Abstract: The invention relates to a fabric layer, in particular a protective fabric and/or backing fabric, for a corrugated or pleated flat material of a filter element, wherein the flat material comprises a plurality of pleats or corrugations running parallel to one another, which form successive pleat or corrugation peaks and pleat or corrugation troughs, which are connected to one another by a pleat flank, wherein a fluid can flow through the flat material, wherein the fabric layer comprises a first fabric region, in particular a first fabric strip, and at least one second fabric region, in particular a second fabric strip, the threads whereof, in particular weft threads, merge into one another, wherein the first fabric region, in particular the first fabric strip, comprises a first type of weave and the second fabric region, in particular the second fabric strip, a second type of weave, which differs from the first type of weave.

Abstract: A mobile earth working machine (10), for example a road milling machine, recycler, or surface miner, includes: a working apparatus (12) for material-removing working of a region of a substrate (U); and an extraction device (40) that is embodied to extract dust-laden air from at least one machine region at at least one extraction location (46), and to exhaust extracted air at a discharge location (50) different from the extraction location (46), the extraction device (40) comprising a filter apparatus (42) arranged along an operational flow path from the at least one extraction location (46) to the discharge location (50), the filter apparatus (42) encompassing: a filter housing (54); a filter element (52) received in the filter housing (54), the filter element (52) being embodied to remove dust particles from the air flowing through the filter apparatus (42).

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer compositions and their manufacture. Specifically, the invention relates to multiblock polymers and copolymers, their fabrication, modification and/or functionalization and use as membranes or films.

Abstract: A dual tank wastewater treatment system for performing an extended aeration process to provide a natural, biological breakdown of the organic matter in wastewater using, for example, but not limited to, a continuously operating air pump and diffuser bar system for aeration purposes and a flexible media filter. The air pump used is stronger than conventional air pumps and the diffuser bar is designed to provide more efficient oxygen transfer than conventional diffuser systems by mixing air against the system flow to provide better mixing and longer retention time in the aeration process. The flexible media filter provides a final filtration and polishing of the effluent before it passes through a flow equalization apparatus and exits the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid removal module (1) for removing liquid from a liquid tank (18), in particular of an exhaust gas aftertreament system of a motor vehicle, comprising a main body (2) that can be arranged in and/or on the liquid tank (18). The main body has a liquid removal device (36) having at least one removal opening (7) that can be associated with the tank interior (27) and bears at least one filter element (9) associated with the removal opening (7). The filter element (9), which is elastically deformable at least in some areas, is arranged/designed in such a way that the filter element has at least one bulge (17) directed opposite the removal flow direction (26). The invention further relates to a liquid tank (18) for a vehicle, in particular for an exhaust gas aftertreament system of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for removing a filter cake from a filtering device having a housing that defines a filtration flowpath through which a filtrate flows, the housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the filter cake being deposited on at least one cylindrical filter element disposed within the filtering device, the at least one cylindrical filter element comprises at least one filter material and at least one rebound element, the at least one rebound element having a first flange extending from a head region and a second flange extending from a foot region, the at least one rebound element having a structured surface with at least two recesses mutually parallel in the longitudinal direction of the at least one rebound element, the at least two recesses are formed extending between the first flange and the second flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtering device, facilitating the filtration of media to be cleaned, and also the cleaning of the filter material or filter elements in a filtering device. Said filtering device comprises at least one filter element arranged in a housing, with at least one filter material and at least one rebound element. The invention further relates to a cleaning device, comprising at least one nozzle, which is arranged perpendicularly and/or angularly in relation to the filter element for removing a filter cake on the filter material, wherein the cleaning medium at least partially penetrates the filter material during cleaning. The rebound element deflects the cleaning medium at least partially for renewed penetration through the filter material, while at least partially removing the filter cake at the same time.

Abstract: An anti-viral device including a body having at least one side wall defining an interior space therein. The body has opposite first and second open ends, the open ends also defined by the at least one side wall and in fluid communication with the interior space. The device further includes at least one flap operatively connected to the at least one side wall and extending into the interior space from the at least one sidewall toward the longitudinal axis of the body, the at least one flap being flexible. And, the device also includes at least one groove disposed in a surface of the at least one flap.

Abstract: The invention concerns a belt filter apparatus including a first belt filter section on which a mixture of fine material and a liquid can be placed hydraulically to create partially dry fine material and a second belt filter section on which the partially dry fine material can be placed in order to undergo a second drying cycle. The belt filter apparatus also includes an arrangement for mechanically placing the partially dry fine material from the first belt filter section onto the second belt filter section as well as a liquid collection arrangement for providing fluid communication between the first and second belt filter sections and a vacuum for drying the fine material. The belt filter apparatus includes an agitator formation for increasing the permeability of the fine material to enhance the ability of the liquid to be released from the fine material and be collected by the liquid collection arrangement.

Abstract: A dryer has complex angled surfaces and a plurality of grip elements thereon. The angled surfaces have varying angles of inclination relative to a base of the dryer vane and the characteristics of the grip elements vary in relation to the angle of inclination of the surface portions upon which they are disposed. The grip elements may protrude from the vane surfaces and the height of the grip elements may vary in relation to the varying angle of inclination of the surfaces. Taller grip elements may be provided on the less inclined surfaces and shorter grip elements may be provided on the more inclined surfaces.

Abstract: A screening arrangement is provided for a dishwasher having a tub portion defining a sump about a lower end thereof. The dishwasher further includes a heating element disposed proximate to the lower end of the tub portion and defining laterally-opposed inner and outer peripheries. A screen element is arranged adjacent the sump and is configured to screen a dishwashing fluid entering the sump from the tub portion. The screen element extends laterally inward of the inner periphery of the heating element and laterally outward of the outer periphery of the heating element. The screen element is also configured to be heat-resistant so as to protect one of the lower end, the sump, and a lower spray arm from heat emitted by the heating element. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.

Abstract: A filter having a filter body with a plurality of filter openings, each having a passage cross-section which varies automatically in response to a characteristic inherent to a medium flowing through the openings to filter the medium.

Abstract: A membrane module (3) comprising a plurality of porous hollow membranes (8). The membranes (8) extend between and are fixed at each end in a header (5, 6). One header (6) has one or more of openings (12) formed therein. The openings (12) are in fluid communication with a source of gas and/or liquid (13, 14, 15). The other of the headers (5) is sealingly connected to and in fluid communication with a head-piece (9). The head-piece (9) is adapted to couple to an associated head-piece of a further module to form a rack of modules (17). A potting head (6) for use in mounting porous hollow membranes (8) is also disclosed comprising a preformed potting element (29). The potting element (29) includes one or more cavities (30) for receiving curate potting material which, in use, supports said membranes (8).

Abstract: A filter element for purifying a fluid at risk of freezing such as a urea-water solution for exhaust gas after treatment has an annular filter body and a support body surrounded by the filter body. The support body is made of an elastomer and is able to yield in a radial inward direction to compensate volume expansion when the fluid freezes.

Abstract: A fluid filter comprises a filter casing having an inlet end at which a fluid to be filtered is introducible, an and a filtration channel, a plurality of fibres extending longitudinally inside the channel, the fibres being expandable in a direction perpendicular to their length in response to an increase in pressure to create a pinch area between the fibres and an inner surface of the filtration channel.

Abstract: A self-cleaning assembly comprising an enclosed casing 1 with a movable piston 31 and filters 32,33 therein. The preferred assembly has a casing 1 with a dirty water inlet 5, a first outlet 6 for clean filtered water and a second outlet 7 for the removal of sludge from the casing. The filter assembly is constructed and arranged to provide, in its normal operating mode, a liquid flow path through the filter 32,33 in a first direction between the dirty water inlet 5 and the clean water outlet 6 and, in a cleaning mode, to provide a liquid flow path in a second direction between the dirty water inlet 5 and the sludge outlet 7. In the cleaning mode, the movable member 31 compresses the filters 32,33 during the liquid flow in the second direction and contaminant is released therefrom for removal from the filter assembly via the second outlet 7. In an alternative embodiment, the sludge outlet 7 is omitted and sludge is removed from the casing via the outlet 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtering device, facilitating the filtration of media to be cleaned, and also the cleaning of the filter material or filter elements in a filtering device. Said filtering device comprises at least one filter element arranged in a housing, with at least one filter material and at least one rebound element. The invention further relates to a cleaning device, comprising at least one nozzle, which is arranged perpendicularly and/or angularly in relation to the filter element for removing a filter cake on the filter material, wherein the cleaning medium at least partially penetrates the filter material during cleaning. The rebound element deflects the cleaning medium at least partially for renewed penetration through the filter material, while at least partially removing the filter cake at the same time.

Abstract: A filtration system is provided with filter media operable to remove solids, particulate and colloidal matter from a process fluid. The filtration system may include one or more porous membranes which are anchored or secured on their periphery with a large open work area operable to remove selected components from the process fluid. The filter media may include an envelope formed from two membrane sheets with a spacer element disposed there between. A chamber or collection zone may be formed within the envelope to receive clarified fluid separated from the process fluid. Alternatively, the filter media may be multiple layers of spiral wound membranes or a roll of membranes.

Abstract: A fluid treatment method includes the steps of forming a ring lamination by laminating a plurality of filtering rings with contact surfaces facing each other in a laminating direction; providing at least portions of the filtering rings with a contact surface roughness (Ra) in a range of about 0.01 ?m to 20 ?m; pressing the ring lamination under a contact surface pressure (p) within a range from 0 to 177 kg/cm2 in the laminating direction of the filtering rings to cause the contact surfaces to closely adhere to each other; directing an object fluid into gaps formed by contact surfaces of neighboring filtering rings of the ring lamination; and dividing the object fluid into a first separated fraction and a second separated fraction for separation. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes a ring lamination, a housing therefor, a ring press for acting on the ring lamination under a prescribed pressure, an object fluid source, and a pressure source for impressing a prescribed pressure on the object fluid.

Abstract: A filter having filter openings, which openings vary in cross-section automatically in accordance with an inherent variable of the medium passing there through. The openings can vary in response to the heat of the medium passing through the openings. The openings can include a perforated plate screening the openings and having elements, which shift the plate relative to the openings. The elements can be springs and can include a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering device for taking a filtrate sample from liquid matter containing solid particles. The filtering device comprises two filter parts and at least one filtering slot between the filter parts. The filter parts are adapted to move in relation to each other in such a manner that the width of the filtering slot changes when the filter parts move in relation to each other. When taking a sample from a process, the filtering slot between the filter parts is at its smallest, and it is adapted to filter the sample while the liquid matter being measured flows from the process to the measurement. When rinsing the filtering device against the sampling direction, the filter parts are adapted to move away from each other, whereby the filtering slot widens.

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: The invention relates to a composite membrane (1) consisting of a flat support body (2) comprising relative big through flow holes (3) and on which at least one separating layer is applied as a membrane layer (4) having a given number of pores and pore sizes. In order to regulate the temperature of the support body, said support body (2) is connected to a device (5) that can be regulated by a regulating device (S) with the purpose of supplying a predetermined energy to the support body (2) and/or diverting energy from the support body (2). The membrane layer (4) is applied on the support body (2) in a heat-conductive manner so that any change in the temperature of the support body provokes a change in the temperature of the membrane layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a paste for forming a thick film is provided, in which undesired lump materials are efficiently removed from the paste for forming the thick film. The paste, which contains a solid material and an organic vehicle and has a viscosity in the range of about 1 to 50 Pa·s, is filtrated with a sintered metal type filter manufactured by integrally sintering a nonwoven fabric filter part, having a thickness of many folded linear metal fibers and having a mesh opening size of about 1 to 20 ?m, and a wire gauze part composed of metal wires knitted into the shape of a mesh.

Abstract: A filter assembly has a compressible filtering medium (18, 19) disposed in the flow path of water from the upstream region of an inlet chamber (11) to a downstream outlet (17). Said compression of the filter medium by the water passing through the filter assembly increases the proportion of the overall flow path of water constituted by a low resistance portion of the flow path. The clogging of the filter medium thus leads to an increase in water pressure in the upstream region which, in turn, causes compression of the filter medium, which compression tends to increase the water flow rate through the outlet so as to counter the reduction in water flow rate causes by the clogging.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for withdrawing filtered permeate from a substrate contained in a reservoir at ambient pressure. The apparatus includes a plurality of membrane assemblies. Each assembly has a plurality of hollow fiber filtering membranes, immersed in the reservoir, at least one permeating header with the membranes sealingly secured therein, and a permeate collector to collect the permeate sealingly connected to the at least one permeating header and in fluid communication with lumens of the membranes. The membranes of each assembly extend generally vertically upwards from a first header during permeation. One or more sources of suction are provided in fluid communication with the lumens of the membranes of each assembly through the permeate collectors and apply sufficient suction to withdraw permeate from the lumens of the membranes. An aeration system for discharging bubbles assists in keeping the membranes clean.

Abstract: A variable pore micro filter (VPMF) capable of side stream filtration and cross flow filtration is disclosed. The VPMF includes a cylindrical pressure vessel, an upper plate flange to which an original water inflow tube is connected, a lower plate flange to which a process water discharging tube is connected, a latitudinal thread filtering unit whose lower portion is installed on the lower plate flange and whose upper portion is fixed on a movable upper holder on which throughholes are formed, the filtering unit having flexible latitudinal thread filters forming a filter layer, a process water collection vessel for collecting and guiding the process water filtered through the filter layer, an enriched water discharging unit for discharging the enriched water, and a pressurized air inflow unit for injecting pressurized air in order to counter-clean the contaminated thread filter.

Abstract: Improved self-cleaning filter, comprised of a casing (1) with an entry (2) for water towards an encircling chamber (5), a filtering element based on a plurality of grooved disks (10), an axial passage (14) in the breast of these disks and an axial exit (9) for clean water. The filtering element (10) is completed in its lower end by a flap (11) that closes the axial passage (14) in the backward movement of water during cleaning, forcing it to go through side collectors (15) unaffected by the flap (11) and in which established are windows (16) for the exit of water, obliquely oriented in a side direction to make the disks (10) rotate during cleaning, also oblique in a vertical direction to take advantage of the separation between the disks (10) and distributed helically (15), the support tower (6) of these disks completed in a retractile rammer (21).

Abstract: A liquid filtering device having a pack of cylindrical filter member discs (70) with an arrangement for reversed, filter flushing flow cycles. An integrally formed filter core (24) is provided comprising tubular nozzled conduits (30a, 30b, 30c) so that water under pressure within the conduits becomes discharged in jet forms to enable free rotation of the filter discs. One-way valve (90) in the form of a funnel shaped rubber sleeve allows the flow of filtered water to the outlet port (20) but impedes the flow of flushing water from the outlet port through the filter member (70) in the direction of the inlet port (16).

Abstract: A filter tube for use in earth coated type filters includes a flexible permeable tubular sheet internally supported by a helical spring. The internal spring is connected between opposite ends of the filter tube to support the full length of the tube wall. One end of the tube is connected to an external spring and anchor plate. In a slack position, the tube end folds over an end collar connected to the spring. Extension of the anchor plate applies tension to stretch the spring and tube to a taut position during a cycling operation which oscillates the tube to dislodge accumulated material.

Abstract: For uniformly, satisfactorily, and automatically removing foreign matter that has accumulated on the filter, the apparatus includes a housing having an inflow portion and an outflow portion, a filter having a large number of piled resilient filter chips between which a filtering gap for passage of fluid to be filtered is formed, an actuator for expanding the filtering gap between spring members in backwashing, and a backwashing channel for causing backwash fluid to flow through the filter.

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.

Abstract: A filter medium, which is resiliently expandable in an axial direction and is able to deform the filtration gaps in size in accordance with its expansion, including a compression limiting member for providing required filtration gaps by limiting the amount of compression applied to the filter medium. The filter medium is held by a holder in such a manner that the amount of compression may be adjustable.

Abstract: A filter has a filter housing. An adjustable support couples a filter element to the filter housing. A first end of the adjustable support is fixedly connected to the housing. A movable portion of said adjustable support is coupled to said filter element. The movable portion is opposite the first end. The movable portion is disposed in the throat of the filter element. The filter element occupies a fluid intake position when said movable portion is in a first position. The filter element occupies a bypass position when said movable portion is in a second position.

Abstract: An extension kit for adaptation to an existing filter housing provides a two-fold increase in filtering surface area, while inducing a vibration into a resultant filter housing structure which resultantly loosens entrapped impurities to extend the life and frequency between filter change-outs.

Abstract: An adjustable elastic support is provided for a filtering sleeve. A tilting body 1 has one extremity with an inlet 2. A filter unit 3 is lodged inside the body 1. The lower portion of the body 1 is provided with an outlet 5 for the filtrate. An outlet 6 for solids of the filtration process is also provided. The tilting body 1 is assembled on a frame 7 through a pivot 8 and an inclination regulation device 9. The filtering unit 3 includes a filtering sleeve 10 operated conjunction with a rotor 11. Sleeve 10 is assembled on the filtering unit 3 through supports 12, 19 and 22. The supports 12 and 19 are movable and are associated with a tension adjusting device 21.

Abstract: A novel spiral membrane arrangement is disclosed comprising opposing elongate filtration membrane units, spiraled about a base axis and separated by a novel lattice separator having spaced apart elongate primary laths which form fluid passageways, bridged by cross laths arranged to form a plurality of fluid shears spaced along the passageways which divide, deflect and/or disrupt gross fluid flow through the passageway, directing fluid against the membrane surface and creating a self cleaning functionality which improves the efficiency and the life of the life of the membrane arrangement.

Abstract: A waste water filter system has a collector body (14), a disposable filter (20) positioned within the collector body which retains particulate matter and grease while not retaining waste water, and an access aperture (28) in the collector body for removing and replacing the filter.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus which reduces or eliminates the need for regular manual cleaning or backwashing. Backwashing of the filter occurs automatically in response to sensed conditions of filtering. The filtering apparatus includes a chamber, and a filter element in the chamber, a valve for directing liquid through the filtering element in a first direction to filter the liquid. The valve reverses the direction of liquid flow through the filtering element when excessive resistance to flow through the filter element occurs.

Abstract: A filter tube for use in earth coated type filters includes a flexible permeable tubular sheet internally supported by a helical spring which in one embodiment extends partially along the length of the filter tube. The unsupported free end or an intermediate portion is subjected to oscillation to dislodge contaminated coating material accumulated on the surfaces of the filter sheet. External means are provided at the free end of the filter to permit oscillation and to support a plurality of filter ends. In another embodiment, an internal spring is connected between opposite ends of the filter tube to support the full length of the tube wall. One end of the tube is connected to an external spring and anchor plate. In a slack position, the tube end folds over an end collar connected to the spring. Extension of the anchor plate applies tension to stretch the spring and tube to a taut position during a cycling operation which oscillates the tube to dislodge accumulated material.

Abstract: A multiple tube filter made of at least one perforated filter element (15), wherein the outside of the filter element (15) has spirally circulating grooves (2), and the surface between grooves (2) is preferably arched outward in the form of a segment of a circle.

Abstract: A permanent fluid filtering system includes a cylindrical body having an upper end, to which an inlet tube is connected, and a lower end, to which an outlet tube is connected, and a latitude thread filter assembly disposed within the cylindrical body. The latitude thread assembly is compressible and expandable in accordance with a fluid flowing direction, thereby varying a porous structure of the filter assembly. The permanent fluid filtering system further includes a fluid flow stabilizing plate for stabilizing the flow of dirty fluid fed inside the body through the inlet tube.

Abstract: In order to avoid dead spaces which are difficult to subject to backflushing and in which particles can be deposited, a special helical filter candle, a method of manufacture of said helical filter candle as well as an end portion (11) for a helical filter candle (1) is created. The helical filter candle (1) comprises a wire (2) wound in windings (3) onto a support structure (4) of support rods (5). At one end, an end portion (11) is welded to said support rods (5). The last of the windings (3) is ground flat in such a way that a spacing of uniform width arises between the surface of the end portion (11) and the final winding (3). During manufacture of the helical filter candle (1), the wire is wound onto the support rods (5) in windings (3), wherein the spacing (7) between the individual windings in a middle area (6) of the support rods (5) is less than in an end area (8) of approximately 3 to 5 windings.

Abstract: A gas-scrubbed vertical cylindrical skein of "fibers" has their opposed terminal portions held in headers unconfined in a modular shell, and aerated with a cleansing gas supplied by a gas-distribution means which produces a mass of bubbles serving the function of a scrub-brush for the outer surfaces of the fibers. The skein is surprisingly effective with relatively little cleansing gas, the specific flux through the membranes reaching an essentially constant relatively high value because the vertical deployment of fibers allows bubbles to rise upwards along the outer surfaces of the fibers. The effectiveness is critically dependent upon the length of each fiber in the skein. That length is in the range from at least 0.1% more than the fixed distance between opposed faces of the skein's headers, but less than 5% greater than the fixed distance.

Abstract: An elastic support is provided for a separating filter filtering sleeve. A tilting filter body (1) has one extremity with an inlet (2). A filter unit (3) is lodged inside the body (1). A rinsing device (4) for the filter unit (3) is provided at the top of the filter body (1). The lower portion of the body (1) is provided with an outlet (5) for filtrate. An outlet (6) for solids of the filtration process is also provided. The tilting filter body (1) is assembled on a frame (7) through linkages (8) and an inclination regulation device (9). The filtering unit (3) includes a filtering sleeve (10) operated in conjunction with an impeller (11). Sleeve (10) is assembled on the filter body (1) through supports (12). The supports (12) are elastic and are associated with a shock absorbing device (20).

Abstract: A filter cartridge for separation of aqueous colloidal suspensions utilizing a shell which forms a chamber having a colloidal suspension inlet and outlets for permeate and concentrate streams. A core is placed within the shell and includes a plurality of filter elements which are located in overlying relationship with one another. Each filter element possesses a relative rigid backing member and a filter membrane. The core is fastened to the shell by connecting a plurality of the backing members to the body of the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of liquid waste such as sewage. The invention provides a method of screening of liquid waste to remove solid material therefrom, comprising passing the liquid waste in a downward stream through a suspended sack filter, and agitating the sack filter and the liquid stream by discharging a stream of bubbles upwardly through the liquid from below the sack filter. The invention also provides an inlet screen, comprising an upright hollow column (1), having an opening at the top across which a sack filter (6) is positioned, the sack filter extending downwardly into the column, and an air diffuser (8) at the lower end of the column, and an outlet (5, 23, 34) from the column, whereby in use liquid waste flows into the top of the column, through the sack filter to the outlet, the sack filter and liquid waste being agitated by discharge of air from the air diffuser.

Abstract: A filtering appliance for cleaning cooking oil in a food fryer is designed and dimensioned for single-handed portable use in "hand-gun" fashion. The appliance has an elongate casing means with a hand grip at one end adjacent a pump-and-motor assembly. An intake nozzle conducts oil to be cleaned to a cartridge style filter made by stacking annular elements cut from a commercially available filter material of fibrous mat forming matrix holding particulate filtering media. The filter is axially spring loaded to accommodate yielding of the filter material. The appliance discharges into the food fryer through a duct outside the casing means. Thus, the oil is recirculated to achieve cleaning.

Abstract: A vertical skein of “fibers”, opposed terminal portions of which are held in headers unconfined in a modular shell, is aerated with a gas-distribution means which produces a mass of bubbles serving the function of a scrub-brash for the outer surfaces of the fibers. The membrane device is surprisingly effective with relatively little cleansing gas, the specific flux through the membranes reaching an essentially constant relatively high value because the vertical deployment of fibers allows bubbles to rise upwards along the outer surfaces of the fibers. Further, bubbles flowing along the outer surfaces of the fibers make the fibers surprisingly resistant to being fouled by build-up of deposits of inanimate particles or microorganisms in the substrate provided that the length of each fiber is only slightly greater than the direct center-to-center distance between opposed faces of the headers, preferably in the range from at least 0.1% to about 5% greater.

Abstract: A vertical skein of “fibers”, opposed terminal portions of which are held in headers unconfined in a modular shell, is aerated with a gas-distribution means which produces a mass of bubbles serving the function of a scrub-brash for the outer surfaces of the fibers. The membrane device is surprisingly effective with relatively little cleansing gas, the specific flux through the membranes reaching an essentially constant relatively high value because the vertical deployment of fibers allows bubbles to rise upwards along the outer surfaces of the fibers. Further, bubbles flowing along the outer surfaces of the fibers make the fibers surprisingly resistant to being fouled by build-up of deposits of inanimate particles or microorganisms in the substrate provided that the length of each fiber is only slightly greater than the direct center-to-center distance between opposed faces of the headers, preferably in the range from at least 0.1% to about 5% greater.