Filter Element for Water Loaded with Solid Particles and Dissolved Toxic Substances and Purification System Equipped with Said Filter Element Test System for Portable Analyzer
The invention relates to a filter element consisting of a molded body of porous concrete, which element is arranged in the water stream of a purification system. In particular, the filter element ( 10 ) is a molded pervious concrete layer arranged as a partition between a lower compartment ( 9 ) and an upper compartment ( 11 ) of a treatment chamber ( 8 ), wherein the water inlet ( 12 ) opens into the lower compartment ( 9 ) and a water outlet ( 17 ) issues from the upper compartment ( 11 ). The pervious concrete filter layer may contain one or more additives to enhance adsorption of pollutants, such as heavy metal ions, phosphorous, hydrocarbons or other target soluble pollutants.
1 - 25 . (canceled)
26 . A method for cleaning a filter element, comprising the steps of:
receiving water in a chamber housing the filter element; and
directing water flow to create a swirling flow adjacent to the filter element.
27 . The method of claim 26 , wherein the filter element has a modular design and rests horizontally in the chamber housing.
28 . The method of claim 26 , wherein a water inlet pipe opens tangentially causing the swirling flow adjacent to the filter element.
29 . The method of claim 26 , further comprising the step of receiving materials cleaned off of the filter element within a funnel-shaped element.
30 . The method of claim 29 , wherein the funnel-shaped element and a tangential inlet create a cyclonic filter for the filter element.
31 . The method of claim 26 , wherein the filter element lies beneath a water line.
32 . The method of claim 26 , further comprising the step of scrubbing the filter element with the swirling flow.
33 . A method for self-cleaning a filter element, comprising the steps of:
receiving water within a treatment chamber housing the filter element;
diverting the water to create a circulating flow promoting non-floatable debris to settle into a sump; and
scrubbing a portion of the filter element with the circulating flow to remove particles from the portion of the filter element.
34 . The method of claim 33 , wherein the filter element is made of a porous concrete material.
35 . The method of claim 33 , wherein the filter element is below a water level.
36 . The method of claim 33 , wherein a funnel-shaped element receives the water and assists in creating the circulating flow.
37 . The method of claim 36 , wherein the funnel-shaped element is located below the filter element.
38 . The method of claim 37 , wherein a water inlet allowing water into the treatment chamber is located between the filter element and the funnel-shaped element.
39 . The method of claim 36 , wherein a bottom of the funnel-shaped element can act as the sump to retain settled particles.
40 . A filter cleaning apparatus, comprising:
a chamber housing a filter element;
a water inlet located on the chamber housing;
a diverter coupled to the water inlet; and
a funnel-shaped element located at a base of the chamber housing.
41 . The apparatus of claim 40 , wherein the water inlet allows water to flow into the chamber housing below the filter element.
42 . The apparatus of claim 40 , wherein the diverter creates circulating water flow promoting non-floatable debris to settle into a sump.
43 . The apparatus of claim 40 , wherein the filter element is made of a porous concrete.
44 . The apparatus of claim 40 , wherein the diverter is a 90 degree elbow coupled to the end of the water inlet.
45 . The apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the circulating water provides a scrubbing action which removes solid particles and oils from the undersurface of the filter element.