Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning a fuel storage tank are disclosed. One system includes a plurality of filter elements mounted within a portable housing, and a hose in fluidic connection to at least some of the filter elements, the hose extendable from the portable housing and into an interior of a fuel storage tank, the hose having a nozzle including an inlet. The system also includes a pump in fluidic connection with one or more of the filter elements and configured to draw contents of the fuel storage tank into the hose and forward the contents through the one or more filter elements. The system further includes a video camera configured to capture video images of the interior of the fuel tank in an area proximate to the nozzle of the hose during cleaning.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus for use in a system containing a gas or liquid to be decontaminated. The apparatus has at least one housing for a filter that removes contaminants from a gas or liquid which include biologics and chemicals. The housing contains an inlet portion and an outlet portion in association with valves for closing or regulating the flow of gas or liquid to be decontaminated by the filter. A differential pressure gauge is optionally provided to monitor the pressure in the housing and to indicate when the filter should be replaced. One or more housings can be used for the apparatus. The apparatus is useful for securing water systems, gas delivery systems, and vacuum systems.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering liquids, comprising flat membrane pockets arranged parallel and means for pressure-tight connection of the membrane pockets to one another and for coupling an extraction means. The membrane pocket includes a drainage element, which is joined surface-to-surface to two membranes and is enclosed in a pressure-tight manner at the edge. Adjacent membrane pockets are connected to one another and to the extraction means via one or more outflow bores and associated lines. The outflow bores are arranged in such a way that the transmembrane differential pressure drops only slightly over the surface of the membrane pocket.

Abstract: A method and a device to increase the efficiency of dialysis for the removal from blood of substances that are more or less tightly bound to carriers such as albumin. According to the invention this is accomplished by a simultaneous significant increase of the flow rate of the dialysis fluid and of the area of the membrane that separates the blood from the dialysis fluid, compared to conventional dialysis.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system for filtering oils and/or emulsions including one or more filtering devices comprising stacked filtering elements configured to filter oils and/or emulsions, one or more tanks configured to hold oils and/or emulsions, and one or more pumps configured to pump oils and/or emulsions.

Abstract: A continuously operating magnetic particle separating machine includes an inlet for receiving a material having magnetic particles mixed therein, an outlet for discharging the material after the magnetic particles have been separated therefrom, a first flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, a first magnetic element positionable in the first flow path, a second flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a second magnetic element positionable in the second flow path. The separating machine includes a control system including a diverter valve switchable between a first position for directing the material through the first flow path and a second position for directing the material through the second flow path, whereby the switching frequency of the diverter valve is responsive to a concentration of the magnetic particles in the material.

Abstract: The invention is directed generally to a porous and durable ceramic filter monolith coated with one or more rare earth-containing compositions for removing contaminants from a fluid, particularly for removing one or more contaminants from water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sealing disk drive housing castings and the resulting housings. More specifically, as sealant is transferred between a sealant storage tank and an autoclave, the sealant is filtered to remove debris or other impurities from the sealant. By filtering a sealant, multiple casting treatment cycles can be performed using the same sealant without the quality of the sealant suffering.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange water purification system. It employs a combination of electronically controlled process steps and specific systems configurations to duplicate the effects of moving resin beds from one operating position to another as is required in moving bed ion exchange water purification systems. The invention combines features of single fixed bed ion exchange systems with those of a moving bed system. The invention applies to the treatment of water having typical industrial and drinking water concentrations of various ions.

Abstract: A method and a device to increase the efficiency of dialysis for the removal from blood of substances that are more or less tightly bound to carriers such as albumin. According to the invention this is accomplished by a simultaneous significant increase of the flow rate of the dialysis fluid and of the area of the membrane that separates the blood from the dialysis fluid, compared to conventional dialysis.

Abstract: A large scale membrane separating installation wherein a cleaning chemical liquid flows to membrane units through a header and branch pipes. A cleaning chemical liquid distribution unit comprises the header and the branch pipes having a diameter smaller than that of the header. The cleaning chemical liquid distribution unit comprises a pipeline configuration uniformly distributing the cleaning chemical liquid supplied to the membrane units.

Abstract: A system for removing sediment from water is disclosed. The exemplary embodiments described herein disclose a system comprising a filter chamber, having a deck positioned inside to divide it into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The deck may have a plurality of holes to hold filtration elements and also may have a ridge or a skirt or both. An inlet line may be tangentially connected to the filter chamber and introduce influent liquid into the filter chamber below the deck and outside of the skirt.

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

Abstract: A method for in-line preparation of liquid for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus that makes provision for placing a filter in correspondence with each of two successive filtration stations, for carrying out a liquid preparation cycle, for removing the filter, which operates in correspondence with a first filtration station, for placing in correspondence with the first filtration station the filter that operated in correspondence with the second filtration station, for placing a new filter in correspondence with a second filtration station and for launching a new sterile liquid preparation cycle. The invention also provides a device for implementing the described method and an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, which incorporates this device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crossflow filter membrane comprising an active layer whose size is equal to or greater that 1 mm. Said crossflow filter membrane makes it possible to simultaneously carry out a crossflow filtration along a surface and a deep-bed filtration in the membrane depth. A connecting element for connecting module pads, a method for producing said connecting element and a crossflow filtering module are also disclosed. The connecting element supported by a filter pad surface on the side of unfiltered fluid closes an unfiltered fluid area for preventing a filtrate flowing and is provided with at least one closure element positively connectable to at least one other connecting element.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for continuous filtering of particles out of a contaminated liquid by means of a number of separate filtering units (14) in order continuously to feed purified liquid to a consumer. Each filtering unit (14) comprises a rotatable, perforated drum (16) with a particle-catching filter means (18) on the outer surface of the drum. A first predetermined degree of coating with particles is created on the filter means of the drums, and purified liquid inside all the drums of the filtering units (14) except at least one, which is kept inactive in a standby state by shutting off the associated pump (26), is then fed to a consumer. The feed of purified liquid from a drum to the consumer is interrupted when a second predetermined, higher degree of coating with particles has been reached on the filter means on an individual drum, at least one filtering unit kept in standby state being activated as replacement for the filtering unit(s) from which the feed of purified liquid has been interrupted.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange water purification system. It employs a combination of electronically controlled process steps and specific systems configurations to duplicate the effects of moving resin beds from one operating position to another as is required in moving bed ion exchange water purification systems. The invention combines features of single fixed bed ion exchange systems with those of a moving bed system. The invention applies to the treatment of water having typical industrial and drinking water concentrations of various ions.

Abstract: A mechanism for introducing pressurized air into an extracting cartridge comprises an air pump, an on-off valve, and a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure within the extracting cartridge. The on-off valve is turned on in order to introduce the pressurized air into the extracting cartridge. When the internal pressure detected by the pressure sensor has become equal to a predetermined pressure range for a pressurization upper limit, the on-off valve is turned off in order to confine the area within the extracting cartridge in the pressurized state, the pressure being thereby exerted upon a sample liquid, a washing liquid, or a recovery liquid having been injected into the extracting cartridge.

Abstract: A bypass oil filter system, and a method of installing same, for a vehicle having an engine compartment, an oil lubrication system having a full flow oil filter attached to a free flow oil filter mount and an oil intake line having an oil filler cap comprising, a bypass filter, means to mount the bypass filter in the engine compartment, a sandwich adaptor placed between the full flow oil filter and the full flow oil filter mount, hose means to direct a portion of the oil from the oil lubrication system to the bypass filter and hose means to pass the oil from the bypass filter through the oil filler cap to the oil intake line.

Abstract: A filtration assembly for filtering polymer fluids at varying flow rates includes at least two filter housing assemblies releasably attached to a filter support or main block. Polymer fluid is delivered to the filter housing assemblies via an inlet passage in the main block, and filtered polymer fluid is transported from the filter housing assemblies to an outlet passage in the main block. One end of each filter housing assembly is attached to the main block and includes an inlet port for receiving polymer fluid from the inlet passage and an outlet port for delivering filtered polymer fluid to the outlet passage. A single valve disposed on the main block selectively alternates fluid flow between the main block and each filter housing assembly.

Abstract: A filter assembly is disclosed for use in connection with the filtration of products transported via pipelines, including high pressure gas pipelines. The disclosed filter assembly is comprised of a plurality of filter modules, a series of valves, inlet and outlet ports, connective piping, and spool pieces. The filter assembly will temporarily redirect flow from the pipeline, through one or more filter assemblies, and back into the original pipeline a short distance downstream from the original takeout point. If flanged connections are not readily available for a particular section of pipeline, the filter assembly can be connected to virtually any section of pipe through “hot tapping” technology, which allows a valve to be placed on an active and pressurized section of pipeline.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous blood filtration apparatus capable of filtering a plurality of blood samples continuous by using blood filter units to prepare plasma or serum samples in a short period, which comprises, a conveyor conveying a plurality of blood reservoirs each of which contains a blood sample and in which a suction nozzle of a blood filter unit has been put, a manifold connected to a suction line, couples of a valve and a connector for connecting the manifold to the blood filter unit provided on the end of each branch of the manifold, and a mechanism of moving the blood reservoirs in vertical direction.

Abstract: A filter system employing a modular filter and at least one high rate pre-treatment system for expeditiously and effectively filtering water. The modular filter includes a reservoir housing for containing fluid. A plurality of filter cells are disposed in the reservoir housing for filtering influent passed through the reservoir housing. Each of the plurality of filter cells has at least one layer of media. A moveable backwash assembly is provided for sequentially backwashing the plurality of filter cells. The backwashing procedure is performed on the modular filter system such that while one of the plurality of cells is being backwashed the remaining cells are filtering pre-treated influent processed by the pre-treatment system. The pre-treatment system preferably has a footprint considerably smaller than the footprint of the modular filter.

Abstract: A filter module assembly utilizes a priority valve installed in a manifold to allow for continuous filtration of hydraulic fluid up to a predetermined flow value and diverts occasional high flow to a secondary circuit. This arrangement provides both a low pressure drop at a high flow condition and structural integrity (1,000,000 impulse cycles from 0 to 6000 psi) while at the same time may reduce the weight by as much as 50% from a conventional design approach.

Abstract: A system (11) for providing purified water comprises a plurality of individual modules, each of which includes a separable head (13) and a canister (17), which modules are joined one to another via these heads to create a composite manifold (15). The heads and canisters are respectively of substantially identical construction, and the hollow canisters include the following units: preheater, prefilter (25), pump (27), membrane purification (29), postfilter (31), and UV treatment. The overall system is monitored by a control unit (131) that is regularly interrogated by an off-site, headquarters computer, and both the control unit (131) and the headquarters computer are proactive in detecting potential difficulties that may be able to be readily remedied by promptly dispatching a serviceperson with a replacement for the canister containing the operating unit that requires replacement.

Abstract: A switchable fuel filter assembly with alternate fuel paths which carry fuel, respectively, through alternate fuel filters depending on the position of a valve member.

Abstract: A replaceable cartridge type dual stage bypass valve is used in dual filter multi-media filtration assemblies. The cartridge may be selected and easily replaced to meet the various combinations and requirements of the dual filter elements (primary and secondary). The individual bypass valves that form the dual stage bypass valve may each be responsive to a predetermined increase of pressure due to a clogged filter condition. The individual bypass valves may use replaceable coil springs. The spring force of the coil spring is determined by the pressure differential to be resisted, i.e., the resistance to be offered by the spring action of the spring, and the flow capacity at a given pressure differential.

Abstract: A filter module assembly utilizes a priority valve installed in a manifold to allow for continuous filtration of hydraulic fluid up to a predetermined flow value and diverts occasional high flow to a secondary circuit. This arrangement provides both a low pressure drop at a high flow condition and structural integrity (1,000,000 impulse cycles from 0 to 6000 psi) while at the same time may reduce the weight by as much as 50% from a conventional design approach.

Abstract: A filtration assembly for filtering polymer fluids at varying flow rates includes at least two filter housing assemblies releasably attached to a filter support or main block. Polymer fluid is delivered to the filter housing assemblies via an inlet passage in the main block, and filtered polymer fluid is transported from the filter housing assemblies to an outlet passage in the main block. One end of each filter housing assembly is attached to the main block and includes an inlet port for receiving polymer fluid from the inlet passage and an outlet port for delivering filtered polymer fluid to the outlet passage. A single valve disposed on the main block selectively alternates fluid flow between the main block and each filter housing assembly.

Abstract: A pumping arrangement, for example for liquid chromatography, comprises a first liquid reservoir at a first height level, connected via a first hydraulic path to a pumping means; a second liquid reservoir at a second height level, connected via a second hydraulic path to the pumping means; and filtration devices arranged in the first and in the second hydraulic path. Each filtration device comprises an outer member (1) forming a first chamber (6), and an inner member (2) arranged within the outer member and forming a second chamber (5). The inner member (2) is porous and acts as a filter for liquid flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber. The arrangement ensures efficient filtering and prevents undesired backflow of liquid.

Abstract: The invention recites a filter including a plurality of filter cells, each filter cell including a bottom surface and at least one side surface and defining a maximum influent level. The filter also includes a distribution box including a base and at least one wall, the base and wall at least partially defining a distribution region therein. The distribution box is supported such that the base is at or below the filter cell maximum influent level. The filter further comprises a plurality of drop pipes, each pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end of each pipe is in fluid communication with the distribution region, and extends above the base of the distribution box. The second end of the pipe is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of filter beds.

Abstract: A filter system in which a housing and an environmentally friendly filter cartridge are coordinated to provide ease of change of the filter cartridge and reliable operation. The cartridge contains no metal parts and is readily incinerateable. The housing is provided with a number of “universality” features including a changeable bottom which allows the housing to operate as a fuel filter, a lubrication filter, or a hydraulic filter in different applications. The housing and cartridge are configured to provide support for the plastic elements of the cartridge to prevent crushing of the filter under normal and abnormal filter operating conditions. A key system associated with the cartridge and the housing provides assurance that the correct filter is installed for a particular application.

Abstract: A separation apparatus, in particular intended for separation of amalgam from water, includes a pre-settling chamber, a distribution chamber and a fine settling zone. The fine settling zone includes a plate package, with a plurality of plates fixed with spacing, forming settling channels. The plates can be machined so that they are provided with a large number of fine bumps and recesses.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a process for producing synthetic hydrocarbon products in a reactor. The focus of the present invention is on a novel filtering system for separating synthetic hydrocarbon products from catalyst within the reactor. The filtering system of the present invention could also be used for a variety of similar processes where it is desirable to separate a solid from a liquid within the solid/liquid mixture. Finally, the present invention discloses a novel filter and a method for making the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of fluid mixtures into a permeate and a retentate comprises separation modules each having fluid containment chambers stacked therein. Each fluid containment chamber is defined by a pair of selectively permeable membranes having their active surfaces facing inwardly toward one another, with a gasket sandwiched therebetween in sealing engagement with each membrane. A channelled support plate is positioned adjacent to the outside surface of each membrane. The channels in the support plates fluidly communicate with a housing, thereby allowing negative pressure from the housing to be brought into direct contact with the outside surface of each selectively permeable membrane. The fluid mixture is pumped into each fluid containment chamber at one end and moves across the active surfaces of the membranes toward a retentate receiver positioned at the opposite end. In doing so, permeate is drawn out through both membranes into the channels and the housing.

Abstract: A liquid filtration device having a backwashing feature in which liquid flow through the device is reversed with a plate being rotated under the filtration cartridges to allow reverse liquid flow into the individual filtration cartridges to produce the backwashing action.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering apparatus, the operation of which is based on alternating filtering and flushing stages. The apparatus comprises one or several filter elements placed into a filter housing supported by a casing, the filter housing being provided with an inlet assembly for the liquid flow to be filtered, an outlet assembly for the filtered liquid flow, and a channel for flushing the filter elements with air. Further, the filter housing is arranged to be prefilled with liquid before the next filtering stage is initiated after the flushing. According to the invention, a filling channel is directed into the filter housing through the casing, the channel being provided with a valve, which closes the channel at the same time as the filter housing is opened, for example, for changing the filter elements. Closing may be automatic.

Abstract: A filter device for filtering hydraulic fluid includes first and second subelements 40, 42 within a filter housing having separate inflows 20, 24 thereto for the respective subelements and a common outflow 22. The first subelement has a higher filter fineness than the second subelement. Several bypass configurations are taught and include: (i) a bypass line 28 for bypassing the second subelement by drawing fluid directly from the supply 95; (ii) a bypass valve 116 (FIG. 3) for bypassing the first subelement; and (iii) a bypass valve 151 (FIG. 5) for connecting the first subelement inflow 20 with the common outflow 22. The device is compact, has an easy-to-service arrangement, and ensures protection of a hydraulic pump and highly stressed hydraulic components.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes at least two filter chambers that are alternately impinged upon through the activation of a reversing valve, a manually operated reversing lever, a compensation valve which can be activated for pressure compensation between the filter chambers, and a detent device to enable the reversing valve to be activate in dependence on the activation of the compensation valve. The reversing lever is configured in the form of a two-armed pivoted lever mounted on the reversing valve so that it can pivot such that the lever arm facing away from the handle part of the reversing lever activates the compensation valve during the pivoting movement. The second lever arm forms the handle part and moves the detent device out of its locking position and into the release position enabling the activation of the reversing valve.

Abstract: A combined hot gas cleanup system and gas separation unit is contained within a single pressure vessel. Preferably, the combined unit is an integral structure that is retrofittable to replace existing candle filters in their installed holders. The integral unit can be replaced to adapt the combined system for different applications.

Abstract: A method for switching filters on-line while continuously supplying a fluid to a downstream operation such as a photographic product coating device comprising transmitting the fluid to a filter selection valve having a first flow path therethrough to a first filter and a second flow path therethrough to a second filter; flowing the fluid through the first flow path and through the first filter to a filter diverter valve having a first fluid from the first filter to the downstream operation, a second fluid path from the second filter to the downstream operation, a third fluid path from the first filter to a drain, and a fourth fluid path from the second filter to the drain; directing the fluid through the first fluid path; determining when the first filter will soon become inoperable; opening the second flow path through the filter selection valve and opening the fourth fluid path through the filter diverter valve; closing the fourth fluid path after the fluid has flowed through the second filter but prior to

Abstract: An industrial, e.g. power plant cooling, water extraction framed cartridge filter system is disclosed with a holed fabric type medium to filter debris from the power plant cooling water. The fabric type filter medium is comprised a one or more strength meshes of nylon or another strong fiber and an inner polypropylene or polyester medium with small holes. The size of the frame and the number and arrangement of the holes are arranged to supply a volume of filtered water consistent with the needs of the application at the typical pressures found therein. For a power plant, a system of many cartridges may be used to provide the total cooling/replacement water needs. Compressed air is introduced into the bottom interior of the cartridges and released via a valve at the top. The compressed air mechanically disturbs the filter medium to knock off any debris that may have attached to the filter medium surface and air escaping via the small holed in the filter may attach to and float small pieces of debris away.

Abstract: A filtration system includes a magnetic drum for removing ferrous shavings and a dual canister filter unit equipped with replaceable filter bags. This palletized system may be plugged into most machine tools to filter the shavings-laden coolant to remove the metal shavings, tramp oil, sludge and dirt from liquid coolant to extend its useful life and minimize or eliminate down time.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning fluid. In one embodiment of the present invention, there is an apparatus which comprises two filters and an electrically actuatable switching valve. Fluid provided to the apparatus may be routed to either filter by the switching valve. A controller positions the valve to provide fluid to a particular filter based on a measurement of pressure downstream of the filter, provided that the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined level. Further, the invention includes proximity switches by which the controller can determine the coupling or uncoupling of a filter from the body. Various fuel heaters are provided for heating the fuel.

Abstract: A unit 1 for producing pyrogen controlled water on a small to medium factory scale comprises a number of charged ultrafiltration units 10 arranged in parallel. Orifice plates 15 are used to restrict and control the flow of deionized water to each filter 10. The filter units 10 are mounted on a frame 2 with a wheeled chassis 3 which may be pushed or moved by a forklift truck to a site where pyrogen controlled water is required. The unit 1 has an inlet line 4 for connection to a supply of deionized water and an outlet line 6 for connection to a user of pyrogen controlled water. The unit 1 may be purged with nitrogen from a supply 18. Sampling ports 17 in a common supply inlet 4 and a common outlet 6 ensure that the filtration efficiency can be closely monitored. The flow of water is monitored by a flowmeter 19 and pressure sensors 16 upstream of each filter facilitate a high level of control.

Abstract: A device for producing a permeate from a concentrate has a separating chamber and a filter membrane dividing the separating chamber into a concentrate chamber and a permeate chamber. An inlet line is connected to the concentrate chamber and introduces the concentrate into the concentrate chamber. A concentrate line is branched off the concentrate chamber and has a control valve. A permeate line is branched off the permeate chamber. An accumulator is connected to the permeate line. A non-permeable separating membrane divides the accumulator into a storage chamber and a pressurized chamber, wherein the storage chamber is connected to the permeate line and the pressurized chamber is connected to the control valve of the concentrate line. The control valve is a jet nozzle and has a jet head, wherein the concentrate line opens into the jet head.

Abstract: An assembly for automatically and continuously purifying a polluted fluid P includes a main separator 1, a secondary separator 2 having a centrifuge 21 and filter 22 therein, and a backwashing device 11. In operation, the backwashing device returns a fraction of purified fluid E1 to backwash the main separator. The resulting backwashing fluid F is then delivered to the secondary separator via a multi-port valve V where the backwashing fluid is centrifuged and/or filtered to remove impurities therefrom.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a dual manifold filtering system. The dual manifold filtering system of the present invention, unlike the currently available filtering systems, allows the filter elements to be cleaned from both ends of the filter elements during backwashing operations. A flow restriction device is also placed in the grid main channel of the filter elements to force more of the liquid to flow out radially from the grid main channel during backwashing. Valve and piping means are provided to enable liquid to be directed into one or the other manifold during backwashing operations.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane module comprises a spiral wound membrane element including a separation membrane having high back pressure strength. In filtration running, raw water introduced from a raw water inlet of a pressure vessel is subjected to dead end filtration, and permeate is taken out from a permeate outlet. In washing, wash water containing a chemical having a contaminant separating function is introduced from an end of a water collection pipe through the permeate outlet for performing back wash reverse filtration with a back pressure of 0.05 to 0.3 MPa. The filtration running is temporarily stopped for maintaining the pressure vessel in a state sealed with the raw water and the permeate for a prescribed time. Thus, contaminants adhering to the membrane surface of the spiral wound membrane element are separated. A treatment system is formed by connecting units comprising spiral wound membrane modules in parallel with each other.

Abstract: A duplex strainer for straining material includes a housing, housing inlet port through which material enters the housing under pressure for straining and an outlet port through which strained material exits the housing. The housing includes a first strainer chamber having the first and second ports in separate fluid communication with the housing. A second strainer chamber includes third and fourth ports in separate fluid communication with the housing. The first port opposes the third port and the second port opposes the fourth port. A valve control structure includes a first three-way ball valve disposed within the housing for controlling fluid flow between the first port, third port and the housing. A second three-way ball valve is disposed within the housing to control fluid flow between the housing, second port and fourth port.