DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FILTERING LIQUIDS
Devices and methods are provided for filtering contaminants or pollutants from water, such as rainwater or stormwater. The devices include a liquid filter comprising a tubular mesh enclosure containing a filling. The filling comprises compost particles and an activated carbon material. The compost particles have a bulk particle distribution of more than 30% less than 0.375 inches and at least 90% less than 2 inches. This unique combination of particle sizes and filling materials increases the removal efficiency of the filter. In addition, this filter media absorbs a broader range of industrial pollutants than conventional filters.
1 . A filter comprising:
an enclosure containing a filling;
wherein the filling comprises compost particles and an activated carbon material; and
wherein the compost particles have a bulk particle distribution of more than 30% less than 0.375 inches and at least 90% less than 2 inches.
2 . The filter of claim 1 , wherein the activated carbon material comprises greater than about 20% by weight of the filling.
3 . The filter of claim 1 , wherein the activated carbon material comprises between about 20% to about 50% by weight of the filling.
4 . The filter of claim 1 , wherein the activated carbon material comprises less than about 20% by weight of the filling.
5 . The filter of claim 1 , wherein the activated carbon material comprises charcoal, ash, coal, coke or a combination thereof.
6 . The filter of claim 1 , wherein the bulk particle distribution is more than 35% less than 0.375 inches.
7 . The filter of claim 1 , wherein the bulk particle distribution is at least 50% more than 0.375 inches.
8 . The water filter of claim 1 , wherein the bulk particle distribution is more than 10% less than 0.25 inches.
9 . The water filter of claim 1 , wherein the bulk particle distribution is at least 99% less than 2 inches.
10 . The water filter of claim 1 , wherein the enclosure comprises a flexible tube formed from a mesh material, wherein the tube comprises first and second opposing ends for receiving stormwater therethrough.
11 . The water filter of claim 1 , wherein the compost particles have an organic matter content of at least 90% by dry weight and a moisture content of about 10% to about 20% by wet weight.
12 . A water filter comprising:
an enclosure containing a filling;
wherein the filling comprises compost particles and an activated carbon material; and
wherein the activated carbon material comprises greater than about 20% by weight of the filling.
13 . The water filter of claim 12 , wherein the activated carbon material comprises between about 20% to about 50% by weight of the filling.
14 . The water filter of claim 12 , wherein the compost particles and the activated carbon material have a bulk particle distribution of more than 30% less than 0.375 inches and at least 90% less than 2 inches.
15 . The water filter of claim 14 , wherein the bulk particle distribution is more than 10% less than 0.25 inches.
16 . The water filter of claim 14 , wherein the bulk particle distribution is more than 35% less than 0.375 inches.
17 . The water filter of claim 12 , wherein the activated carbon material comprises charcoal, ash, coal, coke or a combination thereof.
18 . The water filter of claim 14 , wherein the bulk particle distribution is at least 99% less than 2 inches.
19 . A stormwater filter comprising:
a mesh enclosure having first and second ends and an interior, wherein the interior contains a filling, wherein the filling comprises
compost particles and an activated carbon material; and
wherein the compost particles and the activated carbon material have a relative weight percentage and a bulk particle distribution configured to filter out at least 90% of contaminants in storm water passing through the interior of the mesh enclosure.
20 . The stormwater filter of claim 19 , wherein the compost particles and the activated carbon material have a relative weight percentage and a bulk particle distribution configured to filter out at least 95% of the contaminants in storm water passing through the interior of the mesh enclosure.
21 . The stormwater filter of claim 19 , wherein the compost particles and the activated carbon material are configured to filter out at least one of the materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, iron, selenium, arsenic, chromium, total nitrogen and ammonium-nitrogen.
22 . The stormwater filter of claim 19 , wherein the compost particles have a bulk particle distribution of more than 30% greater than 0.375 inches and at least 90% less than 2 inches.
23 . The stormwater filter of claim 19 , wherein the activated carbon material comprises charcoal, ash, coal, coke or a combination thereof.
24 . The stormwater filter of claim 22 , wherein the bulk particle distribution is more than 35% less than 0.375 inches.
25 . The stormwater filter of claim 22 , wherein the bulk particle distribution is more than 10% less than 0.25 inches.
26 . The stormwater filter of claim 22 , wherein the bulk particle distribution is at least 99% less than 2 inches.