Compact filtration system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compact filtration system (1) that enables the collective assembly of filtration equipment, providing life support for organisms in a water habitat into a single structure.

Description

[0001] COMPACT FILTRATION SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a compact filtration system that allows the collective assembly of filtration equipment providing life support for living organisms in water habitats into a single structure.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] In aquaculture, live seafood tanks, and most public aquariums worldwide, filtration systems are used to clean polluted water in aquatic habitats. These systems comprise mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration units that are constructed as separate components and made ready for use by connecting them with piping on-site.

[0006] In the existing systems, the water to be filtered is circulated sequentially among the filtration systems that are connected in series. In these systems, the water passes through a mechanical protein-based waste filtration system (Protein Skimmer), where ozone gas is injected into the water before it is sent to a biological filtration system (MBBR and trickle filtration systems).

[0007] US4915828A discloses an aquarium filtration apparatus that comprises a spiral pre-filter connected between a siphon intake line and a return water line that removes floating debris. The return line in this system passes a portion of the return water through a "dry" biological filter and a chemical stage in order to separate the biological waste. The filtration apparatus comprises an external inlet pipe drawing water from the spiral pre-filter and an internal inlet pipe drawing water from the chemical stage, which helps eliminate unwanted chemical waste from the aquarium water. Using a single submersible pump, the concentric pipe arrangement within the aquarium filter allows for maintaining a pair of water levels. This parallel setup with biological and chemical stage filters ensures that the water pair keeps the pump submerged while preventing the biological filter from being submerged.

[0008] US5078867A discloses a water filtration system for aquariums that combines mechanical and biological filtration in a compact assembly. In another application of the invention, an assembly with a pump is used to rotate a wheel that moves in and out of the water, promoting the growth of aerobic bacteria within the aquarium water, which helps remove dissolved ammonia from the water. The system also comprises mechanical filtration by passing the water through a mechanical filter. US5171438A discloses an aquarium filtration system that comprises biological and mechanical filtration with the option of chemical filtration. The system utilizes high-density biological filter elements in a series of chambers operated by a single pump, using both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial colonies for water filtration.

[0009] US5853591 A discloses an aquarium filtration system with a rotatable filter body. The filter body is configured to impart rotational motion to itself, driven by the movement of the water, when assembled with a portion of the filter body submerged in water. This rotation encourages the growth of aerobic bacteria on the filter body's surface, which reduces the level of toxins in the aquarium water.

[0010] In the existing filtration systems, equipment is shipped separately to the site and requires on-site assembly, leading to time and labor inefficiencies. Independent placement of equipment increases the space occupied by the system. Separate piping for each piece of equipment results in friction losses, reducing the system's operational efficiency and increasing energy consumption. Furthermore, on-site assembly can lead to errors that cause malfunctions.

[0011] For example, instead of sending multiple personnel and transporting dozens of pieces of equipment to a distant site to assemble filtration systems, conduct tests, and commission the system over several days, the present invention allows all filtration equipment to be integrated into a single compact unit. This unit can be transported to the site and only needs to be commissioned, providing significant time and labor savings.

[0012] Therefore, to address the aforementioned issues, there has been a need to develop a compact water filtration unit that comprises a mechanical filtration system (protein skimmer) for mechanical proteinbased waste filtration, a biological filtration system MBRR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor), a trickle filter, an ultraviolet filter, and an activated carbon filter.

[0013] Object and Brief Description of the Invention

[0014] The primary objective of the present invention is to develop a compact filtration unit that cleans dirty water using mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration systems integrated into a single unit.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a compact, modular, plug-in filtration system that can be used in aquariums, fish farms, and any aquatic habitat housing living organisms.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a compact filtration unit that does not require on-site assembly of its components, thereby maintaining operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption. A compact filtration system that comprises, in order to provide a compact structure that allows easy transportation and saves time and energy by eliminating need for independent unit assembly in field, the components of:

[0017] — at least one water intake chamber where water to be filtered is received,

[0018] — at least one first section where the water reaches after passing through a mechanical pre-filter in the water intake chamber,

[0019] — at least one first suction pipe, one end of which is connected to the first section and the other end to a process pump, allowing the suction of water from the first section,

[0020] — at least one first distribution pipe connected to the process pump, providing a passage and ensuring the transfer of the water, suctioned via the process pump, to at least one protein skimmer unit where the foam generated collects and removes amino acid chains and protein particles from the water,

[0021] — at least one second distribution pipe, providing a passage and ensuring the transfer of water to at least one MBBR unit, where the water interacts with continuously moving biomedia particles, allowing the removal of toxic substances from the water and enabling biological filtration,

[0022] — at least one third distribution pipe, providing a passage and ensuring the transfer of the water after completing the process in the protein skimmer unit to at least one trickling filtration unit, which houses the MBBR unit and forms an integrated structure with it, allowing the water to be aerated and unwanted gases to be removed,

[0023] — at least one pipe that provides passage and ensures the transfer of the water, which has completed the process in the MBBR unit, to the trickling filtration unit,

[0024] — at least one second section where the water, which comes from the protein skimmer unit and the MBBR unit to the trickling filtration unit, is purified from unwanted gases as it drips down and is discharged from the trickling filtration unit into the second section,

[0025] — at least one chamber that contains and carries at least one water intake chamber, at least one first section, at least one protein skimmer unit, at least one MBBR unit, at least one trickling filtration unit, and at least one second section, either within or on the chamber. Brief Description of the Figures

[0026] Figure 1 A front perspective view of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 2 A rear perspective view of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0028] Figure 3 A front sectional-perspective view of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0029] Figure 4 A rear sectional-perspective view of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0030] Figure 5 A close-up rear sectional-perspective view of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0031] Figure 6 Another close-up rear sectional-perspective view of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0032] Figure 7 A close-up perspective view of the first suction pipe of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0033] Figure 8 A close-up perspective view of the second suction pipe of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0034] Figure 9 A close-up rear perspective view of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0035] Figure 10 A perspective view of the bottom section of the trickle filtration unit of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 11 A perspective view with the first and second bodies rendered transparent, illustrating the MBBR unit and trickle filtration units of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0037] Figure 12 A perspective view with the first body rendered transparent, illustrating the section where water is transferred from the first body to the second body via a guide pipe in the MBBR unit of the compact filtration system according to the invention.

[0038] Reference Numerals

[0039] I . Compact filtration system

[0040] 10. Chamber

[0041] I I . Water intake chamber

[0042] 12. First section

[0043] 13. Second section

[0044] 13.1 Second section floor

[0045] 14. Third section

[0046] 15. First suction pipe

[0047] 15.1 First slit 16. Second suction pipe

[0048] 16.1 Second slit

[0049] 17. Bag filter

[0050] 30. Protein skimmer unit

[0051] 30.1 First distribution pipe

[0052] 30.2 Third distribution pipe

[0053] 40. MBBR unit

[0054] 40.1 Second suction pipe

[0055] 40.2 First body

[0056] 40.3 Third body

[0057] 40.4 Pipe

[0058] 40.5 Guide

[0059] 40.6 First drip plate

[0060] 50. Trickle filtration unit

[0061] 50.2 Second body

[0062] 50.3 Second drip plate

[0063] 50.4 Gap

[0064] 50.5 Bottom hole

[0065] 50.6 Spacer

[0066] 60. Process pump

[0067] 70. Circulation pump

[0068] 80. UV sterilization unit

[0069] 90. Sand filter

[0070] 100. Plate heat exchanger

[0071] 110. Fourth distribution pipe

[0072] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0073] The present invention relates to a compact filtration system (1 ) configured to integrate various filtration equipment that provides life support for aquatic organisms within a single structure.

[0074] The compact filtration system (1 ) according to the present invention primarily comprises: at least one water inlet chamber (1 1 ) for receiving the water to be filtered; at least one first section (12) where the water reaches after passing through a mechanical pre-filter in the water inlet chamber (11 ); at least one first suction pipe (15) having one end connected to the first section (12) and the other end connected to a process pump (60), allowing the suction of water from the first section (12); at least one first distribution pipe (30.1 ) connected to the process pump (60) and enabling the delivery of water drawn by the process pump (60) into at least one protein skimmer unit (30), where amino acid chains and protein particles are collected and removed from the water via the formation of foam; at least one second distribution pipe (40.1 ) that allows and channels the delivery of water into at least one MBBR unit (40), where toxic substances in the water are purified and biological filtration is performed through interaction with biomedia particles continuously moved by the water flow; at least one third distribution pipe (30.2) that enables the delivery of water, after processing in the protein skimmer unit (30), into at least one trickle filtration unit (50), which houses the MBBR unit (40), forming an integrated structure with MBBR unit (40) that allows for the aeration of the water and the removal of unwanted gases; at least one pipe (40.4) that acts as a passage for transferring water, after processing in the MBBR unit (40), into the trickle filtration unit (50); at least one second section (13) where the water, after passing through the protein skimmer unit (30) and MBBR unit (40) and being purified from unwanted gases through trickling in the trickle filtration unit (50), is discharged and collected; and at least one chamber (10) that contains and supports the components of the system, comprising at least one water inlet chamber (11 ), at least one first section (12), at least one protein skimmer unit (30), at least one MBBR unit (40), at least one trickle filtration unit (50), and at least one second section (13).

[0075] The water inlet chamber (11 ) receives the water to be filtered, which becomes contaminated due to the feed and metabolic activities of the organisms. A pre-filter located in the water inlet chamber (11 ) ensures that large particles and debris are captured, down to several hundred microns, preventing them from entering the system. Water passing through the pre-filter is directed into the first section (12). The first suction pipe (15), positioned near the water inlet chamber (11 ) and distant from the second suction pipe (16), contains a first proportion that extends along the length of the first section (12) and features multiple first slits (15.1) allowing water transfer along its length. The water to be filtered in the first section (12) is drawn by the first suction pipe (15) into the process pump (60), which simultaneously distributes the water to both units. A portion of the water is directed into the protein skimmer unit (30) via the first distribution pipe (30.1 ), while another portion is directed into the MBBR unit (40) via the second distribution pipe (40.1 ).

[0076] The protein skimmer unit (30) effectively removes amino acid chains, protein particles, and organic and inorganic unwanted particles ranging from 1 to 500 microns, which are released due to metabolic activity and feed input in the water, thereby performing mechanical filtration. The protein skimmer unit (30) can be positioned at a corner or on the exterior of the chamber (10). This unit enhances the sterilization and disinfection rate of the water. Sterilization can be achieved using ozone, a safe and potent disinfectant for aquatic organisms. Protein-based waste in the water is foamed using microbubbles, dirt and waste being trapped in the foam, which is then raised within an inner chamber serving as a foam elevation chamber. The foam is collected in an outer chamber serving as a foam collection chamber and is discharged outside, separating it as waste.

[0077] The MBBR unit (40) receives water to be filtered through a second distribution pipe (40.1 ), which is positioned with its end facing upwards towards the top side of the first body (40.2) and close to the third body (40.3), but oriented away from it. Once the water rises towards the top of the first body

[0078] (40.2), it interacts with the biomedia inside the first body (40.2), performing biological filtration. After this interaction, the water descends and enters the third body (40.3) located at the lower side of the first body (40.2) through slits and / or holes present on the third body (40.3). These slits on the third body (40.3) are preferably configured as grill-like structures with thin, elongated slits. The third body

[0079] (40.3) itself is preferably circular and has holes on its sides. The water that has undergone biological filtration collects inside the third body (40.3) and is then lifted back up towards the top of the first body

[0080] (40.2) via at least one pipe (40.4) that extends from inside the third body (40.3) to the upper part of the first body (40.2). The upper end of this pipe (40.4) exits through an opening on the top of the first body (40.2). In other words, one end of the pipe (40.4) is positioned inside the third body (40.3), which is located at the lower part of the first body (40.2), while the other end exits the first body (40.2) through an opening at its upper portion. The water, lifted through the pipe (40.4) to the top of the first body (40.2), is transferred to the second body (50.2) via at least one guide (40.5) that is positioned opposite the upper end of the pipe (40.4) extending outside the first body (40.2). The guide (40.5) is configured by preferably connecting four semi-cylindrical structures on the exterior of the first body

[0081] (40.2). The water flows down from the guides (40.5) and is dripped onto a first drip plate (40.6) located at the top of the second body (50.2). This first drip plate (40.6) is preferably attached to the exterior of the first body (40.2) and preferably embodies circular holes. The water that flows onto the first drip plate (40.6) from the guide (40.5) drips through the holes in the first drip plate (40.6) and is transferred to a second drip plate (50.3). The water flowing down in a concentrated stream from the guide (40.5) is broken up into smaller droplets by the first drip plate (40.6), allowing it to spread over a larger surface area for more effective distribution.

[0082] The water dripping from the first drip plate (40.6) is transferred to the second drip plate (50.3), which is positioned beneath the first drip plate (40.6), preferably connected to the outer part of the first body

[0083] (40.2) and surrounding the first body (40.2). Additionally, the water that has completed the process in the protein skimmer unit (30) is transferred via the third distribution pipe (30.2) to the second drip plate (50.3) of the second body (50.2). Then, the water drips from the holes located on the second drip plate (50.3) into the second body (50.2), eliminating any remaining foam from the water that came from the protein skimmer unit (30) and ensuring it is separated from any unwanted gases.

[0084] Wherein, the holes and slots on the first drip plate (40.6) are positioned so that the water falls onto or near the center of the second drip plate (50.3). This ensures that the water is evenly distributed from the first drip plate (40.6) to the second drip plate (50.3). The second drip plate (50.3) has a larger diameter than the first drip plate (40.6), and the holes on it are configured to be more numerous compared to those on the first drip plate (40.6). The water dripping from the holes on the second drip plate (50.3) falls downward in a manner similar to raindrops, passing through the second body (50.2), which is configured in a tank-like embodiment and filled with bioballs (spheres made of small tubes that provide a large surface area for microorganisms that filter the water to grow). Inside the second body (50.2), the water is fragmented as it drips down from the first drip plate (40.6) and the second drip plate (50.3), allowing it to come into greater contact with the air and bioballs inside the second body (50.2). This process purges the water of unwanted gases. The dual-stage gas purification process is achieved through the first drip plate (40.6) and the second drip plate (50.3) positioned within the second body (50.2).

[0085] The second body (50.2) is held in place at its lower side with the help of at least one wedge (50.6), and through utilization of this wedge (50.6), a gap (50.4) is provided between the second body (50.2) and second section floor (13.1 ). The first body (40.2) is positioned on the floor of the second section (13.1 ), and thus, so is the second body (50.2). The water, having completed its biological filtration within the first body (40.2), is transferred to the second body (50.2) and the dual-stage gas purification process is completed, afterwards the water is discharged into the second section (13) through the gap (50.4). When the gaps (50.4) are insufficient for water drainage, to prevent clogging of the system, water can be drained through at least one bottom hole (50.5) positioned on the lower side of the second body (50.2), where unwanted gases in the water are separated. The number of these bottom holes (50.5) can preferably be increased and arranged at intervals around the perimeter of the lower side of the second body (50.2). As water is drained through these bottom holes (50.5) and the gap (50.4) and transferred to other filtration units, the biomedia (bioballs) present inside the second body (50.2) cannot pass through the bottom holes (50.5) and the gap (50.4). Thus, while an effective filtration process is achieved, clogging of the system is also prevented. The water inside the second section (13) passes through at least one filter bag (17) and reaches at least one third section (14) located beneath the second section (13). Inside the third section (14), positioned near the filter bag (17), there is at least one second suction pipe (16) connected to at least one circulation pump (70). The second suction pipe (16) has a second part that extends throughout the length of the third section (14) which contains numerous second slits (16.1 ) along the second part, which allows water to pass through.

[0086] The first section (12), second section (13), and third section (14) are located within at least one chamber (10), forming a pool-like structure. To save space and allow for the compact filtration system (1 ) to be easily transported, the process pump (60) and piping lines between the units can be positioned at the outer part of the chamber (10). The chamber (10) is capable of holding all the units, with units being able to be positioned both inside and on its outer side. Additionally, it acts as a balance tank where filtered water can be stored and supplied to the water habitat when needed. The water drawn by the second suction pipe (16) within the third section (14) via the circulation pump (70) is transferred simultaneously or in stages through at least one UV sterilization unit (80), at least one sand filter (90), and at least one plate heat exchanger (100) via at least one fourth distribution pipe (1 10), and / or returned to the chamber (10) through a bypass line.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A compact filtration system (1 ); characterized in that, in order to provide a compact structure that allows easy transportation and saves time and energy by eliminating need for independent unit assembly in field, comprising— at least one water intake chamber (1 1 ) where water to be filtered is received,— at least one first section (12) where the water reaches after passing through a mechanical pre-filter in the water intake chamber (11 ),— at least one first suction pipe (15), one end of which is connected to the first section (12) and another end to a process pump (60), allowing suction of water from the first section(12),— at least one first distribution pipe (30.1 ) connected to the process pump (60), providing a passage and ensuring transfer of water that is suctioned via the process pump (60), to at least one protein skimmer unit (30) where foam generated collects and removes amino acid chains and protein particles from the water,— at least one second distribution pipe (40.1 ), providing a passage and ensuring the transfer of water to at least one MBBR unit (40), where water interacts with continuously moving biomedia particles, allowing removal of toxic substances from the water and enabling biological filtration,— at least one third distribution pipe (30.2), providing a passage and ensuring the transfer of the water after completing the process in the protein skimmer unit (30) to at least one trickling filtration unit (50), which houses the MBBR unit (40) and forms an integrated structure with it, allowing the water to be aerated and unwanted gases to be removed,— at least one pipe (40.4) that provides passage and ensures transfer of the water, which has completed the process in the MBBR unit (40), to the trickling filtration unit (50),— at least one second section (13) where water, which comes from the protein skimmer unit (30) and the MBBR unit (40) to the trickling filtration unit (50), is purified from unwanted gases as it drips down and is discharged from the trickling filtration unit (50) into the second section (13),— at least one chamber (10) that contains and carries at least one water intake chamber (11 ), at least one first section (12), at least one protein skimmer unit (30), at least one MBBR unit (40), at least one trickling filtration unit (50), and at least one second section(13), either within or on the chamber (10). The compact filtration system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the compact filtration system (1 ) comprises at least one third section (14) located beneath the second section(13), where the water in the second section (13) passes through at least one filter bag (17) before reaching the third section (14).

3. The compact filtration system (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the compact filtration system (1 ) comprises at least one second suction pipe (16), which is positioned within the third section (14) and nearby the filter bag (17), connected to at least one circulation pump (70).

4. The compact filtration system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first suction pipe (15) comprises a first part extending across the first section (12) and numerous first slits(15.1 ) along the first part, allowing passage of water.

5. The compact filtration system (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the second suction pipe (16) comprises a second part extending across the third section (14) and numerous second slits (16.1 ) along the second part, allowing passage of water.

6. The compact filtration system (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that water suctioned from the third section (14) via the circulation pump (70) is simultaneously or sequentially transferred to at least one UV sterilization unit (80), at least one sand filter (90), and at least one plate heat exchanger (100) via at least one fourth distribution pipe (110) and / or returned to the chamber (10) through a bypass line.

7. The compact filtration system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the compact filtration system (1 ) further comprises a process pump (60) that allows simultaneous transfer of water within the first section (12) to the protein skimmer unit (30) via the first distribution pipe(30.1 ) and to the MBBR unit (40) via the second distribution pipe (40.1 ).

8. The compact filtration system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that in order to save space and allow for the compact filtration system (1 ) to be easily transported, the process pump (60) and the piping lines between units are connectable to the outer part of the chamber (10).

9. The compact filtration system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first suction pipe (15) is positioned close to the water intake chamber (11 ) and far away from the second suction pipe (16).

10. The compact filtration system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the MBBR unit (40) comprises a first body (40.2); at least one third body (40.3) positioned within and at the lower part of the first body (40.2), third body (40.3) containing slits that allow the water, which has beenfiltered within the first body (40.2), to pass through; at least one pipe (40.4) with one end starting within the third body (40.3) and other end extending out from top of the first body (40.2), allowing the water within the third body (40.3) to be discharged outside the first body (40.2); and at least one guide (40.5) positioned opposite the external end of the pipe (40.4) for guiding water discharged from the third body (40.3).

11. The compact filtration system (1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second distribution pipe (40.1 ), which transfers water via the process pump (60), is positioned such that its end faces upper side of the first body (40.2); or in other words the second distribution pipe’s (40.1 ) end is positioned near the third body (40.3) and oriented in opposite direction, to ensure continuous movement of the biomedia particles with water flow.

12. The compact filtration system (1 ) according to claims 1 or 10, characterized in that the trickling filtration unit (50), which forms an integrated structure with the MBBR unit (40), comprises at least one second body (50.2) that houses the first body (40.2), at least one first drip plate (40.6) located outside of the first body (40.2) and configured below the guide (40.5), with at least one hole to allow water to pass through and disperse, and at least one second drip plate (50.3) positioned below the first drip plate (40.6), featuring multiple holes for water passage, to allow the water coming from the first drip plate (40.6) to be transferred into the second body (50.2).

13. The compact filtration system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, in order to allow discharge of water that has completed filtration in the trickling filtration unit (50), compact filtration system (1 ) comprises at least one gap (50.4), allowing the passage of water from within the second body (50.2); formed between the second body (50.2) and second section floor (13.1 ), on which the second body (50.2) is positioned.

Images