Abstract: Means are provided for continuous filtration of foreign matter from a fluid stream, without requiring a discontinuance of filtration to clean filter surfaces. The apparatus alternately directs the fluid to be filtered to one or another of a plurality of filter compartments, each containing a filter medium. Sensing means are provided to sense the condition of filter clogging in the compartments, and diverting means are provided to divert the flow of fluid to a compartment having a relatively clean filter, when a clogging condition is sensed. Thus, the fluid stream is always directed to a filtering compartment having relatively clean filter media therein. Additionally, means are provided for cleaning the filter medium in a compartment not being used.

Abstract: In process for the separation of liquids from suspensions by means of at least one filter layer, on one side of which a suspension is fed and solids accumulate, and on the other side of which separated liquid is carried away, there is given an improved clearing of the feed side filter surface (ZFF) and thus a lengthened operation time until maintenance of the filter layer, through a flow movement (P.sub.1, P.sub.2) in the suspension chamber (SPR) with movement components oscillating in the normal direction in relation to the filter surface (ZFF), preferably through a suspension flow oscillating between filter surfaces (ZFF) lying opposite each other. An apparatus for the separation of liquids from suspensions makes possible such an improved operation through the suspension-drive device (AV.sub.1) with a plurality of surface elements (FE.sub.1, FE.sub.2) in the direction of movement and which can be flowed around transversely thereto (FIG. 5).

Abstract: A disk-filter apparatus in which a filter disk is rotatable about a horizontal axis and lies substantially in a vertical plane to collect filter cakes on opposite sides of the disk. The filter cakes are each treated with a liquid from an array of ducts parallel to the filter cake and from which the liquid is distributed onto the filter cake. The ducts of each array are supplied at least in part through overflow boxes or weirs to control the pressure. The number of openings, spacing of the ducts and opening size are all selected to obtain the most homogeneous distribution of liquid onto the filter cakes that is possible.

Abstract: In a pressure filter for liquid media a plurality of filter elements is supported by a removable hollow cross bar which, when the filter tank is opened, can be removed together with all or groups of the filter elements. The filter element has a flexible filter wall and preferably an outer fine meshed wall and an inner coarse meshed wall.Between the two wall portions a packing material is arranged. Preferably the entire filter element is a flexible tube element. Spray tubes are arranged in the filter tank which are also removable together with their supporting carrier member. The spray elements serve to rinse out the filter cake. This may be done by passing the rinsing agent successively at spaced time periods through individual groups of the filter elements.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for thickening suspensions of fibrous material is shown as having rotating filter elements encased in a filter trough with such filter elements being pairs of filter disks fixed at right angles to a rotary hollow shaft and further defining a chamber as between such filter disks; the chambers are connected through the hollow shaft to a suction head to which down-pipes are linked and in which material outlet shafts are disposed between the pairs of filter disks; turbulence generating means are provided in the filter trough and the filter disks are provided with at least one ejector vane.

Abstract: In a dynamic solids concentrator having a rotor with radially extensive disc-like elements which rotate adjacent other stationary or rotating disc-like elements, stabilizing members are provided along radial edges of the respective elements. In the case of the rotating elements, the stabilizing members are stabilizing fingers which ride within guide members on or guide paths in the inner walls of the concentrator and, in another embodiment, T-shaped stabilizing members whose arms ride on the surfaces of adjacent disc-like elements. In the case of the non-rotating elements, the stabilizng members are stabilizing fingers which ride within the guide members on or guide paths in the concentrators's rotor shaft. The fingers, T-shaped members and their cooperating guides stabilize the relative positions of the disc-like elements within the concentrator under conditions in which pressure differentials within the concentrator or high rotor speeds would otherwise disturb their relative positions.

Abstract: In a dynamic solids concentrator having a rotor with radially extensive disc-like elements which rotate adjacent other stationary or rotating disc-like elements, stabilizing members are provided along radial edges of the respective elements. In the case of the rotating elements, the stabilizing members are stabilizing fingers which ride within guide members on or guide paths in the inner walls of the concentrator and, in another embodiment, T-shaped stabilizing members whose arms ride on the surfaces of adjacent disc-like elements. In the case of the non-rotating elements, the stabilizing members are stabilizing fingers which ride within the guide members on or guide paths in the concentrator's rotor shaft. The fingers, T-shaped members and their cooperating guides stabilize the relative positions of the disc-like elements within the concentrator under conditions in which pressure differentials within the concentrator or high rotor speeds would otherwise disturb their relative positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing matter accumulated on a filter element, rotatable about a central axis, having an arm portion mounted at an angle relative to the radii extending from the central axis of the filter element and in a stationary position relative thereto. The arm portion supports a flexible means for engaging a surface of the filter element as the element is rotated relative to it to frictionally remove the accumulated matter from the surface. The arm and flexible means are preferably curved outwardly toward the periphery of the filter element to facilitate outward removal of matter while maintaining the integrity of the surface of the filter element.

Abstract: Apparatus for concentrating and washing solids in a slurry comprising a housing containing both separation/concentration and washing chambers with an inlet for continuously injecting solids -- containing fluid into the separation chamber wherein a dynamic filtering system is provided for separating the solids -- containing fluid to form a cencentrate of solids and a filtrate. The filtering system includes a plurality of stationary filter elements and a plurality of rotor elements mounted on a rotatable shaft from which they extend outwardly and adjacent the filter elements to form a plurality of alternating rotor and filter elements within the housing. The concentrate washing chamber is disposed downstream of the filtering system and includes a plurality of stationary filter elements and a plurality of rotor elements arranged similarly to the elements in the filtering system.

Abstract: A pressure leaf filter with a pair of sluicing assemblies oscillatable independently of each other to spray sluicing fluid on said leaf elements to remove filter cake. The sluice arms can have fixed or rotatable nozzles. A control means is provided to energize electric or fluid operated motors at predetermined times so that the sprays of the nozzles do not interfere with each other.