Abstract: A reactor for washing sand contaminated with hydrocarbons comprises a vessel having an aperture in a bottom portion thereof. A steam cleaning device is located near a top of the vessel for receiving contaminated sand and cleaning the contaminated sand as it is introduced into the vessel. A rinsing device is positioned below the steam cleaning device for rinsing the sand with water. A sand conveying device comprising an air injection device is positioned in the bottom portion of the vessel for urging sand out of the aperture using compressed air, such that the sand is partially dewatered as the sand is urged out of the aperture.

Abstract: Portable apparatus, systems and methods for the selective removal of contaminants from a fluid medium through the use of hollow fiber media (“HFM”). Apparatus embodiments include a housing defining an inlet portion, an outlet portion and a chamber fluidly coupled there between for receiving hollow fiber media, in either bulk or cartridge form, wherein the media is hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic. Passive, i.e., gravity fed or active, i.e., mechanically pressurized versions are disclosed. Apparatus may further include user reversible/replaceable check valves, a receptacle fitting adaptor to allow the use of a variety of receiving containers with a single filtration device, and configurations wherein at least 80% of a maximum flow rate through the filter can be achieved when an inlet fluid pressure is about 0.2 bar. A buoyant pre-filter with an optional hydrophilic filter element may also be used to establish a system.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering water has a valve head and a filtration/purification canister removably mountable thereon. Connecting the canister to the valve head automatically opens a check valve in the valve head to permit water to flow from the valve head into and through the canister, and then back to and through the valve head to an outlet port. Disconnecting the canister from the valve head automatically closes the check valve, stopping the flow of water. A bypass valve is provided in the valve head to permit a sanitizing solution to flow through the valve head and along the lines of the water distribution system to sanitize the system, while bypassing the canister. The outlet port may be directly connected to an appliance that uses water, to eliminate possible contamination that may occur when water is brought indirectly from the outlet port to the appliance instead.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic connector (140) forming a distributor or manifold for a hydraulic circuit of a fluid purification system (100) having a purified fluid inlet (142) and three outlets (143, 144, 145), characterized in that the inlet (142) is connected directly to a first outlet (143) of the three outlets by a pipe and in that a second pipe (141) is hydraulically connected to the first pipe between said inlet (142) and said first outlet (143) and to a third pipe having two ends forming the other two outlets (144, 145) of the connector.

Abstract: A liquid filter, especially oil filter for an internal combustion engine, having a cup-shaped housing with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a filter element arranged with a seal between the inlet and outlet, and a one-piece barrier membrane arranged in the area of the opening of the cup-shaped housing such that the liquid inlet and/or the liquid outlet can be closed by the barrier membrane.

Abstract: A water distribution system including a water storage tank, a water treatment unit, a diverter valve, and interconnecting water conduits arranged so that the same water treatment unit can be used to treat water supplied from a fill port to the storage tank during a fill operation, as well as water leaving the storage tank for supply to one or more points of water use during a supply operation. A diverter valve is provided which is movable between a fill position wherein the water treatment unit is in fluid communication with the fill port and not the point of water use device, and a supply position wherein the water treatment unit is in fluid communication with the at least one point of water use device and not the fill port. When the diverter valve is in the fill position, water supplied to the fill port can thus flow through the diverter valve and to the water treatment unit for treatment then to the storage tank for storage.

Abstract: A pool skimmer to operate independently of a pool filter pump. A pool skimmer has a bucket assembly similar to pool skimmers that use the filter pump to create a suction to draw and hold surface floating debris inside the pool skimmer where the debris can be removed from the bucket assembly and emptied. However, instead of using the pool filter pump, a sealed electrical pump assembly uses a rotatable magnetic assembly inside the sealed pump body. A magnetic impeller fits within the pump body and rotates in response to rotation of the magnetic assembly inside the sealed pump body. This creates a water flow forcing water out of the bucket assembly in contrast to using a filter pump to suck water through the bucket assembly as in conventional technology. Because each pool skimmer operates independently of others and of the filter pump, they may be located without regard to filter pump efficiencies. Moreover, the suction created is not enough to create a health hazard for users, especially small children.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a first valve defining an inlet connected to the inlet supply and an outlet connected to the concentrate chamber, a second valve defining an inlet connected to the permeate chamber and an outlet connected to the faucet, and a third valve defining an outlet connected to drain, a port connected to the concentrate chamber, and an inlet connected to the inlet supply. The port is selectively in fluid communication with the third valve outlet and inlet. When the faucet opens, the first valve opens, the second valve has permeate flowing, and the third valve opens a flowpath between the third valve port and the inlet due to pressure dropping in the second valve. When the faucet closes, the first valve closes and the third valve opens another flowpath between the third valve port and outlet due to pressure created in the second valve.

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: A vortex generator for use in a fluid filter operable in both a normal filtering mode and a back flushing mode. The vortex generator including a flapper valve that moves between an open position and a closed position in correspondence to the direction of fluid flow through the fluid filter. In the open position, fluid is permitted to flow through openings formed in a base of the vortex generator. In the closed position, fluid is prevented from flowing through the openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing organics from water has an upwardly open and downwardly closed column having a tubular side wall and a floor and a generally closed chamber on the floor of the column and forming with the side wall an upwardly open annular space. The column has an outlet opening into the annular space. A pump forces water containing organics into the chamber and thereby fills the column with water that then flows out of the column through the outlet. An aerator pump moves at least some of the water containing organics out of the chamber, mixes the pumped-out water with bubbles, and pumps the water and bubbles back into a downwardly and horizontally closed but upwardly open flow space in the column above the chamber. A skimmer clears the organics from the surface of the water above the flow space.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus for a high performance liquid chromatography system (350) is disclosed. The pumping apparatus comprises a piston (1) for reciprocation in a pump working chamber (3) to compress liquid in the pump working chamber (3) to a high pressure at which compressibility of the liquid becomes noticeable. At least one of the piston (1) and the pump working chamber (3) is at least partially coated with or comprised of silicon carbide.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a faucet with an integral filter for filtering fluid to be discharged from the faucet. A filter casing can house the filter cartridge and can be provided with an automatic shut-off valve actuable by the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge can include an integral check valve at its upstream end to prevent unwanted spillage of fluid from the filter cartridge when removed from the assembled position. A filter mount can selectively keep the faucet and the filter cartridge from being separated. A lock ring can be rotatable through an angle about a filter axis to selectively allow removal of the filter cartridge from the filter casing. The rotation of the lock ring can be through a small angle and the removal of the filter cartridge from the filter casing can be completed without rotation of the faucet, the filter cartridge, or the filter casing.

Abstract: A multiple vortex separator for drawing a substantially moisture-free airstream from a waste stream having an annular channel defining a first vortex flow path for separating liquid and solid waste from this waste stream and an inverted conical cavity between nested inverted cones defining a second vortex flow path that is isolated from the first vortex flow path for separating additional liquid and solid waste from the waste stream before it exits the vortex separator.

Abstract: A filter installation and method, especially a seawater filter installation and method, includes at least one fluid line (18,20) for transporting a biological fluid, a filter device (54) mounted in the fluid line with at least one filter element (22) in a filter housing (10), and a device for biological decontamination. The device for biological decontamination contains active substances that can be introduced into the filter housing (10), such as inert gases or special metals, ensuring that toxic impurities cannot enter. The active substances used are ecofriendly unlike chemically produced fungicides and herbicides.

Abstract: A self-cleaning screen for shallow water pumping includes a rotatable drum made of mesh material for removing debris from water passing into the drum, and a suction chamber within the drum for feeding water to a suction pipe connected to a centrifugal pump. Inlet openings are arranged across a bottom side of the suction chamber. A check valve assembly is provided to prevent water from back flowing through the inlet openings, to thereby maintain a prime in the suction pipe when the pump is off. The check valve assembly includes valve members that are slidably mounted above the inlet openings for movement between closed and open positions. The valve members move upwardly from their closed positions to their open positions upon movement of water through the inlet openings into the suction chamber, and return to their closed positions by force of gravity when water stops flowing into the suction chamber.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems, and devices for carrying out sorption (adsorption and absorption) for separating and/or purifying fluid mixtures are disclosed. Medical oxygen generators, dehumidifying units, sorptive heat pumps, ozone generators and Peltier devices are also disclosed. The sorption methods involve pressure swing operation of at least two sorption units. Energy from the desorbing and decompressing fluid is substantially recovered and used within the system.

Abstract: A liquid filter arrangement is provided, as well as methods of assembly and use. The liquid filter arrangement includes an anti-drain back valve assembly therein. Advantageous features, relating to a preferred filter cartridge and preferred anti-drain back valve arrangement, are provided.

Abstract: A portable device for filtering and purifying water comprised of an outer chamber and an inner chamber that is slidable within a section of the outer chamber, and a small pore size pre-filter, whereby water is drawn through the pre-filter into the first container section of the outer chamber where it is isolated and treated with a disinfectant agent, then is drawn out of the first container section and into the second container section, and then into the inner chamber, where it is passed across another filtering material such as an activated carbon bed, removing any remaining contaminants before the potable water exits through a mouthpiece.

Abstract: A patient wearable, continuously operating extracorporeal pump apparatus which accesses the patient's arterial venous pressure differential by applying external pressure to a subcutaneous graft that has been cannualized to modulate blood flow through an extracorporeal circuit and to drive the pump for delivering a medicament, such as an anticoagulant, to the site of an intravenous cannula to prevent clogging thereof and also to move a dialysate through a circuit, including a dialyzer and a dialysate rejuvenating cartridge, whereby kidney failure can be treated without recourse to prior art hemodialysis machines found in most treatment facilities. With slight modification, the present invention can be used to remove excess fluids from CHF patients, to remove toxins from the blood in those suffering from liver failure and to facilitate administration of insulin to diabetics and/or glucose to those having hypoglycemia.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for improving pressure sensor shock robustness in fluid containment devices by providing a mechanical filter configured to prevent high-frequency pressure shocks from damaging the pressure sensor. One approach includes a body of elastomeric material disposed on an external surface of the sensor. Another approach is a porous plug in a fluid pathway leading to the sensor. Yet another approach is to provide a seal structure with a labyrinth fluid path.

Abstract: A filter- and sterilizing apparatus comprising a gravity filter device with a liquid supply (L1), a downpipe filter (F) and a clean liquid drainage (L3) as well as a sterilizing device (U) hydraulically connected to the downpipe filter, is characterized in that the sterilizing device connected to the clean liquid circuit (L3) of the downpipe filter (F), is adjustable in height and has the shape of a supply channel to the overflow weir (Y), wherein the liquid level in the supply channel (K) before starting the filtration is approximately adjustable to the same height with the water level in the downpipe filter (F) above the filter medium (M). The sterilizing device (U) is an ultraviolet sluice.

Abstract: Water represents an important resource in an aircraft. In modern aircraft, sufficient water reserves are carried along in designated tanks that are regularly refilled by ground personnel. One embodiment relates to a water treatment system for aircraft that may make it possible to treat a gray water/black water mixture accumulated on board of an aircraft during its operation in sufficient quantity and quality for use in a downstream reformer. This means that the water circuit within the aircraft is closed and costly water tanks are eliminated.

Abstract: This is a device used for purifying water for eventual use in a swimming pool, hot tub, spa or aquarium The water is passed through a tube and purified by means of filtering and/ or ion exchange media, which completely fills the interior of the tube. The choice of filtering and/or ion exchange media is chosen based on a particular need, which is presented by the water source.

Abstract: A method of removing water (7) from a fuel tank (2) using a water scavenging line (4) which has an inlet (6) immersed in the water and an outlet (5) coupled to a water tank (3). The method comprises filling the fuel tank with fuel (30) whereby the fuel exerts hydrostatic pressure on the water, the hydrostatic pressure driving the water up the water scavengingline against the force of gravity and into the water tank. The use of hydrostatic pressure provides an automatic and relatively simple method of extracting the water from the bottom of the fuel tank. The water tank enables the extracted water to be stored for disposal at a later time, typically by feeding the water into an engine.

Abstract: A water purification filter assembly is disclosed. The water purification filter assembly of the present invention includes a manifold, which is provided in a water purifier, and a circular cap, which is provided under the manifold and has a slide slot, with a protrusion provided under the circular cap. The filter assembly further includes a filter cartridge, which has a head part coupled to the circular cap and a filter part provided with a filter therein. The filter assembly further includes a fastening member, which fastens the head part of the filter cartridge to the circular cap, and a guide groove, into which the protrusion is inserted, and which is formed in the upper surface of the filter part of the filter cartridge. Therefore, processes of coupling and removing the filter cartridge are made easy and convenient.

Abstract: A mobile concentration system (MCS) for milk comprising: a vehicle having a holding tank for receiving and holding milk; and a concentration system mounted to the vehicle and coupled in fluid communication with the holding tank. The concentration system adapted to remove milk from the holding tank and process the milk while the vehicle is stationary and/or uploading or unloading of milk, or underway. The concentration system including a reverse osmosis filtration system adapted receive the milk from the holding tank and process the milk to generate a stream of substantially water and a product stream of concentrated milk. A feed section comprises product/water/CIP (clean in place) valving systems, high pressure pumping equipment operating to receive and pressurize the milk through-out the system. A concentration level control system includes a control valve regulating the concentrate flow to achieve a fixed system operating pressure to control the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing chromatography separations or analyses are disclosed. The methods are based upon an equilibrium gradient focusing mode in contrast to conventional transient migration-based modes. By matching the migration speed of one or more analyte(s) of interest to the wave speed of a thermal gradient induced to travel along a region in which chromatographic partitioning occurs, significant improvements in detection limits are achieved. In particular, a temperature gradient focusing strategy is described in which analyte(s) of interest are circulated around a continuous chromatography system in order to focus the analyte(s). Also described are various devices and systems that can be used in the methods described herein.

Abstract: A method for liquid-liquid extraction comprises introducing a first liquid into a container (16) and introducing a second liquid into the container (16). The second liquid is substantially immiscible with the first liquid and a one of the first and second liquid contains a substance to be extracted and the other of the first and the second liquid exhibits a preferential affinity to the substance to be extracted. The method further comprises shaking the container (16), allowing the liquids to settle thereby establishing an interface between the liquids, and rotating the container (16) to move the interface over substantially the entire inner surface of the container (16). A device for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid filter for an internal combustion engine. The filter has a housing, a removable cover for closing the housing, and a replaceable filter insert that has a filter surface through which liquid can flow. The filter surface defines a boundary between a flow channel on the filtered side and a flow channel on the unfiltered side of the filter. A non-return valve allows the liquid to flow through the filter at pressure conditions that prevail when the engine is running. When the engine is shut off, the non-return valve prevents flow of liquid through the filter, thereby holding within the filter housing the liquid that was in the filter when the engine was shut off. The non-return valve is placed in the flow channel on the filtered side.

Abstract: The present invention purposes to provide a hollow fiber membrane module that minimizes the error rate in a manufacturing process thereof, disperses weight by separating an enlarged hollow fiber membrane module into a plurality of small modules, and provides a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention includes a central water tube having a plurality of inlets formed in the circumferential direction thereof, a central air tube provided in the central water tube, a plurality of housings longitudinally provided in the circumferential direction of the central water tube, a hollow fiber membrane provided in the respective housing and in which water is treated by difference of pressure, a fixing part fixing the lower part of the hollow fiber membrane to the housing, and a collector provided in the lower part of the housing, a plurality of small modules being provided in the housing.

Abstract: A filter including a first chamber; a second chamber; a piston having a head portion disposed in the first chamber and a rod portion disposed in the second chamber; a third chamber containing a filter medium, having an inlet communicating with the second chamber and an outlet; first and second conduits supplying fluid under pressure to the first and second chambers, respectively; and a valve in the first conduit operable to direct fluid under pressure to opposite sides of the piston head portion to reciprocate the piston and correspondingly eject fluid in the second chamber through the third chamber.

Abstract: A filter apparatus may be provided. The filter apparatus may include a multi-port valve; a strainer coupled in flow communication to the multi-port valve, wherein the strainer may include a conical portion and an attachment portion extending away therefrom; a diffusing column coupled to the strainer and coupled in flow communication to the multi-port valve; and an equalizer column coupled in flow communication to the strainer.

Abstract: Analytical methods using hydrogen/deuterium exchange are provided which reduce or eliminate the back-exchange of deuterium for hydrogen. The methods, which are useful in protein and peptide mapping, include the steps of (a) providing a peptide or protein comprising a solvent accessible hydrogen; (b) exchanging the solvent accessible hydrogen for a deuterium; (c) separating the peptide or protein with supercritical fluid chromatography; and (d) analyzing by mass spectrometry the mass of the separated peptide or protein. Supercritical fluid chromatography enables the observation of fast exchanging hydrogen atoms missed using conventional liquid chromatography methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the air-free filling of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus with a physiological electrolyte solution and for the venting of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus during operation. In accordance with the invention, the blood-removing line system, including a chamber arranged therein, is filled with physiological electrolyte solution, with a valve arranged above the chamber and connected thereto being opened to fill the chamber completely with the physiological electrolyte solution until it comes into contact with a hydrophobic filter arranged above the valve.

Abstract: A liquid filter with multiple vertical filter tubes covered with a permanent filter septum that can be backwashed through an inner backwash tube with radial nozzles that rotate the tube and advances it up by a float in the top clean compartment and descends with liquid pressure.

Abstract: A multi-stage water purification device includes an untreated water compartment having an untreated water inlet and a treated water compartment formed from a resilient material. The compartments are segregated from one another. An outlet is in flow communication with the treated water compartment. A first unidirectional valve is disposed between the treated water compartment and the outlet and is configure to permit flow out of the treated water compartment only. A filter is disposed between the untreated water compartment and the treated water compartment. The untreated water flows through the filter to produce treated water. A second unidirectional flow valve is positioned at the discharge of the filter and is configured to permit flow out of the filter and into the treated water compartment only. Water is introduced into the untreated water compartment and the treated water compartment is deformed to reduce the volume therein.

Abstract: In a liquid filter of the reverse-flow flush-cleaning type, the present invention provides the improvement of mounting the pack of discs (170) intermediate to an assembly including a seat member (200) and screw-thread split-ring (202).

Abstract: A combination filter assembly housing (4) and treatment chamber (8) for use in recovering and sanitizing condensates from air conditioning systems and other sources with vapors released from dissolvable tablets (32), such as those used for treating swimming pool water or laundering purposes. Filter assembly housing (4) has a removable bottom cover, an internal p-trap and valve structure configured to reduce the likelihood of treatment vapors from treatment chamber (8) traveling back through filter assembly housing (4) and entering the associated condensate producing system. Applications can include, but are not limited to, use with systems that replenish water lost from swimming pools due to evaporation, to provide water for filling toilets, pressure washing, cleaning, and other gray water uses, and to provide potable water in areas where is in limited supply.

Abstract: A water purification filter assembly is disclosed. The water purification filter assembly of the present invention includes a manifold, which is provided in a water purifier, and a circular cap, which is provided under the manifold and has a slide slot, with a protrusion provided under the circular cap. The filter assembly further includes a filter cartridge which has a head part-coupled to the circular cap and has a filter part provided with a filter therein. The filter assembly further includes a fastening member, which fastens the head part of the filter cartridge to the circular cap, and a guide groove, into which the protrusion is inserted. The fastening member is formed in the upper surface of the filter part of the filter cartridge. Therefore, processes of coupling and removing the filter cartridge are made easy and convenient.

Abstract: A replaceable liquid filter, particularly for the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, including a substantially cup-shaped housing with a concentrically arranged outlet opening for filtered liquid and at least one inlet opening for the liquid to be filtered, and a filter element disposed in a sealing manner in the housing between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The housing is connected to a top plate, and the top plate is connected to an end plate. The top plate encloses a displacement space which is disposed in an inlet chamber in the mating part, such that the inlet opening in the top plate is disposed in the region of the displacement space and/or a backflow check valve is disposed in the area of the outlet opening such that the backflow check valve is positioned axially outside the effective filter element surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for purifying anaerobic biological wastewater, which wastewater is fed in through a feed pipe (4) and the purified wastewater and built-up gas are removed respectively by a discharge pipe (24) and a gas outlet pipe (18), said device comprising a main chamber (1), wherein wastewater, which is to be clarified, is fed to a lower area and at least one lifting pipe (9), which is used to remove the built-up gas and the purified wastewater, which contains sludge particles, emerges from an area which is higher than said lower area, said lifting pipe joining a return tank (2) in order to separate gas and purified wastewater, which contains sludge particles, and the outlet (11) thereof m the return tank (2) being higher than the inlet (10) thereof in the main chamber (1).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a water purification filter easily replaced by a connector which can simplify a connection structure of a water purification system by forming paths of feed water, purified water and concentrated water as one port, and which can be easily replaced after disconnection of a filter cartridge from the water purification system, and a water purification system using the same.

Abstract: A supplemental fluid adjustable depth air sparging system which is used to remediate contaminates from groundwater within the soil. An adjustable depth air injection point injects compressed air, and an adjustable depth chemical injection point injects a chemical oxidizer or nutrient into saturated or groundwater regions of the soil's subsurface to remove contaminants including chlorinated solvents from the soil's subsurface.

Abstract: A detachable rotational filter supporter is disclosed. The supporter can: release a filter when the housing is rotated; block the flow channel immediately when the filter is separated from the filter supporter; automatically open the closed flow channel when the filter is installed to the filter supporter; and simultaneously hold the filter when the housing is located at the original position. Therefore, the detachable rotational filter supporter allows the filter to be easily separated from and installed to the water purifier and allows general users to simply replace the filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ozone on-line injection, reuse and destruction system, which draws liquid to be mixed with ozone through a pump. The system mainly comprises a gas-liquid separation device and an ozone destruction device. When mixed with the drawn liquid, some of the ozone may dissolve in the liquid and the undissolved portion is recovered and reused, while the ozone, oxygen and nitrogen that cannot be reused are introduced into an ozone destruction device. The ozone destruction device contains an ozone destruction medium so that it can decompose ozone into oxygen that can escape into the environment along with the undissolved oxygen and nitrogen, thereby avoiding environmental pollution caused by the direct release of ozone.

Abstract: A liquid filter assembly is provided. The preferred assembly includes a serviceable filter cartridge having a primary filter section and a secondary or bypass filter section. The preferred assembly includes a bypass valve arrangement and a suction filter arrangement. The suction filter arrangement preferably includes a dimensionally biased valve arrangement, preferably one which is devoid of a helical coiled spring, to control flow through the suction filter. A flow/pressure regulation valve, to allow flow from an interior of the assembly to a reservoir if needed, is preferably provided. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are shown.

Abstract: A manifold and filter assembly for use with a waste collection unit is provided. The manifold and filter assembly directs and filters medical waste flowing into the waste collection unit. The manifold and filter assembly comprises a manifold body defining a chamber and an outlet for directing the medical waste into the waste collection unit. A manifold cap is fitted to the manifold body to close the chamber. The manifold cap defines a plurality of inlets for receiving the medical waste. A filter basket having a bottom and a peripheral wall defining a plurality of openings is snap-locked to the manifold body. The filter basket is positioned such that a fluid bypass is formed between the filter basket and the manifold body and between the filter basket and the manifold cap. The fluid bypass is in fluid communication with the outlet whereby the medical waste can flow over the peripheral wall to the outlet through the fluid bypass.

Abstract: A filter includes a filter element with an enlarged end cap at one end of a media ring with an elliptical flange set oblique or angled to the longitudinal axis of the element. The flange carries a sealing element, and is closely and sealingly received in a head casting of the filter to divide the head casting into inlet and outlet partitions. The end cap directs fluid from a transverse port in the housing into an axial flow path into the central cavity of the element, where the fluid flows radially outward through the media, and then out through an opposite transverse port in the head casting. The element can be removed when it is spent from the head casting after removal of an end closure.

Abstract: A gravel vacuum including a suction tube, a pre-filter tower connected to the suction tube, a filter tower, a return assembly, a pump, and an alternate flow path with a flow control valve. When the suction tube is placed on gravel under water, the pump impels a flow of water and gravel into the suction tube, impels the flow of water and at most a portion of the gravel into the pre-filter tower where the portion of gravel is pre-filtered from the flow of water, impels the flow of water into the filter tower where the water is filtered, and impels the flow of water to the return assembly. The flow control valve controls a flow of water that bypasses the pump, thereby permitting adjustment of the flow of water and gravel impelled into the suction tube. A second flow control valve can be located near the suction tube.