Abstract: A scavenging filter includes a volume containing activated beads or fiber particles of a scavenging material housed in a removable housing in a cartridge filter body having an axial inlet extending to a space below a permeable false bottom, the fluid permeating upwards through the material, and cleaned liquor leaving via an annular space surrounding the chamber.

Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.

Abstract: This invention reveals to the public the centralized sump oil and acid oil treatment process and system. The process consist of (1) the filter; (2) entry to reaction kettle, the sodium carbonate solution added at the time of air floatation till PH value keeps about 6.0-8.0; and emulsion splitter and flocculating agent added for further reaction; (3) suspension of air floatation and static settlement; (4) the international crude oil is collected after the detergent oil at the upper level of the reaction kettle is dehydrated under normal and reduced pressure; the wastewater is drained after filtering by the natural oil removal tank and the oil-water filter; the sludge is solidified by the cement and the quick lime and aluminium oxide are used as the coagulant aid for solidifying the sludge.

Abstract: A monolithic carbon composite filter for use in water filter bottles of the type having a bottle cap and a valved vented top. The filter is formed with exposed surfaces including side walls and a base. The filter employs both radial flow through the side walls of the filter and axial flow through the filter base. All available exposed surfaces thus maximize the available surface area for filtering water. As a result a larger diameter filter suited to the addition of a second media as well as an inner tube providing for separate axial flow may be utilized. A dual aspect or universal flow filter adapted to be attached to a filter housing top is capable of being cooperatively attached to the bottle cap and bottle with a valved vented top. The bottle is normally inverted for drinking.

Abstract: A system for filtering organic molecules from an electrolyte solution, including a feed inlet line adapted to carry a solution with organic molecules, a filter vessel secured to the inlet line, and a pump adapted to introduce dissolved air into the solution in the feed inlet line. The filter vessel is a solvent extraction filter having coalescing media above a solution outlet at the bottom of the vessel and an organic vent outlet at the top of the vessel. The system operates by (a) dissolving air into the solution, (b) inputting the solution with dissolved air into the filter vessel, (c) outletting solution from the bottom vessel outlet to flow solution down through coalescing media, and (d) periodically venting floating organic molecules from the top of the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel filter (1) with a device for separating water from the fuel. This device comprises at least one filter screen element (6) placed in a filter housing (2) which is located downstream a filter element (3) for the filtration of particles from the fuel, a tank (15) located under the filter screen element (6) at the filter housing (2) in which the separated water droplets are collected, and a device for deviating the fuel between the filter element (3) and the filter screen element (6).

Abstract: Exemplary decontamination systems of the present disclosure may allow for removing contaminants from a fluid. In an embodiment, a decontamination system may include a filtration unit operable to receive an adsorbent and contaminated fluid. The filtration unit may include a filter operable to separate the fluid from the adsorbent and contaminants adsorbed onto the adsorbent. In an embodiment, the decontamination system may further include a recovery unit operable to separate the adsorbent and the contaminants adsorbed onto the adsorbent.

Abstract: A system of water collecting, cleaning, and storing comprises a top-opened water storing container (1), with the wall of which a watertight structure; a collecting well (2) provided in the water storing container (1), which has a lid (6) and has a wall of permeable structure through which water exchange between the water storing container (1) and the collecting well (2) is achieved; filling elements (4) filled between the collecting well (2) and the water storing container (1), on top of which a pervious surface layer (5) is paved.

Abstract: A filter cartridge, which is suitable in particular for purifying dental waste waters, has a housing with three different spatial regions which receive three different filter materials having different filter properties. The first filter material is preceded by a sedimentation space.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water, which may be used in drainage openings in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filtration and means for melting snow may be incorporated. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater. If a hydrocarbon spill occurs, the hydrocarbon absorption media forms a plug which seals off the flow of contaminated water. A hydrocarbon solubilizing material capable of effectively removing sheen in a first pass may be disposed as a top layer over the hydrocarbon absorption media.

Abstract: A filtering system having a housing forming a cavity with a fluid inlet and outlet remote therefrom with a partially porous basket filled with particulate or granular polymer filtering material and the basket surrounded by a bag filter. The housing inlet receives effluent from a strainer. The particulate may be filled in a monofilament polyethylene woven mesh sleeve in the form of a removable cartridge. A pump supplied fluid to be filtered through the strainer and filter housing. The system may be mounted on a wheeled cart for portability; and, in one exemplary version, includes a wastewater reservoir connected to the strainer inlet.

Abstract: A filtering machine (10) for filtering a condensate which includes entrained oily contaminant, the machine (10) including a filter (14) through which the condensate passes from an inlet (17), to a main filter chamber outlet (24), the filter (14) including an exterior housing (15) through which the condensate, in use, passes into a filter interior, and through which filtrate, in use, passes from the filter interior, and the filter interior including a mass of filter material which includes silica-based oleophillic fibres (29).

Abstract: A contaminant adsorption is provided that includes a self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports (SAMMS) on a lattice support structure such as sintered metal wire mesh. Individual wire fibers of the sintered wire mesh may have a film coating of mesoporous material that is functionalized for a target metal. The mesh material is formed into filtration elements with or without particulate filtration media. Systems employing such filtration elements in one or multiple stages are also disclosed with an optional acid was stripping system for regenerating SAMMS and to facilitate reclamation of contaminants that can be refined into usable commercial materials.

Abstract: A filtering system having a housing forming a cavity with a fluid inlet and outlet remote therefrom with a partially porous basket filled with particulate or granular polymer filtering material and the basket surrounded by a bag filter. The housing inlet receives effluent from a strainer. The particulate may be filled in a monofilament polyethylene woven mesh sleeve in the form of a removable cartridge. A pump supplied fluid to be filtered through the strainer and filter housing. The system may be mounted on a wheeled cart for portability; and, in one exemplary version, includes a wastewater reservoir connected to the strainer inlet.

Abstract: A fuel filter having a filter element for filtering out particles and water from a fuel flowing through the fuel filter and having a water drainage unit for conveying filtered-out water out of the fuel filter, in which the water drainage unit is embodied as a stand-alone unit that may be separated from the filter element as needed. Also a semipermeable membrane that is permeable to water rests flat on a support. Alternatively or in addition, the water drainage unit is provided with a porous element for the evaporation of the separated water. In another embodiment two water-permeable semipermeable and hydrophilic membranes are provided. Finally, the filter element is embodied essentially in the form of a hollow cylinder in which at least part of the water drainage unit may be situated on the interior of the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-stage design for a water purification system, with water to be purified first passing through a first stage containing particulate filtration media, and a second stage containing a porous filtration block. The particulate filtration media can be the same as, or different from, material included in the porous block. Either material may be any material that removes contaminants from water by, e.g., absorption, adsorption, ion exchange, sequestration, or other mechanism, or any combination of these.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention relates to a filter media for removal of contaminants from water comprising aluminium coated granular activated carbon and granular zeolite. Another embodiment relates to a method of producing aluminium coated granular activated carbon comprising exposing granular activated carbon to an aqueous solution comprising one or more aluminium salts which is acidified to a pH of between about 5 and about 6.8, removing the aqueous solution and washing and drying the aluminium coated granular activated carbon that is produced. Further embodiments relate to: a filter system for removal of contaminants from water comprising (i) a middle zone comprising granular activated carbon and granular zeolite and (ii) a lower barrier zone comprising screening material, wherein the system allows a flow rate of water there through of from about 0.5 Lsec-1 m?2 to about 10 Lsec?1m31 2; a cartridge containing the filter system and related methods of removing contaminants from water.

Abstract: A method of using a filter and a mop bucket comprises removably installing a filter in a mop bucket; filtering a liquid through the filter to capture dirt in the filter; removing the filter from the bucket; connecting a hose to an outlet on the filter; backflushing clean water through the filter; and removably installing the filter in the mop bucket. The filter comprises a first layer of felt and a second layer of felt with a layer of sand is disposed between the first layer of felt and the second layer of felt. A mop bucket comprises a first compartment and a second compartment where the filter is located in a fluid movement path between the first and second compartments.

Abstract: A waste fluid treating apparatus including a pure water generating unit including an ion exchanger for purifying a fresh water sent by a fresh water pump to obtain a pure water. The ion exchanger includes a housing, an anion exchange resin layer accommodated in the housing, and a mixed resin layer accommodated in the housing. The anion exchange resin layer is composed of only anion exchange resin, and the mixed resin layer is composed of a mixture of anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin. The housing is provided with a fresh water inlet for introducing the fresh water into the anion exchange resin layer and a pure water outlet for discharging the pure water from the mixed resin layer.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a housing comprising multiple housing portions and a plurality of treatment sections disposed within the housing, each treatment section comprising at least one distinct particulate layer. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers. Water may also be force fed through the treatment apparatus; when the water is force fed, the housing portions need not be vertically stacked, but may be configured in any suitable arrangement. The treatment sections are distributed through the various housing portions in logical groups to perform various kinds of filtering. The housing portions are detachable and sealably stackable in multiple configurations, thus passing water through more or fewer treatment layers, depending on the quality of the incoming water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous media-mediated high speed filtration device for easy backwash, wherein the inflow water to be filtered is guided to an upper portion of the high speed filtration device and is filtered by downflow and porous media are backwashed for maintaining optimum filter efficiency by blocking the flow of inflow water and water to be treated after sensing the level of the inflow water or the change in the flux of the water to be treated, supplying backwash water and/or air by upflow through a backwash equipment to separate pollutants in the porous media by the collision and friction between the porous media by flowing of the porous media through the stream of the backwash water, placing the porous media in a stationary location, and discharging the pollutants through a discharge pipe of the high speed filtration device before the pollutants settle. In addition, the present invention comprises a backwash method of the high speed filtration device using porous media.

Abstract: A filter element includes a filter material (10) having individual filter folds (12) folded in a star-like manner. At least one fluid-permeable support element (26) extends at least partially in the space between two adjacent filter folds (12) and/or on the inner peripheral side and/or external peripheral side of the filter folds (12). The support element (26) is provided with filter-active substances or is made of filter-active substances. A certain type of filter auxiliary agent can be obtained which is used to reduce influences of fluid components which reduce the service life, in the form of specific ageing products or in the form of other agents which damage the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for methods and devices for filtering undesired particles from a medium by bonding the undesired particles to attachment particles. In some embodiments, the methods include receiving a plurality of attachment particles into a volume, where the volume contains a plurality of undesired particles and the medium. The method may also include contacting the plurality of attachment particles and the plurality of undesired particles contained in the medium, resulting in formation of bonded particles in the medium. Contacting may result in collisions, causing bonding between some undesired particles and some attachment particles. Some embodiments of the method also include removing at least a portion of the medium and bonded particles from the volume through a filter coupled to the volume with an exhaust, the filter configured to capture the bonded particles while allowing the medium to pass through.

Abstract: A liquid container with an upper opening and a tube-shaped withdrawal chimney is disclosed. The withdrawal chimney extends into the container through the upper opening which has a liquid-permeable zone in the form of a finely-porous flow resistance element in its lower end region such that liquid exchange can take place between the withdrawal chimney and the container inner space which surrounds it via the flow resistance element. A venting groove formed by a radial recess of the casing wall of the withdrawal chimney in its upper region may be provided to ensure adequate venting of the space above the liquid level.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge includes a hollow cylindrical first filter for removing particulates and other foreign matter from the water and comprising an axial space, an open outlet at one end, and a closing cap at the other end; a second filter for filtering chlorine, odor, color, and organic contaminants from the water and disposed in a lower portion of the space, the second filter being a hollow cylinder and comprising an open bottom, an open top, and an axial space; and a cylindrical filtering block for removing microorganisms from the water and disposed between the outlet and the second filter, the filtering block comprising a waterproof layer on an outer surface and a sponge member filled in a space defined by the waterproof layer.

Abstract: A gravity-fed carbon block water filter in one embodiment includes a filter block comprising multiple sub-blocks each comprising filter media walls surrounding and defining a cavity for receiving fluid. Each of the sub-blocks is connected to at least one other of the sub-blocks by filter media of which the filter block is made. In one approach, the filter media includes about 20-90 wt % activated carbon, and about 5-50 wt % binder. In another approach, a lead concentration in a final liter of effluent water filtered by the filter is less than about 10 ?g/liter after about 151 liters (40 gallons) of source water filtration, the source water having a pH of 8.5 and containing 135-165 ppb total lead with 30-60 ppb being colloidal lead greater than 0.1 ?m in diameter. A gravity-fed water filter in other embodiments has no specified shape but achieves a FRAP factor of about 350 or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating radioisotope thallium-201. The device includes an evaporation unit for a solution vial, a first glass vial connected to a first valve and a second valve, an ion exchange column connected to a third valve, a second glass vial connected to a fourth valve and a fifth valve, a collection vial for receiving solution from the fifth valve, a product vial with a membrane filter and a vacuum unit connected to the first valve, the fourth valve and a sixth valve. This device can separate out high-concentration thallium-201 solution from which radioisotope thallium-201 can be obtained.

Abstract: A water treatment system comprises: an oil removal apparatus including a fixed-bed reactor configured to hold an adsorption particles by use of a magnetic unit, the adsorption particles each including a base material containing magnetite, the adsorption particles configured to adsorb oil included in to-be-treated water; a pretreatment apparatus configured to recover the oil from the adsorption particles sent from the oil removal apparatus; and a thermal energy generating apparatus configured to obtain thermal energy from the oil recovered by the pretreatment apparatus.

Abstract: A filtration unit (A) is immersed in raw water (W) that is held inside a reservoir tank, and includes a membrane module (5) that filters the introduced raw water (W). This filtration unit (A) includes a casing (3) which is in the shape of a box having a bottom and includes the membrane module (5) housed therein, and an activated carbon cartridge (4) inside which activated carbon is provided in cartridge form. Inside the casing (3) are provided an intake port that is used to introduce the raw water into the interior of the casing, and an opening/closing device that is installed on this intake port and controls a flow of the raw water into the interior of the casing, and the activated carbon cartridge (4) side and the membrane module (5) side are separated so as to allow the raw water (W) introduced into the interior of the casing 3 to circulate from the activated carbon cartridge (4) side to the membrane module (5) side.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water is disclosed herein. The present invention may be used in drainage openings, particularly in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons such as oil tanks or electrical transformers, to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris and sediment which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filter attachable to the apparatus may be used to further aid in filtering out sediment. A means for melting snow and ice may be incorporated within the filtration compartment such that liquid flow is not hindered during extreme weather conditions. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater.

Abstract: A system for filtering organic molecules from an electrolyte solution, including a feed inlet line adapted to carry a solution with organic molecules, a filter vessel secured to the inlet line, and a pump adapted to introduce dissolved air into the solution in the feed inlet line. The filter vessel is a solvent extraction filter having coalescing media above a solution outlet at the bottom of the vessel and an organic vent outlet at the top of the vessel. The system operates by (a) dissolving air into the solution, (b) inputting the solution with dissolved air into the filter vessel, (c) outletting solution from the bottom vessel outlet to flow solution down through coalescing media, and (d) periodically venting floating organic molecules from the top of the vessel.

Abstract: A filtration unit for the selective elimination of a target substance from a biological fluid comprising an external envelope, wherein the envelope encloses a filtering medium comprising: an upstream structure for eliminating at least the target substance comprising a stack of layers that are arranged to allow the flow of fluid through the layers in one direction comprising a non-woven material, and particles interposed between at least some of the layers, wherein the particles have an affinity for the target substance; and a downstream structure for retaining the particles comprising at least one layer of porous material.

Abstract: A bottle for the creation, storage, administration and dispensing of elemental iodine is disclosed. An amount of crystal iodine is safely housed at the bottom of the bottle. Water is poured into the bottle and contacts with the crystal iodine to form elemental iodine. With the crystal iodine safely secured at the bottom of the housing, the formed elemental iodine maintains contact with the crystal iodine to maintain its stability and extends is shelf life. Several dispensing device are also disclosed for dispensing or administering the elemental iodine, as needed, in order to treat internal and external areas of a human's or animal's body.

Abstract: A water-cleaner includes a bowl, a tank, a tube, a filtering unit, at least one sleeve, a cover, an exhaust unit and a valve. The tank includes an aperture defined in a lower portion. The tank is located on the bowl. The tube includes apertures transversely defined therein. The tube is inserted in the tank. The filtering unit includes filtering bags stacked on one another and located around the tube. Each of the filtering unit includes an exit in communication with related ones of the apertures of the tube. The sleeve is located around the tank and movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the sleeve and the tank together define a space for containing raw water. The cover is located on the sleeve. The exhaust unit is arranged between the sleeve and the cover. The valve is located in the aperture of the tank.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device, system, and process are described that provide a filtered, metal-depleted (treated) fluid. The system includes two pairs of tanks that are piped and valved to allow one pair to fill/react while the other pair decants/discharges, which provides a continuous flow of metal-depleted (treated) fluid. Power requirements are minimal since fluid is pumped at a low head pressure. The design has applications in the potable water, industrial, mining, chemical and environmental sectors.

Abstract: A new device, method, and system are disclosed that provide for removal of undesired materials from a contaminated fluid. Materials present in the fluids are kept in motion in one or more filter cassettes that include disc aerators that improve contact times with the sorbents and that rotate the filter media to pump contaminated water through the filter media for treatment of the contaminated fluids. The device and system provide containment of sorbent fines that keeps the filter media free from clogging.

Abstract: A portable water treatment system includes at least one sub-system to treat water including a flocculation system, a chlorination system, and a bio-sand filter system. The water treatment system may include multiple sub-systems for treating water that feed into one another. The sand filter system may include a mini bio-sand filter, a foam filter, or a pressed block filter. The flocculation system may include a tank bottom that urges settling particles toward a sump and a ladle that removes settled particles. A manual pump or siphon may be included in the water treatment system.

Abstract: A water treatment method is provided for helping to partially or completely remove sodium and methane gas from water. In the method, water is combined with a reactant that is formulated to combine with the sodium in the water and form a compound. The water and compound are then passed through a bed of media for helping to separate the compound from the water. The method also includes aerating the water to release gases contained therein by breaking the water into microdroplets by passing it through a screen. Additionally, the method may include a step wherein the water is passed through an acidic resin for facilitating a cation exchange where additional sodium is removed. A water treatment apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A filter element is formed from a filter material configured to capture a foreign substance in fuel. A lower case is attachable to and detachable from a bottom portion of a housing in a movable direction. The housing and the lower case are configured to accommodate the filter element. The filter element defines a passage extending through the filter element in the movable direction. The passage is configured to accommodate the component. The component is configured to be attached to and detached from the housing together with the lower case when the lower case is attached to and detached from the housing.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for removing selenium from water. Sulfates and organics are first removed to discourage such materials from overwhelming subsequent processing of water to remove selenium.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aqueous solution containing arsenic. The apparatus comprises a container that includes a housing, an inlet located at a first end of the housing and an outlet located at a second end opposite the first end. An outer wall extends between the first and second ends and enclosing a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet and an arsenic fixing agent is disposed in the fluid flow path. The arsenic fixing agent can include an insoluble rare earth-containing compound, more specifically, a compound comprising one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The inlet and the outlet are adapted to be closed during transport and storage. The container is adapted to be sealed for long term disposal after exposure to an aqueous solution containing arsenic.

Abstract: A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”) is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals.

Abstract: A fluid purification system, comprising: a first fluid purification media comprising a rigid porous purification block, comprising: a longitudinal first surface; a longitudinal second surface disposed inside the longitudinal first surface; and a porous high density polymer disposed between the longitudinal first surface and the longitudinal second surface; a second fluid purification media, comprising a fibrous, nonwoven fabric disposed adjacent to the first surface of the first fluid purification media, the second surface of the first purification media, or both.

Abstract: A filter cartridge, which is suitable in particular for purifying dental waste waters, has a housing with three different spatial regions which receive three different filter materials having different filter properties. The first filter material is preceded by a sedimentation space.

Abstract: A method for removing ionic, organic and elemental mercury from aqueous streams such as wastewater streams from hydrocarbon processing. The method comprises four primary removal steps. First, a mercury precipitant is added to the stream to convert dissolved ionic species of mercury water-insoluble form. The majority of these precipitated solids, as well as other forms of particulate mercury, are subsequently removed by means of gas flotation. Following the flotation step, additional particulate and precipitated ionic mercury removal is accomplished with media filtration and finally, activated carbon acts to remove the remaining dissolved ionic mercury species as well as elemental and organic forms of mercury.

Abstract: A method for dispersing an oil additive into an oil passing through a filter, the method including the steps of: filling a first cavity of an additive cartridge with an additive; locating the additive cartridge within a housing of the filter, the additive cartridge being located within a flow path through the filter, the additive cartridge having a second cavity without any additive disposed therein, the second cavity defining a first fluid path through the additive cartridge and the oil must pass through the second cavity in order to exit the filter; and metering the additive through an opening in the additive cartridge, the opening providing a second fluid path into the additive cartridge.

Abstract: A filter for removing soluble, colloidal, and insoluble particles from a fluid, including lead using a first filter media for filtering soluble material from the fluid, a second filter media, adjacent and in fluid communication with, the first filter media, for filtering soluble material from said fluid, wherein the first and second filter media create a physical non-soluble particle barrier at their interface for capturing non-soluble particles, that when retained at the interface, become soluble over time in the fluid, and are subsequently removed by the second filter media. At least one of the filter media can be fibrillated nanofibers that are loaded with finely subdivided media of powdered ion exchange resins. A third filter media may be placed between the first and second filter media to enhance capturing and dissolving the physical non-soluble particles.

Abstract: A stormwater inlet near an upper edge of a layered filter media vessel is equipped with a distribution header that ensures effective use of the surface area of the filter media by providing plural spaced streams of stormwater thereat, each at a point of impact having its energy dissipated by a layer of material that covers the upper layered filter media surface. The stormwater inflow is metered to control the stormwater pollutant removal process kinetics, thereby slowing the mean free path of the stormwater therethrough and optimizing pollutant capture. The water level within the vessel is height adjustable manually by a pivot arm in the form of a standing column of water coupled to the water within the container. Weep conduits are provided to slowly drain down the standing water in the system between storm events, simplifying maintenance and promoting best removal of pollutants from first-flush storm events. Stormwater pretreatment, e.g. by use of an oleophilic agent or a pH-buffering agent, is provided.

Abstract: Personal filtration devices for removable mounting on water discharging spouts in the form of bottlenecks, taps, and the like, for dispensing drinking water for personal consumption. The personal filtration devices preferably include a manually operated open-closed slide valve for correspondingly enabling and disabling dispensing drinking water and hermetically sealing an activated carbon filter media in a sealed environment in its closed position for prolonging the carbon filter media's lifetime. The personal filtration devices are preferably capable of disassembly for rejuvenation purposes, and are removably sealingly slidingly inserted into a sleeve with a resiliently elastic tubular universal adapter for being sealingly slidingly stretched onto water discharging spouts as opposed to screw threaded thereon whereby the universal adapters are capable of being sealingly slidingly stretched onto water discharging spouts of different external diameters.

Abstract: A pump unit includes a reservoir for containing a liquid, a duct system for conveying the liquid, and a pumping section for subjecting the liquid to a pumping force. The initial filling of at least a portion of a duct for conveying the liquid from the reservoir to the pumping section is brought about under the influence of another force other than the pumping force, for example, under the influence of gravity.