Guided high pressure medium cleaning system for disc filter

Abstract

A rotary disc filter is provided with a guided high pressure media cleaning system that includes an elongated shaft that extends along one side of a series of filter discs or along a portion of one side of the disc filter. The lance guide is configured to receive and support a lance having a series of nozzles. During a high pressure medium cleaning operation, the lance and the lance guide move along the axis from one cleaning position to another. In each cleaning position, the lance extends from the lance guide into an open space adjacent to the filter media on the filter disc. When the filter disc is rotated, the high pressure cleaning solution is dispersed from the nozzle of the spray gun onto the filter media.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 528,100, filed July 21, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to rotary disc filters for filtering water and wastewater, and more particularly to systems and methods for cleaning filter media and restoring the filter media's capacity using a high-pressure media cleaning system. Background Technology

[0003] Rotary disc filters of the type described herein are designed to filter wastewater and water (collectively referred to below as "wastewater"). They typically consist of a drum and multiple filter discs or units mounted on the drum. Each filter unit includes a medium that filters the wastewater as it passes through the filter unit. As the wastewater passes through the filter unit, suspended solids contained in the wastewater are captured in the medium. To clean or remove suspended solids from the medium, rotary disc filters typically include a backwashing system, which is used periodically to remove and purify the medium of suspended solids. In practice, backwashing is used frequently during the operation of a rotary disc filter. While regular backwashing is important and valuable, the filter media can still become clogged over time and lose its ability to efficiently filter wastewater passing through the filter unit. This is sometimes referred to as chronic media clogging. Typically, it becomes noticeable after the media has been used for several months. Clogging can also occur due to sudden failures in the upstream treatment process. In any case, it is expected that over time, the media will become less efficient despite frequent and regular backwashing.

[0004] Systems known in this paper, referred to as high-pressure media cleaning systems, supplement routine backwashing operations with less frequent media cleaning. Compared to routine backwashing, high-pressure media cleaning aims to restore the filtration capacity of the media and is typically performed less frequently than routine backwashing.

[0005] Numerous methods exist for providing disc filters capable of performing high-pressure cleaning of the filter media. It is noteworthy that some methods have been quite successful, while others have proven unreliable and / or ineffective. In any case, high-pressure cleaning systems significantly increase the cost of disc filters. Some markets (e.g., the aquaculture market) appear to be very cost-sensitive. However, disc filters used in aquaculture applications and a variety of other applications will see increased filtration efficiency and media lifespan if the filter media are periodically subjected to high-pressure cleaning. Therefore, the challenge lies in providing a high-pressure media cleaning system for disc filters that is highly efficient and effective, yet less expensive than many conventional high-pressure media cleaning systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention relates to a disc filter designed to provide a highly efficient and cost-effective high-pressure media cleaning method. With this in mind, the disc filter of this invention is designed to receive and support a handheld spray gun or rod, which is operatively connected to a high-pressure pump that directs cleaning fluid (e.g., water) into and through the spray gun. One or more spray gun guides are mounted on the disc filter. The spray gun guides are designed to receive and support the spray gun and, with the assistance of an operator or maintenance personnel, guide the spray gun to a media cleaning position. Once in the guide, the spray gun is pushed through the guide until it reaches a predetermined cleaning position. In this position, the high-pressure pump is actuated, causing cleaning fluid to be directed into the spray gun and exit from one or more nozzles on the spray gun. The cleaning solution discharged from the spray gun under high pressure impacts the filter media, removing particulate matter contained within the filter media. As the cleaning solution is dispersed onto the filter media, the filter disc supporting the filter media rotates. Through a selected number of rotations, the entire filter media of the filter disc can be cleaned.

[0007] In one example, a spray gun guide is movably mounted on an elongated member that extends along one or a portion of one side of a filter disc and is directly or indirectly supported by the frame structure of the disc filter. During media cleaning operations, the spray gun guide moves along the elongated member from one media cleaning position to another. At each media cleaning position, the spray gun guide is guided or aimed at an open space between two filter discs or an open space adjacent to a filter disc. Once the spray gun guide is correctly positioned, the spray gun is guided through the spray gun guide and extended to a position for cleaning the filter media located near the spray gun. Cleaning fluid is discharged from the spray gun under pressure via one or more nozzles. The cleaning fluid is aimed at adjacent filter media, and the impact of the high-pressure cleaning fluid removes particulate matter from the filter media. As the cleaning fluid is dispersed from the spray gun, the disc filter drum rotates, causing adjacent filter media to rotate through the spray gun, so that all or substantially all of the filter media can be cleaned. Once the filter media has been cleaned, the spray gun guide and the spray gun move down the elongated member to another cleaning position. In another example, the high-pressure cleaning system of the present invention is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart guide plates extending adjacent to an elongated member supporting a spray gun guide. These guide plates are spaced apart, and the spacing creates a series of openings or slots between consecutive guide plates. The guide plates are mounted on a disc filter such that the openings or slots are aligned with the spaces between the respective filter discs. The spray gun guide is rotatably mounted on the elongated member, and because the elongated member is positioned relatively close to the openings or slots, the spray gun guide can rotate into one of the openings or slots. When this occurs, the spray gun guide is properly aligned with the spaces between two consecutive filter discs or with at least one space adjacent to a filter disc.

[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, a rotary disc filter is provided and designed to receive a spray gun having at least one nozzle for pressure cleaning the filter media of the disc filter. The disc filter comprises: - Rotating drum; - A drive that rotates the drum during media cleaning operations; - Multiple filter discs mounted on the roller; - The filter disc includes a filter medium for filtering water or wastewater that passes through the filter disc; - Spray gun guide support, which is mounted on a disc filter; - A spray gun guide, which is supported on a support; and - The spray gun guide includes a receiving portion configured to receive and support the spray gun in the media cleaning position.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a rotary disc filter comprising: Rotating drum; Multiple filter discs are mounted on a roller. A filter disc includes a filter medium for filtering water or wastewater that passes through the filter disc; A drive that rotates the drum during media cleaning operations; A spray gun support structure, which is mounted on and disposed on one side of a disc filter, and includes: An elongated member that extends generally horizontally along at least a portion of one side of a disc filter; A spray gun guide, which is supported on the elongated member; The spray gun guide includes a lateral opening through which the elongated member extends; The spray gun guide is movable along the elongated member from one position on the elongated member to another position on the elongated member, where the spray gun guide is aligned with an open space adjacent to at least one filter disc, and where the spray gun guide is aligned with another open space adjacent to at least one other filter disc; and An opening that extends through the spray gun guide and is configured to receive and support the spray gun during media cleaning operations.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention requires a method for cleaning the filter media of a rotary disc filter, the rotary disc filter comprising a rotating drum, a drive for rotating the drum during a media cleaning operation, a plurality of filter discs mounted on the drum, and wherein the filter discs comprise filter media for filtering water or wastewater passing through the filter discs. The method includes cleaning the filter media of the filter discs by the following steps: - Insert the spray gun, which has one or more nozzles thereon, into the spray gun guide supported on an elongated member mounted on a disc filter; - Move the spray gun relative to the spray gun guide to a position where the spray gun extends from the spray gun guide into the space between two adjacent filter discs or into the space adjacent to one filter disc; - Under pressure, the cleaning fluid is directed from a fluid source into the spray gun and exits from one or more nozzles on the spray gun onto the filter media of at least one filter disc located adjacent to the spray gun; and - As the cleaning fluid is dispersed from the spray gun, the filter media of adjacent filter discs is cleaned by rotating the roller and causing the filter media of adjacent filter discs to rotate through the spray gun.

[0011] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and obvious upon study of the following description and accompanying drawings, which are merely illustrative of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a rotary disc filter with a high-pressure media cleaning system integrated therein.

[0013] Figure 1A The rear portion of a disc filter and the drive system for rotating the drum of the disc filter are shown.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the spray gun guide, which forms part of a high-pressure media cleaning system.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a side elevation view of the spray gun guide and the spray gun having a series of nozzles integrated therein.

[0016] Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 4 The view shows the spray gun inserted into the spray gun guide.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a high-pressure media cleaning system integrated into a disc filter.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of the surrounding portion of the high-pressure media cleaning system shown.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view of a part of a high-pressure media cleaning system, in which the spray gun guide is positioned in the media cleaning position, and the spray gun is shown before it is inserted into the spray gun guide.

[0020] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 8 The view shows the spray gun inserted into the spray gun guide, and both the spray gun guide and the spray gun are positioned in the media cleaning position.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a partial perspective view showing the spray gun guide and spray gun in an elevated position, which allows the spray gun guide and spray gun to move laterally from one cleaning position to another.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a disc filter, showing the spray gun guide and spray gun in both the clean position and the raised position.

[0023] Figure 11It is a partial plan view that generally illustrates the position of the spray gun relative to two adjacent filter discs during a media cleaning operation. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Further reference Figure 1 and Figure 1A The figure shows a rotating disc filter, generally indicated by reference numeral 10. Generally, the disc filter 10 includes a frame structure supporting a rotating drum 12. Mounted on the drum 12 are a plurality of spaced-apart filter discs 14, each having filter media 14A mounted on opposite sides. As seen in the figure, the filter discs 14 are spaced apart axially along the drum 12. The number of filter discs 14 is variable. Each filter disc 14 includes a filter frame that can be made of various materials. In the example shown in the figure, the filter frame comprises a modular plastic frame.

[0025] A drive system 16 is disposed around the rear end of the disc filter 10. This drive system is operatively connected to the drum 12 for rotating the drum and filter disc 14 during backwashing or during high-pressure media cleaning operations. See also Figure 1A .like Figure 1A As seen in the image, the drum motor 16A is mounted on the back side of the disc filter 10 and is used to rotate the drum 12 and the filter disc 16 mounted thereon. Various drive arrangements are available to rotate the drum 12. Figure 1A In the embodiment illustrated, the drive system for driving the roller 12 includes a driven sprocket 16B directly or indirectly connected to the roller 12. A chain 16C is wound around a drive sprocket 16D connected to the motor 16B and the sprocket 16B. Thus, the actuation of the motor 16A drives the sprockets 16B and 16D, which in turn causes the roller 12 and the filter disc 14 mounted thereon to rotate.

[0026] The filter media 14A serves to filter water or wastewater passing through the filter disc 14. The disc filter 10 can operate as either an inside-out or outside-in disc filter. When operating as an inside-out disc filter, the filtered water or wastewater enters the drum 12 and then flows from the drum into the filter disc 14 and out through the filter media 14A. When operating as an outside-in disc filter, the filtration process is essentially reversed. In this case, the filtered water or wastewater enters the filter disc via the filter media formed on the filter disc. The filtered water or wastewater then flows from the filter disc into the drum and out of the disc filter. As the treated water or wastewater passes through the filter media 14A, suspended solids are captured in the filter media. Therefore, the filter media 14A must be cleaned from time to time. The type of disc filter disclosed herein generally includes a conventional backwashing system. Conventional backwashing systems typically operate at relatively low pressures (generally on the order of 6-10 bar). Conventional backwashing systems are frequently used in the filtration of wastewater. Routine backwashing is not uncommon, especially when treating wastewater with relatively high concentrations of suspended solids. However, over time, routine backwashing is insufficient to resolve the clogging that typically occurs over time. That is, it is not uncommon for disc filters to experience chronic clogging over time, causing the filter media to lose its ability to effectively and efficiently filter wastewater. Therefore, a more aggressive cleaning (i.e., high-pressure cleaning) is required to restore or recover the filter media 14A to operate at an optimal or acceptable level. Therefore, the disc filter of the present invention is equipped with a high-pressure media cleaning system, which is described more fully below. As used herein, "high pressure" means a pressure greater than the 6-10 bar pressure typically used in conventional disc filter backwashing systems.

[0027] Further details regarding the basic structure and operation of disc filters are not presented herein, as these are well known and understood by those skilled in the art. However, U.S. Patent Nos. 11,000,791 and 11,291,935 describe various features of rotary disc filters, and the disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] The high-pressure media cleaning system is mounted on the frame structure of the disc filter 10. For example... Figure 1As shown, the high-pressure media cleaning system is mounted on one side of the disc filter 10 and extends along one side of the filter disc 14, while being spaced outwards from the filter disc. Throughout the specification, the high-pressure media cleaning system and its components are referred to as extending along one side of the disc filter 10 or along one side of the filter disc 14. This description does not mean that the high-pressure media cleaning system and its components extend entirely along the length of the disc filter 10. Rather, it means that the high-pressure media cleaning system and its components extend along at least a portion of the length of the disc filter or along one side of multiple filter discs 14. Of course, this means... Figure 5 The high-pressure media cleaning system and its components shown can be manufactured and applied segmentally to the disc filter 10, with each segment extending only a portion across one side of the disc filter 10. Consequently, during the high-pressure media cleaning operation, the segments will move from one location to another. As described below, the high-pressure media cleaning system includes: a spray gun guide for receiving and holding a spray gun having one or more nozzles coupled therein; a spray gun guide support; and a series of guide plates for properly positioning the spray gun guide and the spray gun during the high-pressure cleaning operation. Details of these structures will be given later.

[0029] Figure 5 It is also depicted Figure 1 The illustrated diagram shows a spray gun guide support structure mounted on one side of a disc filter 10. This support structure includes a spray gun guide support, which, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises an elongated member 22 in the form of an axis. The elongated member 22 extends along at least a portion of one side of the disc filter 10. Furthermore, although the elongated member 22 is spaced outward from the filter disc 14, it is positioned adjacent to the filter disc. A series of recesses 22A are formed in the outer surface of the elongated member and spaced apart along it. The importance of the recesses 22A will be described later.

[0030] like Figure 7As shown, the elongated member 22 is suspended from the disc filter 10 by a series of supports 24, which are fixed to the frame structure of the disc filter and extend from there to the locations where they engage and support the elongated member. The design of the supports 24 can vary. In one example, the supports 24 include a series of support arms, each of which is generally L-shaped. Each support arm includes a base 24A, a vertical leg 24B, and a gusset plate 24C that structurally reinforces the support arm 24. The vertical leg 24 includes an upper end portion extending through a groove formed in the elongated member 22. This forms a strong connection between the vertical leg 24B and the elongated member 22. This connection prevents the elongated member 22 from rotating or moving, and the elongated member is effectively suspended by the upper end of the vertical leg 24A. Thus, it can be seen that the support arms 24 and the frame structure of the disc filter 10 support the elongated member or shaft 22 adjacent to the outer edge of the filter disc 14. In another embodiment, the support 24 may present as a tubular structure connecting the frame structure of the disc filter 10 and the elongated member 22.

[0031] The spray gun guide 30 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 22. See also Figure 2 As explained below, the spray gun guide 30 is movable along axis 22 from one media cleaning position to another. Functionally, the spray gun guide 30 positions the spray gun 50 and ultimately its spray nozzle 50B in the correct position relative to the media being cleaned. The spray gun guide 30 is designed to allow easy insertion of the spray gun 50 into the guide. Furthermore, once the spray gun 50 is inserted into the spray gun guide 30, the guide guides the spray gun to the media cleaning position and secures it in that position. The spray gun 50 and the spray gun guide 30 are designed to limit penetration of the spray gun into the disc filter 10. That is, the design of the spray gun guide 30 and the spray gun 50 prevents the spray gun from contacting the rollers of the disc filter 10 or any moving part of the disc filter 10.

[0032] A more detailed view of the spray gun guide 30 reveals its blocky structure. A transverse opening 30A extends through the spray gun guide 30. A transverse groove 30A1 extends from the bottom of the opening 30A. The groove 30A1 opens at its bottom and also leads to the transverse opening 30A. A shaft 22 supporting the spray gun guide 30 extends through the transverse opening 30A. The groove 30A1 allows the spray gun guide 30 to move along the shaft 22 without interference from the support structure extending from the frame structure of the disc filter 10 to the shaft. This will be discussed later.

[0033] The spray gun guide 30 includes two indexing plungers 30B and 30C. The indexing plunger 30B is configured to engage a shaft 22 extending through an opening 30A and to effectively lock the spray gun guide 30 in a predetermined media cleaning position. The indexing plunger 30C, located on one side of the spray gun guide 30, is configured to engage the spray gun 50 and lock it within the spray gun guide when the spray gun is inserted into it.

[0034] The receiving part 30D forms part of the spray gun guide 30. The receiving part 30D serves to receive and hold the spray gun 50. The receiving part 30D can be designed in various ways. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 30D includes an elongated through-hole extending from one end of the spray gun guide to the other end. A track groove 30D1 is formed along the bottom of the through-hole. As described later, the spray gun 50 is provided with a track 50C. See also Figure 3 The function of the track groove 30D1 is to receive the track 50C of the spray gun 50.

[0035] As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the filter discs 14 are spaced apart on the roller 12. Therefore, there are open spaces between the consecutive filter discs 14. The high-pressure media cleaning system of the present invention is designed to align the spray gun guide 30 and the spray gun 50 with the open spaces between two consecutive filter discs 14 or with at least one open space adjacent to a single filter disc during cleaning operations. To facilitate this alignment, the high-pressure media cleaning system is provided with a structure that facilitates and allows the spray gun guide 30 and the spray gun 50 to be precisely positioned at their respective cleaning locations along the elongated member 22.

[0036] This structure is Figures 6 to 10 As shown in the diagram. It is also an elongated structure extending parallel to the elongated member 22. A portion of this structure lies below the elongated member 22, as... Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, observing the structure reveals that it comprises a web 46 and an outer flange 44. On opposite sides of the outer flange 44 are a series of guide plates 40. The guide plates 40 extend along the length of the structure and are spaced apart to define a series of slots or openings 42 therebetween. When mounted on the disc filter 10, the slots or openings 42 are aligned with the open spaces between the corresponding filter discs 14. This generally means that the guide plates 40 are aligned with the corresponding filter discs 14. Furthermore, the slots or openings 42 are designed to receive the spray gun guide 30. That is, as described later, during media cleaning operations, the spray gun guide 30 moves along the elongated member 22 and rotates into the slot or opening at each slot or opening 42, such that when the spray gun 50 is inserted into the receiving portion 30D of the spray gun guide, the spray gun can extend into the open space formed by one or both of the filter discs 14.

[0037] The process or method for cleaning filter media 14A will be described. As discussed above, the spray gun guide 30 is rotatably mounted on shaft 22, but is generally free to move laterally back and forth on the shaft. To begin the high-pressure media cleaning operation, the spray gun guide 30 is aligned with an opening or groove 42 between the two guide plates 40. The spray gun guide 30 is then rotated into the groove 42. A dividing plunger 30B is used to engage the shaft 22 and a recess 22A thereon, which substantially secures the spray gun guide 30 to the shaft. Once rotated into the groove 42, the spray gun guide 30 is defined on opposite sides by the two guide plates 40. This also prevents substantial lateral movement of the spray gun guide 30 on the shaft 22. Positioning the spray gun guide 30 in the groove 42 ensures proper alignment of the spray gun guide with the open space between the two filter discs 14 or with the open space of a single filter disc adjacent to the end of the disc filter 10.

[0038] Then, the spray gun 50 is inserted into the receiving portion 30D of the spray gun guide 30. When inserted into the receiving portion 30D, the guide rail 50C of the spray gun 50 is positioned in the rail groove 30D1 formed in the bottom of the receiving portion 30D. Once inserted into the receiving portion 30D, the spray gun 50 is pushed through the receiving portion to the appropriate cleaning position, and then the side indexing plunger 30C engages a portion of the spray gun 50 and secures the spray gun in the cleaning position.

[0039] The number of nozzles 50B and their spacing can be varied on the spray gun 50. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the exemplary design shown, multiple spray nozzle pairs are provided. Each pair of spray nozzles is laterally aligned on the spray gun and points in opposite directions. This particular arrangement allows for cleaning of the filter media on two filter discs. That is, by extending the spray gun between the two filter discs, the spray nozzle 50B on one side of the spray gun will serve the media on one filter disc, while the spray nozzle on the other side of the spray gun will serve the media on the other filter disc. This means that for a filter disc 14 of a certain diameter, the nozzle configuration of the spray gun can be configured to effectively clean the filter media of the filter disc. In some cases, the filter media can be effectively cleaned when the spray gun 50 takes only one position in the spray gun guide 30. In other cases, especially when the filter disc 14 is relatively large, it may be necessary for the spray gun 50 to take multiple positions in the spray gun guide 30 in order to efficiently clean the entire filter media of the filter disc. In any case, before initiating the high-pressure media cleaning operation, the side indexing plunger 30C is used to engage one of the indexing recesses 50D formed in the guide rail 50C of the spray gun 50. Once the indexing plunger 30C is positioned on one of the notches 50D, the system is ready to clean the filter media of the adjacent spray gun 50.

[0040] The spray gun 50 is connected to a high-pressure pump (not shown), which in turn is connected to a liquid cleaning source. Actuation of the pump causes cleaning liquid to be pumped into the spray gun 50 and out through nozzles 50B formed on the spray gun. As noted above, nozzles 50B are typically oriented on the side of the spray gun, such that pressurized cleaning liquid is guided directly from them onto the adjacent filter media 14A. Additionally, the drive system 16 of the disc filter 10 is actuated, causing the rollers 12 and filter discs 14 to rotate. In most cases, the spray gun extends between the filter media of the two filter discs 14 and will discharge or disperse the high-pressure cleaning solution onto the filter media 14A rotating through the spray gun. This process continues until the filter media 14A has been cleaned. In some cases, the coverage area of ​​the nozzles 50B on the spray gun does not cover the entire filter media 14A rotating through the spray gun. In these cases, it is necessary to reposition the spray gun 50 within the spray gun guide 30 to effectively clean another area of ​​the filter media. In most cases, positioning the spray gun in one or two positions within the spray gun guide 30 will be sufficient to clean the entire filter media 14A rotating through the filter disc 14 of the spray gun 50. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the high-pressure media cleaning system of the present invention can be used in cleaning operations in which the spray gun 50 is positioned in more than two positions within the spray gun guide 30.

[0041] To move the spray gun 50 and spray gun guide 30 to another cleaning position, the spray gun guide is rotated from the cleaning position (the position where the spray gun guide extends into the slot 42) to the raised position. See also Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the raised position, the portion of the spray gun guide 30 aligned with the guide plate 40 either avoids or extends above the guide plate. This allows the spray gun guide 30 and the spray gun 50 to move laterally on the shaft 22 without interference from the guide plate 40. Therefore, to move the spray gun 50 and the spray gun guide 30 to another cleaning position, the indexing plunger 30B is released from the shaft 22, allowing the spray gun guide 30 to rotate from the slot 42. Once rotated from the slot 42, the spray gun guide 30 moves laterally on the shaft 22 to the next cleaning position, where it aligns with another slot 42. Once this cleaning position is reached, the spray gun guide 30 is rotated into the next slot 42. Once set in this cleaning position, the indexing plunger 30B engages the recess 22A on the shaft 22, causing the spray gun guide 30 and the spray gun 50 to be securely held in this cleaning position. At this point, the high-pressure media cleaning process described above continues, and the filter media 14A located adjacent to the spray gun 50 is cleaned as described above.

[0042] During the cleaning of the filter media 14A of all filter discs 14, it can be seen that the spray gun guide 30 needs to pass through the vertical leg 24B of the support arm 24 of the support shaft 22. This is achieved by a slot 30A1 that defines a space that allows the upper part of the vertical leg 24 to pass through as the spray gun guide 30 moves past the corresponding support arm 24.

[0043] The high-pressure cleaning system described and claimed herein has many advantages. First, it is a cost-effective solution for preventing long-term clogging of filter media, especially in applications where chemical cleaning is not suitable. Furthermore, the high-pressure cleaning system disclosed herein will efficiently clean the filter media of disc filters, and will do so in a manner that is safe for the operator and does not damage the filter media.

[0044] Of course, the invention may be practiced in other specific ways than those described herein without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the present embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive, and all variations within the meaning and equivalent scope of the appended claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A rotary disc filter comprising: A. a rotating drum; B. a plurality of filter discs mounted on the drum; C. the filter discs comprising filter media for filtering water or wastewater passing through the filter discs; D. a drive for rotating the drum during a media cleaning operation; E. a lance support structure mounted on the disc filter and disposed on one side of the disc filter and comprising: i. an elongated member extending generally horizontally along at least a portion of one side of the disc filter; ii. a lance guide supported on the elongated member; iii. the lance guide comprising a lateral opening through which the elongated member extends; iv. wherein the lance guide is movable along the elongated member from one position on the elongated member at which the lance guide is aligned with an open space adjacent at least one filter disc to another position on the elongated member at which the lance guide is aligned with another open space adjacent at least one other filter disc; and v. an opening extending through the lance guide and configured to receive and support a lance during the media cleaning operation.

2. The rotary disc filter according to claim 1, wherein, the disc filter includes the lance, and wherein the lance is supported in the lance guide and extends therefrom into the open space of the filter media adjacent at least one filter disc.

3. The rotary disc filter according to claim 1, wherein, the lance guide is rotatably mounted on the elongated member and is rotatable from a media cleaning position to a raised position; and wherein the lance guide is configured to move along the elongated member from one cleaning position to another cleaning position.

4. The rotary disc filter of claim 1 wherein, the disc filter includes a frame structure; and wherein the elongated member is supported by a plurality of supports extending between the frame structure of the disc filter and the elongated member.

5. The rotary disc filter of claim 1, further comprising a series of guide plates extending along a side of the disc filter proximate the elongate member supporting the lance guide; the guide plates being spaced apart to define openings substantially aligned with the space between the filter disc; and wherein, the openings between successive guide plates enable the lance guide to align with the spaces between the filter discs during the media cleaning operation.

6. The rotary disc filter according to claim 5, wherein, the elongated member supporting the lance guide is positioned adjacent the guide plates such that, during a media cleaning operation, the lance guide supported on the elongated member extends through one of the openings formed by two successive guide plates.

7. The rotary disc filter according to claim 4, wherein, the lance guide, the elongated member, and the supports are configured such that the lance guide is movable along the elongated member and past any of the supports without interference with the movement of the lance guide.

8. A rotary disc filter designed to receive a lance having at least one nozzle for pressure cleaning filter media of the disc filter, the disc filter comprising: A. a rotating drum; B. a drive for rotating the drum during a media cleaning operation; C. a plurality of filter disks mounted on the drum; D. the filter disks include the filter media for filtering water or wastewater passing through the filter disks; E. a lance guide support mounted on the disk filter and extending along at least a portion of a side of the disk filter; F. a lance guide supported on the support; and G. the lance guide includes a receiving portion configured to receive and support the lance in a media cleaning position.

9. The rotary disc filter according to claim 8, wherein, The lance receiving portion includes an entrance and is configured to engage and guide the lance as the lance moves through the receiving portion toward the media cleaning position.

10. The rotary disc filter according to claim 8, wherein, The disk filter includes the lance supported in and extending from the lance guide into an open space adjacent the filter media of at least one filter disk.

11. The rotary disc filter of claim 8 wherein, The lance guide support includes an elongated member extending through a transverse opening formed in the lance guide.

12. The rotary disc filter of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of spaced apart guide plates extending adjacent to the filter discs, the guide plates being generally transversely aligned with the filter discs and defining a series of openings formed between successive guide plates; and wherein, The lance guide extends through one of the openings when in a media cleaning position.

13. The rotary disc filter according to claim 12, wherein, The lance guide support includes an elongated member disposed outside the guide plates, and wherein both the guide plates and the elongated member extend adjacent to each other.

14. The rotary disc filter of claim 8 wherein, The disk filter includes a frame structure; the lance guide support includes an elongated member; and wherein the elongated member is supported by one or more supports extending between the frame structure of the disk filter and the elongated member.

15. The rotary disc filter according to claim 14, wherein, The one or more supports extend into one or more openings in the elongated member supporting the lance guide, thereby suspending the elongated member adjacent the filter disks.

16. The rotary disc filter according to claim 15, wherein, The support includes a support arm supporting both the elongated member and a plurality of guide plates adjacent the filter disks.

17. The rotary disk filter of claim 8, wherein: The lance guide support includes an elongated member extending through an opening in the lance guide; The lance guide is movable along the elongated member; The lance guide is also rotatable about the elongated member; The disk filter further includes a plurality of spaced apart guide plates extending adjacent the filter disks and defining a series of openings between successive guide plates; and The lance guide extends through one of the openings between the guide plates when in a media cleaning position.

18. The rotary disc filter of claim 10 wherein, The lance includes an elongated guide track configured to seat in a guide track recess formed in the receiving portion of the lance guide.

19. A method of cleaning filter media of a rotary disc filter, the rotary disc filter comprising a rotating drum, a drive for rotating the drum during a media cleaning operation, a plurality of filter discs mounted on the drum, wherein, The filter disks include the filter media for filtering water or wastewater passing through the filter disks, the method comprising: cleaning the filter media of the filter disks by: i. inserting a lance having one or more nozzles thereon into a lance guide supported on an elongated member mounted on the disk filter; ii. moving the lance relative to the lance guide to a position in which the lance extends from the lance guide into a space between two adjacent filter disks or a space adjacent one filter disk; iii. directing a cleaning fluid under pressure from a fluid source into the lance and out of one or more nozzles on the lance onto the filter media of at least one filter disk disposed adjacent the lance; and iv. cleaning the filter media of the adjacent filter disk as the cleaning fluid is dispersed from the lance by rotating the drum and causing the filter media of the adjacent filter disk to rotate past the lance.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The lance guide positions and supports the lance generally midway between two adjacent filter disks as the cleaning fluid is dispersed from at least two diametrically opposed nozzles on the lance.

21. The method of claim 19, comprising: During the media cleaning operation, the lance guide is moved along the elongate member and is parked at a plurality of media cleaning positions on the elongate member; At each media cleaning position, the lance guide is extended through an opening formed by two adjacent guide plates, wherein the opening is aligned with a space between two filter disks or a space adjacent one filter disk.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, Moving the lance guide from one media cleaning position to another media cleaning position includes: rotating the lance guide on the elongate member from a first cleaning position, at which the lance guide is extended through a first opening between two guide plates, to a raised position; moving the lance guide along the elongate member while in the raised position, in the process avoiding one or more guide plates; and rotating the lance guide from the raised position to a second cleaning position, at which the lance guide is extended through a second opening between two adjacent guide plates.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, During the process of moving the lance guide along the elongate member, a support structure supporting the elongate member passes through a slot formed in the lance guide.

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