With Residue Removal Or Liquid Agitation Patents (Class 210/332)
  • Patent number: 6284135
    Abstract: A membrane filter apparatus includes a membrane unit 50 composed of an array of membrane elements 51 disposed within a treatment tank 31. A skirt element 71 is disposed at a bottom portion of the membrane unit and an aerator 61 is disposed under the skirt. A partition is also disposed at the bottom of the membrane unit forming compartments within the skirt element. The gas bubbles discharged from the aerator increase their rising force upon entry into gaps between the membranes. Because of the arrangement of the partition within the skirt element the flow rate of bubbles along the opposite side edge portions of the membrane unit can be increased having the advantage of cleaning the entire surface of each membrane, thereby preventing clogging by sludge, SS, colloid, etc. within the gaps between the membranes. Therefore, filtration can be maintained over a longer period of time and the power required for filtration can be reduced, as well as, the frequency of manual periodic cleaning, chemical cleaning, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanobu Ookata
  • Patent number: 6284136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning the filter surface (2, 3) of a filter medium in a suction drier. According to the invention, in order to mark the surface to be cleaned, in contact with the surface to be cleaned there is set a sealing surface (4) that forms an essentially closed space for the surface to be cleaned, and that into said closed space, there is conducted cleaning liquid (7) in order to carry out the cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventors: Timo Tuori, Hannu Sekki, Jorma Ihalainen, Pentti Pirkonen, Hannu Mursunen
  • Patent number: 6280626
    Abstract: A membrane separator assembly for separating solids from water includes opposing enclosure wall structures, a membrane module unit, and a gas diffuser disposed below the membrane module unit. The membrane module unit includes a plurality of membrane modules respectively having at least one separating membrane extending between at least two membrane fixing members. At least one of the membrane fixing members has a main passage which is in fluid communication with a membrane passageway. The membrane passageway is accessible to water via permeation through the separating membranes and is inaccessible to solids which are impermeable relative to the separating membranes. The membrane separator assembly is preferably used with a detergent containing percarbonate, preferably sodium percarbonate. The assembly also includes a gas diffuser with two opposing main pipes and branch pipes extending therebetween to avoid undesired pressure differentials when cleaning the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd., Mitshubishi Rayon Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Miyashita, Kenji Honjyo, Osami Kato, Kenji Watari, Takamitsu Takashima, Masanori Itakura, Hiroyuki Okazaki, Ikuo Kinoshita, Noriko Inoue
  • Patent number: 6254774
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for filtering particulate matter from a fluid flow pumped from a coolant pool for a nuclear reactor. The apparatus comprises a large vessel with an interior chamber in which is rotatably supported a turntable in the form of a rigid basket-like support structure on which a large number of disposable filter cartridges are removably secured. Part of the turntable is a manifold assembly for distributing contaminated fluid received from a central conduit to the inlet side of the filter cartridges in the chamber. The vessel serves as a containment for coolant processed through the filters whereby the cleansed coolant may be conducted outwardly from the vessel through an outlet port and piped back to the pool of origin. Gate means are provided on the vessel in the form of normally closed ball valves which allow, during shut-down of the apparatus, extension, into and through the vessel, of tools to manipulate the turntable within the vessel and to accomplish filter cartridge replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: James R. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6251294
    Abstract: A self-regenerating filter unit having a housing which carries an ultrasonic transducer periodically energizable to dislodge caked solids from a filter element in the housing. The removed solids collect in a storage zone where they are periodically removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Judson Davis, Dan Michael Hausermann
  • Patent number: 6221255
    Abstract: A system wherein an ultrasound emitter, or gun, is provided which emits an ultrasound beam directed at filter media, on the opposite side of the filter media from where solids accumulate, in order to knock the solids from the filter media. Dislodged solids from the area targeted by the beam are driven upstream, away from the filter media. Gravity then draws the solids to a drain of a collection chamber, which allows for the solids to be safely removed from the system. A guide is provided upstream of the filter media, the guide having angled slats or vanes. These vanes are angled upwardly towards the filter media and downwardly towards the drain, such that as the solids are blasted from the filter media by the gun, they are jolted upstream, and impact the angled vanes upon their downstream return.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Achyut R. Vadoothker
  • Patent number: 6217781
    Abstract: Slack end filtering tubes with tensioning members are utilized in an improved bump type filter employing a split inlet with an outlet and tube sheet at the lower slack end and a movable anchor plate at the upper end that can apply an adjustable tension to the filter tubes. The lower tube sheet is angled and has varying length connections to a plurality of filters to permit use of filter tubes of equal size. Movement of the anchor plate adjusts the lengths of the tubes by extending or shrinking the tubes to provide tension or relaxation of the tubes. Shaking the relaxed tubes removes accumulated materials to be flushed out. Tensioning of the tubes provides for filtration at the tubes. Slack end filtering tubes with tensioning members are employed in another embodiment to extract filtered liquid. A first set of filters extends outwardly from a vertical wall with a second set of filters resting along the bottom of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Russell B. Hobson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6113778
    Abstract: A pressure plate filter having a filter vessel with an upper cylindrical section and a lowers downwardly tapering conical section. A stack of spaced-apart filter plates is mounted on a support frame within the filter vessel for pivoting about an offset axis between a lowered filtering position in which the filter plates are horizontally arranged within the conical sections to a raised filter cake discharge position in which the filter plates are supported above the conical section in a sloped position. The stack of filter plates is raised and lowered by means of a hoist assembly. In a further embodiment, the filter includes a separation frame which can move relative to the support frame and which causes the filter plates to move apart relative to each other when placed in the raised discharge position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Komline-Sanderson Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. Kemp, John Kemink
  • Patent number: 6103132
    Abstract: A filter cloth for liquid filtration is made as a long-pile fabric, the pile threads 21 of which lie on the flow side and are flattened against the supporting fabric during the filtration and form a deep filter. At the time of back washing they are straightened by the back washing and release the dirt particles. The back washing is performed preferably by means of a suction bar 13, which at the same time acts mechanically on the pile threads, in order to promote an abrupt straightening of the pile threads at the time of back washing and the flattening of the pile threads after the back washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Carl Franz Seyfried, Ulrich Grabbe
  • Patent number: 6027647
    Abstract: A filter housing assuring serial filtration of a liquid through plural filter cartridges and enabling flushing without requiring removal of the filter cartridges. The filter housing has a cap including a liquid inlet, a filtered liquid outlet, a flush liquid outlet, and internal passages. The filter cartridges are held within a canister which is pressed against the cap and constrained against rotation with the cap. A retaining member surrounding and bearing against the canister threads to the cap. The canister is divided into chambers, and has passages in its floor arranged to enable serial transfer of liquid from one chamber to the next. Flushing employs liquid introduced under normal pressure. Passages leading to the flush liquid outlet enable flushing to proceed when the flush liquid outlet is opened. At other times, filtered liquid will pass through passages leading to the filtered liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: Donald A. Northcut, Douglas W. Northcut
  • Patent number: 5951878
    Abstract: A filter cleaning apparatus includes a suction generating assembly having a suction generating nozzle, such as an eductor nozzle. The suction generating nozzle has a nozzle inlet, a nozzle outlet, and a suction port in fluid communication with the filter material. The suction generating assembly also includes a suction member positioned in fluid communication with the suction port and positioned adjacent the influent surface of the filter material. A pump is positioned upstream of the nozzle inlet and in fluid communication, on a suction side, with the filter tank or other liquid source. The pump may be operated to deliver operating fluid from the filter tank so as to pass the operating fluid through the suction generating nozzle in a direction from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet. As a result, liquid in the filter tank is drawn through the filter material in a reverse direction and into the suction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Astrom
  • Patent number: 5925258
    Abstract: A method of separating particulate material suspended in a liquid from that liquid is described. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one upright tubular filter unit having a top end and a lower end; introducing a flow of the suspension into the tubular filter unit at one end thereof; and allowing the suspension to pass through the tubular filter unit trapping particulate material on an inside surface thereof. Apparatus in which the method of the invention is performed is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Water Research Commission
    Inventors: Martin John Pryor, Kevin Treffry-Goatley
  • Patent number: 5919376
    Abstract: An improved filtration system comprises a vessel divided into a concentrate chamber and a permeate chamber by a permeable septum. An ultrasonic wave generator is mounted to the vessel and positioned to direct ultrasonic waves through both the permeate contained in the permeate chamber and the permeable septum. A circulator such as a pump or agitator is operably associated with the concentrate chamber to provide a shearing force on the surface of the permeable septum. A vessel inlet port allows concentrate to flow into the concentrate chamber and a permeate outlet port allows permeate to be withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: CAE Ransohoff Inc.
    Inventor: Lyle Carman
  • Patent number: 5914032
    Abstract: A pressure plate filter having a filter vessel with an upper cylindrical section and a lowers downwardly tapering conical section. A stack of spaced-apart filter plates is mounted on a support frame within the filter vessel for pivoting about an offset axis between a lowered filtering position in which the filter plates are horizontally arranged within the conical sections to a raised filter cake discharge position in which the filter plates are supported above the conical section in a sloped position. The stack of filter plates is raised and lowered by means of a hoist assembly. In a further embodiment, the filter includes a separation frame which can move relative to the support frame and which causes the filter plates to move apart relative to each other when placed in the raised discharge position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Komline-Sanderson Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. Kemp, John Kemink
  • Patent number: 5900142
    Abstract: The process, particularly useful in blood oxygenators, whereby a differential velocity between a fluid and a diffusing surface of hollow tubes by a rotating member such that the boundary layer is perturbed enhancing the coefficient of mass and thermal transfer. The differential velocity is achieved by rotating hollow tubes containing one fluid in a second fluid, or by apposing a rotating member to the surface of the stationary hollow tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventors: James V. Maloney, Jr., Gerald D. Buckberg
  • Patent number: 5900158
    Abstract: A method and apparatus thickens lime mud with a disc filter in such a way that the precoat layer on the filter surfaces of the disc filter can be cleaned. Beneath the scrapers for scraping a dry layer of lime sludge from the precoat layers on the disc filter wires surfaces one or more high pressure nozzles, and optionally a low pressure nozzle, are provided for directing jets of liquid at the precoat layer and wire surface. One high pressure nozzle may remove the precoat layer while another cleans the wire surface, and the nozzles may be reciprocated (with respect to the shaft for rotating the disc filters in a trough). The high pressure jets provide liquid at a pressure of about 30-100 bar, while the low pressure jet pressure is between 2-30 bar and may be utilized continuously, or arrested when the high pressure jets are operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Pekka Ruokolainen, Juha Titoff
  • Patent number: 5858217
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a tube filter device for the filtration of beer.In order to ensure a dependable, simple, time-saving and water-saving purification in a device of this kind, there is an inlet line underneath the tube filter with at least one rotary spray arm having upward directed spray nozzles, wherein the spray nozzles are arranged so that they generate concentric spray circles upon rotation of the spray arm, said circles are located essentially between the tube filters, and that also a drive unit is provided for rotating the spray arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Anton Steinecker Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Simon Redl
  • Patent number: 5830370
    Abstract: The process, particularly useful in blood oxygenators, whereby a differential velocity between a fluid and a diffusing surface of hollow tubes by a rotating member such that the boundary layer is perturbed enhancing the coefficient of mass and thermal transfer. The differential velocity is achieved by rotating hollow tubes containing one fluid in a second fluid, or by apposing a rotating member to the surface of the stationary hollow tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventors: James V. Maloney, Jr., Gerald D. Buckberg
  • Patent number: 5804071
    Abstract: A rotating disc filter for separating coarse phase from a liquid mixture having carrier elements and blocking means that prevent the coarse phase from falling back into the pool of incoming liquid mixture. The capacity of the filter is increased by the prevention of the coarse phase from being filtered again and thereby occupying filter area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Nordic Water Products AB
    Inventor: Roger Haeffner
  • Patent number: 5707517
    Abstract: Rotary disc filtration devices and filtration processes using those devices are disclosed. The devices have one or more fluid filtration gaps into which fluid to be filtered into permeate and retentate is placed. Each fluid filtration gap is defined by a disc and a filter, one of which rotates with respect to the other. The filter is carried on a filter member. The discs and interleaved filter members may be suspended from the top of the device, the top may rest on a vessel containing the fluid to be filtered, the discs may be attached to a single shaft for rotation, and the filter members may be suspended from a sleeve around the shaft, which sleeve keeps the filters centered with respect to the discs. Removal of the device's top removes the discs and filter members together, facilitating maintenance. Each filter member may have a peripheral lip and the lips of adjacent filter members may be sufficiently close to one another to substantially restrict the flow of retentate out of the fluid filtration gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Membrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Rolchigo, Leonard T. Hodgins, Chang W. Jen, Malcolm R. Kahn, Guanghua Yu
  • Patent number: 5681465
    Abstract: In a filtration equipment with a filtrate recovery process, in order to achieve reduction in recovery time of suspension in a tank and allow sludge such as filtration aid to be exfoliated readily from filtration elements and discharged, pressurized water is introduced into the tank which includes tubular filtration elements and a plate element provided at upper and lower locations thereof to recover the suspension as filtrate, and pressurized gas such as air or carbon dioxide is introduced into the tank from the suspension side so that water remaining on the suspension side is discharged from the tank by the pressurized gas, whereafter sludge is exfoliated from the filtration elements and then discharged to the outside of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignees: Sapporo Breweries Ltd., Human Techno Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Takenoya, Katsuoki Kawanishi, Shoji Kawamori, Tsuyoshi Tsubone, Kouhei Kobayashi, Toshimi Zaitsu
  • Patent number: 5674396
    Abstract: The invention refers to a rotary filter with a device for separating a liquid-solid mixture, particularly a pulp suspension, with several separate zones, at least one of which is of variable design. It is mainly characterized by the variable design for the length and/or position of the atmospheric zone and the vacuum zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Franz Wenzl, Wolf Sacherer
  • Patent number: 5656162
    Abstract: A rotating filter including a container (11) for a liquid or suspension to be filtered and a rotor structure (17, 21, 22, 25, 26) being provided at its outer periphery with a filter medium arranged in the shape of at least one circular ring (33) having its center in the rotational axis of the rotor structure and an extension in the radial direction substantially from the outer circumference of the rotor structure. Removal and discharge means (73, 93) is arranged radially outside the outer periphery of the rotor structure, extends substantially thereto along the radial extension of the filter medium and is adapted to remove filter cake material from the filter medium and lead it radially outward towards the radially outer limit of the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Harry Nilsson
  • Patent number: 5620596
    Abstract: A cross-flow filtration apparatus is able to produce cleaner liquid, especially in the filtration of green liquor, then is typically possible. A housing contains a number of vertical filter elements each having a filter surface with first and second sides which are substantially free of filter cake. A higher gas pressure is provided on the first sides of the filter surfaces than the second sides, and filtered liquid passes through the filter surface from the first side to the second side. A first conduit withdraws filtrate from the second side of at least one of the surfaces, and a second conduit withdraws suspension liquid from adjacent the bottom of the filter elements and typically (though not necessarily) recirculates it. Suspension is introduced--such as in a tray with a perforated bottom mounted above the filter elements, and/or the nozzles--so that the suspension flows in a falling film down the first sides and in contact with them, so that filter cake does not form during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Oy
    Inventors: Holger Engdahl, Pekka Tormikoski
  • Patent number: 5618443
    Abstract: A filtering method and apparatus pass the suspension (e.g. green liquor) to be filtered in a falling film down a first side of a filtering surface of a filter element at a different (higher) pressure than a second side, so that due to the pressure difference prevailing across the filtering surface the filtrate flows through the filtering surface and separated solids substantially remain in the suspension, without forming an undesirable solids layer on the filtering surface. A uniform liquid film falling on the filtering surface is generated by recirculating suspension from the bottom of the filter housing to an upper portion of the filter element. Nozzles may direct flow toward the filtering surface in localized areas. The method may be practiced continuously or in batches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Oy
    Inventors: Holger Engdahl, Pekka Tormikoski
  • Patent number: 5580692
    Abstract: Powders suitable as electographic toner and/or carrier particles and other powders which utilize a liquid dispersant are produced by limited coalescence techniques. The dispersant is removed by mixing the suspension of coalesced droplets with a sufficient amount of an extracting liquid to cause the dispersant to diffuse out of the coalesced droplets into the extracting liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kevin D. Lofftus, Alexandra D. Bermel
  • Patent number: 5556535
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the purification of a polluted liquid, especially a washing liquid used at a washing installation, by sucking the polluted liquid and leading it through at least one filter and next leading back the liquid purified thus to a take-off point, whereby the liquid flow carried through the filter is maintained at a substantially constant level. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method comprising a suction line connected to a source of polluted liquid, a discharge line for the purified liquid debouching at a take-off point, at least one filter unit positioned between the suction line and the discharge line, a pump connected therewith in series and a device for limiting the amount of liquid flowing across the filter unit positioned in series with the filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Micro Tec B.V.
    Inventor: N. Van Der Est
  • Patent number: 5552038
    Abstract: Apparatus for pressure drainage of organic sewage sludge, industrial sludge and special waste sludge of varying composition includes a fully automatic sludge conditioning unit for preparing a flocculating agent and a fully automatic sludge feeding unit for a pressure reactor which includes a press plunger reciprocating on filter candles between axial end plates. The press plunger cooperates with a riser pipe situated outside of each end plate and incorporating a motor-driven discharge valve. The riser pipe communicates with a screw conveyor which is mounted to the pressure reactor for further transport of filter cake to a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Muller Umwelttechnik GMBH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Muller, Dirk Herzog
  • Patent number: 5545320
    Abstract: A device for filtering and separating a flow medium by reverse osmosis, microfiltration, ultrafiltration or nanofiltration has a pressure-tight housing with an inlet for the flow medium and a first outlet for the retentate and a second outlet for the permeate. A plurality of stacked units comprised of spacer elements and membrane filter elements is provided. The spacer elements and the membrane filter elements are stacked alternatingly atop one another to form a stack. The stacked units further comprise two receptacle parts forming a receptacle for enclosing a stack of spacer elements and membrane filter elements. The stacked units are positioned adjacent to one another in the housing. The flow medium flows in sequence through the stacked units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: DT Membranfilter Vertriebs GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Heine, Jurgen Mohn
  • Patent number: 5526740
    Abstract: A multi-screw press for dewatering waste materials including a plurality of fixed filtering cylinders and a plurality of revolving filtering cylinders connected to the fixed filtering cylinders are installed within a single outer casing, and a plurality of tapered screws are located within the fixed and revolving filtering cylinders. The screws and the revolving filtering cylinders are driven by a single motor, so that the waste materials within the filtering cylinders are pressed by the screws and dewatered. A pressure adjusting device is located on the outlet of the screw press and is hydraulically driven. Any residue adhering to the filtering cylinders can be effectively washed away by the use of spray tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Young Tae Kim
    Inventor: Chung Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 5451317
    Abstract: A solid-liquid separator for sludge or the like comprising: a treating tank; means disposed in the treating tank for establishing a horizontal flow therein; and a plurality of stages of submerged filter systems arranged in the treating tank sequentially in the direction of the horizontal flow. This horizontal flow is used sequentially in the submerged filter systems so that the power to be consumed for establishing a scavenging flow can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishida, Kiyoshi Izumi, Shuzo Matsumura
  • Patent number: 5403498
    Abstract: This invention provides an automatically controllable water reuse system having, in combination, a) a reservoir for water to be reused, b) a switch for controlling the level of water in said reservoir, c) an electrically powered timing mechanism which controls in a timed relationship filtering and pumping apparatus which can be turned "on" by a water level switch in the reservoir. The timer, pumping, filtering, and valve control combination is timed to provide at least four modes of operation including first and second modes to clean moveable solids from first and second filters, a third mode to pump filtered water for reuse to end points of use, e.g. to a toilet water storage tank or to garden irrigation end points and a fourth mode providing either a rest period before beginning the water pumping, filtering, distribution cycle again or for manual operation of the apparatus to direct the water for reuse to a desired reuse endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Econeco Inc.
    Inventors: Alan P. Morrissey, James E. Bowers
  • Patent number: 5397470
    Abstract: The filter comprises a tubular body (1) provided with fixing flanges (2,3) for a fluid pipe. An upstream distributing plate (4) is perforated with orifices and extended by sockets (5) which are engaged in the up-stream ends of filtering elements (6). These elements (6) extend axially inside of the body (1). The filter comprises in its downstream part a collector (12) provided with bevelled tubes (13) which are engaged in the down-stream ends of the filtering elements (6). This collector (12) is continued by an elbow (11) which is followed by a single flush branching (7) opening laterally outside of the body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Charles Doucet
  • Patent number: 5397465
    Abstract: A filter including one or more regenerative plates which can be moved along the surfaces of filter grids to simultaneously create turbulence and physically dislodge a filter media cake within the filter by use of an externally extending driver rod, so as to regenerate the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Jacuzzi Inc.
    Inventor: Howard M. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5374360
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a filter apparatus of the type having an atmospherically vented tank, a rotatable filter frame in the tank having filter material thereon providing one or more filter effluent compartments on the filter frame. An influent line supplies liquid containing suspended solids to the tank and a filtered effluent outlet communicates with the filter effluent compartment, and a spray wash device including spray nozzles is operable during a wash cycle to direct high pressure liquid spray at a side of the filter material on the filter frame in a spray zone. An air tight hood is mounted inside the tank and extends above the upper periphery of the filter frame to an open lower end below the spray zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Weis
  • Patent number: 5368751
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a filter press which includes a plurality of filter units arranged in tandem. Each unit has a filter plate and filter elements in the form of sheets at either side. Adjacent filter elements of adjacent units form pairs of elements. A working fluid containing liquid and solid components to be separated is charged at positions in between pairs of elements. The liquid filters through the elements into the plates to be exhausted. The solids build up in cakes intermediate the elements of the respective pairs. Each pair of elements is resiliently suspended from an eccentric rotor or shaft. When the cakes are to be dislodged, the press is opened, the units being parted. Rotation of the shaft cyclically slackens the filter elements and snaps them taut, thereby dislodging the cakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter H. Glendinning
  • Patent number: 5350526
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus specifically intended for removing particulate contaminants from commercial laundry waste water has at least one porous mesh-like filter bag coupled between an inlet manifold for receiving waste water containing particulate contaminants and an outlet manifold for discharging the particulate contaminants separated from the waste water. The filter bag is agitated by a paddle, so as to prevent the mesh-like material of the filter bag from being clogged. Also disclosed is a method for filtering waste water containing particulate contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: James P. Sharkey
    Inventors: James P. Sharkey, Richard Bonasera
  • Patent number: 5279734
    Abstract: A filtration system for use in a settling tank includes a star shaped filter having equally spaced radial panels with the filter septums forming the downwardly extending sidewalls of each panel or compartment. The framework of the filter allows radial removal of the filter septums for cleaning and maintenance. A unique pressurized wet seal seals the filter to a clean liquid vacuum delivery duct and can also seal the system pump in the settling tank to the vacuum duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Inventor: Barry A. Nehls
  • Patent number: 5228993
    Abstract: A cleanable filter system including a housing defining an inlet for fluid to be filtered and an outlet for filtered fluid, a stack of filter disks disposed within the housing and defining an upstream surface communicating with the inlet and a downstream surface communicating with the outlet and filter disk cleaning apparatus including a plurality of nozzles coupled to a source of backflushing fluid and providing a high pressure stream of fluid impinging on the downstream surface, and apparatus for providing both linear and rotational motion of the plurality of nozzles relative to the downstream surface thereby to result in systematic scanning of generally all of the filter disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Mordeki Drori
  • Patent number: 5228987
    Abstract: A system for clarifying liquids, having particular utility in dry cleaning operations. The system includes a filter apparatus which includes a plurality of axially spaced filter elements each having a high pressure side through which unclarified liquid is directed and upon which solids in the unclarified liquid accumulate and a low pressure side in communication with a liquid outlet of the filter apparatus. A liquid agitating impeller is disposed between respective adjacent pairs of the filter elements for defining a predetermined spacing between the filter elements and for creating liquid turbulence and agitation between the filter elements in response to rotation of a common shaft upon which the filter elements and impellers are mounted for effecting substantially complete removal of accumulated solids on the high pressure sides of the filter elements without movement between the impellers and filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Hydro-Tek, Inc.
    Inventor: Kostas S. Arvanitakis
  • Patent number: 5221469
    Abstract: A filtration system for use in a settling tank includes a star shaped filter having equally spaced radial panels with the filter septums forming the downwardly extending sidewalls of each panel or compartment. The framework of the filter allows radial removal of the filter septums for cleaning and maintenance. A unique pressurized wet seal seals the filter to a clean liquid vacuum delivery duct and can also seal the system pump in the settling tank to the vacuum duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Hydroflow, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry A. Nehls
  • Patent number: 5207903
    Abstract: A modular filter drain assembly for a duplex filter having two upright filter canisters each containing a plurality of replaceable cylindrical filter elements includes a sump base pan, liquid impervious, with sides walls embracing the lower portion of the filter canisters and of the entire drain assembly; a stand outboard of each of the filter canisters, each of the stands having vertical legs at corners, a top drain pan near an upper end of the legs and supported thereby, a filter element support pan intermediate the top drain pan and the sump pan, and a platform extending between the stands. The top drain pan has filter element receiving passages near the platform and a drain passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Melbourne F. Giberson
  • Patent number: 5192456
    Abstract: An activated sludge treating apparatus for use in treating wastewater, such as gray water and sewage. A plurality of filter membrane modules are vertically arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals within a treating tank. The water to be treated which is stored in the treating tank is separated into solid and liquid by the filter membrane modules, and water that has passed through the filter membrane modules is extracted as treated water. An agitating device is disposed at a level below the filter membrane modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishida, Yutaka Yamada, Kiyoshi Izumi, Masashi Moro
  • Patent number: 5149449
    Abstract: In a method for filtering a suspension through a stationary filter having a vertical filter element arranged in a pressure vessel and for re-conditioning the filter after filtering, the filtrate is discharged from the bottom of the filter element during the main part of the filtering. After filtering, unfiltered suspension is discharged in a known manner from the pressure vessel later to be returned to the suspension inlet. Thereafter, back-wash is performed with another medium other than filtrate, an outlet for material deposited on the filter element being opened for removal of said material together with the back-washing medium. Preferably, before back-wash, drying of the material deposited on the filter element takes place by means of a gas medium circulating within the filtering plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventors: Kent Strid, Rolf Oswaldsson
  • Patent number: 5085771
    Abstract: A liquid filter comprising a casing having a feed pipe, at least a drain pipe and at least a flushing pipe respectively fastened at different level positions, at least a circular filter and at least a rotary wire brush device. Feeding liquid which is pumped through the feed pipe along the inner wall into the casing is induced by the drain pipe and stirred by the wire brush device to rotate inside the casing permitting the mid-stream of the rotating liquid to penetrate through the circular filter. The filter has a smooth, elastic, convex outer surface which prevents fibrous or other debris from attaching thereto, form mid-stream osmosis filtration effect under straining rotation fluid at constant flowing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: Tien-Hung Huang
  • Patent number: 5076919
    Abstract: A self-cleaning vacuum head is disclosed which has the ability to discriminate between particles of different size, or the ability to separate fluids from particulate matter. The invention has two relatively moving surfaces which provide a changing locus of vacuum so that particles drawn against the surfaces are later separated therefrom. An oil spill clean-up system is also disclosed utilizing the self-cleaning vacuum head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Fraser Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen C. Francisco, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5062965
    Abstract: The filtration apparatus comprises a bundle of porous filtering elements (12) which are disposed over a certain length of a casing (2) and over a substantial part of its cross-section, and at least one assembly of ultrasonic transducers (15) disposed in at least one cross-sectional plane of the casing regularly spaced at its periphery. Each of the transducers is placed within an opening passing through the casing in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the casing. Ultrasonic waves are emitted within the casing in the direction of the bundle of filtering elements in a zone delimited by a cone, the axis of which extends in a direction perpendicular to the filtering elements and the vertex of which is located in the vicinity of the wall of the casing. The particles torn out by the ultrasonic waves from the filtering elements are recovered by an evacuation conduit (8). The invention is applicable, in particular, to the treatment of fluid used in the nuclear industry, and of other dangerous products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignees: Framatome, Bertin & Cie
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Bernou, Frederic Dufau, Isabelle Geahel, Jean Hache
  • Patent number: 5041165
    Abstract: The disclosed cleaning method is carried out using a pressure vessel containing a cleaning liquid pumped out of the pressure vessel and into a dirty tank. Cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants are sucked up from the dirty tank by a partial vacuum created above the cleaning liquid within the pressure vessel. Solids and cleaning liquid are pumped from the pressure vessel at a first rate and are separated by a solids separator with the cleaning liquid being centrifuged to remove fine solids and then collected in a makeup tank. Cleaning liquid from the makeup tank is pump into the dirty tank at a second rate, less than the first rate. Excess liquid in the makeup tank is sucked back into the pressure vessel. A phase separator, mounted beneath the suction inlet, speeds the separation and concentration of solids, liquids and gases/vapors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: William G. Urbani
  • Patent number: 5017241
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning filter elements that are vertically positioned within a filter vessel that has a tube sheet dividing the filter vessel into a lower filter compartment and an upper plenum compartment. A fixed volume of backwash liquid is rapidly directed from the plenum compartment above the tube sheet through the filter elements into the filter compartment that has been drained of liquid. The rapid movement of the backwash liquid is a result of a pressure differential between the plenum compartment and the filter compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: The Graver Company
    Inventor: Leo Ryan
  • Patent number: 5006236
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating contaminants from contaminant entrained flows including an inclined longitudinally extending filtering trough with a floating conveyor disposed therein, the trough having a lower inlet and upper outlet and being pivotally mounted intermediate its extremities relative a sump so that the lower portion of the trough extends into the sump with the conveyor driven at its lower extremity from a power source adjacent the pivot area and in spaced relation from the trough outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Hallco Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank M. Croket