Abstract: An unclogging filter apparatus has an irrigation outlet and a flushing outlet. A filtering element moves between at least an operational position and a flushing position. When the filtering element is in the operational position substantially all of the fluid flowing into the apparatus is directed out the irrigation outlet, while the filtering element is disposed for removing a particle from the fluid flowing into the apparatus. When the filtering element is in the flushing position, the filtering element is disposed for flushing the particle out the flushing outlet.

Abstract: A pool pump strainer having a rotatable trim assembly within a flooded housing cavity. A suction inlet and filtered suction outlet pair and a backwash inlet and backwash outlet pair are formed in and pass through opposite regions of a housing with at least 30 degrees between each part of a pair. A strainer disposed inside a conduit fixed between a pair of shutter plates makes up the trim assembly which is rotated between strainer and backwater positions by a stem extending through the housing. In the strainer position, water is drawn through the strainer to catch debris and then passes to the pump's suction side. In the backwash position, water is drawn through the flooded housing cavity to the suction side of the pump by a shunt. Thereafter, water discharged from the pump flows under pressure across the strainer to dislodge debris to be deposited into a catch box.

Abstract: Disclosed are hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems including fluid flow circuits. Hemodialysis systems may include a blood flow path, and a dialysate flow path including balancing, mixing, and/or a directing circuits. Preparation of dialysate may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit and/or the various fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply may be provided that, when activated, is able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and blood back to the patient. Such a system may be useful during a power failure. The hemodialysis system may also include fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, mixers, etc., actuated using a control fluid. The control fluid may be delivered to the fluid handling devices using a detachable external pump. The fluid handling devices may have a spheroid shape with a diaphragm dividing it into two compartments.

Abstract: The oil side-flow cleaning device includes a heating unit (11) installed between the oil tank and the filter unit (10) so that, when the oil temperature is below a defined limit value, oil flows through the filter unit (10) in such a way as to bypass the filtering function and is heated; and so that, when the oil temperature is above the defined limit, oil flows through the filter unit (10) so as to be subjected to the oil filtering function. In addition or as an alternative, the oil side-flow cleaning device comprises a backflush unit including a backflush collecting tank (17) and a backflush nozzle (18), wherein, when the device is in backflush mode, oil flows through the filter medium (16) in a second, opposite direction as a function of the position of the backflush nozzle (18) relative to the filter medium (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter system (1) for removing impurities from a fluid, having a filter housing (2) enclosing a housing interior (3), and having at least one cylindrical filter body (9) provided in the filter housing (2), said filter body separating an uncleaned space (10) from a clean space (11) in the housing interior (3). In order to be able to more simply adapt the filter system (1) to different filtration levels, each filter body (9) has at least two cylindrical filter elements (12) that are designed as identical components and that are axially attached to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for removing sediment from water is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a tubular filter assembly comprising a support member; and a filtratable element surrounding the support member, the filtratable element comprising a backing mesh; and a fibrous batting. A system for removing sediment from water is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the system includes a filter chamber to receive a liquid having suspended particles therein; at least one filtration cartridge housed within the filter chamber, wherein the filtration cartridge comprises at least one elongated filtratable element, each filtratable element comprising a support member, and a filtratable media adapted to surround the inner core. A method for removing sediment from water is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming hot process water from a animal processing facility includes a screen portion, a filtration portion and optionally a UV sterilization portion. The screen portion receives dirty hot process water and removes macroscopic debris to produce raw tank water. Raw tank water is pumped through the filtration portion at relatively high pressure in order to remove substantially all solids to produce a permeate side stream. The permeate is optionally passed through a very intense ultra-violet field in order to produce uncontaminated reclaimed hot process water which may be safely reintroduced as hot scald water for the poultry cleaning process.

Abstract: High flow, low-pressure ultrafiltration or microfiltration spiral wound membrane cartridges are used in filtration of liquid feedstocks having high suspended solids. Applications may utilize either vacuum or pumping for transmembrane drive pressure (TMP), and gas may optionally be bubbled up through the cartridges with certain feedstocks. Water permeate flux rates as high as 90 gallons per square foot per day (gfd) can be obtained at TMPs below 5 pounds per square inch. By locating each spiral wound cartridge in its own casing and supplying liquid feedstock to an open lower end of the casing, as opposed to submerging such cartridges in a tank filled with feedstock, overall low pressure performance is greatly improved. High permeate flow can be maintained for long periods of time between shutdowns for intensive cleaning.

Abstract: A backwashable filtering device for thermoplastic plastics material is disclosed. The device can filter thermoplastic plastics material through one or more nests of screens in the filtering position, while submitting some nests of screens to the backwashing process that cleans them. The filtering position and the backwashing position are selectable by displacing one or more carrying bodies with respect to a housing and/or by displacing one or more control bodies with respect to the carrying bodies. The backwashing can be performed over an entire nest of screens or over a portion of a nest of screens. The nests of screens can be straight or curved.

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. The flow reversals are repeated with a cycle of three (3) seconds in one direction followed by a flow in the other direction of one-fourth (¼) of a second, thereby creating an overall flow of fluid primarily in one reverse direction.

Abstract: A filtering system comprising an inlet (11) for liquid to be filtered and an outlet (9) for filtered liquid, as well as filtering means, which system is characterized in that the filtering means, placed in series comprise: a first filter (2) comprising activated carbon with the capability to also remove particles that are larger than approximately 0.5 ?m; an ultrafiltration membrane (5) for the removal of particles that are larger than approximately 0.02 ?m; a post-treatment filter (14) of activated carbon, optionally provided with a microfiltration membrane (13), wherein the system also comprises a vessel (6) for filtered water located between the ultrafiltration membrane (5) and the post-treatment filter (14), with the option of using the filtered water from the vessel for back-flushing the ultrafiltration membrane (5).

Abstract: A waste water recovery system to filter and recirculate waste water to a wash system including a fluid recovery line, a fluid supply line and a fluid backwash line comprising a filter assembly including a water filtering section to receive waste water from the wash system and to recirculate filtered water to the wash system and a filter backwash section to selectively clean the water filtering section when a system condition exists, and a fluid control including a plurality of valve assemblies operatively coupled between the wash system, the water filtering section and the filter backwash section to selectively control the circulation of water through the water filtering section to recirculate the recovery water to the wash system and to periodically clean the water filtering section.

Abstract: A membrane filtration manifold for connecting a filter submodule including one or more elongate bundles of semipermeable polymeric fibers is provided. The manifold includes a housing and connecting collar connected with said housing. The collar is adapted to receive and locate the submodule, where the submodule has a connecting sleeve with a locking formation. The submodule can be secured at one end to the collar by a clip adapted to engage both the collar and the locking formation to prevent axial withdrawal of the submodule from the collar. Also disclosed is a membrane filtration apparatus including a filter submodule including one or more elongate bundles of semipermeable polymeric fibers. The apparatus further includes a membrane filtration manifold removably connected at one end of said filter submodule and a basepiece removably connected to the other end of said filter submodule.

Abstract: A filter has three filter elements, e.g., screens, for trapping particulate material while allowing passage of a fluid. The second sides of each of the first and second screens are connected to an intermediate passage, and the second side of the third screen, and the intermediate passage, are connected to a filter outlet port. The filter has two alternately selectable configurations. In a first configuration, the first side of the first screen is connected to a filter inlet port, and the first side of the second screen is connected to the first side of the third screen. In the second configuration the first side of the second screen is connected to the inlet port, and the first side of the first screen is connected to the first side of the third screen. The first and second screens alternately filter particulates which are subsequently flushed and then trapped by the third screen for periodic removal.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an aquarium has a self-cleaning filter. A fine mesh filter screen is disposed between an inlet and an outlet for filtering solid matter from the water that is pumped from the aquarium, through the filter, and back to the aquarium. When the filter screen is sufficiently loaded, or according to a set schedule, the solid matter is suctioned off the filter screen with a vacuum assembly. For that purpose, the water flow is first diverted, the filter screen is rotated, and the vacuum assembly is turned on. After the screen has been vacuumed, the vacuum assembly is once more turned off and the water flow is redirected to pass through the filter screen.

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. The flow reversals are repeated with a cycle of three (3) seconds in one direction followed by a flow in the other direction of one-fourth (¼) of a second, thereby creating an overall flow of fluid primarily in one reverse direction.

Abstract: An inline backwash, flushing filter assembly comprising a header assembly, a rotatable valve assembly, and a filter element assembly disposed within a filter housing assembly. In operation, the controller moves the turn knob of the rotatable valve assembly a one-quarter turn which results in the reversal of fluid flow through the assembly to periodically back flush the filter utilizing fluid from the system inlet. Debris removed from the filter element during the backwash process are immediately discharged from the system through a drain port. Simultaneously, the hydraulic shearing mechanism of the backwash process dislodges and drains debris which may have accumulated on the screen and at the bottom of the lower filter assembly during normal filter operations. The controller then returns the filter assembly to filtration operation by a reverse one-quarter turn of the turn knob of the rotatable valve assembly.

Abstract: A filter system employing a modular filter and at least one high rate pre-treatment system for expeditiously and effectively filtering water. The modular filter includes a reservoir housing for containing fluid. A plurality of filter cells are disposed in the reservoir housing for filtering influent passed through the reservoir housing. Each of the plurality of filter cells has at least one layer of media. A moveable backwash assembly is provided for sequentially backwashing the plurality of filter cells. The backwashing procedure is performed on the modular filter system such that while one of the plurality of cells is being backwashed the remaining cells are filtering pre-treated influent processed by the pre-treatment system. The pre-treatment system preferably has a footprint considerably smaller than the footprint of the modular filter.

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 piping apparatus for use with a filtration device, the piping apparatus easily allowing a plurality of fluid sources interchangeably used for backwashing the filtration device. The piping apparatus consists of an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a process conduit, and at least one additional conduit. In normal operation, process fluid flows into from the process conduit to the inlet conduit, into the filtration device, and out the outlet conduit for reuse in the attached process. Backwashing is accomplished by forcing fluid from either the process conduit or the additional conduit through the outlet conduit into the filtration device and then out of the inlet conduit. A plurality of backwash sources are provided such that an operator can selectably choose between the plurality of backwash fluids. A system of valves and actuators are provided to direct flow into the selected conduits, and to prevent cross-contamination of the backwash sources.

Abstract: A backwash valve controls or switch the direction of water flowing through a filter so as to filter foreign materials from water and/or automatically discharge foreigh materials previously filtered by the filter. The backwash valve comprises a body hollow in its inner space and a direction control unit movably mounted inside the body in such a manner as to be in close contact with the inner wall of the body. The backwash valve control or switch the flow of water which is automatically of manually introduced/discharged. Also, a backwash filtering device using the backwash valve can easily discharge foreign materials accumulated in the filter without replacing the filter with new one through operation of the backwash valve.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane filtration element capable of being back-flushed has a permeate carrier sheet; a permeable membrane filter layer sheet adhesively bonded to the permeate carrier sheet, and a feed spacer sheet. The membrane filter layer sheet folds over the feed spacer so that the feed spacer sheet is sandwiched between two layers of the membrane filter layer sheet. The sandwich positions over the permeate carrier sheet such that the adhesive seal bonds the membrane filter layer sheet to the permeate carrier sheet. The permeate carrier sheet, the membrane filter layer sheet, and the feed spacer sheet are wrapped around a permeate collection tube.

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

Abstract: The invention is in a method of analyzing the water of an industrial water system wherein an analytical device is used to measure some parameter capable of being measured in the water of said industrial water system, the improvement involving using a water movement device that is capable of moving a sample of water into the sample chamber of said analytical device and is also capable of moving the same sample of water back out of said analytical device in a manner such that the filters present in the piping of said industrial water system are back flushed out every time the water movement device moves a sample of water in and out of said analytical device. Optionally an air sparge is used to enhance the cleaning of the filters.

Abstract: A liquid filtration device having a backwashing feature in which liquid flow through the device is reversed with a plate being rotated under the filtration cartridges to allow reverse liquid flow into the individual filtration cartridges to produce the backwashing action.

Abstract: A filter unit in a fluid circuit associated with a machine tool that uses machining fluid is maintained by counting the number of times the machine tool is operated and automatically servicing the filter unit, as by backflushing, after the machine tool has been used a preset number of times. A filter unit control unit counts the number of uses of the machine tool and moves valve units in the filter unit from an operational configuration to a backwash configuration and controls the timing and operation of the filter unit maintenance cycle.

Abstract: An improved waste treatment system and improved waste treatment system components are provided. In a preferred form, a waste stream is initially separated into primarily solid and primarily liquid components, and the liquids are then fed to a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a pair of filter elements, and the flow is introduced into the filter assembly at a location between the filter elements. During a filtering operation, the liquid is pumped so that it is drawn through one of the filter elements. Periodically, the flow can be reversed, so that it is directed through the other filter element, at which time the first filter element can also be purged or back flushed. Advantageous waste treatment system arrangements are also provided for household, commercial, or transportation/marine use.

Abstract: A filter unit in a fluid circuit associated with a machine tool that uses machining fluid is maintained by counting the number of times the machine tool is operated and automatically servicing the filter unit, as by backflushing, after the machine tool has been used a preset number of times. A filter unit control unit counts the number of uses of the machine tool and moves valve units in the filter unit from an operational configuration to a backwash configuration and controls the timing and operation of the filter unit maintenance cycle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment method and installation, which consist in subjecting the water to be treated to membrane filtration (1) to satisfy the requirement for a relatively high flowrate of water for ordinary use (UF), subjecting the water that has been subjected to membrane filtering to reverse osmosis filtering (2) to satisfy the requirement for a smaller flowrate of water of improved quality (OS) and, outside periods of production of water filtered by reverse osmosis, sweeping the upstream face of the osmosis membrane (9) with the flow of membrane-filtered water drawn off to be consumed.

Abstract: A multimedia fluid treatment unit and rotatable valve are disclosed in which a plurality of discreet containers are removably stacked upon each other and contain various different and distinct water treating media. The rotatable valve is rotatable between either of three positions one of which is a service position for routing the water to be treated through the unit for treatment, a second of which is a rinse position for rinsing the media in the unit, and a third of which is a backwash position for backwashing and/or regenerating the media.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes an array of filters arranged in parallel about a rotatable assembly 24 for successively backwashing each of the filter elements 19 within the array. The rotatable assembly includes a connector bachwash shoe 26 and a cage having an annular circlip 33 supporting a valve element 31 therein. During normal filtration, water flows up the inlet tube 11, through a respective opening 17 into filtration chamber 13, and then through a respective filter element. The filtrate flows upwardly into plenum 16 and out through outlet 14. In a backwashing mode, the assembly 24 is rotated by a moving means that includes shaft 22 driven by a stepper motor 34 such that the valve element is radially unseated out of the backwash outlet 30. Each filter element is then backwashed in turn as an L-shaped passage 27 of the bachwash shoe is aligned with a respective opening 17 allowing backwash fluid to flow out opening 28a to the backwash outlet.

Abstract: A separator includes a barrier 53 for retaining solid material thereon and an automatic mechanism for alternately preventing and allowing the flow of liquid to the separator outlet. When the flow is prevented, the liquid backs up through the barrier and washes the solids to a solids collection region 55. In one embodiment, the automatic mechanism includes a pivoted flap 101 and, in another embodiment, a siphon.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter is provided for filtering particulate from a fluid flow stream such as water used in an irrigation system or the like, wherein a segmented filter element is backwashed or flushed clean in response to cyclic on-off supply of fluid. The self-cleaning filter comprises a filter housing having inlet and outlet fittings for in-line connection along a water supply conduit at a location downstream from a system on-off valve. The segmented filter element is supported within the filter housing, with a first filter segment aligned with an inlet port for filtering water. When the water supply is turned on, filtered water passing through the first filter segment initially backwashes through a second filter segment with increasing line pressure to flush prior-collected particulate thereon through a flush port. When the line pressure reaches a predetermined level, a normally open and pressure responsive flush valve closes the flush port.

Abstract: A water conditioner includes a tank, and an apparatus for backflushing a bed of particulate material in the tank, which includes a tubular casing, a vertical tube in the casing, a cap on the top end of the casing, suitable valves for causing the flow of particulate material upwardly between the casing and tube, and then through a gap between the casing and cap during a backflush operation, and distributor device including a flexible, collapsible, umbrella-shaped body which is mounted on the casing immediately below the cap, and springs for biasing the body to the open position. Inlet tubes extend outwardly from the bottom of the casing approximately the same distance as the distributor for ensuring even distribution of liquid at the bottom of the bed.

Abstract: A filter for filtering of a fluid, including a housing having an inlet port for the fluid to be filtered, an outlet port for filtered fluid and an outlet port for filtered fluid and an outlet port for rehect, In a body arranged in the housing to be rotatable between at least two positions of rotation, there are at least two positions of rotation, there are at least two interconnecting flow channels of which at least a first is provided with a filtering means through which filtering takes place in a first rotational position, wherein one end of the first flow channels communicates with the inlet port, and through which backwash takes place in the second rotational position, wherein said end of the first flow channel communicates with the outlet port for reject. The first flow channel is provided with a filtering means at each end. A second of the at least two flow channels connects to the first flow channel between the filtering means and is in constant connection with the outlet port for filtered fluid.

Abstract: A backwash filter system includes a filter array comprising a plurality of filter units each having a housing, a filter element unit and a process liquid inlet port and a filtered liquid outlet port connected respectively with process liquid inlet and filtered liquid outlet sides of the filter element unit for filtering process liquid. A process liquid inlet header connects to the process liquid inlet ports of the filter units. A filtered liquid outlet header connects to the filtered liquid outlet ports of the filter units. A first valve unit on the process liquid inlet header is switchable for connecting same alternatively to a process liquid source and a backwash liquid drain. The filtered liquid outlet header can communicate with a filtered liquid receiver.

Abstract: A filter (102) for filtering fluid from a machine (104) includes a filter housing (106, 250) having a first inlet (114) receiving a first fluid from the machine, a first outlet (116) returning the first fluid to the machine, a second inlet (118) selectively receiving a second fluid from a source (120) of cleaning fluid, and a second outlet (122) for exhausting the second fluid and for exhausting the first fluid from the dirty side of the main filter element (124) in the housing backwashed by the second fluid. The filter housing has a first flow path (126) therethrough from the first inlet then through the filter element in one direction then to the first outlet, and has a second flow path from the second inlet then through the filter element in the opposite direction then to the second outlet, the first and second flow paths having common but opposite direction portions through the filter element. A second filter element (156) is provided in the second flow path.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit includes a fluid pressure inlet line (1); a fluid pressure delivery line (2); and a filter unit (FU) interposed between the inlet line (1) and the delivery line (2), with the circuit incorporating an automatic back flushing facility. The latter comprises a valve arrangement A, B, C, D, capable of temporarily preventing initial flow of fluid through the filter unit (FU) in a delivery direction, causing reverse fluid flow through the filter unit (FU) in a back flushing direction, for a predetermined period, with the flushing sequence initiated by the valve arrangement sensing a flow of fluid, at a predetermined pressure, and after the predetermined period, causing fluid flow in the normal delivery direction.

Abstract: A liquid-cleaning filtering system has at least one permanent filter assembly that is capable of being promptly backwashed thus minimizing the down time of machinery. Each filter assembly utilizes a wire mesh filter cartridge which is backwashed by a powered internal rotating sprayer nozzle assembly that is operable to deliver a plurality of high pressure streams of liquid to a surface of the wire mesh. Each filter assembly is capable of being repeatedly used and then backwashed in order to return it to a pristine state. The rotating spray nozzle assembly may be powered by hydraulics, pneumatics or an electric motor. A plurality of filter assemblies may be arranged together in a fluid processing center in order to process large volumes of industrial waste.

Abstract: The method of cleaning porous ceramic filters with a backwashing apparatus comprising an accelerating circulation path and a unit for mixing accelerated water with high-pressure air can be implemented with compact equipment to achieve efficient cleaning. The pool water purifying apparatus and system that adopt this method of cleaning porous ceramic filters comprise a filtering system that uses the ceramic filters, a disinfecting unit and an adsorbing unit and, optionally, an ultrafiltration unit as an additional filtering unit, and are capable of removing not only bacteria but also viruses so that the water purified by this apparatus and system may be as clean as potable water. Such an extremely high efficiency of water purification achieved by the apparatus and system can be maintained over a prolonged period since both the filtering and adsorption means can be cleaned by backwashing.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-cleaning inlet head for a fluid, operable in a first, draining, mode and in a second, backflushing, mode, including a body having a front end and a rear end; a piston slidably mounted in the body and having having a front face and a rear face; a first space extending between the rear end of the body and the rear face of the piston and a second space extending between the front face of the piston and the front end of the body; a bore connecting the first space and the second space; a valve mounted in the first space for closing off the bore during the second mode of operation; an aperture for access of the fluid from outside the head into the second space in the first mode of operation, and for exit from the second space in the second mode of operation, wherein, at the onset of the second mode of operation, the valve closes off the bore and subsequently moves the piston, thereby initiating a mechanical shearing action loosening any occluding matter in the aperture.

Abstract: A filter operable in either a filtering mode or in a flushing mode, includes a cylindrical filter body, and a plurality of partitions defining a plurality of axially-extending, circumferentially-spaced filter compartments each communicating with an axial section of the filter body. All the filter compartments communicate with the fluid inlet except for at least one filter compartment which is blocked. A flushing pathway is provided between each blocked compartment and the flushing outlet. A valve in the flushing pathway is movable either to (a) a closed position during the normal filtering mode, or (b) an open position during the flushing mode.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for filtering slurries of minerals or other fine particles. The apparatus includes a filter plate having an interior porous support layer and a microporous metal filtration layer overlying the support layer, the pore sizes in the filtration layer preferably being in the range of from about 0.2 to 3 microns. The side of the filtration layer non-adjacent the support layer constitutes a filter surface for the mineral.

Abstract: In a process for filtering plasma by separating blood into blood cells and plasma by a primary filter and filtering the separated plasma by a secondary filter to remove macromolecules from the plasma as harmful components, the loss of plasma to be discarded from the system by a procedure for eliminating plugging of the secondary filter can be diminished by opening an inner chamber of the secondary filter to the atmosphere to thereby lower the internal pressure of the chamber every time increase of the pressure to an upper limit value due to an increasing plugging tendency of the secondary filter is detected, and washing the interior of the secondary filter from the inner and outer chamber sides after the internal pressure has lowered.

Abstract: A system for filtering a liquid stream, typically drinking water from a natural source. The system includes a plurality of filter stations, each of which receives at least a portion of the influent liquid flow, passes the flow through a filter and passes the filtered liquid to an affluent line. When the filter has reached its capacity for removing particulate material from the liquid flow, preferably as determined by measurements of pressure drop across the filter media, a small quantity of the clean affluent liquid is passed through the filter in a reverse direction to back flush the filter media, with the flush liquid directed to a waste water line. Back flushing can be accomplished automatically under microprocessor control, using signals from a filter media pressure sensor. With a plurality of parallel filter arrangements, continuous flow to the affluent line is easily maintained, since the back flush cycle is short and all filter sets would not be in the back flush mode at the same time.

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: 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: A backwash and ripening pipe connection system for a water treatment plant uses common pipelines to and from respective filters in the plant. The backwash/ripening pipeline to and from each filter has an associated valve and connects to one pipeline from a backwash fluid source, and another pipeline leading to a waste storage tank. The filters also connect through separate pipelines to a clearwell. The pipeline from the backwash fluid source and the pipeline to the waste storage tank each have an associated master valve. During backwashing, fluid flows through the backwash pipeline to the individual backwash/ripening pipeline and its associated filter, the backwash master valve being open and the ripening master valve being closed. Individual valves on each backwash/ripening pipeline are open.

Abstract: An apparatus for dewatering a pulp is described, comprising a vessel having a pulp chamber for pulp to be dewatered; a pulp inlet to the vessle; pulp outlet from the vessel; a filtrate chamber with an outlet for filtrate expelled from the pulp; a stationary cylindrical screen mounted within the vessel and defining said plup chamber and filtrate chamber on opposite sides thereof; and mechanical cleaning means supported by a shaft and disposed in the pulp chamber close to the screen face of the screen for removing a mat of pulp therefrom. The apparatus further comprises a backflushing means mounted outside the vessel and including a cylinder with first and second end portions and a piston mounted within the cylinder for reciprocal movement therein. The first end portion communicates with the interior of the apparatus, and the second end portion communicates with the filtrate chamber.

Abstract: An effluent processing arrangement which takes liquid effluent from primary treatment. In a first stage the liquid is filtered. In a second stage the filtrate is treated to neutralize bacterial and other contaminants and then in a third stage is sprayed under pressure into the atmosphere to evaporate it. An air blower can be used to assist evaporation. Provision is made for flocculation of effluent and for backwashing of the filter. The main purpose of the arrangement is for treatment of septic tank effluent.