Abstract: A filter consisting of a filter tube of a porous polymeric material having tendency to collapse towards a predetermined flattened configuration and a porous support sleeve disposed around the filter tube, so as to support the filter tube against internal fluid pressure, while providing no more resistance to flow of fluid than the filter tube.

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: The invention relates to a backwashable filter, which comprises superimposed elements, particularly having an annular design, for producing filter candles. In the case of the filter candles the elements are subject to a radial through-flow from the inside to the outside in filter operation, whereas the flow direction is reversed for backwashing. On the inside of the filter layer is provided on each element a lip, elastically deflectable in the flow direction and facing the flow, which forms a gap opening with a fixed edge of the adjacent element. Under the action of the differential pressure of the flow acting on the wide front face of the lip, the lip performs a movement in which the gap opening is narrowed to a limited extent and as a result of the elastic deformation corresponding restoring forces are built up.

Abstract: A filter adapter and filter cartridge for a filter assembly for removing particulate matter from an aqueous flow by means of a filter vessel having a support housing, a removable top, an input port for the aqueous flow, an exit port for the aqueous flow and an internal seal. The filter assembly includes a filter adapter configured similarly to the housing and sized to be substantially entirely received within the housing and sealingly engage the internal seal of the housing. A filter cartridge is configured similarly to the filter adapter and is sized to be substantially entirely received within the filter adapter and to simultaneously engage the filter vessel top and sealingly engage the filter adapter outlet. A biasing spring is located between the filter cartridge and the filter adapter.

Abstract: An extraction cell of the centrifugal type for a hot beverage preparation machine, including a grounds collection drum on which is mounted, in a sealed manner by a sealing structure, a cover provided with a liquid delivery orifice, and a filtration structure, wherein the filtration structure and the sealing structure are constituted by at least one deformable joint, or seal, interposed in a groove between the drum and cover, the joint having deformation properties, and being mounted to be compressed by an amount which is in a pre-established compression range with the aid of a compression controlling means, to insure that below a pre-established operating pressure existing in the cell, fluid tightness of the cell is maintained, and beyond that pressure, filtration of the grounds-liquid mixture occurs by deformation of the joint.

Abstract: A self-cleaning fluid filtration system is presented and which includes a tank having a bottom wall and a side wall together forming a fluid chamber. An inlet is located in the bottom wall for receiving fluid to be filtered. A tube extends from the inlet upwardly into the chamber for directing fluid upwardly through the tube. The tube has perforations therein for directing fluid to flow outwardly therefrom. A platform is carried by the tube intermediate its ends and extends radially outward therefrom toward the side wall of the tank. A perforated rigid basket in the chamber surrounds the tube and has an open lower end mounted to the upper surface of the platform and a closed upper end located above the upper end of the tube. A collapsible fluid-permeable filter bag is located in the chamber intermediate the tube and the basket.

Abstract: A backwashable fluid filter formed with a filter element which is disposed so that it can be rotated about its axis inside the filter housing by a drive mechanism and through which a radial flow passes. A backwashing device is provided which includes a dirt removal channel which extends parallel to the axis of the filter element. When the filter element is backwashed, clean fluid flows back through the filter element, removes dirt particles adhering to the filter element and carries them into the dirt removal channel. In order to pre-clean the filter element, a resiliently mounted stripping device is arranged in front of the backwashing device to remove coarse dirt from the surface of the filter element before it reaches the backwashing device. The filter element is provided with slit-like openings, each of which has a substantially U-shaped configuration and defines a resilient tongue.

Abstract: The device comprises a first wide-mesh cloth or screen which bears against the calender of a basket, at least one tight supple tube connected to a source of gas under pressure which is against the first cloth or screen, a second cloth or screen identical to the first covering the tube such that the tube is sandwiched between the cloths or screens, and a fine-mesh filtering cloth covering the second cloth or screen.

Abstract: A filter element and a system for cleaning the filter element, including a plurality of layers of fibers arranged in substantially uniform orientation over at least a portion of their active length, along which portion at least, each of the fibers is disposed in close proximity to its adjacent fibers, and a body member constituting a backing surface for the fibers. The system further includes nozzle means for applying at least one fluid jet against the fibers; and means for applying a relative movement between the fiber layers and the fluid jet.

Abstract: A sealed filter unit is provided having end caps which engage fluid connectors which are in turn connectable to external piping conveying fluid through the filter and which provide a preliminary seal upon mounting the filter unit in the filter holder. The filter unit assures that all fluid passing through the unit is filtered in a single pass without wetting the filter holder into which the filter unit is mounted via the fluid connectors. The filter holder allows rapid and reliable insertion and removal of the filter unit to and from the filter holder. The filter holder will accept various sizes of filter units as required by the process. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid connectors are a part of the filter holder. In the absence of fluid pressure, the filter unit can be manually removed from the filter holder fluid connectors for replacement of the filter unit.

Abstract: The apparatus includes at least one membrane filter (32) for filtering a machining liquid which has been contaminated by its use in electroerosive or electrochemical machining of workpieces. The apparatus also includes a device for cyclical cleaning of the soiled membrane filter, which device irradiates the membrane filter (32) with ultrasonic waves (33) and loosens the contaminant particles in the filter pores as well as means (20, 23, 24, 25, 35, 36, 41) for the backwashing of the membrane filter and for removal of the contaminant particles. The contaminant particles are fed by means of throughflushing intervals from the concentrate chamber (30) into the sedementation vessel (12). As a result of this combination of ultrasound and backwashing, extremely small durations of the cleaning cycles and uniform cleaning of the complete filter area are insured without concern for the nonuniform contaminants topography of the filter surface resulting from the contaminants.

Abstract: Standing vortices are formed in a liquid flowing with a reversing but mean flow through a conduit, divided into a series of chambers with narrow inlet and outlets by appropriate selection of the chamber aspect ratio, Reynolds number and Strouhal number.

Abstract: A flexible tubular filtering material possessing a braided cord structure wherein a number of yarns are intercrossed with each other in the right and the left directions and braided into a cylindrical form, or said material additionally with the fiber assembly layer installed around the cylindrical periphery of the filtering material, which is free of bending obstruction and shows little textural change in the outer and inner peripheries of the curved portion against bend formation, and which possesses high particle removal efficiency and long service life; and a flexible filter element comprising this filtering material in a flexible casing.They are useful for liquid filters, specifically as a fuel filter for automobiles.

Abstract: A filtration system utilizing a helical cartridge wherein the differential in pressure between the pressure inside and the pressure outside of the helix is effective in controlling the spacing between the coils of the helix. Each coil of the helix is provided with radial grooves of predetermined size corresponding to the smallest particle size to be trapped by the cartridge and prevented from entering the interior of the helix. The coils are maintained closed during the filtering cycle and are opened during the backwash cycle.

Abstract: A transfer membrane assembly in which one fluid is passed with a pulsatile flow through a first conduit between two transfer membranes which are provided with a close packed array of dimples so that vortex mixing occurs. Second conduits are formed on the other side of each membrane between that membrane and an adjacent profiled plate. Each dimple partially nests in a depression in the respective plate, the depressions being connected in rows by grooves. The maximum diameter and depth of each dimple is less than the corresponding dimensions of the respective depression.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dewatering radioactive waste slurry solids. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump for applying a vacuum to a suitable flexible filter and collapsible membrane combination in which the slurry solids are contained so that the slurry solids are compressively dewatered when the vacuum is applied. The apparatus further includes a container for suitably storing the resulting dewatered slurry solids.

Abstract: A fuel tank filter connectible to a fuel pump mounted inside of a fuel tank is disclosed. The filter includes filtration material forming an envelope, a separator inside the envelope and a spring attached to the separator in a manner such that the spring biases the separator to hold the envelope towards the bottom of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A mechanochemical engine cpaable of desalinating sea water or brackish water by the conversion of mechanical work to chemical work, which comprises: a) a housing containing an elastomeric material capable of being stretched, to thereby allow salt-diminished water to move into the elastomeric material, while substantially repelling solvated salt ions from entry thereto, b) means for stretching and relaxing said elastomeric material in said housing, in connection with said elastomeric material; and c) means for uptake of said sea water or brackish water into said housing, means for draining concentrated salt water from said housing, and means for draining desalinated water from said housing.

Abstract: A filter of the type incorporating a porous filter membrane 1. Frequently such membranes are very fragile, and the invention describes an improved way of mounting them within the housing. Attached to a perimeter portion of the membrane 1 is a thin strip 8 of flexible material such as polypropylene. The strip 8 is attached, on the one hand, to the base 4 of the filter housing by a first joint 10 and, on the other hand, to the perimeter of the membrane by a second joint 9. Between the two joints is a region of flexure which enables the membrane to float relative to the housing, thus isolating the membrane from relative movement between the membrane and the housing.

Abstract: A liquid filter includes a filtering medium of a collapsed cylindrical form which defines cooperating accordian pleats that form contaminant collecting walls. The medium is self-supporting, and divides the filter into inlet and outlet chambers across the medium. When the restriction of the medium increases, thereby increasing the pressure differential across the medium, the accordian pleats collapse until corrugations on the pleats engage with one another, thereby resisting further collapse of the medium. As the pressure differential increases still further to the extent that the corrugations are collapsed, a part of each fold is kept apart by adjacent double thickness portion of the fold or pleat, so that a minimum flow of liquid through the filter is maintained.

Abstract: A batch-action apparatus for filtering a fluid medium comprises a hermetically sealed housing (1) communicating with systems (9, 10 and 11) for feeding the fluid medium, discharging the clean medium, and evacuating filter cake.The housing (1) accommodates a flexible filter hose (2) one end (4) of which is turned inside out and attached to the housing (1), whereas the other end (7) thereof is connected to a hoisting mechanism (3) acting to move the hose (2) relative to the fixed end (4) of this hose. The end (4) of the hose (2) turned inside out forms an annular cavity (8) to which the fluid medium is fed and which varies in volume under the action of filter cake build-up or in response to the movement executed by the hoisting mechanism (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquids and solids from a mixture thereof comprises a trough structure (12) in which is suspended a filter means (14) on which the mixture can be placed. A vacuum mechanism (16) draws a vacuum beneath the filter means to draw the liquids downwardly from the solids, and a oscillating mechanism (20) causes the remaining solids on the filter to move in a conveying direction. A flexible perforated sheet (60) is provided beneath and in generally continuous contact with the filter means (14) and which can be intermittently flexed to maintain the filter means unobstructed by solids.

Abstract: An intermittent-action apparatus for filtering liquid has a sealed casing (1) in which a hollow cylinder (8) is mounted so as to define with the casing (1) an annular space (9) communicating with a system for removing precipitate. A driven drum (12) is provided in the upper part of the casing (1), and one end (11) of a filtering hose (10) is secured to the drum, the other end (13) of the hose being turned inside out and secured along the perimeter to the hollow cylinder (8) so as to define around the remaining part of the hose an annular space (14) for liquid being filtered, the annular space varying in volume during accumulation of precipitate therein and during movement of the hose under the action of the drum.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a hermetically sealed hollow housing (1) accommodating in the interior thereof a flexible filtering member (2) in the form of a hose, the ends of which are turned inside out and attached to the periphery of the inside surface of the housing (1). Cavities (3,4) formed between the hose (2) and housing (1) communicate with a discharge device (8) for discharging the fluid medium being cleaned.Provided in the interior of the housing between the fixed ends of the hose (2) is a partition wall (9) having a slot-shaped opening (10) for the passage of this hose and dividing the interior of the housing (1) into two chambers (12, 13). Each such chamber (12, 13) is connected to the feeding device (17, 21) for feeding the fluid medium being cleaned and to the evacuation device for evacuating filter cake.

Abstract: Pressure-dependent anisotropic behavior is provided by a size selective separation membrane system having two successive porous layers. The first layer is a soft, elastic, effectively porous material, and the second layer is a substantially rigid porous material. When positive pressure presses the first layer against the second layer, the second layer serves as a rigid support, and the first layer is compressed to reduce its effective pore size. The first layer material is characterized by sufficient compressibility, that, when a pressure differential of 100 psi is applied across the thickness of the system, the effective flow rate is reduced by a factor of at least 20 compared to the flow rate when 100 psi is exerted in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device, comprises: a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for the fluid to be filtered, and a flushing outlet for the dirt separated from the fluid; a supporting core extending longitudinally within the housing; a plurality of annular filter discs supported as a stack on the supporting core; and a pressure plate supported at one end of the stack, and movable in one longitudinal direction to tighten the stack by pressing the discs together, or in the opposite direction to loosen the stack. A cleaning nozzle is supported within the housing for movement along the length of the stack and has its axis oriented to apply a flushing fluid eccentrically to the discs, when the stack is loosened, to rotate the disc on the supporting core and thereby to flush the dirt particles therefrom through the flushing outlet.

Abstract: A liquid-gas bubble separator comrising a container having an inlet for a fluid which includes liquid and gas bubbles, an outlet and upstream and downstream vents. A filter element is provided in the container between the inlet and the outlet. The filter element permits the passage of the liquid and inhibits the passage of the gas bubbles. The filter element is between the upstream and downstream vents so that gas bubbles which do not pass through the filter element can be vented through the upstream vent, and any gas bubbles downstream of the filter element can be vented through the downstream vent. A bypass passage is provided around the filter element. A portion of the filtered fluid is recirculated through the bypass passage to prevent forward flow through the bypass passage when the filter element is clean, and such recirculating flow is terminated when the filter is clogged to a predetermined degree to thereby open the bypass passage for forward flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid filtering apparatus wherein solids suspended in the liquid are accummlated to form a cake on the filter media as the liquid passes through the media. Upon the buildup of such solids, pressurization upon the liquid forces remaining liquid through the media. Such pressurization is inactivated upon excessive cake buildup, and a conduit helically wound about the outside of the filter media is expanded by air pressure. The conduit is attached at various points about its length so that it forms chord lines between such connection points. Such expansion and chording of the conduit breaks the cake from the media.

Abstract: A water purification system having a first pressure vessel containing a reverse-osmosis filter and a second separate pressure vessel containing an activated carbon prefilter operatively connected in series and upstream of the first pressure vessel by means of a common header. The activated carbon prefilter includes a particulate trap upstream of the activated carbon to trap sediment carried in the unpurified water. The particulate trap is compressible under operational water pressures attained in the system when the trap becomes clogged with sediment, which serves to crack or break away from the surface thereof particle accumulations clogging the trap, permitting flow to continue through the trap into the activated carbon and, subsequently, through the reverse-osmosis filter element.

Abstract: A disk filter of the counter-current flow cleaning type, containing superposed ring-shaped elements (12) form a body (9) of a generally cylindrical shape. The elements are arcuate so as to form between them passages which are arcuate and oblique in relation to the axis of the filter when viewed in a cross section taken along the axis of the filter. Stopping means (19, 20) are provided on the filter elements (12) which abut against the adjacent filter element (12) during the filtering to prevent the filter elements (12) from vibrating, while allowing their vibration to occur when the filter is cleaned by a counter-current flow of liquid.

Abstract: A filter assembly is formed by arranging a large number of substantially annular, thin filter elements disposed around a radially pervious and hollow core so that a major portion of the core is surrounded by the filter elements. Slots between the filter elements allow passage of the liquid to be filtered. The filter assembly is enclosed in a closed vessel with the interior of the core being in communication with an outlet line. An initial axial pressure is established on the filter elements by a spring which acts on an end support engaging the end one of the filter elements. The axial pressure on the filter elements is controlled by controlling pressure in the closed vessel and thus the size of the slots is controlled to establish the desired filtering degree of the filter assembly.

Abstract: A filter assembly especially suitable for filtering swimming pool water includes an upright tank, and a flexible, cylindrical porous filter bag supported on star shaped core elements which are vertically spaced along a perforated outlet tube fixed centrally within the tank. Water normally flows through a filter media such as diatomaceous earth caked on the outside of the bag into the central tube and out of the tank back to the pool. When the bag becomes clogged by dirt trapped on the outer face of the filter cake, water flow is reversed for a short period of time to expand the bag suddenly and thereby release the dirt. The bag and filter media are regenerated periodically in this fashion to prolong the effective performance life of the filter.

Abstract: A filter apparatus has a filter housing having suspended therein a filter element. The filter element includes a plurality of hollow threads made from a high molecular weight polymeric material. The threads are characterized by being porous and flexible as well as being closed at the bottom. The filter apparatus further has at least one baffle within the housing to cause turbulence in the liquid to filtered. The inside of each hollow thread is at a lower pressure than the liquid on the outside, so that the filtrate can enter through the porous membrane of the threads while leaving solid matter behind. The open tops of the threads are in communication with an opening in the filter housing through which filtrate, free of solid material, may be removed.

Abstract: A membrane assembly, for use in mass or heat transfer or filter apparatus, comprises a pair of generally parallel plates (7) spaced apart with a profiled surface of one plate facing a similarly profiled surface of the other plate. A pair of sheets of transfer membrane material (6) are positioned closely spaced face to face between the plates with each sheet supported by and partially nesting in the profiled surface of the adjacent plate. The two membrane sheets thus provide a conduit (5) for one fluid. Between each sheet and the adjacent plate is formed a conduit for the second fluid. In use each sheet presents in its surface facing the other sheet a regular array of close packed depressions (14) which partically nest in corresponding depressions (9) in the respective plates (7).

Abstract: Apparatus for altering the concentration of a pre-selected component (11) of a feestock (12) wherein the feedstock (12) flows through flowpaths bounded by overlying barriers (13) which selectively pass the component (11). Flow of feedstock (12) elastically separates the barriers (13) to maintain laminar flow therebetween. The preselected component (11) may be routed to flow selectively through the barriers (13) either into or out of the feedstock (12).

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in filtering and treating contaminated water in an aquarium tank. A filter bag (10) is used for receiving a continuous supply of contaminated water (14) under a predetermined pressure. The walls (12) of the filter bag are made at least partially of a porous filter membrane formed of a matrix of pressure displaceable fibrous material. As the filter clogs with contaminants, bacterial growth and accompanying by-products, the fibrous material is displaced to increase the size of the interstices of the matrix to permit water to continue to flow through the interstices and continue filtering.

Abstract: A process for separating suspended material from a fluid comprising flowing the fluid through a porous matrix. The porous matrix is elastically deformable and restrained at its outlet end. The flow rate is sufficiently large so as to produce non uniform deformation of the porous matrix and thereby a gradient of porosity in the direction of fluid flow. At least a part of the suspended material is separated by retention within the porous matrix. The porous matrix/fluid system has a self cleaning capability.

Abstract: A fuel filter device for use in a fuel tank, comprising an upper blank plate, a lower blank plate, a filter body having a filter portion fixed between the upper and lower blank plates, and at least one fuel suction pipe having a lower portion which is placed in the filter body, a fuel suction port being formed in a lower end portion of the fuel suction pipe characterized by the filter portion being flexible, the lower portion of the fuel suction pipe being foldable.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning filter elements a removal of filter cakes formed on the filter cloth of the filter elements is accomplished by the application pressure and vacuum in the alternating fashion to the filter elements after the filtration process has been completed. The cleaning effect is improved due to the pressure fluctuations because the filter cloth expands upon those fluctuations and filter cake formed thereon is peeled off that filter cloth.

Abstract: A disc filter of the counter-current flow cleaning type in which the filtering body has a general cylindrical annular shape with a central cylindrical flow channel extending axially along the length of said filter body. It has annular solid filter elements spaced from each other in uniform sequence by resiliently deformable but incompressible spacer elements which allows the thickness of the slot existing between the adjacent filtration elements to be varied as a function of the axial pressure exerted on the filtering body by a support part. This variation occurs between a small thickness corresponding to the desired degree of filtration, and a maximum thickness provided to allow the cleaning of the filter by the passage in counter-current of a cleaning liquid through the thus enlarged slots. The filter elements have, in cross-section, a hydrodynamic, lenticular section, leaving between each other, a converging passage where solid materials are retained.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting transfer of heat or mass between two fluids through a transfer membrane comprises a conduit for flow of one of the fluids at least partly defined by the membrane. A wall of the conduit is provided with furrows preferably extending obliquely to the general direction of fluid flow through the conduit. Means, preferably comprising a unidirectional pump for providing mean flow and a pulsatile pump for superimposing reciprocatory pulsations on the mean flow, are provided for passing fluid through the conduit in pulsatile flow, so that eddies of the fluid are formed in the hollows provided by the furrows. When the conduit is defined between two predominantly planar surfaces, these surfaces may be separated, along the ridges between the furrows, by discontinuous webs, the openings in which provide communication between adjacent furrows. These features promote mixing of the fluid and its contact with the transfer membrane.

Abstract: A device for filtering a liquid, particularly molten polymer, removes incompletely molten polymer, foreign matter, aggregates of various additives and the like from the molten polymer prior to further processing of the liquid such as extrusion through a spinneret plate. The device comprises a housing provided with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet and, positioned between the inlet and the outlet, a filter pack built up of a number of filtering disks and supporting disks. The disks are so arranged the liquid to be filtered is caused to flow between a center portion and an outer surface of the filter pack. On the filter pack there is placed a piston for applying a compressive pressure to the pack. The piston is displaced and acts to compress the filter pack on a liquid supply side under the influence of the pressure of the liquid to be filtered.

Abstract: A dialyser has a membrane assembly (14) comprising two U-shaped conduits partially defined, and separated, by a transfer membrane wall. The walls of the conduits are provided with furrowing at an inclination to the direction of flow through the conduit. Blood is pumped through one conduit by a roller pump (16) in series with a reciprocatory pump (18) and dialysate is pumped in counter current through the other conduit by a roller pump (23) in series with a reciprocatory pump (25). The reciprocatory pumps (18,25) are operated in phase so that the resulting pulsatile component in the two conduits is in phase. This pulsatile flow, in conjunction with the furrows, produces vortexes in, and good mixing of, the blood and dialysate in their respective conduits and hence enhanced contact of each of these liquids with the transfer membrane wall.

Abstract: A reciprocating dialyzer is described for use as an artificial kidney or other extracorporeal mass transfer device. A dialyzer unit includes a membrane package having an aligned pair of thin semi-permeable membranes forming a chamber between the interior faces to receive fluid (such as blood) to be treated, and spacing elements in dialyzate chambers at the exterior faces of the membranes which contact the membrances and limit their expansion, while allowing chemical transfer to the dialyzate slurry. A plurality of such treatment units received between spaced plates comprises a dialyzer. Blood flow into and out of the membrane packages is through a central conduit, with free slurry being introduced and withdrawn from the dialyzate chamber at the periphery of each unit.

Abstract: Method for assembling a self-cleaning helical spring sand screen for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are disclosed. The basic method comprises (1) attaching a helical spring sand screen to the lower end of a production tube for being lowered into a well to the liquid level for producing sand-free liquid from the production tube, (2) mounting a spring biased valve means on the production tube, (3) providing valve means for the production tube for controlling the outlet thereof, and (4) connecting a source of high pressure liquid to the spring biased valve means for storing energy in its spring, for expanding its helical spring sand screen, and for ejecting liquid into its helical spring sand screen for expansion and cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A strainer for use with materials such as paint and having a funnel shaped polypropylene body with a stainless steel wire screen bonded to the narrow opening thereof. The screen has a sufficiently small mesh to permit passage of normal paint particles but to prevent passage of dust and other undesirable particles. The mesh is made sufficiently large to permit flexure such as to prevent the accumulation of paint.

Abstract: A membrane filter assembly is disclosed which employs at least one filter membrane and includes support means to prevent overflexing or overstressing of the filter membrane when high fluid pressures occur. The membrane support means includes a substantially co-extensive support or back-up surface spaced a small distance from the membrane to allow liquid flow therethrough but to prevent stretching or flexing beyond its elastic limit. Preferably the support surface comprises a second filter membrane in parallel flow relationship with the first to provide high flow rates during normal flow conditions but which flex together during high pressures conditions to mutually support one another and to prevent further flexure of either membrane beyond its elastic limit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating and removing oil and particulate solids from a dispersion of oil and particulate solids in water or a water-based liquid. During separation, the dispersion is fed under pressure into the inlet end of a plurality of upright coalescer tubes made of a single-layer of flexible, water-permeable fabric and is prevented from exiting through the outlet end of the tubes. The water passes radially through the fabric walls into a stilling chamber surrounding the coalescer tubes and exits through a clean water outlet while the solid particulates are retained on the inner surface of the fabric. The oil particles coalesce on the inner surface of the tubes, forming a layer of oil which migrates through the fabric's pores due to the pressure differential between the inner and outer tube surfaces and forms an oil layer on the outer surface of the fabric.

Abstract: A strainer screen and method for its production. The screen is utilized in systems for handling liquid wherein the liquids are moved through a conduit with the screen serving to collect solid material contained in the liquid to minimize passage of solid material in the conduit beyond the location of the screen. The screen consists of a surrounding frame with the periphery of the screen material attached to the frame. The screening material is confined between a pair of substantially co-extensive frame members. The screening material is welded to the frame members in a fashion such that very high operating forces can be encountered without damage to the screen. The welding operation is of a nature such that the frame members expand during the operation and then contract when cooled. This results in bowing of the screening material which provides a highly effective operating structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing excess ceramic slurry from polyurethane foam used as a matrix for ceramic material in manufacturing filters for molten metals such as aluminum. The apparatus comprises a first chamber for retaining a body of polyurethane foam impregnated with a slurry of ceramic material; a second chamber; a slurry-permeable screen between the first and second chambers; and compression means for pressing the polyurethane foam against the screen. By evacuating the second chamber and simultaneously compressing the foam against the screen, slurry is withdrawn from the foam into the second chamber while retaining in the foam an evenly distributed residue of ceramic material.