Abstract: An automated plate and frame type of pressure filter comprises a plurality of vertically superimposed horizontal shells, each vertically adjacent pair of which having a horizontal filter media belt sandwiched therebetween. All shells but the bottom shell are movable vertically by a pair of lift cylinders to separate opposed pairs and allow the filter belts to be indexed horizontally for cleaning. On completion of the belt cleaning cycle, the shells are pressed together by the double-acting lift cylinders which temporarily over-compress seals on the edges of the shells, allowing a structurally reinforced mechanical locking system to engage which opposes and resists the substantial shell-separating forces generated by the subsequently applied filtration pressure.

Abstract: To seal the top cover of a vacuum travelling web filter, the top cover is lowered, by gravity, with a depending rim fitting against an upstanding rim of a filtrate chamber pan; the contaminant chamber above the filter web is closed off, and supply of filtrate is inhibited. Upon starting of the pump, a vacuum will result within the two chambers, drawing the cover tightly against the filtrate pan and, when a sufficient vacuum has been reached indicative of sealing engagement, supply of contaminant can be opened to draw contaminant into the upper chamber. As the filter cake builds up, further change in pressure in the contaminant chamber will result which, when a predetermined operating pressure level is reached, causes interruption of supply of contaminated fluid, and opening of an air vent valve to dry the resulting filter cake.

Abstract: A device is provided for detecting the presence of solid impurities within a pressurized fluid. The device comprises a housing having a fluid passageway formed therein. One end of the fluid passageway is open to the pressurized fluid while the other end of the fluid passageway is open to a low pressure fluid region via a restricted port. A filter strip dispensed from a filter strip magazine is disposed across and obstructs the fluid flow through the passageway at a point intermediate its ends so that the filter strip removes solid or liquid particles from fluid flowing through the passageway. A differential pressure sensing means, such as a differential pressure transducer, communicates with the fluid passageway and detects the differential pressure across the filter strip. An increase of fluid pressure sensed by the differential pressure sensing means is indicative of a clogged filter strip which, in turn, indicates the presence of solid impurities within the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filtration process for separating solid, sludge-like and dissolved constituents from effluent, comprising the steps of introducing under an elevated pressure the effluent into a tube-shaped filter having a closed end and an open end, the tube-shaped filter being comprised of a semi-permeable material, the point of introduction of the effluent being initially near the closed end of the filter; moving the point of introduction of the effluent away from the closed end and toward the open end of the filter; and adjusting the rate of introduction of the effluent into the filter to achieve a predetermined content of solids in the concentrate remaining inside the filter. Also disclosed is a device for carrying out this process.

Abstract: Screen devices for use with an automatic screen changer (10) of an extruder (11) are fabricated from a screen preform (32) including an elongated carrier strip (36) having a plurality of screen elements (33--33) connected thereto. The screen changer (10) includes a pair of recesses (21,22) for receiving screen devices and is movable between a first position in which one recess is in the path of the extrudate (11) while the other recess is outside the path thereof and a second position in which the dispositions of the recesses is reversed. While a recess (21 or 22) is outside of the path of the extrudate, a used, clogged screen device is ejected therefrom and a new screen device is fabricated, in situ, therein. The screen device is fabricated by feeding the preform (32) between a punch (54) and the recess. The punch (54) is then actuated to sever an element (33) from the preform (32) and in the same motion insert it into the recess.

Abstract: Fluid supplied from a contaminant tank holding the fluid to be filtered, and delivered at a filtered fluid outlet, is supplied to a filter housing which defines a chamber therein subdivided by a perforate divider plate over which the filter paper is guided, and on which it is supported. The filter paper subdivides the chamber in an upper, or contaminant chamber, and a lower, or filtrate chamber. The lower or filtrate chamber is connected to a vacuum and suction pump. The upper portion of the housing can be raised off the filtrate paper and its support to permit movement of the filtrate paper.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating wastewater such as sewage are disclosed. Designed principally for complete on-site wastewater treatment and disposal, the system separates wastewater into liquid wastes and solid wastes by filtration, treats the liquid wastes with ultraviolet radiation and disperses them into unsaturated ground. The solid wastes are periodically removed, along with used portions of the paper filter medium and delivered, in the case of sewage, to a composting area where the solids can be composted. A preferred embodiment includes the use of ultraviolet radiation having wavelengths effective both to destroy pathogens directly and to produce ozone from entrained air in the liquid filtrate, to react with pathogens to form stable compounds. An alternate embodiment of a wastewater delivery and filtration suction subsystem is disclosed, whereby filtration is made continuous and capacity is approximately doubled.

Abstract: An improvement in the edge sealing of the filter medium supporting conveyor of a flat bed filter is disclosed. The edges of the conveyor ride along and frictionally engage internally extending shelves formed on each side wall of the filter. The conveyor is so constructed as to provide multiple longitudinal dams that cooperate with the supporting shelf to establish a labyrinthine leakage path that inhibits leakage between the conveyor edges and the supporting shelves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting the method is provided for separating suspended solids such as, nickel, chromium, zinc, copper, iron, etc., from a liquid containing such solids. The method comprises contacting such a liquid containing suspended solids with a liquid-absorbing medium. The liquid-absorbing medium selectively absorbs the liquid to the substantial exclusion of absorbing the suspended solids. After some liquid is absorbed, absorbed liquid is removed from the medium to refresh the medium and allow for the absorption of additional liquid concomitantly with the removal of liquid. The liquid removed from the liquid-absorbing medium is effectively separated from the solids. The apparatus comprises a solids-liquid separation unit which includes a perforated base having a dish-shaped upper portion. A liquid-absorbing medium is placed across the top of the base to form a seal over the perforations therein. A liquid-receiving chamber is provided below the perforated base.

Abstract: A liquid filter using a sheet of filter medium on a moveable conveyor where a contaminated liquid forms a pool above the conveyor and filter medium and is filtered therethrough into a filter compartment, contaminated liquid and filter being sealed from one another by a partial vacuum within the filter compartment pulling the filter medium against the conveyor in a sealed relationship with no other structures forming part of the seal.

Abstract: A continuous plating bath treatment system directs contaminated plating solution through a specially prepared filter medium and returns the filtered solution to service. The filter medium is a calendered polyester material provided in continuous roll form and is automatically replaced at regular intervals. As a new filter medium segment is drawn into position, a layer of carbon is deposited thereon to provide a chemical filtering element, thus providing chemical and mechanical filtration. Carbon is supplied from a supply hopper by vibrators; adjusting the rate at which vibration occurs conveniently allows adjustment of the volumetric flow of carbon. A support platform is included to hold the filter medium in a substantially horizontal orientation to receive the additional filter material. A reel mechanism collects spent segments of filter medium for ease of disposal or possible recycling.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating samples comprising a sample holding element; a wash trough removably positioned over the sample holding element; transfer tubes or conduits in sample receiving contact with the sample holding element, extending through the wash trough to a transfer head positioned over a vacuum manifold which elements, in combination, deliver sample from the sample holding element directly to a plurality of filter discs in said vacuum manifold means. A cutter block is positioned between the transfer head and manifold. The apparatus is designed and arranged so that the cutter block will simultaneously cut and position a plurality of filter paper discs on said filter discs. A plurality of individual samples can be treated rapidly while minimizing the amount of filter paper used with assurance of quantitative sample transfer.

Abstract: Filter apparatus and method comprising a pair of filter shells having communicating flow passages and a filter media between the shells. Upon the clogging of the filter media, the inflow of liquid is stopped, the shells drained of remaining liquid and separated to allow the filter media to be removed and replaced. The shells can be interlocked when closed, and a mechanism is provided to hold one shell in locked engagement against the other when filtering. The one shell can then be released to allow the shells to separate when the filter media is to be replaced.

Abstract: The discharge end portion of a sewage delivery tube is surrounded by the input end portion of a conveyor pipe. A long, flat strip of consumable filter material is inserted through the annular space between them and into the conveyor pipe. Prior to this insertion, however, the filter strip is shaped and fastened into the form of a closed tube. The conveyor pipe discharges into an incinerator equipped with means for breaking the sewage sludge into burnable droplets. The conveyor pipe is supported over a liquid-collecting funnel and is perforated in the portion thereof that is over the funnel. A vibrator attached to the conveyor pipe oscillates it longitudinally; and ratchet teeth inside the conveyor pipe are oriented to cooperate with the vibrator to urge the filter-encased sludge toward the incinerator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater such as sewage are disclosed. Designed principally for complete on-site wastewater treatment and disposal, the system separates wastewater into liquid wastes and solid wastes by filtration, treats the liquid wastes with a mild oxidizing agent and disperses them into unsaturated ground. The solid wastes are periodically removed, along with used portions of the paper filter medium and delivered, in the case of sewage, to a composting area where the still-fresh solids can be aerobically composted. Preferred and particularly advantageous embodiments of a filtering system, a sewage delivery system, a vacuum generating system, and a liquid level sensor, each of which may be used with the invention, are disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous plating bath treatment system directs contaminated plating solution through a specially prepared filter medium and returns the filtered solution to service. The filter medium is a calendered polyester material provided in continuous roll form and is automatically replaced at regular intervals. As a new filter medium segment is drawn into position, a layer of carbon is deposited thereon to provide a chemical filtering element, thus providing chemical and mechanical filtration. Carbon is supplied from a supply hopper by vibrators; adjusting the rate at which vibration occurs conveniently allows adjustment of the volumetric flow of carbon.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical breaker drum is rotatable and mounted in a cylindrical chamber of a main body to be connected to the forward end of the extruder and a band-like filter screen is introduced into the cylindrical chamber from the outside through a slit formed in the wall of the main body to be wound around the hollow breaker drum and passed to the outside from the cylindrical chamber through another slit formed in the wall of the main body, whereby the filter screen is adapted to be automatically exchanged by differentiating the thicknesses of both slits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous and controlled filter device that filters gases and liquids while maintaining a low differential pressure across the filter element. The device automatically advances clean filter medium into the filter seat or window when the differential pressure rises to a predetermined level replacing dirty filter medium with clean filter medium. The advance of the filter medium is effected by a fluid pressure operated expansible device cooperating with an indexing device for positioning the filter medium as a function of the pressure differential extending thereacross. The indexing device may include a ratchet structure for positively positioning preselected portions of the filter medium across the flow passage through which the fluid being filtered is passed.

Abstract: To separate solid particles from liquids or gas, the liquid or the gas is passed through a coil, formed from one or more threads wound on a carrier. After subsequent washing and drying, the solid which has been filtered out during the filtration process is removed by unwinding the coil from the carrier, the latter consisting of a permeable hollow cylinder closed at both end faces by means of end plates, and provided with a feed orifice.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering heat-softened plastic material under pressure of extrusion comprising a substantially continuous screen with screw means for positively moving the same past the filtering area, said screw means being located in a passage open to the fluid plastic material, with means to harden the plastic material in the passage into a nut in which the filter is embedded. The screw means also functions to prevent the solidified slug (nut) from escaping, preventing leakage.

Abstract: A sealing port for a filtering device of the type disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,471,017 is described. The sealing port has two separate sections in uninterrupted communication with one another for sealing purposes but thermally isolated from one another. Both sections are provided with both heating means and coolng means which are controllable to permit the performance of a process sequence wherein a stressed barrier plug (i.e., a sealing plug formed while subject to the hydrostatic pressure of a substance being filtered) is formed in the innermost section (i.e.

Abstract: A liquid filter immersed in a contaminated liquid, defines an open space therein receiving filtered liquid in a bottom portion thereof through a filter medium disposed thereabout, with power operated means for removing spent filter medium while fresh filter medium is supplied, and an outlet communicating with the filtered liquid maintaining a liquid level outside the frame higher than a liquid level within the frame for producing the filtering action.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for filtering fluids comprising a magazine chamber from which the cloth is transported continuously or intermittently over a supporting sieve to a receiving chamber. As the cloth passes through the filtered product with the result that the dimensional changes in the filter cloth due to temperature differences do not come into effect in the filtration section proper.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for filtering substances by introducing a filter band across a passageway through which the substance flows, the filter being passed through inlet and outlet ports sealed to prevent leakage therefrom for example by thermal solidification therein of the substance being filtered or any other suitable sealing substance to form sealing plugs in the ports, and the filter being advanced to locate a fresh part thereof across the passage by supporting the filter upon a reciprocable backing support, moving the backing support in a direction to advance the filter under conditions such that the filter moves with the backing support, and subsequently retracting the backing support under conditions such as to prevent movement of the filter with the backing support.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering fluids to remove solid discard particles therefrom, in which the apparatus includes a housing having a filter chamber, an inlet-side sealing chamber, and a discharge-side sealing chamber, a movable fluid inlet member which is movable into and out of the housing and which includes inlet-side and discharge-side bearing surfaces, and flexible sealing members which cooperate with the bearing surfaces in the sealing chambers to seal the filter chamber, a movable length of filter medium, and means for displacing the bearing surfaces and the movable length of filter medium, and which is operated by displacing the discharge-side movable bearing surface so that the movable length of filter medium may pass clear thereof, and displacing the movable length of filter medium clear of the discharge-side movable bearing surface to provide synchronized removal of the used length of filter medium from the filter chamber with discard particles associated therewith which are embedded therein and collec

Abstract: A system for the automated analysis of large numbers of liquid samples, in which a multiplicity of sample tubes are loaded in racks into a cassette and the loaded cassette is transferred from station to station, with operations of sample insertion, dilution, reagent addition and withdrawal for filtering being performed at successive stations. At each station there is a separate processing module adapted to receive the cassette, each module including the apparatus necessary for performing one of the abovementioned operations on each individual sample tube when it is located at a particular operational location in the cassette. Each module also has members for shifting the racks in the cassette in such manner that all tubes pass through the operational location in turn while strictly maintaining the same order of sequence throughout the operations.