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

Abstract: A method of chemically cleaning normally immersed suction driven filtering membranes involves backwashing a chemical cleaner through the membranes while the tank is empty in repeated pulses in which the chemical cleaner is pumped to the membranes separated by waiting periods in which chemical cleaner is not pumped to the membranes. The duration and frequency of the pulses is preferably chosen to provide an appropriate contact time of the chemical, preferably without allowing the membranes to dry between pulses and without using excessive amounts of chemical. In other aspects, such membranes preferably used for filtering water to produce potable water in a batch process are backwashed with a chemical cleaner substantially at the same time as the tank is being drained. The chemical cleaner is optionally supplied in pulses.

Abstract: A dialysis system which does not need to use a physiological saline in replenishing a solution or cleaning and priming the dialysis system, does not need a troublesome setting operation and can easily and accurately set a flow rate of a replenisher solution. The dialysis system includes a closed type water-removal control apparatus 1, a dialyzer 2, a fresh dialysate line 3 as well as a used dialysate line 4, a dialysate pressurizing line 5, a dialysate pressurizing pump 51 provided in the dialysate pressurizing line 5, an artery side blood line 6, a blood pump 61 provided in the artery side blood line 6 and a vein side blood line 7. According to the dialysis system, by pressurizing a dialysate into a communication line of the dialysate, the dialysate is made to flow from a dialysate flow path 21 into a blood flow path 22 through a dialysis membrane 23 of the dialyzer 2 and the inside of a blood circulation path can be cleaned and primed.

Abstract: A river is divided into a plurality of river sections via a plurality of partitions which are spaced apart along the direction of the flow of the river. Polluted water at or near the surface of the river from the river sections is pumped to water treating apparatuses without drawing the polluted water near the floor of the river. Suspension pollutants, including nitrogenous nutrients, are removed from the polluted water via filtration in the water treating apparatuses. After treatment, the treated water is sent to the river in such a manner that the water drawn from each river section is sent to another one of the river sections, that is located immediately downstream, at the same rate as the river flow and that the remaining portion of the treated water is sent back to the upstream river section from where the water comes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous-action filtering method, a filtering apparatus, as well as to the use of the discussed apparatus, as an automatic filter in the fuel or lubrication system of an engine. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises three filtering units, having a common inlet channel for a flow to be filtered, a common outlet channel for a filtered flow, as well as a common valve element provided with flow connections for controlling the flow in such a manner that the filtering units are in operation one at a time. An essential feature in the operation of the valve element is its ability to rotate around its axis and, furthermore, its ability to move between two different positions, the two filter units being operable alternately by rotating the valve element and the third filtering unit being operable by moving the valve. The valve element is constituted, e.g., by a cylindrical, axially movable spindle, which is also rotatable around its axis.

Abstract: A twist-on renewable filter comprising a one-piece hollow housing, made of polymeric material having threads for attachment to a distribution head assembly. A filter element is adhesively bonded at one end to the floor of the housing and at its opposing end to the top member of the one-piece hollow housing. The one-piece hollow housing has an input opening and a exit opening. The filter housing is fabricated from components that are made of a polymeric material. The renewable filter can be cleaned by the introduction of a cleaning solution in a direction opposite to the direction of normal flow.

Abstract: Device for filtering a liquid. The filter device is provided with at least two filter elements (8, 15) placed parallel to each other. A three-way cock (6, 13) is accommodated in the pipe (4, 5) to each filter element (8, 15) for connection of the inflow opening of each filter element (8, 15) to a mains system (3) for supplying the liquid with sufficient pressure to press the liquid through the filter device. The three-way cocks (6, 13) are mutually connected by a pipe (19). A drain (23) to a sewer is provided which has a closing device (21), which is connected to a branch point (26) of the pipe (19) via a pipe (20). A three-way cock (10, 17) is accommodated in the pipe (9, 16) of each filter element (8, 15) for connecting the outflow opening of each filter element (8, 15) to a mains system (12) of a user. The three-way taps (10, 17) are mutually connected by a pipe (24).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering fine solids from a liquid feed suspension is disclosed. The apparatus has an operating cycle including a concentration part of the cycle in which solids present in the feed suspension are concentrated and a backwash part of the cycle in which supply of feed suspension to the concentrator is interrupted, the concentrator comprises a shell (11), and a plurality of elastic, hollow, microporous, polymer fibers (12) being fixed at their ends within the shell (11). Pressurized feed suspension is supplied to the outside of the fibers during said concentration part of the cycle and the filtrate may be withdrawn from the fiber lumens during the operating cycle. During the backwash cycle the concentration part of the cycle is terminated by ceasing supply of feed to said exterior surface of the fibers (12). The shell (11) is then sealed and the remaining filtrate removed from the lumens.

Abstract: A system for filtering fluids uses the pressure differential across a filter element between an internal filter volume and an external filter volume to control the rate of fluid flow through the filter element. The internal filter volume communicates with a backwash volume contained in the external filter volume. The backwash volume may be movable relative to the filter element to clean accumulated filtrate from the filter element through backwashing. By increasing the pressure in the internal filter volume, the rate of backwashing can be increased while the rate of fluid flow into the internal filter volume is decreased. Particularly when the filter element becomes clogged, damage to a filter caused by an excessive pressure differential across the filter element may be decreased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flow control devices (4) for use with cartridge filter cleaning systems. The flow control device (4) includes a cylindrical portion (8) which extends away from a conical portion (6). When the device (4) is used with a nozzle (9) attached to a blow tube (13) the device (4) will uniformly clean a dirty cartridge filter (5). The advantage of the invention is that the device (4) can be used in the current range of air flow rates and nozzle sizes that are used in the cartridge cleaning industry. Whereas the prior art systems (7) show deficient performance when used across the full range of air flow rates currently applicable in industry.

Abstract: A filtration tank (1) for purification of polluted water includes a chamber (12). Upper and lower filtration screens (20, 22) are supported within the chamber. Filtration particles (18) are confined between the upper and lower screens. Polluted water enters the chamber through an inlet (26), passes through the screens and the filtration particles and exits the chamber through a purified water outlet (28). Periodically, the inlet and outlet are closed and the water in the chamber is drained through a drain outlet (32). Nozzles (42, 45) spray cleaning fluid over the filter particles and screens to dislodge trapped dirt.

Abstract: A vibratory separator having a resiliently mounted housing with a vibratory drive. A screen extends across the housing and a cover is positionable over the screen. The screen includes a discharge port therethrough aligned with a discharge passage for removing material from the top of the screen from the system. Another discharge passage cooperates with a manifold plate extending across the separator beneath the screen. An access port is provided through the cover and arranged to receive a discharge plug which can selectively close the discharge hole through the screen. In operation, separating or dewatering is first accomplished, the energy level of the vibration is reduced and a vacuum is drawn above the screen. Bleed air is allowed into the separator below the screen with a restricted flow so that a vacuum can be drawn. Once the material has dried, the vibrational energy can be increased and the plug removed from the hole through the screen. The process material may then be discharged from the unit.

Abstract: In a developing, etching and stripping apparatus, photoresist developing and stripping chemicals are drawn off into separate circulatory paths in each of which they are pumped through a heat exchanger, a series of tangential filters, an ultraviolet contactor and a collection tank. Permeate from the filters is returned to the developing or stripping stage, and solutions with high concentrations of solids are removed from the collection tanks for disposal. A similar system is used to recycle metal stripping solutions such as nitric acid-containing solutions, allowing recovery of metals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing a filter fabric (3) of a filter press. The method includes filtering a material to be filtered containing a liquid and solids through the filter fabric (3) in a filter cell (20), retaining the solids on a surface of the filter fabric (3) thereby forming a filter cake (18) on the filter fabric (3), discharging the filter cake (18) from above the filter fabric (3) to one side of the filter press only, conveying an area of the filter fabric (3) soiled during the previous filtration step to a washing cell (21) for washing the soiled area of the filter fabric (3) and washing the soiled area of the filter fabric (3) in washing cell (21).

Abstract: A filter for removing particles from a feed liquid. The filter includes a filtration material having a metal oxide composition selected to provide the material with an affinity for the particles of the feed liquid. The affinity of the material is dependent upon a pH of the feed liquid.

Abstract: A method of recovering functional human leukocytes from blood filters used to deplete leukocyte content from leukocyte-containing blood-cell suspensions is provided. More particularly, this method involves isolating leukocytes from filters which have been used to purify red blood cells or platelets in isolation from leukocytes by back-flushing the used filters with a hemolysis solution, such as cold ammonium chloride, and collecting the functional human leukocytes.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus comprises: a pressure vessel; a plurality of filter elements arranged within the pressure vessel, the filter elements each having an upper end, a lower end and a side wall; filling bodies positioned within the filter elements; a first conduit for introducing compressed gas into the pressure vessel; a second conduit for transporting unfiltered liquid to and from the pressure vessel; and a third conduit for removing filtrate from the pressure vessel and transporting back-flushing liquid to and from the filter elements, the third conduit positioned proximate to a bottom portion of the pressure vessel and attached to the lower ends of the filter elements, such that the third conduit provides a support structure for the filter elements and the back-flushing liquid introduced via the third conduit fills the filter elements in a direction from the lower ends toward the upper ends, the volume of back-flushing liquid introduced into the filter elements limited by the filling bodies.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for cleaning filters contaminated by hot-melting resins and polymers in situ, without removing the filtering elements. The method comprises a preliminary step, during which the circulation of the product to be filtered through the filter to be cleaned is interrupted, and a draining step, during which a pressurized draining fluid is passed through the filter in order to empty the filter of the residual product. A filter cleaning step is then performed during which a cleaning fluid, constituted at least partially by superheated steam, is passed through the filter. The fluids used to clean the filter are then subjected to treatments to eliminate pollutants.

Abstract: A process and apparaus for recovery water from raw sewage extracted directly from the sewer including a screen(2) operable to obtain from raw sewage a screened effluent having a maximum particle size of no more than 900 microns. The apparatus also comprises a first membrane separator(5) which is operable to filter the suspended solids from some or all of the screened effluent. The process also includes a second membrane separator preferably in the form of reverse osmosis filter(8).

Abstract: A filtering apparatus is provided wherein the filter can be backwashed by an explosive-like surge of backwashing fluid. The backwashing assembly includes a quick-opening backwash valve which is not actuated by a linearly-acting valve stem disposed on the outlet side of the valve. In a typical embodiment, the inlet valve to the filtering apparatus is a rotating butterfly valve and the backwash valve is physically attached to the inlet valve, such that, when the inlet valve is open, the backwash valve is fully-closed and when the inlet valve is moved towards its fully-closed position, the backwash valve is fully-opened. The invention uses a two-step method of initially applying biasing pressure on the inlet valve/backwash valve combination and to thereafter provide additional pressure to dislodge the backwash valve from the valve seat--whereupon the backwash valve quickly opens and an explosive-like surge of backwashing fluid effectively backwashes the filtering media.

Abstract: A back-flushable filter cartridge includes a cylindrical exterior fluid-permeable filter media cage, a cylindrical interior fluid-permeable core element coaxially disposed within the filter media cage so as to establish therebetween an interior space, and longitudinally pleated filter media surrounding the core element and disposed in the interior space such that individual pleats thereof extend substantially radially outwardly from the core element. An annular space is established between outer longitudinal folds of the pleated filter media and the filter media cage. The pleated filter media is radially expandable into the established annular space to allow individual adjacent pleats of the pleated filter media to circumferentially separate from one another in response to fluid flowing in a radial direction from the core element toward the filter media cage.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for salvaging a patient's own blood during intraoperative surgical procedures and reinfusing the blood, washed and filtered, to the patient substantially continuously, on-line and in real-time. The apparatus comprises suction means, admixing means for admixing aspirated blood with a washing fluid, filtering means for filtering the admixture through an emboli filter, monitoring means for measuring the amount of cellular component volume in the aspirated, filtered blood, filtration means for removing excess fluid and impurities from the blood, and reinfusion means for introducing the washed and filtered blood to the patient free of emboli. The apparatus is structured to introduce washing fluid to the aspirated blood in proportion to the measured hematocrit level of the blood that is aspirated. Methods are disclosed for priming of the system, cleaning and flushing the apparatus of blood clots and debris by means of reverse filtration and filtration of blood for reinfusion.

Abstract: Rolling solutions used in cold rolling are pressurized and filtered at working temperature using a filter of the scanning flush type in which flushing nozzles exhausting to a low pressure zone are scanned over an upstream surface of the filtration medium during flushing cycles triggered by a pressure drop across the filter exceeding a predetermined level. Flushing retentate exhausted during the flushing cycles is treated in a secondary filter. Harmful particulates can be removed without retaining wanted components of the rolling solution.

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 backwash sealing shoe is provided for a filtration system including a tank having an undivided filtration bed and a plurality of side-by-side headers within the bed, each header in communication with a respective port in a wall of the tank. The sealing shoe includes a hydraulic section including an opening surrounded by a seal and adapted to sealingly engage the wall in surrounding relationship to at least one of the ports; and at least one blocking section adjacent the hydraulic section on one side thereof and including a plate surrounded by a seal and adapted to sealingly engage the wall in surrounding relationship to at least one adjacent port to thereby block flow from the tank through at least one adjacent port during a backwash operation.

Abstract: A filter unit (10) designed to filter process streams having different components and/or different fluid flow rates. The filter unit includes an elongated filter housing (12) having an inlet port (14) at one end and an outlet port (19) at the other end. A filter element flange (32) is fitted in the housing. The filter element flange is provided with a number of bores (34) that are provided with threading. Filter elements (28) with threaded coupling heads (36) are removably secured to the filter element array by fastening the coupling head in the threaded bores. This arrangement allows the replacement of the filter elements without having to completely disassemble the filter unit. In the event the number of filter elements is less than the number of openings that are in the element flange, plugs (84) are secured into the links in which the filter elements are not seated to prevent unfiltered fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: In a method for backwashing a water processing system using a buoyant filter layer constrained under wire mesh screen extending across a processing vessel, a water surface level in the processing vessel is lowered below the wire mesh screen. Air is subsequently released from under the buoyant filter layer to separate substances clogging the filter layer, while allowing the release of air out of said vessel from an upper part thereof. By lowering the water surface level below the upper wire mesh screen, the filter material is allowed to move more freely because the filter material is not restricted by the wire mesh screen from making upward movement. Hence, when air is released from under the filter layer, the filter material can move uniformly over the entire filter layer, and the clogging substances such as SS captured by the filter material and the biological film formed on the surface of the filter material can be favorably removed without damaging the filter material.

Abstract: An improved electro-coalescent/magnetic separation (ECMS) system for removing contaminants from water, including desalinization, comprises a device for exposing a stream of water to be treated to an electric field, followed by introduction of ionized coagulating substances, including ionized gases and/or metal ions, followed by plural filter stages. The first filter stage may comprise a polarizable glass, alumina, or ceramic media provided as a bed in a tank with an underdrain, so as to provide substantial residence time. A polishing filter may comprise a very fine fiber or organic gel filter element confined between relatively flexible electrically-conductive screen members and provided with a DC power supply to polarize the filter. This assembly is confined between relatively rigid, perforated members such that the filter assembly can move slightly upon backwash to dislodge caked-on contaminants or the like, while preserving the structural integrity of the filter assembly.

Abstract: A filter includes a cylindrical filter element having a longitudinal axis, first and second end surfaces, and a plurality of longitudinal pleats. Each of the pleats has a pair of legs with first and second surfaces. The pleats are in a laid-over state in which the first surface of each leg is in intimate contact with the first surface of an adjoining leg and the second surface of each leg is in intimate contact with the second surface of an adjoining leg over substantially the entire height of each leg and over a continuous region extending for at least approximately 50% of the axial length of the filter element. An impervious end cap is connected to the first end surface of the filter element.

Abstract: A gap filter for liquids of gases which has a filter body 13 which encloses a clean space within a filter housing and separates it from a dirt space. The filter body 13 is supported by an element which is constructed as a safety filter 14.

Abstract: An automatically-regulated, self-flushing method of filtering a liquid suspension includes passing the suspension through a granular filter material. The flow of suspension is halted to relieve the pressure in the system, so facilitating the settling of the removed particles down the filter. Further settling of the particles may be achieved by passing an airstream through the filter material. A reverse flow of the filtrate then effects a backwashing action on the filter material so that further settling of the particles is encouraged. The filter material may be contained in a drain passage which follows a generally sinuous path. The drain passage may serve a waste landfill site in which toxic, hazardous or domestic waste is disposed.

Abstract: A laboratory reactor apparatus includes a suction tube, at least a portion of which has a constricted inside diameter. The lower portion of the suction tube is sealed to a sintered frit filter medium. The suction tube mounts in a reactor block into a reactor vial for receiving chemical components. An inlet channel with a first seal is formed through the block and conveys chemical component materials to the vial, and a suction channel with a second seal, coaxial with the suction tube, is used to remove resultant chemical compound materials therefrom. A pressurized gas channel containing inert gas is formed through the block to intersect the suction channel and the inlet channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of liquid waste such as sewage. The invention provides a method of screening of liquid waste to remove solid material therefrom, comprising passing the liquid waste in a downward stream through a suspended sack filter, and agitating the sack filter and the liquid stream by discharging a stream of bubbles upwardly through the liquid from below the sack filter. The invention also provides an inlet screen, comprising an upright hollow column (1), having an opening at the top across which a sack filter (6) is positioned, the sack filter extending downwardly into the column, and an air diffuser (8) at the lower end of the column, and an outlet (5, 23, 34) from the column, whereby in use liquid waste flows into the top of the column, through the sack filter to the outlet, the sack filter and liquid waste being agitated by discharge of air from the air diffuser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter unit, and a filtering system using the filter unit, comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis and an inlet and outlet for fluid containing solid contaminants and a back-flush inlet and back-flush outlet for cleansing fluid. This housing contains a substantially cylindrical filter element which has a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the housing. The filter element has disposed within it a conduit, adapted to be opened to atmospheric discharge, having a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the filter element. The conduit also has disposed along its surface cleansing members, which extend from the conduit to the filter element and have apertures to allow the cleansing fluid to flow through the members and into the conduit.

Abstract: A method for filtering edible oils utilizing a backwashable filter assembly. A filter system having at least two filter assemblies may be utilized to remove bleaching clay and/or nickel catalyst from oil being processed for human consumption. The filter assemblies may be connected in a series and tandem manner to provide continuous and uninterrupted filtering of the edible oil. Each filter assembly preferably comprises multiple, substantially cylindrical filter elements having a porous filter medium which may be formed from polyaramid fibers. The filter elements are designed to withstand the elevated temperatures used in edible oil processing and for ease of cleaning during backwashing.

Abstract: A method for filtering an aqueous mineral slurry and collection of the mineral as product. The slurry is flowed through a filter plate of the type characterized by a porous support layer and an overlying microporous metal filtration layer, with flow through the filter plate during filtration being from the filtration layer side toward the base layer and being effected by establishing a fluid pressure differential across the filter plate. The filtration layer preferably comprises a sintered metal, with a relatively narrow pore size distribution, i.e. one wherein substantially all of the pores are less than 5 .mu.m.

Abstract: In a plasma filtration process including a treatment with a primary filter for separating blood into blood cells and plasma and a treatment with a secondary filter for removing harmful macromolecules from the separated plasma for purification, the secondary filter is washed by passing a washing liquid through an inner chamber of the filter, an outer chamber thereof or both the chambers in an amount corresponding to 5 to 50% of the priming volume of the filter every time the filtration pressure has reached 70 to 100% of the withstanding pressure of the secondary filter. This washing procedure reduces the time required for the filtration of plasma to about 60 to 70% of the time conventionally needed, shortens the patient restraining time, and decreases the amount of washing liquid to be used to consequently diminish the disposal loss of plasma from the system.

Abstract: A continuous filtration system for supplying an uninterrupted supply of filtrate from a solids-containing industrial process suitable for use by on-line automatic analyzers is provided. The continuous filtration system, which is particularly useful for filtering flue gas desulfurization process slurry to produce a solids-free filtrate for autoanalysis, includes a pair of filters connected in series which concurrently receive a tangential flow of slurry into the filter head that is discharged perpendicularly through a filtrate head. An automatic flushing system is provided to keep the filter membranes free of solid particles. An optional autoanalyzer for unfiltered slurry may also be included in the system.

Abstract: A filtration concentration apparatus and method by which a high operation efficiency of a filter is assured are disclosed. The filtration concentration apparatus comprises an original liquid intake path interconnecting a primary side of a pump and an original liquid storage tank, an original liquid supply path interconnecting a secondary side of the pump and an original liquid chamber of a filter, an original liquid return path interconnecting the secondary side of the pump and the storage tank, an original liquid recovery path interconnecting the original liquid chamber and the primary side of the pump, a liquid discharge path interconnecting a bottom portion of the original liquid chamber and a waste liquid tank, and a control unit for controlling the recovery path to open when the intake path and the supply path are open and controlling the intake path and the supply path to close when the recovery path and the return path are open.

Abstract: In order to clean a deposit filter having filter elements (4) installed in a suspended manner, first, with the plenum (3) filled with flushing medium, the liquid is discharged completely or partially from the filter chamber by way of an emptying line (7) by opening a ventilating line (6) arranged in the uppermost region of the filter chamber (2), then, by means of a pressure-generating line (8) which is arranged on the plenum and by way of which propellent gas or flushing medium under pressure is conveyed into the plenum, a pressure surge is generated in the plenum and drives the flushing medium through the filter elements, and finally the impurities, together with the liquid, are discharged. Before the pressure surge is exerted, an underpressure can be generated in the filter chamber, in order further to increase the effect. If desired, the filter elements (4) can have an upper gas-impermeable region (5).

Abstract: A method of cleaning polymer residue from a polymer melt filter formed of a sintered powdered metal includes pyrolyzing the polymer residue-contaminated filter within a heated chamber at a temperature within the range from about 400.degree. to about 600.degree. C. and for a time sufficient to pyrolyze substantially all of the polymer residue. Simultaneously with such treatment, the heated chamber is flushed with steam to prevent combustion of the polymer residue. The pyrolyzed filter is then treated with a solvent and back-flushed with a pressurized fluid stream by passing the fluid steam through the filter in a direction opposite to the polymer melt flow therethrough.

Abstract: In critical filtration applications, filter cartridges are employed to replace ion exchange resin precoat filters to minimize the waste produced. The filter cartridges are backwashed with all gas and the liquid in the filter housing provides an active scouring effect as a result of the high levels of turbulence produced. The liquid, with entrained debris from the filter is minimized in volume.

Abstract: A rapid gravity downflow filtration system applicable to a bank of several filters in which filtered water for backwashing is stored at a relatively high level in a common washwater storage compartment serving all filters and in which the filtered water for backwashing is delivered to it's storage by gravity using the surplus operating head available at the beginning of the filter operating cycle for the purpose thereby entirely eliminating the necessity for powered motivation of backwash water flow during backwashing, or, in alternative filter systems in which the backwash water flow is motivated by displacement with compressed air, reducing the power requirement.

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

Abstract: A reusable oil filter adapted to filter oil used in an engine includes a housing operatively connected to the engine, filter media disposed within the housing, a singular backwashing inlet operatively connected on the housing and an oil drain operatively connected with the housing. Pressurized air delivered through the backwashing inlet forces filtered oil to backflow through the filter media displacing contaminated oil from the filter media and creates an air-oil foam for further cleaning the filter media while the housing remains connected to the engine.

Abstract: Filtering systems used to filter contaminated fluid. The filtering system (10) includes a supply pump (12); a filter tank (14) having a plurality of removable filter cassettes (16) disposed therein, each filter cassette housing in proper orientation a filter pad (164); a suction pump (18); a level control mechanism (148) maintaining a substantially uniform level of contaminated fluid within the filter tank; and a control panel (20) housing other process control components. Operation of the filtering system includes a backflush cycle and a relaxation cycle to extend the loading life of the filter pads. Also included is a preventive measure designed to eliminate fluid shear that may result as the filter pads approach the end of their loading life. The double-density filtering system (300) employs double-density filter cassettes (304), each cassette housing a pair of filter pads (164). This allows the volume of the filter tank (302) to be reduced, thereby reducing turnover.

Abstract: A filtering system used to filter contaminated fluid. The filtering system (10) includes a supply pump (12); a filter tank (14) having a plurality of removable filter cassettes (16) disposed therein, each filter cassette housing in proper orientation a filter pad (164); a suction pump (18); a level control mechanism (148) maintaining a substantially uniform level of contaminated fluid within the filter tank; and a control panel (20) housing other process control components. Operation of the filtering system includes a backflush cycle and a relaxation cycle to extend the loading life of the filter pads. Also included is a preventive measure designed to eliminate fluid shear that may result as the filter pads approach the end of their loading life.

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 method for filtering a whole blood sample using a filter element constructed and arranged to block the passage of fibrous and particulate matter which may be present in a liquid sample, such as a whole blood sample, while allowing the blood cells to pass is disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter element is part of an in-line filter assembly which assembly may include two complementary mating components. One component may take the form of a coupling provided with a male threaded portion adapted to be received into and engage the female threaded portion of the complementary mating component. This complemnetary mating component may be another coupling or an analysis system component, such as a valve. Each complementary mating component is adapted to receive a liquid sample carrying conduit therethrough. The coupling is also adapted to receive a filter mount which holds a filter element constructed and arranged as discussed hereinabove.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fibrous suspensions in the wood processing industry and more specifically to a so-called drum cylinder, the basic construction of which comprises a vessel, into which suspension being thickened is supplied and a wire-surface cylinder rotating in the vessel. The drum filter is characterized in that the closure member of the drum filter has a channel for leading gas from the filtrate tubes through the compartments of the distribution chamber to the outside of the closing member. The method is characterized in that the operation phase of the filter cylinder is divided into five separate stages. In the first stage, when the cylinder descends on to the vessel, air and the initial filtrate are discharged from the filtrate components and the formation of the pulp web on the wire surface begins. In the second stage, filtrate is discharged with vacuum and the formation of the pulp web continues.