Abstract: Locally backwashing portions of filter media allows a simple and effective design of intake and pretreatment units, as well as their integration. An enclosure is used to limit portions of filter media and backwash them locally by suction, utilizing filtered water from adjacent filter media as the back wash water. Wastewater is produced at small amounts that allows efficient sludge treatment. This design enables water pretreatment at the intake unit, simplifying overall plant design and preventing damage to organisms living outside the intake unit.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane (6) in a membrane filtration system by flowing gas bubbles past the surfaces of the membrane (6) to scour accumulated solids therefrom. The method includes flowing a liquid past a supply of gas; creating a reduced pressure within the liquid flow to cause a flow of gas from the supply of gas (9) into the liquid flow and form gas bubbles therein and then flowing the liquid containing the gas bubbles past the surfaces of the membrane (6) to scour the surfaces thereof. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of backwashing a membrane filtration system comprising at least one permeable membrane, preferably a hollow fiber membrane, the method comprising the step of applying a pressurized gas at a variable pressure to permeate remaining present in the system when filtration process is stopped or suspended to provide liquid for backwashing pores of the permeable membrane during a backwashing process. Also provided are methods of filtering solids from a liquid suspension using alternating liquid backwash pressures.

Abstract: A sludge filtration apparatus has a sludge tank configured to store sludge and at least one filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filtration membrane for filtering the sludge and a pipe insertable in the filtration membrane to supply air to a secondary side of the filtration membrane for dislodging the sludge from the filtration membrane. The pipe has a plurality of holes for discharging gas, namely air, to an area in which the filtration membrane inclines downwardly with the secondary side thereof. The sludge filtration apparatus can prevent thickened sludge from remaining in an upper portion of the filter assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for exhausting impurities included in a fluid, the apparatus including: a filtering net installation body; an impurity filtering net body; a fluid inflow pipe; a fluid exhaust pipe; a ball valve; and an air chamber housing (80) detachably assembled with a connecting part (70), which is inserted into and fixed to an inner periphery of an upper part of a hollow part (12) of the filtering net installation body (10), wherein the air chamber housing (80) includes an assembling part (82) assembled with the connector (70) and a collector (84) which is formed integrally with the assembling part (82) so as to communicate with the assembling part (82) and allows compressed air to be collected into the collector (82).

Abstract: The method of forming a filter cake from a slurry comprising the steps of feeding the slurry into a filter housing, wherein the filter housing includes a plurality of vertical filter elements; pressing the slurry into the filter housing against the filter elements resulting in i) a filtrate passing through the filter elements and exiting out an exhaust port of the filter housing; ii) forming a solid cake on the filter elements; feeding a wash liquid into the filter housing while draining out the slurry by opening the slurry drain valve; closing the slurry drain valve and then continually feeding wash liquid through the cake and into the filter tube of the filter housing; stopping the feed of wash liquid; introducing a gas into the filter housing and draining out the wash liquid by opening a bottom drain valve; stopping the gas flow and opening a drain to exit most of the gas and remaining wash liquid; opening the bottom cake discharge valve; and back pulsing by a gas to break and to release the filter cake fr

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing fluids, particularly entrained and/or adherent fluids, from drill cuttings created during the well drilling process. An apron assembly collects drill cuttings and deposits such cuttings on a central rotor having multiple distinct chambers. A first chamber is loaded with drill cuttings. The central rotor thereafter cycles to a second position wherein a pressure seal is formed around the loaded first chamber. An air knife or similar device is used to blast compressed gas at the cuttings in the sealed chamber and force the cuttings against a screen. Solid components of the cuttings remain in the sealed chamber, while liquid components pass through the screen and are collected using an auger assembly. Following such separation, the rotor is cycled again, allowing dried cuttings to empty from the first chamber. The process is repeated for each chamber of the rotor.

Abstract: A lift type pore-controllable fiber filter includes a filter tank, a strainer coaxially formed as a porous tub in the filter tank, extending to an outside of the filter tank at a bottom thereof to communicate with a treated water drain pipe, and having a piston guide recessed in an axial direction at an upper portion thereof, a lifting driver including a cylinder and a piston, an upper filter material fixing plate having fixing means, fixed to the piston above the strainer, and working in collaboration with reciprocation of the piston, a lower filter material fixing plate having fixing means and fixed below the strainer, and at least one fiber filter material fixed to the fixing means of the upper and lower filter material fixing plates at upper and lower ends thereof respectively, and forming filtering pore layers on an outer circumference of the strainer.

Abstract: A quickly cleanable water processor includes a shell, a water pipe, at least one filtering unit and a cleaning unit. The shell includes a space defined therein, a water inlet, a water outlet and an air inlet. The water inlet and outlet and the air inlet and outlet are in communication with the space. The water pipe is disposed in the shell and made with slots in communication with the water inlet. The filtering unit is detachably provided around the water pipe. The filtering unit includes alternately arranged membrane bags and water-guiding discs. The cleaning unit includes an air pump and an air pipe extended into the shell from the air pump through the air inlet. The air pipe includes apertures through which air reaches the membrane bags from the air pipe.

Abstract: A wastewater tertiary media filtration system capable of enhancing filtration performance while including backwashing capabilities that eliminate turbidity spikes by using compressed fluid injected to the interior of submerged filter disks is disclosed. A tertiary wastewater treatment apparatus including a filter tank having an inlet and an outlet with a plurality of pile cloth media filter disks disposed in generally parallel relation between the inlet and outlet. Each filter disk preferably includes opposing filter panels disposed in generally parallel spaced relation and supported by a frame. Each filter panel preferably includes a quantity of pile cloth, or other suitable filtration media, sandwiched between opposing mesh panels. The filter disks may be angularly disposed at approximately 55-degrees relative to horizontal so as to maximize settlement velocity in accordance with the advantages of inclined plate technology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing fluids, particularly entrained and/or adherent fluids, from drill cuttings created during the well drilling process. An apron assembly collects drill cuttings and deposits such cuttings on a central rotor having multiple distinct chambers. A first chamber is loaded with drill cuttings. The central rotor thereafter cycles to a second position wherein a pressure seal is formed around the loaded first chamber. An air knife or similar device is used to blast compressed gas at the cuttings in the sealed chamber and force the cuttings against a screen. Solid components of the cuttings remain in the sealed chamber, while liquid components pass through the screen and are collected using an auger assembly. Following such separation, the rotor is cycled again, allowing dried cuttings to empty from the first chamber. The process is repeated for each chamber of the rotor.

Abstract: A method for purifying fluids and a sedimentation tank, the sedimentation tank includes: a perforated plate spaced from an upper and of the sedimentation tank dividing the sedimentation tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; an inlet adapted to inlet fluid into the tank; a first outlet, positioned above the perforated plate for outletting a clarified fraction of the fluid; a second outlet positioned at a bottom of the tank, for outletting a concentrated sludge fraction of the fluid; a pump; and a washing mechanism, positioned at least partially above the perforated plate; wherein the pump is adapted to provide a washing fluid to the washing mechanism when a level of fluid in the sedimentation tank is below a predefined level; and wherein the washing mechanism washes an upper surface of the perforated plate by the washing fluid.

Abstract: A self-cleaning water filter system for removing particulate matter from water by producing scouring effect which pulls debris or particles off from a filter element when a fluid flow is produced across the filter element. The self-cleaning water filter system has a filter housing having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an internal cavity. A water inlet tube, an exit tube and a water supply line are adapted to be connected to the filter housing. The filter element is positioned within the filter housing and can have a cylindrical or rectangular configuration. A pressure vessel is in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the filter housing. A pressurizable flexible chamber adapted to expand and contract due to the pressure in the filter housing is positioned inside the pressure vessel. At least one perforated flow tube is positioned in the filter housing adjacent to the filter element and in fluid communication with the pressure vessel.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for treating a fluid containing solids which has been flushed back from a reversible flow filter, comprising a sedimentation device for separating solids from the flushed back fluid by a process of sedimentation in a sediment collecting region which enables solids to be removed in a manner free from filter-aids and which exhibits as small a degree of fluid loss as possible, it is proposed that the sediment collecting region is arranged to be subjected to a positive pressure and/or a negative pressure in order to remove residual fluid from the sediment collecting region.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a filter apparatus together with a method for the filtration of liquids, such as, in particular, water, with a housing with an inlet and a filtrate outlet for filtered liquid, with a filter means which is arranged in the flow path of the liquid between the inlet and the filtrate outlet for filtering out particles from the liquid, and with a dirt discharge via which filtered-out particles can be discharged from the housing, the filtrate outlet being assigned an outlet valve and the dirt discharge being assigned a discharge valve. According to the disclosure, the outlet valve and the discharge valve are coupled in such a way that the discharge valve opens the dirt discharge only when the outlet valve has at least partially shut off the filtrate outlet, in order thereby to generate a cleaning pulse.

Abstract: Apparatus for increasing a concentration of large particles in a mixture which includes the large particles and smaller particles, including a flow chamber, a filtrate accepting chamber, a filtering component separating the flow chamber from the filtrate accepting chamber, the filtering component including a plurality of pores passing therethrough, characterized by further including means for generating a flow of the fluid in the flow chamber, with a flow component in a direction parallel to a surface of the filtering component sufficient to substantially prevent particles from adhering to the filtering component and clogging the pores.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for exhausting impurities included in a fluid, the apparatus including: a filtering net installation body; an impurity filtering net body; a fluid inflow pipe; a fluid exhaust pipe; a ball valve; and an air chamber housing (80) detachably assembled with a connecting part (70), which is inserted into and fixed to an inner periphery of an upper part of a hollow part (12) of the filtering net installation body (10), wherein the air chamber housing (80) includes an assembling part (82) assembled with the connector (70) and a collector (84) which is formed integrally with the assembling part (82) so as to communicate with the assembling part (82) and allows compressed air to be collected into the collector (82).

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter for fluids, in particular water, having a filter surface and a rotary spray arm contained in said filter, said arm conducting a flushing medium against the filter surface. To achieve an increase in the throughput capacity of the filter and to improve the flushing of the filter surface, the filter is equipped with a fluid-proof drum motor, which drives at least one spray arm.

Abstract: The teachings presented herein provide a water distribution manifold assembly for distribution of water for mixed indoor and outdoor usage. The assembly finds direct application in water reclamation and conservation in that it allows for the use of runoff and gray water. The assembly integrates in-line filtration in a convenient, readily accessible way. In one or more embodiments, the assembly includes: a supply inlet and an associated check valve and pressure release valve; a filter unit connected to a second check valve; a pressure gauge; one or more outlets, each of which may be connected to a check valve; and a manifold or connecting pipe that interconnects the inlet, filter unit, and one or more outlets. The assembly also may include a controller, which in one or more embodiments provides control, monitoring, and communications for the assembly and/or associated water distribution systems.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide: a hollow fiber bundle, a method of manufacturing the hollow fiber bundle, a cylindrical module of hollow fiber membrane, and an immersion type module of hollow fiber membrane wherein the hollow fibers are easy to apply scrubbing while maintaining specified intervals among the hollow fibers.

Abstract: An oil/water separator tank having intake, discharge and vent fittings is conditioned for in-situ cleaning of the oil separator plate stacks positioned therein by selective opening of manual valves connected to each of such fittings. When so conditioned by opening of the manual valves, the in-situ cleaning is performed during repeated operational phases under automated control of solenoid operated and motor driven valves through which a plurality of sequential operational steps are performed, consisting of (a) low pressure air injected into an air sparging array within the separator tank, (b) supply of potable water into a mixing tank; (c) mixing of the potable water with the cleaning agent within the mixing tank; (d) introduction of the cleaning agent after the mixing thereof into the separator tank to enhance in-situ cleaning by dispersing the low pressure air from the air sparging array; and (e) drainage of collected waste oil from the separator tank into a waste oil tank.

Abstract: A cylindrical rotating thickening device including an axial core, a plurality of longitudinally extending spaced apart support ribs extending radially from the axial core, and a shell surrounding the support ribs and supported thereon. The shell includes a plurality of longitudinally extending spaced apart grooves, and a perforated deck surrounding and supported on the shell. The deck includes a plurality of closely adjacent deck segments, and each deck segment includes a leading edge and a trailing edge. Each deck segment further includes an integral bar attached to the leading edge and received in the shell groove, and a plurality of fasteners for securing the bar to the shell.

Abstract: In the backflush filter (10) according to the invention, in which the flushing back of the filter inserts (15) which are received in several filter chambers takes place by means of flushing filtrate loaded by compressed air, the flush valve (35) and the mud drain valve (39) are actuated by a common drive, whereas the valves or the valve bores (45, 46) are dimensioned in such a manner that the flush valve only releases the connection to the filtrate chamber (19?) of the filter inserts (15?) to be flushed back, when the mud drain valve has already at least partially released the connection between the mud chamber (24?) of the affected filter chamber (14?) with a mud outlet (40). By this, it is ensured in a particularly simple manner that at the backflush process the pressure level in the mud chamber has already dropped before the filtrate for the backflush is loaded with compressed air (see FIG. 2).

Abstract: A device for cleaning a fluid comprises at least one set of a first membrane cloth and a second membrane cloth, each being permeable to water over substantially their entire length. The membrane cloths are held taut, substantially parallel to one another in a frame delimiting between them a movement path for fluid. The cloths are displaceable with respect to one another between a first position, in which the mutually facing surfaces substantially touch one another, and a second position, in which the cloths lie at a distance from one another and the width of the movement path for the fluid is greater than in the first position. At least one of the cloths, on the side which faces towards the adjacent cloth is provided with grooves or webs for the purpose of forming channels between the cloths in the longitudinal direction of the cloths, in the first position.

Abstract: A system capable of cleaning and disinfecting a filter. A filter element is flushed with a disinfectant solution in a direction opposite to fluid filtration. A filter integrity test checks the integrity of the filter by pressurizing the filter.

Abstract: A filter-dryer apparatus employing a single container for both filtering and drying operations including a container holding a material to be filtered and dried, adapted to connect to a filter system and to connect to a fluid bed dryer system, and a process for separating particulates from liquids by the operations of filtration and drying, which includes the steps of providing a single container for both filtering and drying operations; introducing a mixture of particles and liquid to said container; connecting the container to a filter system and filtering the particulates from the liquid; detaching the container from the filter system; connecting the container to a fluid bed drying system and removing the liquid from the particulates to result in dry particulates.

Abstract: A contaminant-flushing machine for removing contaminants from a container, such as an engine transmission, air-conditioner coil, or transmission cooler, which includes hoses for coupling to the transmission cooler and a pump for circulating fluid through the hoses and the transmission cooler, and a fluid filter having a reduced tendency towards causing vaporization of the fluid. Also included in the contaminant-flushing machine is an automatic aeration system for injecting air into the circulating fluid at predetermined intervals. Additionally, a reverse flow piping circuit is included to permit automatic and electric manipulation of the flow direction of fluid through said transmission cooler while at the same time not altering the direction of flow of fluid through the pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering a liquid. The filtering is conducted using one or several filter elements in the filter housing, the operation being based on the alternation of filtering stages and air flushing stages. According to the invention, upon transferring from the flushing stage to the filtering stage, the filter housing is filled with liquid so that the liquid pushes the flushing air in the housing from the upper end of the housing into a separate air container so that air is compressed to a higher pressure in the container. During the filtering stage, air remains in the container, and after the filtering stage, air compressed in the container is allowed to push liquid out of the filter housing with its pressure. Further, the connection between the air container and the filter housing can be arranged so that air compressed in the container participates in the backflushing of the filter elements.

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: An apparatus for the separation of a solid/liquid suspension by filtration includes a tank filled with a suspension to be treated. At least one cavitied plate is located in the tank and has at least one internal cavity. The plate is immersed in the suspension to be treated. The plate is inclined with respect to the vertical and only a lower inclined face of the plate is covered with a filter medium, the upper face being solid. The compartment of the cavitied plate communicates with a conduit which collects filtered suspension. Gas flushing pipes are positioned below the plate for emitting gas bubbles that pass across the filter medium and remove material clinging thereto.

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: An aerator for filtering membranes immersed in a tank of liquid has an upper surface having holes for discharging bubbles below the membranes, sides extending downwardly from upper surface for trapping a variable volume of air in communication with holes and an opening to the liquid in the tank below the volume of trapped air so that liquid can be displaced from or enter into the aerator as the volume of trapped air changes. A supply of air is provided to the air space in the aerators alternating between a high flow rate and a low flow rate in short cycles of between about 10 seconds and 100 seconds. Typically, there is substantially no air flow during the period of low air flow. The aerator is sized in relation to the duration and rate of air flow provided during a cycle such that either air flows through the holes throughout each cycle or such that no air flows through the holes during at least part of the cycle such that liquid in the tank may flood the aerator and wash away any accumulated solids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering a liquid. The filtering is conducted using one or several filter elements in the filter housing, the operation being based on the alternation of filtering stages and air flushing stages. According to the invention, upon transferring from the flushing stage to the filtering stage, the filter housing is filled with liquid so that the liquid pushes the flushing air in the housing from the upper end of the housing into a separate air container so that air is compressed to a higher pressure in the container. During the filtering stage, air remains in the container, and after the filtering stage, air compressed in the container is allowed to push liquid out of the filter housing with its pressure. Further, the connection between the air container and the filter housing can be arranged so that air compressed in the container participates in the backflushing of the filter elements.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing sterile substitution solutions from a dialysis fluid used in connection with the treatment of a patient's blood in an extracorporeal circuit are disclosed. The apparatus includes pumps or valves for comparing the flow of fresh dialysis fluid prior to treatment and after treatment of a patient's blood and a throttle which divides the fresh dialysis circuit into a positive pressure portion and a negative pressure portion, a sterile filter including a membrane disposed in the positive pressure portion of the dialysis circuit, and a valve for controlling the pressure in the positive pressure portion to pass a predetermined amount of the fresh dialysis fluid through the membrane in a sterile filter to provide a predetermined amount of the sterile substitution solution for addition to the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: A process of dewatering primary-treated sewage which includes mixing the sewage with a coagulant or flocculant aid, usually activated polymer. The sewage is then mixed and flocculated at conditions which involve extensive mixing turbulence of the sewage and whereby part of the sewage is recycled so as to be again subjected to such mixing and flocculating. Flocks form the solid particles in the sewage. The pH of the sewage is chemically adjusted into the basic pH range or to a higher basic pH. The sewage is applied to a sand bed whereby the flocculated solids in the sewage are separated from the liquid in the sewage, by collecting on the top of the sand bed. The flocculated solids located on the top of the sand bed are air dried. The dried flocculated solids are removed from the top of the sand bed.

Abstract: In a filtration equipment with a filtrate recovery process, in order to achieve reduction in recovery time of suspension in a tank and allow sludge such as filtration aid to be exfoliated readily from filtration elements and discharged, pressurized water is introduced into the tank which includes tubular filtration elements and a plate element provided at upper and lower locations thereof to recover the suspension as filtrate, and pressurized gas such as air or carbon dioxide is introduced into the tank from the suspension side so that water remaining on the suspension side is discharged from the tank by the pressurized gas, whereafter sludge is exfoliated from the filtration elements and then discharged to the outside of the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a pharmacological IV admixture for contaminants, following filtering of turbid liquids such as emulsions through a micropore filter, includes the step of first air purging or gas purging residual emulsion particles through the micropore filter using pressure, before admitting a growth medium to the upstream side of the filter. The air purging of these emulsion particles, so that they are substantially removed from the upstream side of the filter, enables the successful sterility testing of the filter by admitting clear growth medium, waiting the required culturing time and observing for turbidity which evidences growth of microbes. The described procedure removes residual emulsion particles simply and effectively so that the visual test is effective. In a preferred embodiment the procedure is carried out using a sealed, sterile growth medium bag connected to the filter assembly, the bag having a quantity of sterile air along with the liquid growth medium.

Abstract: A filter device including means to produce an air actuated purge for backwashing a filter assembly including a double sieve basket having a flexible filter between the double baskets. The backwash removes caked contaminant from the filter and baskets. The purge uses only the quantity of liquid in the housing and a blast of air to backwash the filter. The pressurized air causes roiling of the liquid and accelerates the blowing through the sieve baskets and flexible filter for the backwash to remove and loosen the contaminants. The air which follows the liquid through the filter assembly further loosens and then removes the remainder of the contaminants.

Abstract: A method of cleaning metal filters of a solvent spun fibre production plant. The method comprises the step of (a) dissolving dope from the filters using a hot solvent for the dope, (b) washing the solvent from the filters using hot water, (c) pyrolysing remnants of dope or solvent in the filters, (d) ultrasonically washing the pyrolysed particles from the filters, (e) reheating the filters to dislodge pyrolysed particles, (f) ultrasonically rewashing the filters and (g) drying the filters.

Abstract: The invention concerns a backwashable filter device, specially for domestic water conduits that includes an inlet for raw water, a raw water chamber connected to the inlet, an outlet for clean water, a clean water chamber connected to the outlet, a filter element and an outlet for backwash water. The filter element is arranged between the raw water chamber and the clean water chamber and features a partial area (B) that accommodates water flow only in backwash but not normal operation. A conduit channel connects the outlet for backwash water with the partial area (B). At least one separate conduit connection is provided from the clean water chamber to the partial area (B). A conduit area is present in the conduit connection and designed in a nozzle-like shape so that clean water can be conducted from the clean water chamber at increased velocity against the partial area (B).

Abstract: An underdrain lateral for a liquid purification system is described. The lateral has three chambers, a primary chamber, a compensating chamber, and gas chamber. Turbulence is minimized during cleansing of the purification media by isolating the gas from the liquid and the backwash liquid. This is accomplished by feeding gas into the gas chamber so that the chamber is occupied by gas only during cleansing. Orifices in the wall between the primary and compensating chambers and in the baffle between the compensating and gas chambers provide compensation for even distribution of liquid in the lateral. The design also enables the use of cut out in the gas chambers to equalize gas pressures and flow among the laterals and throughout the system bed and cut outs in the primary chambers to equalize liquid pressure and flow along the laterals and throughout the system bed.

Abstract: A device which employs high pressure air to remove oil from a used oil filter of a motor vehicle. High pressure air directed into a central core of an oil filter forces out oil in the filter, thereby permitting the filter to be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner, without the concern that oil may leak from the filter and cause contamination.

Abstract: A recirculating toilet water system includes: a toilet, a main water tank for storing water and receiving waste matters from the toilet, a filtered water supply means for supplying filtered water as filtered through a screen from the main water tank for flushing the toilet and an air supply means for delivering compressed air for boosting the filtered water for flushing the toilet, wherein the water supply means includes a feed water valve which is normally opened to fludically communicate a flushing water tank with the main water tank to lead water into the flushing water tank and is operatively closed when boosting the water for flushing the toilet by the compressed air, and is further provided with a purging perforation therethrough to eject a partial stream for purging the screen for preventing the clogging of particulate matters on the screen when boosting the water.

Abstract: A method of concentrating solids in a liquid suspension using a filter having a plurality of hollow, microporous, elastic fibres with a shell or housing, comprising applying the suspension to an outer surface of the fibres whereby a portion of the suspension passes through the fibre walls and at least a portion of the solids is retained on or in the fibres; and discharging the retained solids by stretching the fibre pores and washing out solids retained in the pores by application of gas under pressure.

Abstract: A filter apparatus is disclosed having a multi-stage filter tower and a plurality of liquid reservoirs, each reservoir having an approximately horizontal filter surface at its lower surface. The reservoirs are connected to each other centrally and in a vertical direction, with such communication causing an inflow clearance between the upper surface of each reservoir and the filter surface. The multi-stage tower is provided within a tank having a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a drain spout, which are controlled by valves. The interior of the filter tower is connected with the liquid outlet of the tank and the filter tower has a head connected with a source of pressurized air via a valve arrangement. The apparatus according to the invention provides for the advantageous, economical and efficient washing of filter surfaces that become clogged during the filtration and purification process.

Abstract: A cleaning system for ink jet printing orifices includes cooperative elements which provide varying pressure differentials across the orifice plate that oscillate ink into and out of the orifices. In one embodiment the pressure differentials are implemented by varying the impedance to ink cross-flow through a print head cavity while pressurizing a region around the exterior of the orifices.

Abstract: A repeatably rejuvenating filtration system of the pneumatic hydro-pulse type is disclosed as including the feeding of a solid/fluid feed slurry to be filtered into operative engagement with the interior porous wall surfaces of a plurality of open ended tubular filter elements so that filtrate passes outwardly through the walls of the filter elements and the solids are collected as a cake on the interior wall surface. The cake of solids on the interior wall surface is subjected to an axial discharge fluid flow through the interior of the filter elements along the length of the cake for removal of the cake axially along the interior of the filter elements. The system includes an arrangement for providing a pressure actuated pulse of fluid that may operate through the cylindrical walls toward the axial bore of the filter tubes to dislodge the filtered material, and may operate substantially simultaneously with the axial discharge flow for conducting the dislodged filtered material from the open ended bores.

Abstract: A self-flushing, magnetic separator technique including feeding the medium to be separated to one end of a matrix in a container; collecting separated fluid from the other end of the matrix; accumulating at least one matrix volume of the separated fluid in a chamber in the container adjacent one of the ends of the matrix stopping flow to and from the matrix, trapping the accumulated fluid in the chamber; and in one embodiment introducing a pressurized drive fluid to the chamber and venting the other end of the matrix to urge the accumulated fluid to move through and flush the matrix.

Abstract: A dry cleaning apparatus for pieces of fabric such as clothing has a tumbler drum with a washing space within it in which the clothing is firstly washed with solvent and thereafter is dried and if necessary aired. To this end the drum space with the clothing therein is firstly joined up with a solvent circulation system and then with a hot air circulation system. The solvent circulation system has a filter unit within it for cleaning the solvent and the air circulation system has an air cooler with a condensate trap and furthermore an air heater. For drying the dirt in the filter unit air is branched off from the hot air circulation system at a point downstream from the air heater so that while drying is taking place part of the hot air makes its way through the filter unit and then comes out of the filter unit and by way of a second branch duct goes back into the hot air circulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved liquid filter in which contaminated liquid is pumped into an inlet chamber, through a filter element, into an outlet chamber and out of the filter through an outlet pipe. The inlet and outlet chambers have compartments which hold compressed air. When the filter element becomes clogged with contaminants, inlet and outlet valves are closed, sealing off the filter. A vent valve is then opened to quickly exhaust the compressed air in the inlet air compartment. This allows the compressed air in the outlet air compartment to energetically force liquid back through the filter element thereby dislodging the deposited contaminants. The compartments and a liquid column between them are sized so that a discharge of liquid from the inlet compartment during the venting thereof is prevented.