Self-cleaning apparatus and method for continuous filtration of high viscosity fluids

Abstract

A method of continuously filtering contaminants from a contaminated viscous fluid may include pumping the contaminated viscous fluid between a non-perforated surface as a first cylinder and a second perforated surface as a second cylinder, the non-perforated surface and the second perforated surface are disposed substantially parallel to each other with a defined first gap; the second cylindrical body comprises one or more longitudinal fins protruding from the second cylindrical body toward the perforated surface of the first cylindrical body into the first gap, and the second cylindrical body comprises one or more longitudinal fins protruding from the second cylindrical body toward the perforated surface of the first cylindrical body into the second gap. A second gap is formed between the distal tip of the fin and the perforated surface, thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity, thereby creating a shear rate in the contaminated viscous fluid near the perforated surface in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for continuously filtering contaminants from viscous fluids, and more particularly to self-cleaning devices thereof. Background Art

[0002] Current equipment for filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid such as a molten polymer material having contaminants typically includes a filter element having a plurality of apertures. The apertures are typically adapted to allow the viscous fluid to pass through and prevent contaminants from passing therethrough. During the filtering process, contaminants may accumulate on the face of the filter element and clog its apertures.

[0003] Some current devices include metal blades adapted to scrape the filter element, thereby cleaning the accumulated contaminants from the orifice. However, such scraping of the filter element by the metal blade may damage the filter element, and thus the blade and / or the filter element require frequent replacement thereof. Some other current devices apply a backflow of the filtered viscous fluid, thereby removing the contaminants that clog the orifice and cleaning the filter element. However, this results in a waste of the already filtered viscous fluid and / or requires an interruption of the filtering process.

[0004] Therefore, there is a long felt need for a self-cleaning apparatus for continuous filtration of viscous fluids. Summary of the invention

[0005] One aspect of the present invention may provide a method for continuously filtering contaminants from a contaminated viscous fluid, the method may include: pumping the contaminated viscous fluid between a non-perforated surface and a perforated surface, the non-perforated surface and the perforated surface being arranged to be substantially parallel to each other with a defined first gap, thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a longitudinal direction along the gap; moving the non-perforated surface and the perforated surface relative to each other at a defined relative speed, thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a direction substantially parallel to the relative speed, thereby filtering contaminated viscous fluid in the vicinity of the perforated surface in a direction substantially parallel to the relative speed. The method further comprises: adjusting the relative velocity, the pressure, and the average shear rate at the second gap so that a layer of contaminated viscous fluid adjacent to the perforated surface is forced to flow through the perforated orifice of the perforated surface to the other side of the perforated surface, and contaminants having a size larger than the size of the perforated orifice are forced to flow in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity, wherein the relative velocity is directed tangentially to the surfaces of the first and second cylindrical bodies and perpendicularly to the second central longitudinal axis of the second cylindrical body and the first central longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method may also include: setting the relative velocity, pressure and average shear rate in the gap so that the average velocity of the contaminated viscous fluid in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity is at least 50 times the average velocity of the contaminated viscous fluid toward the perforated surface, while maintaining the flow of the viscous fluid adjacent to the perforated surface as substantially laminar and making the average shear rate in the gap at least 50 1 / s.

[0007] In some embodiments, the perforation apertures are slots each having a long dimension and a short dimension, and wherein the long dimension of the slot is aligned substantially perpendicular to the relative velocity and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body.

[0008] In some embodiments, the rotational speed of the second cylindrical body may be increased at a given rotational speed acceleration for a first period of time and then decelerated at a lower rate to a nominal rotational speed, thereby transiently increasing the removal of contaminants from the perforated surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method may include: removing contaminant particles accumulated on the perforated surface by increasing the pressure of the fluid of the filtered viscous fluid at the other side of the perforated surface during actual filtration of the contaminated viscous fluid, preferably to a level substantially the same as the pressure of the contaminated fluid at the side with the contaminated viscous fluid, and simultaneously maintaining the shear rate at the second gap by providing a pressurized jet of the fluid of the filtered viscous fluid toward the side with the contaminated viscous fluid during actual filtration of the contaminated viscous fluid.

[0010] In some embodiments, wherein the perforated surface comprises a plurality of grooves, wherein a depth of the grooves is less than a short dimension of the slots, and wherein at least one of the grooves spans at least one of the slots.

[0011] In some embodiments, perforation apertures are disposed along the circumference and length of the first cylindrical body along at least one longitudinal filter section.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first cylindrical body is disposed within the second cylindrical body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second cylindrical body is disposed within the first cylindrical body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the annular gap tapers along the common rotational axis by at least one of the first cylindrical body tapering along the first longitudinal center axis and the second cylindrical body tapering along the second longitudinal center axis such that the annular gap becomes smaller along the first longitudinal center axis.

[0015] In some embodiments, one of the first cylindrical body or the second cylindrical body comprises at least one section of a spirally-flighted fin disposed along the respective longitudinal center axis and downstream of the at least one longitudinal filter section, the spirally-flighted fin protruding into the annular gap.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention may provide an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid, the apparatus comprising: a first cylindrical body having a first longitudinal center axis and comprising at least one longitudinal filter section, the at least one longitudinal filter section comprising a plurality of orifices along its circumference; and a second cylindrical body having a second longitudinal center axis coinciding with the first longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body, wherein the first cylindrical body is adapted to overlap and rotate relative to the second cylindrical body so that an annular gap is formed between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body, wherein the annular gap is adapted to receive the viscous fluid, and wherein the second cylindrical body comprises one or more longitudinal fins, the one or more longitudinal fins protruding from the second cylindrical body toward a perforated surface of the first cylindrical body into the annular gap, thereby forming a second gap between the distal end of the fin and the perforated surface, the second gap being smaller than the annular gap.

[0017] In some embodiments, the device also includes a rotation assembly, which includes at least a rotation motor, which is connected to one of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body and is suitable for rotating one of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body at a controlled rotational speed, respectively; and a controller, which communicates with the rotation assembly, and the controller is configured to control the relative rotation between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body through the rotation assembly according to the controlled rotational speed.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first cylindrical body is disposed within the second cylindrical body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second cylindrical body is disposed within the first cylindrical body.

[0020] In some embodiments, the apertures are slots each having a long dimension and a short dimension, and wherein the long dimension of the slot is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal center axis of the first cylindrical body.

[0021] In some embodiments, the device further comprises one or more jet ports arranged on the other side of the perforated surface, the jet ports being adapted to provide a pressurized fluid jet of filtered viscous fluid from the other side of the perforated surface toward the side with the contaminated viscous fluid during actual filtering of the contaminated viscous fluid.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first cylindrical body further comprises a plurality of grooves along its circumference, wherein the depth of the grooves is less than the short dimension of the slot.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least one of the grooves spans at least one of the slots.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one longitudinal filter section is disposed a predetermined distance downstream of the first end of the first cylindrical body.

[0025] The annular gap tapers along the common axis of rotation by at least one of the first cylindrical body tapering along the first longitudinal center axis and the second cylindrical body tapering along the second longitudinal center axis such that the annular gap becomes smaller along the first longitudinal center axis.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first cylindrical body includes at least one section of a helically wound fin disposed along the first longitudinal center axis, the helically wound fin protruding into the annular gap.

[0027] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a washing assembly comprising: at least one washing jet comprising a plurality of spray holes / slots; and a washing pipe fluidly connected to the at least one washing jet and adapted to deliver a clean viscous fluid to the at least one washing jet, wherein the at least one washing jet is configured and dimensioned to extend along at least a portion of at least one longitudinal filter section of the first cylindrical body and adapted to spray the clean viscous fluid toward the rotating first cylindrical body from the clean viscous side of the rotating first cylindrical body through its orifice toward the other side of the rotating first cylindrical body.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention may provide an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid, the apparatus comprising: a first cylindrical body having a first longitudinal center axis and comprising at least one longitudinal filter section, the at least one longitudinal filter section comprising a plurality of orifices along its circumference; a second cylindrical body having a second longitudinal center axis coinciding with the first longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body, wherein the first cylindrical body is adapted to overlap and rotate relative to the second cylindrical body so that an annular gap is formed between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body, wherein the annular gap is adapted to receive the viscous fluid; at least one set of longitudinal fins disposed on the second cylindrical body at a position corresponding to the position of the at least one longitudinal filter section on the first cylindrical body, wherein the at least one set of longitudinal fins comprises at least one longitudinal fin protruding from the second cylindrical body into the annular gap and toward the first cylindrical body, the at least one longitudinal fin being aligned with the second longitudinal center axis and extending along at least a portion of the length of the at least one longitudinal filter section; and at least one section of a helically wound fin disposed along the first longitudinal center axis of the first cylindrical body and protruding into the annular gap.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention may provide an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid, the apparatus comprising: a first cylindrical body having a first longitudinal center axis and comprising at least one longitudinal filter section, the at least one longitudinal filter section comprising a plurality of openings along its circumference; and a second cylindrical body having a second longitudinal center axis coinciding with the first longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body, wherein the second cylindrical body is adapted to overlap and rotate relative to the first cylindrical body so as to form an annular gap between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body, wherein the annular gap is adapted to receive the viscous fluid.

[0030] In some embodiments, the device also includes a rotation assembly, which includes at least a rotation motor, which is connected to the second cylindrical body and is suitable for rotating the second cylindrical body at a predetermined rotational speed; and a controller, which communicates with the rotation assembly, and the controller is configured to control the rotation of the second cylindrical body through the rotation assembly according to the predetermined rotational speed.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first cylindrical body is disposed within the second cylindrical body.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second cylindrical body is disposed within the first cylindrical body.

[0033] In some embodiments, the apertures are slots each having a long dimension and a short dimension.

[0034] In some embodiments, the slot is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal center axis of the first cylindrical body along its long dimension.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first cylindrical body further comprises a plurality of grooves along its circumference, wherein the depth of the grooves is less than the short dimension of the slot.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least one of the grooves spans at least one of the slots.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least one longitudinal filter section is disposed a predetermined distance downstream of the first end of the first cylindrical body.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first cylindrical body tapers along the first longitudinal center axis such that the gap decreases along the first longitudinal center.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second cylindrical body tapers along the second longitudinal center such that the gap decreases along the second longitudinal center.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second cylindrical body includes at least one longitudinal fin, which protrudes from the second cylindrical body into the annular gap and toward the first cylindrical body, and the at least one longitudinal fin is aligned with the second longitudinal center axis and extends along at least a portion of the length of the at least one longitudinal filter section.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second cylindrical body includes at least one section of a helically wound fin disposed along the first longitudinal center axis.

[0042] Another aspect of the present invention may provide an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid, the apparatus comprising: a first cylindrical body having a first longitudinal center axis and comprising at least one longitudinal filter section, the at least one longitudinal filter section comprising a plurality of orifices along its circumference; a second cylindrical body having a second longitudinal center axis coinciding with the first longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body, wherein the second cylindrical body is adapted to overlap and rotate relative to the first cylindrical body so that an annular gap is formed between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body, wherein the annular gap is adapted to receive the viscous fluid; at least one set of longitudinal fins disposed on the second cylindrical body at a position corresponding to the position of the at least one longitudinal filter section on the first cylindrical body, wherein the at least one set of longitudinal fins comprises at least one longitudinal fin protruding from the second cylindrical body into the annular gap and toward the first cylindrical body, the at least one longitudinal fin being aligned with the second longitudinal center axis and extending along at least a portion of the length of the at least one longitudinal filter section; and at least one section of a helically wound fin disposed along the second longitudinal center axis of the second cylindrical body and protruding into the annular gap.

[0043] These, additional, and / or other aspects and / or advantages of the invention are set forth in the detailed description which follows; may be inferred from the detailed description; and / or may be learned by practice of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention and to show how they may be put into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent corresponding elements or sections throughout.

[0045] In the attached picture: Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D and Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 1F and Figure 1Gis a schematic diagram of more detailed aspects of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid according to some embodiments of the present invention, and further illustrates the operation of the apparatus; Figure 1H is a partial schematic diagram of a relative velocity component of a viscous fluid relative to an orifice on a first cylindrical body of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and comprising a first cylindrical body with a plurality of slots according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2D is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and comprising a first cylindrical body with a plurality of grooves according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3A and Figure 3B are schematic diagrams of various configurations of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and including at least one tapered cylindrical body according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and including one or more longitudinal fins according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and including one or more sections of a helically wound fin according to some embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and including one or more sets of longitudinal fins and one or more sections of helically coiled fins according to some embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and including a washing assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid including a fixed filter element according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 8C and Fig.8D is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid according to some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus comprising a fixed filter element and further comprising one or more longitudinal fins; Fig. 8E is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid according to some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus comprising a fixed filter element and further comprising one or more sections of a helically coiled fin; Fig.8F and Figure 8G is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid according to some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus comprising a fixed filter element and further comprising one or more sets of longitudinal fins and one or more sections of spirally wound fins; Figure 8H According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 8G an enlarged view of a cross section of emphasizing the nature of the flow of the contaminated viscous fluid in the gap formed between the fin and the perforated surface; and Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a method for continuous filtration of contaminants from a viscous fluid.

[0046] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, for clarity, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements. In addition, where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated in the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In the following description, various aspects of the present invention are described. For the purpose of explanation, specific constructions and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without the specific details set forth herein. In addition, in order not to obscure the present invention, well-known features may have been omitted or simplified. With specific reference to the accompanying drawings, it is emphasized that the details shown are only used as examples and for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the present invention, and are presented in order to provide what is considered to be the most useful and easily understood description of the principles and concepts of the present invention. In this regard, there is no attempt to show the structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for a basic understanding of the present invention, and the description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings makes it apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms of the present invention can be implemented in practice.

[0048] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present invention is applicable to other embodiments and combinations of the disclosed embodiments that can be practiced or executed in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the wording and terminology employed herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting.

[0049] Reference now Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D and Figure 1E , which are schematic diagrams of an apparatus 100 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 1A and Figure 1C Perspective views of the device 100 and the device 100 ′ are shown respectively. Figure 1B A perspective view of the device 100 is shown, wherein the portion of the first cylindrical body 110 hidden by the second cylindrical body 120 is depicted by dashed lines. Figure 1D and Figure 1E The longitudinal section AA' and the transverse section BB' of the device 100 are shown respectively, wherein the section AA' and the section BB' are Figure 1A Limited to medium.

[0051] The apparatus 100 may include a first cylindrical body 110 having a first longitudinal center axis 112 and a second cylindrical body 120 having a second longitudinal center axis 122. The first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120 may overlap such that the first longitudinal center axis 112 coincides with the second longitudinal center axis 122 and an annular gap 130 is formed between the first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120 (e.g., Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D and Figure 1E ).

[0052] In various embodiments, the first cylindrical body 110 can be disposed within the second cylindrical body 120 (e.g., Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1D and Figure 1E ), or the second cylindrical body 120 may be disposed within the first cylindrical body 110 (e.g., as shown in Figure 1C ).

[0053] The annular gap 130 between the first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120 may be adapted to receive a viscous fluid. For example, the viscous fluid may be a melt of a polymer material. The melt of the polymer material may, for example, include a variety of contaminants. For example, the contaminants may include hard solid particles of minerals, metals, fibers, etc. In another example, the contaminants may include soft semi-solid particles of elastomers, foreign polymers, etc., with a higher melting point than the viscous fluid.

[0054] The first cylindrical body 110 may be rotatably supported and adapted to rotate about a first longitudinal center axis 112 and relative to the second cylindrical body 120 (e.g., as determined by Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D and Figure 1E 112a in FIG.

[0055] The first cylindrical body 110 may include a plurality of apertures 116 disposed along at least a portion of the circumference of the first cylindrical body 110. The apertures 116 may be disposed along at least one longitudinal filter section 113 of the first cylindrical body 110 (eg, in a direction along the first longitudinal center axis 112). For example, Figure 1B and Figure 1C Enlarged portions 110a, 110b of the circumference of the first cylindrical body 110 with the aperture 116 are shown, respectively.

[0056] In various embodiments, the shape and / or size of the orifices 116 and / or the distance between the orifices 116 and / or the topology of the positions of the orifices 116 on the first cylindrical body 110 can be predetermined to enable the desired flow of the viscous fluid while preventing contaminants from passing therethrough. In some embodiments, the orifices 116 can have a circular shape.

[0057] In some embodiments, the aperture 116 may taper in a radial direction such that an opening 116a of the aperture 116 on the inner surface 111a of the first cylindrical body 110 may be larger than an opening 116b of the aperture 116 on the outer surface 111b of the first cylindrical body 110 .

[0058] Reference now Figure 1F and Figure 1G , which are schematic diagrams of more detailed aspects of an apparatus 100 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid according to some embodiments of the present invention, and which further illustrate the operation process of the apparatus 100.

[0059] Figure 1F and Figure 1G The longitudinal section AA' and the transverse section BB' of the device 100 are shown respectively, wherein the section AA' and the section BB' are Figure 1A Limited to medium.

[0060] Also refer to Figure 1H , which is a partial schematic diagram of the relative velocity components of the viscous fluid relative to the orifice 116 on the first cylindrical body 110 of the apparatus 100 for continuously filtering pollutants from the viscous fluid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] According to some embodiments, device 100 may include housing 140 , rotation assembly 150 , and controller 160 .

[0062] The housing 140 may be adapted to accommodate the first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120, which may be adapted to be mounted within the housing 140. The rotation assembly 150 may include at least a rotation motor coupled to the first cylindrical body 110 and adapted to rotate the first cylindrical body 110. The controller 160 may communicate with the rotation assembly 150 and may be configured to control the rotation of the first cylindrical body 110 through the rotation assembly 150.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the viscous fluid 90 with contaminants (e.g., a melt of a polymer material with contaminants) may be introduced into the annular gap 130 between the first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120. For example, the second cylindrical body 120 may include one or more inlet openings 124 at the first end 120a thereof, wherein the (one or more) inlet openings 124 may be in fluid communication with the annular gap 130 and may be adapted to allow the viscous fluid 90 with contaminants to be introduced into the annular gap 130 (e.g., as Figure 1F ).

[0064] Continuous introduction of the contaminated viscous fluid 90 into the annular gap 130 may drive the contaminated viscous fluid 90 along the annular gap 130 in a longitudinal direction 132 extending between the first end 130a and the second end 130b of the annular gap 130, thereby generating a longitudinal flow 132a of the viscous fluid.

[0065] The pressure generated within the annular gap 130 (e.g., at least due to the continuous introduction of the contaminant-laden viscous fluid 90 therein at a desired flow rate and introduction pressure) can drive the contaminant-laden viscous fluid 90 to flow in a radial direction 134 toward the perforated surface, while maintaining a substantially laminar tangential flow of the viscous contaminated fluid adjacent to the perforated surface, thereby generating a radial flow 134a of the viscous fluid (e.g., in addition to its longitudinal flow 132a). Thus, the pressure within the annular gap 130 can force the viscous fluid to pass through the orifices 116 on the circumference of the first cylindrical body 110. The orifices 116 can prevent contaminants from passing therethrough, thereby filtering the contaminants from the viscous fluid and retaining the contaminants within the annular gap 130. Clean viscous fluid 92 (e.g., free of contaminants or substantially free of contaminants) can be controllably removed from, for example, the second end 110b of the first cylindrical body 110 using a clean viscous fluid removal device 170.

[0066] The first cylindrical body 110 can be continuously rotated about its first longitudinal center axis 112 by the rotation assembly 150, thereby generating a laminar tangential drag flow 136a of the viscous fluid in its tangential direction 136 within the annular gap 130 (e.g., in addition to its longitudinal flow and radial flow). A tangential velocity gradient is generated between the rotating first cylindrical body 110 and the fixed second cylindrical body 120. Contaminant particles in the layers away from the surface of the rotating first cylindrical body 110 drag at a slower tangential velocity than the surface of the rotating first cylindrical body 110, thereby generating a self-clearing tangential relative motion 136b around the surface of the rotating first cylindrical body 110, in which the contaminant particles move tangentially around the outlet 120b (e.g., in the tangential direction 136) and longitudinally downward toward the outlet 120b (e.g., in the longitudinal direction 132) and toward the surface of the first cylindrical body 110 (e.g., in the radial direction 134). As long as the rotational speed of the first cylindrical body 110 is maintained and / or a desired shear rate near the surface of the first cylindrical body 110 is maintained (e.g., as described below), contaminant particles having a size larger than the orifices 116 on the surface of the first cylindrical body 110 may continue their rotational movement even when contacting the surface of the rotating first cylindrical body 110. It will be noted that according to embodiments of the present invention, the flow of the viscous fluid in the radial direction is maintained toward and through the perforated surface, while the remaining fluid that does not pass through the perforated surface maintains a substantially laminar tangential flow, for example, as described by Figure 1G and Figure 1H As described by arrow 136a in FIG.

[0067] Typical viscosities of plastic melts range from a minimum of 0.1 Pa·s (at a shear rate of 100 1 / s at melt processing temperatures) to several orders of magnitude higher (up to 10,000 Pa·s). It is known in the art that at such high viscosities, viscous forces dominate, while inertial forces (gravity or centrifugal forces) are relatively negligible. The ratio of inertial to viscous forces is known as the Reynolds number (Re), where flow at low Re is characterized by a smooth, laminar flow regime, while at Re above about 2900, the flow contains turbulence. In the field of polymer melt processing, due to the high viscosity, the flow is a smooth, vortex-free laminar flow. In embodiments of the present invention, the range of Reynolds numbers remains Re<1, i.e., within the stable laminar range.

[0068] Contaminant particles having a size larger than the orifices 116 on the surface of the first cylindrical body 110 may continue their rotational movement even when contacting the surface of the rotating first cylindrical body 110 as long as the rotational speed of the first cylindrical body 110 is maintained and / or a desired shear rate near the surface of the first cylindrical body 110 is maintained (e.g., as described below).

[0069] The rotation speed of the first cylindrical body 110 and the resulting tangential drag flow 136a and / or self-cleaning tangential relative motion 136b can be determined to significantly minimize the adhesion of contaminants to the first cylindrical body 110 and significantly minimize the blockage of the orifice 116 by contaminants (e.g., at least due to the self-cleaning tangential relative motion 136b), thereby producing a self-cleaning / cleaning effect. In some embodiments, the self-cleaning tangential relative motion 136b can be generated along the entire filter section 113 of the first cylindrical body 110 with the orifice 116. In this way, the self-cleaning / cleaning of the first cylindrical body 110 is applied simultaneously to the entire filter section 113.

[0070] The self-cleaning / clearing effect may be caused by the shear rate of the viscous fluid near the surface of the first cylindrical body 110, wherein, in some embodiments, the shear rate may be determined by at least the rotation speed of the first cylindrical body 110 and the size of the annular gap 130. For example, an average shear rate of at least 50 1 / s (e.g., 100-500 1 / s) in the annular gap 130 may provide a self-cleaning / clearing effect.

[0071] In general, the rotational speed of the first cylindrical body 110 can be controlled to ensure that the tangential velocity of the viscous fluid near the surface of the first cylindrical body 110 (e.g., due to the tangential drag flow 136a) is significantly higher than the average radial velocity of the viscous fluid (e.g., due to the radial flow 134a). In some embodiments, the rotational speed can be controlled to provide a ratio of the maximum tangential velocity to the average radial velocity of at least 50 (e.g., at least 100-3000).

[0072] The viscous fluid 90 with contaminants flowing within the annular gap 130 (e.g., due to the continuous introduction of the viscous fluid 90 with contaminants into the annular gap 130) may flow toward the outlet of the device within the annular gap 130 at the second end 130b thereof. The controlled removal of the viscous fluid 90 with contaminants at the second end 130b of the annular gap 130 may help to generate pressure within the annular gap 130, and thus may help to facilitate the radial flow of the viscous fluid through the orifice 116 (e.g., in the direction 134) and its filtration from the viscous fluid with contaminants. The viscous fluid 90 with contaminants accumulated within the annular gap 130 at the second end 130b thereof may be controllably removed from the annular gap 130 (e.g., preferably continuously, or periodically, or at a predetermined point in time) using an unfiltered viscous fluid removal device 172 coupled to, for example, the second end 120b of the second cylindrical body 120.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include a cooling unit 180 (e.g., Figure 1FThe cooling unit 180 may be adapted to cool the device 100 .

[0074] According to some embodiments, the disclosed apparatus (e.g., such as described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The described apparatus 100 can allow for continuous filtration of viscous fluids (e.g., high viscosity fluids such as melts of polymeric materials) while performing continuous self-cleaning of the apparatus. The self-cleaning of the apparatus can be achieved by rotating its filter element (e.g., first cylindrical body 110) at a controlled rotational speed to generate a tangential drag flow (e.g., tangential drag flow 136a) of the viscous fluid within an annular gap containing the viscous fluid between the filter element and a fixed element (e.g., annular gap 130 between first cylindrical body 110 and second cylindrical body 120) and / or a self-clearing tangential relative motion (e.g., self-clearing tangential relative motion 136b) of the viscous fluid within the annular gap adjacent to the filter element. The rotational speed of the filter element and the size of the annular gap can be determined to ensure that the rate of the tangential drag flow (e.g., caused by the rotation of the filter element) is at least 50 times (e.g., at least 100-3000 times) the average rate of the radial flow of the viscous fluid in the annular gap (e.g., caused by the pressure in the annular gap), and the average shear rate in the annular gap is at least 50 1 / s. In this way, the resulting tangential drag flow and / or the self-clearing tangential relative motion of the adjacent filter elements can significantly minimize the adhesion of contaminants to the filter element and significantly minimize the blockage of the orifices (e.g., orifices 116) of the filter element, thereby producing a self-cleaning / clearing effect of the filter element / device. Therefore, the disclosed device can eliminate or significantly reduce the need for a cleaning procedure for the filter element (e.g., due to its self-cleaning / clearing), and thus can overcome the shortcomings of current filtering devices, which typically apply metal blades to the filter element or apply a backflow of the filtered viscous fluid to the filter element when the filter being cleaned is not in filtering mode.

[0075] Reference now Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C , which are schematic diagrams of an apparatus 200 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and comprising a first cylindrical body 210 with a plurality of slots 216 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 2A A perspective view of device 200 is shown. Figure 2B and Figure 2C The longitudinal section AA' and the transverse section BB' of the device 200 are shown respectively, wherein the section AA' and the section BB' are Figure 2A is limited in.

[0077] According to some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may include a first cylindrical body 210 having a first longitudinal center axis 212 and a second cylindrical body 220 having a second longitudinal center axis 222. The first cylindrical body 210 and the second cylindrical body 220 may overlap such that the first longitudinal center axis 212 coincides with the second longitudinal center axis 222 and an annular gap 230 is formed between the first cylindrical body 210 and the second cylindrical body 220.

[0078] The first cylindrical body 210 may be rotatably supported and adapted to rotate about the first longitudinal center axis 212 and relative to the second cylindrical body 220 (e.g., as determined by Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C For example, the apparatus 200, the first cylindrical body 210 and the second cylindrical body 220 may be similar to the above description of Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The device 100 , the first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120 are described.

[0079] According to some embodiments, the first cylindrical body 210 may include a plurality of slots 216 along the circumference of the first cylindrical body 210. The slots 216 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The slots 216 may be disposed along at least one longitudinal filter section 218 of the first cylindrical body 210 (eg, in a direction along the first longitudinal center axis 122) (eg, as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 2B Each of the slots 216 may have a long dimension 216a and a short dimension 216b (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A In some embodiments, the slots 216 may be aligned (or substantially aligned) with the first longitudinal center axis 212 of the first cylindrical body 210 along their long dimension 216a (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A ).

[0080] The annular gap 230 may be adapted to receive the viscous fluid 90 with contaminants. At least some of the contaminants may have an elongated shape (e.g., Figure 2C 94). The first cylindrical body 210 can be continuously rotated about its first longitudinal center axis 212 at a controlled rotational speed. The rotational speed of the first cylindrical body 210 can be controlled to provide a tangential velocity of the tangential drag flow of the viscous fluid near the surface of the first cylindrical body 210 (e.g., due to the rotation of the first cylindrical body 210) that is at least 3 times the average longitudinal velocity of the longitudinal flow of the viscous fluid (e.g., in the longitudinal direction 232 along the annular gap 232). For example, the tangential drag flow and the longitudinal flow can be similar to the above with respect to Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The tangential drag flow 136a and the longitudinal flow 132a described. In some embodiments, the rotational speed of at least the first cylindrical body 210 and the size of the annular gap 230 can produce a high shear rate of the viscous fluid near the surface of the first cylindrical body 210 (e.g., the average shear rate in the annular gap 130 is at least 50 1 / s, such as 100-500 1 / s).

[0081] Such a dominant tangential drag flow and / or such a high shear rate near the surface of the first cylindrical body 210 can cause the elongated contaminants 94 to be aligned substantially along a tangential direction within the annular gap 230 and substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal center axis 212 of the first cylindrical body 210 and the slot 216 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 2C ). In this manner, the passage of elongated contaminants (and / or the passage of soft elastomeric contaminants stretched / elongated due to the high shear rates generated by the rotation of the first cylindrical body 110) through the slot 216 can be significantly minimized, which can enhance the self-cleaning of the device 200. In addition, this dominant tangential drag flow can provide a longer path for the contaminated viscous fluid within the annular gap 230 and thus produce more efficient depletion of the clean viscous fluid from the contaminated viscous fluid.

[0082] In some embodiments, the longitudinal filter section 218 including the slot 216 may be disposed a predetermined distance 218a downstream of the first end 210a of the first cylindrical body 210 where the viscous fluid 90 is introduced into the annular gap 230 (e.g., as Figure 2B The distance 218a may be predetermined based on parameters of the viscous fluid 90 (eg, viscosity) and the rotational speed of the first cylindrical body 210 to provide a sufficient distance for the elongated contaminants 94 to align with the tangential drag flow before reaching the longitudinal filter section 218.

[0083] In some embodiments, the slots 216 may be aligned (or substantially aligned) with the actual velocity vector of the viscous fluid flow along their long dimension 216a. The velocity vector may be determined based on the maximum tangential velocity of the tangential drag flow, the maximum longitudinal velocity of the longitudinal flow, and the maximum radial velocity of the radial flow of the viscous fluid.

[0084] Reference now Figure 2D , which is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 200 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and comprising a first cylindrical body 210 with a plurality of grooves 219 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 2D A perspective view of the device 200 and an enlarged portion 210a of the circumference of the first cylindrical body 210 with the slot 216 and the groove 219 are shown.

[0086] According to some embodiments, the first cylindrical body 210 may include a plurality of grooves 219. The grooves 219 may be disposed on a surface of the first cylindrical body 210 facing the annular gap 230. In some embodiments, the depth of the grooves 219 may be less than the short dimension 126b of the slots 216. In some embodiments, the grooves 219 may be perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the slots 216. In some embodiments, at least one of the grooves 219 may span at least one of the slots 216.

[0087] In general, the number, shape, location, and / or amount of depression of the grooves 219 may be predetermined to provide a desired measure of roughness to the surface of the first cylindrical body 210. The desired measure of roughness may be selected to further minimize adhesion of contaminants to the first cylindrical body 210 and minimize clogging of the slots 216 by contaminants, which may enhance the self-cleaning of the device 200.

[0088] Note that the grooves may be applied to the surface of the first cylindrical body having any shape of aperture other than the slot 216. For example, the first annular body 110 of the device 100 (e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H ) described may also include a groove, which may be similar to groove 219.

[0089] Reference now Figure 3A and Figure 3B , which are schematic diagrams of various configurations of an apparatus 300 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and comprising at least one tapered cylindrical body according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 3A and 3B A longitudinal section AA′ of the device 300 is shown (eg, similar to Figure 1A The longitudinal section AA' defined in FIG.

[0091] According to some embodiments, the device 300 may include a first cylindrical body 310 having a first longitudinal central axis 312 and a second cylindrical body 320 having a second longitudinal central axis 322. The first cylindrical body 310 and the second cylindrical body 320 may overlap such that the first longitudinal central axis 312 coincides with the second longitudinal central axis 322 and an annular gap 330 is formed between the first cylindrical body 310 and the second cylindrical body 320. For example, the device 300, the first cylindrical body 310, the second cylindrical body 320, and the annular gap 330 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The device 100 , the first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120 are described.

[0092] The first cylindrical body 310 may include a plurality of apertures 316. For example, the apertures 316 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H as well as Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D The apertures 116 and / or slots 216 are depicted.

[0093] The first cylindrical body 310 may be rotatably supported and adapted to rotate about a first longitudinal center axis 312 and relative to the second cylindrical body 320 (e.g., as determined by Figure 3A and Figure 3B Annular gap 330 between first cylindrical body 310 and second cylindrical body 320 may be adapted to receive a viscous fluid (eg, a melt of a polymer material with contaminants).

[0094] In some embodiments, the first cylindrical body 310 can taper along its first longitudinal center axis 312. For example, the first cylindrical body 310 can have a smaller dimension at its first end 310a than at its second end 310b, such that the gap 330 decreases along the first longitudinal center axis 312 (e.g., as Figure 3A ).

[0095] In some embodiments, the second cylindrical body 320 can taper along its second longitudinal center axis 322. For example, the second cylindrical body 320 can have a smaller dimension at its first end 320a than at its second end 320b, such that the gap 330 decreases along the second longitudinal center axis 322 (e.g., as Figure 3B ).

[0096] In some embodiments, both the first cylindrical body 310 and the second annular body 320 can be tapered along their respective longitudinal center axes such that the gap 330 decreases along their respective longitudinal center axes.

[0097] In general, the magnitude of the taper of the first cylindrical body 310 and / or the second cylindrical body 320 may be predetermined to provide a tapered annular gap 330. The taper of the annular gap 330 may be determined to compensate for the pressure loss of the viscous fluid 90 within the annular gap 330 due to the outflow of the viscous fluid through the orifice 316 on the first cylindrical body 310.

[0098] Reference now Figure 4A , Figure 4B as well as Figure 4C and Figure 4D , which are schematic diagrams of an apparatus 400 and an apparatus 400 ′ for continuously filtering pollutants from a viscous fluid and comprising one or more longitudinal fins 440 , respectively, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0099] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The longitudinal section AA' and the transverse section BB' of the device 400 are shown respectively (e.g., similar to Figure 1A The longitudinal section AA' and the transverse section BB' defined in FIG. Figure 4C and Figure 4D The longitudinal section AA' and the transverse section BB' of the device 400' are shown respectively (e.g., similar to Figure 1A The longitudinal section AA' and the transverse section BB' defined in FIG.

[0100] According to some embodiments, the device 400 may include a first cylindrical body 410 having a first longitudinal center axis 412 and a second cylindrical body 420 having a second longitudinal center axis 422. The first cylindrical body 410 and the second cylindrical body 420 may overlap such that the first longitudinal center axis coincides with the second longitudinal center axis 422 and an annular gap 430 is formed between the first cylindrical body 410 and the second cylindrical body 420. For example, the device 400, the first cylindrical body 410, the second cylindrical body 420, and the annular gap 430 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The device 100 , the first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120 are described.

[0101] The first cylindrical body 410 may be rotatably supported and adapted to rotate about a first longitudinal center axis 412 and relative to the second cylindrical body 420 (e.g., as determined by Figure 4A and Figure 4B 4. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical body 410 may be disposed within the second cylindrical body 420 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 412a in FIG. 4). The annular gap 430 between the first cylindrical body 410 and the second cylindrical body 420 may be adapted to receive a viscous fluid (e.g., a melt of a polymer material with contaminants). Figure 4A and Figure 4B ), or the second cylindrical body 420 may be disposed within the first cylindrical body 410 (e.g., as shown in Figure 4C and Figure 4D ).

[0102] The first cylindrical body 410 may include a plurality of apertures 416 disposed along at least a portion of the circumference of the first cylindrical body 410. The apertures 416 may be disposed along at least one longitudinal filter section 413 of the first annular body 410. For example, the apertures 416 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H as well as Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D The apertures 116 and / or slots 216 are depicted.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the second cylindrical body 420 may include one or more longitudinal fins 440. The longitudinal fin(s) 440 may protrude from the second cylindrical body 420 into the annular gap 430 and toward (or substantially toward) the first cylindrical body 410. The longitudinal fin(s) 440 may be aligned with the second longitudinal center axis 422 of the second cylindrical body 420 and / or may extend in the longitudinal direction of the second cylindrical body 420 along at least a portion of its length.

[0104] The longitudinal fin(s) 440 may protrude from the second cylindrical body 420 to provide a space 448 with an increased shear rate between the ends of the longitudinal fin(s) 440 and the first cylindrical body 410. In this manner, the shear rate of the viscous fluid in the space 448 with an increased shear rate between the ends of the longitudinal fin(s) 440 and the first cylindrical body 410 may be increased (e.g., compared to an embodiment without the longitudinal fin(s) 410), which may further facilitate self-cleaning / clearing of the first cylindrical body 410.

[0105] In general, the number of longitudinal fins (one or more) 440 and the space with increased shear rate 448 can be determined to provide an increased shear rate between the ends of the longitudinal fins (one or more) 440 and the first cylindrical body 410 without reducing (or reducing to a minimal degree) the open cross-section for the axial flow of the viscous fluid through the device 400 (e.g., compared to an embodiment without longitudinal fins (one or more) 440). The increased shear rate in the space with increased shear rate 448 can contribute to the self-cleaning effect of the device 400.

[0106] In some embodiments, the device 400 may include a housing 402. The housing 402 may be adapted to accommodate a first cylindrical body 410 and a second cylindrical body 420.

[0107] In some embodiments, the apparatus 400 may include at least one inlet opening 404 through which the contaminated viscous fluid 90 may be pumped into the annular gap 430. In some embodiments, the apparatus 400 may include a contaminated viscous fluid removal device 406 (e.g., including one or more tubes, one or more pumps, etc.) for controllably removing the contaminated viscous fluid 90 from the annular gap 430. In some embodiments, the apparatus 400 may include a clean viscous fluid removal device 408 (e.g., including one or more tubes, one or more pumps, etc.) for controllably removing the clean viscous fluid 92 from the apparatus 400.

[0108] In some embodiments, the apparatus 400 may include a rotation assembly 450 for rotating the first cylindrical body 410. In some embodiments, the apparatus 400 may include a controller 460 for controlling at least one of the rotation of the first cylindrical body 410 by the rotation assembly 450, the removal of the contaminated viscous fluid by the contaminated viscous fluid removal device 406, and the removal of the clean viscous fluid 92 by the clean viscous fluid removal device 408.

[0109] Below about Figure 4C and Figure 4D The description provided provides an example of the dimensions of the device 400', operating conditions of the device 400', and a contaminated viscous fluid 90. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this example describes only one embodiment within the scope of the present invention, and other operating conditions with different viscous materials and various ranges of dimensions of the device 400' may also be designed and operated within the scope of the present invention.

[0110] For example, the second cylindrical body 420 may have a diameter of 220 mm. The second cylindrical body 420 may be disposed within the rotatable first cylindrical body, wherein the diameter of the first cylindrical body 410 may be, for example, 250 mm. The filter section 413 on the first cylindrical body 410 may have a length of 400 mm, for example.

[0111] The longitudinal fin(s) 440 may protrude from the second cylindrical body 420 such that a space 448 with increased shear rate between the ends of the longitudinal fin(s) 440 and the first cylindrical body 410 may be, for example, 2 mm.

[0112] The aperture 416 on the first cylindrical body 410 may be, for example, a slot (e.g., similar to the above description of Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D The slots 216 described above may have dimensions of 60×400 μm and may be aligned along their long dimension with the first longitudinal center axis 412 of the first cylindrical body 410. The number of orifices / slots 416 on the first cylindrical body 410 may be, for example, about 1,240,000. The orifices / slots 416 may be radially tapered (e.g., as Figure 4C ). The width of the opening 416a of the aperture / slot 416 on the outer surface 410a of the first cylindrical body 410 may be, for example, 120 μm, and the width of the opening 416b on the inner surface 410b of the first cylindrical body 410 may be, for example, 60 μm.

[0113] The contaminated viscous fluid 90 may be, for example, a mixture of polyethylene grades from post-consumer recycling, the mixture containing, for example, 2% of contaminants having solid particles of a size below, for example, 500 μm. The contaminated viscous fluid 90 may, for example, have a viscosity of 200 Pa·s at 170° C. and a shear rate of 150 1 / s. In some embodiments, the viscosity of the contaminated fluid will be higher than or equal to 40 Pa·s.

[0114] The contaminated viscous fluid 90 may be pumped into the annular gap 430 at a temperature of, for example, 170° C. The first cylindrical body 410 may be rotated, for example, at 50 RPM. The contaminated viscous fluid 90 may be controllably pumped into the annular gap 430 at a flow rate of, for example, 1200 kg / hr, which may provide, for example, a pressure of 80-120 bar in the annular gap.

[0115] The temperature of the contaminated viscous fluid 90 may increase by, for example, 6-14° C. as the viscous fluid 90 passes through the apparatus 400 ′ (eg, due to energy dissipated in shearing the viscous material).

[0116] Note that other dimensions and operating conditions of the apparatus 400 ′ and other contaminated viscous fluids 90 may also be used.

[0117] Reference now Figure 5 , which is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 500 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and including one or more sections of a helically coiled fin 540, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0118] Figure 5 A longitudinal section AA′ of the device 500 is shown (eg, similar to Figure 1A The longitudinal section AA' defined in FIG.

[0119] According to some embodiments, the device 500 may include a first cylindrical body 510 having a first longitudinal center axis 512 and a second cylindrical body 520 having a second longitudinal center axis 522. The first cylindrical body 510 and the second cylindrical body 520 may overlap so that the first longitudinal center axis coincides with the second longitudinal center axis 522 and an annular gap 530 is formed between the first cylindrical body 510 and the second cylindrical body 520. For example, the device 500, the first cylindrical body 510, the second cylindrical body 520, and the annular gap 530 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The device 100 , the first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120 are described.

[0120] The first cylindrical body 510 may be rotatably supported and adapted to rotate about a first longitudinal center axis 512 and relative to the second cylindrical body 520 (e.g., as determined by Figure 5 Annular gap 530 between first cylindrical body 510 and second cylindrical body 520 may be adapted to receive a viscous fluid (eg, a melt of a polymer material with contaminants).

[0121] The first cylindrical body 510 may include a plurality of apertures 516 disposed along at least a portion of the circumference of the first cylindrical body 510. The apertures 516 may be disposed along at least one longitudinal filter section 513 of the first annular body 510. For example, the apertures 516 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H as well as Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The apertures 116 and / or slots 216 are depicted.

[0122] According to some embodiments, the first annular body 510 may include at least one section of a helically wound fin 540. The helically wound fin 540 may be disposed along the first longitudinal center axis 512 of the first cylindrical body 510 and may protrude into the annular gap 530. The (one or more) helically wound fins 540 may be disposed downstream of the (one or more) longitudinal filter sections 513 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 5 ).

[0123] The helically wound fin(s) 540 may create additional suction (e.g., forward pumping) for the viscous fluid being introduced into the annular gap 530. In this manner, the helically wound fin(s) 540 may set a lower operating pressure range within the apparatus 500 (e.g., compared to embodiments without the helically wound fin(s) 540) and / or help adapt the apparatus 500 to existing extruders that are typically adapted to operate under certain pressure conditions.

[0124] Reference now Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , which are schematic diagrams of an apparatus 600 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and including one or more groups 640 of longitudinal fins 642 and one or more sections of helically coiled fins 650 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0125] Fig. 6A and Figure 6BThe longitudinal section AA' of the device 600 is shown respectively (eg, similar to Figure 1A The longitudinal section AA') and the transverse section CC'( Fig. 6A limited in ).

[0126] According to some embodiments, the device 600 may include a first cylindrical body 610 having a first longitudinal center axis 612 and a second cylindrical body 620 having a second longitudinal center axis 622. The first cylindrical body 610 and the second cylindrical body 620 may overlap such that the first longitudinal center axis coincides with the second longitudinal center axis 622 and an annular gap 630 is formed between the first cylindrical body 610 and the second cylindrical body 620. For example, the device 600, the first cylindrical body 610, the second cylindrical body 620, and the annular gap 630 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The device 100 , the first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120 are described.

[0127] The first cylindrical body 610 may be rotatably supported and adapted to rotate about a first longitudinal center axis 612 and relative to the second cylindrical body 620 (e.g., as determined by Figure 5 Annular gap 630 between first cylindrical body 610 and second cylindrical body 620 may be adapted to receive a viscous fluid (eg, a melt of a polymer material with contaminants).

[0128] According to some embodiments, the first cylindrical body 610 may include one or more filter sections 613 along its first longitudinal center axis 612. For example, Fig. 6A The device 600 having two filter sections 613 (a first filter section 613a and a second filter section 613b) is shown. Each of the filter sections 613 may include a plurality of orifices 616 disposed on the circumference of the first cylindrical body 610 in the corresponding filter section. For example, the orifices 616 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H as well as Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The apertures 116 and / or slots 216 are depicted.

[0129] According to some embodiments, the second cylindrical body 620 may include one or more groups 640 of longitudinal fins 642. Each of the groups 640 may include one or more longitudinal fins 642. Each of the longitudinal fins 642 may be similar to, for example, those described above with respect to Figure 4A and Figure 4B Longitudinal fins 440 are described.

[0130] In some embodiments, each of the groups 640 may be disposed on the second annular body 620 at a position corresponding to the position of one of the filter segments 613 on the first cylindrical body 610. The longitudinal fin(s) 642 of each of the groups 640 may protrude from the second cylindrical body 620 into the annular gap 630 and toward (or substantially toward) the corresponding filter segment 613 on the first cylindrical body 610. The longitudinal fin(s) 642 of each group 640 may be aligned with the second longitudinal center axis 622 of the second cylindrical body 620 and / or may extend along at least a portion of the length of the corresponding filter segment 613.

[0131] For example, Fig. 6A An apparatus 600 is shown in which the second cylindrical body 620 includes two groups 640 (a first group 640a and a second group 640b) of longitudinal fins 642. However, in this example, the first group 640a is disposed at a position along the second cylindrical body 620 corresponding to the position of the first filter section 613a on the first cylindrical body 610, and the second group 640b is disposed at a position along the second cylindrical body 620 corresponding to the position of the second filter section 613b on the first cylindrical body 610. However, in this example, each of the first group 640a and the second group 640b includes four longitudinal fins 642—a first longitudinal fin 642a, a second longitudinal fin 642b, a third longitudinal fin 642c, and a fourth longitudinal fin 642d (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 6B ).

[0132] In some embodiments, the (one or more) longitudinal fins 642 of each group 640 may protrude from the second cylindrical body 620 to provide a space 648 with an increased shear rate between the end of the (one or more) longitudinal fins 642 and the first cylindrical body 610. In this way, the shear rate of the viscous fluid in the space 648 with an increased shear rate between the end of the (one or more) longitudinal fins 642 and the filter section 613 on the first cylindrical body 610 can be increased (e.g., compared to an embodiment without (one or more) longitudinal fins 642), which can further facilitate the self-cleaning of the device 600 (e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 4A and Figure 4B described).

[0133] According to some embodiments, the first annular body 610 may include at least one section of a helically wound fin 650. The helically wound fin 650 may be disposed along the first longitudinal center axis 612 of the first cylindrical body 610 and may protrude into the annular gap 630. The helically wound fin 650 may be similar to, for example, the one described above with respect to Figure 5 A spirally wound fin 540 is depicted.

[0134] In various embodiments, the first cylindrical body 610 may include one or more sections of the spirally wound fin 650 downstream of at least one of the filter section(s) 613 on the first cylindrical body 610. For example, Fig. 6A The device 600 is shown to include a first section 650a of a spirally wound fin, a second section 650b of a spirally wound fin, and a third section 650c of a spirally wound fin. However, in this example, the first section 650a of the spirally wound fin is disposed downstream of the first filtering section 613a, and the second section 650b of the spirally wound fin is disposed downstream of the second filtering section 613b.

[0135] The helically wound fin(s) 650 can create additional suction (e.g., forward pumping) for the viscous fluid being introduced into the annular gap 630. In this manner, the helically wound fin(s) 650 can set a lower operating pressure range within the apparatus 600 (e.g., compared to embodiments without the helically wound fin(s) 650) and / or help adapt the apparatus 600 to existing extruders that are typically adapted to operate under certain pressure conditions.

[0136] Reference now Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , which are schematic diagrams of an apparatus 700 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid and including a washing assembly 740 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0137] Fig. 7A A longitudinal section AA′ (eg, similar to Figure 1A The longitudinal section AA' defined in FIG. Figure 7B The transverse section DD' of the device 700 is shown respectively (at Fig. 7A (limited in Chinese).

[0138] According to some embodiments, the device 700 may include a first cylindrical body 710 having a first longitudinal center axis 712 and a second cylindrical body 720 having a second longitudinal center axis 722. The first cylindrical body 710 and the second cylindrical body 720 may overlap such that the first longitudinal center axis coincides with the second longitudinal center axis 722 and an annular gap 730 is formed between the first cylindrical body 710 and the second cylindrical body 720. For example, the device 700, the first cylindrical body 710, the second cylindrical body 720, and the annular gap 730 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The device 100 , the first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120 are described.

[0139] The first cylindrical body 710 may be rotatably supported and adapted to rotate about a first longitudinal center axis 712 and relative to the second cylindrical body 720 (e.g., as determined by Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Annular gap 730 between first cylindrical body 710 and second cylindrical body 720 may be adapted to receive a viscous fluid (eg, a melt of a polymer material with contaminants).

[0140] The first cylindrical body 710 may include a plurality of apertures 716 disposed along at least a portion of the circumference of the first cylindrical body 710. The apertures 713 may be disposed along at least one longitudinal filter section 713 of the first annular body 710. For example, the apertures 716 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H as well as Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The apertures 116 and / or slots 216 are depicted.

[0141] According to some embodiments, the apparatus 700 may include a scrubbing assembly 740. The scrubbing assembly 740 may include at least one scrubbing injector 742. The scrubbing injector(s) 742 may include a plurality of injector holes / slots 744.

[0142] In some embodiments, when the first cylindrical body 710 is disposed within the second cylindrical body 720, the wash injector(s) 742 may be disposed within the interior 714 of the first cylindrical body 710 such that the injector holes / slots 744 face the first cylindrical body 710 (e.g., Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In some other embodiments, when the second cylindrical body 720 is disposed within the first cylindrical body 710, the wash jet(s) 742 may be disposed outside of the first cylindrical body 710 and adjacent (or substantially adjacent) to the first cylindrical body 710 and within a housing of the apparatus (e.g., such as described above with respect to Figure 1F and Figure 1G The scrubbing ejector(s) 742 may be sized to extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal filter section 713 with the apertures 716 and / or along at least a portion of its circumference.

[0143] The washing assembly 740 may include at least one washing pipe 746 in fluid communication with at least one washing jet 742 and adapted to deliver a clean viscous fluid to the (one or more) washing jets 742. In some embodiments, the clean viscous fluid may be the same viscous fluid cleaned by the first annular body 710. The clean viscous fluid may be sprayed toward the rotating first cylindrical body 710 through the sprayer holes / slots 744 in the (one or more) washing jets 742, thereby covering a portion of the orifice 716 at each point in time and generating a backflow (e.g., in a radial direction of the clean viscous fluid in a corresponding portion of the orifice). The backflow of the clean viscous fluid generated in the portion of its orifice can push contaminants in the viscous fluid contained in the annular gap 730 away from the first annular body 710, thereby enhancing the self-cleaning / removal effect of the device 700.

[0144] In some embodiments, washing of the perforated surface can be achieved without utilizing a backflow in the orifice. The pressure of the fluid on the 'clean' side of the perforated surface can be raised in a limited short period of time, such as to make the pressure on both sides of the perforated surface substantially equal. For example, a clean viscous fluid can be ejected through the ejector hole / slot 744 in (one or more) wash ejectors 742 until the pressure on both sides of the perforated surface is substantially equal, and then the flow of the clean viscous fluid can be controlled to maintain this situation within a desired time period. During this time, the radial flow of the viscous fluid through the perforated surface is substantially completely stopped, while the tangential flow on the perforated surface on one side of the contaminated fluid continues. Then, the shear force formed near the perforated surface can keep the contaminants adhering to the perforated surface and make them drift with the flow, thereby washing the perforated surface without using a backflow. In some embodiments, the pressure drop between the high pressure side (the side of the contaminated fluid) and the low pressure side (the side of the clean fluid) of the perforated surface can be reduced to reduce the pressure drop, thereby expanding the effect of the self-cleaning of the perforated surface. In some embodiments, the rotational speed of the second cylindrical body may be increased at a given rotational speed acceleration for a short period of time and then decelerated at a slower rate to the nominal rotational speed in order to instantaneously increase the cleaning effect of blocked contaminants away from the perforations due to the accelerated rotational speed.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first cylindrical body 710 may include a clean viscous fluid outlet 770 for controllably removing the clean viscous fluid from the interior of the first cylindrical body 710. For example, the clean viscous fluid outlet 770 may be similar to the one described above with respect to Figure 1F A clean viscous fluid removal device 170 is described.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second cylindrical body 720 may include an unfiltered viscous fluid outlet 772 for controllably removing unfiltered viscous fluid with contaminants accumulated in the annular gap 730. For example, the unfiltered viscous fluid outlet 772 may be similar to the unfiltered viscous fluid outlet 772 described above with respect to Figure 1F An unfiltered viscous fluid removal device 172 is depicted.

[0147] Reference now Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , which are schematic diagrams of an apparatus 800 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid including a fixed filter element according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0148] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The longitudinal section AA' and the transverse section BB' of the device 800 are shown respectively (e.g., similar to Figure 1A The longitudinal section AA' and the transverse section BB' defined in FIG.

[0149] According to some embodiments, the device 800 may include a first cylindrical body 810 having a first longitudinal central axis 812 and a second cylindrical body 820 having a second longitudinal central axis 822. The first cylindrical body 810 and the second cylindrical body 820 may overlap such that the first longitudinal central axis 812 coincides with the second longitudinal central axis 822 and an annular gap 830 is formed between the first cylindrical body 810 and the second cylindrical body 820. For example, the device 800, the first cylindrical body 810, the second cylindrical body 820, and the annular gap 830 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The device 100 , the first cylindrical body 110 and the second cylindrical body 120 are described.

[0150] The first cylindrical body 810 may include a plurality of apertures 816 disposed along at least a portion of the circumference of the first cylindrical body 810. The apertures 816 may be disposed along at least one longitudinal filter section 813 of the first annular body 810. For example, the apertures 816 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H as well as Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D The apertures 116 and / or slots 216 are depicted.

[0151] The second cylindrical body 820 may be rotatably supported and adapted to rotate about a second longitudinal center axis 822 and relative to the first cylindrical body 810 (e.g., as determined by Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Annular gap 830 between first cylindrical body 810 and second cylindrical body 820 may be adapted to receive a viscous fluid (eg, a melt of a polymer material with contaminants).

[0152] The second cylindrical body 820 may continuously rotate around its second longitudinal center axis 822, thereby generating a tangential drag flow of the viscous fluid in its tangential direction within the annular gap 830. Therefore, a tangential velocity gradient may be generated between the rotating second cylindrical body 820 and the fixed first cylindrical body 810. Contaminant particles in the layers away from the surface of the fixed first cylindrical body 810 may slowly move at a certain tangential velocity when the velocity of the fixed first cylindrical body 810 is zero, thereby generating a self-clearing tangential relative motion around the surface of the fixed first cylindrical body 810 and a motion toward the surface of the first cylindrical body 810 (e.g., in a radial direction), in which the contaminant particles move tangentially around the outlet (e.g., in a tangential direction) and longitudinally downward toward the outlet (e.g., in a longitudinal direction), for example, as described above with respect to Figure 1F and Figure 1G As long as the rotation speed of the second cylindrical body 820 and the shear rate near the first cylindrical body 810 are maintained, contaminant particles having a size larger than the orifices 816 on the surface of the first cylindrical body 810 can continue their rotational movement even when contacting the surface of the fixed first cylindrical body 810.

[0153] The rotational velocity of the second cylindrical body 820 and the resulting tangential drag flow within the annular gap 830 and / or the self-clearing tangential relative motion of the adjacent first cylindrical body 810 (e.g., similar to the above description of Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The described tangential drag flow 136a and self-clearing tangential relative motion 136b) may be adapted to significantly minimize adhesion of contaminants to the first cylindrical body 810 and significantly minimize blockage of the orifice 816 by contaminants (e.g., at least due to the self-clearing tangential relative motion), thereby producing a self-cleaning / clearing effect.

[0154] The self-cleaning / scavenging effect may occur due to the shear rate of the viscous fluid near the surface of the first cylindrical body 810 , wherein, in some embodiments, the shear rate may be dictated by at least the rotational speed of the second cylindrical body 820 and the size of the annular gap 830 .

[0155] In general, the rotational speed of the second cylindrical body 820 can be controlled to ensure that the tangential velocity of the viscous fluid near the surface of the second cylindrical body 810 (e.g., due to the tangential drag flow within the annular gap 830) is significantly higher than the radial velocity of the viscous fluid near the surface of the second cylindrical body 810 (e.g., due to the tangential drag flow within the annular gap 830) Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The radial flow 134a) described above causes the average radial velocity of the viscous fluid.

[0156] In various embodiments, the first cylindrical body 810 can be disposed within the second cylindrical body 820 (e.g., Fig. 8A and Figure 8B ), or the second cylindrical body 820 may be disposed within the first annular body 810 (e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 1C described).

[0157] According to some embodiments, the device 800 may include a rotation assembly including at least a rotation motor. The rotation motor may be coupled to the second cylindrical body 820 and adapted to rotate the second cylindrical body 820 at a controlled rotation speed. The device 800 may also include a controller in communication with the rotation assembly. The controller may be configured to control the rotation of the second cylindrical body 820 through the rotation assembly according to the controlled rotation speed. For example, the rotation assembly and the controller may be respectively similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1F The rotating assembly 150 and the controller 160 are depicted.

[0158] Reference now Figure 8C and Fig.8D , which are schematic diagrams of an apparatus 800 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid, including a fixed filter element and also including one or more longitudinal fins 840, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0159] Figure 8C and Fig.8D The longitudinal section AA' and the transverse section BB' of the device 800' are shown respectively (e.g., similar to Figure 1A The longitudinal section AA' and the transverse section BB' defined in FIG.

[0160] According to some embodiments, the second cylindrical body 820 may include one or more longitudinal fins 840. For example, the longitudinal fins 840 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 4A and Figure 4B Longitudinal fin(s) 440 are depicted.

[0161] The longitudinal fin(s) 840 may protrude from the second cylindrical body 820 into the annular gap 830 and toward (or substantially toward) the first cylindrical body 810. The longitudinal fin(s) 840 may be aligned with the second longitudinal center axis 822 of the second cylindrical body 820 and / or may extend in a longitudinal direction of the second cylindrical body 820 along at least a portion of its length.

[0162] The longitudinal fin(s) 840 may protrude from the second cylindrical body 820 to provide a space 848 with an increased shear rate between the ends of the longitudinal fin(s) 840 and the first cylindrical body 810. In this manner, the shear rate of the viscous fluid in the space 848 with an increased shear rate between the ends of the longitudinal fin(s) 840 and the first cylindrical body 810 may be increased (e.g., compared to an embodiment without the longitudinal fin(s) 840), which may further facilitate self-cleaning / clearing of the first cylindrical body 810.

[0163] Reference now Fig. 8E , which is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 800 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid, including a fixed filter element and also including one or more sections of a spirally wound fin 850, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0164] According to some embodiments, the second annular body 820 may include at least one section of a helically wound fin 850. The helically wound fin 850 may be disposed along the second longitudinal center axis 822 of the second cylindrical body 820 and may protrude into the annular gap 830. The helically wound fin 850 may be disposed downstream of the longitudinal filter section 813. The helically wound fin 850 may be similar to, for example, the above description of Figure 5 A spirally wound fin 850 is depicted.

[0165] The coiled fin(s) 850 may create additional suction for the viscous fluid being introduced into the annular gap 830. In this manner, the coiled fin(s) 850 may set a lower operating pressure range within the apparatus 800 (e.g., compared to embodiments without the coiled fin(s) 850) and / or help adapt the apparatus 800 to existing extruders that are typically adapted to operate under certain pressure conditions.

[0166] Reference now Fig.8F and Figure 8G , which are schematic diagrams of an apparatus 800 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid according to some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus comprising a fixed filter element and further comprising one or more groups 842 of longitudinal fins 840 and one or more sections of spirally wound fins 850.

[0167] Fig.8F and Figure 8G The longitudinal section AA' of the device 800 is shown respectively (eg, similar to Figure 1A The longitudinal section AA') and the transverse section CC'( Fig. 8A limited in ).

[0168] According to some embodiments, the first annular body 810 may include one or more longitudinal filter segments 813. For example, the first annular body 810 may include a first longitudinal filter segment 813a and a second longitudinal filter segment 813b (e.g., Fig.8F ).

[0169] According to some embodiments, the second cylindrical body 820 may include one or more groups 842 of longitudinal fins 840. In some embodiments, each of the groups 840 may be disposed on the second annular body 820 at a location corresponding to the location of one of the (one or more) filter sections 813 on the first cylindrical body 810. The (one or more) longitudinal fins 840 of each of the groups 842 may protrude from the second cylindrical body 820 into the annular gap 830 and toward (or substantially toward) the corresponding filter section 813 on the first cylindrical body 810. The (one or more) longitudinal fins 840 of each group 842 may be aligned with the second longitudinal center axis 822 of the second cylindrical body 822, and / or may extend along at least a portion of the length of the corresponding filter section 813.

[0170] For example, Fig.8F The device 800 is shown in which the second cylindrical body 820 includes two groups 842 of longitudinal fins 840 - a first group 842a and a second group 842b. However, in this example, the first group 842a is arranged at a position along the second cylindrical body 820 corresponding to the position of the first filter section 813a on the first cylindrical body 810, and the second group 842b is arranged at a position along the second cylindrical body 820 corresponding to the position of the second filter section 813b on the first cylindrical body 810. However, in this example, each of the first group 842a and the second group 842b includes four longitudinal fins 840 - a first longitudinal fin 840a, a second longitudinal fin 840b, a third longitudinal fin 840c and a fourth longitudinal fin 840d (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 8G ).

[0171] According to some embodiments, the second annular body 820 may include at least one section of the helically wound fin 850 along the second longitudinal center axis 822 of the second cylindrical body 820 .

[0172] In various embodiments, the second cylindrical body 810 may include one or more sections of the spirally wound fin 850 downstream of one or more of the filter sections 813 on the first cylindrical body 810. For example, Fig.8FThe device 800 is shown to include a first section 850a of spirally wound fins and a second section 850b of spirally wound fins. However, in this example, the first section 850a of spirally wound fins is disposed downstream of the first filtering section 813a, and the second section 850b of spirally wound fins is disposed downstream of the second filtering section 813b.

[0173] Reference now Figure 8H , the figure is Figure 8G 820 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the embodiment of the present invention, emphasizing the nature of the flow of contaminated viscous fluid in the gap formed between the fin and the perforated surface according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cylindrical body 820 can be rotatably supported and adapted to rotate about the second longitudinal center axis and relative to the first cylindrical body 810 (e.g., as indicated by Fig. 8A and Figure 8B 822a in FIG. 8 ). The annular gap 830 between the first cylindrical body 810 and the second cylindrical body 820 may be adapted to receive a viscous fluid (e.g., a melt of a polymer material with contaminants). The second cylindrical body 820 may be continuously rotated about its second longitudinal center axis, thereby generating a tangential drag flow of the viscous fluid in the annular gap 830, specifically in its tangential direction, in a high shear zone, similar to the flow of the viscous fluid in the high shear zone. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8G as described. Thus, a tangential velocity gradient may be generated between the rotating ends of the fins of the second cylindrical body 820 and the fixed first cylindrical body 810. According to some embodiments, the second cylindrical body 820 may include one or more fins 840 extending from the second cylindrical body 820 toward the first cylindrical body 810 such that when the second cylindrical body 820 rotates relative to the first cylindrical body 810, their ends adjacent to the perforated surface of the first cylindrical body 810 define an annular gap 830. Operational and structural parameters such as the viscosity of the molten contaminated fluid, the relative rotational speed of the second cylindrical body 820 relative to the first cylindrical body 810, and the size of the gap 830 may be controlled and or set to ensure that the conditions for the flow of the contaminated fluid in the gap 830 remain substantially laminar. The tangential, radial, and longitudinal components of the flow of the contaminated viscous fluid within the apparatus 800 and specifically at the high shear zone defined by the ends of the fins 840 (depicted by the dashed circle 830') are substantially laminar. Figure 1G and Figure 1H The radial flow 134a, tangential flow 136a and longitudinal flow 132a are substantially the same as described above.

[0174] Reference now Fig. 9, which is a schematic diagram of a method 900 for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid according to some embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that preferred operating conditions for embodiments of the present invention are those that maintain laminar (or substantially laminar) flow of the molten contaminant fluid in the gap between the fins and the first cylindrical body (such as the gap 830 discussed above).

[0175] Method 900 may be implemented by an apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid, which apparatus may be configured to implement method 900. For example, method 900 may be implemented by apparatus 100 (e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 1A , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H ), device 200 (e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D ), device 300 (e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 3A and Figure 3B ), device 400 (e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 4A and Figure 4B ), device 500 (e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 5 ), device 600 (e.g., as described above with respect to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B ), device 700 (e.g., as described above with respect to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B ) and / or device 800 (e.g., as described above with respect to Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C , Fig.8D , Fig. 8E , Fig.8F and Figure 8G Note that method 900 is not limited to Fig. 9 For example, in various embodiments, the method 900 need not move through each illustrated box or stage, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

[0176] According to some embodiments, method 900 may include pumping a contaminated viscous fluid between a non-perforated surface and a perforated surface, wherein the non-perforated surface and the perforated surface are arranged to be substantially parallel to each other with a defined gap, thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a longitudinal direction along the gap (stage 902).

[0177] For example, as mentioned above Figures 1A to 1H , FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B , FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B , Figure 5 , FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B , FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B and FIG. 8A to FIG. 8G As described, the perforated surface may be formed as a first cylindrical body having a first central longitudinal axis, and the non-perforated surface may be formed as a second cylindrical body having a second central longitudinal axis. Also, in this example, the second central longitudinal axis of the second cylindrical body may coincide with the first central longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body to provide an annular gap therebetween. Also, in this example, the relative velocity may be directed tangentially to the surface and perpendicularly to the second central longitudinal axis of the second cylindrical body and the first central longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body.

[0178] According to some embodiments, method 900 may include: causing a non-perforated surface and a perforated surface to move relative to each other at a defined relative velocity, thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity, thereby generating a shear rate in the contaminated viscous fluid near the perforated surface in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity (stage 904).

[0179] For example, the first cylindrical body may be rotatable relative to the second cylindrical body, or the second cylindrical body (e.g., as described above with respect to Figures 1A to 1H , FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B , FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B , Figure 5 , FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B , FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B described above) may be relative to the first cylindrical body (e.g., as described above with respect to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8G described) rotation.

[0180] According to some embodiments, method 900 may include providing pressure to the contaminated viscous fluid, thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the relative velocity (stage 906). Figure 1F to Figure 1H As described.

[0181] According to some embodiments, method 900 may include adjusting the relative velocity, pressure, and average shear rate within the gap such that a layer of contaminated viscous fluid adjacent to the perforated surface is forced to flow through the perforated orifices of the perforated surface to the other side of the perforated surface, while contaminants having a size larger than the size of the perforated orifices are forced to flow in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity (stage 908). For example, as described above with respect to Figure 1F to Figure 1H The perforation opening may be, for example, as described above with respect to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The elongated slot 216 is depicted.

[0182] According to some embodiments, method 900 may include setting the relative velocity, pressure, and average shear rate within the gap such that the average velocity of the contaminated viscous fluid in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity is at least 50 times (e.g., 100-3000 times) the average velocity of the contaminated viscous fluid toward the perforated surface (i.e., in a radial direction), and such that the average shear rate within the gap is at least 50 1 / s (e.g., 100-500 1 / s) (stage 910). For example, as described above with respect to Figure 1F to Figure 1H As described.

[0183] According to some embodiments, method 900 may include, when the filter is in filtering mode, removing pollutant particles accumulated on the perforated surface during actual filtering of the contaminated viscous fluid by providing a pressurized jet of fluid of the filtered viscous fluid from the other side of the perforated surface through the holes toward the side with the contaminated viscous fluid, or by setting the pressure drop on both sides of the perforated surface to be low, thereby allowing drift forces to sweep away the captured pollutants (stage 912). For example, as described above with respect to FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B As described.

[0184] In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the present invention. The various manifestations of "one embodiment", "embodiment", "certain embodiments" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Although various features of the present invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, these features may also be provided individually or in any appropriate combination. On the contrary, although the present invention may be described in the context of a separate embodiment for the sake of clarity, the present invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Certain embodiments of the present invention may include features from different embodiments disclosed above, and certain embodiments may combine elements from other embodiments disclosed above. The disclosure of the elements of the present invention in the context of a specific embodiment should not be construed as limiting their use only to the specific embodiment. In addition, it is to be understood that the present invention may be performed or practiced in various ways, and the present invention may be implemented in certain embodiments other than the embodiments outlined in the above description.

[0185] The present invention is not limited to those figures or corresponding descriptions. For example, the flow need not move through each illustrated frame or state, or move in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. Unless otherwise defined, the meaning of the technical and scientific terms used herein will be generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Although the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present invention, but as illustrations of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications and applications are also within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited by what has been described so far, but should be limited by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for continuously filtering pollutants from a contaminated viscous fluid, the method comprising: pumping the contaminated viscous fluid between a non-perforated surface and a perforated surface, the non-perforated surface and the perforated surface being arranged substantially parallel to each other with a defined gap, thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a longitudinal direction along the gap; causing the non-perforated surface and the perforated surface to move relative to each other at a defined relative velocity, thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a smooth, vortex-free laminar flow with a Reynolds number (Re) <1 in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity, thereby generating a shear rate in the contaminated viscous fluid near the perforated surface in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity; wherein the perforated surface is shaped as a first cylindrical body having a first central longitudinal axis, and the non-perforated surface is shaped as a second cylindrical body having a second central longitudinal axis coinciding with the first longitudinal axis, and the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body overlap, and wherein the relative speed is a rotational speed, and the gap is an annular gap; providing pressure to the contaminated viscous fluid thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the relative velocity; and The relative velocity, the pressure, and the average shear rate at the gap are adjusted, the average shear rate being at least 50 1 / s, so that a layer of the contaminated viscous fluid adjacent to the perforated surface is forced to flow through the perforated orifices of the perforated surface to the other side of the perforated surface, while contaminants having a size larger than a size of the perforated orifices are forced to flow in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity, wherein the relative velocity is directed tangentially to the surfaces of the first and second cylindrical bodies and perpendicular to the second central longitudinal axis of the second cylindrical body and the first central longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body.

2. The method according to claim 1 further includes setting the relative velocity and the pressure within the gap so that an average velocity of the contaminated viscous fluid in the gap in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity is at least 50 times the average velocity of the contaminated viscous fluid toward the perforated surface.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The perforation apertures are slots each having a long dimension and a short dimension, and wherein the long dimension of the slots is aligned substantially perpendicular to the relative velocity and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body.

4. The method of claim 3, comprising increasing the rotational speed of the second cylindrical body at a given rotational speed acceleration for a first period of time and then decelerating at a lower rate to a nominal rotational speed, thereby transiently increasing the cleaning effect of contaminants off the perforated surface.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The contaminant particles accumulated on the perforated surface are removed by increasing the pressure of the fluid of the filtered viscous fluid at the other side of the perforated surface during actual filtration of the contaminated viscous fluid, preferably to a level substantially the same as the pressure of the contaminated fluid at the side with the contaminated viscous fluid, and at the same time maintaining the shear rate at the gap by providing a pressurized jet of filtered viscous fluid toward the side with the contaminated viscous fluid during the actual filtration of the contaminated viscous fluid.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein: The perforated surface includes a plurality of grooves, wherein a depth of the grooves is less than the short dimension of the slots, and wherein at least one of the grooves spans at least one of the slots.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The perforation apertures are disposed along the circumference and length of the first cylindrical body along at least one longitudinal filter section.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The second cylindrical body includes one or more longitudinal fins, which protrude from the second cylindrical body toward the perforated surface of the first cylindrical body into the first gap, thereby forming a second gap between the distal ends of the fins and the perforated surface, and the second gap is smaller than the first interval.

9. An apparatus for continuously filtering contaminants from a viscous fluid, the apparatus comprising: a first cylindrical body having a first longitudinal center axis and including at least one longitudinal filter section, the at least one longitudinal filter section including a perforated surface having a plurality of perforated orifices along its circumference; and a second cylindrical body having a second longitudinal center axis coinciding with the first longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body and a non-perforated surface; wherein the first cylindrical body is adapted to overlap and rotate relative to the second cylindrical body so that an annular gap is formed between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body, wherein the annular gap is adapted to receive the viscous fluid, Wherein, the device is constructed as pumping the contaminated viscous fluid between the non-perforated surface and the perforated surface, thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a longitudinal direction along the gap, causing the non-perforated surface and the perforated surface to move relative to each other at a defined relative velocity, thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a smooth, vortex-free laminar flow with a Reynolds number (Re) <1 in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity, thereby generating a shear rate in the contaminated viscous fluid near the perforated surface in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity, providing pressure to the contaminated viscous fluid thereby forcing the contaminated viscous fluid to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the relative velocity, and The relative velocity, the pressure, and the average shear rate at the gap are adjusted, the average shear rate being at least 50 1 / s, so that a layer of the contaminated viscous fluid adjacent to the perforated surface is forced to flow through the perforated orifices of the perforated surface to the other side of the perforated surface, while contaminants having a size larger than a size of the perforated orifices are forced to flow in a direction substantially parallel to the relative velocity, wherein the relative velocity is directed tangentially to the surfaces of the first and second cylindrical bodies and perpendicular to the second central longitudinal axis of the second cylindrical body and the first central longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body.

10. The device according to claim 9, further comprising: a rotation assembly including at least a rotation motor coupled to one of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body and adapted to rotate the one of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body at a controlled rotation speed, respectively; and a controller in communication with the rotation assembly, the controller configured to control relative rotation between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body via the rotation assembly according to the controlled rotational speed.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein: The first cylindrical body is disposed within the second cylindrical body.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein: The second cylindrical body is disposed within the first cylindrical body.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The apertures are slots each having a long dimension and a short dimension, and wherein the long dimension of the slot is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal center axis of the first cylindrical body.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein: The annular gap tapers along a common axis of rotation by at least one of the first cylindrical body tapering along the first longitudinal center axis and the second cylindrical body tapering along the second longitudinal center axis such that the gap becomes smaller along the first longitudinal center axis.

15. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: The second cylindrical body comprises one or more longitudinal fins, which protrude from the second cylindrical body into the annular gap toward the perforated surface of the first cylindrical body, thereby forming a second gap between the distal ends of the fins and the perforated surface, and the second gap is smaller than the annular space.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein: The first cylindrical body includes at least one section of a helically wound fin disposed along the first longitudinal center axis, the helically wound fin protruding into the annular gap.

Images