Rehabilitating Or Regenerating Filter Medium Patents (Class 210/791)
  • Patent number: 5368746
    Abstract: A bypass filter system for use in low pressure, centrifugal type refrigeration equipment which allows complete isolation of a submicron filter element from the lubrication system through use of an inlet line shut-off and a return line shut-off. The filter system utilizes a variable regulator valve for balancing the operating parameters of the various systems involved to permit initial installation and set up, at which point thereafter the variable regulator may be replaced with a fixed regulator for continued operation of the system. Multiple devices for monitoring the filter element condition, verifying flow, detecting moisture, and displaying pressure readings may be used in conjunction with the basic device to enhance reliability and usefulness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignees: Edd D. Gryder, William Kent Oberman, James Patrick Graham
    Inventor: Edd D. Gryder
  • Patent number: 5368751
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a filter press which includes a plurality of filter units arranged in tandem. Each unit has a filter plate and filter elements in the form of sheets at either side. Adjacent filter elements of adjacent units form pairs of elements. A working fluid containing liquid and solid components to be separated is charged at positions in between pairs of elements. The liquid filters through the elements into the plates to be exhausted. The solids build up in cakes intermediate the elements of the respective pairs. Each pair of elements is resiliently suspended from an eccentric rotor or shaft. When the cakes are to be dislodged, the press is opened, the units being parted. Rotation of the shaft cyclically slackens the filter elements and snaps them taut, thereby dislodging the cakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter H. Glendinning
  • Patent number: 5364539
    Abstract: The device of the present invention removes suspended solids from a liquid medium, such as particles in an oil-based sludge. The device includes a filter chamber having an inlet for introducing liquid into the chamber, with the liquid containing suspended solids. The chamber also has an outlet for releasing filtered liquid which is substantially free from suspended solids. The liquid coming into the chamber is forced through a filter element to remove the suspended solids therefrom. The removed solids are compressed in the chamber by a reciprocating piston. When a sufficient quantity of suspended solids accumulate within the chamber, a discharge valve is opened and the compressed solids are discharged from the chamber. The device is operated automatically by a computer, which controls a series of operation cycles, including normal filtering operation, compression of solids, purging of solids, and cleansing of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Vanmark Corporation
    Inventors: Leo L. Castagno, Christopher L. Hudson
  • Patent number: 5362403
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus and a method for discharging filter cake from a filtration vessel of the filtration apparatus, the method including loosening filter cake from filter elements of a filtration vessel; conveying the loosened filter cake from the filter vessel towards a discharge shaft, which discharge shaft is in pressure communication with the filter vessel, is vertically disposed, and includes a bottom end having closure means; sensing the height of the filter cake within the discharge shaft; and cyclically opening and closing the closure means thereby discharging the filter cake by pressing or blowing out the filter cake due to the pressure within discharge shaft, the closure means being opened for a period of open time in response to sensing a selected maximum height of filter cake within the discharge shaft whereafter the closure means is closed automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Martin Dosoudil
  • Patent number: 5362401
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a filter apparatus in which liquid influent is passed through web filter material on a rotatable filter frame into a filter effluent compartment and wherein the filter material is intermittently backwashed during a filter time by a suction device at an outer side of the filter material which draws filtered liquid from filtered effluent compartment in a backwash direction through the filter material, and wherein the filter material on the filter frame is subjected to a wash operation during a wash time by directing a high pressure liquid spray at one side of the filter material. The pressure in the suction device during backwashing is monitored, and the wash operation is initiated after the pressure in the suction device reaches a preselected sub-atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jackie G. Whetsel
  • Patent number: 5356541
    Abstract: A method and filter arrangement for filtering particle-contaminated liquid which is caused to spill onto the upper side of a filter 2. Spray pipes 4, equipped with nozzles 5, are rotatably mounted beneath the filter, and spray flushing liquid against the underside of the filter. A drainage channel 7, mounted above the filter surface, catches and directs some of the particle carrying liquid to the outlet 3. The drainage channel has an extended portion which forms a channel inlet and also functions as a splash guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Filterteknik b.w. AB
    Inventor: Bjorn Wickzell
  • Patent number: 5356651
    Abstract: A method for treating raw milk to produce treated milk having a lower bacterial content than the raw milk. The milk is homogenized and, within about 5 minutes from the homogenization, subjected to dynamic microfiltration, to yield a filtrate which has a lower bacterial content than the initial raw milk. When the flow rate of milk through the microfilter drops below a predetermined level, the dynamic microfilter is removed from milk filtration service, flushed with water, and returned to milk filtration service, the steps being repeated as necessary until the membrane cannot be rejuvenated to a minimum filtration capacity, at which time the membrane is subjected to chemical cleaning to essentially restore the original filtration capacity of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Degen, Tony Alex, Joseph W. Dehn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5350526
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus specifically intended for removing particulate contaminants from commercial laundry waste water has at least one porous mesh-like filter bag coupled between an inlet manifold for receiving waste water containing particulate contaminants and an outlet manifold for discharging the particulate contaminants separated from the waste water. The filter bag is agitated by a paddle, so as to prevent the mesh-like material of the filter bag from being clogged. Also disclosed is a method for filtering waste water containing particulate contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: James P. Sharkey
    Inventors: James P. Sharkey, Richard Bonasera
  • Patent number: 5346629
    Abstract: A method for processing a flush-back fluid containing impurities after its use in a flush-back filter for cleaning fluid used in a cleaning process is accomplished in accordance with the invention in that flush-back fluid drawn from the flush-back filter is subjected to a sedimentation process and hereby acted upon at least from time to time by pressure and that after completion of the sedimentation process the flush-back fluid is separated in a pressure-tight manner from a least at least a portion of a sediment recovered thereby and the latter is subsequently removed and a part of the flush-back fluid cleansed at least to a large extent of impurities is returned to the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Durr GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Wuller
  • Patent number: 5330642
    Abstract: Apparatus for filtering cellulose acetate solutions, including a backflush filter to effect filtration so as to avoid solvent losses and filtering aids that must be dumped, dilution means including solvent supply means for diluting the backflush liquid, separation means for eliminating solid insoluble components, and means for recycling backflush liquid freed from solids to a plant for producing new cellulose acetate spin solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Walter Klein
  • Patent number: 5328617
    Abstract: A filter press plate shifter assembly provided with a shifting housing having a tunnel-like center part which passes over the filter plates and housing parts positioned adjacent opposite side rails. The housing parts are rollingly supported on rods which extend along the side rails. One housing part mounts a rotary pneumatic motor and a drive roller which drivingly engages the rod to control movement of the shifter assembly along the press. Each side housing part mounts a pneumatic plate shifter for permitting the endmost plate in the closed stack to be individually and sequentially shifted away from the stack into an open position when discharge of filtrate is desired. The shifter housing mounts a bumping device which cooperates with the endmost plate in the stack to effect vertical bumping thereof relative to the support rails to assist in loosening sticky cake which adheres to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: JWI, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel D. De Haan, Daniel De Haan, Gregory De Haan, David J. Spyker, David P. Mc Leod, Wesley G. Koops
  • Patent number: 5314624
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Akio Kawakura, Motoki Yonekawa, Eiji Sakashita, Hiroshi Kamogawa
  • Patent number: 5298079
    Abstract: A process for removing residual oil from used oil filters. The process includes washing the oil filters with a wash water while simultaneously crushing the oil filters. The wash water has a carefully selected and limited surfactant to effectively remove the residual oil while reducing emulsification of the removed residual oil into the wash water. The oil is recovered and the wash water is recirculated after having been amended with surfactant and/or water to assure that the surfactant remains within the desired limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: E. Park Guymon
  • Patent number: 5292434
    Abstract: A filter apparatus and method is disclosed for separating solid materials from liquid materials in a slurry fluid. The apparatus includes separable plate members that are pressed against each other to form a filter chamber. The plates have mating surfaces and hollow interior portions that create the chamber. A filter medium is placed between the mating surfaces before the plates are closed. The apparatus includes means for forcing wash fluids, liquids or gasses through the slurry to force the fluids from the slurry and to produce a dry filter cake of the solids. After the filtration has been completed, the plates are separated leaving the filter cake on the filter medium and the filter medium is advanced out of the filter chamber moving a clean filter medium between the open filter plates. Another filter operation them proceeds. The filter medium is cleaned outside of the filter apparatus and can be prepared for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Steve C. Benesi
  • Patent number: 5286387
    Abstract: Apparatus for filtering liquid effluent comprises, in sequence, inlet means, filtration means, and outlet means. Each filtration means comprises at least one disposable sack filter (2, 3, 4, 31) of defined porosity. The open end of each sack filter is attached to an outlet conduit in communication with the inlet means. The opposing closed ends of the sack filters are attached to movable supports to cause agitation of the sack filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Copa Research Limited
    Inventor: David Froud
  • Patent number: 5277828
    Abstract: A filter assembly for fluids such as air and water employs a cleanable filter. The filter is located within a housing having a reservoir, and a steam generator which can be selectively operated to clean the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Mark A. Fleming
  • Patent number: 5273654
    Abstract: Systems are described for removing organic solvents such as kerosene-based solvents, from aqueous solutions, in leaching processes for recovering metal such as copper from ore. A unit for recovering small amounts of kerosene-based solvent from raffinate (which comprises acidic water with a small amount of solvent and debris) includes both a plate-type coalescing device (60, FIG. 2 ) and a granular bed (62) in series, and preferably located in the same vessel (54). The raffinate first moves through the plate-type coalescing device where much of the kerosene is removed, to greatly increase the useful period of the granular bed (before it has to be backwashed). In a unit (20, FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Aquatechnology Resource Management
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Severing
  • Patent number: 5262069
    Abstract: Disclosed are a filter cake scraping method which can scrape a filter cake layer deposited on the surface of a filter drum with a scrape blade even if the particles of the cake are fine, and a rotary drum filter using this method. When pressure inside a suspension vessel rises above a predetermined value, a control means quickly reduces the pressure. Accordingly, precoated material or the like, which has been deposited on the filter drum, expands to push a layer of filter cake outward, thus permitting a scrape blade provided beside the filter drum to scrape the expanded cake layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: FSK, Inc.
    Inventor: Sakae Kato
  • Patent number: 5258128
    Abstract: A method for removing filter cake from a pressure filter element for liquid solid mixtures comprising an outer casing, a removable lid for closing the outer casing, a tubular filter element which projects from the lid into the outer casing and on the outside of which the filter cake is deposited, a membrane which during operation folds back between the outer casing and the filter element, a pressure joint on the outer casing and inlet and outlet of a pressure medium, an inlet line which conveys the liquid-solid mixture into the space between the membrane and the filter element and an outlet line which conveys the filtrate from the interior of the filter element. In order to split off small pieces of the filter cake from the filter element, a gaseous pressure medium is admitted into the filter cake formed on the outside of the filter element for as long as the filter cake is still completely or partly surrounded by the fold back membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Heinkel Industriezentrifugen GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Gerteis
  • Patent number: 5254267
    Abstract: A grease separation system includes a main grease separator tank [11] which has a plurality of filters [23] suspended along the upper portion of the tank above a bed of grease absorbing material [28]. A perforated pipe [31] extends the length of the floor of the tank and discharges into a grease trap [33]. An admixing tank [52] is also included for admixing a grease absorbing material [60] with the grease [24] collected within the filters and rendering the grease bladeable for disposal into a landfill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventors: Paul A. Deskins, Charles T. Murray
  • Patent number: 5250119
    Abstract: A process is used to clean a filtering centrifuge. A base layer of filtered matter remains on the filtering medium of the centrifuge after the removal or repeated removal of a portion of a solid cake of filtered matter by a peeling blade and discharge apparatus. The process removes the base layer of solid filtered matter by initially penetrating and flooding the base layer with a liquid and then strongly braking or rapidly accelerating the drum of the filtering centrifuge to rapidly reduce or increase the rotational speed of the drum, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Krauss Maffei, A.G.
    Inventor: Siegfried Poschl
  • Patent number: 5250197
    Abstract: A pollution pad cleaning system for recyclably removing hydrocarbons from an absorbent material such that the material is re-useable as originally designed. As the preferred embodiment a pollution pad cleaning system comprises a multi-stage treatment process wherein polypropylene absorbent pads soaked with waste oil and the like are treated via a system of squeeze rollers, a solvent shower, centrifuge spin, and then drying and fluffing, restoring the pads to a "like new," reusable condition. The collected waste oil and solvent are removed at a predesignated concentration from the system for recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Ray C. Marcel
  • Patent number: 5250198
    Abstract: An improved method for separating solid particles from liquids, such as dewatering and thickening of sludge collected in a container (1), involves the use of at least one drainage unit (9) having doubled screened jacket walls (25, 26) defining a dewatering chamber (10). The liquid relieved of solids within the chamber is subjected to a turbulent motion acting against said screened jacket walls for obstruction of the solids deposition at the wall surfaces of the chamber facing the sludge in the container. The turbulent motion is obtained by a forced fluid F introduced in the chamber through one or more tubes (30, 31). The fluid may favorably be in form of compressed air or water returned from the reject system (14, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Hans Stedfeldt
  • Patent number: 5246589
    Abstract: A repair method for filter elements such as those used to filter polyester during the later stages of polyester manufacture in which the filter media is a particulate solid media arranged in a desired shape and maintained in that shape by a surrounding porous container that has filtration openings of a desired size. The method fills undesirably large openings in the surrounding porous container that result from damage to the container and through which enlarged openings the particulate solid media would otherwise escape with a polymeric resin. The polymeric resin is a resin with a glass transition temperature when cured that is at least greater than the melting point of polyester, and that has an absence of any chemical functional groups at temperatures at least as great as the melting point of polyester that would substantially react with polyester, the glycol precursors of polyester, the acid precursors of polyester, or the solvents useful in cleaning polyester from such filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl S. Nichols, John V. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5246601
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a process for centrifuging a polyhalogenated product, the improvement comprising enhancing the porosity of a centrifuge filter cloth subsequent to one or more centrifugation cycles by effectively treating the centrifuge filter cloth with an amount of filter cloth treatment solution and at a temperature which are sufficient to enhance the centrifuge filter cloth porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Ethyl Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne D. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5244579
    Abstract: A self-contained, transportable reverse osmosis water purification unit has a limited throughput of no more than about 20 gpm of permeate in a single pass operation with reverse osmosis ("RO") modules which can be cleaned in place. When raw water is particularly fouled, the unit is operated in a double pass operation in which the permeate from the first pass is used as feed for a second RO module. The unit, referred to as a "purification container" "PC" or an ADROWPU because the PC is air-deliverable, comprises an enclosed weather-tight housing having a base on which the major components are removably mounted. For transportability, the PC has the overall dimensions of an ISO container, and is fitted with means to load and unload it on standard carriers. A high pressure pump is required to feed water freed from suspended solids to the RO modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Zenon Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Horner, Douglas R. Whiting
  • Patent number: 5244583
    Abstract: A process for dewatering sludge on a flight of a foraminous filter belt that moves in a substantially longitudinal direction between sludge deposit and sludge discharge positions is disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Komline-Sanderson Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: John Goron, Ronald G. Renza, Robert J. Crosby, Erich W. Sodtalbers
  • Patent number: 5240613
    Abstract: When preparing carbon artefacts from heavy oils of petroleum or coal origin, removal of undesirable components or recovery of desirable components from raw materials or intermediates is usually required so as to improve the quality of the final products. Such removal or recovery operation is conventionally done by filtration. In the past, regeneration of filters clogged with solid carbonaceous materials inevitably formed by the filtration operations is difficult and troublesome procedures. Herein disclosed is a simple and effective process for regenerating filters clogged with solid carboneceous materials, characterized by treating the filter medium in an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide with heating and then optionally conducting ultrasonic washing in water or a solvent. By this simple process, clogged filters can be regenerated completely to show the same filtration performance as new filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Maruzen Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Tsuchitani, Sakae Naito, Ryoichi Nakajima, Kensuke Iuchi, Shintaro Hasebe
  • Patent number: 5234605
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering a fluid flowing from a fluid supply duct in a first direction through a filtering medium in which separate solid particles or concentrate are released from the filtering medium by a back-flush. The method and apparatus has a moving means, such as a diaphragm, which receives the pressure of the fluid at both the inlet and outlet of the filter. In response to a changing pressure, such as by opening of an outlet valve, the moving means operates, e.g., the diaphragm changes its position, and operates to send a supply of the fluid through the filter medium in a second direction which is opposite to the normal first direction of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventors: John Reipur, Hans Olsen
  • Patent number: 5229006
    Abstract: A method of recovering oil-based fluid from a surface that includes the steps of applying man-made fibers that absorb the oil-based fluid or a cloth made from the man-made fibers to the oil-based fluid on the surface, feeding the fibers or cloth having absorbed oil-based fluid to a device for applying force to the fibers or cloth to recover oil-based fluid and applying force to the fibers or cloth to recover oil-based fluid therefrom. The oil-based fluid recovered from the fibers and cloth can be put to a beneficial use. The fibers and cloth can be reused repeatedly. An apparatus capable of performing the method has rollers to apply the force to the fibers or cloth to recover oil-based fluid from the fibers or cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Herman E. Brinkley
  • Patent number: 5227076
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for thickening and clarifying fine particle suspensions, wherein the suspensions are thickened and clarified in combination with a back-pulse filtration process. The method is characterized by partially submerging one or more filter modules in the fine particle suspension concerned, in open vessels or reservoirs. The suspension is back-pulse filtered in these open vessels or reservoirs with the aid of the filter modules. The invention also relates to a filter module which includes one or more parallel working, vertical hollow-tubular filters, and a device for delivering liquid and optionally air to the filter module and removing the liquid and air therefrom during filter operation, this device being common to all filters. The filter module is characterized in that the filters are mounted in a plate and that the plate is covered by an easily opened lid which, when closed, seals against the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Sala International AB
    Inventors: Jan O. Bogen, Marie-Louise S. Olstedt-Wallin
  • Patent number: 5223155
    Abstract: An improvement is disclosed which is applicable to the method for filtering an aqueous mineral slurry by flowing the slurry through a ceramic filter plate which is characterized by a porous support layer and an overlying porous filtration layer, the pore sizes in said filtration layer being in the range of from about 1 to 3 .mu.m, and the flow through the filter plate being from the filter layer side toward the base layer, and being effected by establishing a fluid pressure differential across the said filter plate by applying suction to the the porous support layer. The improvement facilitates effective discharge of the filter cake from the plate which accumulates upon the porous filtration layer. According to such improvement the suction is extinguished and the support layer side of the plate is subjected to one ore more positive water pressure pulses to effect a transient reverse flow through the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: ECC International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ginn, Gary L. Cobb, Lawrence E. Broxton, Kelly R. McNeely
  • Patent number: 5213696
    Abstract: The present invention is an automatic filter cleaning system which includes a solvent dewaxing filter which removes wax from a wax mix slurry and provides a filtrate. Status control apparatus is connected to the filter for affecting the operational status of the filter. Drain apparatus responsive to a control signal controls draining of the filter. Cleaning apparatus is also connected to the filter. A control network connected to the status apparatus, the draining apparatus and the cleaning apparatus controls those apparatus in a manner so as to allow selective changing of the status of the filter from an operational state to a down state to automatically drain the filter and clean the filter while the filter is in the down state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignees: Star Enterprise, Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Patrone, John D. Martin, Kevin Lyon, Charles W. Harrison
  • Patent number: 5207930
    Abstract: A filtration system utilizing a helical cartridge wherein the differential in pressure between the pressure inside and the pressure outside of the helix is effective in controlling the spacing between the coils of the helix. Each coil of the helix is provided with radial grooves of predetermined size corresponding to the smallest particle size to be trapped by the cartridge and prevented from entering the interior of the helix. The coils are maintained closed during the filtering cycle and are opened during the backwash cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Crane Company
    Inventor: Raghavachari Kannan
  • Patent number: 5198123
    Abstract: A plate filter press for the mechanical separation of solids from a liquid forming a suspension. The plate filter press is made of a plurality of vertical membrane plates and filter plates, the membrane plates and filter plates alternating. The space between the membrane plates and filter plates defines a filter chamber, which can be opened by moving the plates apart. An impermeable and flexible membrane is positioned in the filter chamber and is sealed to the periphery of the membrane plate. The space between the membrane and the membrane plate defines a pressure medium chamber for receiving pressure medium. The space between the membrane and the filter plate defines a suspension chamber for receiving the suspension. Finally, a woven metal fabric filter is positioned on each side of the filter plate. Both the filter plates and the woven metal fabric filters are planar. Liquid from the suspension is discharged through the woven metal fabric filter toward the interior of the filter plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Krupp Maschinentechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Martin Stover, Gunther Suhr, Thomas Willner
  • Patent number: 5194160
    Abstract: An improved fluid-strainer is provided which makes provision for improved methods of converting the same between motorized and manual modes. Included in the fluid strainer is a gear motor housing for facilitating the conversion as well as inspection and removal means. Also provision is made for flushing of the fluid strainer so as to avoid cycle restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Vesper Corporation
    Inventors: James K. Simonelli, Alan J. Kuntz
  • Patent number: 5192455
    Abstract: A pollution pad cleaning system for recyclably removing hydrocarbons from an absorbent material such that the material is re-useable as originally designed. As the preferred embodiment a pollution pad cleaning system comprises a multi-stage treatment process wherein polypropylene absorbent pads soaked with waste oil and the like are treated via a system of squeeze rollers, a solvent shower, centrifuge spin, and then drying and fluffing, restoring the pads to a "like new," reusable condition. The collected waste oil and solvent are removed at a predesignated concentration from the system for recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Raymond C. Marcel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5192456
    Abstract: An activated sludge treating apparatus for use in treating wastewater, such as gray water and sewage. A plurality of filter membrane modules are vertically arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals within a treating tank. The water to be treated which is stored in the treating tank is separated into solid and liquid by the filter membrane modules, and water that has passed through the filter membrane modules is extracted as treated water. An agitating device is disposed at a level below the filter membrane modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishida, Yutaka Yamada, Kiyoshi Izumi, Masashi Moro
  • Patent number: 5192454
    Abstract: A method of treating a fiber suspension in a disc-type pulp treatment apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a pressure-proof casing with an inlet for the fiber suspension and a discharge for treated suspension and filtrate, a shaft rotating inside the casing an a plurality of discs arranged on the shaft, and wherein the discs are formed of sectors having filter surfaces between which surfaces is a liquid compartment communicating with the liquid discharge. The method includes feeding the fiber suspension to be treated overpressurized into the casing, filling the casing up with the fiber suspension, carrying out the treatment in a closed airless space and discharging the pulp from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Pasi Immonen, Ramio Kohonen
  • Patent number: 5190666
    Abstract: A filter apparatus for filtering a plurality of liquid or gas fluid samples containing particles to be filtered, such as bacteria or cells. The apparatus includes a filter; a device for simultaneously and independently filtering fluid samples on the filter; and apparatus for force filtering the samples. The device for simultaneously and independently filtering fluid samples includes at least one gasket including a plurality of through perforations held clamped in a sealed manner against one face of the filter by appropriate clamps. The clamps have perforations located for being brought into alignment with the perforations through the gasket and for cooperating therewith to put an upstream face of the gasket into communication, via the filter, with a plurality of independent inlets for samples of fluid to be filtered, and to put a downstream face of the gasket into communication with a plurality of likewise independent outlets for the fluid samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Biocom S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Bisconte
  • Patent number: 5185078
    Abstract: A separator for regenerating used emulsions from cooling lubricants or cleaning solutions, for example, includes a discharge pipe for discharging the regenerated emulsion. The time between two sediment clearance processes is increased without adversely affecting the quality of the regenerated emulsion from the separator by including a fine filter arranged in the discharge pipe to retain residual solids. A measuring device for measuring the pressure difference between the inlet port and the outlet port of the fine filter generates a signal whenever a predetermined pressure difference is exceeded. The fineness filter and the predetermined pressure difference correspond to a predetermined emulsion quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventor: Bernhard Koczy
  • Patent number: 5178777
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing a filter cake from a liquid-saturated suction surface, when the liquid in the creation of the filter cake is sucked through the filter surface of the filter element. According to the invention, on the filter surface of the filter element (1) there is formed a liquid film (3) by means of reversed pressure effected through the filter element (1). Essentially immediately after the creation of the liquid film, at least one gas blowing is directed to the filter surface of the filter element (1) in order to detach the filter cake (2) located on the filter surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Outomec Oy
    Inventors: Bjarne S. L. Ekberg, Jan O. M. Hognabba, Marti A. Sointusalo
  • Patent number: 5174907
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for removing contaminants from a liquid. The contaminants may be solid particles and/or a second liquid immiscible with but finely dispersed in the first liquid.More particularly, the invention relates to a filter coalescer cartridge for removing contaminants from a liquid which comprises:(a) a first support at one end of the cartridge,(b) a second end support tending towards the other end of the cartridge,(c) a filter coalescer element comprising a plurality of aligned fibers or bundles of fibers, each fiber or bundle being secured at one end to one end support and at the other end to the other end support, and(d) a drive mechanism for relatively rotating and moving the end supports towards and away from each other to twist and compress and straighten and extend respectively the filter coalescer element.The cartridge gives good performance and is easily regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Kalsen Limited
    Inventors: Philip K. Chown, Simon Clarke, Eric C. Green, Anthony S. McFarlane, Philip A. C. Medlicott, Anna C. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5160442
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for treating and removing particulate matter from fluid circulatable into, through and out of an industrial operation, and for cleaning a disposable cartridge filter used therein. In treatment of fluid, the fluid is circulated in a flow path and is introduced into a filter vessel having a disposable cartridge filter. The fluid flows through the cartridge filter at a rate of flow insufficient to produce a buildup of a substantially non-porous solids filter cake around the exterior of the cartridge filter. The clean fluid is circulated to the industrial operation. The cleaning method and apparatus includes a storage vessel in selective fluid communication with the interior of the first vessel such that clean fluid may be flowed from the storage vessel into the interior of the cartridge filter then through and thereafter exterior of the cartridge filter to effectively remove the particulate matter deposited on or around the exterior of the cartridge filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Filtration Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Hampton, Thomas L. Asher
  • Patent number: 5158691
    Abstract: A filter apparatus (10) for filtering machine tool coolant is disclosed as including a filter assembly (12) including a foraminous non-reticulated metal screen (30) having minute openings and a smooth planar surface for providing improved scrape cleanability and preventing movement of machining chips, particulate and also elongate contaminants from one side of the filter (12) to the other side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Henry Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. McEwen, Jay M. Creps, Scott M. McEwen
  • Patent number: 5156749
    Abstract: A dewatering system for use in the treatment of waste water is disclosed which includes a tank, an inclined filter bed having a plurality of filter elements and components for inducing a flow of air through the filter bed to accelerate drying of the removed solids. Also disclosed are components for adjusting the angle of inclination of the filter bed and mechanical components for removing solids from the filter elements. In one embodiment, the filter bed is disposed within an upper unit mounted for rotation on the tank floor to facilitate cleaning of the filters. Adjusting the angle of inclination of the filter bed provides access from the frame, below, for cleaning the underside of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: Jack R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5156750
    Abstract: In the inventive method and apparatus for the continuous discharge of water and fine particles from a suspension, particularly fibrous pulp, the pulp or suspension is thickened without forcing the removal of water through a relatively thick, uncontrollably gathered fiber mat. In the method, the suspension to be thickened is fed into a filtering chamber, the suspension is continuously mixed for equalizing consistency differences, the liquid is continuously removed from the suspension through a filter and the thickness of a fiber mat which forms on the filter surface is controlled by subjecting the mat to shear stresses. In a thickening apparatus for practicing this method, at least one of co-operating surfaces--i.e. the filtering surface (8) and its counter-surface (10)--is provided with loosening members (12) for non-mechanically limiting the thickness of a fiber mat forming on the filtering surface and thereby preventing the uncontrolled formation of such a mat on the filtering surface (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Kaj Henricson, Mika Makela, Toivo Niskanen, Olavi Pikka, Vesa Vikman
  • Patent number: 5149447
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the filtration of a creosote process stream laden with insoluble materials is provided. The apparatus comprises a filtration apparatus of a shell-and-tube configuration having filter material within for the separation of the xylene from the insolubles; the apparatus is comprised within a creosote filtration system which further includes a means for periodically backflushing the filtration system to reduce clogging of the filter material. The process and apparatus herein also finds use for filtration of other materials, including tars, pitches, and wastewaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Mansour Mashayekhi, Roger L. Haley, Joe E. Payne, C. Conrad Kempton
  • Patent number: 5149448
    Abstract: A drum filter for thickening lime sludge in which the lime sludge is thickened on a filter layer (precoat) formed by the lime sludge on the filter periphery. The filter is provided with high pressure liquid nozzles continuously reciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the drum in such a way that, during each rotation of the drum, part of the filtering layer is continuously detached and drops into a vat containing the lime sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Esko Mattelmaki
  • Patent number: 5147554
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating waste which contains ferromagnetic components, such as the grinding sludge from grinding ferromagnetic materials which contains ferromagnetic particles contaminated with water and oil, in which the waste is introduced into a separating tank containing a washing solution and mixed with the solution by stirring until the oil dissolves. Subsequently, a magnetic field is produced at the separating tank wall which causes magnetic components to accumulate on the wall. The wash solution is then filtered to remove non-ferromagnetic solids. The magnetic field is subsequently removed, and accumulated ferromagnetic components are released into the wash solution. The ferromagnetic components are then filtered out from the wash solution and dried, and the filtered wash solution is conveyed to an oil separation tank where oil separated from the waste is recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Heck