Abstract: A filtration system including a crossflow filter having an interior membrane and a backpulse piston-and-cylinder assembly having a first port connected to a permeate outlet of the crossflow filter and a second port positioned at a different location than the first port. The piston-and-cylinder assembly has an interior piston movable between a first position blocking fluid flow between the first port and the second port and a second position permitting fluid flow between the first and second ports. An actuator is connected to the piston so as to move the piston from the second position to the first position. The piston defines an interior chamber within the assembly. The first port and the second port are in fluid communication with the interior chamber when the piston is in the second position. A controller is connected to the actuator for causing the movement of the piston relative to a temporal event or to a pressure differential across the interior membrane of the crossflow filter.

Abstract: Back-flushing filter device for the filtration of a highly viscous liquid with a housing (1) which has an inlet port (2) for the liquid to be filtered, a filter (3) and an outlet port (4) for filtrate, characterised in that,the filter (3) contacts, on its side facing the liquid to be filtered, a separating body (5) with recesses ("reject spaces") (6),the separating body (5) has inlet channels (7) for the liquid to be filtered, whereby the inlet channels run into the recesses (6),the separating body (5) has an outlet device (8, 8', 8") for the back-flushed liquid which is spatially separated from inlet channels (7),the housing (1) has a drain (9) for the back-flushed liquid, and thatthe entry port (2) and drain (9) are designed to be closable.

Abstract: A separation device for suspensions comprises a housing (1), a filter body (3) with a wall of filter material situated in the housing, spray means (14) adapted to spray jets of a suspension to be separated directly onto one side of the wall of filter material, and means (4, 6) for displacing the filter body relative to the spray means. According to the invention the filter body forms a substantially circular cylindrical drum (3) with a vertical center axis, the circumferential wall of the drum comprises said wall of filter material. Further, said displacement means (4, 6) is adapted to turn said cylindrical drum about said vertical center axis during operation.

Abstract: A filter backflushing system including either a pneumatically-driven piston or pneumatic accumulator for propelling a supply of a filtered backflushing fluid, contained in a backflushing fluid chamber, in a reverse direction through a filter element. The filter backflushing system provides a high intensity, substantially instantaneous, constant pressure backflushing flow which effectively removes clogging contaminants from the filter element.

Abstract: A strainer that is used in association with a motor-driven pump that sucks water out of outdoor pits, reservoirs, streams, ponds, and the like, usually for irrigation or watering purposes. The strainer has a cylindrical screen disposed on a spool-like body for rotation substantially about its own axis. Nozzles that are disposed interiorly of the screen spray water outwardly through the screen to both rotate the screen and to dislodge any debris that may have accumulated on it due to the pump suction force. The screen is a plastic that has a specific gravity of approximately one and it is guided for rotation by the margins of circular discs that form the axial ends of the spool-like body.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering slurries of minerals or other fine particles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a ceramic filter plate and a fluid flow device for drawing a partial vacuum across said filter plate and to supply a pulsed liquid to the filtrate side of said filter plate. The apparatus also includes an oscillating device that facilitates removal of cake which accumulates on the filter plate when sued simultaneously with or successively with said pulsed liquid.

Abstract: The device is the dual functional filter of the slurry, scraping of the filtered cake, compression the scraped cake and discharging the compressed cake, continuously. The device is composed of both the filter part and the cake compression part. While the filter part is positioned upward holding the filtrate room, the slurry chamber and the filter medium in between, the lower cake compression part contains the screw blade attached to the shaft stationed from the top of the filter part to the end of the cake compression part. The filter cake piled on the filter medium during the filtration of the slurry fed under pressure, is scraped by the scraping blades attached to the shaft or, if necessary, peeled off by the pressure flashings of the back wash liquid through the cake on the filter medium. Precipitated cakes from the above is compressed in the compression part by the screw.

Abstract: A filter for flowing polymer having a filter element progressively advanced between an on-stream position communicating between the upstream and downstream passages and a backflush position. In the latter position, filtered polymer is forced through a segment of the element in the direction opposite to on-stream flow. The filter is advanced in steps alternately with the energization of a pump for creating the backflush pressure. The steps are determined to cause each filter portion to remain in the backflush position for at least two consecutive steps.

Abstract: A method and a system for separating solids from a solids-containing liquid feed is disclosed wherein ultrasonic energy is applied to a fouled separation element in situ in the separator unit associated with the element while the element is immersed in a liquid to effect removal therefrom of solids fouling the elements and wherein the separation element is backflushed with a backflush liquid.

Abstract: A method of removing magnetically-separated magnetic particles adhering to a magnetic filter. Sets of radially-arranged magnets are provided above and below, with adjacent magnets having unlike poles. The filter is located in an alternating magnetic field formed by the magnets. The filter is washed by directing a jet of fluid at it while magnets, or filter, is being rotated.

Abstract: A fluid filter comprising a housing, a filter element disposed in the housing and arranged to receive a flow of fluid to be filtered from an upstream side of the element to a downstream side thereof, a fluid inlet communicating with the interior of the housing and with the upstream side of the filter element, a fluid outlet communicating with the downstream side of the filter element, and piston apparatus operative in a regeneration mode for producing circulation of fluid generally simultaneously from the downstream side of the filter element to the upstream side thereof and from the upstream side of the filter element to the downstream side thereof, thereby dislodging and reorienting particulate matter engaging the filter element.

Abstract: A fluid filter is disclosed which includes a casing defining a fluid chamber with inlet and outlet apertures to and from the chamber to respectively conduct unfiltered fluid to the chamber and filtered fluid from the chamber. A flow path is defined within the chamber and a filter is interposed in the flow path substantially normal to the direction of flow of the fluid in the chamber. The filter includes a screen having a covering of a filter aid, such as diatomaceous earth, on an upstream side of the screen. The filter is regenerated by reciprocating the screen relative to the casing in a path corresponding to the path defined by the direction of flow.

Abstract: The filter assembly includes a filter unit disposed in a vertical tank and includes a first end plate or drain head having an opening in fluid communication with a filtrate port in the tank, a longitudinally movable second end plate or compression head spaced in generally parallel relationship to the drain head and an elongated sleeve of flexible filter material, such as a woven fabric, connected to and extending between the drain and compression heads to define a filtrate chamber. When the filter tube is in an expanded or extended condition (filtering position), a portion of the fluid, such as a wash water from a vehicle washing facility, entering the tank passes through the filter tube into the filter chamber and the thus-filtered water exits therefrom through the filtrate port. Excess wash water in the tank overflows through an overflow outlet.

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: A method and apparatus for backwashing filter elements in a filter vessel. At least one collapsible bladder in the form of a tube is suspended together with a plurality of filter elements in a mixture compartment of a vessel for filtering solids from a liquid-solids mixture, the tube having a volumetric displacement at least as great as the volume of filtrate required to flow from a filtrate compartment into the filter elements to slightly expand filter fabric enveloping the filter elements to disengage filtercake deposited thereon. Means are provided to fill the tube with fluid for expansion thereof and to rapidly empty fluid from the tube for sudden collapse of the tube and attendant rapid reverse flow of filtrate from the filtrate compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering a fluid by directing a flow of the fluid against a filter such that only a portion of the fluid passes through the filter and the remainder passes over the filter to clean it thereby preventing the filter from becoming clogged. The apparatus can be used in a rotary fluid management device of a dynamic isotope power system for filtering fluid therein which is to be used for lubricating bearings of the device for a period of many years with no maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing solid particles from cooling water having a tubular housing (1), a funnel-shaped trap sieve (4) attached to the inner housing wall with the tip facing in the flow direction, and a pressurized water sprayer (11). The sprayer includes a washer arm (14), concentrally rotatable about the downstream side (23) of trap sieve (4), and having at least one slit nozzle (15) directed toward the downstream surface (23). A suction tube (8) extends into a collecting chamber (10) of trap sieve (4). To prevent large particles from jamming rotating components, trap sieve (4) is cleaned by spraying water only against the downstream side. The tip of the sieve is defined by a cylindrical container (5) having a closed bottom (6). The intake end (9) of suction tube (8) extends into the container. Wash water is introduced into washer arm (14) through an inner end fixedly attached to a hollow flange (13) mounted on a rotary shaft (12) of pressurized spray apparatus (11).

Abstract: A rotary self-cleaning strainer comprises a circular cylindrical walled PVC pipe on which a circular cylindrical filter screen assembly is journaled for rotation. The PVC pipe has an intake that is surrounded by the filter screen assembly and a discharge that is connected to a pump. When the strainer is placed in a body of water that is to be pumped, water is drawn through the screen that forms the sidewall of the filter screen assembly and enters the intake of the PVC pipe. The filtered water is conducted through the PVC pipe and to the pump. A nozzle structure disposed within the filter screen assembly is supplied with water from a separate supply line connected to the strainer. The water is forcefully emitted against the screen to both rotate the screen assembly and dislodge adhering debris from the exterior of the screen. The strainer also has a lip type seal and a series of wheels which seal and journal one axial end of the filter screen assembly to and on the PVC pipe.

Abstract: A concentrator for concentrating the fine solids of a liquid feed suspension has a shell within which there is a bundle of microporous fibers. Pressurized feed suspension is introduced through an inlet and passes over the external walls of the fibers with the clarified liquid being drawn from the lumens of the fibers and the concentrated feed being discharged through an outlet. The solids retained within the shell are removed by first applying a pressurized liquid and then applying a gas at a pressure sufficient to ensure that the gas will pass through the larger pores of the fibrs to remove the solids from the shell through the outlet to an external collection point. The fibers are enclosed within a variable volume diaphragm located within a diaphragm holder by spaced plugs. The volume of the diaphragm is altered by varying the pressure of a fluid introduced through the inlet to the space between the diaphragm and the diaphragm holder.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for treating articles, such as printed circuit boards and the like, by removing solid particles, such as polymer resists, by a chemical action such as a stripping action, with the chemical action being provided by spraying a solution onto the articles. The removed particles are then separated from the solution, by novel separation apparatus, so that the solution can be re-used. The novel separation apparatus employs one or more screens or filters that are angularly disposed to allow solution to fall through the screen or screens, and solution is provided in such a manner as to wash along or across the screen or screens, to wash particles into a residence zone, from which they may be evacuated. The particles are preferrably propelled from the residence zone on a periodic basis, for subsequent filtration, whereby the solution in which they are carried may likewise be returned for re-use.

Abstract: An ink filter system including a self-washing filter provided with upper and lower cylinder chambers and a piston reciprocable between upper and lower positions in the upper cylinder chamber. First and second inlets are provided for introducing fluid into the upper cylinder chamber on opposite sides of the piston. The filter screen is mounted in the lower cylinder chamber. The filter is cleaned on the upstroke of a spray nozzle which is connected to the piston. The spray nozzle is cleaned on the downstroke of the piston.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously filtering a flow of melted plastic which includes means for purging the filter without interrupting continuous operation. A filter assembly consists of a trap plate and breaker plate between which filters are disposed. The trap and breaker plates each defines triangularly shaped openings diposed in a circular array, each of which is subdivided into smaller passages for filtering larger contaminants. Individual filters also of triangular configuration are sandwiched between registering openings between the trap and breaker plates, each filter consisting of a fine and coarse screen. A collector head is rotatably disposed for selective registration with each of the openings of the trap plate, and an indexing mechanism is included for stepping the collector head for stationary registration with each opening. The collector head communicates with a contaminant discharge passage that is open and closed in timed sequence with movement of the collector head.

Abstract: In a method and device for filtering a suspension of particles in a liquid the liquid is passed continuously through a porous membrane, particles from the suspenion gradually accumulating on the membrane and clogging its pores. The filtered liquid is caused to flow momentarily in the reverse direction to return the accumulated particles to the suspension and so unclog the membrane. To achieve this the filtered liquid is fed into one end of a conduit wound around an axis and recovered from its other end, and the conduit is rotated about its axis, the speed of rotation gradually increasing, and then suddenly stopped.

Abstract: A rotating filter apparatus is disclosed having a stack of sintered filter discs mounted on a vertical, rotatable hollow shaft and located within a chamber, the shaft having a plurality of radial openings therein to the hollow bore of the shaft. Unfiltered fluid is introduced under pressure to a tangential entry port in the same direction as disc rotation. The shaft is rotated at a speed sufficient to create a water boundry on the surface to aid the filtering of particles. The clean filtered fluid flows inwardly through the discs and down through the shaft, while the unfiltered fluid and the solid particles, or sludge materials, descend in the chamber to the bottom of a concentration chamber, which includes inwardly slanted sidewalls. The free-flowing sludge flows out of an outlet connection, with the more solid sludge taken out either through a hydrocyclone or a tapered auger connection.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing extraneous matters from cooling water used in a tubular heat exchanger such as a condensor is disclosed. When a pressure difference between the portions upstream and downstream of a filter element exceeds a predetermined threshold value set in advance in accordance with the flow rate of the cooling water, a blow-down operation is started to remove the extraneous matters scraped off of the outer peripheral surface of the filter element by a turning flow. The extraneous matters are removed at a rate of clogging of the filter element of 50%, irrespective of the flow rate of the cooling water. The clogging rate can be sensed accurately, and the blow-down operation is effected with necessary and sufficient frequency.

Abstract: A filter consisting of a housing, a rigid, porous filtering element, means for forming a primary filter path along the filtering element, and a non-rigid expanding element, wherein when a solution to be filtered flows through the primary flow path, filtrate passes through the rigid filtering element and particulate matter is retained on or in the filtering element. When the filter surface becomes clogged, the incoming solution is bypassed, reduced, or discontinued and the non-rigid expanding element expanded to first form discrete compartments of filtrate between the expanding element and the filtering element and secondly to force the discrete volumes of filtrate back through the filtering element into the flow path for removal. In one embodiment, the housing and filtering element consist of hollow cylinders and the expanding element extends lengthwise through the interior of the filtering element, expanding outwardly to expel particulate matter.

Abstract: There is provided a fluid filter system cleanable by suction. The system comprises a filter element fixedly attached to a substantially rigid filter-element support mounted in a filter housing and provided with a plurality of openings, at least one suction nozzle having an inlet opening located in close proximity to the filter element and adapted to move with its inlet opening past the filter element in such a way as to cover, in succession, at least some zones of the filter element while producing a suction flow. The invention further comprises guide means for guiding a fluid stream from the high-pressure raw-fluid space of the filter housing to a low-pressure zone created by the suction nozzle between the inlet opening thereof and that portion of the filter-element support which faces the suction nozzle.

Abstract: A vertically arranged filter drum (6) is installed in the feed chamber (2) of the cylindrical housing (1) of the filter, this drum having a closed upper end and an open lower end. The filter drum (6) consists of an outer (13) and an inner (14) supporting basket exhibiting a screen (15) with passage openings for the liquid to be filtered, as well as of a filtering basket (16) disposed between the two supporting baskets (13, 14), the filtering basket being made of a filter material, for example perforated sheet metal. The filter drum (6) is rotationally driven by a shaft (10), supported in a post (8) on the filter housing (1), and by a motor (11) and is seated with its lower open end with running clearance in the discharge chamber (4) of the filter housing (1). The liquid to be purified enters the feed chamber (2) of the filter (1) via the inlet (3), and the purified liquid leaves the filter through the outlet (5) of the discharge chamber (4).

Abstract: A filter has a plurality of cylindrical filter elements (5) supported exteriorly over holes (4) in a hollow filter cage (3). A backwash pipe (11) is disposed axially of the filter cage (3) and has ducts (12) which are arranged, on rotation of the backwash pipe, to register with the holes (4) in the filter cage (3) to allow backwashing of the filter elements. The filter cage (3) has retaining portions (7) in the form of a T-slot or spaced abutments. The filter elements (5) each have a circumferential flange (8) provided with at least one flat (9) so that, in a first angular orientation of a filter element (5) the filter element is held firmly by engagement of the flange (8) under the retaining portions (7) and, in a second angular orientation, it is free for removal.

Abstract: A flow-through filter including a two-stage valve head assembly and a filtering body which is designed to provide a helical flow path for the solution over a cylindrical porous filter which captures the particulate matter contained by the solution being filtered. An extended filtering capacity is achieved due to the ability of the filter to remove and eject separated solids retained by the porous filter. An expander tube is positioned within the filter and, when connected to a pressure source, the expander tube forces solids from the pores and into the primary volume of the filter where a flushing medium is circulated. The filter clearing is made possible by an accurately controlled and metered volume of uniformly distributed reverse flow which effectively lifts the solid material out of the pores.

Abstract: Electromagnetic filter making it possible to continuously discharge filtration products and a corresponding filtration process.Apart from a conventional filtration section, the filter according to the invention comprises a discharge section and preferably a washing section. A pulsation leg makes it possible to apply to the liquid column a pulsation bringing about a sudden rise of the column and then its slow fall again. Thus, the filtration products are raised and then discharged.Application to the filtration of solutions containing solid products in suspension.

Abstract: This is a floor maintenance machine in the nature of a carpet extractor and a method of operating it whereby it may be operated either as a single cycle unit or a recycling unit. It also includes a method and apparatus for converting a carpet extractor so that the running time between solution changes is greatly extended. There is also a back flushing arangement of the filter which extends running time. The unit also has a liquid surge control. It also includes or encompasses a convertability cart which may function in several ways.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a suspension by at least one aggregate of membranes made of a high molecular weight compound porous hollow fibers to separate a filtrate from the suspended matter contained in the suspension, backwashing the aggregate of membranes with a backwashing gas to clean it and minimizing the amount of suspended matter entrained by the backwashing gas, and repeating the filtration and backwashing alternately, comprises a filtering vessel divided into a feed region and a filtrate region, the filtrate region being above the feed region, an inlet for the suspension at the feed region, an outlet for the filtrate at the filtrate region, an inlet for a backwashing gas in the filtrate region, an outlet for the backwashing gas in the feed region, a partition plate in the filtering vessel to support the aggregate of membrane filters and to divide the inteior of the filtering vessel into the filtrate region and the feed region, an outlet for a portion of the suspension in the feed region at a position

Abstract: A circular filter having separated inlet and outlet compartments such that cheese whey or the like is pumped into the vessel, is forced across a filter screen, and the filtered whey is discharged downstream for further processing. This invention incorporates (1) two rotating showers to clean the filter and (2) an outlet valve which recycles filtered whey for additional filtering and cleaning.

Abstract: A simplified diffusion washer or the like is provided. Withdrawal screens and fluid introducing structures are mounted by support arms and a central conduit. The central conduit, with attached screens and the like, is reciprocated up and down by a single linear actuator located below the vessel. Withdrawn liquid is taken out the bottom of the vessel, while treatment liquid is introduced through the top or bottom.

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.

Abstract: An improved system for aerating and mixing waste water which is circulated through a plurality of passages in submerged mixing chambers from an inlet to outlet of each wherein gas is mixed with the water, preferably by forming two parallel streams. To flush debris from the mixing chambers and conduits: (1) each inlet is connected to a location higher than the inlet, and at a lower pressure; (2) circulation of water is stopped; and (3) gas is continued to be forced into the passages to create backward flow of waste water through each chamber from outlet to inlet and thence to the higher location, carrying lodged debris out of the chambers and conduits. Intermittent gas flow creates pulsations which help dislodge debris.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filtration device comprising a casing; a device inlet and a device outlet formed integrally with said casing; a cylindrical filter structure mounted in said casing and defining an inner zone in communication with said device inlet, and also defining with the adjacent walls of the casing an outer zone in communication with said device outlet whereby all flow from said device inlet to said device outlet passes through said filter structure, said structure including an axial stack of annular support elements, each support element comprising a flange portion and an inwardly located axially directed skirt portion, and a sleeve-like filter element surrounding said axial stack and bearing against the outermost edges of said flange portions, at least one plunger body reciprocatably displaceable in said filter structure and including a pair of axially spaced apart sealing rings of such axial extent and respective axial separation as to ensure that at all times sealing contact is maintained between said

Abstract: An improved method for aerating and mixing waste water which is circulated through a plurality of passages in submerged mixing chambers from an inlet to outlet of each wherein gas is mixed with the water, preferably by forming two parallel streams. To flush debris from the mixing chambers and conduits: (1) each inlet is connected to a location higher than the inlet, and at a lower pressure; (2) circulation of water is stopped; and (3) gas is continued to be forced into the passages to create backward flow of waste water through each chamber from outlet to inlet and thence to the higher location, carrying lodged debris out of the chambers and conduits. Intermittent gas flow creates pulsations which help dislodge debris.

Abstract: Filtering apparatus in which a fluid filter has a filtering flow passage with an inlet end connected to an inlet control valve, and an outlet end connected with an outlet control valve, said filter having a fluid storage reservoir in communication with the outlet end of the flow passage so that by closing the outlet valve and opening the inlet valve clean filtered fluid may be forced into the reservoir in a manner to compress the entrapped air and provide a supply of pressurized clean filtered fluid for use in a backwashing reverse flow operation through the filtering flow passage, during which the inlet and outlet valves are both closed.The backwash flow is controlled by a unique quick-opening backwash poppet valve which is so connected with the flow passage that the fluid pressure of the backwashing fluid will act to normally urge the backwash valve to a closed position which prevents the reverse flow until the backwash poppet valve is opened.

Abstract: A hydraulic filter is provided with means for effectively cleaning its mesh filtering element during a flushing or "blow-down" cycle, wherein unfiltered liquid is passed rapidly along the surface of the tubular mesh to be exhausted from the filter substantially without passing through the mesh. The filter assembly includes at its inlet end a flow-restricting orifice for imparting turbulence to the liquid as it enters the interior of the tubular filtering mesh. The turbulence helps clean the mesh directly, and also tends to induce a fluttering of the mesh during blow-down, which adds to the cleaning effect. In addition, the mesh sleeve is of a somewhat tapered or frustoconical configuration which helps induce it to break away from a rigid retaining screen and helps promote fluttering during blow-down to further the cleaning action, as well as tending to deposit filtrate toward the downstream end during filtration, thereby extending the filtering cycle.

Abstract: Described are fluid processing devices primarily intended for filtration but which devices may also be used for dispensing or sparging liquids and gases into a body of fluid medium. According to the method of using the disclosed devices, fluid medium to be filtered is caused to flow over the active filtering surfaces of a filter medium, such as by rotating the filter element in the fluid medium, while the fluid medium is simultaneously caused to pass through the filter element. At predetermined intervals the fluid medium flow through the filter is reversed or backpulsed.Also disclosed are porous elements of laminated structure in propeller or disc configurations which may be coated with microporous active surfaces to permit filtration of extremely small sized particles from a fluid medium or dispensing of extremely small sized bubbles of gas or droplets of liquid into a body of fluid medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to filter candles of the type in which the fluid medium flows through a circumferential wall into the interior of the filter and the particles are collected at the outside. The circumferential wall is formed of sectional members defining narrow slots between them. At intervals the stream of fluid is interrupted and a reverse fluid pressure pulse is effected in the fluid inside the filter of sufficient magnitude to enlarge the slots to create a back flow of fluid through the enlarged slots to remove thereby the accumulated particles from the slots.

Abstract: A continuous digester in which liquor is drained, at various levels, through a screen into a compartment formed by half rings attached to the interior of the digester. The compartment is provided with rotating vanes, which backwash the screen by pulsing liquid therethrough. The digester includes a lower cone, provided with an impeller and compartment for introducing and circulating liquor for "cold blow" of product.