in fluid communication with the drain subchamber. During cleaning, the drain is opened and the screen is rotated against the brush for liberating the particulate contaminants and a limited amount of fuel oil into the two dislodge subchambers. The particulate contaminants and the limited amount of fuel oil then pass through the apertures at a high velocity and into the drain subchamber which exits through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: James Benenson, Jr., David A. Laing
  • Patent number: 6805805
    Abstract: A system and method for receptacle wall vibration in a centrifuge is disclosed. A centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a vibratory device associated with the receptacle wall to create a vibratory force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller