Method and system for filtering sediment-bearing fluids
A self-cleaning, back-washable filter apparatus ( 1700 ) and method for use with a pumping apparatus ( 1734 ). In one embodiment, the filter apparatus is at least partially immersed in fluid. A sediment removal system is disclosed for removing sediment from around a filter apparatus. The sediment removal system comprises a plurality of venturi jets ( 1307 ) configured to force sediment particles through a discharge line and away from the inlet to a filter apparatus. A filtering system is configured to direct a flow of fluid generally parallel to the surface of the filter ( 1720 ), which may be a cross-flow filter, to prevent clogging or fouling. In one embodiment, the filtering system is configured to direct the flow of fluid in a spiral flow around the surface of the filter A method for filtering a flow of fluid comprises directing a flow of fluid generally parallel to the surface of a filter to prevent clogging or fouling of the filter A method for filtering a flow of fluid is also disclosed, comprising vibrating a filter by applying a flow of fluid to the filter.
1 - 38 . (canceled)
39 . A filtration system comprising:
at least one pressure tube;
an impermeable member defining a first chamber within the at least one pressure tube, the first chamber having an inlet and an outlet;
at least one first filter surrounding the inlet so as to form a second chamber around the inlet;
a filtered fluid pipe disposed within the pressure tube and fluidly connected to the second chamber;
a vent tube extending into the pressure tube and having a first opening to air outside of the pressure tube and a second opening into the second chamber and configured to expose the second chamber to the atmosphere; and
a pressure tight seal covering the outlet of the first chamber, wherein the vent tube passes into the second chamber through the pressure tight seal, wherein a portion of the vent tube comprises a back flow limiter.
40 . (canceled)
41 . The filtration system of claim 39 , wherein the back flow limiter comprises:
a separator chamber; and
a gas filled stop configured to float within the separator chamber wherein a portion of the chamber is configured to receive the stop to form a gas tight seal.
42 . The filtration system of claim 39 , wherein the back flow limiter comprises a submerged fluid level switch configured to control operation of the pump.
43 . (canceled)
44 . The system of claim 39 , further comprising a pump disposed within the first chamber.
45 . The system of claim 44 , wherein at least one sealed electrical supply line passes through the pressure tight seal connection to the motor.
46 . The system of claim 44 , wherein at least one electrical supply line passes through the at least one pressure tube.
47 . The system of claim 44 , wherein the impermeable member is configured to direct fluid flow adjacent to the motor for cooling.
48 . The system of claim 39 , further comprising a first self cleaning filter enclosing the inlet within the first chamber.
49 . The system of claim 39 , wherein the vent tube is configured to create a pressure differential across the first filter.
50 . The system of claim 39 , further comprising a second pump disposed within the second chamber.
51 . The system of claim 39 , further comprising a shroud partially enclosing the inlet to the first chamber.
52 . The system of claim 51 , further comprising a second pump and second motor disposed within the shroud.
53 . The system of claim 52 , wherein the at least one pressure tube is configured to direct fluid flow adjacent to the second motor for cooling.
54 . The system of claim 39 , wherein the at least one pressure tube comprises at least one outlet opening.
55 - 69 . (canceled)
70 . A method of filtering fluid from a body of fluid comprising:
directing a first flow of fluid generally parallel to a surface of a filter, wherein the second flow is along a surface of the filter;
pumping a second flow of fluid through the filter, wherein the second flow comprises a portion of the first flow;
receiving the filtered second flow;
exposing the first flow to atmospheric pressure through a vent tube;
limiting back flow through the vent tube: and
discharging a portion of the first flow through an outlet and into the body of fluid.
71 . The method of claim 70 , wherein directing the first flow of fluid comprises directing the first flow of fluid about the surface of the filter so that the first flow defines a spiral.
72 . The method of claim 70 , wherein the act of directing the first flow of fluid comprises receiving the first flow of fluid from in the body of fluid through an inlet that is positioned at a distance from the outlet with the distance selected to prevent an increased concentration of impurities from the first flow from entering the inlet.
73 . (canceled)
74 . A system for filtering a fluid from a body of fluid comprising:
means for directing a second flow of fluid generally parallel to a surface of a filter, wherein the second flow is along a surface of the filter and away from the filter and wherein the first flow comprises a portion of the second flow;
means for pumping a second flow of fluid through the filter; means for receiving the filtered second flow;
means for exposing the second flow to atmospheric pressure, wherein said exposing means comprises means for limiting back flow; and
means for discharging the first flow from the means for directing.
75 . The system of claim 74 , further comprising means for directing the first flow of fluid about the surface of the filter so that the first flow defines a spiral.
76 . The system of claim 74 , wherein the means for receiving the first flow is positioned at a distance from the means for discharging selected to prevent an increased concentration of impurities from the first flow from entering the means for directing.
77 - 133 . (canceled)