METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FILTERING SEDIMENT-BEARING FLUIDS
A self-cleaning, back-washable filter apparatus and method for use with a pumping apparatus which is at least partially immersed in fluid. The filter apparatus may comprise a vibration device that is powered by a flow of fluid. 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 . A filter apparatus for use with a pump, the filter apparatus comprising:
a filter element;
a supply line for delivery of a flushing medium;
a filter basket at least partially enclosed in the filter element, wherein the filter basket comprises:
a manifold, comprising:
a first member having a opening so as to receive the supply line;
a second member having a plurality of apertures;
the first and second members defining an internal chamber fluidly connecting the flushing medium supply opening with the plurality of apertures;
a blocking member positioned in the internal chamber and configured to rotatably traverse a groove in the second member and periodically block a flow of flushing fluid from the flushing medium supply opening to the plurality of apertures; and
a plurality of tubes at least partially enclosed in the filter element, wherein each tube of the plurality of tubes extends from one of the plurality of apertures and includes a plurality of perforations such that a flushing medium may flow from the supply line through the internal chamber into the plurality of tubes and through the perforations to backflush the filter element.
2 . The filter apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of perforations is configured to produce a spray that interacts with a spray produced by at least one perforation included in an adjacent one of the plurality of tubes to produce a combined spray directed into the filter element.
3 . The filter apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the groove defines an oval shape.
4 . The filter apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second member defines an oval shape.
5 . The filter apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second member defines an oval shape.
6 . The filter apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of apertures in the second member is within the groove
7 . The filter apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second member further comprises a plurality of channels fluidly connecting the groove with each of the plurality of apertures in the second member.
8 . The filter apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the supply line is coupled to a vent line coupling the first internal chamber to the atmosphere.
9 . The filter apparatus of claim 1 , wherein in the vent line is configured to create a pressure differential across the filter element.
10 . A method of filtering a fluid comprising:
filtering a first flow of fluid through a filter;
backflushing the filter with a second flow of fluid; and
introducing a third flow of fluid comprising an enhancing material to a region in proximity to the filter wherein the backflushing is performed independently of the act of introducing.
11 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising exposing the first flow of fluid to atmospheric pressure.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein introducing the enhancing material comprises introducing a flocculent.
13 . The filter apparatus of claim 10 , wherein introducing the enhancing material comprises introducing a disinfection agent.
14 . The filter apparatus of claim 10 , wherein introducing the enhancing material comprises introducing a coagulant.
15 . A filter apparatus comprising:
means for filtering a first flow of fluid;
means for backflushing the filter with a second flow of fluid; and
means for introducing a third flow fluid comprising an enhancing material to a region in proximity to the means for filtering wherein the means for back flushing is fluidly separated from the means for introducing.
16 . The filter apparatus of claim 15 , further comprising means for exposing the first flow of fluid to atmospheric pressure.
17 . The filter apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the means for introducing the enhancing material is configured to introduce a flocculent.
18 . The filter apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the means for introducing the enhancing material is configured to introduce a disinfection agent.
19 . The filter apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the means for introducing the enhancing material is configured to introduce a coagulant.