Vortex cross-flow filtration system

Abstract

Systems and methods related to filtration are disclosed. A filter device includes a first opening, a second opening, and a vortex filter including a rib. The rib may be configured to generate a vortex to maintain the filtered particles suspended and provide a flow path extending from the first opening to the second opening. The filtration device may filter particulates from a fluid by cross-flow filtration along a flow path across a filter media surrounding at least a portion of a circumference of the vortex filter. When measured using a method of either example 1 or example 2, the filtration device can efficiently filter greater than 90% by mass of the microplastics when reaching 10 microns after filtration. The filtration device can efficiently filter particles from a fluid at high flow rates, e.g., at flow rates greater than 50 cm / s or greater than 100 cm / s.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 318,043 filed on March 9, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 328,011 filed on April 6, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 370,043 filed on August 1, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 378,445 filed on October 5, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 383,389 filed on November 11, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments discussed herein generally relate to systems and methods for filtering fluids using vortex filters. Some embodiments may include filter systems and methods having a conical spiral coil and a filter medium. Some embodiments of the conical spiral coil may be configured to generate a vortex to keep solids to be filtered in suspension while promoting the flow of solids along a flow path toward a collection area. Background Art

[0004] Filtration is generally the process of separating one substance from another. Mechanical filtration separates one substance, such as suspended solids or molecules, from another substance, such as a fluid (e.g., a liquid or gas). Chemical filtration separates one substance from another by chemical means, such as chemical bonding or precipitation. Mechanical filtration of solids (e.g., particles) from a fluid can include passing the fluid containing the solids through or otherwise interacting with a filter medium, such as a mesh or membrane, which collects the filtered solids while allowing the filtered fluid to pass. In dead-end filtration, the flow of the fluid to be filtered is generally perpendicular to the filter medium, while in cross-flow filtration, the flow of the fluid to be filtered is substantially parallel to the filter medium. Over time, the filter medium in both filtration methods tends to become clogged with filtered solids, reducing the efficiency of the filter, increasing the pressure drop across the filter medium, and requiring more energy for filtration. Eventually, especially in dead-end filtration, the filtration will no longer be effective because the filtered solids prevent the flow of the fluid.

[0005] Vortex cross-flow filtration is a method involving both dead-end filtration and cross-flow filtration, for example, described in "Fish mouths as engineering structures for vortical cross-step filtration" by Sanderson et al. in Nature Communications (2016) and "Physical modeling of vortical cross-step flow in the American Ear, Polyodonspathula" by Brooks et al. in PLOS One (2018). However, current vortex cross-flow filtration devices still face significant performance limitations, including residue accumulation, lack of cleaning methods for filter media and devices, lack of residue collection methods, inability to efficiently filter solids and microsolids at high flow rates or high flow rates of fluids, and inability to consistently and robustly capture a wide range of particles, especially smaller particles. Therefore, there is still a need to improve systems and methods for using vortex cross-flow filtration. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include technical improvements to one or more technical problems in existing filtration systems. The various embodiments described herein may provide improved, more efficient or more effective systems and methods for filtering materials such as solids from fluids. In some embodiments, a vortex filter provides improved vortex cross-flow filtration. In one or more of the following embodiments, the vortex filter described herein has a conical spiral configuration. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter may have a conical configuration, for example, a conical spiral configuration. The vortex filter may include a conical filter. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a conical coil, and the conical coil has both a spiral configuration and a conical shape. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a conical spiral coil.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments, a filtering device may include: a first opening and a second opening; and a vortex filter, the vortex filter is used to receive a fluid extending away from the first opening toward the second opening, the vortex filter is configured to generate a vortex in the received fluid entering the vortex filter via the first opening, and the vortex filter is configured to allow the filtered fluid to leave the side of the vortex filter through the filter medium surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter between the first opening and the second opening, wherein the filtered particles substantially leave the vortex filter at the second opening. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a conical spiral coil.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes at least one rib extending continuously from the first opening to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the at least one rib forms a flow path configured to guide filtered particles suspended in the vortex along the flow path to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the flow path is substantially continuous from the first opening to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the flow path is configured to not inhibit filtered material, including particles, from flowing along the flow path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the at least one rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius. According to some embodiments, the rib includes at least one ridge substantially adjacent to the filter medium. According to some embodiments, the rib includes a plurality of ridges substantially adjacent to the filter medium. According to some embodiments, the one or more ridges are configured to maintain a vortex in the fluid. According to some embodiments, the one or more ridges are configured to promote filtered material, such as particles, to travel along the flow path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is substantially conical in shape. According to some embodiments, the filter medium includes a porous material configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter medium.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the filtration device further comprises a collection unit, the collection unit being arranged at the second opening, the collection unit being configured to collect solids filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a removable collection unit, the removable collection unit being configured to be fastened to the filtration device via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises: a dead-end filter, the dead-end filter comprising a collection unit filter medium, the collection unit filter medium being configured to capture materials including solids filtered from the fluid; and a collection unit outlet, the collection unit outlet being configured to allow the fluid to flow through. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is a second stage filtration device.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured to collect at least 70% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured to collect at least 75% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured to collect at least 80% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured to collect at least 85% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured to collect at least 90% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured to collect at least 91% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured to collect at least 92% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 93% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 94% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 95% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 96% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 97% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 98% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid at the collection unit.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 70% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 75% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 80% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 85% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 90% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 91% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 92% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 93% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 94% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 95% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 96% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 97% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured so that at least 98% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) leave the vortex filter at the second opening.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range between about 0.1 and 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range between about 1.0 and 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range between about 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range between about 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range between about 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is configured such that the at least one rib has a rib width, the at least one rib has a rib height, the cone has a slot height between adjacent turns of the at least one rib, the vortex filter has a spiral height, the vortex filter has a spiral pitch, and the slot height, rib width, rib height, spiral height and spiral pitch are configured to create a rib overlap, the rib overlap is configured to generate a vortex along a particle flow path to guide particles to be filtered from the fluid along the ribs toward the second opening.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is configured to provide a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a variable pitch.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. According to some embodiments, the fluid is a gas. According to some embodiments, the fluid comprises water, for example, washing machine discharge fluid or a biological fluid such as blood.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the filter device further comprises a housing, wherein the filter medium is integrated into the housing.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the filter device further comprises a housing configured to accommodate the vortex filter, wherein the filter medium is secured between the housing and the vortex filter.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the filter device further comprises a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter medium.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the filter device further comprises: a housing, the housing comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening being configured to direct the fluid to the first opening, the outlet opening being configured to direct the filtered fluid out of the housing; and a particle collection member, the particle collection member being configured to collect particles filtered from the fluid, the particle collection member being removable from the housing. According to some embodiments, the particle collection member is configured to be removable from the housing so that the fluid remains in the housing when the particle collection member is removed.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the filter device further comprises a scraping mechanism configured to clean the vortex filter and the filter medium.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured to filter a discharge fluid from a washing machine. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured to filter microplastics from the discharge fluid. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured to filter at least 75% of the microplastics from the discharge fluid after the washing machine completes four or more loads of laundry. According to some embodiments, the filter device is configured to filter at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4% or 99.5% of the microplastics from the discharge fluid after the washing machine completes four or more loads of laundry.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gallons per minute or higher through the filter device after at least one wash loading cycle without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gallons per minute or higher through the filter device after at least two wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gallons per minute or higher through the filter device after at least three wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 4.0 gallons per minute or higher through the filter device after at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gallons per minute or higher through the filter device after at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured to provide a flow rate through the filter device without being cleaned through at least four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten wash loading cycles. According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured to provide a flow rate through the filter device without being cleaned through more than ten wash loading cycles.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured to maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gallons per minute or higher through the filter device after four minutes of using the filter particles from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured to maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gallons per minute or higher through the filter device after five minutes, six minutes, seven minutes, eight minutes, nine minutes, or ten minutes of using the filter particles from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured to maintain a flow rate of 2.0 gallons per minute or higher through the filter device after five minutes, six minutes, seven minutes, eight minutes, nine minutes, ten minutes, eleven minutes, twelve minutes, thirteen minutes, fourteen minutes, or fifteen minutes of using the filter particles from the fluid.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured such that the flow rate through the filter device increases over time during a wash loading cycle.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / sec or higher through the filter device after at least one washing loading cycle without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / sec or higher through the filter device after at least two washing loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / sec or higher through the filter device after at least three washing loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / sec or higher through the filter device after at least four, five or six washing loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 40 cm / sec or higher through the filter device after at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or nine washing loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured to keep the flow velocity through the filter device after at least twice, three times, four times, five times, six times, seven times, eight times, nine times or ten washing loading cycles without being cleaned, and be 30 cm / sec or higher. According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured to keep the flow velocity through the filter device after at least twice, three times, four times, five times, six times, seven times, eight times, nine times, ten times or eleven washing loading cycles without being cleaned, and be 20 cm / sec or larger. According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured to provide the flow through the filter device without flow failure after at least four times, five times, six times, seven times, eight times, nine times, ten times, eleven times, twelve times or thirteen washing loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured to provide the flow through the filter device without flow failure by more than ten washing loading cycles without being cleaned.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured to maintain fluid flow through the filter device without pressure failure through three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or thirteen wash loading cycles. According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured to provide flow through the filter device without pressure failure through more than ten wash loading cycles without being cleaned.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the filter device can be configured such that the pressure buildup on the inlet side of the filter device is less than 3.4 psi through at least three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten wash loading cycles without being cleaned.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the filter device may be configured such that pressure buildup on the inlet side of the filter device during a wash loading cycle decreases over time.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments, a method for filtering solids from a fluid may include: allowing the fluid to flow from a first opening to a second opening along the vortex filter through a filtering device including a vortex filter, the vortex filter including at least one rib; generating a vortex in the fluid along the at least one rib, the fluid flowing from the first opening to the second opening along the first rib in a particle flow path; and filtering particles from the fluid by allowing the fluid to flow through a filter medium surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter may have a conical configuration, for example, a conical spiral configuration. The vortex filter may include a conical filter. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a conical coil, the conical coil having both a spiral configuration and a conical shape. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a conical spiral coil.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the particle flow path guides filtered particles along the rib toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the particle flow path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening. According to some embodiments, the particle flow path is configured to not inhibit particles from flowing along the particle flow path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the at least one rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is substantially conical in shape.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the filter medium includes a porous material configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter medium.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises collecting the filtered particles in a collection unit arranged at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a removable collection unit, the removable collection unit being configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is further configured to allow the filtered fluid to flow therethrough. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a dead-end filter, the dead-end filter comprising another filter medium, the another filter medium being configured to capture solids filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a second stage filtration device.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the filtered material comprises biological material found in aqueous fluids, solid material (e.g., particles), or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles comprise microplastics. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles comprise microfibers. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles comprise microsolids.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 70% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 75% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 80% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 85% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 90% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 91% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 92% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 93% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 94% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 95% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 96% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 97% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 98% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 0.1 and 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 1.0 and 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

[0036] According to some embodiments, filtering particles from the fluid by flowing the fluid through the filter media around at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the eddy current filter has a variable pitch.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. According to some embodiments, the fluid is a gas. According to some embodiments, the fluid comprises washing machine drain fluid.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the filter medium is secured to the vortex filter by a housing. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter comprises a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter medium.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises: enclosing the filter device in a housing, the housing comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening being configured to direct the fluid to the first opening, the outlet opening being configured to direct the filtered fluid out of the housing; and collecting the filtered particles in a particle collection unit. According to some embodiments, the particle collection unit is configured to be removable from the housing so that the fluid remains in the housing when the particle collection unit is removed.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises cleaning the vortex filter and the filter medium using a scraping mechanism.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 50 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 70 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 90 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 120 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 140 cm / sec.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the solid or filtered particles include microplastics. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 80% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by mass.

[0044] According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, the filtration filters greater than 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or 99.9% of the microplastics by mass when reaching 10 microns after filtration.

[0045] According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 80% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by number.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gallons per minute or more through the filter device after at least one wash loading cycle without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gallons per minute or more through the filter device after at least two wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gallons per minute or more through the filter device after at least three wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 4.0 gallons per minute or more through the filter device after at least two, three, four, five, or six wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gallons per minute or more through the filter device after at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can provide a flow rate through the filter device through at least four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can provide a flow rate through the filter device through more than ten wash loading cycles without being cleaned.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gallons per minute or more through the filter device after four minutes of using the filter particles from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gallons per minute or more through the filter device after five minutes, six minutes, seven minutes, eight minutes, nine minutes, or ten minutes of using the filter particles from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 2.0 gallons per minute or more through the filter device after five minutes, six minutes, seven minutes, eight minutes, nine minutes, ten minutes, eleven minutes, twelve minutes, thirteen minutes, fourteen minutes, or fifteen minutes of using the filter particles from the fluid.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the filter device may provide a flow rate through the filter device during a wash loading cycle that increases over time.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / sec or more through the filter device after at least one wash loading cycle without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / sec or more through the filter device after at least two wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / sec or more through the filter device after at least three wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / sec or more through the filter device after at least four, five or six wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 40 cm / sec or more through the filter device after at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or nine wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 30 cm / sec or higher through the filter device after at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain a flow rate of 20 cm / sec or higher through the filter device after at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or eleven wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can provide a flow through the filter device without flow failure after at least four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve or thirteen wash loading cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filter device can provide a flow through the filter device without flow failure by more than ten wash loading cycles without being cleaned.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the filter device can maintain fluid flow through the filter device without pressure failure through three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or thirteen wash loading cycles. According to some embodiments, the filter device can provide flow through the filter device without pressure failure through more than ten wash loading cycles without being cleaned.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the filter device can have a pressure buildup of less than 3.4 psi on the inlet side of the filter device through at least three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten wash loading cycles without being cleaned.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the filter device may have a pressure buildup on the inlet side of the filter device during a wash loading cycle, the pressure buildup decreasing over time.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments, a method for filtering particles from a liquid may include: providing the liquid at a first opening of a filtering device including a vortex filter; generating a vortex in the vortex filter via a rib, the rib having a reduced internal cross-section for the fluid to flow through; providing a flow path along the rib for directing particles suspended in the vortex toward a second opening of the filtering device; and filtering the filtered fluid through a filter medium adjacent to the flow path. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter may have a conical configuration, for example, a conical spiral configuration. The vortex filter may include a conical filter. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a conical coil, the conical coil having both a spiral configuration and a conical shape. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a conical spiral coil.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the flow path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening. According to some embodiments, the flow path is configured to not inhibit particles from flowing along the flow path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the eddy current filter includes a conical coil, which is substantially conical in shape. According to some embodiments, the filter medium includes a porous material, which is configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter medium.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises collecting the filtered particles in a collection unit arranged at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a removable collection unit, the removable collection unit being configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is further configured to allow the filtered fluid to flow therethrough. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a dead-end filter, the dead-end filter comprising another filter medium, the another filter medium being configured to capture solids filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a second stage filtration device.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include microplastics. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include microfibers. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include microsolids.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 70% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 75% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 80% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 85% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 90% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 91% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 92% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 93% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 94% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 95% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 96% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 97% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 98% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 0.1 and 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 1.0 and 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

[0059] According to some embodiments, filtering particles from the fluid by flowing the fluid through the filter media around at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the eddy current filter has a variable pitch.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. According to some embodiments, the fluid is a gas. According to some embodiments, the fluid comprises washing machine drain fluid.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the filter medium is secured to the vortex filter by a housing. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter comprises a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter medium.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises: enclosing the filter device in a housing, the housing comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening being configured to direct the fluid to the first opening, the outlet opening being configured to direct the filtered fluid out of the housing; and collecting the filtered particles in a particle collection unit. According to some embodiments, the particle collection unit is configured to be removable from the housing so that the fluid remains in the housing when the particle collection unit is removed.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises cleaning the vortex filter and the filter medium using a scraping mechanism.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 50 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 70 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 90 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 120 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 140 cm / sec.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the solid or filtered particles include microplastics. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 80% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by mass.

[0067] According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, the filtration filters greater than 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or 99.9% of the microplastics by mass when reaching 10 microns after filtration.

[0068] According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 80% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by number.

[0069] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments, a filtering device may include: a vortex filter, the vortex filter including a first opening, a second opening, a rib, and a cross-flow filtration area between the first opening and the second opening; the conical spiral coil, the internal rake reduction ratio β / α of the conical spiral coil is in the range between 0.1 and 10 including the endpoints; wherein the vortex filter is configured to generate a vortex in a fluid entering the vortex filter via the first opening, and the vortex filter is configured to allow the filtered fluid to leave through the filter medium of the cross-flow filtration area, and wherein the vortex filter is configured to allow the filtered particles to leave the vortex filter substantially at the second opening.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the rib extends continuously from the first opening to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the rib forms a flow path, and the flow path is configured to guide the filtered particles suspended in the vortex along the flow path to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the flow path is substantially continuous from the first opening to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the flow path is configured not to inhibit the flow of particles along the flow path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a conical coil, which is substantially conical in shape. According to some embodiments, the filter medium includes a porous material, and the porous material is configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter medium.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the filtration device further comprises a collecting unit, the collecting unit being arranged at the second opening, the collecting unit being configured to collect solids filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collecting unit comprises a removable collecting unit, the removable collecting unit being configured to be fastened to the filtration device via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collecting unit comprises a dead-end filter, the dead-end filter comprising another filter medium, the another filter medium being configured to capture solids filtered from the fluid, and a collecting unit outlet, the collecting unit outlet being configured to allow the fluid to flow through. According to some embodiments, the collecting unit is a second stage filtration device.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 70% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 75% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 80% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 85% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 90% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 91% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 92% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 93% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 94% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 95% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 96% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 97% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 98% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 1.0 and 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is configured so that the rib has a rib width, the rib has a rib height, the vortex filter has a slot height between adjacent turns of the rib, the vortex filter has a spiral height, the vortex filter has a spiral pitch, and the slot height, rib width, rib height, spiral height and spiral pitch are configured to create a rib overlap, and the rib overlap is configured to generate the vortex to guide particles to be filtered from the fluid along the rib toward the second opening.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the rib comprises at least one ridge substantially adjacent to the filter medium. According to some embodiments, the rib comprises a plurality of ridges substantially adjacent to the filter medium. According to some embodiments, the one or more ridges are configured to maintain eddies in the fluid. According to some embodiments, the one or more ridges are configured to promote filtered particles to travel along the flow path toward the second opening.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is configured to provide a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

[0077] According to some embodiments, the eddy current filter has a variable pitch.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. According to some embodiments, the fluid is a gas. According to some embodiments, the fluid comprises washing machine drain fluid.

[0079] According to some embodiments, the filter device further comprises a housing, wherein the filter medium is integrated into the housing. According to some embodiments, the filter device further comprises a housing, wherein the housing is configured to accommodate the vortex filter, wherein the filter medium is fastened between the housing and the vortex filter. According to some embodiments, the filter device further comprises a gasket, wherein the gasket is configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter medium.

[0080] According to some embodiments, the filter device further comprises: a housing, the housing comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening being configured to direct the fluid to the first opening, the outlet opening being configured to direct the filtered fluid out of the housing; and a particle collection member, the particle collection member being configured to collect particles filtered from the fluid, the particle collection member being removable from the housing. According to some embodiments, the particle collection member is configured to be removable from the housing so that the fluid remains in the housing when the particle collection member is removed.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the filter device further comprises a scraping mechanism configured to clean the vortex filter and the filter medium.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter a discharge fluid from a washing machine. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter microplastics from the discharge fluid. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter at least 75% of the microplastics from the discharge fluid after the washing machine completes four or more loads of laundry. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter at least 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% of the microplastics from the discharge fluid after the washing machine completes four or more loads of laundry.

[0083] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments, a method for filtering particles from a fluid may include: providing a vortex filter, the vortex filter including a first opening, a second opening, a rib, and a cross-flow filtration area between the first opening and the second opening; providing a fluid at a flow rate greater than 50 cm / sec at the first opening, the fluid including particles to be filtered from the fluid; generating a vortex in the direction from the first opening to the second opening in the fluid in the cross-flow filtration area along the rib in the particle filtration path; filtering the particles from the fluid along the particle filtration path by flowing the fluid through a filter medium surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter; and removing the filtered particles from the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter may have a conical configuration, for example, a conical spiral configuration. The vortex filter may include a conical filter. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a conical coil, the conical coil having both a spiral configuration and a conical shape. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a conical spiral coil.

[0084] According to some embodiments, the filtration path guides filtered particles along the rib toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the particle filtration path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening. According to some embodiments, the particle filtration path is configured to not inhibit particles from flowing along the particle filtration path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a conical coil that is substantially conical in shape. According to some embodiments, the filter medium includes a porous material, and the porous material is configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter medium.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises collecting the filtered particles in a collection unit disposed at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a removable collection unit configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is further configured to allow the filtered fluid to flow therethrough. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a dead-end filter comprising another filter medium configured to capture solids filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a second stage filtration device.

[0086] According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include microplastics. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include microfibers. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include microsolids.

[0087] According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 0.1 and 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 1.0 and 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

[0088] According to some embodiments, filtering particles from the fluid by flowing the fluid through the filter media around at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

[0089] According to some embodiments, the eddy current filter has a variable pitch.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. According to some embodiments, the fluid is a gas. According to some embodiments, the fluid comprises washing machine drain fluid.

[0091] According to some embodiments, the filter medium is fastened to the vortex filter by a housing. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a gasket, which is configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter medium. According to some embodiments, the method also includes: enclosing the filter device in a shell, the shell including an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening is configured to guide the fluid to the first opening, and the outlet opening is configured to guide the filtered fluid out of the shell; and collecting the filtered particles in a particle collection unit. According to some embodiments, the particle collection unit is configured to be removable from the shell so that the fluid remains in the shell when the particle collection unit is removed.

[0092] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises cleaning the vortex filter and the filter medium using a scraping mechanism.

[0093] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 70 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 90 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 120 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 140 cm / sec.

[0094] According to some embodiments, the solid or filtered particles include microplastics. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 80% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by mass.

[0095] According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, the filtration filters greater than 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or 99.9% of the microplastics by mass when reaching 10 microns after filtration.

[0096] According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 80% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by number.

[0097] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments, a method for filtering microplastics from a washing machine discharge fluid may include: providing the washing machine discharge fluid at a first opening of a vortex filter of a filtering device, the conical spiral coil including a rib having a reduced inner radius between the first opening and the second opening of the vortex filter; generating a vortex in the washing machine discharge fluid along the rib along a particle filtration path in a direction from the first opening to the second opening; filtering microplastics from the washing machine discharge fluid along the particle filtration path by passing the washing machine discharge fluid through a filter medium surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter; and removing the filtered microplastics from the vortex filter at the second opening, wherein when measured using the method of Example 1, Example 2, or Example 4, the filtering of the microplastics filters more than 80% of the microplastics by mass when reaching 10 microns after filtration. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter may have a conical configuration, for example, a conical spiral configuration. The vortex filter may include a conical filter. In some embodiments, the eddy current filter comprises a conical coil having aspects of both a spiral configuration and a conical shape. In some embodiments, the eddy current filter comprises a conical spiral coil.

[0098] According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4, when 10 microns are reached after filtration, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by mass.

[0099] According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtration reaches 10 microns, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by mass. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 2, the filtration filters greater than 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or 99.9% of the microplastics by mass when reaching 10 microns after filtration.

[0100] According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 80% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 85% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 90% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 91% of the microplastics by number. According to some embodiments, when measured using the method of Example 4, the filtration filters more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by number.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the particle filtration path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening. According to some embodiments, the particle filtration path is configured to not inhibit microplastics from flowing along the particle filtration path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter comprises a conical coil that is substantially conical in shape. According to some embodiments, the filter medium comprises a porous material configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter medium.

[0102] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises collecting the filtered microplastics in a collection unit arranged at the second opening.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a removable collection unit configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is further configured to allow filtered washing machine discharge fluid to flow therethrough. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a dead end filter comprising another filter medium configured to capture solids filtered from the washing machine discharge fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit comprises a second stage filtration device.

[0104] According to some embodiments, the filtered microplastics include microfibers.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 0.1 and 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 1.0 and 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy flow filter is in the range between about 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

[0106] According to some embodiments, the step of filtering the microplastics from the washing machine discharge fluid by flowing the washing machine discharge fluid through the filter media around at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

[0107] According to some embodiments, the eddy current filter has a variable pitch.

[0108] According to some embodiments, the filter medium is secured to the vortex filter by a housing. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter comprises a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter medium.

[0109] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises: enclosing the filter device in a housing, the housing comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening being configured to direct the washing machine discharge fluid to the first opening, the outlet opening being configured to direct the filtered washing machine discharge fluid out of the housing; and collecting the filtered microplastics in a particle collection unit. According to some embodiments, the particle collection unit is configured to be removable from the housing so that the washing machine discharge fluid remains in the housing when the particle collection unit is removed.

[0110] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises cleaning the vortex filter and the filter medium using a scraping mechanism.

[0111] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the washing machine discharge fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 50 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the washing machine discharge fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 70 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the washing machine discharge fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 90 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the washing machine discharge fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 120 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the washing machine discharge fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 140 cm / sec.

[0112] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments, a controller may include: a processor; and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute programming instructions stored in the memory to determine parameters of fluid flow through a filter and operate a scraping mechanism of the filter based on the parameters.

[0113] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the subject matter that is claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0114] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0115] Figure 1An exemplary filtration device consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0116] Figure 2 An exemplary exploded perspective view of an exemplary filter device consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0117] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D An exemplary conical helical coil consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0118] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C A top view of an exemplary conical spiral coil consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0119] Figure 5A A partial cutaway inverted view of section 5 - 5 of FIG. 3 is shown.

[0120] FIG. 5B to FIG. 5F An exemplary partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary conical spiral coil is shown.

[0121] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary rib of an exemplary filter device is shown.

[0122] Figure 7 A perspective view of an exemplary housing of an exemplary filter device is shown.

[0123] Figure 8 A front view of an exemplary conical helical coil and housing is shown in an open configuration.

[0124] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B Exploded perspective and front views of an exemplary filtration system consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0125] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C A cross-sectional view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0126] Fig.11 A schematic flow chart illustrating an exemplary method consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0127] Fig.12 Shown for Fig.11 A schematic diagram of an exemplary use configuration of the method.

[0128] Fig.13 A schematic flow chart illustrating an exemplary method consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0129] Fig.14 Shown for Fig.13 A schematic diagram of an exemplary use configuration of the method.

[0130] Fig.15An exemplary partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary conical spiral coil is shown.

[0131] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C Elevation and cross-sectional views are shown of an exemplary filtration system consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0132] Fig.17 An exemplary partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary conical spiral coil is shown.

[0133] Fig.18 A first exemplary setup of a test method for measuring filtration efficiency is shown.

[0134] Fig.19 A second exemplary setup of a test method for measuring filtration efficiency is shown.

[0135] Fig. 20 An exemplary setup of a test method for measuring the load cycle tolerance of a filter is shown.

[0136] FIG. 21A to FIG. 21D Exemplary isometric and cross-sectional views are shown of an exemplary filtration system consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0137] FIG. 22A to FIG. 22G Results of the load cycle tolerance test, flow rate, flow velocity and pressure for the test method described in Example 3 are shown.

[0138] FIG. 23A to FIG. 23C A filter tested according to Example 3 is shown.

[0139] FIG. 24A to FIG. 24D The results of efficiency testing of an embodiment of the filter of the present invention are shown by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by weight and by particle number) between pre-filtered and post-filtered washing machine wastewater of a polyester cotton material using the test method described in Example 4.

[0140] FIG. 25A to FIG. 25D The results of efficiency testing of an embodiment of the filter of the present invention by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by weight and by particle number) between pre-filtration and post-filtration washing machine wastewater of a flocked material using the test method described in Example 4 are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0141] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Where convenient, the same reference numerals may be used throughout the accompanying drawings to refer to the same or similar components. The embodiments set forth in the following description are exemplary embodiments and do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Although some examples and features of the disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that the following detailed description is only considered as an example of a system, device, and method consistent with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0142] Some embodiments may provide improvements to existing filtration systems and methods, such as improved filtration performance, higher suspended solids collection efficiency, easier ability to maintain filters, improved cleanliness of filter media, improved accessibility to user intervention (e.g., emptying the collection unit), improved packaging, reduced pressure drop across the filter media, efficient filtration of smaller particles (e.g., microparticles and microplastics), efficient filtration at high flow rates or high flow rates, and reduced tendency to clogging, contamination, scaling, etc. For example, some embodiments may implement a filter that is capable of collecting a relatively large amount of solids with a wide range of filter solid sizes in a collection unit, while the filter media remains relatively clean after a long period of use. In some embodiments, the filter achieves higher filtration efficiency at high flow rates and high flow rates. In some embodiments, a filter can filter solids or microsolids from a fluid (such as air or water). In some embodiments, a filter can filter microplastics from water, for example, filtering microplastics from wastewater, drinking water, or laundry water.

[0143] The problem of particulate waste is becoming increasingly serious. In particular, it is increasingly recognized that micro solid waste such as micro plastics is a serious problem and is becoming a health hazard. For example, "micro plastics" are generally considered to be any synthetic particles of regular or irregular shape with a size less than 5 mm. Micro plastics can come from both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include textile wear (e.g., synthetic fibers in clothing that decompose in a washing machine and are discharged into the environment via laundry wastewater) and tire wear (e.g., tire wear caused by normal driving, which causes rubber to be constantly lost and rubber is left on the road and washed into the environment). Secondary sources include the decomposition of larger pieces of plastic (e.g., plastic bottles) into smaller pieces of plastic. Then, micro plastics enter the water supply system for drinking by humans. Although some embodiments of this specification can be described in terms of micro plastics to help explain, the present disclosure is not limited to filtering micro plastics, but can be used to filter other solids, particles, micro solids, micro particles, micro fibers, particulate matter or other filterable substances from a fluid.

[0144] Studies have shown that the average person consumes about 5 grams of microplastics per week, which is equivalent to the weight of a plastic credit card. It is believed that about 35% of this plastic comes from textile wear, which is considered the largest single source of microplastics released into the environment. Human ingestion of microplastics has been linked to autism, early puberty, malignancies such as colon and breast cancer, and heart problems.

[0145] In addition to risks to human health, microplastics and other plastic waste also impact the environment and climate. Microplastics and other plastic particles interfere with the natural biological pumping of the world's oceans, which are one of the largest carbon sinks on Earth (sequestering more than 40% of carbon emissions since World War II). The continued accumulation of microplastics in the environment interferes with this and other natural processes of the Earth, such as radiative forcing. For example, microplastics in the atmosphere can contribute to the greenhouse effect by reflecting or absorbing heat released from the Earth's surface instead of allowing it to escape.

[0146] Due to the size of the particles and the flow rate of the fluid (especially at high flow or high flow rate), the filtration of microplastics suspended in a flowing fluid (e.g., water or air) has always been challenging. Existing filtration methods, for example, dead ends and traditional cross-flow filter systems using filter media, are ineffective at high flow, high flow rate or high concentration of microplastics. In addition, such filters are difficult to clean and cannot be efficiently selected for microplastics or other particles of smaller size. In many applications such as washing machines, fluid discharge has high flow and high flow rate to discharge a relatively large amount of fluid in a short time, resulting in both high-speed and high-pressure discharges. In such a situation, dead-end filtration is ineffective, because the flow restriction caused by the filter medium and the filtered residue accumulated at the filter medium cross the filter medium to produce pressure drop and back pressure, resulting in a lower flow through the filter, and resulting in final blockage, which can cause catastrophic failure of the discharge line. This failure can cause pump failure, inability to drain water from the washing machine, and leakage of the washing machine. At sufficiently high flow rates, the fine filter media can impede the filter flow, causing back pressure through the system that can blow out the hose or pipe, causing leaks, catastrophic hose or pipe failure, or damage to various parts of the system. Conventional cross-flow filtration methods are also ineffective because residues accumulate on the filter media, the filters are not easily cleaned, and the filter efficiency is relatively low, allowing a large portion of the microplastic content to remain discharged. Existing cross-flow filtration filters are also ineffective at high flows and high flow rates because they cannot efficiently filter particles from the fluid.

[0147] The exemplary filter of the present disclosure can solve such problems involving filtering microplastics from flowing fluids without generating excessive pressure drop and filter clogging, thereby improving filtering performance. The exemplary filter is also more efficient in filtering particles (e.g., microplastics) at high flow and high flow velocity (e.g., flow velocity greater than 50 cm / sec). The filter may include a filtration area, where suspended solids (e.g., particles) are separated from the fluid, for example, by cross-flow filtration between adjacent turns of a conical coil. Although the following description refers to the eddy current filter as including a conical coil and having a spiral configuration on the other hand, this is an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present invention should not be limited to a spiral or conical spiral configuration. However, relative to this configuration, the flow of particles may include eddies between adjacent turns of a conical spiral coil. The filter may be configured to cause particles to advance along a flow path between adjacent turns of a conical spiral coil toward a collection area, where particles can be captured and disposed of.

[0148] Figure 1 An exemplary filter device of the present disclosure is shown having a tapered spiral coil whose diameter generally decreases along the fluid flow direction 126. Figure 1 As shown, the filter device 100 has a first opening 122, for example, a fluid inlet for an inlet fluid flow 126. The filter device 100 includes a conical spiral coil 112 that extends away from the first opening 122 toward a second opening 124. The second opening 124 can be opposite to the first opening 122. Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the second opening 124 can open into the residue collection unit 170. The conical spiral coil 112 includes ribs 118. As the fluid to be filtered passes from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124, the ribs 118 in the shape of the conical spiral coil 112 generate vortices 136 in the fluid. The vortices 136 promote the movement of particles to be filtered (e.g., filter residues) along the particle flow path 138 (e.g., toward the second opening 124), while the filtered fluid (e.g., filtrate) flow 102 can exit through the filter medium 142, for example, by cross-flow filtration across the filter medium 142. For ease of understanding Figure 1 , the filter media 142 is only shown in cross-section, but should be understood to surround the ribs 118. The filter media 142 can be directly integral with the ribs 118, or can be attached or coupled to the ribs 118 as part of the housing 114 (not shown). Figure 7 An exemplary housing 114 is described. In some embodiments, the conical helical coil 112 may include a groove 152 and a spacer rod 160, which will be referred to below. Figure 6They are described in more detail. The ribs 118 of the conical spiral coil 112 can form a flow guide for a particle flow path 138 and a fluid flowing through the filter device 100. In some embodiments, the ribs 118 can include a continuous flow guide (e.g., uninterrupted from beginning to end) along the direction of fluid flow from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. In some embodiments, the particle flow path 138 can be substantially unobstructed to promote the flow of filtered particles along the ribs 118 toward the second opening 124. In some embodiments, a residue collection unit 170 (e.g., for collecting filtered particles) can be disposed at the second opening 124 of the conical spiral coil 112. The filter medium 142 (e.g., a mesh or membrane) can be disposed around the conical spiral coil 112 (e.g., partially or completely around the lateral sides of the turn of the ribs 118), for example, as Figure 1 142 and housing 174. As shown, the housing 174 is provided to allow separation of the filtrate from the residue, such as by cross-flow filtration along the particle flow path 138. The residue collection unit 170 includes its own filter media 172, which may be the same as or different from the filter media 142 and housing 174.

[0149] In operation, fluid and suspended particles enter the inlet of the conical spiral coil, for example, from the larger diameter end, e.g. Figure 1 The fluid flow pushes the particles and fluid radially outward toward the sides of the coil to create vortices 136. Figure 1 As shown, the filter medium 142 surrounding the conical spiral coil 112 prevents particles from leaving the filter. At the same time, the filtered fluid flow 102 exits through the filter medium 142 between the turns of the ribs 118, for example, by cross-flow filtration. As the fluid flows through the filter, the geometry of the conical spiral coil 112 encourages particles to travel along the coil along the particle flow path 138 along the ribs 118 toward the outlet along the ribs 118. In addition, particles can accumulate in the residual collection unit 170, where the particles are contained by the filter medium 172, while the filtered flow 102 also exits through the side of the residual collection unit 170 through the collection unit outlet 174. The collection unit outlet 174 can also be covered by the filter medium 172.

[0150] The eddy currents 136 generated by the conical spiral coil 112 promote the particles to be mixed back into the fluid flow along the particle path 138 or back to the center of the coil 112. These eddies also help to cross the filter medium 142 for cross-flow filtration. Because the eddy currents 136 promote the particles to remain in a suspended state, rather than agglomerating on the filter medium 142 or gathering on the ribs 118, the formation of the eddy currents 136 and the particle flow path 138 toward the second opening 124 prevents the filtered particles from accumulating along the filter medium 142, thereby maintaining the filtration efficiency during continuous use. The filter medium 142 can be configured to properly filter particles of a certain size (for example, using a specific pore size). The filter medium 142 can also be configured based on the desired collection parameters. For example, when measured using the method of Example 1, Example 2 or Example 4, the filter described herein can be configured to capture about 90% or more of the microparticles by mass when the size reaches 10 microns after filtration.

[0151] In addition, the movement of particles caused by the vortex 136 can cause the particles to collide with each other, resulting in flocculation, thereby producing larger particles that are easier to filter out, while smaller particles may be able to pass through the filter medium. Even though the pore size of the filter medium of the filter may be larger than the size of the particles being captured, the flocculation caused by the vortex can provide better efficiency in the filter, allowing the filter to capture particles. Moreover, due to the vortex, the particles are pushed toward the second opening 124 of the filter, while the conical spiral coil 112 and the filter medium 142 remain relatively clean. The particles can be collected in a collection unit 170 arranged at the second opening 124, which can be located at the narrow end of the coil. In some embodiments, the collection unit 170 can function similarly to a dead-end filter, except that the fluid flow can be reduced at the collection unit 170 compared to a conventional dead-end filter, because the primary filtration is performed, for example, by cross-flow filtration along the conical spiral coil 112 through the filter medium 142. In addition, because the filtrate fluid can leave via the filter medium 142, the pressure drop across the filter medium 142 and the collection unit 170 can be reduced or eliminated. In some embodiments, the collection unit 170 can include a removable cup so that particulate residue (e.g., filter "cake") can be easily discarded from the filter. In some embodiments, the collection unit 170 can function similarly to a cross-flow filter or some other type of filter. In some embodiments, the collection unit includes a second stage of filtration that allows additional removal of particles. For example, rather than a dead-end filter, the second stage of filtration can use a continuous flow of another fluid to provide further filtration or discharge of filtered particles, making it unnecessary to periodically stop and clean the filter or collection unit.

[0152] Figure 2Also shown are components of an exemplary filter device consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. The filter device shown has two parts: a conical spiral coil 112 and a housing 114. In some embodiments, the housing 114 may include a filter medium 142 (not shown). In some embodiments, there may be other parts, including Figure 1 One or more parts shown, for example, a residue collection unit. Figure 2 As shown, conical spiral coil 112 can be inserted into housing 114 as shown by arrow 116. For example, conical spiral coil 112 and housing 114 can be sized and shaped so that conical spiral coil 112 can be placed within housing 114, which can include filter media 142 (not shown) to facilitate assembly of the filter device.

[0153] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D An exemplary conical spiral coil 112 is shown in more detail. The conical spiral coil 112 can be an integral (e.g., monolithic) or multi-piece component having a spirally oriented rib 118. The conical spiral coil 112 can be configured to generate eddies along the ribs 118. The ribs 118 can be coiled into a funnel-shaped eddy that circles around a central axis 120 between adjacent turns of the ribs 118. In operation, fluid flow enters at a first opening 122, as shown by arrows 126. The first opening 122 can be formed at a first end of the conical spiral coil 112. The first opening of the conical spiral coil 112 can be a relatively wide end of the two ends of the conical spiral coil 112. The opening can refer to a cross-sectional flow area opened for fluid to flow through the conical spiral coil 112 in the direction shown by arrows 126. As the fluid passes through the conical spiral coil 112, the filtrate fluid can exit from the lateral sides of the conical spiral coil 112 (e.g., the space between the turns of the ribs 118). The fluid can also exit through the second opening 124. When the conical spiral coil 112 is surrounded by the housing 114 or other filter media 142, the conical spiral coil 112 can form a flow guide that affects the flow of the fluid through the filter. The conical spiral coil 112 can generate eddies, such as vortices, eddies, or any fluid flow mechanism, which entrains, concentrates, or transports particles suspended therein along a spiral, annular, or winding path along the ribs 118 toward the second opening 124.

[0154] Between the turns of the rib 118 between the first opening 122 and the second opening 124, the filtering area can be configured around the outside of the conical spiral coil. The formation of eddy currents can encourage particle movement toward the second opening 124, for example along the rib 118, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 In some embodiments, the second opening 124 can open into a collection area or waste discharge flow where particles are collected, while the filtration area remains relatively free of particles.

[0155] The conical spiral coil 112 can form a continuous flow guide along the ribs 118. For example, the ribs 118 can include a relatively complete rib from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. In some embodiments, the ribs 118 can form a functionally continuous flow guide between adjacent turns of the ribs 118, so that any discontinuity along the flow path along the ribs 118 does not significantly hinder the flow of fluid or particles in the direction 138. The ribs 118 can be uninterrupted. The ribs 118 can be formed by a continuous, single piece of material without gaps, providing a flow path from the fluid inlet 122 to the narrow end 124 along the spiral path of the conical spiral flow guide 112. The flow path includes a vortex 136, which is generated by the fluid flow hitting the ribs 118 via the concentric smaller radial rotation of the ribs 118 around the axis 120 of the conical spiral coil 112.

[0156] The single rib 118 can have certain advantages for the design of the conical spiral coil 112. For example, because the rib face can be more perpendicular to the input flow direction 126, the spiral shape of the rib can provide a steeper angle of incidence, so the single rib 118 can provide better vortex generation. The rake reduction ratio β / α can also contribute to vortex formation. In some embodiments, the single rib 118 can complete between 2 and 6 turns between the first opening 122 and the second opening 124. For example, the rib can complete 2.0, 2.25, 2.33, 2.5, 2.66, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25, 3.33, 3.5, 3.66, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.33, 4.5, 4.66, 4.75, 5.0, 5.25, 5.33, 5.5, 5.66, 5.75 or 6.0 turns between the first opening 122 and the second opening 124. For example, providing more turns through a single rib in combination with a rake reduction ratio may promote improved vortex generation and filtering of the fluid, as well as promoting movement of filtered particles toward the second opening 124 for collection.

[0157] Although some embodiments are shown as having a single rib 118, the conical spiral coil 112 may include a plurality of ribs 118. For example, the conical spiral coil 112 may include two ribs 118, each of which creates a conical coil shape relative to the opposite rib. In some applications, it is advantageous to use a plurality of ribs because the conical spiral coil 112 is allowed to maintain a smaller spacing between adjacent ribs while allowing the coil to have a steeper pitch. In this way, in some embodiments, it is easier to control the rake reduction ratio β / α or other parameters projected by the ribs into the coil (described below). The use of a plurality of ribs also allows for alternating ribs with different sizes, thereby providing further control of the design of the conical spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, the conical spiral coil 112 may include two, three, four or five ribs. In some embodiments, a plurality of ribs may be evenly spaced around the circumference of the conical spiral coil 112. In other embodiments, a plurality of ribs may be unevenly spaced around the circumference of the conical spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs may have the same or similar cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of one or more of the plurality of ribs may vary, thereby allowing the rake reduction ratio β / α (described below) within the conical spiral coil 112 to vary.

[0158] In addition to ribs 118 or as an alternative to ribs 118, in some embodiments, the conical spiral coil 112 can include structures such as blades, blades, plates, panels, slats, fins, strips, obstacles or any solid member, which is configured to cause disturbances to the fluid flowing over it. Ribs 118 can act like baffles to cause disturbances to the fluid flowing thereon, which can generate eddies or help to form eddies in the conical spiral coil 112. Ribs 118 can spiral from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124 with a reduced radius. The radius can be measured outwardly from the axis 120 in a direction orthogonal to the axis 120. The shape of ribs 118 can be spiral, twisted, curved, spiral, a turn with decreasing radius, a logarithmic spiral or an Archimedean spiral. In some embodiments, ribs can include d-shaped ribs, for example, d-shaped ribs facing backward.

[0159] Various parameters of the conical spiral coil 112 can be adjusted based on the filtering parameters or performance. For example, the size and shape of the conical spiral coil 112 can be set to change with different turns of the rib 118. Other parameters may include: rib size, such as rib width, rib height, rib cross-sectional shape, rib angle (e.g., the inclination of the front or rear surface of the rib relative to the axis 120 ( Fig.15)); and spiral dimensions, such as spiral pitch, spiral height, spiral inclination, spiral eccentricity, spiral angle (e.g., the taper of the conical spiral coil from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124), etc. In some embodiments, the conical spiral coil 112 can be made into a monolithic component, such as by injection molding, machining, extrusion, and other manufacturing techniques. The conical spiral coil 112 can also be assembled from separately manufactured parts.

[0160] In some embodiments, the conical spiral coil 112 may include one or more pressure regulating mechanisms. FIG. 3B to FIG. 3D As shown, the pressure regulating mechanism of the conical spiral coil 112 includes a plurality of pressure regulating holes 115. The pressure regulating holes 115 extend from the inner diameter of the conical spiral coil 112 to the outer diameter of the conical spiral coil 112 and are used to release back pressure within the coil, for example, when collected particles hinder the flow of filtered fluid through the filter. The back pressure is caused by excessive continuous use. The pressure regulating holes 115 can relieve back pressure within the filtration system by transferring pressure away from the inlet (for example, by transferring back pressure radially outward at the first opening 122), thereby extending the life of system components (for example, pumps or hoses) that may be susceptible to back pressure upstream of the filtration device. FIG. 3B to FIG. 3DThe embodiment includes five pressure regulating holes 115 radially spaced apart around the circumference of the first opening 122. In other embodiments, the number of pressure regulating holes 115 can vary. For example, the number of pressure regulating holes 115 can vary based on the diameter of the hole. For example, the diameter of each pressure regulating hole can be within the range between 0.03 inches and 0.50 inches, including the endpoints, for example, between 0.03 inches and 0.40 inches, between 0.03 inches and 0.30 inches, between 0.03 inches and 0.20 inches, between 0.03 inches and 0.10 inches, between 0.03 inches and 0.09 inches, between 0.03 inches and 0.08 inches, between 0.03 inches and 0.07 inches, between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches, between 0.10 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.20 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.30 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.40 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.10 inches and 0.40 inches, between 0.10 inches and 0.30 inches, between 0.10 inches and 0.20 inches inch, between 0.03 inch and 0.20 inch, between 0.03 inch and 0.15 inch, between 0.03 inch and 0.13 inch, between 0.03 inch and 0.12 inch, between 0.03 inch and 0.11 inch, between 0.03 inch and 0.10 inch, between 0.03 inch and 0.09 inch, between 0.03 inch and 0.06 inch, between 0.03 inch and 0.05 inch, between 0.04 inch and 0.09 inch, between 0.04 inch and 0.07 inch, between 0.04 inch and 0.06 inch, between 0.05 inch and 0.10 inch, between 0.05 inch and 0.70 inch, between 0.06 inch and 0.10 inch, between 0.06 inch and 0.08 inch, or between 0.08 inch and 0.10 inch, inclusive. In one embodiment, the diameter of the pressure regulating hole 115 can be 0.07 inches. In other embodiments, the diameter of the pressure regulating hole 115 can be 0.05 inches, 0.06 inches, 0.08 inches, or 0.09 inches. In other embodiments, the number of pressure regulating holes 115 located on the conical spiral coil 112 can range from 1 to 50, for example, from 5 to 30, from 5 to 15, from 5 to 10, from 3 to 7, from 7 to 12, from 10 to 20, or from 10 to 15. In other embodiments, the number of pressure regulating holes 115 can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15.

[0161] One or more of the pressure regulating holes may include a pressure release mechanism. In some embodiments, the pressure release mechanism may include a pressure release valve (not shown) configured to open when the pressure within the conical spiral coil 112 reaches a defined threshold. The pressure release valve may operate as a pressure check valve. In some embodiments, the pressure release valve may include an umbrella valve. The pressure release valve may be configured to a default closed position, thereby preventing the fluid from leaving the inner portion of the conical spiral coil 112 through the pressure release hole 115. The pressure release valve may be configured to open at a predetermined pressure threshold, thereby allowing the fluid to leave the inner portion of the conical spiral coil 112 through the pressure release hole 115, which prevents back pressure from being generated upstream of the conical spiral coil 112, thereby preventing damage to other system components, preventing flow failure or pressure failure, and extending the number of uses of the filter device between cleanings. For example, when the filter device is used as a filter device for a washing machine, the filter device will be able to filter 2 to 20 loads of discharge fluid before requiring cleaning, for example, the discharge fluid is between 5 to 15 loads, from 5 to 10 loads, from 10 to 20 loads, from 15 to 20 loads, from 3 to 10 loads, from 3 to 7 loads, from 4 to 10 loads, from 4 to 8 loads, from 5 to 8 loads, from 7 to 12 loads, from 9 to 13 loads, from 11 to 13 loads, from 13 to 17 loads, or 16 to 20 loads. In some embodiments, for example, a filter device including a pressure release mechanism may be able to filter discharge fluid from 2 loads, 3 loads, 4 loads, 5 loads, 6 loads, 7 loads, 8 loads, 9 loads, 10 loads, 11 loads, 12 loads, 13 loads, 14 loads, 15 loads, 16 loads, 17 loads, 18 loads, 19 loads, or 20 loads before requiring cleaning. Cleaning may be required, for example, because filtered particles collected from a load since the last cleaning have impeded flow throughput to a high enough level to prevent adequate filtration from occurring.

[0162] According to some embodiments, when the back pressure in the filtration system (e.g., the back pressure at the pressure relief valve) reaches a pressure in the range of 1 psi to 10 psi, the pressure relief valve may open. In some embodiments, when the back pressure in the filtration system (e.g., the back pressure at the pressure relief valve) reaches a pressure in the range of 2 psi to 5 psi, 2 psi to 4 psi, 2 psi to 3 psi, 3 psi to 4 psi, 4 psi to 6 psi, 5 psi to 7 psi, 6 psi to 8 psi, or 7 psi to 9 psi, the pressure relief valve may open. In accordance with some embodiments, the pressure relief valve may open when the back pressure within the filtration system (e.g., the back pressure at the pressure relief valve) reaches a pressure of 2.5psi, 2.6psi, 2.7psi, 2.8psi, 2.9psi, 3.0psi, 3.1psi, 3.2psi, 3.3psi, 3.4psi, 3.5psi, 3.6psi, 3.7psi, 3.8psi or 3.9psi, 4.0psi, 4.1psi, 4.2psi, 4.3psi, 4.4psi, 4.5psi, 4.6psi, 4.7psi, 4.8psi, 4.9psi or 5.0psi.

[0163] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C Examples of helical eccentricities consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B 1 is a top cross-sectional view of an exemplary conical helical coil 112, for example, viewed from the first opening 122 in the direction of fluid flow parallel to arrow 126. Figure 4A As shown, the conical spiral coil 112 can have a generally circular cross-section along the axis 120, wherein the ribs 118 spiral about the axis 120 at a decreasing radius along the axis 120 toward a second opening 124, the second opening 124 having a rib overlap amount α per revolution. Thus, the closer to reaching the second opening 124, the smaller the size of the cross-section will be. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the conical spiral coil 112 can have other geometric shapes at any given point along the axis 120. In some embodiments, the conical spiral coil 112 can be configured to have a certain degree of eccentricity, rather than having a circular cross-section. As shown in FIG. Figure 4B As shown, in some embodiments, the conical spiral coil 112 can be eccentric and can have a generally elliptical shape. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the conical spiral coil 112 can deviate from a circle in other ways, such as an octagon, such as Figure 4CIn some embodiments, the cross-section of the conical spiral coil 112 can be circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or other geometric cross-sections. In various embodiments, when viewed along the axis 120 from the first opening 122, the conical spiral coil 112 can spiral clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0164] Figure 5A FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the conical spiral coil 112 taken along section 5-5 as shown in FIG. Figure 5A As shown, the ribs 118 can be configured to have a uniform rib width 127, which can refer to a dimension having a distance measured from the inner edge of the rib 118 to the outer edge of the rib 118. In addition, the ribs 118 can have a uniform rib height 128, which can refer to a dimension measured from a lower surface of the rib 118 facing the first opening 122 to an opposite upper surface of the rib 118 (e.g., a surface facing the second opening 124). Although the ribs 118 are Figure 5A 118 is shown as having a generally rectangular cross-section, but some embodiments may include non-rectangular cross-sections, for example, other quadrilateral cross-sections, such as square, trapezoidal, or rhombus. In other embodiments, one or more surfaces of the cross-section of the rib 118 may be curved to promote the formation of vortices or to act as a flow guide for the particle flow path 138 along the rib 118 toward the second opening 124.

[0165] The conical spiral coil 112 may include a support structure 119. The support structure 119 may provide structural support for the rib 118. The support structure 119 may include a material that fills the space between the rib 118 and the support surface 121 of the first opening 122. The support structure 119 may provide an additional area for the rib 118 to be attached to the support surface 121, and may, for example, maintain the strength and alignment of the rib 118 during the manufacturing process, or prevent the coil cross section of the conical spiral coil 112 from being misaligned or broken due to strain caused during operation. The support structure 119 may be set to a predetermined angular length, for example, about 0.25 revolutions (90 degrees) rotated around the axis 120, or any other amount sufficient to provide an appropriate amount of support or stability. In some embodiments, the angular span for support structure 119 can range from about 1 degree to 270 degrees, for example, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, 90 degrees, 105 degrees, 120 degrees, 135 degrees, 150 degrees, 165 degrees, 180 degrees, 195 degrees, 210 degrees, 225 degrees, 240 degrees, 255 degrees, or 270 degrees. In some embodiments, support structure 119 can be solid. In some embodiments, support structure 119 can include an opening to allow fluid to flow through the opening. In addition to support structure 119 or as an alternative to support structure 119, a second support structure (not shown) can also be provided at second opening 124.

[0166] Also like Figure 5A As shown, the conical spiral coil 112 can have a spiral height 130, which can refer to the dimension measured from a first end of the rib 118 closest to the first opening 122 (e.g., the proximal end of the conical spiral coil 112) to the other end of the rib 118 (e.g., the distal end of the conical spiral coil 112, which can be at the second opening 124).

[0167] The conical spiral coil 112 may have a first spiral outer diameter 135, which may refer to the diameter of the outer circumference of the spiral shape of the coil at the first opening 122. The conical spiral coil 112 may have a second spiral outer diameter 132, which may refer to the diameter of the outer circumference of the spiral shape of the coil at the second opening 124. The conical spiral coil 112 may also have a first spiral inner diameter 133, which may refer to the diameter of the inner circumference of the spiral shape of the coil at the first opening 122. The conical spiral coil 112 may also have a second spiral inner diameter 131, which may refer to the diameter of the inner circumference of the spiral shape of the coil at the second opening 124. The conical spiral coil 112 may have a generally conical shape, such that the second spiral inner diameter 131 is smaller than the first spiral inner diameter 133. Similarly, the second spiral outer diameter 132 may be smaller than the first spiral outer diameter 135.

[0168] While it is preferred that the first spiral outer diameter 135 be greater than the second spiral outer diameter 132, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, these diameters may be the same, so long as the first spiral inner diameter 133 is greater than the second spiral inner diameter 131. This configuration may be beneficial in particularly smaller diameter applications (e.g., blood filtration) or where the ribs 118 are angled or otherwise shaped to further promote fluid flow along the particle flow path 138, thereby preventing residue from accumulating on the ribs 118.

[0169] The conical helical coil 112 can have a helical pitch 134, which is a dimension measured parallel to the axis 120 between the midpoints of two adjacent turns of the rib 118, similar to the pitch of a thread. In some embodiments, the helical pitch 134 can be variable. In some embodiments, the helical pitch 134 can be uniform.

[0170] Certain conical spiral coils 112 may be described by a rake reduction ratio (β / α) determined by the ratio of the slot height (β) between the surfaces of adjacent turns of the rib 118 divided by the amount of rib overlap (α) between the inner surfaces of adjacent turns of the rib 118 into the central opening of the conical spiral coil 112. Figure 5A As shown, the slot height β is measured between adjacent surfaces of the rib 118. In embodiments where the conical spiral coil 112 includes more than one rib 118, the slot height β is measured between adjacent surfaces of the ribs 118. Figure 5A and Fig.17 The slot height β in is shown for substantially parallel surfaces, such that the measurement is made between parallel surfaces. However, if the adjacent surfaces are not parallel over the length of the slot, the slot height β is measured as the average slot height between the adjacent surfaces for the period of surface overlap. The rib overlap amount α indicates the distance that a gradually narrowing turn of the rib 118 protrudes into the opening formed by the previous turn of the rib 118. For example, when the rib overlap amount α is greater than the rib overlap amount α, the rib overlap amount α is greater than the rib overlap amount α. Figure 5A and Figure 4A The rib overlap α can be observed as the decrease in the inner radius (measured from the axis 120 to the inner edge of the rib 118) of each revolution of the rib 118 when viewed in the . As with the slot height β, in embodiments where the conical spiral coil 112 includes more than one rib 118, the rib overlap α is measured between the inner surfaces of adjacent ribs 118. Figure 5A The rib overlap amount α is shown for parallel inner surfaces, however, if the adjacent inner surfaces are not parallel, the rib overlap amount α is measured from the midpoint of the adjacent inner edges.

[0171] In some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the conical spiral coil 112 can be between about 3.0 and 4.0 to allow for manufacturing tolerances. In some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α can be configured based on the type of fluid to be filtered, the type and size of particles to be filtered, the flow parameters of the fluid to be filtered, and the scale of operation, including whether the filtered particles are to be collected or sent into a continuous discharge flow. In some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α can be less than 3.0, or can be greater than 4.0. In some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α of the conical spiral coil 112 can be in the range of between about 0.1 and 10, for example, between 0.1 and 0.5, between 0.25 and 0.75, between about 0.5 and 1.0, between about 0.75 and 1.25, between about 1.0 and 10.0, between about 1.0 and 6.0, between about 2.0 and 5.0, between about 2.5 and 4.5, between about 3.0 and 4.0, between about 5.0 and 6.0, between about 7.0 and 8.0, between about 8.0 and 9.0, between about 9.0 and 10.0, between about 10.0 and 11.0, between about 12.0 and 13.0, between about 14.0 and 15.0, between about 16.0 and 17.0, between about 18.0 and 19.0, between about 20.0 and 21.0, between about 21.0 and 23.0, between about 24.0 and 25.0 In some embodiments, the range of the present invention is between about 1.0 and 3.0, between about 2.0 and 3.0, between about 3.0 and 7.0, between about 4.0 and 6.0, between about 5.0 and 10, between about 5.0 and 6.0, between about 6.0 and 7.0, between about 7.0 and 8.0, between about 8.0 and 9.0, between about 9.0 and 10, between about 6.0 and 8.0, between about 7.0 and 9.0, or between about 6.5 and 8.5. All ranges cited in this disclosure, whether cited as "between" or otherwise, are understood to include the endpoints of the range. Thus, "between X and Y" is understood to include the value X and the value Y and the values ​​therebetween.

[0172] In some embodiments, for example, when filtering microplastics, as the fluid strikes the rib 118 at a location where the spiral inner diameter gradually narrows (e.g., the rib overlap α), a rake reduction ratio β / α value between 3.0 and 4.0 will more efficiently cause the fluid to reorient in the vortex 136.

[0173] In some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α may be uniform along the length of tapered helical coil 112. In other embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α may vary along the length of tapered helical coil 112.

[0174] The conical helical coil may also have an outer rake reduction ratio β / γ, where γ is the rib extension and indicates the outer counterpart of the rib overlap amount α for adjacent outer surface turns of the rib 118, such as Figure 5A. The values ​​of the outer rake reduction ratio β / γ can be similar to the values ​​described above for the rake reduction ratio β / α. In some embodiments, for example, for a uniform cross-section of the rib 118 and a uniform spiral pitch, the outer rake reduction ratio β / γ can be the same as the rake reduction ratio β / α. In other embodiments, for example, when the rib 118 has a non-uniform cross-section along the length of the conical spiral coil 112, or in the case where multiple ribs 118 have different characteristics for adjacent ribs, the rake reduction ratio β / α can be different from the outer rake reduction ratio β / γ.

[0175] In some embodiments, it is believed that when fluid enters the conical spiral coil 112 in the direction of arrow 126, the conical spiral coil 112 assists in particle filtration by reorienting the fluid flow. As the fluid strikes the surface at the gradually narrowing turns of the ribs 118 to generate vortices 136, the conical spiral coil 112 causes the fluid to be reoriented in the fluid vortex 136. As the fluid flow strikes the ribs 118, the reoriented fluid in the vortex 136 serves to keep the particles suspended and promotes the overall movement of the particles toward the second opening 124. The vortex 136 can promote the suspended particles to travel in a spiral flow path (as can be indicated by the particle flow path 138) generally along the ribs 118. The vortex 136 can be used to remove or retain suspended particles that would otherwise become stuck on or against the ribs 118 or filter media 142, thereby returning the particles to a suspended state and promoting the collection or discharge of particles at the second opening 124. Particles exiting the conical spiral coil 112 at the second opening 124 can be collected for disposal, while the filtered fluid exits the coil 112 through the filter medium 142. The particles can include any solid or other object that is desired to be removed from the fluid. The size of the particles can depend on the filtration application, for example, microparticle filtration or marine waste cleanup. The particles can include suspended solids, microparticles, biological cells, cell products, vesicles, exosomes, microplastics, solid waste, plastic bottles, plastic bags, or any other target object to be removed from the fluid.

[0176] The rib geometry affects particle filtration performance and can be tailored to a particular application, e.g., a particular fluid, particle size, or available space or manufacturing constraints. It is believed that the use of a tapered spiral rib configuration can better facilitate particle filtration by advantageously redirecting fluid flow as it enters the tapered spiral coil 112 in the direction of arrow 126 into the vortex 136 to keep particles in suspension while allowing filtrate fluid to pass through the filter media 142. The rib 118 can be "rearward facing" in that the rib 118 can have a smaller and smaller inner diameter in the central fluid flow region in a plane orthogonal to the axis 120 as the tapered spiral coil 112 gradually narrows as the rib 118 completes each turn in a spiral manner. Figure 1 , Figure 4A and Figure 5A The effective diameter of the central fluid flow area in a plane normal to the axis 120 may decrease correspondingly with each revolution of the rib 118 .

[0177] The ribs 118 may have different sizes and arrangements depending on various design parameters. For example, in some embodiments, Figure 5B As shown, the conical spiral coil 112 may taper only relative to the inner edge of the rib 118, while the outer surface of the conical spiral coil 112 may be substantially cylindrical, or may have a diverging shape in some embodiments. The spaces between adjacent turns of the rib 118 may allow filtered fluid to exit through the sides of the conical spiral coil 112 via the filter medium 142. At the same time, the vortex 136 generated by the rib 118 promotes the movement of filtered particles toward the second opening 124. Figure 5B In the example of FIG. 1 , the rib width 127 increases from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. Figure 5B In the example of FIG. 1 , the outer diameter of the spiral may remain constant, while the inner diameter of the spiral gradually decreases along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 toward the second opening 124 .

[0178] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to configure the conical spiral coil 112 to have certain or different values ​​of the rake reduction ratio β / α that correspond to certain conditions, such as flow rate, particle concentration, fluid viscosity, or other characteristics of the fluid or particles. In some embodiments, because the fluid can freely exit through the lateral sides of the conical spiral coil 112 (e.g., through the spaces between the turns of the ribs 118), the flow rate in the direction of arrow 126 may change along the axis 120 toward the second opening 124. It may be advantageous to use different values ​​of the rake reduction ratio β / α in different areas of the conical spiral coil 112 to maintain or promote flow rate, especially when the concentration of filtered particles per unit volume of fluid may increase toward the second opening 124 compared to the first opening 122. In some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α may be within a range from a first ratio to a second ratio along the axis 120. The value for the first ratio and the value for the second ratio can be various combinations of the above-mentioned rake reduction ratio β / α, both in the increasing ratio between the first opening 122 and the second opening 124 and in the decreasing ratio between the first opening 122 and the second opening 124, but for some applications it may be preferred to have a ratio in the range of between 1.0 and 6.0, between 2.0 and 5.0, between 2.5 and 4.5, and between 3.0 and 4.0.

[0179] like FIG. 5C to FIG. 5D As shown, the conical spiral coil 112 can have a varying rib width 127. The rib width 127 can increase or decrease along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 toward the second opening 124, as indicated by FIG. 5C to FIG. 5D As shown by the dotted line in . Figure 5C An example is shown where the rib width 127 increases from the first opening 122 toward the second opening 124 along the axis 120. This results in a smaller cross-sectional taper on the outside of the tapered spiral coil 112 and a larger cross-sectional taper on the inside of the tapered spiral coil 112. Therefore, the slot height β can remain constant, while the rib overlap amount α can increase along the axis 120, resulting in the rake reduction ratio β / α decreasing differently from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124.

[0180] Figure 5DAn example is shown where the rib width 127 decreases along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 toward the second opening 124. This results in a larger taper on the outside of the conical spiral coil 112 and a smaller taper on the inside of the conical spiral coil 112. The slot height β can remain constant, while the rib overlap α can decrease along the axis 120. Therefore, the value of the rake reduction ratio β / α can change. The rib width 127 can be configured so that the rib overlap α is within a range from a first value at the first opening 122 to a second value at the second opening 124. As the β / γ ratio decreases from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124, the rake reduction ratio β / α will also remain constant.

[0181] In some embodiments, the helical pitch of the conical helical coil 112 may be gradually increased or decreased, respectively, for example, FIG. 5E to FIG. 5F That is, the helical pitch of the ribs 118 may be variable. In some embodiments, the varying helical pitch may cause the profile of the lateral side surface of the conical helical coil 112 containing the filter medium 142 to be curved.

[0182] like FIG. 5E to FIG. 5F As shown, the conical helical coil 112 can have a varying helical pitch 134. The helical pitch 134 can increase or decrease along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 toward the second opening 124. Figure 5E An example is shown where the helical pitch 134 increases along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 toward the second opening 124 . Fig. 5F An example is shown in which the helical pitch 134 decreases along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 toward the second opening 124. The varying helical pitch 134 can present another degree of design flexibility to configure the tapered helical coil 112 according to desired parameters. In addition, the parameters of the tapered helical coil 112 can be changed using a combination of methods, for example, FIG. 5C to FIG. 5D The varying rib width 127 shown is similar to the FIG. 5E to FIG. 5F The illustrated combinations of varying helical pitches 134. Either or both of these variations may be combined with other variations (eg, different cross-sectional profiles of the ribs 118, use of multiple ribs 118, or other variations described herein).

[0183] Figure 6 An example of a gasket rod 160 disposed in a groove 152 of a rib 118 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The rib 118 can be provided with a groove 152 configured to receive a gasket rod 160 that seals the conical spiral coil 112 against the filter medium 142. For example, Figure 1As shown, the conical spiral coil can be pressed against the filter medium 142 and sealed with a gasket rod 160 (shown only in cross section) disposed in the groove 152. Figure 1 , the spacer rod 160 is only shown in a cross-section adjacent to the filter medium 142, but it should be understood that the spacer rod 160 and the filter medium 142 surround the conical spiral coil 112 as described herein. In some embodiments, the spacer rod 160 can be used to seal against the support member 140, as described below, rather than sealing against the filter medium 142. The outer surface of the rib 118 may include a recessed portion into which the spacer rod 160 can be seated. In certain configurations, when the conical spiral coil 112 is nested in the housing 114, the spacer rod 160 can ensure a close fit with the housing 114. The spacer rod 160 can be formed of an elastic material or a sealing material. For example, in some embodiments, the spacer rod 160 can be formed of a rubber or silicone-based material. The spacer rod 160 can be a one-piece or multi-piece component.

[0184] Fig.17 Another embodiment of a conical helical coil 112 having ribs 118 is shown. Fig.17 The ribs 118 of the illustrated embodiment include ridges 156 that can engage with the web 142 ( Fig.17 Although ridges 156 are shown on both the inlet-facing side and the outlet-facing side of the rib 118, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, only one ridge 156 may be present. The ridges 156 may facilitate maintaining the vortex 136 along the particle flow path 138 and also further prevent particle accumulation by reducing sharp corners where particles may accumulate, thereby facilitating the self-cleaning operation of the filter device.

[0185] Also like Fig.17 In some embodiments, the portion of the radius of the helical coil 112 formed by the rib 118 is smaller than Figure 5A For example, in some embodiments, Fig.17 At the first opening 122 of the conical spiral coil, the width of the rib 118 can be about 50% of the diameter of the conical spiral coil (eg, the inner radius is about half the outer radius), while in other embodiments (eg, Figure 5A ), the rib 118 may be approximately 30% of the radius of the conical spiral coil at the first opening 122 (eg, the inner diameter is approximately two-thirds of the outer diameter). Fig.17 In the illustrated embodiment, the rib width at the second opening 124 comprises more than 95% of the radius of the conical helical coil 112 (the rib width is 95% of the outer radius of the conical helical coil 112 at the second opening 124), while Figure 5AIn the illustrated embodiment, the rib width at the second opening 124 may comprise approximately 55% of the radius of the conical spiral coil 112 (the rib width is approximately 55% of the outer radius of the conical spiral coil 112 at the second opening 124). In some embodiments, the width of the rib 118 comprises a greater proportion of the radius of the conical spiral coil, which may facilitate the formation of eddies and promote movement of filtered particles along the particle path 138 while the filtrate fluid passes through the mesh 142 (not shown), thereby increasing filtration efficiency, reducing accumulation of filtered particles, and improving filter operation. In other embodiments, the width of the rib 118 at the first opening 122 may comprise approximately 33%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, or 60% of the radius of the conical spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, the width of rib 118 at second opening 124 may include approximately 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or substantially the entire radius of conical spiral coil 112. It will be appreciated that even when rib 118 includes a larger proportion of the radius at second opening 124, filtered particles and particle path 138 may exit conical spiral coil 112 in the space adjacent to rib 118, as shown. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C , FIG. 16B to FIG. 16C and Fig.17 As shown in the embodiments.

[0186] Figure 7 1 shows an example embodiment of a housing 114 consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The housing 114 can enclose the conical spiral coil 112 during operation and can prevent particles from leaving the filter before being collected for disposal. The housing 114 can include, for example, Figure 2 Insert enclosure as shown, or as Figure 8 The filter media 142 may be integrated into the housing 114 and provide a filtering function during use by allowing filtered fluid to exit the filter laterally while containing particles within the housing. The tapered spiral path of the fluid passing through the tapered spiral coil 112 tends to prevent particles from accumulating on the filter media 142. Figure 7 As shown, the housing 114 may include one or more support members 140. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may be formed to have a shape similar to that of the rib 118. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may include a plurality of support ribs. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may be aligned with the rib 118 to facilitate sealing of the filter medium 142 against the rib 118. The support member 140 may provide support for the filter medium 142 or the rib 118.

[0187] The filter medium 142 may also be referred to as a filter medium. The filter medium 142 may include: a physical filter, such as a porous membrane, a mesh, a screen, a coarse filter, a fiber layer, etc.; or a chemical filter, such as charcoal, activated carbon, catalytic carbon, ion exchange media, kinetic degradation flux, mixed media, elements configured to react with particles to be filtered, etc.; or a combination of physical and chemical media. In some embodiments, the filter medium 142 may include a mesh screen. The mesh screen may be formed of stainless steel, nylon or other fiber or ductile material. The filter medium 142 may include a porous material that is configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid being filtered from passing through the filter medium 142. The filter medium 142 surrounding the conical spiral coil 112 may circumferentially surround the conical spiral coil 112. The filter medium 142 may cover the lateral sides of the conical spiral coil 112 so that particles are prevented from leaving the conical spiral coil in a direction orthogonal to the axis 120, and particles may be forced to move from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124 along the axis 120.

[0188] In some embodiments, the housing 114 can be integral with the filter medium 142. For example, the filter medium 142 can be embedded, integrated, adhesively attached, welded (e.g., plastically welded), or molded into the support member 140. In some embodiments, the filter medium 142 and the housing 114 can be separable. The housing 114 can be a unitary or multi-piece component. In some embodiments, the filter medium 142 can be a replaceable component of the housing 114.

[0189] like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the housing 114 can be formed in one or more connecting parts to facilitate placement on the conical spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, the housing 114 can include two halves connected together by a hinged connection 146. The housing 114 can also include a fastening member 144. The two halves can be substantially identical, for example, having similar sizes and shapes, and the hinged connection 146 and the fastening member 144 are generally arranged on opposite sides of the housing 114. The support member 140 can be formed to form a substantially continuous spiral portion around the housing 114, which corresponds to the rib 118 of the conical spiral coil 112. The hinged connection 146 can include a piano-type hinge, a living hinge, a plurality of hinges, or any other mechanical arrangement for rotatably connecting the components together. The fastening member 144 can include any mating fastening elements, for example, snaps, clips, hooks, slide bars, or any other mechanical arrangement for fixing the parts together. In some embodiments, the hinged connection 146 can be replaced by a second fastening member 144. In some embodiments, housing 114 may be a one-piece piece without fastening members 144 or hinged connections 146 to facilitate a “slip-in” or “slide-in” connection with conical helical coil 112 .

[0190] Housing 114 may include elements for holding conical helical coil 112 in place during operation. Figure 5A As shown, the protrusion 150 can be disposed on the member forming the first opening 122. The protrusion 150 can include an external protruding member, such as an annular lip or a pin. The protrusion 150 can abut against a mating surface on the housing 114, which can be conveniently snapped into or screwed into a fixture, or can be pressed into and rotated, for example, in an L-shaped or U-shaped slot to attach the conical spiral coil to the housing 114. The connection of the protrusion 150 to the housing 114 can be configured to facilitate alignment of the support member 140 with the rib 118. In some embodiments, a gasket can be provided between the mating surfaces on the protrusion 150 and the housing 114 to provide a secure seal. The seal between the protrusion 150 and the housing 114 can be fluid-tight.

[0191] like Figure 5A As shown, the rib 118 may include a groove 152. The groove 152 may be formed as a recess on the outer surface of the rib 118. The groove 152 may be configured to cooperate with a corresponding surface 154 of the support member 140. The surface 154 may include a flat surface, or may include a convex surface that protrudes toward the interior of the housing 114. In some embodiments, the surface 154 may include a concave surface that recedes away from the interior of the housing 114. Figure 6 As shown, the shim rod 160 can be resting in the groove 152 of the rib 118, and the shim rod 160 can cooperate with the surface 154 of the support member 140. When the housing 114 is closed around the conical spiral coil 112, the support member 140 can engage with the rib 118 to secure the conical spiral coil 112 in the appropriate position within the housing 114.

[0192] The support member 140 of the housing 114 may follow the spiral shape of the rib 118. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may have a shape complementary to the rib 118. In some embodiments, the rib 118 may taper only on its inner side, and thus the complementary shape of the support member 140 may not taper. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may have the shape of an annular or polygonal prism. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may form a cylindrical ring around the housing 114, or be formed by a vertical rib between the first opening and the second opening of the housing 114. For example, since the particle flow path 138 remains continuous or substantially continuous within the filter medium 142, such a formation may facilitate easier manufacture of the housing 114 without hindering the filtering capacity of the conical spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, the substantially continuous particle flow path 138 includes a particle path that may have a barrier or obstacle (e.g., a structural support), but does not inhibit the formation of the vortex 136 or the flow of particles along the particle flow path 38. In some embodiments, substantially continuous particle flow path 138 may be disposed substantially along rib 118 of tapered helical coil 112, but may not begin at first opening 122. In some embodiments, housing 114 may be integrated into tapered helical coil 112 as a unitary structure rather than as a separate component.

[0193] like Figure 7 As shown, the housing 114 may include a flow connection member 148. The flow connection member 148 may include a fastening mechanism, such as a threaded connection. The flow connection member 148 may include an internal thread or an external thread, and its size and shape may be set to cooperate with a complementary element of a component that supplies fluid to the first opening 122 of the conical spiral coil 112. The flow connection member 148 may be disposed at or near the widest part of the housing 114. In addition, a particle collection connection member 158 may be disposed at the end of the housing 114 opposite to the flow connection member 148. The particle collection connection member 158 may include a fastening mechanism, such as an external thread 159, disposed at or near the narrowest part of the housing 114. The fastening mechanism may also include a press fit, a snap fit, a bolt connection, a hose clamp, a quick connection, etc. The size and shape of the particle collection connection member 158 may be set to cooperate with a complementary element on a collection unit (e.g., a residue collection unit 170). In other embodiments, the particle collection connection member 158 may be configured to cooperate with a discharge flow (e.g., a hose or a pipe).

[0194] Figure 8A portion of a cross-section of an example of a filter device 100 is shown, wherein half of the housing 114 is open around a hinged connection 146. In some embodiments, the filter medium 142 may be disposed between the housing 114 and the conical spiral coil 112. The conical spiral coil 112 may be nested in the housing 114, wherein a surface 154 of the support member 140 engages with the rib 118. In some embodiments, the surface 154 may include a protruding surface that contacts the rib 118 directly or via a gasket rod 160 or the filter medium 142. In some embodiments, the surface 154 may include a flat or concave surface that may cooperate with the gasket rod 160 of the rib 118. The conical spiral coil 112 and the housing 114 may be configured such that the conical spiral coil 112 is in contact with the housing 114 when the conical spiral coil 112 is coupled to the housing 114. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may be aligned with the rib 118. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may deviate from the rib 118 or have a different profile than the rib 118.

[0195] The exemplary filtration system described herein provides an exemplary method for filtering particles from a liquid. In some embodiments, the method includes: providing a liquid to be filtered at a first opening of a filter device including a conical spiral coil, generating a vortex in the conical spiral coil via a rib, the rib having a reduced internal cross-section for fluid to flow through; providing a flow path along the rib for directing particles suspended in the vortex toward a second opening of the filter device; and filtering the filtered fluid through a filter medium adjacent to the flow path. Filtration can be achieved by cross-flow filtration across the filter medium caused by the vortex and the particle flow path along the rib. The flow path can be between adjacent turns of the rib. In some embodiments, the flow path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening. In some embodiments, the first opening is wider than the second opening. In some embodiments, the flow path is configured to not inhibit particles from flowing along the flow path toward the second opening.

[0196] It will also be envisioned that the filter system described in the present disclosure can be arranged in series so that the second opening 124 of the first conical spiral coil can discharge into the first opening 122 of the second conical spiral coil. In this way, a graded filtration system can be configured. Additionally or alternatively, a graded filtration system can be provided, in which the filtrate fluid flow 102 from the first conical spiral coil is provided to the first opening 122 of the second spiral coil. This grading allows for filtering of gradually finer particle sizes and can improve the overall filtration efficiency. For example, larger particles can be filtered and collected in the first conical spiral coil, while finer particles can be filtered and collected in the second conical spiral coil. In the case of implementing graded filtration, the conical spiral coils can have different geometries to facilitate appropriate filtration at each stage.

[0197] Fig. 9A An exploded perspective view of an exemplary system 200 for filtering a fluid is shown. Fig. 9B An exploded front view of system 200 is shown. Although described in this example with reference to use in a washing machine, system 200 may be used in other applications, such as blood filtration, faucet or dispenser filtration, large-scale collection such as wastewater treatment, and other applications for filtering suspended solids from a fluid. Fig. 9A As shown, system 200 includes filter device 100, which is connected to inlet manifold 210 at a first end. Inlet manifold 210 includes inlet opening 214 and may include pressure relief valve 224. In some embodiments, inlet opening 214 may include an external connection, such as a cam lock quick release attachment mechanism that attaches to a component of a washing machine (e.g., a washing machine drain hose). If the pressure is too high, pressure relief valve 224 can allow fluid to bypass the filter. Inlet manifold 210 directs fluid (e.g., drain water from a washing machine) to the filter, such as via Fig. 10A The path 201 shown leads into the filter device 100 .

[0198] System 200 may include a closure member 212, which may be coupled to a manifold cover 216. Manifold cover 216 includes an outlet opening 218, which may include a cam lock quick release attachment mechanism attached to a discharge line. Closure member 212 may be provided with a fastening mechanism 220 (e.g., external thread) to couple closure member 212 with manifold cover 216. When coupled, inlet opening 214 may extend through an orifice 222 on manifold cover 216, and closure member 212 and manifold cover 216 may form a fluid-tight enclosure, in which filter 100 is enclosed. In certain embodiments, closure member 212 may serve as a particle collection member. In other embodiments, closure member 212 may be closed to collect a unit, e.g., a collection unit 170, so that closure member 212 may be removed to facilitate access to the particles collected in closure member 212 or in collection unit 170.

[0199] Fig. 10A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 200 assembled to enclose a filter device 100 is shown. Fig. 10B A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 200 having a filter device 100 including a residue collection unit 170 is shown. Fig. 10C A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of system 200 is shown in which closure member 212 includes filter media 213. Filter media 213 may also prevent solids exiting second opening 124 from reaching outlet opening 218. To facilitate cleaning, closure member 212 may include a detachable component at a point at or below screen 213 so that an operator can dispose of filtered solids from closure member 212.

[0200] In some embodiments, when a mesh 213 is included, the closure member 212 may preferably include a removable cup-shaped member at or below the mesh 213, wherein particles removed during filtration may be collected and disposed of. In some embodiments, the closure member 212 may be coupled to the manifold cap 216 by engaging threads, a snap connection, a cam lock fit, a press fit, an interference fit, a twist fit, or any other fastening mechanism.

[0201] Reference Fig. 10A, an exemplary mode of operation of the system 200 may involve flowing a fluid through the system 200. In operation, a fluid from a fluid source (e.g., outlet water from a washing machine) may enter the inlet opening 214. The fluid may include particles to be filtered from the fluid, e.g., microplastic particles suspended therein, and the fluid may be guided in a hose or pipe connected to the inlet opening 214. The fluid flows along a path 201 to the inside of the filter device 100, and the fluid (e.g., water) may flow freely through the system 200, while the particles to be filtered (e.g., microplastic particles) may remain suspended until they hit an obstacle (e.g., a conical spiral coil 112 or a filter medium 142). The vortex 136 generated by the conical spiral coil 112 may cause the particles to be swept by the moving fluid along a path 138 to the second opening 124 of the conical spiral coil 112, and leave the path 203 of the filter device 100. The particles may be captured in the closure member 212, for example, by sedimentation. Meanwhile, clean filtrate fluid exits filter device 100 through path 102 and flows along path 205 to outlet opening 218. Outlet opening 218 may be coupled to a hose or pipe that directs the particle-free fluid to a discharge flow, such as a sewer pipe.

[0202] Fig. 10B Similar to Fig. 10A , except that the filtered particles are captured in the collection unit 170, it should be considered that the collection unit 170 is such as in Fig. 10A The filtered particles are better collected by relying on the sedimentation of the particles.

[0203] Fig. 10C Similar to Fig. 10A , except that the filtered particles are contained in the bottom of the closure member 212 through the filter medium 213, it is considered that the filter medium 213 is Fig. 10A The filtered particles are better collected by relying on the sedimentation of the particles.

[0204] although FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C The illustrated system shows the filter device 100 in a vertical orientation with respect to the axis 120, with the first opening 122 located at the "top" of the system 200 and the second opening 124 located at the "bottom" of the system 200, but the methods and systems described herein can be used in any orientation. For example, where the filter device 100 is arranged so that the axis 120 can be arranged in a horizontal orientation, an upward or downward diagonal orientation, or a vertical orientation, the second opening 124 is arranged at the "top" of the system 200 and the first opening 122 is arranged at the "bottom" of the system 100. Similarly, although in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C12 is shown as being closer to the first opening 122 than the second opening 124, but in some embodiments the outlet opening 218 may be disposed at or near the second opening 124, for example, when the filter device 100 includes a collection unit 170, which may be advantageous. Similarly, although the inlet opening 214 and the outlet opening are shown as being at a 90 degree angle to the axis 120 of the filter device 100, it is contemplated that the inlet opening 214 may be disposed at any angle to the axis 120, which may be determined by the particular application and usage.

[0205] Fig.16A and Fig. 16C Another embodiment of the system 600 is shown, wherein the inlet opening 214 is adjacent to the first opening 122 and the outlet opening is adjacent to the second opening 124. In some cases, because the filtrate does not need to be passed back up the manifold cap 216, such as FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C As shown ( FIG. 16B to FIG. 16C Although the inlet opening 214 and the outlet opening 218 are shown as being at right angles to the filter device 100, it is contemplated that the inlet opening 214 and the outlet opening may be in line with the inlet flow direction 126 of the filter device 100, or at any other angle to the inlet flow direction 126, for example, 45 degrees, 30 degrees, or 60 degrees.

[0206] FIG. 21A to FIG. 21D Exemplary isometric and cross-sectional views of another exemplary filtration system consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure including a filtration device, such as a filtration device similar to filtration device 100 . FIG. 21A to FIG. 21D System 2100 is shown with inlet opening 214 near first opening 122 of the filter device at the wider end of conical spiral coil 112. Second opening 124 of the filter device at the narrower end of conical spiral coil 112 opens to collection unit 2102, which may be similar to residue collection unit 170. FIG. 21A to FIG. 21DIn the embodiment of the present invention, the collecting unit 2102 is shown as a cylindrical collecting unit. In other embodiments, the collecting unit 2102 may have other shapes. As described above, the conical spiral coil 112 and the collecting unit 2102 may be enclosed by filter media 142 and 172 (e.g., mesh filter media) (not shown for simplicity). The filtering device including the conical spiral coil 112 and the collecting unit 2102 is shown to be enclosed in the housing 2104. The housing 2104 includes an inlet opening 214 and an outlet opening 218. In some embodiments, the housing 2104 may include a window 2106, which allows at least a portion of the filtering device, e.g., the conical spiral coil 112 or the collecting unit 2102, to be visible through the housing 2104. The conical spiral coil 112 may be coupled to the housing 2104, for example, by a threaded portion 2107, which may facilitate insertion, removal or replacement of the conical spiral coil 112, for example, for cleaning or other maintenance. In some embodiments, other coupling mechanisms may be used to couple the conical helical coil 112 to the housing 2104, such as an annular lip, pins, snap-in or screw-in clamps, or press-in or screw-in slots, such as L-shaped or U-shaped slots.

[0207] The housing 2104 includes a sealing portion 2108 and a closing mechanism 2110 operably connected to the sealing portion 2108. The closing mechanism 2110 is configured to open and close the sealing portion 2108. The sealing portion 2108 can be configured to provide a watertight seal to the interior of the housing 2104 and can facilitate access to the conical spiral coil 112 and the collection unit 2102, for example, for cleaning, repairing, replacing or performing maintenance on the collection unit 2102 or the conical spiral coil 112 or for cleaning the interior of the housing 2104. Fig.21A , the sealing portion 2108 and the closing mechanism 2110 are shown in a fully closed position, which forms a watertight seal at the opening 2112 of the housing 2104 (eg, Fig. 21B and Fig. 21C ). Fig. 21B and Fig. 21C , the sealing portion 2108 and the closure mechanism 2110 are shown in an open position to facilitate access to the interior of the housing 2104, for example, for access to the collection unit 2104 or the conical spiral coil 112. Fig.21D The sealing portion 2108 and the closure mechanism 2110 are shown in a closed position, but the closure mechanism 2110 is not fully closed. FIG. 21A to FIG. 21D, an exemplary closure mechanism 2110 is shown as a pull-down handle around the outside of the sealing portion 2108. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism 2110 can include a handle or lever on the side of the housing 2104 that is integrated into the sealing portion 2108 as a latch, snap closure, or other closure type. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism can include a threaded closure, an annular lip, a pin, a snap-in or screw-in clamp, or a press-in or screw-in slot, such as an L-shaped or U-shaped slot.

[0208] In some embodiments, the sealing portion 2108 is closed but the closing mechanism 2110 is not yet fully closed. Fig.21D In comparison, Fig.21A As shown, the sealing mechanism 2116 can provide further pressure on the sealing portion 2108 when the closing mechanism 2110 is fully closed. One or more of the closing mechanism 2110, the sealing portion 2108, or the sealing mechanism 2116 can also include a locking mechanism (not shown) to prevent accidental opening of the sealing portion 2108 during operation.

[0209] In some embodiments, the sealing portion 2108 includes a lower surface 2114 formed on the cylindrical surface of the collection unit 2102 when the sealing portion 2108 is in the closed position. Fig.21A and Fig.21D In such an embodiment, the filtered liquid exits the collection unit 2102 through a filter medium (not shown) surrounding the circumference of the collection unit 2102. In other embodiments, the lower surface 2114 of the sealing portion 2108 may not form a cylindrical surface of the collection unit 2102, such that there is a separation between the collection unit 2102 and the lower surface 2114. In such an embodiment, the face of the collection unit 2102 closest to the lower surface 2114 may include a filter medium or may include a solid surface.

[0210] In operation, an inlet fluid flow 126 of fluid to be filtered enters the system 2100 at the inlet 214. As described above, the fluid is filtered by the conical spiral coil 112 and the collection unit 2102. The filtered liquid 102, which passes through the filter media 142 (not shown) of the conical spiral coil 112 or the filter media 172 (also not shown) of the collection unit 2102, exits the housing 2104 at the outlet opening 218. The filtered particles are generally collected in the collection unit 2102 because the operation of the conical spiral coil 112 facilitates the flow of the filtered particles into the collection unit 2102.

[0211] although Fig.21D The closure mechanism 2110 is shown in a closed position, but it should be understood that typically during operation the closure mechanism 2110 will be fully closed.

[0212] In some embodiments, when the exemplary system 2100 is connected to a source of liquid to be filtered (e.g., a washing machine discharge line), the sealing portion 2108 can be oriented vertically above the narrower end of the conical spiral coil 112. This configuration can provide certain advantages previously unknown in the art. For example, when the sealing portion 2108 is in an open position to facilitate access to the collection unit 2102 or the conical spiral coil 112, because the opening 2112 is located above any remaining liquid, any remaining fluid in the system 2100 will not leak. Therefore, even when there is liquid in the system 2100, this configuration also provides maintenance and cleaning. The easy accessibility provided by the sealing portion 2108 and the opening 2112 also allows the conical spiral coil 112 and the collection unit 2102 to operate as a reusable filtering device, for example, for filtering microplastics discharged from a washing machine, because the filtering device can be easily accessed to remove the filtered particles from the device, and then the filtering device is closed to provide filtering in subsequent operations.

[0213] To facilitate cleaning, replacement or maintenance of the collection unit 2102, in some embodiments, the collection unit 2102 can be detachably connected to the conical spiral coil 112. When the sealing portion 2108 is in the open position, the user can separate the collection unit 2102 from the conical spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, for example, in the case where the lower surface 2114 of the sealing portion 2108 forms the face of the collection unit 2102, opening the sealing portion 2108 can provide direct access to clean and maintain the collection unit 2102 without removal. Therefore, in some embodiments, the collection unit 2102 can be connected or formed integrally with the conical spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, to facilitate cleaning, replacement or maintenance of the conical spiral coil 112, the conical spiral coil 112 can be detachably connected to the housing 2104 and can be separated or removed when the sealing portion 2108 is in the open position. The window 2106 can further promote reusability by allowing the user to determine whether the conical spiral coil 112 should be cleaned. In operation, the collection unit 2102 can be cleaned more frequently than the conical spiral coil 112 because the configuration of the conical spiral coil 112 as described above promotes the flow of filtered particles into the collection unit 2102 (e.g., the particle collection unit 170), so that the filter screen of the conical spiral coil 112 remains relatively clean and, over time, the filter screen has a slower accumulation rate of filtered particles than the collection unit 2102.

[0214] The filtration devices, systems, and methods described herein are particularly useful for filtering particles from fluids having high flow rates or high flow velocities. For example, a high flow rate can be a flow rate greater than about 50 cm / sec at the first opening 122. Prior art filters are unable to efficiently filter particles, especially smaller particles or microsolids, at such high flow rates and flow rates because the smaller particles or microsolids can develop back pressure, turbulence that causes backflow or blockage, which can cause filter damage or failure. The filtration devices, systems, and methods described herein overcome these shortcomings by promoting the formation of vortices 136 along the particle path 138 and cross-filtration across the filter medium 142 while allowing filtered particles to exit via the second opening 124. The filtration device can perform this operation at high flow rates and high flow rates, for example, in a washing machine discharge, which can have a flow rate greater than 600 cm / sec. 3 / s or 950cm 3 / s flow rate and flow rate greater than 90 cm / s or 140 cm / s. Filter devices, systems and methods provide efficient filtering operation with reduced particle accumulation, thereby allowing for continuous or continuous use at high flow rates, such as greater than 50 cm / s, greater than 60 cm / s, greater than 70 cm / s and greater than 80 cm / s, greater than 90 cm / s, greater than 100 cm / s, greater than 110 cm / s, greater than 120 cm / s, greater than 130 cm / s, greater than 140 cm / s, greater than 150 cm / s, greater than 160 cm / s, greater than 170 cm / s or greater than 180 cm / s, thereby allowing them to be used in high flow applications without the disadvantages of other filters. Similarly, filters, systems and methods can provide efficient filtering operation at high flow rates with reduced particle accumulation, such as greater than 200 cm / s. 3 / s, greater than 250cm 3 / s, greater than 300cm 3 / s, greater than 350cm 3 / s, greater than 400cm 3 / s, greater than 450cm 3 / s, greater than 500cm 3 / s, greater than 550cm 3 / s, greater than 600cm 3 / s, greater than 650cm 3 / s, greater than 700cm 3 / s, greater than 750cm 3 / s, greater than 800cm 3 / s, greater than 850cm 3 / s, greater than 900cm 3 / s, greater than 950cm 3 / s, greater than 1000cm3 / s, greater than 1050cm 3 / s, greater than 1100cm 3 / s, greater than 1150cm 3 / s or greater than 1200cm 3 The invention provides a filter device, system and method for filtering a liquid or liquid with a flow rate of 1 / 200 μm / s, thereby allowing them to be used in high flow applications without the disadvantages of other filters. These high flow rates and high flow rates are associated with high flow discharges, such as washing machine discharges. Therefore, the filtering devices, systems and methods described herein meet an unmet need in the art.

[0215] Fig.11 2 shows an exemplary flow chart of a method 300 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method 300 may involve using the system 200 with a washing machine 310. Fig.11 As shown, at step 312, the water with suspended particles exits the washing machine 310 and enters the system 200 at step 314. The filtered water exits the system 200 as indicated by arrow 316 and then continues to the clean water discharge at step 318. At step 322, particles such as microplastic particles are filtered out of the water and removed from the system 200 as collected microplastics as indicated by arrow 320. At step 324, the particles are transported, and at step 326 the particles are disposed of.

[0216] Fig.12 An exemplary diagram showing an embodiment of a method 300 for using the system 200 and an operating configuration of a washing machine in which the system 200 is external to the washing machine.

[0217] Fig.13 An exemplary flow chart of a method 400 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Method 400 may be similar to method 300, except that system 200 is disposed inside a washing machine. Fig.13 The process can be similar to Fig.11 , except that the system 200 is located inside the washing machine housing, such as Fig.14 shown.

[0218] In some embodiments, the particle collection member can be configured to be removed from the housing so that the fluid is retained in the enclosure. Allowing the fluid to remain in the enclosure while removing the particle collection member will encourage the operator to frequently check and clean the particle collection member. For example, the operator can remove the particle collection member and discard the captured particles and residues without worrying about fluid overflow. In some embodiments, the system components can be oriented in a manner that allows the fluid to be discharged from the particle collection member before or during the removal of the particle collection member. However, in operation, the system can keep the conical spiral coil of the filter completely immersed in the fluid, thereby efficiently generating eddy currents. A drainage mechanism can be provided to remove fluid from the enclosure where the particle collection member is located. In some embodiments, the particle collection member can be arranged at a position relatively high relative to gravity. In some embodiments, the removal direction of the particle collection member can be opposite to the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the particle collection member may not be removed, but instead may have a slide-out or hinged portion to approach the collection area.

[0219] In some embodiments, a scraping mechanism may be provided that is configured to clean the conical spiral coil or the filter medium. Although the conical spiral coil may be configured to be self-cleaning, the scraping mechanism may further clean the conical spiral coil and the filter medium. The scraping mechanism may dislodge certain particles or other foreign matter that may be outside the effective target filtration range. The scraping mechanism may be configured to operate periodically or based on feedback from a sensor.

[0220] The scraping mechanism can be located inside the conical spiral coil. The scraping mechanism can be powered by the fluid flow through the filter. The scraping mechanism can include fins that rotate using the momentum of the fluid flow flowing through the filter. The scraping mechanism can be operated by an external power source (e.g., manually), or can also be operated autonomously according to the application, size or other parameters of the filter. The scraping mechanism can be integrated with the housing. The scraping mechanism can move along the path of the ribs and can be used to clean the ribs and the filter medium. The scraping mechanism can be assembled between the turns of the conical spiral coil. The scraping mechanism can be configured to operate based on feedback received from the filter. The scraping mechanism can be operated based on a schedule, for example, cleaning the conical spiral coil and the filter medium after 5, 10 or 15 loads of clothing or any number of loads. The scraping mechanism can be operated based on measured parameters of the fluid flow through the filter (e.g., pressure drop and system maintenance) or any feedback received via a sensor. The measured pressure drop can indicate the accumulation of particles, indicating that the filter should be cleaned to improve the filtering performance.

[0221] In some embodiments, a conical spiral coil with the following parameters can be provided. Rib width 127 can be configured to be within a range between about 0.025 inches and about 120 inches. Rib height 128 can be configured to be within a range between about 0.025 inches and about 24 inches. Spiral height 130 can be configured to be within a range between about 0.025 inches and about 500 inches. Spiral outer diameter can be configured to a value varying between about 0.025 inches and about 200 inches. Spiral pitch 134 can be configured to be between about 0.025 inches and about 120 inches. In some embodiments, the spiral parameters can be on a micrometer scale, for example, within a range between about 1 micrometer and about 50,000 micrometers.

[0222] In some embodiments, the rib angle θ may be measured as the angle between the axis 120 of the tapered helical coil 112 and the surface of the rib 118 in the direction of the second opening 124, as Fig.15 As shown. In some embodiments, the rib angle θ can be an angle in the range of 10 degrees to 170 degrees and can be used for different fluid filtration applications. In some embodiments, the rib angle θ can be in the range of about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 90 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 105 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees, about 75 degrees to about 105 degrees, about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, or about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees. As Figure 5A As shown, in some embodiments, the rib angle θ can be approximately 90 degrees.

[0223] In some embodiments, fins, blades or vanes may be applied along the outside of the housing in a configuration that uses the momentum of filtered or unfiltered water to cause the filter to rotate in a direction opposite to the tapered direction of the conical spiral coil 112. For example, if the spiral sweep is clockwise from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124, the fins, blades or vanes will cause the filter to rotate counterclockwise. In some embodiments, the filter rotation can allow the filtered particles to move faster toward the second opening 124 by creating a spiral effect. In various embodiments, parameters such as filter speed, fin angle and all spiral variables can be adjusted according to the application. Such an embodiment can provide advantages in certain applications, for example, as described above, where both the inlet and outlet are close to the first opening 122, so that the flow of the filtered fluid outside the filter system 100 is opposite to the inlet flow direction 126. Using fins, blades or blades to create rotation can also be beneficial in other applications, such as solid waste filtration, "drag" operations, such as pulling the filter system 100 through a body of fluid such as a body of water.

[0224] The parameters of the tapered spiral coil can vary depending on the application. For example, the tapered spiral coil can be composed of segments with multiple pitches or varying pitches, causing the step width along the coil to increase or decrease.

[0225] Test results

[0226] Microplastics are thought to cause a myriad of diseases, infections, and adverse bodily reactions. The largest proportion of these microplastics originate directly from the outlet of household washing machines. Countries around the world are aware of the problem of microplastics. The first test method was designed to assess whether filters comply with the most stringent existing or proposed legislation (e.g., the UK House of Commons' Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill) and was adapted from the method described in Imogen Napper et al., "Effects of devices designed to reduce the release of microfibres during the washing of clothes," Science of the Total Environment 738 (2020) (available at https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / j.scitotenv.2020.140412) ("Napper"). Napper's paper applied similar testing and found that the highest microplastic reduction for existing filters was about 78% by mass, which was insufficient to meet industry targets. Therefore, there is a need for an improved filtration device that meets the complex requirements of high filtration efficiency, high flow rate, high flow velocity, resistance to particle accumulation, and ease of cleaning.

[0227] The quantitative method was used to evaluate the performance of the exemplary filter. In some embodiments, the test method was customized to evaluate the efficiency of a microplastic filter for use with a washing machine. Such a method also represents other filtering conditions.

[0228] Example 1: Fabric Method

[0229] The first test method is used to evaluate the efficiency of microplastic filters for washing machines. The first method can be applied to filters that are either internal or external to the washing machine. The specifications for the first test method can include the following.

[0230] The first test method describes a procedure for determining the efficiency of a filter by mass when applied to washing machine wastewater. The method can be applied to all variations of wash cycles. The filtration can be specified based on the desired application, which may be specified, for example, by legislation, regulations or other rules specifying a level of accuracy, for example, filtration to 10 μm and other parameters.

[0231] In the first pilot test method, a standard washing machine pumps wastewater through the filtration device being tested. The filtration device outputs the filtered wastewater into a transfer station which pumps the filter effluent through a 10μm filter which is used to determine the amount of microplastics removed from the wastewater. The results of the first pilot test method may include a measure of the efficiency of the microplastic filtration applied to the washing machine. The first pilot test method uses mass to represent the amount of particulate matter captured by the filtration device. A 10μm post filter is used, but other specifications may be used based on the accuracy required.

[0232] like Fig.18 As shown, a first test device 800 can be prepared. The test device can be constructed from various components and assembled along the direction shown. These components may include:

[0233] Washing machine 802 - Any standard household washing machine, whether top loading or front loading, can be used. To compare one filter to another, the same washing machine can be used. In a first exemplary method, an LG model ACQ89947217 top loading washing machine is used. The flow rate of the drain water for the LG model ACQ89947217 washing machine is 15 gallons per minute (about 947 cm 3 / s), where the discharge flow rate is about 140 cm / s.

[0234] Pressure transducer (not shown)—necessary accuracy of 0 to 200 kPa.

[0235] Test Device 804—The filter to be evaluated during testing, as described below.

[0236] Transfer Station 806 - To collect emissions from the test apparatus 804. A twenty gallon can was used with a pipe connection made with 3 / 4 inch threads on the bottom side.

[0237] Pump (not shown) - A centrifugal pump to facilitate passage of effluent from transfer station 806 through a 10 μm filter 808 specified at a maximum flow rate of 18.95 LPM.

[0238] 10 μm filter 808 - post filter to capture any particles that pass through the test device 804, which can be used to calculate the efficiency of the test device 804. A reverse osmosis membrane filter is used as the 10 μm post filter.

[0239] Outlet 810—discharge from 10 μm filter 808 .

[0240] Scale (not shown) - This method uses a weighing scale with an accuracy of up to 0.0001 g.

[0241] To prepare the test equipment, the transfer station was sterilized to remove any particles or residues from previous tests. The 10 μm post filter housing was sterilized to remove any particles or residues from previous tests. After every 3 to 5 tests, each sensor was calibrated.

[0242] The first pilot test method was performed using the following steps. The filter to be evaluated and the 10 μm filter were placed in a dehydrator at 40°C until a constant weight was measured. "Constant weight" in this method is indicated by three weight measurements with an interval of one hour between each measurement, resulting in a deviation of ±0.002 g or less for the three measurements. The humidity of the dehydrator was recorded at each measurement. The initial weight of each filter to be evaluated and the 10 μm filter was considered to be the average of the final three weight values ​​for each filter.

[0243] like Fig.18 As shown, the filter to be evaluated 804 is connected to the drain line of the washing machine 802, which drains into the inlet side of the filter to be evaluated. The drain line of the filter to be evaluated is introduced into the transfer station 806, and a centrifugal pump (not shown) pumps the filtered water to the 10μm filter 808.

[0244] Eight towels containing synthetic fibers (5 kg weight) were placed in the drum of a washing machine. A normal wash cycle was selected and recorded. The wash cycle began and the drainage from the washing machine passed through the filter to be evaluated and into the transfer station. The drainage flow from the washing machine was 15 gpm (about 947 cm 3 / s), with a discharge flow rate of about 140 cm / s, which is introduced into the inlet side of the filter to be evaluated. From the transfer station, the water will flow through a centrifugal pump and a 10 μm post-filter.

[0245] After running the washing machine, remove the filter to be evaluated and place it in a dehydrator at 40°C. Remove the 10 μm post-filter and place it in a dehydrator at 40°C. Leave the filters in the dehydrator until a constant weight is measured for each filter. When a constant weight is determined for each filter, the final weight for each filter is the average of the final three weight values.

[0246] The filtration efficiency percentage of the filter to be evaluated is calculated as follows:

[0247]

[0248] Among them, C1 is the weight of the filter to be evaluated before the test (unit: gram), C2 is the weight of the filter to be evaluated after the test (unit: gram), M1 is the weight of the 10μm post-filter before the test, and M2 is the weight of the 10μm post-filter after the test.

[0249] Use as FIG. 16A to FIG. 16B The filtration device shown, wherein the filter to be evaluated ("Test Filter 1") comprises: a conical spiral coil having one rib and an outer diameter of 2.5 inches at the inlet (first opening) side; an inner diameter such that the rib substantially includes the radius of the spiral coil at the outlet (second opening) side of the conical spiral coil (i.e., the rib includes the entire radius of the coil at the second opening, as shown in FIG. 1 ); Fig. 16B as shown, wherein the particle flow path of the conical spiral coil is fed into the collection unit); a helix angle of 11.5 degrees; a pitch of 0.75 inches; a rib width of 0.375 inches; a rib thickness of 0.1875 inches; a rib angle of 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular to the inlet flow direction); the number of turns of the conical spiral coil from the first opening (inlet side) to the second opening (outlet side) is 4.5 turns; and a rake reduction ratio β / α of 3.68. The filter media mesh size of the test filter 1 is a stainless steel mesh of 30 μm. The outlet (second opening) side of the conical spiral coil includes a cylindrical collection unit, which is surrounded by the same mesh as the coil. The fabric tested was 5 kg of cotton towels containing synthetic fibers and normal soiling. The wash cycle was a deep fill high speed spin under warm water. The average output efficiency obtained after 3 measurements was 90.16% of the microplastics removed by the filter under evaluation, which was within the range of +3% and -1% (i.e., the efficiency range was 89.16% to 93.16%).

[0250] Thus, the test filter 1 in Example 1 has a measured microplastic filtration efficiency that is significantly better than the 78% microplastic filtration efficiency of the highest rated microplastic filter described in the Napper paper using the comparative method. Thus, the test filter 1 in Example 1 has a measured microplastic filtration efficiency that is between 10% and 15% higher than the most efficient microplastic filter known to date.

[0251] Thus, unlike existing filters, the filter described herein has significantly improved filtration efficiency and performance, capable of meeting the stringent requirements of microplastic regulations, including filtering greater than 90% of microplastics by mass when filtered to 10 microns when measured using the method of Example 1. Notably, this filtration rate was achieved with a filter media with a mesh size of 30 μm, which is significantly greater than the filtered size of 10 μm. Thus, the results demonstrate that Test Filter 1 has the ability to filter smaller particle sizes (e.g., microplastics) with the aid of larger filter media pore sizes.

[0252] Embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein provide improved filtration of particles from fluids. For example, when measured using the method of Example 1, the filters and filter systems described herein efficiently filter more than 90% of the filtered microparticles (e.g., microplastics) from washing machine wastewater by mass. In particular, when measured using the method of Example 1, when reaching 10 microns after filtration, the filters and filter systems described herein efficiently filter more than 90% of the filtered microparticles (e.g., microplastics) by mass. When measured using the method of Example 1, when reaching 10 microns after filtration, some embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein efficiently filter more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, or 98% or 99% of the filtered microparticles (e.g., microplastics) by mass. As such, the filters and filtration systems described herein also efficiently filter greater than 60%, greater than 65%, greater than 70%, greater than 75%, greater than 80%, greater than 85%, greater than 87%, greater than 88% and greater than 89% of the filtered particulate matter (e.g., microplastics) from washing machine wastewater by mass, including microplastics, when filtered to 10 microns using the method of this Example 1.

[0253] Example 2: Flocking method

[0254] The second test method is used to evaluate the performance of microplastic filters for use in filtration systems using flocked fibers (e.g., washing machines or other wastewater systems). The specifications for the second test method may include the following.

[0255] The second test method describes a procedure for determining filter performance by mass when commercially available flocking fibers are used. Filtration can be specified based on the desired application, which would be dictated, for example, by legislation, regulation, or other rules specifying accuracy levels, e.g., filtration to 10 μm and other parameters.

[0256] exist Fig.19In the second experimental test method shown, a pump is used to move water containing microplastic nylon flocking fibers from a first storage tank through a filter device being tested. The filter device outputs the filtered water into a second storage tank, where the water is pumped through a 10μm filter, which is used to determine the amount of fiber. The results of the second experimental test method can include a measurement of the efficiency of microplastic filtration (for example, for a washing machine). The second experimental test method uses mass to represent the amount of particulate matter captured by the filter device. A 10μm post filter is used, but other specifications can be used based on the desired accuracy.

[0257] like Fig.19 As shown, a second test device 900 can be prepared. The test device can be constructed from various components and assembled along the direction shown. These components may include:

[0258] Faucet 902 is a standard faucet.

[0259] The 1 μm filter 906 is a polypropylene meltblown filter manufactured by Aquaboon, part number B01M1LB29B, and is used to filter water from the tap 902 into the tank 908.

[0260] The test equipment / filter 904 to be evaluated consisted of the following:

[0261] "Test Filter 2" - The filter to be evaluated during the test is similar to the one in Fig.16A and Fig. 16C The filter shown in FIG. 1 includes: a conical spiral coil having one rib and an outer diameter of 2.5 inches at the inlet (first opening) side. The rib has a rib width of 0.60 inches, a rib thickness of 0.1875 inches, a rib angle of 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular to the inlet flow direction), a pitch of 0.75 inches, a rake reduction ratio β / α of 3.69, and a number of turns of the conical spiral coil from the inlet side to the outlet side of 4.5 turns. The inner diameter of the rib at the outlet side (second opening) substantially includes the radius of the conical spiral coil (i.e., the rib includes the entire radius of the coil at the second opening, as shown in FIG. 1 ). Fig. 16BAs shown, where the particle flow path of the conical spiral coil feeds into the collection unit). The helix angle of the conical spiral coil is 11.5 degrees. The filter media mesh of filter 905 is a GKD mesh with a pore measurement of 20μm. The outlet side (second opening) of the conical spiral coil includes a cylindrical collection unit, which is surrounded by the same mesh as the coil. The collection unit has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 2.0 inches and a height of 2.0 inches; the inlet diameter between the conical spiral coil and one face of the collection unit is about 1.23 inches. The circumference of the collection unit and the face of the conical spiral coil opposite to the inlet of the collection unit are closed by a GKD mesh with a pore measurement of 20μm that is the same as the circumference of the conical spiral coil.

[0262] · "Dead-end filter" - traditional dead-end filter, such as Fig.23A As shown, it has a GKD mesh (not shown) with a pore size of 20 μm arranged perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0263] · "Cross-flow filter" - a conical cross-flow filter, e.g. Fig. 23B As shown, it has the same first opening diameter as test filter 2, and a GKD mesh (not shown) with a pore size of 20 μm in the shape of a circle around the conical portion of the cone.

[0264] · "Eddy current cross flow filter" - a conical eddy current cross flow filter, such as Fig.23C As shown,

[0265] It had three decreasing concentric rings within a cone and had the same first opening diameter as Test Filter 2 and a GKD mesh (not shown) with a pore size of 20 μm around the conical portion of the cone. The aspect ratio of the rib width to the height between ribs for the vortex crossflow filter was 3.69.

[0266] Flocking fiber 905 is a commercially available black nylon flocking fiber manufactured by Donjer as part number 716-Black.

[0267] Storage tanks 908 and 912 are 20 gallon tanks manufactured by Aqueon, part number 170925.

[0268] 10 μm filter 916 - A post filter used to capture any particles that pass through the test device 904 and is a polypropylene meltblown filter manufactured by Membrane Solutions, part number MPP-F10-10. The 10 μm filter 916 is housed in a pressure relief filter housing manufactured by Pentair Industries, part number B003VT7ERY.

[0269] Pump 910 and pump 914 are commercially available washing machine drain pumps manufactured by Whirlpool Corp., part number BPX401-27, operating at 80 watts and 1.5 amps.

[0270] The discharge portion 918 is a waste water discharge portion.

[0271] The tubing between components was clear vinyl tubing with an inside diameter of 1.0 inch.

[0272] Scale (not shown)—Use a weighing scale with an accuracy of up to 0.0001 g.

[0273] These components such as Fig.19 Assembled as shown.

[0274] To prepare the test equipment, tank 908 and tank 912 were cleaned to remove any particulate matter or residue from previous tests. The 10 μm post filter 916 housing was cleaned to remove any particulate matter or residue from previous tests. After every 3 to 5 tests, each sensor was calibrated.

[0275] The second experimental test method is performed using the following steps. The filter 904 to be evaluated and the 10μm filter 916 are placed in a dehydrator at 40°C until a constant weight is measured. The "constant weight" in this method is indicated by three weight measurements, with an interval of one hour between each measurement, resulting in a deviation of ±0.02g or less in the three measurements. The humidity of the dehydrator is recorded at each measurement. The initial weight of each of the filter 904 to be evaluated, the 1μm filter 906, and the 10μm filter 916 is considered to be the weight of each filter after the three constant weights are measured.

[0276] Weigh two pieces of aluminum foil with a width of 12 inches, and record the weight. Weigh a piece of 10 micron filter paper, and record the weight. Weigh 0.5 g ± 0.02 g of flocking fiber 905, and record the weight.

[0277] Fill the tank 908 with 3.5 gallons of water from the tap 902, filtered through a 1 μm filter 906. Add a pre-weighed 0.5 g of flocking fibers 905 to the water in the tank 908.

[0278] The fiber-water mixture was pumped from tank 908 through filter 904 to be evaluated to tank 912 using pump 901. The flow rate was measured to be 10.0 gallons per minute, with a flow velocity of approximately 124 centimeters per second.

[0279] The process of weighing 0.5 g ± 0.02 g of flocking fibers 905, adding the flocking fibers to 3.5 gallons of water in tank 908, and pumping the fiber-water mixture through the filter 905 to be evaluated into tank 912 is repeated nine more times (a total of ten filtration process tests).

[0280] The tank 908 was then rinsed with water from tap 902, which was filtered through a 1 μm filter 906 and pumped through the filter to be evaluated 904 to ensure that all flocking fibers had been filtered through the filter to be evaluated 904 into the tank 912. This rinse was performed three times.

[0281] The water from tank 912 is then pumped into drain 918 by pump 914 and through 10 μm filter 916. Tank 912 is rinsed and the water is pumped through 10 μm filter 916 three times using pump 914 to ensure that all flocking fibers 905 that passed through the device 904 to be evaluated have been pushed through the device.

[0282] A 10 micron filter containing flocking fibers 905 that passed through the filter to be evaluated 904 was placed on a piece of aluminum foil. The filter housing was then washed through a 10 micron filter paper to remove any remaining flocking fibers from the housing, and the filter paper was placed on the aluminum foil.

[0283] The 10 micron filter on the aluminum foil and the filter paper were then dried at 95 degrees Fahrenheit until a constant weight was measured.

[0284] The percent efficiency of microplastic filtration by the filter 904 to be evaluated is then calculated using the following equation:

[0285]

[0286] Among them, Δm 10 The mass gain corresponding to the 10 μm filter and filter paper is measured as Δm 10 =m 10最终 -m 10初始 , and m 植绒 Corresponding to the total mass of microplastic flocking fibers 905 introduced into the system, it is measured as:

[0287]

[0288] Among them, m i Corresponds to the mass of microplastic flocking fibers for each trial i out of the 10 trials.

[0289] The amount of microplastics collected by the collection unit versus the amount of microplastics retained in the conical spiral coil in the filter 904 to be evaluated was also determined. The amount of collected microplastics in the collection unit of the filter 904 to be evaluated was determined by removing the filter 904 to be evaluated from the housing and separating the collection unit from the conical spiral coil of the filter 904 to be evaluated. The collection unit and conical spiral coil were dried at 90 degrees Fahrenheit until a constant weight was measured and the weight was recorded. The percentage of microplastics collected in the collection unit was calculated by the following equation:

[0290]

[0291] Among them, Δm cc corresponds to the mass change of the collection unit, as measured by subtracting the initial mass of the collection unit before filtration from the final mass after filtration, m CC最终 -m CC初始 , and Δm SL corresponds to the mass change of the conical spiral coil based on the collected microplastics, which is measured as the final mass of the conical spiral coil after filtration minus the initial mass of the conical spiral coil before filtration, m SL最终 -m SL初始 .

[0292] The flocking fiber filtration efficiency according to Example 2 is shown in Table 1 below:

[0293]

[0294] The percentage of fibers collected in the collection unit by Test Filter 2 is shown in Table 2 below:

[0295]

[0296] As shown in Table 1, test filter 2 collected more than 99% of flocking fibers in the wastewater system, and the flocking fibers simulated microplastics. Test filter 2 also presents the lowest standard deviation of the four filters being tested. Although other filters being tested also present flocking fiber efficiency up to 99%, as shown by Example 2, the test filter design also has the ability to achieve high efficiency with the help of larger filter mesh pore size. However, because the smaller pore size limits the flow through the filter, only having a smaller pore size does not allow this filter to be used in applications such as washing machines or other high flow or high flow rate applications, so 99% of the filtration efficiency can be expected from the mesh size of the dead end, cross flow and eddy current cross flow filter being tested. Therefore, the mesh size does not indicate the ability of the filter to provide acceptable filtering operations. For example, as discussed in Example 3, because the flow immediately drops to zero cm / sec and gallons / minute, both flow failure and pressure failure are caused, so the dead end filter cannot achieve any functional operation. Similarly, despite having similarly sized cones, the crossflow and eddy flow crossflow filters also failed after significantly fewer tests, as explained in Example 3, but with the same cone dimensions as Test Filter 2.

[0297] Test Filter 2 showed exemplary performance compared to the other filters, but had the added benefit that, by the design of the filter, at least 75% of the filtered microplastics were delivered to the collection unit, and on average, over 80% of the filtered microplastics were delivered to the collection unit. Facilitating delivery of filtered microplastics / particles to the collection unit has several advantages not previously known in the art. First, especially given the complexity required to clean a conical spiral coil, collecting the filtered particles into the collection unit makes the device easier to clean. For example, FIG. 22A to FIG. 22D Cleaning of the collection unit is further facilitated by the design shown, which allows easy access to the collection unit, thereby simplifying the process of maintenance and cleaning. Secondly, facilitating the delivery of filtered microplastics / particles to the collection unit prevents filtered particles from accumulating in the conical spiral coil, thereby extending the time between cleanings, because the filter media of the conical spiral coil remains relatively clean and is therefore able to continue filtering liquid.

[0298] Further advantages of the test filter 2 are discussed below with reference to Example 3.

[0299] Embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein provide improved filtration of particles from fluids. For example, when measured using the method of Example 2, the filters and filter systems described herein efficiently filter more than 90% of the filtered microparticles (e.g., microplastics) from washing machine wastewater by mass. In particular, when measured using the method of Example 2, when reaching 10 microns after filtration, the filters and filter systems described herein efficiently filter more than 90% of the filtered microparticles (e.g., microplastics) by mass. When measured using the method of Example 2, when reaching 10 microns after filtration, some embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein efficiently filter more than 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, or 98% or 99% of the filtered microparticles (e.g., microplastics) by mass. As such, the filters and filtration systems described herein also efficiently filter greater than 60%, greater than 65%, greater than 70%, greater than 75%, greater than 80%, greater than 85%, greater than 87%, greater than 88% and greater than 89% by mass of filtered particulate matter (e.g., microplastics) from washing machine wastewater when measured using the method of Example 2, when filtered to 10 microns.

[0300] Similarly, embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein provide improved filtration of microparticles from a fluid by promoting the passage of filtered particles from the conical spiral coil to a collection unit. For example, when measured using the method of Example 2, some embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein efficiently promote greater than 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or 95% of the filtered microparticles (e.g., microplastics) transported from the conical spiral coil to the collection unit by mass when reaching 10 microns after filtration.

[0301] Example 3: Simulated Load Cycle Tolerance Method

[0302] The third test method is used to evaluate the number of simulated filtration cycles, e.g., washing machine loading cycles, that a given microplastic filter can withstand before significant backpressure or pressure buildup develops behind the filter such that the pressure affects the performance of the filter, washing machine, or pump. Microplastics in washing machines and filtration cycles are measured using flocked fibers. Specifications for the third test method may include the following.

[0303] The third test method describes a procedure for quantitatively determining the tolerance of a filter for repeated filtration cycles, for example, filtering wastewater from a washing machine loading cycle when using commercially available flocking fibers.

[0304] exist Fig. 20 In the third experimental test method shown, a pump is used to force filtered water containing microplastic flocking fibers from a storage tank through the filter device being tested. The pressure sensor measures the pressure buildup behind the filter device to be tested, while the flow sensor measures the flow at the outlet of the filter being tested (e.g., at the outlet opening 218). The results of the third experimental test method will correspond to a representative measurement of the number of washing machine loads, which is the number of times a particular filter can withstand before the filtered material begins to affect the filter, washing machine and pump performance (causing a pressure buildup or a reduction in flow throughput behind the filter being tested).

[0305] like Fig. 20 As shown, a third test device 1000 can be prepared. The test device can be constructed from various components and assembled along the direction shown. These components may include:

[0306] The faucet 1002, the 1 μm filter 1006, the filter to be tested (test device) 1004, the flocking fibers 1005, the pump 1010, and the drain 1018 are respectively described in Example 2 for the faucet 902, the 1 μm filter 906, the filter to be tested (test device) 904, the flocking fibers 905, the pump 910, and the drain 918. The pipes between the connections are vinyl tubes having an inner diameter of 1.0 inches, as discussed in Example 2.

[0307] Fabric softener 1007 is a commercially available Ultra Fabric softener with fragrance enhancer and breeze fresh scent.

[0308] Current sensor 1012 is a Poniie PN portable miniature current sensor to monitor power consumption.

[0309] Pressure sensor 1014 is a digital pressure gauge sensor manufactured by SSI Technologies and has the part number MG1-Ga-9V-R.

[0310] Flow sensor 1016 is a turbine flow meter manufactured by Bonvoisin, part number Roy-7.

[0311] To simulate a wash cycle, first, 0.405 g ± 0.02 g of flocking fibers 1005 are weighed and the weight is recorded. Next, 35 g ± 0.50 g of fabric softener 1007 are weighed and the weight is recorded. Fabric softener 1007 is added to better simulate the effect of actual clothing on the behavior of the filter being tested. Then, fill tank 1008 with 3.5 gallons of water from faucet 1002 filtered through 1 μm filter 1006. The measured weight of flocking fibers 1005 and the weight of fabric softener 1007 are added to tank 1008. An additional 3.5 gallons of water from faucet 1002 filtered through 1 μm filter 1006 is added to tank 1008, bringing the total amount of water in tank 1008 to 7.0 gallons, which is the total amount of water in tank 1008. Typical amount of water in a washing machine loading cycle. The solution is thoroughly mixed via agitation. The water-flocking-softener solution is pumped through the filter to be tested 1004 via pump 1010 and via pressure sensor 1014. The filtered liquid leaves the filter to be tested 1004 through flow sensor 1016 and enters drain 1018. The flow rate (gallons per minute or gpm) at flow sensor 1016, the pressure buildup (psi) behind the filter being tested at pressure sensor 1014, and the current (amperes, measured by current sensor 1012) at pump 1010 are measured and recorded at 15 second intervals.

[0312] Once all of the water-flocking-softener solution is removed by pump 1010, the simulated wash loading cycle is complete. The simulated wash loading cycle is repeated until the pressure buildup behind the filter being tested at pressure sensor 1014 is measured to be 3.4 psi or greater. 3.4 psi is selected as the Pressure buildup at which the washing machine signals a flow fault. The results are recorded and considered the load cycle tolerance. After the pressure value of 3.4 psi is determined, additional load cycles are performed until the flow through the flow sensor 1016 is 0.0 cm / sec, at which point a zero flow error or flow fault is determined.

[0313] Table 3 below shows the loading times both to achieve a pressure build-up of 3.4 psi behind the filter being tested and until the flow through the filter was 0.0 gallons per minute for each of the dead end filter, cross flow filter, vortex cross flow filter and test filter.

[0314] Table 3:

[0315]

[0316] It is clear from the results of Example 2 that the performance of the test filter 2 is significantly better than the performance of any of the other dead-end filters, cross-flow filters, and eddy-flow cross-flow filters being tested. Test filter 2 shows that the number of loadings leading to pressure failure and flow failure increased by 300% and 333%, respectively, compared to both the cross-flow filter and the eddy-flow cross-flow filter. As compared to the dead-end filter that failed before completing even one loading cycle, test filter 2 shows significant improvement in the number of loadings for both pressure failure and flow failure. Even as compared to the cross-flow filter and the eddy-flow cross-flow filter, test filter 2 completed 8 cycles to pressure failure and 13 cycles to flow failure, while the cross-flow filter and the eddy-flow cross-flow filter only completed 2 cycles to pressure failure and 3 cycles to flow failure, respectively.

[0317] FIG. 22A to FIG. 22G The results of the load cycle tolerance test, flow rate, flow rate and pressure of the test method described in this Example 3 are shown. FIG. 22A to FIG. 22G In the figures, the “dead end” result refers to the dead end filter under test, the “cross flow” result refers to the cross flow filter under test, the “eddy flow cross flow” result refers to the “eddy flow cross flow filter” under test, and the “CLEANR” result refers to the test filter 2 under test.

[0318] Fig.22A The flow rate measured at flow sensor 1016 is shown over time across each simulated wash loading cycle. Fig. 22B Flow data before measuring flow failure (flow rate of 0.0 gpm) versus the number of simulated loading cycles is shown. Fig. 22B The values ​​plotted in are those determined at the end of each wash loading cycle. Fig. 22C The flow rate over time for each wash load cycle at each load is shown for Test Filter 2.

[0319] Fig.22A The flow data in show that Test Filter 2 provided a longer, more continuous flow, indicating less plugging and longer life than the dead end, cross flow, and vortex cross flow filters tested. Fig.22A and Fig. 22CA larger flow particle size is shown, which shows that Test Filter 2 has an improved flow rate compared to the flow rates of the other filters tested. While all filters showed a generally decreasing flow rate over time in the early loading counts, Test Filter 2 showed an increasing flow rate over time in each of these loadings from 7 to 13 loadings, suggesting that the design of Test Filter 2 improves overall flow even though filtered particles accumulate in the conical spiral coils and collection unit. The vortices generated in the design of the conical spiral coils improve filtration and flow. In particular, the vortices generated by the configuration of Test Filter 2 can resuspend the collected particles on the conical spiral coils, thereby opening the net for improved flow and improving filter efficiency and life. This improved flow rate can also be due to the dual filtration properties of Test Filter 2, in which the filtered liquid can leave the filter through either the conical spiral coils or the collection unit because both contain filter media.

[0320] Fig.22D The flow rate measured at flow sensor 1016 is shown, which is the flow rate of filtered liquid through each filter being tested. Fig.22D It is shown that the flow rate through test filter 2 remains significantly higher over time compared to all other tested filters. In particular, Fig.22D As shown, until after the fifth loading, the flow rate through the test filter 2 did not drop below 50 cm / sec, while each of the other tested filters had a flow rate that dropped to below 50 cm / sec after one loading or zero loading. The flow rate data confirms that the test filter 2 shows improved performance at high flow rates and maintains the high flow rate required for washing machine applications significantly longer than the other tested filters. In particular, the test filter 2 maintains a flow rate of 50 cm / sec or more for five times as long as any one of the other tested filters (after 400% more loadings). The test filter 2 also operates with more than four times the number of loadings (13 loadings vs. 3 loadings, or a 333% increase in the number of loadings) of both the cross-flow filter and the eddy cross-flow filter tested before the flow failure was measured. The filters of the other tests cannot function efficiently at high flow rates. Therefore, the filters of the other tests cannot be repeatedly used to filter particles, such as microplastics, in high flow applications.

[0321] Fig.22E shows the pressure buildup behind the filter being tested as measured over time at pressure sensor 1014 to determine a pressure fault, while Fig.22F The same pressure buildup behind the filter being tested is shown measured at pressure sensor 1014 for each load completion until a flow failure is determined. Fig.22FThe values ​​shown are the pressures at the end of the loading cycle. Figure 22G The pressure buildup behind the test filter 2 as measured over time at the pressure sensor 1014 for each loading is shown.

[0322] like FIG. 22E to FIG. 22G As shown, Test Filter 2 shows significantly less pressure buildup over time and repeated use than the other tested filters. Test Filter 2 shows a significantly shallower slope for pressure buildup when measured against number of loads. Similar to flow, while all filters show pressure buildup over the first few loads, after five loads, Test Filter 2 shows decreasing pressure buildup over time for each of loads six through thirteen. This decreasing pressure appears to correspond to Fig.22A and Fig. 22C The increase in flow rate shown in , confirms that the test filter 2 provides improved performance with better flow and less disturbance. Similarly, the life of the filter and the machine can be extended by this behavior without causing pressure failures, because the pressure decreases over time during each load after several loads. The design of the test filter 2 promotes the formation of vortices to maintain the filtered particles in suspension and promotes the filtered particles to move toward the second opening, where the filtered particles are collected by the collection unit. This design helps the filter media of the conical spiral coil to remain relatively free of particle accumulation, thereby extending the life of the filter before the flow rate and flow velocity decrease. The extended service life makes the design of the test filter 2 and other embodiments described herein superior to other filters, such as dead end, cross flow, conical cross flow and vortex cross flow filters.

[0323] Example 4: Polyester cotton and flocking efficiency test

[0324] The fourth experimental test method was used to evaluate filter efficiency. This example measured the efficiency of an embodiment of the filter of the present invention using the design of Experimental Filter 2, except that a 15 μm (stainless steel GKD mesh) was used, by determining the change in microplastic distribution between washing machine wastewater before filtration and washing machine wastewater after filtration.

[0325] The materials tested according to this example are polyester cotton and flocking fibers (consistent with Example 2). When samples of each of these materials are selected, the weight of the samples for each test is consistent, with each test being performed on two water samples to determine the change in microplastic distribution. The change in microplastic distribution is used to calculate the filtration efficiency of the filter device under test. The following steps will be taken for each individual test.

[0326] Perform the following cleaning procedures prior to testing:

[0327] Run 1 micron filtered water through the entire system for 20 minutes and clean the test equipment thoroughly with a lint-free wipe;

[0328] Between tests, run 1 micron pre-filtered water through the entire system for 5 minutes and flush the system with a lint-free wipe.

[0329] After running water through the system, manually blow any remaining water out of Tank 1 and into Tank 2;

[0330] Pour the filter of the present invention under test into tank 2;

[0331] - Manually blow any remaining water out of tank 2 into the pool.

[0332] Washing machine test:

[0333] Next, use a Whirlpool front load washing machine model #WFW5605MW and perform the following wash cycle:

[0334] The clothes tested had gone through 4 pre-wash cycles before passing through the filter of the present invention.

[0335] Before testing, put 2 of the total 6 washes through the system to filter out microplastics. Before testing, run a blank load (no clothes) through the washing machine, which means doing a full wash cycle without anything in the washing machine.

[0336] The water entering the washing machine is maintained at approximately 30℃±2℃.

[0337] • The garment was weighed to maintain a weight of approximately 1.4 kg ± 0.1 kg for each test.

[0338] After inserting the desired test garment material into the washing machine drum, select the following load settings on the Whirlpool washing machine:

[0339] Wash cycle: "Normal"

[0340] What to wash? "Gentle"

[0341] Low temperature (1 / 5)

[0342] Speed ​​(3 / 5) ~ 1000RPM

[0343] Dirt (1 / 3): “Light”

[0344] The sewage of the washing machine is discharged into the first tank with a cover (both the first tank and the second tank include covers).

[0345] Flocking test :

[0346] To test flocked materials, perform the following procedure:

[0347] • Fill Tank 1 with 3.5 gallons of pre-filtered water (1 μm).

[0348] • Add approximately 0.5 g ± 0.002 g of flocking fibers to Tank 1. Wash the flocking disc three times with pre-filtered water to remove any remaining flocking material.

[0349] - Fill tank 1 until a total of 7 gallons of water has entered the tank, using the flowing water to incorporate the flocking into the water (no stirring rod required).

[0350] Immediately following the above-mentioned washing step, the following sampling procedure was performed, which consisted of collecting a first sample, followed by a "pass-through-filter" procedure to collect a second sample.

[0351] sampling :

[0352] Wash the stirring rod with filtered water.

[0353] Wipe the outside of the sample bottle with a lint-free cloth.

[0354] Stir the water in the jar with a stirring stick, making sure the end of the label does not enter the water.

[0355] While the water is moving, the sample bottle is completely immersed in the water sample.

[0356] • Once the bottle is completely filled, the sample bottle is retrieved.

[0357] By filter :

[0358] • In this procedure, the water in tank 1 is pumped into tank 2 through the filter of the invention under test.

[0359] Push the remaining water from tank 1 into tank 2.

[0360] Characterization and Quantification of Fibers in Wastewater

[0361] The detection of released fibers in the effluent of the washing machine was performed using dynamic image analysis technology, which is referred to as the "Hohenstein dynamic image analysis data". The technology used to generate this data in this article was developed by J. Haap et al. in the article "Microplastic Fibers Released by Textile Laundry: A New Analytical Approach for the Determination of Fibers in Effluents" ( Water 2019, 11, 2088; doi: 10.3390 / w11102088), which is incorporated herein by reference for its teachings related to this technology.

[0362] Table 4 below shows the efficiency of an embodiment of a vortex cross-flow filter as described herein, showing a removal rate of nearly 91% by weight of polyester wool particles, which is a reliable indicator of microplastic filtration.

[0363]

[0364] It is clear from the results of Example 4 that the test filter of the present invention is very efficient in removing small particles, such as polyester wool particles, from the fluid. FIG. 24A to FIG. 24D A graphical representation of the results in Table 4 is shown with respect to the efficiency of removing polyester wool particles.

[0365] Fig.24A and Fig. 24B The results of the efficiency test obtained by dynamic image analysis of the filter of the present invention under test in Example 4 by determining the change in microplastic distribution (measured in the number of polyester cotton particles) between the washing machine wastewater before filtration and the washing machine wastewater after filtration, respectively, are shown. Fig.24C and Fig.24D The results of the efficiency test on the filter of the present invention under the same test as in Example 4 are shown by determining the change in microplastic distribution (in terms of the weight of polyester cotton particles) between the washing machine wastewater before filtration and the washing machine wastewater after filtration, respectively.

[0366] Table 5 below shows the efficiency of a vortex crossflow filter as described herein, showing an average removal rate of flock particles of over 99% by weight.

[0367]

[0368] It is further clear from the results of Example 4 that the test filter of the present invention removes flocking particles very efficiently. FIG. 25A to FIG. 25D Shown is a graphical representation of the results presented in Table 4 regarding the efficiency of removing polyester wool particles.

[0369] Fig.25A and Fig.25B The results of the efficiency test on the filter of the present invention under test in Example 4 are shown by determining the change in microplastic distribution (in terms of the number of flocking particles) between the washing machine wastewater before filtration and the washing machine wastewater after filtration, respectively. Fig.25C and Fig.25D The results of an efficiency test on the same filter according to the invention are shown by determining the change in the microplastic distribution (based on the weight of flocking particles) between the washing machine wastewater before filtration and the washing machine wastewater after filtration, respectively.

[0370] Consistent with the results for Test Filter 1 in Example 1, these data show that the measured microplastic filtration efficiency is significantly better than the 78% microplastic filtration rate of the highest-grade microplastic filter described in the Napper paper. The measured microplastic filtration efficiency of the test filter in Example 4 is at least 12% higher than the most efficient currently known microplastic filter.

[0371] Thus, unlike existing filters, the filters described herein have significantly improved filtration efficiency and performance that are able to meet the stringent requirements of microplastics legislation, including filtering greater than 90% of microplastics by mass.

[0372] The apparatus, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can be beneficially used in filtration applications where the material being filtered forms a "filter cake" (e.g., an accumulation of particles) on the filter media, which results in an increased pressure drop across the filter media. The filtration systems of some embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce pressure drop, allowing for reduced filter cleaning and higher filter flow rates while reducing the risk of problems such as overflow or equipment damage. Applications include microplastic filtration, whole house filters, gray water filters, boat filters, chemical process filtration, water filters, plastic resin filtration for recycling purposes, and the like.

[0373] As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "or" includes all possible combinations of elements, except those that are not feasible. For example, if a component is specified to include X or Y, then, unless expressly stated otherwise or not feasible, the component may include X, or Y, or X and Y. As a second example, if a component is specified to include X, Y, or Z, then, unless expressly stated otherwise or not feasible, the component may include X, or Y, or Z, or X and Y, or X and Z, or Y and Z, or X and Y and Z. In addition, the phrases "one of X and Y" or "one of X or Y" should each be interpreted in the broadest sense to include one of X, or one of Y, or one of X and one of Y.

[0374] The block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functions and operations of possible implementation schemes of systems, methods and computer hardware / software products according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each square block in the schematic diagram can represent certain arithmetic or logic operations that can be implemented using hardware such as electronic circuits or electronic control units. A square block can also represent a part of a module, segment or code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. The controller can be programmed to execute such instructions. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the functions indicated in the square blocks will appear in the order shown in the figure. For example, depending on the functions involved, two square blocks shown in succession can be performed or implemented substantially simultaneously, or two square blocks can sometimes be performed in reverse order. Some square blocks can also be omitted.

[0375] It should also be understood that each box of the block diagram and the combination of boxes can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions. It will be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the exact configuration described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, although examples have been discussed in the context of microplastic filtration, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to other forms of substance delivery.

Claims

1. A filtering device, include: a first opening and a second opening; as well as A vortex filter for receiving a fluid extending away from the first opening toward the second opening, the vortex filter being configured to generate a vortex in the received fluid entering the vortex filter via the first opening, and the vortex filter being configured so that the filtered fluid exits a side of the vortex filter through a filter medium surrounding at least a portion of a circumference of the vortex filter between the first opening and the second opening, wherein the filtered material exits the vortex filter substantially at the second opening.

2. The filtering device according to claim 1, in, The eddy current filter includes at least one rib that continuously extends from the first opening to the second opening.

3. The filtering device according to claim 2, in, The at least one rib forms a flow path configured to direct filtered particles suspended in the vortex along the flow path to the second opening.

4. The filtering device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, in, The flow path is substantially continuous from the first opening to the second opening.

5. The filtering device according to any one of claims 3 or 4, in, The flow path is configured to not inhibit filtered material from flowing along the flow path toward the second opening.

6. The filtering device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in, The at least one rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening at a decreasing radius.

7. The filtering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The first opening has a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening.

8. The filtering device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The eddy current filter includes a conical coil.

9. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The filter media includes a porous material configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter media. 10 . The filtration device according to claim 1 , further comprising a collecting unit disposed at the second opening, the collecting unit being configured to collect solids filtered from the fluid.

11. The filtering device according to claim 10, in, The collecting unit comprises a removable collecting unit configured to be fastened to the filtering device via a fastening mechanism.

12. The filtering device according to any one of claims 10 or 11, in, The collecting unit comprises a dead-end filter, and the dead-end filter comprises: a collection unit filter medium configured to capture solids filtered from the fluid; and A collection cell outlet is configured to allow the fluid to flow therethrough.

13. The filter device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, in, The collecting unit is a second-stage filtering device.

14. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 0.1 and 10.0, inclusive.

15. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 1.0 and 10.0, inclusive.

16. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive.

17. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive.

18. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

19. The filter device according to any one of claims 2 to 18, in, The eddy current filter is configured such that: The at least one rib has a rib width, The at least one rib has a rib height, The taper has a slot height between adjacent turns of the at least one rib, The eddy current filter has a spiral height, The eddy current filter has a helical pitch, and The slot height, rib width, rib height, spiral height and spiral pitch are configured to create a rib overlap amount configured to generate a vortex along a particle flow path to direct particles to be filtered from the fluid along the ribs toward the second opening.

20. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, in, The vortex filter is configured to provide a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

21. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, in, The eddy current filter has a variable pitch.

22. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, in, The fluid is a liquid.

23. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, in, The fluid is a gas.

24. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, in, The fluid comprises a washing machine discharge fluid or a biological fluid.

25. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a housing, in, The filter medium is integrated into the housing.

26. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a housing configured to accommodate the vortex filter, in, The filter medium is secured between the housing and the vortex filter.

27. The filter device of any one of claims 1 to 26, further comprising a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter media.

28. The filtration device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising: include: an enclosure comprising an inlet opening configured to direct the fluid to the first opening and an outlet opening configured to direct the filtered fluid out of the enclosure; as well as A particle collection member is configured to collect particles filtered from the fluid, the particle collection member being removable from the enclosure.

29. The filtering device according to claim 28, in, The particle collection member is configured to be removable from the enclosure such that the fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection member is removed.

30. The filter device of any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising a scraping mechanism configured to clean the vortex filter and the filter medium.

31. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 30, in, The filter device is configured to filter exhaust fluid from a washing machine.

32. The filtering device according to claim 31, in, The filtration device is configured to filter microplastics from the discharge fluid.

33. The filtering device according to claim 32, in, The filtration device is configured to filter at least 75% of the microplastics from the discharge fluid after the washing machine completes four or more loads of laundry.

34. A method for filtering solids from a fluid, include: allowing a fluid to flow from a first opening to a second opening along a filter device including a vortex filter, the vortex filter including at least one rib; generating a vortex in the fluid along the at least one rib, the fluid flowing along the first rib in a particle flow path from the first opening to the second opening; as well as Particulates are filtered from the fluid by flowing the fluid through a filter media surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter.

35. The method according to claim 34, in, The particle flow path guides filtered particles along the ribs toward the second opening.

36. The method according to any one of claims 34 or 35, in, The particle flow path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening.

37. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 36, in, The particle flow path is configured not to inhibit particles from flowing along the particle flow path toward the second opening.

38. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 37, in, The at least one rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening at a decreasing radius.

39. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 38, in, The first opening has a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening.

40. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 39, in, The eddy current filter includes a conical coil.

41. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 40, in, The filter media includes a porous material configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter media.

42. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 41, further comprising collecting the filtered particles in a collecting unit arranged at the second opening.

43. The method according to claim 42, in, The collecting unit includes a removable collecting unit configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism.

44. The method according to any one of claims 42 or 43, in, The collection unit is also configured to allow filtered fluid to flow therethrough.

45. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 44, in, The collection unit includes a dead-end filter including another filter medium configured to capture solids filtered from the fluid.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 42 to 44, in, The collection unit includes a second-stage filtering device.

47. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 46, in, The collection unit collects at least 70% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

48. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 47, in, The collection unit collects at least 75% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

49. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 48, in, The collection unit collects at least 80% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

50. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 49, in, The collection unit collects at least 85% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

51. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 50, in, The collection unit collects at least 90% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

52. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 51, in, The collection unit collects at least 91% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

53. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 52, in, The collection unit collects at least 92% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

54. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 53, in, The collection unit collects at least 93% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

55. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 54, in, The collection unit collects at least 94% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

56. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 55, in, The collection unit collects at least 95% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

57. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 56, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 0.1 and 10.0, inclusive.

58. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 57, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 1.0 and 10.0, inclusive.

59. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 58, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive.

60. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 59, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive.

61. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 60, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

62. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 61, in, The step of filtering particles from the fluid by flowing the fluid through the filter media around at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

63. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 62, in, The eddy current filter has a variable pitch.

64. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 63, in, The fluid is a liquid.

65. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 63, in, The fluid is a gas.

66. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 65, in, The fluid includes washing machine discharge fluid.

67. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 66, in, The filter media is secured to the vortex filter by a housing.

68. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 67, in, The vortex filter includes a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter media.

69. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 68, further comprising: include: enclosing the filter device in a housing, the housing comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening being configured to direct the fluid to the first opening, the outlet opening being configured to direct the filtered fluid out of the housing; as well as The filtered particles are collected in a particle collection unit.

70. The method according to claim 69, in, The particle collection unit is configured to be removable from the enclosure such that fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection unit is removed.

71. The method of any one of claims 34 to 70, further comprising cleaning the vortex filter and the filter media using a scraping mechanism.

72. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 71, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 50 cm / sec.

73. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 72, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 70 cm / sec.

74. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 73, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 90 cm / sec.

75. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 74, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 120 cm / sec.

76. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 75, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 140 cm / sec.

77. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 76, in, The solids include microplastics, and when measured using the method of Example 1, the filtration filters greater than 80% of the microplastics by mass when reaching 10 microns after filtration.

78. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 77, in, The solids include microplastics, and when measured using the method of Example 1, the filtration filters greater than 85% of the microplastics by mass when filtered to 10 microns.

79. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 78, in, The solids include microplastics, and when measured using the method of Example 1, the filtration filters greater than 90% of the microplastics by mass when filtered to 10 microns.

80. A method for filtering particles from a liquid, include: providing the liquid at a first opening of a filter device comprising a vortex filter; generating a vortex in the vortex filter via ribs, the ribs having a reduced inner cross-section through which the fluid flows; providing a flow path along the rib for directing particles suspended in the vortex toward a second opening of the filter device; as well as The filtered fluid is filtered through a filter medium adjacent to the flow path.

81. The method according to claim 80, in, The flow path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening.

82. The method according to any one of claims 80 or 81, in, The flow path is configured not to inhibit particles from flowing along the flow path toward the second opening.

83. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 82, in, The rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening at a decreasing radius.

84. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 83, in, The first opening has a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening.

85. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 84, in, The eddy flow filter has a spiral configuration.

86. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 85, in, The filter media includes a porous material configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter media.

87. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 86, further comprising collecting the filtered particles in a collecting unit arranged at the second opening.

88. The method according to claim 87, in, The collecting unit includes a removable collecting unit configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism.

89. The method of any one of claims 87 or 88, wherein the collection unit is further configured to allow filtered fluid to flow therethrough.

90. The method according to any one of claims 87 to 89, in, The collection unit includes a dead-end filter including another filter medium configured to capture solids filtered from the fluid.

91. The method according to any one of claims 87 to 90, in, The collection unit includes a second-stage filtering device.

92. The method according to any one of claims 88 to 91, in, The collection unit collects at least 70% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

93. The method according to any one of claims 88 to 92, in, The collection unit collects at least 75% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

94. The method according to any one of claims 88 to 93, in, The collection unit collects at least 80% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

95. The method according to any one of claims 88 to 94, in, The collection unit collects at least 85% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

96. The method according to any one of claims 88 to 95, in, The collection unit collects at least 90% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

97. The method according to any one of claims 88 to 96, in, The collection unit collects at least 91% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

98. The method according to any one of claims 88 to 97, in, The collection unit collects at least 92% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

99. The method according to any one of claims 88 to 98, in, The collection unit collects at least 93% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

100. The method according to any one of claims 88 to 99, in, The collection unit collects at least 94% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

101. The method according to any one of claims 88 to 100, in, The collection unit collects at least 95% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

102. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 85, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 0.1 and 10.0, inclusive.

103. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 85, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 0.1 and 10.0, inclusive.

104. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 85, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive.

105. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 85, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive.

106. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 85, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

107. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 85, in, The step of filtering particles from the fluid by flowing the fluid through the filter media around at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

108. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 85, in, The eddy current filter has a variable pitch.

109. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 108, in, The fluid is a liquid.

110. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 108, in, The fluid is a gas.

111. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 108, in, The fluid includes washing machine discharge fluid.

112. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 111, in, The filter media is secured to the vortex filter by a housing.

113. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 112, in, The vortex filter includes a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter media.

114. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 113, further comprising: include: enclosing the filter device in a housing, the housing comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening being configured to direct the fluid to the first opening, the outlet opening being configured to direct the filtered fluid out of the housing; as well as The filtered particles are collected in a particle collection unit.

115. The method according to claim 114, in, The particle collection unit is configured to be removable from the enclosure such that fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection unit is removed.

116. The method of any one of claims 80 to 115, further comprising cleaning the vortex filter and the filter media using a scraping mechanism.

117. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 116, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 50 cm / sec.

118. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 117, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 70 cm / sec.

119. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 118, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 90 cm / sec.

120. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 118, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 120 cm / sec.

121. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 118, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 140 cm / sec.

122. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 121, in, The solids include microplastics, and when measured using the method of Example 1, the filtration filters greater than 80% of the microplastics by mass when reaching 10 microns after filtration.

123. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 121, in, The solids include microplastics, and when measured using the method of Example 1, the filtration filters greater than 85% of the microplastics by mass when filtered to 10 microns.

124. The method according to any one of claims 80 to 121, in, The solids include microplastics, and when measured using the method of Example 1, the filtration filters greater than 90% of the microplastics by mass when filtered to 10 microns.

125. A filtering device, include: an eddy current filter comprising a first opening, a second opening, a rib, and a cross-flow filtration region between the first opening and the second opening; a conical spiral coil having an internal rake reduction ratio β / α in the range between 0.1 and 10, inclusive; wherein the vortex filter is configured to generate a vortex in a fluid entering the vortex filter through the first opening, and the vortex filter is configured to allow the filtered fluid to exit through the filter medium of the cross-flow filter area, and Wherein, the eddy current filter is configured such that filtered particles substantially leave the eddy current filter at the second opening.

126. The filtering device according to claim 125, in, The rib extends continuously from the first opening to the second opening.

127. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 or 126, in, The ribs form a flow path configured to guide filtered particles suspended in the vortex along the flow path to the second opening.

128. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 127, in, The flow path is substantially continuous from the first opening to the second opening.

129. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 128, in, The flow path is configured not to inhibit particles from flowing along the flow path toward the second opening.

130. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 129, in, The rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening at a decreasing radius.

131. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 130, in, The first opening has a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening.

132. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 131, in, The eddy current filter includes a conical coil.

133. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 132, in, The filter media includes a porous material configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter media.

134. The filtration device according to any one of claims 125 to 133, further comprising a collecting unit arranged at the second opening, the collecting unit being configured to collect solids filtered from the fluid.

135. The filtering device according to claim 134, in, The collecting unit comprises a removable collecting unit configured to be fastened to the filtering device via a fastening mechanism.

136. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 135, in, The collecting unit comprises a dead-end filter, and the dead-end filter comprises: another filter medium configured to capture solids filtered from the fluid; and A collection cell outlet is configured to allow the fluid to flow therethrough.

137. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 136, in, The collecting unit is a second-stage filtering device.

138. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 137, in, The collection unit collects at least 70% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

139. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 137, in, The collection unit collects at least 75% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

140. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 137, in, The collection unit is configured to collect at least 80% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

141. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 137, in, The collection unit is configured to collect at least 85% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

142. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 137, in, The collection unit is configured to collect at least 90% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

143. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 137, in, The collection unit is configured to collect at least 91% of solids filtered from the fluid.

144. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 137, in, The collection unit is configured to collect at least 92% of solids filtered from the fluid.

145. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 137, in, The collection unit is configured to collect at least 93% of solids filtered from the fluid.

146. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 137, in, The collection unit is configured to collect at least 94% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

147. The filtering device according to any one of claims 134 to 137, in, The collection unit is configured to collect at least 95% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

148. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 147, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α is within a range between approximately 1.0 and 10.0, inclusive.

149. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 147, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α is within a range between approximately 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive.

150. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 147, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α is within a range between approximately 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive.

151. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 147, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α is within a range between approximately 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

152. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 147, in, The eddy current filter is configured such that: The rib has a rib width, The rib has a rib height, The eddy current filter has a slot height between adjacent turns of the rib, The eddy current filter has a spiral height, The eddy current filter has a helical pitch, and The slot height, rib width, rib height, spiral height and spiral pitch are configured to create a rib overlap amount configured to generate the vortex to direct particles to be filtered from the fluid along the ribs toward the second opening.

153. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 152, in, The vortex filter is configured to provide a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

154. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 153, in, The eddy current filter has a variable pitch.

155. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 153, in, The fluid is a liquid.

156. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 153, in, The fluid is a gas.

157. The filtering device according to any one of claims 125 to 153, in, The fluid includes washing machine discharge fluid.

158. The filter device according to any one of claims 125 to 153, further comprising a housing, in, The filter medium is integrated into the housing.

159. The filter device according to any one of claims 125 to 158, further comprising a housing configured to accommodate the vortex filter, in, The filter medium is secured between the housing and the vortex filter.

160. The filter device of any one of claims 125 to 159, further comprising a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter media.

161. The filtration device according to any one of claims 125 to 159, further comprising: include: an enclosure comprising an inlet opening configured to direct the fluid to the first opening and an outlet opening configured to direct the filtered fluid out of the enclosure; as well as A particle collection member is configured to collect particles filtered from the fluid, the particle collection member being removable from the enclosure.

162. The filtering device according to claim 161, in, The particle collection member is configured to be removable from the enclosure such that the fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection member is removed.

163. The filtering device of any one of claims 125 to 162, further comprising a scraping mechanism configured to clean the vortex filter and the filter medium.

164. A method for filtering particles from a fluid, include: Providing an eddy flow filter, the eddy flow filter comprising a first opening, a second opening, a rib, and a cross-flow filtration region between the first opening and the second opening; providing a fluid at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 50 cm / sec, the fluid comprising particles to be filtered from the fluid; generating a vortex in the fluid in a particle filter path in the cross-flow filter region along the rib in a direction from the first opening to the second opening; filtering the particles from the fluid along the particle filtration path by flowing the fluid through a filter medium surrounding at least a portion of a circumference of the vortex filter; as well as Filtered particles from the eddy flow filter are removed at the second opening.

165. The method according to claim 164, in, The particle filtering path guides filtered particles along the rib toward the second opening.

166. The method according to any one of claims 164 or 165, in, The particle filtration path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening.

167. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 166, in, The particle filter path is configured not to inhibit particles from flowing along the particle filter path toward the second opening.

168. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 167, in, The rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening at a decreasing radius.

169. The method according to any one of claims 167 or 168, in, The first opening has a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening.

170. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 169, in, The eddy current filter includes a conical coil.

171. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 170, in, The filter media includes a porous material configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter media.

172. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 171, further comprising collecting the filtered particles in a collection unit arranged at the second opening.

173. The method according to claim 172, in, The collecting unit includes a removable collecting unit configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism.

174. The method according to any one of claims 172 or 173, in, The collection unit is also configured to allow filtered fluid to flow therethrough.

175. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 174, in, The collection unit includes a dead-end filter including another filter medium configured to capture solids filtered from the fluid.

176. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 175, in, The collection unit includes a second-stage filtering device.

177. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 176, in, The collection unit collects at least 70% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

178. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 176, in, The collection unit collects at least 75% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

179. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 176, in, The collection unit collects at least 80% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

180. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 176, in, The collection unit collects at least 85% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

181. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 176, in, The collection unit collects at least 90% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

182. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 176, in, The collection unit collects at least 91% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

183. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 176, in, The collection unit collects at least 92% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

184. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 176, in, The collection unit collects at least 93% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

185. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 176, in, The collection unit collects at least 94% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

186. The method according to any one of claims 172 to 176, in, The collection unit collects at least 95% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

187. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 186, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 0.1 and 10.0, inclusive.

188. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 186, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 1.0 and 10.0, inclusive.

189. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 186, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive.

190. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 186, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive.

191. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 186, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

192. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 186, in, The step of filtering particles from the fluid by flowing the fluid through the filter media around at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

193. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 186, in, The eddy current filter has a variable pitch.

194. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 186, in, The fluid is a liquid.

195. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 186, in, The fluid is a gas.

196. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 186, in, The fluid includes washing machine discharge fluid.

197. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 186, in, The filter media is secured to the vortex filter by a housing.

198. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 197, in, The vortex filter includes a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter media.

199. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 198, further comprising: include: enclosing the filter device in a housing, the housing comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening being configured to direct the fluid to the first opening, the outlet opening being configured to direct the filtered fluid out of the housing; as well as The filtered particles are collected in a particle collection unit.

200. The method according to claim 199, in, The particle collection unit is configured to be removed from the enclosure such that fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection unit is removed.

201. The method of any one of claims 164 to 200, further comprising cleaning the vortex filter and the filter media using a scraping mechanism.

202. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 201, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 70 cm / sec.

203. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 201, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 90 cm / sec.

204. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 201, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 120 cm / sec.

205. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 201, further comprising: include: The fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 140 cm / sec.

206. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 201, in, The solids include microplastics, and when measured using the method of Example 1, the filtration filters greater than 80% of the microplastics by mass when reaching 10 microns after filtration.

207. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 201, in, The solids include microplastics, and when measured using the method of Example 1, the filtration filters greater than 85% of the microplastics by mass when filtered to 10 microns.

208. The method according to any one of claims 164 to 201, in, The solids include microplastics, and when measured using the method of Example 1, the filtration filters greater than 90% of the microplastics by mass when filtered to 10 microns.

209. A method for filtering microplastics from a washing machine discharge fluid, include: providing the washing machine discharge fluid at a first opening of an eddy flow filter of a filter device, the conical spiral coil including a rib having a decreasing inner radius between the first opening and a second opening of the eddy flow filter; generating a vortex in the washing machine discharge fluid along the rib along a particle filtering path in a direction from the first opening to the second opening; filtering microplastics from the washing machine discharge fluid along the particle filtration path by flowing the washing machine discharge fluid through a filter media surrounding at least a portion of a circumference of the vortex filter; as well as removing filtered microplastics from the vortex filter at the second opening, Wherein, when measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 2, when reaching 10 microns after filtration, the filtering of the microplastics filters out more than 80% of the microplastics by mass.

210. The method according to claim 209, in, When measured using the method of Example 1, the filtration filtered out greater than 85% of the microplastics by mass when reaching 10 microns after filtration.

211. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 210, in, When measured using the method of Example 1, the filtration filtered out greater than 90% of the microplastics by mass when reaching 10 microns after filtration.

212. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 211, in, The particle filtration path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening.

213. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 212, in, The particle filtration path is configured not to inhibit microplastics from flowing along the particle filtration path toward the second opening.

214. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 213, in, The rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening at a decreasing radius.

215. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 214, in, The first opening has a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening.

216. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 215, in, The eddy current filter includes a conical coil.

217. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 216, in, The filter media includes a porous material configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter media.

218. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 216 further comprises collecting the filtered microplastics in a collection unit arranged at the second opening.

219. The method according to claim 218, in, The collecting unit includes a removable collecting unit configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism.

220. The method according to any one of claims 218 or 219, in, The collection unit is also configured to allow filtered washing machine drain fluid to flow therethrough.

221. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 220, in, The collection unit includes a dead end filter including another filter media configured to capture solids filtered from the washing machine discharge fluid.

222. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 220, in, The collection unit includes a second-stage filtering device.

223. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The collection unit collects at least 70% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

224. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The collection unit collects at least 75% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

225. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The collection unit collects at least 80% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

226. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The collection unit collects at least 85% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

227. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The collection unit collects at least 90% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

228. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The collection unit collects at least 91% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

229. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The collection unit collects at least 92% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

230. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The collection unit collects at least 93% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

231. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The collection unit collects at least 94% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

232. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The collection unit collects at least 95% of the solids filtered from the fluid.

233. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 0.1 and 10.0, inclusive.

234. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 1.0 and 10.0, inclusive.

235. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 1.0 and 6.0, inclusive.

236. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 2.0 and 5.0, inclusive.

237. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The rake reduction ratio β / α of the eddy current filter is in the range between approximately 3.0 and 4.0, inclusive.

238. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The step of filtering the microplastics from the washing machine discharge fluid by flowing the washing machine discharge fluid through the filter media around at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

239. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The eddy current filter has a variable pitch.

240. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The filter media is secured to the vortex filter by a housing.

241. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, in, The vortex filter includes a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter media.

242. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 222, further comprising: include: enclosing the filter device in a housing, the housing comprising an inlet opening configured to direct the washing machine drain fluid to the first opening and an outlet opening configured to direct filtered washing machine drain fluid out of the housing; as well as The filtered microplastics are collected in a particle collection unit.

243. The method according to claim 242, in, The particle collection unit is configured to be removable from the enclosure so that washing machine exhaust fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection unit is removed.

244. The method of any one of claims 209 to 243, further comprising cleaning the vortex filter and the filter media using a scraping mechanism.

245. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 243, further comprising: include: The washing machine drain fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 50 cm / sec.

246. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 243, further comprising: include: The washing machine drain fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 70 cm / sec.

247. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 243, further comprising: include: The washing machine drain fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 90 cm / sec.

248. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 243, further comprising: include: The washing machine drain fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 120 cm / sec.

249. The method according to any one of claims 209 to 243, further comprising: include: The washing machine drain fluid is provided at the first opening at a flow rate greater than 140 cm / sec.

250. A controller, include: processor; as well as a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory to: determining a parameter of fluid flow through the filter; and A scraping mechanism of the filter is operated based on the parameter.

251. A filtration device according to any one of claims 1-33 or 125-163, in, The eddy current filter includes a conical coil.

252. The filtering device according to claim 251, in, The conical coil is substantially conical in shape.

253. The filtering device according to claim 251 or 252, in, The conical coil comprises a conical spiral coil.

254. A filtration device according to any one of claims 1-33 or 125-163, in, The vortex filter includes one or more pressure regulating mechanisms.

255. The filtering device according to claim 254, in, The one or more pressure regulating mechanisms include at least one pressure regulating hole extending from an inner diameter of the vortex filter to an outer diameter of the vortex filter.

256. The filtering device according to claim 255, in, The diameter of the at least one pressure regulating hole and the number of the at least one pressure regulating hole are sufficient to relieve back pressure within the filtration system by diverting pressure away from the inlet.

257. The filtering device according to claim 255, in, The diameter of the at least one pressure regulating hole is within the range between 0.03 inches and 0.10 inches, inclusive.

258. The filtering device according to claim 255, in, The number of the pressure adjustment holes is within the range between 5 and 15 inclusive.

259. The filtering device according to claim 255, in, The pressure regulating hole includes at least one pressure release valve.

260. The filtration device according to any one of claims 256, in, The at least one pressure relief valve opens when the back pressure within the filtration system reaches a pressure in the range of 1 psi to 10 psi.

261. The filtering device according to any one of claims 260, in, The at least one pressure relief valve opens when the back pressure within the filtration system reaches a pressure within the range between 2 psi and 5 psi, inclusive.

262. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 124 or 164 to 249, in, The eddy current filter includes a conical coil.

263. The method according to claim 262, in, The conical coil has a conical helical configuration.

264. The method according to claim 262 or 263, in, The conical coil is substantially conical in shape.

265. The method according to any one of claims 262 to 264, in, The conical coil comprises a conical spiral coil.

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