Filtration system and method of directing fluid and debris through a filtration system

Abstract

A filtration system and a method for directing fluid and debris through a filtration system are disclosed. The filtration system includes a filter configured to receive a first fluid mixture through an inlet. The first fluid mixture includes a first fluid and debris. The filter is configured to separate a portion of the debris from the first fluid. A fluid control device is fluidly coupled to the filter. The fluid control device receives the first fluid from the filter and changes a property of the first fluid. A conduit is fluidly coupled to the filter and a second fluid source. The conduit receives debris from the filter and a second fluid from a second fluid source. The conduit combines the debris with the second fluid to form a second fluid mixture within the conduit. The conduit is configured to control one or more of a pressure or a velocity within the conduit to direct the second fluid mixture through the conduit toward an outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates to filtration systems and methods of directing fluid and debris through filtration systems. Background Art

[0002] The air volume flow requirements of large vehicles and facilities may be greater than the volume requirements of small vehicle systems or facilities. In order to meet the increased volume requirements, large systems that need to circulate more air or other fluids can rely on the atmosphere as a fluid source. Air can be introduced into the system through an inlet arranged near the outer surface of the system (for example, on the roof of a building, the outer surface of a rail vehicle, the housing of an equipment or system, etc.). The air can be directed through a filter that separates debris or contaminants from the air. The clean air is directed to a main blower or compressor arranged at another location through a duct. For example, a rail vehicle can have a filter arranged on the outer wall of the vehicle, and the air can be directed to a main blower arranged inside the vehicle. The blower in the vehicle is coupled to the filter fluid through a duct or other conduit or channel. A secondary blower or similar suction device can be connected to the filter and can be used to remove debris from the filter.

[0003] However, existing filtration systems are not without problems. As one example, the secondary blower used to clean the filter is an active component that requires electrical energy to operate, increasing the energy consumption of the system. As another example, if the secondary blower fails, debris may not be removed from the filter, resulting in a reduced life of the filter and fluid system. As another example, the ducting that couples the filter to the primary blower fluid is expensive to refurbish, difficult to clean, and reduces the efficiency of the system. An alternative integrated system that does not use a secondary blower and / or ducting may be needed. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the filtration system includes a filter configured to receive a first fluid mixture through an inlet. The first fluid mixture includes a first fluid and debris. The filter is configured to separate at least a portion of the debris from the first fluid. A fluid control device is fluidly coupled to the filter. The fluid control device receives the first fluid from the filter and changes the properties of the first fluid. A conduit is fluidly coupled to the filter and a second fluid source. The conduit receives at least a portion of the debris from the filter and a second fluid from a second fluid source. The conduit combines at least a portion of the debris with the second fluid in the conduit to form a second fluid mixture. The conduit is configured to control one or more of a pressure or a velocity in the conduit to direct the second fluid mixture through the conduit to an outlet.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the method includes separating a first fluid of a first fluid mixture from debris of the first fluid mixture in a filter and directing the first fluid to a fluid control device. The debris and a second fluid from a second fluid source are directed through a conduit. The conduit combines the debris with the second fluid to form a second fluid mixture. The conduit is configured to control one or more of a pressure or a velocity within the conduit to direct the second fluid mixture to an outlet through the conduit.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the filtration system includes a filter configured to receive a first fluid mixture through an inlet. The first fluid mixture includes a first fluid and debris. The filter is shaped to separate at least a portion of the debris from the first fluid. A compressor-blower device is fluidly coupled to the filter. The compressor-blower device receives the first fluid from the filter and changes the characteristics of the first fluid to form a second fluid. A conduit is fluidly coupled to the filter and the compressor-blower device. The conduit receives at least a portion of the debris from the filter and a portion of the second fluid from the compressor-blower device. The conduit combines at least a portion of the debris with a portion of the second fluid in the conduit to form a second fluid mixture. The conduit is shaped to control one or more flow characteristics of at least a portion of the debris in the conduit, the portion of the second fluid, or one or more of the second fluid mixture. The filter, the compressor-blower device, and the conduit are disposed in a common housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The subject matter of the present disclosure may be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments and by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 An example of a filtration system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 According to an embodiment Figure 1 The ducting of the filtration system is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 An example of a filtration system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 is a flow chart of one example of a method of directing fluid and debris through a filtration system.

[0012] Figure 5 A flow diagram is an example of the direction in which fluid moves through a filtration system.

[0013] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit of a filtration system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to a filtration system and a method of directing a fluid and debris through the filtration system. The filtration system includes a filter that receives a fluid mixed with debris and separates at least a portion of the debris from the fluid. The fluid is directed to a fluid control device that changes a property of the fluid, such as the pressure or energy level of the fluid, to form a second fluid (e.g., a higher energy fluid). In one or more embodiments, the fluid control device can be a compressor, a blower, a compressor-blower combination, or the like.

[0015] The filtration system includes a conduit coupled to a filter and a fluid control device. The conduit receives a second fluid from the fluid control device. Based on the characteristics of the second fluid and the shape of the conduit, debris is drawn out of the filter and directed to the conduit. For example, the second fluid generates or increases suction in the conduit to promote the movement of debris from the filter to the conduit. The second fluid and the debris are mixed or combined in the conduit. The conduit is shaped to control the pressure in the conduit to direct the second fluid mixture (e.g., including the second fluid and the debris) through the conduit to the outlet of the conduit.

[0016] Figure 1 An example of a filtration system 100 according to one embodiment is shown. The filtration system may be used or disposed on a vehicle system such as a rail vehicle, an automobile or other passenger vehicle, a mining vehicle, a bus, an aircraft, agricultural equipment or other off-highway vehicle. Alternatively, the filtration system may be disposed in a facility such as a laboratory, a storage facility, a school, an office building, a gymnasium, an arena, or any other building or facility where filtering of the atmosphere may be required.

[0017] The filtration system includes a filter 102 that receives a first fluid mixture 120 through an inlet 104. The first fluid mixture includes a first fluid 122 and debris 124. In one example, the inlet can be disposed on the outside or outer wall of a building, and the first fluid mixture can be atmospheric air combined with debris (e.g., contaminants, pollutants, foreign particles, dust, sand, etc.) mixed with air. Alternatively, the first fluid can be a gas phase fluid, a liquid phase fluid, a gas-liquid mixed fluid, etc.

[0018] The filter receives the first fluid mixture and separates at least a portion of debris from the first fluid. In one embodiment, the filter can be a rotary filter, which can include a structure that promotes the first fluid mixture to rotate in the filter with one or more cyclonic and / or centrifugal directions near the inlet 104. The cyclonic rotation of the first fluid mixture can promote debris to move to the inner surface of the filter, and promote the first fluid to move away from the inner surface of the filter, thereby separating some of the debris from the first fluid. Alternatively, the filter can include a mesh screen or other components, and the mesh screen or other components have the size of allowing the first fluid to pass through and prohibiting debris from passing through the mesh screen. Alternatively, the filter can be an alternative filtration system, which can use alternative methods or include other features that can be used to promote at least a portion of debris to be separated from the first fluid.

[0019] The filter includes a first outlet 106 for directing a first fluid out of the filter, and a second outlet 108 for directing debris out of the filter. The first fluid is directed through a passage 156 that fluidly couples the filter to a fluid control device 110. The fluid control device may be a compressor, a blower, a compressor-blower combination, or an alternative device that controls a fluid. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the channel has a contracted shape between the first outlet of the filter and the inlet 112 of the fluid control device. Alternatively, the channel can have any other shape and / or size. In one embodiment, the surface of the filter can be shared with the surface of the fluid control device so that the first outlet of the filter and the inlet of the fluid control device are the same or shared channels or openings. For example, the channel 156 between the filter and the fluid control device can be removed or eliminated from the filtration system.

[0020] The fluid control device receives a first fluid from a filter and changes one or more properties of the first fluid within the fluid control device. In one or more embodiments, the fluid control device can compress the first fluid to form a second fluid 126 having a pressure greater than that of the first fluid. Optionally, the fluid control device can change the flow rate, direction of movement, volumetric flow rate, speed, pressure, turbulence, rotational force, etc. of the first fluid to form a second fluid. In one or more embodiments, the fluid control device can lead a first portion 126A of the second fluid out of the fluid control device through a first outlet 114, and can lead a second portion 126B of the second fluid out of the fluid control device through a second outlet 118.

[0021] exist Figure 1In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fluid control device and the filter are fluidically coupled to the conduit 116. The filter directs debris out of the filter through the second outlet and into the conduit, and the fluid control device directs a second portion of the second fluid out of the second outlet and into the conduit. In one or more embodiments, the fluid control device may also be referred to as a second fluid source 130. For example, the fluid control device provides the second fluid to the conduit. In one or more embodiments, the portion of the second fluid that flows out of the fluid control device and into the conduit may be referred to as bleed fluid, bleed compressed air or gas, compressor bleed fluid, bleed steam, etc.

[0022] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a conduit according to one embodiment is shown. The conduit extends along an axis 132 between a first end 152 and a second end 154. The conduit includes a first inlet 140 disposed near the first end and a second inlet 142 disposed along the axis between the first and second ends of the conduit. The first inlet is substantially aligned with the axis. The second inlet for guiding the second fluid into the conduit includes a bend so that the second fluid is first introduced into the conduit along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the axis 132 of the conduit, and then flows in the axial direction of the conduit so that the second fluid is introduced into the body of the conduit in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the conduit. Alternatively, the first and / or second inlet may have an alternative configuration. Debris is introduced into the conduit through the first inlet and a second portion 126B of the second fluid is introduced into the conduit through the second inlet. The second fluid and the debris are combined in the conduit to form a second fluid mixture 128 in the conduit. The debris, the second fluid, and the second fluid mixture move in the conduit along a flow direction 146.

[0023] The conduit is shaped to control the flow characteristics of one or more of the debris, the second fluid, and the second fluid mixture. In one or more embodiments, the conduit may be referred to as a venturi device or system, an ejector, a vacuum ejector, a pump, etc. The conduit includes a first section 134 between the first end and the second end of the conduit, a second section 136 downstream of the first section, and a third section 138 downstream of the second section. The debris and the second fluid are received in the first section of the conduit and combined or mixed to form the second fluid mixture. Optionally, the position of the first inlet and the corresponding position of the second inlet can be changed along the axis.

[0024] The shapes and sizes of the first section, the second section, and the third section are used to control the flow characteristics of the debris, the second fluid, and / or the second fluid mixture. In an exemplary embodiment, the first section of the conduit has a substantially uniform cross-sectional size around the axis, but may also have a non-uniform cross-sectional shape and size at any position of the first section. Relative to the first section, the size of the conduit decreases in the flow direction along the axis in the second section. For example, the second section may be referred to as a convergence section, a step-down section, etc., so that the size of the conduit decreases in the flow direction in the second section. Relative to the second section, the size of the conduit increases at one or more positions in the third section along the axis. For example, a Venturi system or conduit has a decreasing cross-sectional size in the flow direction (e.g., in the second section) and an increasing cross-sectional size downstream of the decreasing cross-sectional size (e.g., the third section downstream of the second section).

[0025] Alternatively, the conduit may have any alternative shapes and / or sizes so that the conduit controls one or more different flow characteristics of the debris, the second fluid, and / or the second fluid mixture. One or more sections of the conduit may have alternative sizes relative to another section, one or more sections may have alternative shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, elliptical, etc.) relative to another section, or any combination thereof. For example, Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a conduit 600 according to another embodiment is shown. The conduit extends along the axis 132 between a first end 652 and a second end 654. The conduit includes a first inlet 640 disposed proximate the first end and substantially aligned with the axis. The first inlet of the conduit includes a nozzle 610, which includes a nozzle inlet 612 and a nozzle outlet 614. Debris 124 is introduced into the conduit through the first inlet and directed toward a cavity 616 of the conduit through the nozzle.

[0026] The conduit includes a second inlet 642 disposed along the axis at a position between the first end and the second end and directing the second fluid 126 toward the cavity of the conduit. Figure 2 Unlike the catheter shown, the second inlet introduces the second fluid into the cavity of the catheter in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the catheter.

[0027] The conduit includes a first section 634, a second section 636 downstream of the first section, and a third section 638 downstream of the second section. The cross-sectional size of the first section decreases along the axis, and the cross-sectional size of the third section increases along the axis. For example, the size of the conduit first decreases and then increases in the flow direction 146 along the axis. The second fluid is mixed or combined with the debris in the conduit to form a second fluid mixture 128, and the second fluid mixture 128 is led out of the conduit as exhaust or exhaust through the outlet 644. The conduit is shaped to control the flow characteristics of the second fluid mixture in the conduit so that the uniformity of the second fluid mixture is improved as the second fluid mixture moves to the outlet through the conduit. For example, relative to the second fluid mixture that is mixed less uniformly in the first and second sections of the conduit, the debris is more uniformly mixed with the second fluid at the position in the third section of the conduit. Optionally, the conduit can have any alternative shape and / or size, can have any number of sections with consistent and / or unique shapes and / or sizes, can include one or more projections or components arranged in the cavity of the conduit to control the flow characteristics of the fluid, or any combination thereof.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the conduit can be shaped to control the flow rate, direction of movement, volume flow rate, speed, temperature, pressure, turbulence, rotational force, etc. of one or more of the debris, one or more portions of the second fluid, or the second fluid mixture. In one or more embodiments, the conduit can be shaped to control the flow characteristics of the debris before the debris moves through the first inlet of the conduit. For example, the conduit can be shaped to control the characteristics of the debris and / or the first fluid, for example, in a filter. Optionally, the conduit can be shaped to control the flow characteristics of the second fluid before the second fluid moves through the second inlet of the conduit. For example, the conduit can be shaped to control the pressure, flow rate, volume flow rate, flow volume, speed, temperature, etc. of the second fluid when the second fluid is in the fluid control device, when the second fluid is moving toward the conduit, or similar situations.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the pressure of the second fluid can control one or more flow characteristics of the debris and / or the first fluid. For example, the second fluid introduced into the conduit can create or increase suction within the filter to facilitate drawing the debris out of the filter and toward the conduit. Depending on the pressure of the second fluid and the shape and / or size of the conduit, the debris can be drawn out of the filter and toward the conduit.

[0030] Back to Figure 1, the conduit includes a plurality of inner surfaces 148 between the first end and the second end. In one or more embodiments, the conduit may include one or more protrusions, obstacles, objects, or the like, which are arranged or operably coupled to one or more inner surfaces to change the flow characteristics of the second fluid, debris, or second fluid mixture within the conduit. Optionally, a portion of one or more inner surfaces may have a texture and / or shape on the interior to change one or more characteristics of the second fluid, debris, and / or second fluid mixture as the fluid and debris move within the conduit.

[0031] The second fluid mixture is led out of the conduit by an outlet 144 disposed near the second end of the conduit. In one embodiment, the second fluid mixture can be directed out to the atmosphere for exhaust. Alternatively, the second fluid mixture can be directed to a collection system and / or alternative device (not shown).

[0032] A filtration system including a filter, a fluid control device (e.g., a second fluid source), and a conduit is disposed within the common housing 150. For example, the filtration system can be formed and provided in the form of an integrated unit or system that can be mounted to or on a vehicle system, facility, enclosure, or the like, or used with it. For example, the filter can be disposed proximate to the fluid control device so that the filtration system requires a reduced amount of piping, vents, or other conduit material extending between the filter and the fluid control device relative to a filtration system including a filter disposed at a distance from the fluid control device and not disposed within the common housing.

[0033] The filtration system can be referred to as a self-cleaning filtration system such that debris is drawn out of the filter and into the conduit by using a high energy fluid from another component within the filtration system (e.g., a fluid control device). For example, the filtration system is a partially closed cleaning system such that the filtration system can remove debris from the filtration system without using another blower device, such as an exhaust blower, or requiring additional electricity to operate the additional blower device. For example, the filtration system can pull or suck debris and a portion of the first fluid out of the conduit by using a high energy second fluid provided by the fluid control device of the filtration system. The conduit and the high energy second fluid provided by the fluid control device provide an emptying system for pulling or sucking debris out of the filter and the filtration system.

[0034] Figure 3 An example of a filtration system 300 according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 1Like the filtration system 100 shown in FIG. 1 , the filtration system 300 includes a filter that receives a first fluid mixture 120 through an inlet 104. The filter separates at least a portion of debris 124 from a first fluid 122 and directs the first fluid out of the filter through a first outlet 106 and directs the debris out of the filter through a second outlet 108. The first fluid is directed to a fluid control device 110 (e.g., a compressor-blower device) and the debris is directed to a conduit 116.

[0035] and Figure 1 Unlike the filtration system shown, the filtration system 300 includes a second fluid source 330 that provides a second fluid 326 to the conduit. The second fluid source is disposed outside the common housing. For example, the second fluid source is a device or system that is different from the fluid control device. In one embodiment, the second fluid source can be another compressor or compressor device, such as a brake compressor of a vehicle system. For example, the brake compressor can provide a second fluid (e.g., exhaust air) to the conduit to control the flow characteristics of the fluid and debris in the conduit. Alternatively, the second fluid source can be another source that provides a high-energy fluid (e.g., air, steam, water, etc.).

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the conduit can be coupled to the fluid control device and the second fluid source 330 fluid. For example, one or more valves (not shown) or other controls can be used to control the flow of the second fluid so that the fluid control device can supply the second fluid to the conduit, the second fluid source can supply the second fluid to the conduit, or the fluid control device and the second fluid source can each supply at least a portion of the second fluid to the conduit. In one or more embodiments, the valve can be manually controlled by an operator and / or automatically controlled by a control system. For example, the control system can automatically control which of the fluid control device or the second fluid source provides the second fluid to the conduit. Optionally, the control system can determine and / or control the amount of the second fluid that can be directed to the conduit by remotely controlling the valve to open to different open positions. Optionally, the control system can determine the amount of the second fluid and which of the fluid control device or the second fluid source provides the second fluid to the conduit, and can convey instructions to the operator to manually change one or more settings of the valve.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the filtering system may be disposed on a vehicle system that may be operably and / or communicatively coupled to a backend server of a positive vehicle control (PVC) system or a positive control system (PCS) or a "negative control system (NCS)". For example, in a PCS, the vehicle has an onboard system that prevents the vehicle from performing one or more operations unless a signal is received from an off-board source that allows the operation to be performed, and in an NCS, the vehicle may include an onboard system that allows the vehicle to perform one or more operations unless a signal is received from an off-board source that prohibits the performance of one or more operations. The backend server may determine which of the fluid control device or the second fluid source is to provide the second fluid to the conduit, and may remotely control one or more valves to control the second fluid from the fluid control device or the second fluid source to the conduit or from both the fluid control device and the second fluid source to the conduit.

[0038] Figure 4 A flowchart 400 is shown of an example of a method for directing fluid and debris through a filtration system. Operations associated with the method may be performed by Figure 1 or Figure 3 The filtration system shown, or an alternative filtration system may be used to perform the operation.

[0039] At 402, at least a portion of the debris of the first fluid mixture is separated from the first fluid of the first fluid mixture. The first fluid mixture can be an atmosphere, industrial gas, etc. mixed or combined with particles, debris or other pollutants. Optionally, the first fluid can be a substitute fluid of a liquid phase, a gas phase or a liquid-gas mixed phase. The filter can have a flow characteristic that controls the first fluid mixture to promote the shape and size of at least a portion of the debris to be separated from the first fluid. For example, the filter can separate some of the debris from the first fluid, while another part of the debris may not be separated from the first fluid. In one embodiment, the filter can be a rotary filter that is shaped to rotate the first fluid mixture in one or more cyclonic directions to separate the debris from the first fluid. In another embodiment, the filter can be shaped to guide the fluid mixture to move in other directions to separate the debris from the first fluid. Optionally, the filter can include a mesh or other components that have a size that allows the first fluid to pass and prohibits the debris from passing through the mesh. Optionally, the filter can separate the debris from the first fluid by any alternative method.

[0040] At 404, the first fluid is directed to a fluid control device, such as a compressor-blower device, and at 406, the debris and a second fluid from a second fluid source are directed to and directed through a conduit. In one embodiment, the compressor-blower device can be the second fluid source. The compressor-blower device can receive the first fluid and change the characteristics of the first fluid to form a second fluid. For example, the energy, pressure, or velocity of the second fluid can be greater than the energy, pressure, or velocity of the first fluid. A portion of the second fluid can be directed out of the compressor-blower device and directed to the conduit to mix with the debris in the conduit, and another portion of the second fluid can be directed out of the compressor-blower device and directed out of the filtration system (e.g., directed to another system). Alternatively, the second fluid source can be a compressor device or system other than the compressor-blower device.

[0041] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows an example of the direction in which fluid and debris move through a filtration system according to one embodiment. Fluid and debris may be directed through Figure 1 The filtration system shown, Figure 3 The filtration system shown, or an alternative configuration of the filtration system.

[0042] At 502, a first fluid mixture containing a first fluid and debris is introduced into a filtration system, and at 504, the first fluid mixture is received by a filter of the filtration system. The first fluid mixture can be received from the atmosphere or other systems, etc. The filter can be a rotary filter, a rotary cleaner, or a centrifugal filter, etc., so that the filter separates at least some of the debris from the first fluid. The first fluid can be drawn out of the filter through an outlet, and the debris can be drawn out of the filter through another outlet. At 510, the first fluid (e.g., free of debris or containing a reduced amount of debris) is drawn out of the filter and can be directed to a fluid control device, so that the clean first fluid can be used in the system and / or used in the system.

[0043] At 506, the second fluid is directed to the conduit of the filtration system. The conduit may also be referred to as an ejector, an ejector system, a venturi tube or a venturi system, etc. The energy level of the second fluid is greater than the energy level of the first fluid mixture. In one embodiment, the second fluid may be directed to the conduit from a fluid control device of the filtration system, such as a compressor-blower device. Alternatively, the second fluid may be directed to the conduit from a separate system outside the filtration system. The second fluid may be referred to as an exhaust fluid, an exhaust compressed air or gas, a compressor exhaust fluid, or an exhaust steam, etc.

[0044] At 508, the debris directed to the conduit from the filter mixes with the second fluid directed to the conduit to form a second fluid mixture in the conduit. The conduit is shaped as the flow characteristics that change the second fluid mixture. For example, at 512, when the second fluid mixture moves in the conduit, the conduit can change the flow velocity, moving direction, volume flow, pressure, turbulence or rotational force etc. of the second fluid, debris and / or the second fluid mixture. For example, relative to the position near the conduit inlet that receives the debris, the position near the conduit outlet of the debris is better mixed with the second fluid or more evenly mixed. For example, along with the second fluid mixture moving in the conduit, the uniformity of the mixture can be improved. The second fluid mixture can be drawn out of the conduit to discharge, for alternative systems etc.

[0045] In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, the filtration system includes a filter configured to receive a first fluid mixture through an inlet. The first fluid mixture includes a first fluid and debris. The filter is configured to separate at least a portion of the debris from the first fluid. A fluid control device is fluidly coupled to the filter. The fluid control device receives the first fluid from the filter and changes the properties of the first fluid. A conduit is fluidly coupled to the filter and a second fluid source. The conduit receives at least a portion of the debris from the filter and a second fluid from a second fluid source. The conduit combines at least a portion of the debris with the second fluid in the conduit to form a second fluid mixture. The conduit is configured to control one or more of a pressure or a velocity in the conduit to direct the second fluid mixture through the conduit to an outlet.

[0046] Optionally, the conduit extends along the axis, and the conduit includes a decreasing cross-sectional dimension in the flow direction along the axis and an increasing cross-sectional dimension downstream of the decreasing cross-sectional dimension.

[0047] Alternatively, the fluid control device may be a second fluid source and fluidically coupled to the conduit. The fluid control device may direct the second fluid toward the conduit to form a second fluid mixture in the conduit.

[0048] Alternatively, the fluid control device may receive a first fluid from a filter and change a property of the first fluid to form a second fluid. The fluid control device may direct a portion of the second fluid toward the conduit and direct another portion of the second fluid out of the fluid control device.

[0049] Optionally, the filter may cause the first fluid mixture to rotate in one or more cyclonic directions to separate at least a portion of the debris from the first fluid.

[0050] Alternatively, the filter, fluid control device and conduit may be provided in a common housing.

[0051] Alternatively, the second fluid source may be provided external to the common housing.

[0052] Optionally, the conduit may be shaped to control one or more of the flow rate, direction of movement, volumetric flow rate, temperature, turbulence, or rotational force of one or more of the debris, the second fluid, or the second fluid mixture.

[0053] Optionally, a portion of one or more interior surfaces of the conduit may be textured to alter one or more properties of the second fluid composition as it moves within the conduit.

[0054] Optionally, the energy level of the second fluid may be greater than the energy level of the first fluid mixture or one or more of the first fluids.

[0055] In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, the method includes separating a first fluid of a first fluid mixture from debris of the first fluid mixture in a filter and directing the first fluid to a fluid control device. Directing the debris and a second fluid from a second fluid source through a conduit. The conduit combines the debris with the second fluid to form a second fluid mixture. The conduit is configured to control one or more of a pressure or a velocity within the conduit to direct the second fluid mixture through the conduit to an outlet.

[0056] Alternatively, the fluid control device may be a source of a second fluid, and the method may include directing the second fluid from the fluid control device toward the conduit to form a second fluid mixture within the conduit.

[0057] Optionally, the first fluid mixture may be caused to rotate in one or more cyclonic directions to separate debris from the first fluid.

[0058] Alternatively, the filter, fluid control device and conduit may be provided in a common housing.

[0059] Alternatively, the second fluid source may be provided external to the common housing.

[0060] Optionally, one or more of the flow rate, direction of movement, volumetric flow rate, temperature, turbulence, or rotational force of one or more of the debris, the second fluid, or the second fluid mixture may be controlled based on the shape of the conduit.

[0061] Optionally, a portion of one or more interior surfaces of the conduit may be textured to alter one or more properties of the second fluid mixture within the conduit.

[0062] Optionally, the energy level of the second fluid may be greater than the energy level of the first fluid mixture or one or more of the first fluids.

[0063] In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, the filtration system includes a filter configured to receive a first fluid mixture through an inlet. The first fluid mixture includes a first fluid and debris. The filter is shaped to separate at least a portion of the debris from the first fluid. The compressor-blower device is coupled to the filter fluid. The compressor-blower device receives the first fluid from the filter and changes the characteristics of the first fluid to form a second fluid. The conduit is coupled to the filter and the compressor-blower device fluid. The conduit receives at least a portion of the debris from the filter and a portion of the second fluid from the compressor-blower device. The conduit combines at least a portion of the debris with a portion of the second fluid in the conduit to form a second fluid mixture. The conduit can be shaped to control one or more flow characteristics of at least a portion of the debris in the conduit, a portion of the second fluid, or one or more of the second fluid mixture when the conduit guides the second fluid mixture through the conduit and toward the outlet. The filter, the compressor-blower device, and the conduit are arranged in a common housing.

[0064] Alternatively, the compressor-blower device may direct a portion of the second fluid toward the conduit and direct another portion of the second fluid out of the compressor-blower device through an outlet of the compressor-blower device.

[0065] As used herein, the terms "processor" and "computer" and related terms, such as "processing means", "computing means" and "controller" may not be limited to those integrated circuits known in the art as computers, and may refer to microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), field programmable gate arrays and application specific integrated circuits and other programmable circuits. Suitable memory may include, for example, computer-readable media. Computer-readable media may be, for example, random access memory (RAM), computer-readable non-volatile media, such as flash memory. The term "non-transitory computer-readable media" means a computer-based tangible device implemented for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and submodules, or other data in any device. Therefore, the methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media including, but not limited to, storage devices and / or memory devices. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Thus, the term includes tangible computer-readable media, including but not limited to non-transitory computer storage devices, including but not limited to volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media such as firmware, physical and virtual storage, CD-ROMS, DVDs, and other digital sources such as a network or the Internet.

[0066] Unless the context clearly dictates, the singular forms of "a", "an" and "the" include plural references. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the event or situation described subsequently may or may not occur, and the description may include situations where the event occurs and situations where it does not occur. Approximate language used throughout the specification and clauses herein can be used to modify any quantitative representation that allows changes without causing changes in the basic functions associated with it. Therefore, the numerical values ​​modified by one or more terms such as "about", "substantially" and "approximately" may not be limited to the specified precise numerical values. At least in some cases, approximate language may correspond to the accuracy of the instrument used to measure the value. In this article and throughout the specification and clauses, unless the context or language indicates otherwise, range limitations can be combined and / or interchanged, and such ranges can be determined and include all sub-ranges contained therein.

[0067] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any included methods. These clauses define the patentable scope of the disclosure and include other examples that occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the clauses if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the clauses, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the clauses.

Claims

1. A filtering system comprising: a filter configured to receive a first fluid mixture through an inlet, the first fluid mixture comprising a first fluid and debris, the filter being shaped to separate at least a portion of the debris from the first fluid; a fluid control device fluidly coupled to the filter, the fluid control device configured to receive the first fluid from the filter and change a property of the first fluid to form a second fluid within the fluid control device, the fluid control device configured to direct a first portion of the second fluid out of the fluid control device via a first outlet of the fluid control device and to direct a second portion of the second fluid out of the fluid control device via a second outlet of the fluid control device; as well as a conduit fluidly coupled to the filter and the fluid control device, the conduit being configured to receive the at least a portion of the debris from the filter and the second portion of the second fluid from the fluid control device, The conduit extends along an axis and includes a section having a cross-sectional dimension that increases along the axis, the conduit is configured to receive the at least a portion of the debris and the second portion of the second fluid at a position upstream of the section having a cross-sectional dimension that increases along the axis in a flow direction, the conduit is configured to combine the at least a portion of the debris with the second portion of the second fluid in the conduit upstream of the section having a cross-sectional dimension that increases along the axis to form a second fluid mixture, and the conduit is shaped to control one or more of a pressure or a velocity within the conduit to direct the second fluid mixture through the conduit toward an outlet.

2. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid control device is configured to receive the first fluid from the filter and separate the second fluid into the first portion of the second fluid and the second portion of the second fluid.

3. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein: The filter is configured to cause the first fluid mixture to rotate in one or more cyclonic directions within the filter.

4. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein: The filter, the fluid control device and the conduit are disposed in a common housing.

5. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid control device is arranged outside the common housing.

6. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein: The conduit is shaped to control one or more of a flow rate, a direction of movement, a volumetric flow rate, a temperature, an amount of turbulence, or a rotational force of one or more of the debris, the second portion of the second fluid, or the second fluid mixture.

7. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of one or more interior surfaces of the conduit is textured to alter one or more properties of the second fluid mixture within the conduit.

8. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein: The energy level of the second fluid is greater than the energy level of the first fluid mixture or one or more of the first fluids.

9. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid control device includes a fluid control inlet configured to receive the first fluid from the filter, the fluid control inlet being fluidly coupled to the first outlet and the second outlet of the fluid control device.

10. A method of directing fluid and debris through a filtration system, comprising: separating a first fluid of a first fluid mixture from debris of the first fluid mixture within a filter; directing the first fluid to a fluid control device; changing a property of the first fluid to form a second fluid within the fluid control device; separating a first portion of the second fluid from a second portion of the second fluid; directing the first portion of the second fluid out of the fluid control device through a first outlet of the fluid control device, and directing the second portion of the second fluid out of the fluid control device through a second outlet of the fluid control device; as well as The debris and the second portion of the second fluid are received from the fluid control device in a conduit, the conduit including a section having a cross-sectional dimension that increases along an axis, the conduit being configured to receive the debris and the second fluid at a position upstream of the section having a cross-sectional dimension that increases along the axis in a flow direction, the conduit being configured to combine the debris with the second fluid to form a second fluid mixture, and the conduit being shaped to control one or more of a pressure or a velocity within the conduit to direct the second fluid mixture through the conduit toward an outlet.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The method further includes directing the second portion of the second fluid from the fluid control device toward the conduit via the second outlet to form the second fluid mixture within the conduit.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising rotating the first fluid mixture in one or more cyclonic directions to separate the debris from the first fluid.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The filter, the fluid control device and the conduit are disposed in a common housing.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The fluid control device is arranged outside the common housing.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising controlling one or more of a flow rate, a direction of movement, a volume flow rate, a temperature, an amount of turbulence, or a rotational force of one or more of the debris, the second portion of the second fluid, or the second fluid mixture based on the shape of the conduit.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein: A portion of one or more interior surfaces of the conduit is textured to alter one or more properties of the second fluid mixture within the conduit.

17. A filtration system comprising: a filter configured to receive a first fluid mixture through an inlet, the first fluid mixture comprising a first fluid and debris, the filter being shaped to separate a portion of the debris from the first fluid; a fluid control device fluidly coupled to the filter, the fluid control device configured to receive the first fluid from the filter and change a property of the first fluid to form a second fluid, the fluid control device configured to separate the first portion of the second fluid from the second portion of the second fluid by directing a first portion of the second fluid out of the fluid control device via a first outlet and directing a second portion of the second fluid out of the fluid control device via a second outlet; as well as a conduit fluidly coupled to the filter and the second outlet of the fluid control device, the conduit being configured to receive the portion of the debris from the filter and the second portion of the second fluid from the fluid control device, the conduit comprising a node having a cross-sectional dimension that increases along an axis of the conduit, the conduit being configured to receive the portion of the debris and the second portion of the second fluid at a location upstream in a flow direction from the node having a cross-sectional dimension that increases along the axis of the conduit, the conduit being configured to combine the portion of the debris with the second portion of the second fluid within the conduit to form a second fluid mixture, the conduit being shaped to control one or more flow characteristics of one or more of the portion of the debris, the second portion of the second fluid, or the second fluid mixture within the conduit; Wherein, the filter, the fluid control device and the conduit are arranged in a common housing.

18. The filtration system according to claim 17, wherein: The energy level of the second fluid is greater than the energy level of the first fluid mixture or one or more of the first fluids.

Images