Contamination cleanup using submerged apparatus

Abstract

A submersible multistage filtration system captures suspended solids from a water source. The filtration system includes an inlet filter subsystem fluidly coupled to the water source and at least one pump. The inlet filter subsystem is configured to receive the source water flow, capture suspended non-living and living solids from the source water flow, and generate a filtered water flow. In a first operating mode, the filtered water flow is provided along a first fluid path to generate filtered water at a first system outlet; and in a second operating mode, the filtered water flow is provided along a second fluid path to flush the captured non-living and living solids into a collection subsystem, and release the living solids back to the water source through a second system outlet.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 599,515, filed November 15, 2023, entitled “Inlet Water Filtration System with Self-Cleaning Device,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus, system, and method for collecting and retaining suspended solids (e.g., microplastics) from water sources. The invention also relates to an immersion treatment apparatus, system, and method for collecting and capturing contaminants from water sources. Background Technology

[0003] Water bodies around the world are polluted from a variety of sources, impacting global health and human well-being. Water pollution typically originates from urban and agricultural runoff, atmospheric transport, industrial emissions, and untreated wastewater. As pollutants enter inland water bodies and flow downstream into larger systems, they have been found to damage terrestrial and aquatic habitats, leading to biodiversity loss. Furthermore, human communities that rely on these water sources for drinking, agriculture, and recreation may face health risks and economic losses due to water pollution.

[0004] Generally, water pollutants can be classified according to their behavior: floating matter, such as oil slicks and physical debris that cause surface pollution; settling matter, such as heavy metals and sediments that sink to the bottom and negatively impact benthic ecosystems; suspended matter, such as particulates including microplastics; and dissolved matter, such as excess minerals, excess nutrients, toxic chemicals, other toxins, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), anthropogenic carbon, dissolved gases, and other chemicals that may be carried and remain in the water. Each type of pollutant poses different challenges to the environment and the economy. For example, floating pollutants harm marine life and hinder navigation, settling pollutants negatively impact sediment quality and habitat integrity, while suspended or dissolved pollutants lead to water quality deterioration and negatively affect human health and ecosystem balance.

[0005] Microplastics, generally defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters in size, or plastic particles ranging from 1 micrometer to 5 millimeters in size, have attracted widespread attention due to their relatively recent and ubiquitous presence in nature. Microplastics can originate from a variety of pathways, such as the breakdown of larger plastic fragments, microbeads in industrial and personal care products, rubber in automobile tires, and the degradation of synthetic textiles. The most common forms of microplastics are fragments and fibers composed of polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene. Once released into the environment, microplastics have been found to travel long distances via air currents and waterways. Therefore, microplastics are widely distributed in numerous terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems.

[0006] Once released into the environment, microplastics can pose a range of threats to humans and wildlife through ingestion, bioaccumulation, habitat degradation, and the ability to adsorb and transport harmful chemicals, such as organic pollutants. Furthermore, numerous studies have found microplastics in drinking water, seafood, and agricultural soils, raising concerns about their potential impact through direct exposure or consumption. While most attention has focused on microplastics in the ocean, rates of microplastic accumulation in freshwater bodies (lakes, reservoirs, etc.) have also been found to be comparable to or higher than in marine systems. For example, a recent study found higher concentrations of microplastics in Lake Tahoe, California, than in comparable oceans.

[0007] Current efforts to mitigate water pollution include regulatory measures, sustainable practices, and effective waste management strategies, such as pollution cleanup or decarbonization projects. For example, Ocean Cleanup and the Seabin Foundation focus on the physical removal of floating debris from oceans, rivers, and ports. Specialized robots, nets, barriers, or vacuum cleaners have also been adopted or proposed to capture and remove settled debris.

[0008] Cleaning up suspended or dissolved contaminants can be more difficult or less practical; for example, chemical or biological remediation methods may be required to break down excess nutrients and toxins into less harmful substances. Aeration has also been used to increase oxygen levels and promote healthy biological processes. However, while potentially effective, such methods require a deep understanding of local water quality, ecological activity, and environmental flow. Even minor changes in water chemistry or aquatic biology can have harmful unintended consequences if not properly managed. Therefore, there is a need for improved systems and methods for capturing and removing particulate matter, microplastics, and other suspended non-living solids from water sources. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a submersible multistage filtration system for capturing suspended solids from a water source. In one example, the filtration system includes a source water inlet, first and second system outlets, at least one pump, and an inlet filter subsystem fluidly coupled to the source water inlet and the at least one pump. The inlet filter subsystem is configured to receive a source water flow, capture suspended non-living and living solids from the source water flow, and generate a filtered water flow. The filtration system also includes a collection subsystem fluidly coupled to the second system outlet and configured to capture non-living and living solids and separate the non-living and living solids. The system is configured to operate in multiple operating modes, and in a first operating mode, a filtered water flow is provided along a first fluid path to generate filtered water at the first system outlet; and in a second operating mode, a filtered water flow is provided along a second fluid path to flush the captured non-living and living solids into the collection subsystem and release the living solids back to the water source through the second system outlet.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method for capturing suspended solids from a water source is also disclosed. The method includes flowing source water through a submersible multi-stage filtration system. The filtration system includes a source water inlet, first and second system outlets, at least one pump, and an inlet filter subsystem fluidly coupled to the source water inlet and the at least one pump. The inlet filter subsystem is configured to receive the source water flow, capture suspended non-living solids and living solids from the source water flow, and generate a filtered water flow. The system also includes a collection subsystem fluidly coupled to the second system outlet and configured to capture non-living solids and living solids and separate the non-living solids from the living solids. The method further includes operating the system in a first operating mode, including pumping filtered water from the inlet filter subsystem along a first fluid path to generate filtered water at the first system outlet; and operating the system in a second operating mode, including pumping filtered water along a second fluid path to flush the captured non-living solids and living solids into the collection subsystem and release the living solids into the water source through the second system outlet.

[0011] The first and second fluid paths described above may be partially identical. In some embodiments, filtered water flows along the second fluid path through the gap space between consecutive filters to flush captured non-living and living solids into a collection subsystem. In some embodiments, the collected non-living solids include particles, and in other embodiments, the collected non-living solids include microplastics. In some embodiments, the released living solids include single-celled or multi-celled organisms, and in other embodiments, the released living solids include microorganisms.

[0012] The separation of collected non-living solids from living solids can be carried out in various ways, such as by using light sources or other enticing devices to make living solids swim or otherwise migrate through openings in the collection system, enabling them to return to the water source. The remaining collected non-living solids can be coagulated, encapsulated, or brought to the surface for treatment or recycling. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1A This is an immersion multi-stage water filtration system operating in a first water inlet operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 1B This is an immersion multi-stage water filtration system operating in a second backwashing or backflushing mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an immersion multi-stage water filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3A The diagram schematically illustrates the forward operation mode of an immersion multi-stage water filtration system with a desalination membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3B The illustration schematically shows the cleaning operation mode of an immersion multi-stage water filtration system with a desalination membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3C This schematically illustrates another cleaning operation mode of an immersion multi-stage water filtration system with a desalination membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3D The backwashing operation mode of an immersion multi-stage water filtration system with a desalination membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0020] Figure 4A-4J Various submersible multistage water filtration systems according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated schematically.

[0021] Figures 5A-5E The cleaning subsystem of an immersion multi-stage filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Using endpoints to describe a numerical range includes all numbers contained within that range (for example, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0023] The terms "a", "an", "the", "at least one", and "one or more" are used interchangeably. Thus, for example, an apparatus containing "a" reverse osmosis membrane includes "one or more" such membranes.

[0024] When used in relation to a pattern or event, the term "backwash" refers to the flow of filtered water through a flow path that removes suspended solids and biological material from one or more interstitial spaces within that flow path into a collection system or into a water source.

[0025] The term "backwash" refers to a combination or sequence of cleaning or backwashing modes used to loosen and flush solids and organisms from one or more filters into the collection system or into the water source.

[0026] The term "brine" refers to an aqueous solution with a sodium chloride concentration significantly higher than that found in typical seawater; that is, a salinity corresponding to more than approximately 3.5% sodium chloride. It should be noted that different jurisdictions may apply different definitions to the term "brine" or may impose different limits on brine discharges. For example, under current California regulations, the salinity of discharges should not exceed a daily maximum of 2.0 ppt (parts per thousand) above the natural background salinity, which is measured at a horizontal distance of no more than 100 meters from the discharge point. In other jurisdictions, salinity limits may be set at levels such as 1 ppt above the environment, 5% above the environment, or 40 ppt above the environment.

[0027] When used in relation to patterns or events, the term "cleaning" refers to the physical process of loosening impacting material from one or more filters using brushes, water jets, air pulsers, back pressure, or other such techniques.

[0028] The term "concentrate" refers to the discharge stream from a desalination facility, which has a salinity level higher than that of the surrounding seawater, but not necessarily reaching the salinity defined as brine in the applicable jurisdiction where the stream was generated.

[0029] The term "conduit" refers to a pipe or other hollow structure (e.g., orifice, channel, tube, hose, line, opening, passage, riser, pipe, or wellbore) through which liquid flows during the operation of equipment employing such a conduit. The cross-section of a conduit may be, but is not necessarily, circular, and may have other cross-sectional shapes, including elliptical or other circular or rounded shapes, triangular, square, rectangular, or other regular or irregular shapes. The conduit may also be, but is not necessarily, straight or uniform in length, and may have other shapes, including tapered, coiled, or branching (e.g., branches radiating outwards from a central hub).

[0030] When used in connection with submersible equipment or its components, the term "depth" refers to the vertical distance from the free surface of the water in which the equipment or component is submerged to the point where seawater is introduced into the equipment or component, i.e., the height of the water column.

[0031] The terms "desalinated water," "fresh water," and "product water" refer to water containing less than 1,000 ppm (parts per million), more preferably less than 500 ppm, dissolved inorganic salts by weight. Exemplary examples of such salts include sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium nitrate, and sodium bicarbonate.

[0032] When used in connection with a filter having an upstream and downstream face and a channel between the upstream and downstream faces through which the filtrate can flow and the filtrate can be trapped, the term "cross-flow" refers to flow along the filter face rather than through the filter channel.

[0033] The term "fluid path" refers to a conduit, filter, gap space, or pump in which fluid can move in a selected direction. The terms "first fluid path" and "second fluid path" refer to different fluid paths (but may include some common path elements), distinguished not only by having the same path elements but by different directions of fluid flow along those elements.

[0034] The term "gap space" refers to the fluid flow path that spans the filter face between the downstream side of the upstream filter and the upstream side of the downstream filter.

[0035] The terms "living solid" and "organism" are used interchangeably in this disclosure, referring to organic matter containing nucleic acids and capable of evolution. Organisms can be microorganisms, single-celled or multicellular organisms, and include newborn animals, plankton, free-swimming organisms and benthic organisms that can be captured, trapped, entrained or impacted by underwater filtration of source water.

[0036] The term "microorganism" refers to organisms that can only be seen through a microscope.

[0037] When used in connection with suspended pollutants, the term "particulate" refers to particles ranging in size from 1 micrometer to 5 millimeters.

[0038] When used in connection with filtration systems, the term "multi-stage" means that the system comprises two or more filters arranged in series with progressively smaller filtrate channels.

[0039] The term "offshore" refers to equipment, systems, or methods located at sea and at a certain distance from the coast.

[0040] The term "land-based" refers to equipment, systems, or methods located on land.

[0041] The term "platform" refers to a supporting surface, which is typically horizontal and flat, and usually elevated relative to its surrounding environment, on which equipment can be mounted. In some embodiments, an offshore platform may be non-horizontal, non-flat, or partially or fully submerged.

[0042] The term "seawater" refers to water containing more than 0.5 ppt of dissolved inorganic salts by weight, and therefore includes both brackish water (water containing 0.5 to 3.0 ppt of dissolved organic salts by weight) and seawater or other water containing more than 3.0 ppt of dissolved organic salts. In the ocean, dissolved inorganic salts are typically measured based on total dissolved solids (TDS), which is usually around 35 ppt TDS on average, although local conditions may result in higher or lower salinity levels.

[0043] The term "solid" refers to substances that are insoluble in water, including living solids, particles, suspended matter, microparticles, dirt, debris, or fragments that may be captured, trapped, entrained, or impacted by the filtration of seabed source water.

[0044] The term "submersible" refers to underwater.

[0045] The term "submersible" means suitable for use during immersion and primarily for use during immersion.

[0046] The term "above the water" means above the surface of a body of water, for example, above sea level for ocean waters.

[0047] The disclosed submersible multistage filtration system can remove suspended solids, such as microplastics, from virtually any body of water. For example, the filtration system can be used in oceans, seas, bays, estuaries, reservoirs, lakes, rivers, or ponds. Such water sources may contain microplastics or other unwanted solids, including freshwater bodies such as Lake Tahoe in California, Lake Lugano in Switzerland, and Lake Maggiore. Other sources can include nearshore or offshore waters of Australia and the United States, the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and other seawater bodies. Within the desired water source, the filtration system can be located or positioned at virtually any operating depth to capture unwanted solids. Such depths can include depths below sea level of at least 50 meters, at least 100 meters, at least 200 meters, at least 300 meters, at least 400 meters, at least 500 meters, or at least 600 meters. However, it should be understood that these are merely examples, and other operating depths may also be sufficient.

[0048] In one embodiment, a submersible multistage water filtration system for filtering and retaining suspended solids (e.g., microplastics) from a water source is disclosed. The submersible multistage water filtration system may include an inlet subsystem having an inlet subsystem for receiving and filtering suspended solids from a water flow, one or more pumps for driving liquid inflow and outflow from the submersible multistage water filtration system, a valve assembly for guiding liquid flow through the system, a control system for switching or modifying the operating mode of the submersible system, and a collection subsystem for retaining suspended solids.

[0049] In embodiments, the submersible multistage water filtration system of this disclosure can operate in any number of operating modes to remove suspended solids (e.g., microplastics) from an ambient water source. For example, in an inlet operating mode or a first operating mode, the control system of the filtration system can operate one or more pumps in a forward manner to drive ambient water flow into the inlet subsystem of the filtration system. Upon receiving the ambient water flow, the sequential filters of the inlet subsystem can capture or otherwise filter suspended solids (e.g., particles and organisms) within the space between one or more sequential filters (hereinafter referred to as the "gap space"). As suspended solids are captured or accumulated within the gap space, the filtered water through the multistage filtration system can travel along one or more fluid channels within the filtration system to any number of internal or external downstream applications. In a second operating mode, the control system of the submersible system can use a cleaning or backwashing operation (or, for example, a backwashing operation that can use both cleaning and backwashing simultaneously) to loosen suspended solids from one or more filtration stages. For example, by reversing the operation of one or more pumps and redirecting the fluid flow (e.g., by actuating valves), a pressure differential can be created to redirect the filtered water back through one or more filters in the inlet subsystem and into the collection subsystem. As a result, non-living and living solids impacting one or more filters may be loosened and collected. Switching or selecting between influent, cleaning, backflushing, and backwashing operating modes can be based on one or more triggering events. Triggering events may include the passage of time, the presence or quantity of suspended solids, differential pressure, or other indications of potential filter clogging.

[0050] Further details regarding the disclosed subsystems and operating modes are described in detail in a co-pending international application filed on the same day as this application, agent's file number 40031-155, entitled "Inlet Water Filtration System," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] After solids are collected, the collected living solids are encouraged to migrate away from other collected solids (e.g., by using light or other attractants) and returned to the source water. This helps maintain aquatic balance and may restore the returned source water to or near the conditions prevalent before particles, microplastics, or other non-living solids entered the source water. In embodiments, the disclosed system returns at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the captured living solids (e.g., organisms or microorganisms) to the water source.

[0052] The collected non-living solids can be coagulated (e.g., by heating or otherwise treating them to increase their size or density, so that they are no longer suspended in the water), encapsulated (e.g., by coating them with a suitable material to increase their size or density, so that they are no longer suspended in the water), or brought to the surface for treatment or recycling. In embodiments, the disclosed system removes at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the captured non-living solids from source water. Using this filtration system, suspended solids (e.g., microplastics) can be effectively and efficiently collected and treated. This, in turn, can enhance the purity of the surrounding water and reduce or eliminate known or potential risks to humans and ecosystems. For example, such solids (e.g., microplastics) have been found to damage ecosystems and negatively impact health through ingestion, bioaccumulation, habitat degradation, and adsorption of harmful chemicals. Therefore, many of these risks can be mitigated by effectively and efficiently removing them.

[0053] Figure 1A This is an immersion multistage water filtration system operating in a first inlet mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, in the first inlet mode, the water filtration system 100 operates at or near the bottom 102 or sufficiently below the water surface 104 to collect or otherwise trap suspended solids 106 from the surrounding water body 108, while generating filtered water flow for one or more downstream applications 120. Downstream applications 120 may include a filter assembly umbilical cable 132, a terrestrial application 134, surrounding water 136, or any other application 138. To maintain its operational position, the system 100 may be moored to the seabed 102, suspended from a fixed platform on the seabed 102, or otherwise coupled to a multi-filtration system housing (not shown). Exemplary coupling and suspension mechanisms are available from several suppliers, including the applicant, OceanWell Corporation.

[0054] To generate filtered water (first inlet mode) or perform suspended solids removal operations (second backwash or flushing operation mode), system 100 may include one or more mechanical or electrical subsystems. For example, system 100 may include an inlet subsystem 110 having two or more consecutive filtration stages for receiving and filtering suspended solids 106 from a flow of ambient water 108; a housing 112 defining one or more fluid passages for circulating unfiltered and filtered water flows; one or more pumps 114 for driving water inflow and outflow from system 100; valve assemblies (not shown) for guiding unfiltered and filtered water flows within housing 112; and an outlet 116 and a discharge outlet 118 for supplying filtered water and suspended solids, respectively, to downstream application 120 and collection subsystem 122.

[0055] Depending on the environment of system 100, housing 112 can have a variety of shapes and sizes. Specifically, while a cylindrical housing 112 with a discharge hood 126 and structural cone 128 is shown, it should be understood that this is only one embodiment. For example, in smaller bodies of water, housing 112 may be desired to have a rectangular or circular shape, with inlet subsystem 110 located on one side of housing 112. Housing 112 can have virtually any shape and size, as long as pump 114 can direct the flow of surrounding water through the continuous filters of inlet subsystem 110 to intercept or otherwise capture suspended solids in the gap spaces between the continuous filters.

[0056] Pump 114 can be an in-line axial flow pump or a mixed flow pump, or a similar high-flow / low-pressure pump, capable of moving large volumes of fluid while overcoming relatively low pressure drops caused by upstream or downstream equipment, such as multi-stage filters or submerged reverse osmosis membrane elements. Axial flow / mixed flow pumps are particularly desirable because they generate minimal pressure changes, shear, and turbulence at low speeds. However, other pump types that generate greater pressure differentials, such as centrifugal or positive displacement pumps, can also be used alternatively or additionally.

[0057] The inlet subsystem 110 may include any number and type of successive filters with opening sizes sufficient to trap suspended solids in the gap spaces between filtration stages. For example, as shown, the inlet subsystem 110 may include an outer concentric filter 130 exposed to ambient water 108 and one or more internal filters or stages (not shown) within the housing 112. In this embodiment, the outer concentric filter 130 (i.e., the first filtration stage) may include a coarser porosity or a larger opening size compared to the finer and smaller openings of one or more internal filters (e.g., second, third, fourth filtration stages, etc.). In some embodiments, successive filtration stages from the outer concentric filter 130 to the internal concentric filters include progressively smaller openings, pore sizes, slit widths, or channel sizes to filter out increasingly smaller solids, such as aquatic organisms, debris, and other suspended particles. Furthermore, suspended solids 106 smaller than the opening size of the outer filter 130 but larger than the opening size of one or more internal filters may be entrained, suspended, or impacted onto the outer surface of the internal filters, or otherwise captured in the gap space between the outer filter 130 and the internal filters.

[0058] To securely position or fasten the inlet subsystem 110 to the housing 112, one or more support structures or load-bearing members (not shown) may be used to support each filtration stage. Such structures may be fully or partially integrated with the filter media, or separate from the filter media, so that each filter can be easily maintained or replaced.

[0059] While concentric cylindrical filters can be used, in other embodiments, the inlet subsystem 110 may include two or more filters with open porosity in the form of flat or other flat, curved, or pleated surfaces. Exemplary filter materials include wedge wire mesh, woven textiles, nonwoven fabrics (e.g., felt), and other open porosity filters; particulate media, such as filled sand, gravel, or anthracite; and other mechanical, chemical, electromagnetic, or biological selective or non-selective, deep or surface filtration materials or systems. In some embodiments, surface filtration structures, such as mesh or textiles, may be preferred. Furthermore, exemplary filter materials may include a single material or a combination of materials such as metals, plastics, composites, textiles, fabrics, glass, or other extruded, woven, pleated, machined, additively manufactured, porous, buoyant, artificial, or natural materials.

[0060] The nominal opening size of each filter or stage can vary and may depend on the characteristics of the local untreated water supply and the final treated water quality targets. For example, a first wedge wire screen with a 1 mm opening and a second woven textile with a 1 micron opening can remove non-living solids with a nominal size range of 0.001 mm to 1 mm. Furthermore, the total open area and surface area of ​​each filtration stage should be appropriately sized to minimize pressure drop, which should generally be kept below the inlet pressure drop limit of pump 114 or system 100.

[0061] As shown in the figure, in either inlet or forward operation mode, one or more pumps 114 can operate forward to generate a pressure differential, drawing in a flow of ambient water 108 along with suspended solids 106, typically perpendicular to each filter of the inlet subsystem 110. During operation, the approach velocity of the ambient water 108 entering the inlet subsystem 110 should be kept below a critical impact velocity, for example, less than 0.5 feet per second, according to guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

[0062] When a flow of ambient water 108 is received, two or more consecutive filters of the inlet subsystem 110, having gradually decreasing or finer porosity, can trap or capture suspended solids 106, such as microplastics, within the inter-filter spaces. Furthermore, when suspended solids 106 are entrained, impacted, or otherwise trapped within the inter-filter spaces, a cleaning subsystem can operate to clean or otherwise remove the solids 106 from the filter surfaces, as will be described below. Figures 5A-5E This is discussed in more detail below. The disclosed cleaning subsystem may include one or more brushes, blades, or water jets located within the gap space, which sweep or spray across the internal or external surfaces of the filter stage to loosen impacted solids. In operation, drive components (e.g., motors, gearboxes, etc.) may force the cleaning equipment or filter stage to rotate or translate relative to each other.

[0063] When interstitial fluid passes through the continuous filters of the inlet subsystem 110, the fluid can have a greater flow velocity compared to the incoming surrounding seawater, for example, greater than 0.5 feet per second. After passing through two or more continuous filters, the filtered water can be supplied to any number of internal or external downstream applications 120. For example, as Figures 3A-3C As discussed by the Lieutenant General, system 100 may include one or more internal desalination membranes or filter cartridges within housing 112, which receive filtered water flow from inlet subsystem 110, filter out salt or other mineral components from the filtered water, and provide desalinated water through outlet 116 to external downstream application 120 (e.g., filter assembly umbilical cable 132, land application 134, ambient water 136, or any other external application 138).

[0064] Upon detection of a triggering event (e.g., elapsed time, determination or estimation of particle capture, measurement of differential pressure, or other indication of potential filter blockage or malfunction), system 100 may operate in a second operating mode (backflushing or backwashing operating mode) to remove suspended solids 106 and deliver them to collection subsystem 122.

[0065] Figure 1B A submersible multi-stage water filtration system operating in a second backwash or backflushing mode according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated. As shown, one or more pumps 114 can be reversed to drive the filtered water flow backward through the internal fluid channels, the gap space, and into the collection subsystem 122. As a result, impacted solids can be safely transported from the gap space to the collection subsystem 122.

[0066] In some examples, during cleaning, backflushing, or backwashing operation modes, one or more valves in the valve assembly (e.g., piston valves, backwash valves, check valves, non-return valves, actuated valves, Tesla valves, etc.) can be opened, closed, or idled to allow the flow of filtered fluid through one or more internal channels, gap spaces, and into the collection subsystem 122. Valves may include any number of moving or non-moving parts. Additionally, the valve assembly may include a check valve positioned along the discharge outlet 118 to control or restrict the re-entry of received gap fluid into system 100.

[0067] The collection subsystem 122 may be in the form of one or more fixed or removable containers, bags, microporous bags, or receivers coupled to the discharge outlet 118. Any number of fastening mechanisms (e.g., pins, bolts, screws, welding, etc.) can be used to physically couple the subsystem 122 to the outlet 118. Depending on the backwash or backflushing operation mode and the amount of suspended solids 106, the collection subsystem 122 can be made of a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. For example, in heavily polluted waters, large elastomeric containers can be used to trap a larger amount of suspended solids 106. However, other materials (e.g., metals or plastics) and other shapes may also be used in the collection subsystem 122.

[0068] In some examples, such as Figure 1B As shown, the separation component 142, having chamber 146 and entrainment device 148, can also be fluidly coupled to the collection subsystem 122 for separating living solids and non-living solids. For example, as shown, source water 108 may include living solids 140 and non-living solids 106, such as microplastics. In the inlet or first operating mode, the flow of non-living solids 106 and living solids 140 may enter the inlet subsystem 110 and be entrained or otherwise impinged within the interstitial spaces of the multi-stage filtration subsystem. To safely separate and release the captured living solids 140, system 100 may operate in a backwash or backflushing mode to safely deliver living solids 140 and non-living solids 106 to the collection subsystem 122.

[0069] Once inside the collection subsystem 122, the living solids 140 can migrate to the chamber 146 via a conduit 144 that fluidly couples the collection subsystem 122 to the microbial collection or separation subsystem 142. A suitable attractant device 148 can be used to lure the mobile living solids 140 into the chamber 146, thereby facilitating the migration of the living solids 140. Once inside the chamber 146, the living solids 140 can freely return to the surrounding water 108 via an open conduit 150 fluidly coupled to the chamber 146. The attractant device 148 can be, for example, a light-emitting diode or other light-emitting device emitting light at a wavelength suitable for attracting zooplankton or other living solids 140; a food source, such as diatoms, green algae, or brown algae; or any other attractant capable of attracting the living solids 140. The TekTite™ Mark III 4-LED 360-degree light is an exemplary attractant device.

[0070] Depending on the size and shape of containers 122 and 146, multiple enticing devices 148 or combinations of different enticing devices may be used. For example, for relatively large containers, enticing devices 148 may include one or both of food and LEDs located within container 146. Such enticing devices 148 may be suspended, embedded in the body of container 146, or positioned at any of multiple locations within container 146.

[0071] Once inside container 146, living solids 140 can safely pass through open conduit 150 and return to the surrounding water 108, while suspended non-living solids 106 remain in collection subsystem 122. Solids 106 can then be safely removed from collection subsystem 122 or converted to a non-suspended form using various techniques. For example, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) can be coupled to and remove suspended solids 106 from collection subsystem 122. Removal can be performed using pumps on the ROV or by using pumps and appropriate valves in system 100 to direct filtered water into collection subsystem 122. In other embodiments, the ROV can detach collection subsystem 122 from system 100 and transport it above the water surface (i.e., above water surface 104) or to a desired disposal location. Users can also raise system 100 to near or above water surface 104 and manually remove or dismantle collection subsystem 122, thereby removing the captured solids 106 from collection subsystem 122.

[0072] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an immersion multistage water filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the immersion filtration system 200 may include many components identical to those of system 100, such as housing 112, pump 114, inlet subsystem 110, collection subsystem 122, valve assembly 276, and cleaning subsystem 278. However, as also shown, system 200 further includes a control system 202, a power supply 204 for supplying electrical or hydraulic power to one or more components of system 200, connectors 206 (e.g., hot-plug or wet-plug connectors) for receiving and supplying electrical and hydraulic power, and sensors 208 for detecting the operating characteristics of system 200 or the presence of suspended solids. Sensor 208 may include a flow sensor 210, an optical sensor 212, or any other sensor 214 capable of detecting the presence or absence of suspended solids or the operating characteristics of system 200.

[0073] Although control system 202 and its components are schematically shown within system 200, it is clearly anticipated that control system 202 or any of its components may be located on water, on land, or remotely from filtration system 200. System 202 may include timing logic 216, threshold logic 218, control signal generator 220, controller or processor 222, communication system 224, solids estimation / detection logic 226, data memory 228, clock 230, I / O devices 232, operating parameter logic 234, and any other logic or components 236. It should be understood that control system 202 and its components may be remotely stored on server 238 and accessed via network 240, or locally stored in memory 228. Although a single server 238 is shown, it should be understood that control system 202 may also reside on multiple servers. Server 238 may include communication system 242, controller / processor 244, and data memory 246 containing contamination data 248, filtration system data 250, or any other data 252.

[0074] Furthermore, it should be understood that any or all of the logic of system 202 can be stored as computer-readable instructions on memory 228, which, when executed by controller or processor 222, cause controller or processor 222 to perform the computer-implemented steps described herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that components of system 202 can take the form of software or hardware capable of performing the functions described in this application. Other components 236 may also be included, such as any number of drivers, operating systems, network settings, positioning systems, power supplies, etc.

[0075] The communication system 224 can take the form of any device, such as a transceiver, a wireless or wired communication module, or a bus that allows the control system 202 or its components to communicate with the server 238 and with each other. I / O devices 232 may include displays, buttons, etc., for receiving user input and displaying information.

[0076] In operation, upon detection of one or more triggering events, the control system 202 can switch the operating mode of the filtration system 200 by generating one or more control signals, for example, reversing the operation of one or more pumps 114 to redirect the flow of filtered water through the gap space 254 and the collection subsystem 122. As described above, triggering events may include the elapsed time, the detection or estimation of suspended solids in the gap space, and other parameters that will become apparent upon reading this disclosure. For example, timing logic 216 may receive one or more signals from clock 230 and control signal generator 220 indicating the elapsed time and operating parameters of pump 114. From the received signals, timing logic 216 may determine the operating duration in the forward, cleaning, backflushing, or reverse washing operating modes. The operating duration may be measured based on time, flow rate, or other suitable parameters.

[0077] Once the operation duration and parameters are determined, timing logic 216 can generate one or more outputs to threshold logic 218 to determine whether the current operating mode has exceeded a desired time threshold. For example, the stored threshold can be locally stored in data storage 228 or remotely stored on server 238, and indicates that system 200 will operate in the first (i.e., forward) operating mode for 2, 3, 4, 5 minutes or hours; product water acre-foot; or other appropriate duration. If threshold logic 218 indicates that system 200 has exceeded the threshold, threshold logic 218 can generate one or more outputs to operating parameter logic 234 to determine the desired operating mode, such as continuing in forward mode or switching to a cleaning, backflushing, or reverse washing operating mode.

[0078] The desired operating modes can be stored locally or remotely, and presented in tabular form, listing the ranges exceeding thresholds and the corresponding operating parameters. For example, a threshold exceeding 2 minutes in forward operating mode can instruct system 200 to operate in backflush operating mode. Alternatively, a threshold exceeding 5 minutes in forward operating mode can instruct system 200 to operate in backwash operating mode.

[0079] Once one or more desired operating parameters are identified, the operating parameter logic 234 can generate an output to the control signal generator 220 to operate the pump 114 or other electromechanical or mechanical subsystems, such as motors, according to the identified parameters. Furthermore, the control signal generator 220 can generate one or more control signals to modify the operating parameters of the system 200. Therefore, the control signals can switch the device 200 between forward, cleaning, backflushing, and reverse washing operating modes.

[0080] Triggering events may also include the estimation or detection of non-living and living solids suspended within the gap space 254 or fluid channel 256. For example, a sensor 208 coupled to the gap space 254 or fluid channel 256 may generate a signal indicating the quantity of non-living and living solids suspended within the gap space 254 or channel 256. Specifically, sensor 208 may include an optical sensor, such as a photodetector, spectrometer, high-resolution camera, etc., or a sensor configured to continuously or intermittently assess the fluid within the gap space 254 or channel 256. Once generated, the resulting measurements or imaging data may be provided to solids estimation / detection logic 226.

[0081] Based on received measurements or images, solids estimation / detection logic 226 can detect or estimate the quantity of suspended solids within the gap space 254 or fluid channel 256. For example, suspended solids may appear in an image as solids of different colors, spots, etc. The solids estimation / detection logic 226 can detect or estimate the quantity of suspended solids by counting individual solids or using other suitable mathematical relationships. Furthermore, in some embodiments, such information may be supplemented by contamination data 248 received from server 238. For example, contamination data 248 may indicate a high concentration of suspended solids (e.g., microplastics) at the operating depth and location of system 200. Such information can be used to more accurately detect or estimate the quantity of suspended solids.

[0082] For example, the solids estimation / detection logic 226 can generate one or more outputs to the operating parameter logic 234. Based on the estimated or detected quantity of suspended solids, the operating parameter logic 234 can determine the corresponding operating parameters of the system 200. The corresponding operating parameters can, for example, be in tabular form, listing the quantity of suspended solids and the operating parameters of the system 200. For example, 10 4 An estimate of 10 solids per cubic centimeter may correspond to a recoil operation mode, while 10 2 An estimate of solids per cubic centimeter may correspond to a forward-intake operating mode. It should be understood that any quantity of solids can be mapped to any operating mode. Once determined, operating parameter logic 234 can generate one or more outputs to control signal generator 220 to operate system 200 according to the desired parameters. While triggering events in the form of timing and the quantity of suspended solids have been discussed, additional or different triggering events are also expected to be used.

[0083] Figure 3AThe diagram schematically illustrates a forward or first operating mode of a submersible multi-stage water filtration system with a desalination membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described above, although system 300 schematically includes a desalination membrane 316, it should be understood that this is merely an example, and any number of downstream processes may be used in place of or in combination with the desalination membrane 316. Specifically, as described above, once through the inlet subsystem, the filtered water may, for example, be directly supplied to a downstream application, such as application 120, with or without passing through the desalination membrane 316 or additional treatment equipment, via one or more bypass channels 332 and 344. However, in this example, system 300 schematically includes an inlet subsystem 302 having an outer screen 304 and two consecutive concentric cylindrical filters 306 and 308, a valve assembly 310 (e.g., a piston valve) operable between a first and a second position, one or more pumps 312 for drawing ambient water flow through the inlet subsystem 302, an osmosis pump 314 for extracting fresh water through a reverse osmosis membrane 316, a plurality of fluid channels 318 coupled to the gap space 324, and a bypass subsystem 334 having bypass valves 336, 338, 340 and 342 and channels 332 and 344 for modifying the fluid path through system 300.

[0084] In operation, system 300 can operate similarly to system 100 to produce filtered water and remove or capture suspended solids (e.g., microplastics) from ambient water. Specifically, in a first inlet operating mode, one or more pumps 312 can operate forward to generate a pressure differential that draws ambient water in through inlet subsystem 302 along path 320. Suspended solids may then impact filters 306, 308 or otherwise be trapped within gap space 324. Once through inlet subsystem 302, the filtered fluid can flow to one or more downstream internal desalination membrane elements 316, filters, etc., or, for example, directly to a downstream application without further treatment by flowing through bypass channels 332 and 344.

[0085] Specifically, in the first operating mode, piston valve 310 can be operated in a first position to abut or otherwise rest against fluid passage 318 to block, prevent, or restrict fluid flow through fluid passage 318. As a result, fluid flow can proceed along fluid path 320, via filters 304, 306, 308, and into desalination membrane 316, while bypass valves 336, 338, 340, and 342 remain closed. However, in some embodiments, bypass valves 336, 338, 340, and 342 can be opened to allow filtered fluid to proceed directly to downstream applications without desalination or treatment.

[0086] To maintain valve 310 in its first operating position, one or more pumps 312 may operate with enhanced operating characteristics to generate sufficient flow or pressure of the internally filtered fluid to act on valve 310 and maintain its operating position. Specifically, as fluid flows along path 320, the filtered fluid may converge toward the center of the central axis of system 300 and act on valve 310 and bias it upward as the filtered fluid travels toward the internal filter 316.

[0087] Although a piston valve 310 is shown, in other embodiments, valve 310 may include one or more one-way valves, such as Tesla valves, check valves, etc., located within each fluid passage 318, with or without a piston valve. In these embodiments, each one-way valve may be configured to allow fluid passage during a second cleaning, backwashing, or backflushing operating mode, while restricting fluid passage during a first inlet operating mode. However, any number and type of valves can be used according to the invention. As described above, after a triggering event, it is desirable to operate system 300 in cleaning or backwashing mode.

[0088] Figure 3B The cleaning operation mode of a submersible multi-stage water filtration system with desalination membranes according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically. While the cleaning mode schematically includes generating back pressure to loosen impact solids from one or more membranes, it should be understood that in other examples, the cleaning mode may simply include operating one or more cleaning devices, such as water jets, air jets, brushes, etc., to clean one or more filters 304, 306, and 308, as follows. Figures 5A-5E As shown. However, in this example, bypass valves 336, 338, 340, and 342 can remain closed while one or more pumps 312 operate in reverse to generate a reverse flow and differential pressure through system 300, thereby loosening impact solids from diaphragm 316. Furthermore, valve 310 can be opened, allowing the loosened solids to enter gap space 324 and collection subsystem 322.

[0089] In one example, pump 312 can operate with enhanced operating parameters to place valve 310 in a second open operating position while loosening solids from membrane 316. For example, the position of valve 310 can be adjusted based on the pressure acting on valve 310. In this example, the reverse fluid flow can have sufficient pressure to loosen solids from membrane 316 and open valve 310. Alternatively, if valve 310 includes one or more check valves in one or more fluid passages (e.g., passage 318), such valves can simply be opened to allow passage through gap space 324 and collection subsystem 322.

[0090] Figure 3CAnother cleaning operation mode of a submersible multistage water filtration system with a desalination membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated. In this embodiment, during a cleaning event, one or more bypass valves 336, 338, 340, and 342 can be opened to allow fluid to pass through bypass channels 332 and 344. As a result, one or more pumps 312 can provide greater flow rates and pressures during the cleaning operation mode. Specifically, higher flow pressures and velocities can be obtained without passing through membrane 316, to more fully loosen impact solids from filters 304, 306, and 308 as the fluid flows through the filter, the gap space, and returns to the surrounding water along flow path 326.

[0091] Figure 3D The backwashing or backflushing operation mode of a submersible multi-stage water filtration system with a desalination membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated. As shown, in the backwashing or backflushing operation mode, bypass valves 336, 338, 340, and 342 can be opened, and one or more pumps 312 operate with enhanced operating parameters to modify the operating position of valve 310, thereby allowing fluid to pass through channel 318, gap space 324, and into collection subsystem 322 along path 328. Specifically, pressurized filtered fluid can act on valve 310 and bias it downward to a second open operating position. In the second position, fluid channel 318 is not blocked, allowing filtered fluid to pass through channel 318 and gap space 324 into collection subsystem 322. In some examples, as described above, instead of bias valve 310, one or more check valves can be positioned in fluid channel 318 and opened to allow fluid to pass through gap space 324 and collection subsystem 322.

[0092] Figure 4A-4J Various submersible multi-stage water filtration systems according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated schematically. From Figures 4A-4B Initially, the filtration system 400 schematically includes a valve 402 for guiding the fluid path, an inlet subsystem 404 having multiple successive filters (stages) 406, 408 and an interstitial space 410 for capturing suspended solids (e.g., microplastics), and a pump 412 for generating pressure differential and flow through the system 400.

[0093] like Figure 4A As shown, in the first operating mode, pump 412 can be forward driven by a control system (not shown) to draw in ambient water 414 along path 416. As water is drawn in, suspended solids (e.g., microplastics) can be trapped within the gap space 410 or otherwise impact the surfaces of filters 406, 408. As described above, once passed through filter 408, the filtered water can be supplied to any number of downstream internal or external applications (not shown).

[0094] In backwash operation mode, such as Figure 4B As shown, the control system (not shown) can open valve 402 and reverse pump 412 to guide the filtered water flow along path 418 through filter 408 and gap space 410 into collection subsystem (not shown).

[0095] Go to Figure 4C and 4D In some embodiments, the submersible multistage filtration system 400 may further include a channel 420 having an inlet 422 and an outlet 424, and a valve 426 for supplying filtered water directly through the gap space 410 without passing through the filter 408. In this embodiment, as Figure 4C As shown, the control system (not shown) can close valve 426 in a first operating mode and open valves 402 and 426 and redirect pump 412 in a second operating mode, as... Figure 4D As shown. As a result, the filtered fluid can be supplied to the gap space 410 via channel 420 without passing through filter 408.

[0096] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4E and 4F As shown, the submersible multi-stage filtration system 400 may also include a flow regulator 428 and a flow limiter 430. For example... Figure 4E As shown, in forward operation mode, the flow regulator 428 can evenly distribute the flow path 416 and deliver the distributed water flow 432 to the internal downstream application (not shown), such as subsea reverse osmosis processes, filters, etc. Figure 4F As shown, in backwashing or a second operating mode, the control system (not shown) can open valves 402 and 434 and reverse pump 412 to guide the filtered water flow along flow path 436. Furthermore, flow limiter 430 can regulate path 436 toward the outlet and collection subsystem (not shown). Specifically, limiter 430 can partially contract and then rapidly expand path 432 to accelerate the fluid velocity in path 432, causing the increased fluid velocity to induce a pressure drop and corresponding fluid flow, similar to the mechanism of a Venturi or Pitot tube flow limiter.

[0097] Although a pump 412 has been shown and described, it should be understood that any number of pumps can be used. For example, such as Figure 4G-4J As shown, the submersible multi-stage filtration system 400 may include multiple pumps. Specifically, in one embodiment, as... Figure 4G-4H As shown, system 400 may include two pumps 438 and 440. In forward operation mode, the control system (not shown) can forward operate pump 438 and shut down pump 440. Subsequently, fluid flow can proceed along path 416 through each filtration stage 406, 408 to generate filtered water flow and capture suspended solids within the interstitial space 410. Alternatively, as... Figure 4HAs shown, in backwash or second operating mode, the control system can turn on pump 440 and reverse pump 438 to generate a pressure drop, driving the filtered fluid and interstitial fluid along flow path 436 to the collection subsystem (not shown). In this example, valves 402 and 434 can remain closed in forward operating mode and open in backwash or backflushing operating mode. Alternatively, in some embodiments, instead of reversing pump 438, the control system can turn off pump 438 in backwash operating mode. As a result, only pump 440 can drive the filtered fluid and interstitial fluid to the collection subsystem (not shown).

[0098] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4I and 4J As shown, system 400 may include three pumps 442, 444, and 446. In this example, in forward operation mode, pump 442 may drive fluid flow along path 416, while pumps 444 and 446 remain closed, and valves 402 and 448 are closed. Figure 4J As shown, in backwashing or the second operating mode, the control system can open valves 402 and 448 and activate pumps 444 and 446. Subsequently, the interstitial fluid and filtered fluid can flow along path 450 to the collection subsystem (not shown). In this operating mode, pump 442 can be shut off or operated in reverse.

[0099] Figures 5A-5E The cleaning subsystem of an immersion multi-stage filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically. For example... Figures 5A-5E As shown, the submersible multistage filtration system 500 may include cleaning subsystems 502, 504, 506, 508, and 510 coupled to the inlet filter subsystem 512 for removing and removing impact solids from the surface of one or both of filters 514 and 516. Although Figures 5A-5E The illustration shows the cleaning subsystem operating in backwash or second operating mode, but it should be understood that such systems can also operate in forward or cleaning operating modes.

[0100] like Figures 5A-5E As shown, cleaning subsystems 502, 504, 506, 508, and 510 can be positioned on any filter (e.g., filters 514 and 516) or within the gap space 518, and take the form of brushes, blades, water jets, or air pulse devices. In operation, subsystems 502, 504, 506, 508, and 510 can clean and contact only one filter (e.g., filters 514 and 516). Figure 5A and 5B (as shown) or multiple filters (such as) Figure 5C-5E (As shown). Furthermore, it should be understood that any combination of cleaning equipment can also be used. For example, such as... Figure 5DAs shown, the cleaning subsystem 508 may include a brush 520 and a water or air jet 522 for cleaning the outer surface of the filter 516 and the inner surface of the spray filter 514. Any combination, number, and type of cleaning modules can be used according to the invention.

[0101] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 5E As shown, the cleaning subsystem (e.g., subsystem 510) can also be passively or actively driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) to rotate along the cleaning axis 524. For example, the drive mechanism may be required to transmit motion to the cleaning subsystem or filters to adequately clean each filtration stage. The drive mechanism may include any number of drive chains or belts, motor drive gears, screen gearboxes, motors, etc., to achieve rotational or translational motion of filters 514 and 516 and passively or actively drive the cleaning subsystem 510. This ensures that all or substantially all suspended solids are safely and effectively removed from filters 514 and 516 and suspended within the gap space 518. In some embodiments, the active drive motion of one or more filters 514 and 516 can passively drive the cleaning subsystem, for example, Figure 5C Subsystem 506 is included. Specifically, the drive mechanism may include a transmission system coupled to one or more filters 514 and 516 to actively transmit motion to filters 514 and 516. Furthermore, when filters 514 and 516 move (e.g., translate or rotate), the cleaning subsystem coupled to filters 514 and 516 may passively rotate to ensure proper and adequate cleaning.

[0102] Having described preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the teachings contained herein can be applied to other embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. The complete disclosures of all patents, patent documents, and publications are incorporated herein by reference as if individually incorporated.

Claims

1. A submersible multi-stage filtration system for capturing suspended solids from a water source, the system comprising: source water inlet; Export of the first system and export of the second system; At least one pump; An inlet filter subsystem fluidly coupled to the source water inlet and the at least one pump, the inlet filter subsystem being configured to receive the source water flow, capture suspended non-living solids and living solids from the source water flow, and generate a filtered water flow; as well as A collection subsystem, fluidly coupled to the outlet of the second system, is configured to capture non-living solids and living solids, and to separate the non-living solids from the living solids; The system is configured to operate in multiple operating modes. In a first operating mode, the filtered water flow is provided along a first fluid path to generate filtered water at the first system outlet. In a second operating mode, the filtered water flow is provided along a second fluid path to flush captured non-living and living solids into the collection subsystem and release the living solids back to the water source through the second system outlet.

2. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet filter subsystem includes: Multiple filters are separated by gap spaces that define a fluid flow path between the downstream face of an upstream filter and the upstream face of a downstream filter. Furthermore, the second fluid path includes the gap space and a flow channel that flows across the downstream and upstream faces toward the outlet of the second system.

3. The filtration system according to claim 2 further includes: A self-cleaning subsystem is coupled to the inlet filter subsystem and configured to remove suspended non-living and living solids from the plurality of filters and capture suspended non-living and living solids within the gap space.

4. The filtration system according to claim 3, wherein, The self-cleaning subsystem includes at least one of a brush, blades, piston, water jet, or air pulser.

5. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The collection subsystem includes at least one of a fixed or detachable container, a bag, a microporous bag, or a receiver.

6. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The collection subsystem is fluidly coupled to the separation component via a conduit to separate living solids from non-living solids.

7. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The collection subsystem includes an attraction device for attracting living solids and returning them to the source water.

8. The filtration system according to claim 7, wherein, The attracting device includes a light-emitting device.

9. The filtration system according to claim 7, wherein, The lure device includes a food source.

10. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one pump includes a reversible pump configured to operate in a first operating mode to receive a flow of the source water, and to operate in a second operating mode to return the living solids to the source water.

11. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first operating mode includes continuously flowing source water through the filtration system to generate a continuous filtered water flow.

12. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second operating mode is configured to occur intermittently based on detected triggering events.

13. The filtration system according to claim 12, wherein, The detected triggering events include at least one of the estimation or identification of the presence of suspended particulate matter within the system.

14. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first operating mode and the second operating mode have a period length, and the period length of the first operating mode is longer than the period length of the second operating mode.

15. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The source water includes seawater.

16. The filtration system of claim 15, further comprising: At least one desalination system fluidly coupled to the inlet filter subsystem and the at least one pump, the at least one desalination system being configured to receive a filtered seawater flow and generate a brine flow and a desalinated water flow.

17. The filtration system according to claim 16, wherein, The at least one desalination system includes: At least one reverse osmosis membrane configured to receive the filtered seawater stream and generate the desalinated water stream.

18. The filtration system of claim 17, further comprising: A bypass subsystem, fluidly coupled to the first system outlet and the second system outlet, is configured to remain in a closed position in the first operating mode to bias the filtered seawater flow to the at least one reverse osmosis membrane, and to remain in an open position in the second operating mode to flush captured non-living solids and living solids into the collection subsystem, and to release living solids back to the water source through the second system outlet.

19. The filtration system according to claim 18, wherein, The bypass subsystem includes at least one valve and fluid passages coupled to the outlets of the first system and the second system.

20. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The source water includes polluted water.

21. The filtration system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The source water includes fresh water.

22. The filtration system according to claim 20, wherein, The water source includes rivers, reservoirs, lakes, or ponds.

23. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system includes a valve subsystem fluidly coupled to the first fluid path and the second fluid path, and configured to control the filtered water flow through the first fluid path and the second fluid path.

24. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system includes at least one sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicating the presence of suspended particulate matter within the gap space.

25. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system includes at least one controller configured to receive sensor signals and modify the operating parameters of the filtering system based on the received sensor signals.

26. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system includes a self-cleaning subsystem coupled to the inlet filter subsystem and configured to periodically remove suspended non-living and living solids from the inlet filter subsystem and move them to the gap space between successive filters.

27. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system prevents living solids from entering the at least one pump.

28. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The suspended non-living solids include microplastics.

29. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The suspended living solids include multicellular organisms.

30. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The suspended living solids include single-celled organisms.

31. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The disclosed system returns at least 50% of the captured living solids to the water source.

32. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The disclosed system removes at least 50% of the captured non-living solids from the source water.

33. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system condenses the captured non-living solids.

34. The filtration system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system encapsulates the captured non-living solids.

35. A method for capturing suspended solids from a water source, the method comprising the following steps: The source water flows through a submersible multi-stage filtration system, the system comprising: source water inlet; Export of the first system and export of the second system; At least one pump; An inlet filter subsystem, fluidly coupled to the source water inlet and the at least one pump, the inlet filter subsystem configured to receive the source water flow, capture suspended non-living and living solids from the source water flow, and generate a filtered water flow; and A collection subsystem, fluidly coupled to the outlet of the second system, is configured to capture non-living solids and living solids, and to separate the non-living solids from the living solids; Operating the system in a first operating mode includes pumping filtered water from the inlet filter subsystem along a first fluid path to generate filtered water at the outlet of the first system, and... Operating the system in the second operating mode includes pumping filtered water along a second fluid path to flush captured non-living solids and living solids into the collection subsystem, and releasing the living solids into the water source through the second system outlet.

36. The method of claim 35, comprising operating the system using a filtration system according to any one of claims 1 to 34.

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