Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module with good ventilativity is disclosed, which is capable of reducing a time period for completely filling a water space of housing with water introduced through a water inlet by quickly replacing the air in the water space with the water thereby improving the efficiency of water flow.

Abstract: It is proposed to avoid an excessive formation of foam in the collection vessel of a protein separator by throttling the feed of air to a foam generator according to the foam generation rate in the separator. The foam generation rate in the separator can be measured by the amount of phase water that is separated in a second separator, which is located between the foam collection vessel and a first separator, in which second separator the mixture generated by the foam generator is freed from liquid constituents.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a feed line fluidically connected to a reverse osmosis module containing a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane produces purified water and a concentrate. A drain line is also connected to the reverse osmosis module configured to transport concentrate. A product line is connected to the reverse osmosis module for transporting purified water. Operatively associated with the product line and drain line is a shut-off mechanism containing a pressure sensor or gasket operatively associated with an appliance configured to activate the shut-off mechanism.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.

Abstract: Method and device for treating a liquid effluent, in which this effluent enters a vessel. An intermediate level of liquid in the vessel is detected; an influx of a dilution liquid into the vessel is instigated; a high level of liquid in the vessel is detected; the influx of dilution liquid is stopped and a discharge of the fluid is instigated; a low level of liquid in the vessel is detected; the discharge of the liquid is stopped; and, while it is being discharged, the discharged liquid is exposed to light radiation in at least one treatment channel.

Abstract: A drainless reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system provides relatively pure water for on-demand dispensing, while recycling brine to a domestic hot water system. The drainless purification system includes a pre-filter catalyst cartridge for removing chlorine-based contaminants from a tap water supply upstream from an RO membrane. The catalyst is regularly refreshed by a high through-flow of water to a conventional cold water dispense faucet, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of the RO membrane. The RO membrane is incorporated into a multi-cartridge unit adapted for facilitated slide-out removal and replacement as needed. A control valve recycles brine from the RO membrane to the hot water system during pure water production, and recirculates tap water through the RO membrane when a pure water reservoir is substantially filled. The multi-cartridge unit may further include an air filtration system for providing a flow of filtered air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-reciprocating energy recovery device utilized in driving of a seawater pump by self-reciprocating a piston of a power recovery chamber and recovering energy not using an electronic drive unit but using the hydraulic power of concentrated water. The self-reciprocating energy recovery device including a pair of power recovery chambers having pistons therein respectively, a high-pressure concentrated supply pipe, a low-pressure concentrated discharge pipe, and a high-pressure seawater discharge pipe to enable the power recovery chambers to recover hydraulic power supplied through the high-pressure concentrated water supply pipe and utilize the hydraulic power in driving of a seawater pump.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid supply assembly fluidly connectable to a source of fluid is provided. The fluid supply assembly includes a housing (702); a hydraulic assembly (710) supported within the housing (702), wherein the hydraulic assembly (710) is configured and adapted to pressurize the fluid which is supplied to a solenoid shut-off valve (724); a tank assembly (714) supported within the housing (702) for retaining a quantity of pre-conditioned fluid therein; and a filter assembly (720) supported within the housing (702) and in fluid communication with the hydraulic assembly (710).

Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer formed to include an integral disinfectant dispenser. The disinfectant dispenser is adapted to enable infinite adjustment to the level of disinfectant dispensed into the normal flow of the pool water. The skimmer includes a valve that is used to adjust the flow of water distributed to the disinfectant dispenser. The flow rate of water entering the dispensing chamber is controlled by the valve, which controls the water level within the dispensing chamber. The amount of water exiting the dispensing chamber is controlled by a vertically extending elongated flow slit. The higher the water level in the dispensing chamber causes more exposure to the chlorine tablets, increasing the chlorine level in the dispensing water. Chlorinated water exits the flow slit and enters the skimmer main chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous closed-circuit consecutive sequential desalination of a salt water solution by reverse osmosis that comprises a closed circuit system comprising one or more desalination modules having their respective inlets and outlets connected in parallel by conducing lines, each of desalination modules comprising of one or more membrane elements, a pressurizing device for creating counter pressure to enable reverse osmosis desalination and replacement of released permeate by fresh, a circulation system for recycling the desalinated solution through the desalination modules, a conducting line systems for permeate collection from the desalination modules, a conducting line system for removing brine effluent a valve system to enable periodic discharge of brine from the closed circuit without stopping desalination, and monitoring and control systems to enable continuous closed circuit desalination of desired recovery proceed in consecutive sequential steps under variable or constant pressure condi

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus (1) for removing solid matter from a liquid, especially for a coolant-lubricant circuit (35). Said cleaning apparatus (1) comprises a hollow cylindrical filter member (2) that separates a crude chamber (6) from a pure chamber (7), an inlet (8) which is located on the crude side and is connected to the crude chamber (6), an outlet (9) which is located on the pure side and is connected to the pure chamber (7), a backwashing device (10) for backwashing the filter member (2) segment by segment, and a discharge mechanism (12) for removing clean solid matter from the crude chamber (6). In order to make it easier to remove clean solid matter from the crude chamber (6), the filter member (2) surrounds the crude chamber (6) while the pure chamber (7) surrounds the filter member (2), and the discharge mechanism (12) is equipped with a screw conveyor (13) which feeds the clean solid matter to a discharge port (14).

Abstract: A filtration assembly includes a feed water line and a permeate line. A shut-off valve is coupled between the permeate line and the feed water line and operative to open the feed line when the faucet is opened based on a pressure differential between the feed line and the permeate line. An energy storage member is located within the permeate line and configured to compress and then expand after the faucet is closed causing the shut-off valve to fully close.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-reciprocating energy recovery device utilized in driving of a seawater pump by self-reciprocating a piston of a power recovery chamber and recovering energy not using an electronic drive unit but using the hydraulic power of concentrated water. The self-reciprocating energy recovery device including a pair of power recovery chambers having pistons therein respectively, a high-pressure concentrated supply pipe, a low-pressure concentrated discharge pipe, and a high-pressure seawater discharge pipe to enable the power recovery chambers to recover hydraulic power supplied through the high-pressure concentrated water supply pipe and utilize the hydraulic power in driving of a seawater pump.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (1) for filtering fluids comprising channelling means (2), a main body (3) connected to the channelling means (2) and defining internally a housing cavity (4) provided with an access mouth (5), and at least one filter element or device (6) housed in the housing cavity (4), the apparatus (1) comprising a base (7) suitable to support the main body (3) and coupling means (8) suitable to position the main body (3) above the base (7), the coupling means (8) also including a main hinge (10) suitable to allow rotation and overturning of the main body (3) with respect to the base (7).

Abstract: The valve spindle for a reverse osmosis (RO) filter system is housed in a filter head and attached to a mounting ring that also carries the replaceable RO cartridge. The RO spindle is locked in the head during normal operation, but can be easily removed, after removal of the cartridge, to permit spindle replacement or repair without disassembly of the head from the mounting bracket.

Abstract: According to this invention, an instrument and a method for nucleic acid isolation is realized, whereby it is possible to prevent, for example, adherence of a discharged solution upon dispersion of such solution to the vicinity of a nucleic acid isolation column outlet. A light source unit and a light-receiving unit that receives totally reflected light of the photosensor 41 for detecting the fluid level are placed on a site on the side surface of the nucleic acid isolation column 35, where the photosensor can detect the fluid level corresponding to a remaining liquid volume of approximately 10 ul.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is multiple filter controller comprising two filters; an inlet valve that regulates the directional inflow of a fluid through the filters; and an outlet valve that regulates the directional outflow of the fluid from the filters. Further disclosed is a method for maintaining a working fuel system comprising: passing the fuel through a first filter; monitoring an amount of pressure as the fuel passes through the first filter; detecting when the pressure has reached a predetermined level; redirecting the fuel from the first filter to a second filter when the predetermined level has been detected by manipulating an inlet valve such that the inlet valve stops the flow of the fluid to the first filter and redirects the flow of the fluid to a second filter; and repairing or removing the first filter from the fuel system while the fuel is simultaneously flowing through the second filter.

Abstract: A system for water treatment comprising a first treatment area for receiving waste water and aerating the waste water to enhance aerobic bacterial treatment of waste water, a second treatment area for receiving waste water from the first treatment area and circulating waste water within it to enhance bacterial treatment of waste water, a third treatment area configured to receive waste water from the second treatment area and including a filter having at least one membrane for filtering the waste water to substantially remove particulate matter of a predetermined size, an outlet connected to the filter and configured to output filtered waste water from the filter and a transfer means for transferring waste water from the third treatment area to the first treatment area.

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).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for purifying water whereby: the water to be purified is pressurized (13); a pressurized flow of said water is directed onto at least one selective permeability membrane to divide (11) the flow of pressurized water into a permeate flow and a retentate flow; the permeate flow is electrodeionized (12) to produce a flow of purified water consisting of the electrodeionized permeate flow; the flowrate of the retentate flow (19) is reduced; a substantially constant predetermined pressure (21) is maintained on the selective permeability membrane(s); and a substantially constant predetermined permeate flowrate is maintained. It also relates to a tangential filtration module suitable for the above kind of system.

Abstract: A home RO filtration system includes a membrane module having an inlet connected to a feed line, the membrane module also having a concentrate outlet coupled to a concentrate line, and a permeate outlet coupled to a permeate line. The permeate line communicates with a faucet. The system includes a flush reservoir communicatively coupled between the permeate line and the feed line. The system is configured such that after the faucet is turned off, a portion of permeate is delivered to the reservoir and then delivered to the inlet of the module to flush the module.

Abstract: A system and method for control of a gas and/or chemical for treatment of a fluid, and for monitoring the operation of such a system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reactor for receipt of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the gas and/or chemical into the fluid, and a controller to control the flow of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical into the reactor, and to monitor the operation of the system in accordance with predetermined operating conditions. In another embodiment, the system also comprises a gas/chemical generation system for generation of the gas and/or chemical to be introduced into the reactor. The present invention permits for the control of the system based on numerous dynamic conditions to optimize operation and to minimize safety hazards.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating wastewater are described, one method embodiment including the steps of flowing a stream comprising mixed liquor suspended solids and fixed growth solids to a high rate clarification stage, forming a clarifier effluent, a first waste activated sludge stream, and a return waste activated sludge stream. The high rate clarifier effluent stream then flows to a membrane stage that includes a membrane media, producing a membrane reject (retentate) stream and a treated effluent (permeate) stream. Optionally, the methods include routing a screened raw wastewater to an anaerobic and/or aerated anoxic stage and introducing a gas comprising oxygen to the wastewater during the aerated anoxic stage, and optionally allowing the product of this stage to flow to an aeration stage prior to the high rate clarification stage.

Abstract: A drainless reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system provides relatively pure water for on-demand dispensing, while recycling brine to a domestic hot water system. The drainless purification system includes a pre-filter catalyst cartridge for removing chlorine-based contaminants from a tap water supply upstream from an RO membrane. The catalyst is regularly refreshed by a high through-flow of water to a conventional cold water dispense faucet, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of the RO membrane. The RO membrane is incorporated into a multi-cartridge unit adapted for facilitated slide-out removal and replacement as needed. A control valve recycles brine from the RO membrane to the hot water system during pure water production, and recirculates tap water through the RO membrane when a pure water reservoir is substantially filled. The multi-cartridge unit may further include an air filtration system for providing a flow of filtered air.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water filtration system has a control housing that contains control components for the filtration system. The control housing may include control components for a membrane flushing system and/or feed water pressurization system for a permeate storage tank.

Abstract: Presented is a liquid filtering apparatus and method that overcomes the disadvantages encountered with prior bed filtration systems by providing a filtering apparatus that incorporates a super-buoyant filter medium having a specific gravity very substantially lower than that of the process liquid being filtered. This feature enables a majority of the medium to float on top of the process liquid. Due to the significant differences in specific gravity between the media and the process liquid, super-buoyant media produce a highly advantageous means of naturally, gravimetrically separating both clean and contaminated filter media and process liquid into separate “phases”. Under normal filtering operation, the filter media is contained within a filter housing by a bed support near the top of the filter housing, and particulate material is filtered from a process liquid that passes through the housing.

Abstract: A water treatment system includes a waste collection arrangement and a waste disposal arrangement. The waste collection arrangement is disposed in a pond for swirling the water to form a funnel-shaped water vortex so as to collect a waste contained in the water of the pond at a base of the water vortex. The waste disposal arrangement has an outlet positioned at a base of the water vortex pattern of the water, and includes a suction pipe upwardly extended from the outlet at a position above a water level of the water in the pond, wherein the suction pipe is adapted for guiding air to suck into the outlet to create a suction effect at the outlet, such that the waste disposal arrangement is adapted for sucking the water at the base of the water vortex so as to discharge the waste out of the pond via the outlet.

Abstract: A filter apparatus is provided which includes a first filter membrane element (40a), and a second bacterial filter membrane element. The first viral filter element (40a) is capable of treating water at a first second flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a first size, while the second bacterial filter element (40b) is capable of treating water at a second higher flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a second contaminant size. The first and second filter elements (40a), (40b) may be commonly housed within a sealed housing. An accumulating vessel (60) is placed in fluid communication with an outlet of the first filter element (40a) and an outlet of the second filter element (40b). The filter apparatus includes a duck bill type check valve (75) made of an antimicrobial material intermediate the second filter element (40b) and a dispensing faucet (70).

Abstract: A subsea process assembly for separating a multiphase flow, the assembly comprising: an inlet for a multiphase medium; a pressure reducing means for reducing the pressure of the multiphase flow from the inlet and creating a source of energy; a multiphase separator for separating the multiphase input into individual phases; and a pumping system for, in use, pumping at least one of the desired individual phases to a delivery point by utilizing at least some of the energy from the source of energy.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate solids from drilling slurry, having an inlet positioned over an outlet of a concentration tank to displace water that would otherwise enter the down-stream centrifuges. Baffles are provided to direct solids to the outlet and minimize the time that solids spend in the concentration tank. Fluids having solids removed therefrom are removed from the apparatus at a location remote from the outlet.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for production of petroleum products from a subsea well. The methods comprise control of a downhole separator, supplying power fluid to a downhole turbine/pump hydraulic converter, performing pigging of a subsea manifold, providing gas lift and performing three phase downhole separation. Arrangement for performing the methods are also described.

Abstract: A fluid filter apparatus includes a filter element located in a filter chamber formed in a filter housing. A valve unit is located in a passageway formed in the filter housing to control flow of fluid into or out of the filter chamber.

Abstract: A first flow path is defined within a first panel that forms a part of an extracorporeal fluid circuit. A second flow path is defined within a second panel that also forms a part of the extracorporeal fluid circuit. The first and second panels are oriented in a fluid processing cartridge for mounting as an integrated unit on a fluid processing machine and for removal as an integrated unit from the fluid processing machine.

Abstract: A water treatment system having a reverse osmosis unit (14) includes a storage tank (40) having an outer tank housing (42) that encloses an expandable bladder (50). A pressurized region (62) is defined between the outside of the bladder (50) and inside of the housing(42). A control valve assembly (44) controls communication of source water under pressure to pressurizing region (62) and communicates the region (62) with a drain (22). The assembly (44) includes a pilot valve (70) that is responsive to a state of dispensing and includes a valve element (76) that moves between a first dispensing position and a second non-dispensing position.

Abstract: A water filter device for treating untreated drinking water, wherein the water filter device may comprise a connector for providing fluid communication between the water filter device and an untreated drinking water source. The water filter device may comprise a low-pressure water for treating untreated drinking water, the water filter may comprise a water filter material. The water filter may comprise a F-BLR of greater than about 2 logs. The water filter device may comprise a storage housing in fluid communication with the low-pressure water filter. The water filter device may comprise an automatic shutoff valve for arresting the flow of treated drinking water into the storage housing. The water filter device may comprise a dispenser for dispensing treated drinking water from the storage housing.

Abstract: A water purification system and method based on reverse osmosis is provided. An inlet of supplied water to be purified is driven by a first flow propelling device which drives inlet supplied water flow to an upstream side of a membrane. An outlet of reject water from the upstream side of the membrane is driven by a second flow propelling device. The first and second flow propelling devices are powered by a common driving shaft or otherwise linked or controlled so that a ratio of inlet flow to outlet flow is maintained constant and a rate of permeate flow from a downstream side of the membrane is also kept constant.

Abstract: A filtration device for separating concrements, fragments or other body material from liquids which are processed by means of a lithotripter connected to a suction device equipped with a peristaltic valve and sucked out of body cavities. The device has a functional zone having an inlet zone connected at one end to the lithotripter, and an outlet zone connected to the suction device. There is a collection zone mounted on the functional zone and connected to the other end of the inlet zone. A filter element is disposed between the functional zone and the collection zone, so that body material processed by the lithotripter will be deposited in the collection zone, and the filter element will separate the body fluids collected by the lithotripter from the body material.

Abstract: A water treatment system including an automatic shut-off control valve. The system preferably includes inflow and outflow sensors that monitor flow through the system and a pressure sensor that senses back pressure in a downstream plumbing system. If the sensors sense different flows, a leak in the system is assumed and the control valve is closed. In one embodiment, the flowing back pressure is monitored by the pressure sensor to detect leaks in the plumbing system. In another embodiment, the valve is closed after a specific volume of water flow is sensed and the pressure sensor measures static back pressure in the plumbing system to detect a leak. In yet another embodiment, incremental amounts of water are released by the valve and subsequent back pressures are tested to detect a leak. Optionally, the system includes a control to shut-off a water supply when a water treatment device enclosure is accessed.

Abstract: A fluid filter apparatus includes a filter element located in a filter chamber formed in a filter housing. A valve unit is located in a passageway formed in the filter housing to control flow of fluid into or out of the filter chamber.

Abstract: Presteralized manifolds are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. Disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers are assembled via aseptic connectors. These manifolds interact with at least one remotely controlled pinch valve which engages only the outside surface of the manifold tubing. Such manifold and pinch valve systems can be used in conjuntion with a peristaltic type of pump, which, together with the remotely operated pinch valve, can be operated by a controller which provides automated and accurate delivery of biotechnology fluid in an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning and quality assurance procedures.

Abstract: A system for making use of rainwater falling on houses and buildings, which comprises a means for removing a predetermined quantity of initial precipitation from the rainwater collected form the roof surface of the building; and a purifier receiving the subsequent rainwater from which the initial precipitation has been removed. The purifier includes a filtering tank, a sterilization tank, and a supply tank connected to the sterilization tank. The filtering tank has a physical filter and a pH adjusting agent, the sterilization tank contains a primary reactive catalyst for producing active oxygen species, and the supply tank supplies aqueous hydrogen peroxide to the primary reactive catalyst. The system also has a storage tank that stores the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier. The storage tank contains a secondary reactive catalyst for decomposing and eliminating residual active oxygen species remaining in the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier.

Abstract: A protection system arranged to prevent a large trans-membrane pressure difference over a pressure sensitive membrane (4) fitted in a pressure resistant chamber (3), wherein the membrane forms a physical barrier between a liquid and a gas mixture carried through the chamber (3), the protection system includes two shut-off valves (9, 10) provided in the liquid inlet and outlet lines respectively, a buffer tank (3) provided in the line between one of the shut-off valves (9, 10) and the pressure resistant chamber (3), a pressure equalizing valve (12) provided between the gas inlet line (8) and the buffer tank (2) and a pressure sensing valve (14) for measuring the pressure difference over the membrane (4) and which activates the shut-off valves (9, 10) once this pressure difference exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus which incorporates a filter bed medium having a specific gravity lower than that of the process liquid being filtered. Process liquid is pumped through one or more filter chambers containing the filter bed medium. A discharge line at the top of the housing directs the filtered liquid either back into a process liquid tank or stream, or into a clean liquid storage tank. A small storage tank provides a volume of filtered liquid for use in backwashing the filter bed medium. The particle size and nature of the filter bed medium are determined by the identity and specific gravity of the process liquid to be filtered so that the filter bed is buoyant on the process liquid. As the process liquid is pumped into the filter chamber, the composite filter bed floats to the top of the chamber where it stops rising. The process liquid then passes through the filter bed and the particulates are strained from the liquid by surface filtration and depth filtration.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation and performance of water-only cyclones used in coal preparation plants for separating a fine raw coal slurry into fine coal and fine refuse slurries includes a variable speed pump for feeding the slurry from an underpan of a deslime screen to a water-only cyclone. A nuclear density gauge measures the specific gravity of the slurry feeding the cyclones and generates a signal used to control the addition of water. A level sensor measures the level of the fine raw coal slurry in the underpan. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the fine raw coal slurry pumped to the water-only cyclone. A speed control device uses signals from the level and pressure sensors to control the speed of the pump in order to maintain an appropriate level of slurry in the underpan, and an appropriate feed pressure to the water-only cyclone.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly includes a valve assembly having a plunger with openings defined therein. The plunger includes a sealing portion and a non-sealing portion. The sealing portion sealingly engages a valve seat, while the non-sealing portion includes an opening which leads to a central passage through the plunger, the opening and central passage cooperating to direct the flow of fluid through the plunger and an associated spring.

Abstract: Water dispenser, which comprises, in addition to a water container, a filter element contained within a filter housing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet, a source of pressure and first valve and first conduit means for feeding water from the container to the filter housing inlet; means for feeding gas to the filter inlet to create gas pressure at the inlet, consisting of a reservoir, and the control means comprise the third conduit and valve means for permitting or preventing the admission of water into the reservoir, second valve and conduit means for controlling the level of the water in the reservoir, a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure at the filter inlet; and control means for controlling the gas feeding means to cause or stop the feeding.

Abstract: A self-cleaning assembly has an enclosed casing with a movable member/piston and a filter therein, the casing having an inlet and a first outlet for liquid supplied thereto and a second outlet for removing liquid containing contaminant from the casing. The filter assembly is constructed and arranged to provide, in a normal operating mode, a liquid flow path through the filter in a first direction between the inlet and the outlet and, in a cleaning mode, to provide a liquid flow path in a second direction between the inlet and the second outlet. The movable member compresses the filter during the liquid flow in the second direction and contaminant is released therefrom for removal from the filter assembly via the second outlet.

Abstract: The material compactor in accordance with the present invention generally includes a feed apparatus, a preliminary compaction apparatus, and a final compaction apparatus. The final compaction apparatus generally includes a compaction chamber having an adjustably taperable choke tube. The area of the inner cavity of the final compaction chamber can be tapered to become measurably smaller or larger at the discharge or expelling end. Consequently, compacting movement of the material within the compaction chamber and through the tapered choke tube significantly subjects the material to restrictive compacting pressure which in turn compacts the material and performs liquid separation with each operationally continuous movement through the final compaction apparatus.

Abstract: A self-cleaning pre-filter system generally comprises a system inlet; a sediment filter having a filter inlet in selective fluid communication with the system inlet, a selectively openable drain port and a filter outlet, separated from the filter inlet and the drain port by a filter screen; a pressure accumulator having a first chamber in open fluid communication with the filter outlet and having a sealed second chamber containing a compressible medium, the first chamber and the second chamber being separated one from the other by a flexible diaphragm; and a system outlet in selective fluid communication with the filter outlet and the first chamber. A controller operates valves to periodically back flush the sediment filter utilizing energy stored in the pressure accumulator. Any detritus removed from the filter screen during the back flush process is immediately discharged from the system through the drain port.

Abstract: The valved filter assembly of the present invention utilizes a bi-directional pressure differential valve in fluid communication with a filter body housed within a container, such as a bottle. This unique structure allows the user to dispense filtered fluid from a bottle only when the bottle is inverted and squeezed. Squeezing the bottle causes the pressure to increase on the inside of the bottle thereby causing water to traverse the filter body thus contacting and opening the bi-directional pressure differential valve thereby allowing liquid to exit; however, when no pressure is applied to the bottle the bi-directional pressure differential valve remains in the closed position sealing the bottle.