Fish and debris exclusion screen assembly

Abstract

Modular screen assembly (10) for filtering water drawn from a body of water by a pump through a pipe. The assembly (10) comprises a plurality of intake modules (12) that are arranged in an annular array across the end of the pipe. Each intake module (12) has a funnel portion (14) that directs water flow into the pipe and a vane (16) that prevents water flow between adjacent intake modules (12). The modular screen assembly (10) also comprises a screen module (18) that surrounds the annular array of intake modules (12) and filters water entering the intake modules (12).

Description

"Fish and debris exclusion screen assembly"Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to Australian provisional patent application no. 2023902042, filed on 28 June 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates, generally, to screen assemblies for mounting across an end of a pipe to filter fluid being drawn into the pipe and, particularly, to such screen assemblies configured to inhibit fish or other debris being drawn into the pipe when extracting water from a river, lake, or reservoir.Background

[0003] Irrigating agricultural land, such as to grow crops, can require extracting water from a local body of open water, such as a river, lake, or reservoir. This generally involves placing a pipe into the body of water and operating a pump to draw water through the pipe to be distributed through an irrigation system to the land.

[0004] This practice typically involves operating the pump at a high pressure to draw the volume of water required for irrigation. This can cause fish and other debris in the body of water to be drawn into the pipe, which can block the pipe and / or damage the pump. Where the pump is operated at very high pressures and / or the pipe defines a narrow opening, this causes the water to move at a high velocity into the pipe, at up to 1 to 3 metres per second, which can exacerbate carrying fish and / or debris towards the pipe. The resulting effect can be increased maintenance of the irrigation system which can increase costs and downtime, as well as negatively impacting fish populations.

[0005] To mitigate these drawbacks, fish protection or exclusion screens are often fitted across the end of the pipe in the body of water. Many past solutions have beenunsuccessful due to the screen defining large holes, allowing small debris and fish to pass through, or not managing the high velocity of the water, meaning that fish become trapped against the screen and killed, and / or fish and other debris block the screen. Modern solutions include rotatable cylindrical baskets, or static conical structures, which define a large surface area to reduce water velocity, and have a fine mesh screen. Some screens include a wiper mechanism to remove fish and debris from the screen.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.Summary

[0007] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0008] There is disclosed a modular screen assembly for fitting across an end of a pipe in a body of water, where the pipe is connected to a pump operable to extract water from the body of water. The assembly includes a plurality of intake modules, where each intake module includes a funnel portion defining a wedge extending partially about an axis, and a vane extending transversely to the funnel portion. The intake modules are mountable to each other to form an annular array securable across the end of the pipe such that the funnel portions direct flow into the pipe and the vanes inhibit flow between adjacent intake modules. The assembly also includes a screen module configured to be mounted relative to and surround the annular array of intake modules to filter water flowing into the intake modules .

[0009] Each funnel portion may define an inlet end and an opposed outlet end, and each module be securable relative to the end of the pipe so that the outlet end is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the pipe, and the inlet end is directed to be transverse to the axis of the pipe.

[0010] The inlet end may be directed at an angle relative to the outlet end, the angle being equal to or greater than 45 degrees.

[0011] Each funnel portion may be shaped such that, when the modules are mounted together, the outlet ends bound a first area substantially equivalent to the duct area of the pipe, and the inlet ends bound a second area which is at least 50% greater than the first area, and may be at least double the first area.

[0012] Each intake module may include a base portion spaced from the funnel portion, the base portion shaped to direct water to flow towards the end of the pipe.

[0013] Each vane may be configured to extend between the funnel portion and the base portion of the intake module.

[0014] The funnel portion, the base portion, and the vane of each module may be separate components configured to be connected to each other with fasteners to form the intake module.

[0015] Each funnel portion, base portion, and vane may be formed from bent sheet metal.

[0016] Each funnel portion and base portion may define a plurality of bends to provide guide surfaces arranged to direct the water to flow towards the end of the pipe.

[0017] Each funnel portion and base portion may define faceted guide surfaces arranged to guide water flowing towards the end of the pipe.

[0018] The assembly may include a collar for securing to the end of the pipe, and each intake module be configured to be mounted to the collar to form the annular array.

[0019] Each intake module may be associated with a nozzle in communication with a gas supply and arranged to direct gas at a portion of the screen adjacent the module.

[0020] The screen module may define a cylindrical structure mountable about the annular array of modules.

[0021] The end of the pipe and the screen module may each define an axis, and the screen module be mountable about the intake modules, such that the two axes are coaxial.

[0022] The screen may be mountable relative to the intake modules such that the modules are spaced inwardly of the screen module.

[0023] The screen module and the intake modules may be arranged to define a flow path to direct water through the screen and along a 90 degree bend to enter the end of the pipe.

[0024] Each intake module may be configured such that the flow path defines a plurality of kinks.

[0025] Each vane may be arranged to extend partway along the flow path to partially separate flow between adjacent intake modules.

[0026] Also disclosed is a modular kit for filtering fluid flowing into a pipe. The modular kit includes: a bell mouth module mountable to the pipe; an anti-vortex module mountable relative to the bell mouth module to define a flow path therebetween, the anti-vortex module shaped to inhibit fluid flowing in a vortex through the flow path; and a screen mountable about the bell mouth module and the anti-vortex module to filter water flowing into the flow path.

[0027] The anti- vortex module may include a plurality of transversely extending ribs arranged to occlude transverse flow of water along a portion of the flow path.

[0028] At least some of the ribs may be securable to the bell mouth module to rigidly mount the anti-vortex module to the bell mouth module.

[0029] At least one of the bell mouth module and the anti- vortex module may be formed from a plurality of interconnectable module portions.

[0030] Each of the bell mouth module and the anti-vortex module may be formed from a plurality of interconnectable module portions formed from sheet metal components.

[0031] Each of the bell mouth module and the anti-vortex module may define faceted guide surfaces, and the flow path be defined between the faceted guide surfaces.

[0032] Also disclosed is a modular inlet assembly for fitting across an end of a pipe in a volume of fluid, the inlet assembly including a plurality of inlet modules, each inlet module having a funnel portion defining a wedge extending partially about an axis, and having a vane extending transversely to the funnel portion. The inlet modules are mountable to each other to form an annular array securable across the end of the pipe such that the funnel portions direct fluid flow into the pipe and the vanes inhibit fluid flow between adjacent inlet modules.

[0033] It will be appreciated embodiments may comprise steps, features and / or integers disclosed herein or indicated in the specification of this application individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of two or more of said steps or features.Brief Description of Drawings

[0034] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompany drawings in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a screen assembly for fitting across an end of a pipe;

[0036] Figure 2 is a cross-section perspective view of the screen assembly shown in Fig. 1;

[0037] Figure 3 is a cross-section side view of the screen assembly shown in the previous figures;

[0038] Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of part of the assembly shown in the previous figures, being an intake module; and

[0039] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a kit for filtering fluid flowing into a pipe.Description of Embodiments

[0040] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally designates a modular screen assembly 10 for fitting across an end of a pipe (not illustrated) in a body of water, where the pipe is connected to a pump (not illustrated) operable to extract water from the body of water. The modular screen assembly 10 includes: a plurality of intake modules 12, each intake module 12 having a funnel portion 14 defining a wedge 15 extending partially about an axis, and having a vane 16 extending transversely to the funnel portion 14, the intake modules 14 being mountable to each other to form an annular array securable across the end of the pipe such that the funnel portions 14 direct flow into the pipe and the vanes 16 inhibit flow between adjacent intake modules 14; and a screen module 18 configured to be mounted relative to and surround the annular array of intake modules 12 to filter water flowing into the intake modules 12.

[0041] The screen assembly 10 is configurable as a fish and debris exclusion screen for an irrigation system arranged to extract water from a body of open water, such as a river, lake, or reservoir, to irrigate agricultural land. For such applications, the screen module 18 defines a plurality of holes dimensioned to inhibit fish and debris frompassing through the screen module 18 and into the intake modules 12. The holes may be dimensioned according to the environment in which the screen 18 is intended to be used, for example, to inhibit specific fish species and / or sizes of rock, rubble, branches, and / or leaves from passing through the screen module 18. It will be appreciated that the assembly 10 may be alternatively configured for other applications to filter other fluid(s) flowing into a pipe, such as may be required for manufacturing or other industrial applications, such as chemical processing.

[0042] The assembly 10 is configured to be modular to enhance ease of manufacture, transport, and / or assembly or fitting to the end of the pipe, in situ for use. Known, similar screen assemblies typically include large-scale, complex components which are difficult to manufacture and / or transport to site. For example, known debris exclusion screen assemblies often include an intake defining a significant diameter, for example, 5 metres, which can be awkward to transport on public roads. Configuring the assembly 10 to be constructed from small-scale modules may allow the assembly 10 to be readily transported to, and constructed at, site.

[0043] Figures 1 to 3 show the complete assembly 10 ready for mounting to the end of the pipe, and Figures 4 and 5 show the intake module 12 in isolation. Figure 3 illustrates water flow through the assembly 10, delineated by arrows showing water flowing into, and out of, the assembly 10 to flow into the pipe.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, eight intake modules 12 are arranged to form the annular array. Each intake module 12 is substantially identical and configured to mount to adjacent, like modules 12 to define the array. It will be appreciated that configuring the assembly 10 to have the eight modules 12 is exemplary and that, in other embodiments (not illustrated), the assembly 10 may include more, or less, modules 12 mounted together to form the array. Each module 12 defines an inlet end 20 and an opposed outlet end 22. In this embodiment, each module 12 is mounted to a collar 24 configured to be secured to the end of the pipe, such as with fasteners being secured through the collar 24 and the pipe, or by a clamp mechanism.

[0045] Best shown in Fig. 3, the modules 12 are mounted to the collar 24 such that, in use, the outlet ends 22 are directed to be substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis 26 of the pipe, and the inlet ends 20 are directed to be transverse to the axis 26 of the pipe. In this embodiment, the inlet ends 20 are directed substantially radially relative to the axis 26. In other embodiments (not illustrated) the inlet end 20 of each funnel portion 14 may be directed at an alternative angle relative to the outlet end 22. Generally the angle is equal to, or greater than, 45 degrees so that the funnel portions 14, when mounted together in the array, act as a “bell mouth” intake for the pipe. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the funnel portion 14 may be configured such that the inlet end 20 is arranged at an angle greater than 45 degrees to the outlet end 22.

[0046] The intake modules 12 are configured such that, when mounted together in the array, the outlet ends 22 of the funnel portions 14 bound a first area which is substantially equivalent to the duct area of the pipe, and the inlet ends 20 of the funnel portions 14 bound a second area which is greater than the first area. The second area may have a diameter of around 900 mm to 1600 mm. Generally, the funnel portions 14 are shaped such that the second area is at least 50% greater than the first area. In some embodiments, the funnel portions 14 are shaped such that the second area is double the first area. Configuring the intake modules 12 in this way can minimise fluid velocity entering the modules 12, which can reduce turbulence and pressure drop. Minimising the fluid velocity in this way can inhibit fish and other debris being drawn towards and trapped against the screen 18, which could otherwise harm fish and / or block the screen 18.

[0047] Best shown in Figs. 4 and 5, each funnel portion 14 is shaped to define a wedge 15 extending partially about a notional axis. This configuration of the funnel portions 14 means that when the intake modules 12 are mounted to each other to form the annular array, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the wedges 15 are arranged adjacently to bound the first area and the second area. Each wedge 15 is configured to bound a defined portion (measured in degrees) about the axis. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each wedge 15 is configured to surround about 45 degrees. In otherembodiments where the annular array is configured to be formed from less, or more, intake modules 12, each wedge 15 is configured to extend more, or less, about the axis.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment 10, each intake module 12 includes a base portion 28 spaced from the funnel portion 14. The base portion 28 is shaped to direct water to flow towards the end of the pipe in use. The base portions 28 are shaped such that, when mounted together in the array, the base portions 28 form a cone-like structure to direct flow towards the pipe.

[0049] The base portion 28 is typically rigidly fixed relative to the funnel portion 14, in the illustrated embodiment, by the vane 16 extending between and being secured to the portions 14, 28. In this way, the vanes 16 act as ribs to separate flow through the modules 12 along a portion of the flow path. This arrangement of the vanes 16 can inhibit water creating a vortex as it flows into and / or through the intake modules 12. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the base portion 28 may be absent. In such embodiments, the vanes 16 may be fixed to and extend from the associated funnel portion 14 to define a free end, or may be configured to extend to a centre of the annular array and be fixed together, for example, to enhance rigidity.

[0050] Figures 4 and 5 show one of the intake modules 12 in isolation. In this embodiment, the funnel portion 14, base portion 28, and vane 16 of each module 12 are separate components configured to be connected to each other, such as with bolts 34 or other suitable fasteners, such as rivets, to form the module 12. In this way, each module 12 forms three of four sides of a tubular structure. When joined to another module 12 in the annular array, the vane 16 of the adjacent module 12 completes the tubular structure. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments (not illustrated), each intake module 12 may be formed from the funnel portion 14, vane 16 and, if included, base portion 28, being welded to each other, and / or may include a second vane 16 to form a tubular structure.

[0051] Each intake module 12 may be configurable as a kit ready to be assembled, for example, at site prior to mounting to the pipe. The kit may be provided in a ‘flat-pack’configuration which can reduce cost and / or complexity of manufacturing and shipping. In some embodiments, each of the funnel portion 14, base portion 28, and vane 16 are formed from sheet metal. It will be appreciated that the funnel portion 14, base portion 28, and / or vane 16 may be formed from other materials configured to provide suitable rigidity and strength, for example, a fibre-reinforced polymer. Each component 14, 28, 16 may be formed, such as with bends, or press-formed. As shown in the figures, each funnel portion 14 and base portion 28 may define a plurality of bends to provide guide surfaces 30. The guide surfaces 30 are configured to be arranged, in use, to guide water to flow from the screen 18 and to the end of the pipe. It will be appreciated that the funnel portions 14 and / or base portions 28 may be alternatively formed, such as by pressing, casting, or moulding, to provide curved or faceted guide surfaces to direct flow towards the pipe. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the funnel portions 14 and / or base portions 28 are formed to define a substantially continuous, curved guide surface to direct the flow of water. Where the components are formed from a settable material, such as a polymer, they may be formed by molding, such as injection molding, or casting.

[0052] Returning to Figs 1 and 2, the assembly 10 may include a cleaning mechanism 32 arranged and operable to displace debris from the screen module 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 32 includes a plurality of nozzles 34, each in communication with a supply of pressurised fluid, typically being air or other gas, and mountable to be directed towards the screen module 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzles 34 are coupled to a manifold 36 arranged about the funnel portions 14. The manifold 36 is configured to be coupled to a hose or pipe for conveying the pressurised fluid. Operating the cleaning mechanism 32 causes the pressurised fluid to be ejected from the nozzles 34 which can dislodge debris trapped in the holes of the screen 18, or otherwise clean the screen 18.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the screen module 18 defines a substantially cylindrical structure dimensioned to surround the intake modules 12 when connected together in the annular array. The screen module 18 is mountable about the intake modules 12 such that an axis of the screen module 18 is coaxial with the axis 26 of thepipe and the axis of the annular array. Best shown in Fig. 3, the screen module 18 is dimensioned to be spaced apart from the inlet ends 22 of the funnel portions 14. Spacing in this way can enhance laminar flow of the water through the screen module 18 and towards the intake modules 12, and / or can position the boundary of back pressure, exerted by the pump connected to the pipe, to be within the screen module 18. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the screen module 18 may be alternatively shaped, such as to define a dome or spherical portion, for example, to suit particular applications or environments.

[0054] Figure 3 illustrates flow direction through the intake modules 12, shown by the arrows. As shown in this figure, the screen module 18 and the intake modules 12 are arranged to define a flow path to direct water through the screen module 18 and along a 90 degree bend to enter the end of the pipe. In the illustrated embodiment, the bends in the funnel portion 14 and base portion 28 mean that the flow path defines a plurality of kinks. In other embodiments (not shown), where the funnel portion 14 and / or base portion 28 are at least partially curved, the flow path defines a curve. Also shown in Fig. 3, each vane 16 extends partway along the flow path of the associated module 12 to partially separate flow through the module 12 from flow through adjacent modules 12.

[0055] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a modular kit 100 for filtering fluid flowing into a pipe (not illustrated), such as being drawn by a pump into the pipe, for example, to irrigate land. The kit 100 includes: a bell mouth module 102 mountable to the pipe; an anti- vortex module 104 mountable relative to the bell mouth module 102 to define a flow path therebetween, the anti- vortex module 104 shaped to inhibit fluid flowing in a vortex through the flow path; and a screen module 106 mountable about the bell mouth module 102 and the anti- vortex module 104 to filter fluid flowing into the flow path.

[0056] It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiment of the modular kit 100 shares features with the modular assembly 10 described above, and that common reference numerals indicate common features unless indicated otherwise. The modular kit 100 is configured as a fish and debris exclusion screen for an inlet pipe of anirrigation system (not illustrated). The kit 100 is readily configurable for other industrial applications to filter a liquid flowing into a pipe, for example, due to suction.

[0057] The anti- vortex module 104 includes a plurality of transversely extending ribs 108 arranged to occlude transverse flow of fluid along a portion of the flow path. At least some of the ribs 108 are securable to the bell mouth module 102 to rigidly mount the anti-vortex module 104 to the bell mouth module 102.

[0058] At least one of the bell mouth module 102 and the anti- vortex module 104 may be formed from a plurality of interconnectable module portions. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the bell mouth module 102 is formed from eight interconnected funnel portions 14, and the anti-vortex module 104is formed from eight interconnected base portions 28 and vane portions 16. In the illustrated embodiment, each of these module portions, 14, 16, 28 are formed from sheet metal. It will be appreciated that the portions 14, 16, 28, may instead be formed from other materials configured to provide suitable rigidity and strength, for example, a fibre-reinforced polymer. It will also be appreciated that, in other embodiments (not illustrated), the bell mouth module 102 and / or the anti-vortex module 104 are configurable to have more, or less, interconnected module portions.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the bell mouth module 102 and the anti-vortex module 104 define faceted guide surfaces 110, and the flow path is defined between the faceted guide surfaces 110. In other embodiments (not illustrated), one or both of the structures 102, 104 define curved guide surfaces to define the flow path.

[0060] In alternative embodiments, the modular assembly 10 or the modular kit 100 may be configured to omit the screen module 18, 106. For example, such embodiments may be configured as a modular inlet assembly for fitting across an end of a pipe arranged in a volume of fluid, which may be a liquid or gas. This configuration of the assembly 10 or kit 100 may be useful in applications which do not require any filtration or screening of the fluid, but would benefit from providing a bell mouth type inlet associated with an anti-vortex-type structure.

[0061] Use of the modular assembly 10 generally involves, initially, constructing the assembly 10 from the intake modules 12, and the screen module 18. The intake modules 12 are joined together to form the annular array, and the screen module 18 is mounted about the modules 12. In some embodiments, each intake module 18 may also require assembling from component parts, such as the funnel portion 14, vane portion 16, and, optionally, the base portion 28.

[0062] The assembly 10 is then secured across the end of the pipe within the body of water. The pump coupled with the pipe may then be operated to cause water to flow through the screen module 18 and the intake modules 12 to enter the pipe. The screen module 18 inhibits objects from passing while allowing water to flow freely through the screen module 18. The intake modules 12 are mounted to the pipe so that the funnel portions 14 direct water to flow towards the end of the pipe. The vanes 16 of the intake modules 12 are positioned to inhibit water flowing between the intake modules 12 as water is drawn towards the pipe by the pump. Advantageously, the intake modules 12 do not require mounting to the floor, or any other structure, and may therefore be used with pipes which are movable within the body of water. For example, the modular assembly 10 may be configured to attach to a float or other mechanism arranged to adjust the depth of the end of the pipe in the water.

[0063] Use of the modular kit 100 may involve, initially, constructing the kit 10 to define a filter. This typically involves the anti-vortex module 104 being mounted relative to the bell mouth module 102, and the screen module 106 being mounted about the bell mouth module 102 and the anti-vortex module 104. The assembled kit 100 may then be secured across the end of a pipe within a volume of fluid. A pump may be coupled with the pipe and operated, causing fluid to flow through the screen module 106 and between the bell mount module 102 and anti- vortex module 104 to enter the pipe. The screen module 106 inhibits objects from passing therethrough, while allowing fluid to flow freely through the screen 106. The bell mouth module 102 is arranged to direct fluid to flow towards the end of the pipe. The anti- vortex module 104 inhibits fluid flowing in a vortex between the modules 102, 104 as it is drawn towards the pipe by the pump. Advantageously, the anti-vortex module 104 does notrequire mounting to the floor, or any other structure, and may therefore be used with pipes which are displaceable such as by moving within the volume of fluid. For example, the kit 100 may be securable to a displacement mechanism arranged and operable to adjust the position of the kit 100 and the end of the pipe in the fluid.

[0064] The modular assembly 10, or kit 100, is formed from discrete modules configured to be readily assembled together. This can simplify manufacture and / or shipping the assembly 10 or kit 100, as well as enhancing the installation process and / or reducing costs.

[0065] The modular assembly 10 includes a plurality of intake modules 12, each including the funnel portion 14 shaped to direct fluid into the pipe, in use, when mounted together to form the annular array and fitted across the end of the pipe. This configuration therefore allows providing a bell mouth type intake structure which has inherent functional advantages with regard to water velocity, and which is readily constructed from a number of discrete, and affordable, components, as well as being easily transported to the installation site, which could be in a remote, rural location when being fitted to an irrigation system.

[0066] The intake modules 12 of the assembly 10 include vanes 16, and the antivortex structure 104 of the kit 100, arranged to inhibit fluid flow between adjacent intake modules 12 / around the bell mouth module 102 during use. This can provide further functional advantages by inhibiting the fluid creating a vortex while flowing through the intake modules 12 / bell mouth module 102 which could otherwise increase fluid velocity and / or exert excessive, and potentially damaging, force on the assembly and / or pipe.

[0067] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A modular screen assembly for fitting across an end of a pipe in a body of water, the pipe connected to a pump operable to extract water from the body of water, the assembly including: a plurality of intake modules, each intake module having a funnel portion defining a wedge extending partially about an axis, and having a vane extending transversely to the funnel portion, the intake modules being mountable to each other to form an annular array securable across the end of the pipe such that the funnel portions direct flow into the pipe and the vanes inhibit flow between adjacent intake modules; and a screen module configured to be mounted relative to and surround the annular array of intake modules to filter water flowing into the intake modules.

2. The modular screen assembly of claim 1, wherein each funnel portion defines an inlet end and an opposed outlet end, and each intake module is securable relative to the end of the pipe so that the outlet end is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the pipe, and the inlet end is directed to be transverse to the axis of the pipe.

3. The modular screen assembly of claim 2, wherein the inlet end is directed at an angle relative to the outlet end, the angle being equal to or greater than 45 degrees.

4. The modular screen assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein each funnel portion is shaped such that, when the modules are mounted together, the outlet ends bound a first area substantially equivalent to the duct area of the pipe, and the inlet ends bound a second area which is at least 50% greater than the first area.

5. The modular screen assembly of claim 4, wherein the second area is at least double the first area.

6. The modular screen assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each intake module includes a base portion spaced from the funnel portion, the base portion shaped to direct water to flow towards the end of the pipe.

7. The modular screen assembly of claim 6, wherein each vane is configured to extend and be fixed between the funnel portion and the base portion of the intake module.

8. The modular screen assembly of claim 7, wherein the funnel portion, the base portion, and the vane of each intake module are separate components configured to be connected to each other with fasteners to form the intake module.

9. The modular screen assembly of claim 8, wherein each funnel portion, base portion, and vane are formed from bent sheet metal.

10. The modular screen assembly of claim 9, wherein each funnel portion and base portion define a plurality of bends to provide guide surfaces arranged to direct the water to flow towards the end of the pipe.

11. The modular screen assembly of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each funnel portion and base portion define faceted guide surfaces arranged to guide water flowing towards the end of the pipe.

12. The modular screen assembly of any one of the preceding claims, including a collar for securing to the end of the pipe, and wherein each intake module is configured to be mounted to the collar to form the annular array.

13. The modular screen assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each intake module is associated with a nozzle in communication with a gas supply and arranged to direct gas at a portion of the screen adjacent the module.

14. The modular screen assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screen module defines a cylindrical structure mountable about the annular array of intake modules.

15. The modular screen assembly of claim 14, wherein the end of the pipe and the screen module each define an axis, and the screen module is mountable about the intake modules such that the two axes are coaxial.

16. The modular screen assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein the screen module is mountable relative to the intake modules such that the intake modules are spaced inwardly of the screen.

17. The modular screen assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screen module and the intake modules are arranged to define a flow path to direct water through the screen module and along a 90 degree bend to enter the end of the pipe.

18. The modular screen assembly of claim 17, wherein each intake module is configured such that the flow path defines a plurality of kinks.

19. The modular screen assembly of claim 17 or 18, wherein each vane is arranged to extend partway along the flow path to partially separate flow between adjacent modules.

20. A modular kit for filtering fluid flowing into a pipe, the modular kit including: a bell mouth module mountable to the pipe; an anti- vortex module mountable to the bell mouth module to define a flow path therebetween, the anti-vortex module shaped to inhibit fluid flowing in a vortex through the flow path; and a screen module mountable about the bell mouth structure and the anti- vortex structure to filter water flowing into the flow path.

21. The modular kit of claim 20, wherein the anti- vortex module includes a plurality of transversely extending ribs arranged to occlude transverse flow of water along a portion of the flow path.

22. The modular kit of claim 21, wherein at least some of the ribs are securable to the bell mouth structure to rigidly mount the anti-vortex structure to the bell mouth structure.

23. The modular kit of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein at least one of the bell mouth module and the anti- vortex module is formed from a plurality of interconnectable module portions configured to be connected to each other to form an annular array.

24. The modular kit of claim 23, wherein each of the bell mouth module and the anti-vortex module are formed from a plurality of interconnectable module portions, and each of the module portions are formed from sheet metal components.

25. The modular kit of any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein each of the bell mouth module and the anti- vortex module define faceted guide surfaces, and wherein the flow path is defined between the faceted guide surfaces.

26. A modular inlet assembly for fitting across an end of a pipe in a volume of fluid, the inlet assembly including: a plurality of inlet modules, each inlet module having a funnel portion defining a wedge extending partially about an axis, and having a vane extending transversely to the funnel portion, the inlet modules being mountable to each other to form an annular array securable across the end of the pipe such that the funnel portions direct fluid flow into the pipe and the vanes inhibit fluid flow between adjacent inlet modules.

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