Filtration system having a fluid flow booster device

Abstract

A filtration system includes a fluid source; a drain that receives the fluid from the fluid source; a filter disposed between the fluid source and the drain to filter the fluid; and a fluid flow booster device disposed between the fluid source and the filter. The fluid flow booster device includes a reservoir to receive a fluid from the fluid source at an inflow flow rate; a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir to discharge the fluid out of the reservoir at an outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate; and a sensor. The sensor determines an amount of the fluid in the reservoir; and activates the pump, causing the fluid to be discharged out of the reservoir at the outflow flow rate, when the amount of fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount.

Description

Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 FILTRATION SYSTEM HAVING A FLUID FLOW BOOSTER DEVICE

[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 579,349, filed on August 29, 2023, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments discussed in this disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for filtering a fluid using a filter and a collection unit for filter media that may include a vortical filter and / or other types of filter media. Some embodiments may include filter systems and methods having a fluid flow booster device that may be configured to increase a flow rate of the fluid supplied to the filter media. The increased flow rate may help to generate vortices to maintain solids to be filtered in suspension while promoting the flow of the solids along a flow path toward the collection unit. BACKGROUND

[0003] Filtration is generally a process that includes a separation of one substance from another. Mechanical filtration separates a substance, such as suspended solids or molecules, from another substance, such as a fluid (e.g., liquid or gas). Chemical filtration separates one substance from another by chemical means, such as chemical bonding or precipitation. Mechanical filtering of solids (e.g., particles) from fluid can include passing the fluid containing the solids through or otherwise interacting with a filter media, such as a mesh or membrane, which collects the solids being filtered out while allowing the filtered fluid to pass through. In dead-end filtration, the flow of the fluid to be filtered is generally perpendicular to theAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 filter media, whereas in cross-flow filtration, the flow of the fluid to be filtered is substantially parallel to the filter media. Over time, the filter media and / or any enclosure housing the filter media in both of these filtration methods tends to clog with filtered solids, reducing the effectiveness of the filter, increasing the pressure drop across the filter media, causing a decrease in the flow rate of the fluid through the filter media, and / or requiring more energy for filtering. Eventually filtration may cease to be effective because the filtered solids block the flow of the fluid.

[0004] Vortical cross-flow filtration is a method of filtering involving aspects of both dead-end and cross-flow filtration. However, current vortical cross-flow filtration systems still face significant performance limitations, including residue build- up, lack of a cleaning method of the filter media, lack of residue collection method, and inability to effectively filter solids and microsolids, particularly at low flow rates of low flow speeds of the fluid flowing through the filter media. Thus, there remains a need for improvements in filtration systems and methods using both dead-end and vortical cross-flow filtration. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include technological improvements to one or more technical problems in prior filtration systems. Various embodiments described herein may provide systems and methods for improved, more efficient, or more effective filtering of solids from fluids. In some embodiments, a vortical filter provides for improved vortical cross-flow filtration. In one or more of the following embodiments, the vortical filter described herein has a tapered-helical configuration. According to some embodiments, the vortical filter may have a tapered configuration, such as a tapered-helical configuration. The vortical filter may comprise a conical shaped filter. In some embodiments, the vortical filter comprisesAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 a tapered coil that has both a helical configuration and a conical shape. In some embodiments, the vortical filter comprises a tapered-helical coil. In some embodiments, a fluid flow booster device may provide an increased flow rate that may help solve the one or more technical problems in prior filtration systems.

[0006] According to an aspect of this disclosure, according to some embodiments, a fluid flow booster device may include a reservoir configured to receive a fluid from a fluid source at an inflow flow rate; a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge the fluid out of the reservoir at an outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate; a sensor configured to determine an amount of the fluid in the reservoir; and a controller in communication with the sensor and the pump. The controller may be configured to activate the pump, causing the fluid to be discharged out of the reservoir at the outflow flow rate, when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir, as determined by the sensor, is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the controller is further configured to deactivate the pump, when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir, as determined by the sensor, is less than or equal to below a second threshold amount. According to some embodiments the controller is configured to deactivate the pump, when an amount of the fluid discharged by the pump exceeds a discharge threshold.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the controller comprises a latching relay. According to some embodiments, the fluid source includes a washing machine, and the pump is configured to discharge the fluid from the reservoir to flow through a filter configured to remove particles from the fluid.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the first threshold amount is adjustable. According to some embodiments, the fluid flow booster device furtherAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 includes a fluid conduit connecting an outlet of the pump to a filter configured to remove particles from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the filtration system includes a pressure sensor configured to determine a pressure of the fluid in the fluid conduit. According to some embodiments, the controller is configured to decrease the first threshold amount when the pressure exceeds a pressure threshold.

[0010] According to some embodiments the controller is configured to cause the pump to discharge the fluid from the reservoir by activating the pump for a first period of time during discharge of the reservoir, and deactivating the pump for a second period of time between successive discharges of the reservoir.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the inflow flow rate of the fluid entering the reservoir changes over time; and the outflow flow rate of the fluid being discharged from the reservoir remains constant over time. According to some embodiments, the inflow flow rate has an average value ranging between about 4 liters per minute (LPM) to 16 LPM, and the outflow flow rate has an average value ranging between about 14 LPM to 21 LPM.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the sensor is configured to generate a first signal when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is greater than the first threshold amount; and generate a second signal when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is less than the second threshold amount. According to some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the pump in response to the first signal; and deactivate the pump in response to the second signal.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the sensor comprises at least one reed switch. According to some embodiments, the sensor comprises a first reed switch, disposed near to a top wall of the reservoir. According to some embodiments,Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 the sensor comprises a second reed switch disposed near to a bottom wall of the reservoir. According to some embodiments, the sensor includes a float, and the sensor is configured to generate the first signal when the float is positioned at a first height; and generate the second signal when the float is positioned at a second height. According to some embodiments, the first height corresponds to a first position of the float near to a top wall of the reservoir, and the second height corresponds to a second position of the float near to a bottom wall of the reservoir.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the sensor is configured to determine at least one of a volume or a weight of the fluid in the reservoir. According to some embodiments, the sensor comprises a load cell. According to some embodiments, the sensor is configured to determine the amount of the fluid in the reservoir by determining a level of the fluid in the reservoir. According to some embodiments, the sensor comprises at least one of a differential pressure sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar level sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, according to some embodiments, a filtration system includes a fluid source configured to discharge a fluid; a drain configured to receive the fluid from the fluid source; a filter disposed between the fluid source and the drain, the filter being configured to filter the fluid; and a fluid flow booster device disposed between the fluid source and the filter. According to some embodiments, the fluid flow booster device is configured to receive the fluid from the fluid source at an inflow flow rate; discharge the fluid to the filter at an outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate during a first time period; and cease a flow of the fluid to the filter during a second time period. According to some embodiments, a ratio of the second time period and the first time period may be in a range between about 1.0 and 5.0. According to some embodiments, the ratioAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 of the second time period and the first time period may be in a range between about 1.2 and 5, between about 1.0 and 2.0, between about 2.0 and 3.0, between about 3.0 and 4.0, between about 4.0 and 5.0, between about 1.5 and 2.5, between about 3.5 and 4.5, between about 1.5 and 4.5, between about 1.0 and 4.0, between about 2.0 and 5.0, between about 1.0 and 3.0, or between about 1.5 and 3.5.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the fluid source, the filter, and the fluid flow booster device are located in a housing. According to some embodiments, the fluid source is a washing machine. According to some embodiments, at least one of the filter or the fluid flow booster device is located in the washing machine.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the filtration system includes a pressure sensor disposed in a fluid conduit between the fluid flow booster and the drain and configured to determine a pressure of the fluid being discharged by the fluid flow booster device. According to some embodiments, the fluid flow booster device is configured to decrease the first threshold amount when the pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. According to some embodiments, the filtration system includes a flow sensor disposed in a fluid conduit between the fluid flow booster and the drain and configured to determine the outflow flow rate of the fluid being discharged by the fluid flow booster device. According to some embodiments, the fluid flow booster device is configured to decrease the first threshold amount when the outflow flow rate decreases below a threshold flow rate. According to some embodiments, a controller associated with one of the fluid source or the filter is configured to control operations of the fluid flow booster device.

[0018] According to some embodiments, a fluid flow booster device includes a reservoir configured to receive a fluid from the fluid source at the inflow flow rate; a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge theAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 fluid out of the reservoir at the outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate; and a sensor. According to some embodiments, the sensor is configured to determine an amount of the fluid in the reservoir; and activate the pump, causing the fluid to be discharged out of the reservoir at the outflow flow rate, when the amount of fluid in the reservoir exceeds a first threshold amount. According to some embodiments, the sensor is further configured to deactivate the pump when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to a second threshold amount.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the sensor in the filtration system is configured to generate a first signal when the amount of fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to the first threshold amount, and generate a second signal when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to the second threshold amount. According to some embodiments the sensor is further configured to, after deactivating the pump, generate a third signal when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is again greater than or equal to the first threshold amount. According to some embodiments, the first time period is a duration between generation of the first signal and generation of the second signal, and the second time period is a duration between generation of the second signal and generation of the third signal.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, according to some embodiments, a method of boosting a flow rate of a fluid being discharged from a fluid source includes receiving the fluid from a fluid source into a reservoir at an inflow flow rate; generating a first signal, using a sensor, when an amount of the fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount; activating a pump to discharge the fluid from the reservoir at an outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate in response to generation of the first signal; generating a second signal, using the sensor, when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is less than or equalAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 to a second threshold amount; and deactivating the pump in response to generation of the second signal.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the method further includes discharging the fluid from the reservoir by activating the pump for a first period of time during a discharge of the reservoir, and deactivating the pump for a second period of time between successive discharges of the reservoir.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the method further includes determining at least one of a pressure or the outflow flow rate associated with the fluid being discharged from the reservoir; and decreasing the first threshold amount based on one or more of the determined pressure or the outflow flow rate. According to some embodiments, the method may further include decreasing the first threshold amount when the pressure associated with the fluid being discharged from the reservoir exceeds a pressure threshold or when the outflow flow rate decreases below a first flow rate threshold.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the method includes directing the fluid from the pump to a filter; directing a filtered portion of the fluid exiting from the filter to a drain; directing a remaining portion of the fluid including filtered debris from the filter to a debris collection cup; and accumulating the filtered debris in the debris collection cup.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the method further includes determining the outflow flow rate of the fluid directed from the pump to the filter; and replacing the debris collection cup when the determined outflow flow rate falls below a second flow rate threshold.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the sensor comprises a load cell and generating the first signal includes determining a weight of the fluid in theAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 reservoir using the load cell. According to some embodiments, the method further includes determining, using the sensor, a level of the fluid in the reservoir; and determining the amount of the fluid in the reservoir based on the level of the fluid in the reservoir.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the method further includes positioning a float on the surface of the fluid in the reservoir; and determining the level of the fluid based on a position of the fluid valve.

[0027] According to another aspect of this disclosure, according to some embodiments, a fluid flow booster device includes a reservoir including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a fluid amount sensor configured to determine an amount of a fluid in the reservoir; a pump fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the reservoir and configured to discharge the fluid out of the reservoir; a pressure sensor configured to determine fluid pressure of the fluid discharged by the pump; and a controller. According to some embodiments, the controller is configured to cause the pump to discharge the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid amount sensor indicates that the amount of fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount, and decrease the first threshold amount to a second threshold amount when the fluid pressure sensor indicates that the fluid pressure is greater than a first pressure threshold.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the controller is further configured to cause the pump to cease discharging the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid amount sensor indicates that the amount of fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to a third threshold amount. According to some embodiments, the controller is further configured to decrease the second threshold amount to a fourth threshold amount when the fluid pressure sensor indicates that the fluid pressure is greater than aAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 second pressure threshold. According to some embodiments, the second pressure threshold is greater than the first pressure threshold. According to some embodiments, the pump is configured to discharge the fluid from the reservoir at an outflow flow rate that is greater than an inflow flow rate of the fluid entering the reservoir at the fluid inlet.

[0029] According to another aspect of this disclosure, according to some embodiments, a fluid flow booster device includes a reservoir including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a fluid amount sensor configured to determine an amount of a fluid in the reservoir; a pump fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the reservoir and configured to discharge the fluid out of the reservoir; a flow sensor configured to determine a flow rate of the fluid discharged by the pump; and a controller. According to some embodiments, the controller is configured to cause the pump to discharge the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid amount sensor indicates that the amount of fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount, and decrease the first threshold amount to a second threshold amount when the flow sensor indicates that the flow rate of the fluid discharged by the pump is less than a first flow rate threshold.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the controller is further configured to cause the pump to cease discharging the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid amount sensor indicates that the amount of fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to a third threshold amount. According to some embodiments, the controller is further configured to decrease the second threshold amount to a fourth threshold amount when the flow sensor indicates that the flow rate of the fluid discharged by the pump is less than or equal to a second flow rate threshold. According to some embodiments, the second flow rate threshold is smaller than the first flow rateAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 threshold. According to some embodiments, the pump is configured to discharge the fluid from the reservoir at an outflow flow rate that is greater than an inflow flow rate of the fluid entering the reservoir at the fluid inlet.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the fluid outlet is configured to discharge the fluid to a filter device. In some embodiments, the filter device comprises a first filtration device and a second filtration device. The second filtration device may comprise a debris collector. The debris collector may include a debris collection unit.

[0032] A method of boosting fluid flow comprising receiving a fluid from a fluid source at an inflow flow rate at a reservoir of a fluid flow booster device; discharging, using a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir, the fluid out of the reservoir at an outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate; determining, using a sensor, an amount of the fluid in the reservoir; and activating the pump, using a controller, to cause the fluid to be discharged from the reservoir at the outflow flow rate, when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir, as determined by the sensor, is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount.

[0033] A method of filtering a fluid comprising receiving a fluid from a filter source at a fluid flow booster device at an inflow flow rate, the fluid flow booster device being disposed between the fluid source and a filter, discharging the fluid to the filter, from the fluid flow booster to the filter, at an outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate during a first time period; and ceasing the flow of the fluid from the fluid flow booster device to the filter during a second time period. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving the fluid from the fluid source at the inflow flow rate at a reservoir of the fluid flow booster device; a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharging the fluid out of the reservoirAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 at the outflow flow rate using a pump of the fluid flow booster device; determining, using a sensor, an amount of the fluid in the reservoir; and activating the pump to cause the fluid to be discharged out of the reservoir at the outflow flow rate, when the amount of fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount.

[0034] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the subject matter that may be claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.

[0036] FIG.1 shows a schematic of an exemplary filtration system, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0037] FIG.2A illustrates an exemplary chart showing a variation of a flow rate of fluid being discharged by a fluid source in the absence of any other flow resistance between the fluid source and the drain, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0038] FIG.2B illustrates an exemplary chart showing a variation of a flow rate of fluid being discharged by a fluid source with at least some additional flow resistance, for example, due to a filter disposed between the fluid source and the drain, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0039] FIG.3 shows a schematic of an exemplary fluid flow booster device, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0040] FIG.4 illustrates a transparent perspective view of an exemplaryAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 fluid flow booster device, consistent with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0041] FIG.5 illustrates exemplary embodiments of level sensors, consistent with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0042] FIG.6 illustrates an exemplary chart showing an idealized performance of the fluid flow booster device, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0043] FIG.7 illustrates another exemplary chart comparing the fluid flow rate through a filter with and without a fluid flow booster device, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0044] FIG.8 illustrates an exemplary working example of a filtration system, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0045] FIG.9 illustrates an exemplary flow chart showing a variation of a flow rate of the fluid in the working example filtration system of FIG.8, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0046] FIG.10 illustrates a magnified view of a portion TP1 of the exemplary flow chart of FIG.9, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0047] FIG.11 illustrates an exemplary flowchart showing the effect of cleaning or replacing one or more debris collection cups in the filtration system, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0048] FIG.12 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a method of boosting a flow rate of a fluid being discharged from a fluid source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where convenient, the same reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to theAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 same or like parts. The implementations set forth in the following description are exemplary embodiments and do not represent all implementations consistent with the present disclosure. While some examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as merely examples of systems, apparatuses, and methods consistent with aspects of this disclosure.

[0050] Some embodiments may provide improvements to prior filtration systems and methods, such as improved filtration performance, longer life of the filter media, higher collection efficiency of suspended solids, easier ability to maintain the filter, improved cleanliness of filter media, reduced pressure drop across filter media, efficient filtration at high flow rates or high flow speeds, and reduced tendency for clogging, contamination, fouling, etc. For example, some embodiments may achieve a filter able to collect a relatively large amount of solids over a broad range of filtered solid sizes in a collection unit, while the filter media remains relatively clean after extended use. In some embodiments, the filter achieves high filtration efficiency at high flow rates and high flow speeds. In some embodiments, a filter may filter debris such as solids or microsolids from a fluid, such as air or water. In some embodiments, a filter may filter microplastics from water, such as, for example, from wastewater, drinking water, or laundry water.

[0051] The problem of particulate waste is growing. In particular, it is becoming increasingly recognized that microsolid waste, such as microplastics, is a significant problem and is becoming a health hazard. “Microplastics,” for example, are generally considered to be any synthetic particles having regular or irregular shapes with a size less than 5 millimeters. Microplastics may come from bothAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include textile abrasion (e.g., synthetic fibers in clothing that break down in washing machines and are discharged into the environment via laundry wastewater) and tire abrasion (e.g., tire wear from normal driving causing rubber to be constantly worn down and left on road surfaces that is washed away into the environment). Secondary sources include the breakdown of larger pieces of plastic (e.g., plastic bottles) breaking down into smaller pieces. Microplastics then make their way into the water supply for human consumption. Although some embodiments of the present description may be described in terms of microplastics to aid in explanation, the present disclosure is not limited to filtering microplastics, but can be used to filter other solids, particles, microsolids, microparticles, microfibers, particulate matter, or other filterable substances from a fluid.

[0052] Studies have shown that the average person may consume about five grams of microplastic, which is equivalent in weight to a plastic credit card, per week. It is believed that about 35% of this plastic comes from textile abrasion, which has been considered to be the single largest point source of microplastics released into the environment. Human ingestion of microplastics is associated with and linked to autism, early puberty, malignancies, such as colon and breast cancer, and heart problems.

[0053] Besides the risks to human health, microplastic and other plastic waste impacts the environment and climate, as well. Microplastics and other plastic particles may interfere with the natural biological pumping action of the world’s oceans, which is one of the earth’s largest carbon sinks (sequestering over 40% of the carbon emitted since World War II). The continued build-up of microplastics in the environment may interfere with this and others of the earth’s natural processes,Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 such as radiative forcing. For example, microplastics in the atmosphere may contribute to the greenhouse effect by reflecting or absorbing heat released from the earth’s surface, rather than allowing it to escape.

[0054] Filtering of microplastics suspended in flowing fluid (e.g., water or air) has been challenging due to the size of the particles and the flow rate of fluid. Prior filtration methods, for example dead-end and conventional cross-flow filter systems using filter media, are not effective at low flow rates, low flow speeds, or at high concentrations of microplastics. Moreover, such filters are difficult to clean and cannot effectively select for smaller sizes of microplastics or other particles. In some applications, such as, for example, laundry machines, the fluid discharge may have a low flow rate and low flow speed to discharge a relatively large amount of fluid. For example, typical laundry machines in geographies other than North America may have relatively weaker pumps that may generate low flow rates in the range of 6 LPM to 11 LPM. In contrast, typical laundry machines in North America may have discharge pumps configured to generate higher flow rates, but the actual flow rate is often lower overall or on average because the discharge rate it non-constant and the maximum flow rate is often only achieved briefly, if at all, during the discharge. The low flow rate of fluid discharge from a laundry machine may cause the debris to accumulate on the filter media or in a housing surrounding the filter media in a short time. Low flow rate washing machines are typically still relatively high flow rate systems for the size of the discharge lines, and thus low flow rates for washing machines (e.g., European machines) is relative to other washing machines, such as high flow rate washing machines common in North America. This in turn may cease the flow of fluid through the filter, increase pressure drop through the filter media, and further reduce the flow rate, requiring more frequent replacement of the filterAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 media and resulting in reduced filtering efficiency. Build-up of filtered residue at the filter media may create a pressure drop across the filter media and back pressure, resulting in low flow through the filter, and eventual blockage, which can lead to catastrophic failure of the discharge line. Such failure may, result in pump failure, inability to drain water from the washing machine, and leaks from the washing machine. An exemplary fluid flow booster device of this disclosure may address such problems involved in filtering microplastics from a flowing fluid without producing an excessive pressure drop and filter clogging, thus improving filtration performance. It has been found that when the fluid flow booster device of this disclosure is used in combination even with North American laundry machines, the discharge flow rate from the fluid flow booster device of 16 LPM to 21 LPM helps to minimize filter clogging and prolongs the time required between cleanings of the filter, while allowing significant amounts of debris to be filtered from the discharged fluid.

[0055] FIG.1 illustrates a schematic of exemplary filtration system 10 of this disclosure. As illustrated in FIG.1, filtration system 10 may include fluid source 12, fluid flow booster device 14, filter 16, debris collector 18, drain 20, pressure sensor 22, and / or flow sensor 24. As also illustrated in FIG.1, filtration system 10 may include fluid conduit 28, fluid conduit 30, fluid conduit 32, fluid conduit 34, and fluid conduit 36. Fluid conduit 28 may be configured to fluidly couple fluid source 12 and fluid flow booster device 14. Fluid conduit 30 may be configured to fluidly couple fluid flow booster device 14 and filter 16. Third, fourth, and fluid conduits 32, 34, 36 may be configured to fluidly couple filter 16 with drain 20 as will be explained below.

[0056] Fluid source 12 may be configured to supply a flow of fluid that may contain debris such as solids, particles, microsolids, microparticles, microfibers, microplastic material, particulate matter, and / or other filterable substances. In someAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 exemplary embodiments, fluid source 12 may include a washing machine (e.g., a clothes washing machine) configured to supply or discharge a flow of fluid that may include debris, soap, and / or other filterable materials. In some exemplary embodiments, fluid source 12 may include a wastewater filtration plant that may be configured to supply a flow of wastewater for filtration. It is also contemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, fluid source 12 may include other sources of contaminated fluid, for example, fuel, oil, water, and / or any other type of fluid that may require filtration.

[0057] Although fluid flow booster device 14, filter 16, debris collector 18, pressure sensor 22, and / or flow sensor 24 have been illustrated in FIG.1 as being external to fluid source 12, it is contemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, one or more of fluid flow booster device 14, filter 16, debris collector 18, pressure sensor 22, and / or flow sensor 24 may be located together with fluid source 12 in a single housing. For example, when fluid source 12 is a washing machine, one or more of fluid flow booster device 14, filter 16, debris collector 18, pressure sensor 22, and / or flow sensor 24 may be included in a housing of the washing machine. Similarly, although pressure sensor 22 and flow sensor 24 have been illustrated in Fig.1 as being disposed outside fluid flow booster device 14, in some exemplary embodiments, one or more of pressure sensor 22 and flow sensor 24 may be included within fluid flow booster device 14.

[0058] In some embodiments, pressure measured by pressure sensor 22 may be measured by measuring the amperage of pump 42. When the pressure increases, the amperage of pump 42 also increases because the pump requires more energy to discharge the fluid. Thus, discussions related to measuring pressure at pressure sensor 22 may alternatively, or in addition, be performed by measuringAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 the amperage of the operation of pump 42.

[0059] Filter 16 may be configured to receive fluid discharged from fluid source 12 and filter the received fluid before discharging the filtered fluid to drain 20. In some exemplary embodiments, filter 16 may be configured for dead-end filtration, whereas in other exemplary embodiments filter 16 may be configured for cross-flow filtration. Filter 16 may include a mesh or membrane that may allow filtered fluid to pass through the mesh or membrane of filter 16 while trapping debris in a portion of fluid remaining in filter 16. In some exemplary embodiments, filter 16 may be a vortical filter having a tapered configuration and a conical shaped filter. In some exemplary embodiments as illustrated in FIG.1, a portion of the fluid entering filter 16 may exit as filtered fluid via sides of filter 16 via fluid conduit 32 that may deliver the filtered fluid to drain 20. The portion of the fluid remaining in filter 16 may include debris and may exit filter 16 via fluid conduit 34. Fluid together with debris may travel through fluid conduit 34 into debris collector 18. Debris collector 18 may include one or more filters that may help to trap and collect debris in one or more debris collection cups 26, in debris collector 18, while allowing fluid with little or no debris to exit debris collector 18 and travel to drain 20 via fluid conduit 36.

[0060] As discussed above, debris collector 18 may include one or more debris collection containers (or debris collection cups 26) having one or more filter media that may be configured to filter debris (e.g., particles, fibers, soil, microplastics) from the fluid and accumulate the filtered debris for disposal. It may be necessary to remove the one or more debris collection cups 26 from debris collector 18 for cleaning and / or replacement. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, it may be possible to remove the one or more debris collection cups 26 from debris collector 18, empty the debris collected in the debris collection cups 26 and thenAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 return the empty and / or clean debris collection cups 26 to debris collector 18. In other exemplary embodiments, the debris collection cups 26 may be disposable and replacement debris collection cups 26 may instead be inserted into debris collector 18.

[0061] Drain 20 may be configured to receive filtered fluid from filter 16 and / or debris collector 18. In some exemplary embodiments, drain 20 may include a reservoir (enclosure or tank) configured to store the received filtered fluid and to discharge the received filtered fluid for one or more applications. Such applications may include, for example, reuse of filtered water for washing, delivery of filtered wastewater for irrigation or other applications, use of filtered fuel for combustion, use of filtered oil for lubrication or hydraulics or any other application of the filtered fluid. In some exemplary embodiments, drain 20 may include a conduit that may directly discharge the filtered fluid for one or more applications or uses.

[0062] Pressure sensor 22 may be disposed in fluid conduit 30 between fluid flow booster device 14 and filter 16 and may be configured to measure a pressure (e.g., fluid pressure) of fluid 52 discharged by pump 42 in fluid conduit 30. In some exemplary embodiments, pressure sensor 22 may be a mechanical pressure sensor such as a hydrostatic, diaphragm or bellows type pressure sensor. In some exemplary embodiments, pressure sensor 22 may be an electronic pressure sensor that may include one or more of a strain gauge sensor, a capacitive sensor, an electromagnetic inductive sensor, an optical sensor, a potentiometric sensor and / or any other type of sensing device capable of measuring a pressure of the fluid flowing through fluid conduit 30. Debris collected in the one or more debris collection cups of debris collector 18 and / or debris is deposited on filter 16 may impose a resistance to the flow of fluid in fluid conduit 30, which in turn may increase theAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 pressure in fluid conduit 30. Such an increase in pressure may be detected by pressure sensor 22 and may be indicative of an amount of clogging of filter 16 and / or debris collector 18. Moreover, as explained elsewhere in this disclosure, a reduction in flow rate through filter 16 may accelerate the accumulation of debris in filter 16, further reducing the flow rate of the fluid through filter 16.

[0063] Flow sensor 24 may be disposed in fluid conduit 30 between fluid flow booster device 14 and filter 16 and may be configured to measure a flow rate of the filtered fluid as it flows from fluid flow booster device 14 toward filter 16 in fluid conduit 30. Flow sensor 24 may include one or more of a rotary piston meter, a gear meter, a turbine flowmeter, a paddle wheel meter, an orifice plate, a pitot tube, a variable area flowmeter, a vortex flowmeter, an ultrasonic flowmeter, a laser flowmeter, and / or any other type of sensor capable of determining a flow rate of the fluid flowing from fluid flow booster device 14 to filter 16. It is contemplated that debris collected in the one or more debris collection cups of debris collector 18 and / or debris collected in filter 16 may impose a resistance to the flow of fluid in fluid conduit 30, which in turn may decrease the flow rate of fluid in fluid conduit 30. Such a decrease in flow rate may be detected by flow sensor 24 and may be indicative of an amount of clogging of filter 16 and / or debris collector 18. Although pressure sensor 22 and flow sensor 24 have been illustrated in FIG.1 as being disposed on conduit 30, additionally or alternatively, one or more pressure sensors 22 and / or flow sensors 24 may be installed in conduits 28, 32, 34, 36, and or in or on one or more of the other components of filtration system 10.

[0064] FIG.2A illustrates an exemplary chart 200 showing the variation of flow rate over time of a fluid being discharged from fluid source 12 to drain 20 in the absence of fluid flow booster device 14, filter 16, and debris collector 18. AsAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 illustrated in FIG.2A, fluid flow rate (e.g., in liters per minute (LPM), gallons per minute (gpm) or other flow rate unit) is shown on the ordinate (or Y) axis 202 of chart 200 and time (e.g., in seconds) is shown in the abscissa (or X) axis 204 of chart 200. Line 206 in FIG.2 (shown in solid line) illustrates the variation of flow rate over time for fluid discharged from a washing machine to a drain when no other devices (e.g., fluid flow booster device, filter, debris collector) are included such that fluid is discharged by a pump of the washing machine directly to the drain. As seen in FIG. 2, line 206 illustrates that the flow rate of the fluid discharged from the washing machine during a washing machine cycle may reach a first value F1. In some exemplary embodiments, F1 may be in a range between about 4 LPM to 19 LPM, having an average flow rate that is substantially less than the peak flow rate. FIG.2B illustrates an exemplary chart 250 showing the variation of flow rate over time of a fluid being discharged from fluid source 12 to drain 20 with at least one of filter 16 or and debris collector 18 being disposed between fluid source 12 and drain 20. Like FIG.2A, fluid flow rate (e.g., in LPM) is shown on the ordinate (or Y) axis 202 of chart 250 and time (e.g., in seconds) is shown in the abscissa (or X) axis 204 of chart 250. As illustrated in FIG.2B, line 208 (shown in dashed line) illustrates the variation of flow rate over time for fluid discharged from a washing machine to a drain when at least one device (e.g., filter or debris collector) is included such that fluid is discharged by a pump of the washing machine through the at least one device to the drain. As seen by comparing FIGS.2A and 2B, line 208 illustrates that the flow rate of the fluid discharged from the washing machine may be reduced to a value F2 that may be almost half of the flow rate F1 achieved when no filter is present. In some exemplary embodiments, F2 may range between about 4 LPM to 8 LPM. Thus, FIGS.2A and 2B illustrate that the mere addition of an otherwise cleanAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 filter may add sufficient flow resistance to cause the flow rate of the fluid to decrease by nearly 50% through the filter. As previously discussed, such a reduction in flow rate may accelerate the collection of debris in the filter, further decreasing the flow rate of the discharge from the washing machine or even completely blocking the discharge from the washing machine. As also shown in FIGS.2A and 2B, the reduction in flow rate lengthens the washing machine time to complete a load of laundry because the decreased flow rate lengthens the amount of time needed to discharge fluid from the washing machine. This inhibited flow can cause a feedback mechanism where the initial reduced flow increases the amount of clogging of the filter, which in turn further obstructs the flow of fluid, thereby reducing flow more quickly. Fluid flow booster device 14 (see FIG.1) is configured to boost or increase the flow rate of the fluid through the filter to alleviate one or more of the problems discussed above. An additional advantage of the fluid flow booster device is that the flow from the washing machine to the flow booster device may be substantially unaffected by any restriction caused by the filter device.

[0065] FIG.3 illustrates a schematic of an exemplary fluid flow booster device 14 of this disclosure. As illustrated in FIG.3, fluid flow booster device 14 may include reservoir 40, pump 42, check valve 44, sensor 46, and controller 50. Reservoir 40 may include a container configured to store fluid 52 (see FIG.5). For example, reservoir 40 may be configured to receive fluid 52 discharged by fluid source 12 via fluid conduit 28.

[0066] FIG.4 illustrates a transparent perspective view of an exemplary fluid flow booster device 14 including enclosure 54 and reservoir 40. As illustrated in FIG.3, reservoir 40 may be positioned above enclosure 54 and may be attached to enclosure 54. Pump 42 may be disposed in enclosure 54 and may be fluidlyAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 connected via one or more conduits with reservoir 40 as explained below. In some exemplary embodiments as illustrated in FIG.3, reservoir 40 may have a generally cuboidal shape including bottom wall 58 and a top wall 60 spaced apart from bottom wall 58 along a height direction “Z.” Reservoir 40 may also include side walls 62 connecting the bottom wall 58 and top wall 60 to form an enclosure for storing fluid 52 (see FIG.5). As further illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG.4, reservoir 40 may include reservoir inlet 64 and reservoir outlet 66. Reservoir inlet 64 may be connected to fluid conduit 28 and may be configured to allow fluid 52 to flow from fluid source 12 via fluid conduit 28 into reservoir 40. As fluid 52 enters reservoir 40 from fluid conduit 28, a fluid level of the fluid in reservoir 40 may increase in the height direction +Z from bottom wall 58 towards top wall 60. Reservoir outlet 66 may be fluidly connected to pump inlet 68 of pump 42 via conduit 70, and pump outlet 72 may be connected to fluid conduit 30 via conduit 74. Operation of pump 42 may cause fluid 52 (see FIG.5) to be discharged from reservoir 40 to fluid conduit 30. As the fluid exits reservoir 40 via reservoir outlet 66, a fluid level of the fluid in reservoir 40 may decrease in the height direction -Z from top wall 60 towards the bottom wall 58. Although a cuboidal shape of reservoir 40 has been illustrated in FIG.4, it is contemplated that reservoir 40 may have any desired shape or size. For example, reservoir 40 may be cylindrical, spherical, polygonal, or may have any other shape. Although inlet 64 and outlet 66 are shown on the bottom wall 58, it is understood that they may be positioned on any of the other walls of reservoir 40, so long as the pump is able to discharge fluid from reservoir 40.

[0067] Returning to FIG.3, fluid flow booster device 14 may include check valve 44 disposed in conduit 70 (see FIG.4). Check valve 44 may be configured to allow fluid 52 (see FIG.5) to flow from reservoir 40 to pump 42 but may cease theAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 flow of fluid 52 between pump 42 and reservoir 40. Check valve 44 may include one of a diaphragm check valve, a swing or tilting disk check valve, a butterfly check valve, a stop-check valve, a lift-check valve, an in-line check valve, or any other type of valve that may prevent the flow of fluid 52 from pump 42 into reservoir 40.

[0068] Pump 42 of fluid flow booster device 14 may be configured to receive a flow of fluid from reservoir 40 and may be configured to discharge the fluid into fluid conduit 30. Pump 42 may include one or more of a positive displacement pump, a centrifugal pump, and / or an axial flow pump. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG.3, pump 42 may include pump inlet 68 and pump outlet 72. Pump inlet 68 may be connected via one or more conduits and / or houses to reservoir outlet 66 to allow fluid to flow from reservoir 40 pump 42. Pump outlet 72 of pump 42 may be connected to fluid conduit 30, allowing the fluid to be discharged from pump 42 to fluid conduit 30. In some exemplary embodiments, reservoir 40 may receive a flow of fluid from fluid source 12 at an inflow flow rate and pump 42 may be configured to discharge the fluid from reservoir 40 fluid conduit 30 at an outflow flow rate. In some exemplary embodiments, fluid 52 may flow from fluid source 12 into reservoir 40 at an inflow flow rate that may be determined by one or more pumps associated with fluid source 12. For example, when fluid source 12 is a washing machine, the inflow flow rate at which reservoir 40 may receive fluid 52 from the washing machine may be determined by one or more pumps included in the washing machine. In some exemplary embodiments, the outflow flow rate of the fluid as discharged by pump 42 may be greater than an inflow flow rate at which the fluid is discharged by fluid source 12. As used in this disclosure, the inflow flow rate refers to an average flow rate of fluid 52 during a period of time in which fluid 52 flows into reservoir 40, and the outflow flow rate refers to an average flow rate of fluid 52Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 flowing out of reservoir 40 during a period of time in which pump 42 is actively discharging fluid 52 from reservoir 40. By way of one example, the inflow flow rate of fluid 52 from the washing machine into reservoir 40 may be in a range between 6 LPM and 16 LPM. In some exemplary embodiments, the inflow flow rate of fluid 52 into reservoir 40 may be in a range between 6 LPM and 8 LPM, 8 LPM and 10 LPM, 10 LPM and 12 LPM, 12 LPM and 14 LPM, 14 LPM and 16 LPM, 6 LPM and 9 LPM, 9 LPM and 11 LPM, 11 LPM and 13 LPM, 13 LPM and 16 LPM, or any other range of flow rates between 6 LPM and 16 LPM. Similarly, in some exemplary embodiments, the inflow flow rate of fluid 52 into reservoir 40 may be less than 11 LPM, less than 10 LPM, less than 9 LPM, less than 8 LPM, less than 7 LPM, or less than 6 LPM. By way of another example, the outflow flow rate of fluid 52 from reservoir 40 towards filter 16 in fluid conduit 30 may be in a range between 14 LPM and 21 LPM. In some exemplary embodiments, the outflow flow rate of fluid 52 from reservoir 40 may be in a range between 14 LPM and 16 LPM, 16 LPM and 18 LPM, 18 LPM and 20 LPM, 14 LPM and 17 LPM, 17 LPM and 20 LPM, 14 LPM and 17 LPM, 17 LPM and 21 LPM, or any other range of flow rates between 14 LPM and 21 LPM. Similarly, in some exemplary embodiments, the outflow flow rate of fluid 52 from reservoir 40 may be greater than 14 LPM, greater than 15 LPM, greater than 16 LPM, greater than 18 LPM, greater than 19 LPM, greater than 20 LPM, or greater than 21 LPM.

[0069] In some exemplary embodiments, the inflow flow rate may be variable and may change over time whereas the outflow flow rate may be constant over time, or vice versa. For example, when fluid source 12 is a washing machine, the inflow flow rate of fluid discharged by the washing machine may be different for different washing cycles, thereby causing the inflow flow rate to be variable over aAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 period of time. Pump 42 may be configured to discharge the fluid from reservoir 40 at an outflow flow rate that is higher than the inflow flow rate. Pump 42 may, in some embodiments, be configured to discharge the fluid from reservoir 40 at an outflow flow rate that is a relatively constant flow rate. The outflow flow rate of the fluid discharged by pump 42 may depend on a resistance to fluid flow in the second, third, fourth, and / or fifth fluid conduits 30, 32, 34, and / or 36. For example, as debris is collected in debris collector 18, and / or is deposited on filter 16, the debris may restrict the amount of fluid that may flow through filter 16 and debris collector 18 to drain 20. This in turn may raise the pressure in one or more of second, third, fourth, and / or fifth fluid conduits 30, 32, 34, and / or 36, which may limit (or decrease) the outflow flow rate at which pump 42 may be able to discharge fluid from reservoir 40. Thus, depending on an amount of debris in filter 16 and / or debris collector 18, the outflow flow rate from pump 42 may also vary over time. In some exemplary embodiments, the outflow flow rate from pump 42 may remain constant over time. For example, in the washing machine example discussed above, when filter 16 and / or debris collector 18 are periodically cleaned or replaced, the resistance to flow of fluid 52 in fluid conduits 30, 32, 34, and / or 36 may remain generally constant over time and as a result the outflow flow rate from pump 42 may also remain generally constant over time.

[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, pump 42 may be activated when reservoir 40 is nearly full of fluid 52 (e.g., when a level of the fluid in reservoir 40 is near to or nearer to top wall 60). When pump 42 is activated, pump 42 may be configured to discharge fluid 52 from reservoir 40 fluid conduit 30 until reservoir 40 is nearly empty (e.g., when a level of the fluid in reservoir 40 is near to or nearer to bottom wall 58). Sensor 46 (or fluid amount sensor) may be configured to determineAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 an amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40. In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 46 may be configured to determine the amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 by determining a volume or weight of the fluid in reservoir 40. For example, sensor 46 may include a load cell that may be attached to bottom wall 58 of reservoir 40 and the load cell may be configured to determine a weight of the fluid in reservoir 40. In some exemplary embodiments, the load cell may include one or more strain gauges attached to bottom wall 58 of reservoir 40. The one or more strain gauges may be configured to detect an amount of strain (e.g., deformation or change of length of the strain gauge caused by a weight of fluid 52). Furthermore, the load cell may be configured to determine a weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 based on one or more correlations between the measured strain and corresponding weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40. Such correlations may be in the form of look up tables, mathematical expression, and / or algorithms that may relate a measured value of strain to a corresponding value of weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 46 may be a level sensor configured to detect a level or height of the fluid relative to, for example, bottom wall 58 of reservoir 40. FIG.5 illustrates exemplary embodiments of level sensors 46 positioned in reservoir 40. In some exemplary embodiments as illustrated in FIG.5, level sensor 46 may include an elongated rod 80 (or guide wire), float 82, reed switch 88, and reed switch 90. Elongated rod 80 may extend from bottom wall 58 of reservoir 40 towards top wall 60 of reservoir 40 in a generally vertical or height direction Z. Float 82 may be attached to elongated rod 80 and may be configured to slidably move from a first height or position 84 to a second height or position 86, or vice versa. For example, float 82 may be configured to float on surface 96 of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 such that as the level of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 changes due to theAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 fluid entering or exiting reservoir 40, the changes in the level of fluid 52 may cause float 82 to slidably move along elongated rod 80. In some exemplary embodiments as illustrated in FIG.4, first height or position 84 may be located near to top wall 60 of reservoir 40, and second height or position 86 may be located near to bottom wall 58 of reservoir 40. As also discussed above, pump 42 may be activated when reservoir 40 is nearly full of fluid 52 (e.g., when a level of the fluid in reservoir 40 is near to or nearer to top wall 60 and float 82 is positioned at first height or position 84). First height or position 84 of float 82 may correspond to a maximum travel of float 82 in the Z direction. Further, after pump 42 is activated, pump 42 may be configured to discharge fluid 52 from reservoir 40 fluid conduit 30 until reservoir 40 is nearly empty (e.g., when a level of the fluid in reservoir 40 is near to or nearer to bottom wall 58 and float 82 is positioned at second height or position 86). Second height or position 84 of float 82 may correspond to a minimum travel of float 82 in the Z direction. Level sensor 46 may include one or more switches (e.g., limits switches or reed switches) located near to first and second positions 84, 86 and may be configured to detect a position of float 82 when float 82 is positioned at or near to first and / or second positions 84 or 86.

[0072] According to some embodiments, sensor 46 may include a plurality of sensors, such as, for example, contact sensors or contactless sensors. In some embodiments, the contactless sensors may include one or more capacitive sensors. In some embodiments sensor 46 may include a plurality of sensors to monitor the height, level, or volume of fluid in the reservoir.

[0073] For example, as illustrated in FIG.5, reed switch 88 may be positioned on elongated rod 80 near to top wall 60 and reed switch 90 may be positioned on elongated rod 80 near to bottom wall 58. As also illustrated in FIG.5,Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 when float 82 comes into contact with reed switch 88 (as illustrated by float 82 shown in phantom near to first position 84), reed switch 88 may close and / or may generate a signal. Similarly, when float 82 comes into contact with reed switch 90 (as illustrated by float 82 shown in phantom near to second position 86), reed switch 90 may close and / or may generate a signal. Reed switches 86 and 88 may be coupled with controller 50 via a wired or wireless connection such that controller 50 may receive the signals generated by reed switches 88 and 90. Controller 50 may be configured to activate or deactivate pump 42 based on the received signals from switches 88 or 90, respectively, and / or based on activation of first and second reed switches 88, or 90, respectively.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, activation of reed switches 88 or 90 or the generation of the signals by reed switches 88, 90, respectively, may indicate a height of float 82 relative to bottom wall 58 of reservoir 40, which may also be indicative of a level of fluid 52 in reservoir 40. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when float 82 is located near to first position 84 and / or is in contact with reed switch 88, the position of float 82 may be indicative of a level or height “H1” of fluid 52 relative to bottom wall 58 of reservoir 40. Similarly, when float 82 is located near to second position 86 and / or is in contact with reed switch 90, the position of float 82 may be indicative of a level or height “H2” of the fluid relative to bottom wall 58 of reservoir 40.

[0075] Although reed switches 88 and 90 have been discussed above, in some exemplary embodiments, switches 88 and 90 may instead include limit switches, for example, proximity switches that may be configured to generate the first and the second signals, respectively, based on detecting the presence of float 82 near to switches 88 or 90. Switches 88 and / or 90 may include optical switches,Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 capacitive switches, and / or inductive switches that may be used to detect the presence of float 82 near to switches 88 and / or 90. For example, a change in capacitance or inductance caused by contact of float 82 with switches 88 or 90 may be used to determine that float 82 is positioned near to switch 88 or switch 90, respectively. As another example, optical switches 88 or 90 may each include an emitter configured to emit a light beam that may be received by a receiver. When float 82 is near to switches 88 or 90, float 82 may block the light beam from reaching an associated receiver, which in turn may cause the optical switch 88 or 90, respectively, to generate a signal indicating that float 82 is positioned near to switch 88 or 90, respectively.

[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, float 82 may be connected to a potentiometer and encoder configured to determine a position of float 82 relative to, for example, bottom wall 58 of reservoir 40. The potentiometer or encoder may generate a signal representative of the position of float 82. Controller 50 may receive the signal generated by the potentiometer or encoder and may use one or more stored correlations (e.g., in a lookup table or database), one or more mathematical expressions, and / or one or more algorithms to determine the level “H” of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 based on the potentiometer or encoder signal received from sensor 46.

[0077] In some exemplary embodiments, level sensor 46 may include other types of sensors, for example, laser sensor, ultrasonic sensor, radar sensor, sensor capacitive, and / or inductive sensor. For example, as illustrated in FIG.5, in some exemplary embodiments, sensor 46 may include emitter 92 and receiver 94 mounted on or attached to top wall 60 of reservoir 40. Emitter 92 may be configured to emit one of a light beam, acoustic waves, radio waves, or microwaves in the -Z direction towards surface 96 of fluid 52 in reservoir 40. The light beam, acoustic waves, radioAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 waves, or microwaves may be reflected by surface 96 of fluid 52, and the reflected light beam, acoustic waves, radio waves, or microwaves may be received by receiver 94. Receiver 94 may generate one or more signals in response to receiving the reflected light beam, reflected acoustic waves, reflected radio waves, or reflected microwaves, for example, based on an amount of time taken by the light beam, acoustic waves, radio waves, or microwaves to travel to the surface 96 of fluid and reflect back to receiver 94. Controller 50 may receive the signals from receiver 94 and determine a level or height H of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 based on the received signals. For example, controller 50 may use one or more stored correlations (e.g., in a lookup table or database), one or more mathematical expressions, and / or one or more algorithms to determine the level H based on the one or more signals received from receiver 94.

[0078] In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 46 may be a differential pressure transducer including, for example, a pair of pressure sensors. One of the pair of pressure sensors may be disposed close to bottom wall 58 and may be configured to measure a pressure exerted by fluid 52. The other of the pair of pressure sensors may be exposed to an ambient environment and may be configured to measure ambient pressure. The difference in the pressures measured by the pair of pressure sensors may be converted to an electrical signal that may be transmitted to controller 50. Controller 50 may use one or more stored correlations (e.g., in a lookup table or database), one or more mathematical expressions, and / or one or more algorithms to determine the level H of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 based on the differential pressure signal received from sensor 46.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 46 may include a radio frequency (RF) capacitive probe inserted into reservoir 40. Sensor 46 may determineAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 a capacitance between the probe and fluid 52 surrounding the probe. The capacitance measured by the probe may change based on fluid level H. Sensor 46 may generate a signal representative of the measured capacitance and transmit the generated signal to controller 50. Controller 50 may use one or more stored correlations (e.g., in a lookup table or database), one or more mathematical expressions, and / or one or more algorithms to determine the level H based on the capacitance signal received from sensor 46.

[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may include a latching relay that may be configured to activate (e.g., turn on) or deactivate (e.g., turn off) pump 42. Sensor 46 may be configured to activate or deactivate pump 42 via latching relay. For example, the latching relay may be configured to activate (e.g., turn on) pump 42 upon receiving a signal generated by sensor 46, when float 82 comes into contact with reed switch 88. Activation of pump 42 may cause fluid 52 in reservoir 40 to be discharged by pump 42 into fluid conduit 30, which in turn may deliver the discharged fluid to filter 16. The latching relay may be configured to deactivate (e.g., turn off) pump 42 upon receiving a signal generated by sensor 46, when float 82 comes into contact with reed switch 90. Deactivation of pump 42 may cease a flow of fluid 52 from reservoir 40 into fluid conduit 30, which in turn may cease the flow of the fluid 52 to filter 16.

[0081] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may include or be associated with one or more processors, memory devices, and / or communication devices. For example, controller 50 may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuit devices (ASICs), etc. Numerous commercially available microprocessors may be configured to perform the functions of controller 50. Various other known circuitsAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 may be associated with controller 50 including power supply circuits, signal- conditioning circuits, and / or communication circuits. Controller 50 may be associated with one or more memory devices. The one or more memory devices associated with controller 50 may store, for example, data, databases, one or more control routines, instructions, mathematical models, algorithms, and / or machine learning models. The one or more memory devices may embody non-transitory computer- readable media, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) devices, NOR or NAND flash memory devices, and Read Only Memory (ROM) devices, CD-ROMs, hard disks, floppy drives, optical media, and / or solid state storage media. Controller 50 may execute one or more routines, instructions, mathematical models, algorithms, and / or machine learning models stored in the one or more memory devices to generate and deliver one or more control signals to one or more components such as pump 42 and / or sensor 46. In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may also be associated with one or more communication devices configured to send or receive data and / or instructions. Such communication devices may include hardware and / or software that enable the sending and / or receiving of data messages through a communications link. The communications link may include a wired link, or a wireless communication link such as satellite, cellular, infrared, radio, or other wireless link. The communication devices may allow controller 50 to exchange data and / or control signals with sensor 46 and / or pump 42. Although controller 50 has been illustrated in FIG.3 as being part of fluid flow booster device 14, in some exemplary embodiments, the operations of fluid flow booster device 14 may be controlled by a controller located external to fluid flow booster device 14. For example, controller 50 may be located within fluid source 12, such as, for example, within a washing machine. Alternatively, in some exemplaryAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 embodiments, controller 50 may be located within a separate filter housing enclosing debris collector 18, which in turn may be external to fluid flow booster device 14. In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may be located within a housing enclosing filter 16, which in turn may be external to one or both of fluid flow booster device 14 and debris collector 18. In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may be located in other enclosures with other components of filtration system 10. In some exemplary embodiments, the functions of controller 50 may alternatively be performed by one or more controllers associated with fluid source 12, filter 16, debris collector 18, or any other components of filtration system 10.

[0082] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may be configured to determine an amount (e.g., volume or weight) of fluid 52 based on the determined levels (e.g., H, H1, H2, etc.). For example, when reservoir 40 has a generally constant cross-sectional shape, controller 50 may be able to determine a volume of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 by taking a product of the cross-sectional area of reservoir 40 and the determined level (e.g., H, H1, H2, etc.) of float 82. Controller 50 may also be able to determine a weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 by taking a product of a density of the fluid and the volume of the fluid 52 in reservoir 40. The cross-sectional area of reservoir 40 may be known apriori based on the geometrical dimensions of reservoir 40. Similarly, the density of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 may be known apriori based on the properties of the fluid. The cross-sectional area, dimensions of reservoir 40, and / or the density of fluid 52 may be stored in one or more memories or databases associated with controller 50 to allow controller 50 to retrieve these quantities when necessary to determine the volume and / or weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40. In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 46 may be configured to perform the determination of volume or weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40, according to the methods describedAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 above, instead of relying on controller 50. For example, sensor 46 may include its own processor and / or logic circuitry to perform some of the calculations described above.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 46 may be configured to generate a first signal when the amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount of fluid 52. For example, when float 82 contacts reed switch 88, sensor 46 and / or controller 50 may determine the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H1. Sensor 46 and / or controller 50 may be configured to compare the determined volume or weight of fluid 52 with a first threshold volume or weight of fluid 52. In some exemplary embodiments, the first threshold volume or weight of fluid 52 may be about equal to the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H1. In some exemplary embodiments, the first threshold volume or weight of fluid 52 may be a predetermined ratio or percentage of the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H1. For example, the first threshold volume or weight of fluid 52 may be specified as 7 / 8th, 15 / 16th, 90%, 95%, 98%, or any other ratio or percentage of the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H1. In some exemplary embodiments, the first threshold volume or weight of fluid 52 may be specified as a predetermined ratio or percentage of a total volume or weight of fluid 52 that may fit in reservoir 40. For example, the first threshold volume or weight of fluid 52 may be specified as 7 / 8th, 15 / 16th, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98% or any other ratio or percentage of the total volume or weight of fluid 52 that may fit in reservoir 40. Sensor 46 may be configured to generate a first signal when the volume or weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 as determined by sensor 46 is greater than or equal to the first threshold volume or weight of fluid 52.

[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 46 may be configured toAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 generate a second signal when the amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is less than or equal to a second threshold amount of fluid 52. For example, when float 82 contacts reed switch 90, sensor 46 and / or controller 50 may determine the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H2. Sensor 46 and / or controller 50 may be configured to compare the determined volume or weight of fluid 52 with a second threshold volume or weight of fluid 52. In some exemplary embodiments, the second threshold volume or weight of fluid 52 may be about equal to the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H2. In some exemplary embodiments, the second threshold volume or weight of fluid 52 may be a predetermined ratio or percentage of the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H2. For example, the second threshold volume or weight of fluid 52 may be specified as 1.05 times, 1.10 times, 8% greater, 10% greater or any other ratio or percentage of the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H2. In some exemplary embodiments, the second threshold volume or weight of fluid 52 may be specified as a predetermined ratio or percentage of a total volume or weight of fluid 52 that may fit in reservoir 40. For example, the second threshold volume or weight of fluid 52 may be specified as 1 / 10th, 1 / 16th, 1 / 8th, 1 / 32nd, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%,10%, 15%, or any other ratio or percentage of the total volume or weight of fluid 52 that may fit in reservoir 40. Sensor 46 may be configured to generate a second signal when the volume or weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 as determined by sensor 46 is less than or equal to the second threshold volume or weight of fluid 52 (or when a level of fluid in reservoir 40 is less than or equal to H2).

[0085] As discussed above, in some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may be configured to activate pump 42 upon receiving the first signal from sensor 46 (e.g., when an amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is greater than or equal to the firstAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 threshold amount, when a level of fluid in reservoir 40 is greater than or equal to H1, when float 82 contacts reed switch 88, and / or when float 82 is located at position 84). Further, controller 50 may be configured to deactivate pump 42 upon receiving the second signal from sensor 46 (e.g., when an amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is less than or equal to the second threshold amount, when a level of fluid in reservoir 40 is less than or equal to H2, when float 82 contacts reed switch 88, and / or when float 82 is located at position 86). Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments, pump 42 may be configured to discharge the fluid from reservoir 40 to filter 16 in a pulsed or intermittent manner via a series of fluid flow pulses or bursts from reservoir 40 to fluid conduit 30. Prior to commencement of each flow burst or pulse, fluid 52 may flow from fluid source 12 to reservoir 40 at an inflow flow rate. Each flow burst or pulse may commence when reservoir 40 is generally full of fluid 52, that is when the amount of fluid 52 (volume or weight) in reservoir 40 is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount (or when a level of fluid in reservoir 40 is greater than or equal to H1). As discussed above, in this condition, sensor 46 may generate a signal, which may be received by controller 50, which in turn may activate pump 42. Pump 42 may discharge fluid 52 from reservoir 40 into fluid conduit 30 at an outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate, allowing the fluid 52 to flow to filter 16. As the level of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 decreases, sensor 46 may generate a second signal when the amount of fluid 52 (volume or weight) in reservoir 40 is less than or equal to a second threshold amount (or when a level of fluid in reservoir 40 is less than or equal to H2). Controller 50 may deactivate pump 42 upon receipt of the second signal ending the flow burst or pulse and causing the flow of fluid 52 from reservoir 40 to filter 16 to cease.

[0086] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may be configuredAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 to deactivate pump 42 based on an amount of fluid 52 that has been discharged out of reservoir 40 instead of based on the second signal or second threshold amount as described above. For example, flow sensor 24 disposed in fluid conduit 30 may send signals indicative of a flow rate of fluid 52 through conduit 30 to controller 50. Controller 50 may be configured to determine a volume of fluid 52 that may flow out of reservoir 40 via fluid conduit 30 over a period of time. Controller 50 may also be configured to compare the determined volume of fluid 52 flowing via conduit 30 with a discharge threshold. Further, controller 50 may be configured to deactivate pump 42 and stop a flow of fluid 52 via fluid conduit 30 when the determined volume of fluid 52 exceeds (e.g., is greater than) a discharge threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, the discharge threshold may correspond to a volume of fluid 52 required to be discharged from reservoir 40 to reduce a level of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 from H1 to H2. In some exemplary embodiments, the discharge threshold may be determined independent of levels H1 and H2.

[0087] FIG.6 illustrates an exemplary chart 600 showing an idealized performance of the fluid flow booster device, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure. As illustrated in FIG.6, fluid flow rate (e.g., in liters per minute (LPM), gallons per minute (gpm) or other flow rate unit) is shown on the ordinate (or Y) axis 602 of chart 600 and time (e.g., in seconds) is shown in the abscissa (or X) axis 604 of chart 600. As illustrated in chart 600, controller 50 (or latching relay) may receive the first signal indicative of the amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 exceeding the first threshold amount at time t1. Controller 50 (or latching relay) may activate pump 42, which may discharge the fluid 52 from reservoir 40 to flow to filter 16 at a flow rate F1. Pump 42 may remain activated until controller 50 receives the second signal indicative of the amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 being less than or equal to theAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 second threshold amount at time t2, for example, when reservoir 40 may be nearly empty. As illustrated in FIG.6, at time t2, controller 50 may deactivate pump 42 causing the flow rate of fluid from reservoir 40 to filter 16 to decrease to zero (or near zero). Thus, as illustrated in FIG.6, controller 50 may activate pump 42 for a period of time “ǻT1” (ǻT1 = t2 – t1) (e.g., fluid pulse or burst) during discharge of fluid 52 from reservoir 40.

[0088] While pump 42 is inactive, fluid 52 may flow from fluid source 12 into reservoir 40, until at time t3, , for example, a level of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 may be greater than or equal to H1. Thus, controller 50 may deactivate pump 42 for an inactive period of time “ǻI1” (ǻI1 = t3 – t2). At time t3, controller 50 (or latching relay) may receive a subsequently generated first signal from sensor 46 indicative of the amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 being greater than or equal to the first threshold amount. Controller 50 (or latching relay) may activate pump 42, which may discharge the fluid 52 from reservoir 40 to flow to filter 16 at a flow rate F1. Pump 42 may remain activated until controller 50 receives the second signal indicative of the amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 being less than or equal to the second threshold amount at time t4, for example, when a level of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 may be less than or equal to H2. As illustrated in FIG.5, at time t4, controller 50 may deactivate pump 42 casing the flow rate of fluid from reservoir 40 to filter 16 to decrease to zero (or near zero). Thus, as illustrated in FIG.5, pump 42 may be active for a period of time “ǻT2” (ǻT2 = t4 – t3) (e.g., fluid pulse or burst). This cycle may be repeated so that pump 42 may discharge fluid 52 from reservoir 40 to filter 16 via fluid conduit 34 via one or more pulses (or bursts of fluid flow) 98 over periods of time ǻT1, ǻT2, etc., and pump 42 may be deactivated for inactive periods of time ǻI1, ǻI2, etc., between successive discharges of fluid 52 from reservoir 40. The durations ǻT1, ǻT2, etc., forAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 each pulse may be equal or unequal. Similarly, the inactive periods of time ǻI1, ǻI2, etc., between pulses may be equal or unequal. In some exemplary embodiments, a ratio of the inactive time period and active time period (e.g., ǻI1 / ǻT1, ǻI2 / ǻT2, ǻI3 / ǻT3, etc.) may range between about 1.2 to 5.

[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, fluid 52 may continue to flow into reservoir 40 while pump 42 is active. Because the flow rate of fluid 52 discharged by pump 42 may be greater than the flow rate of fluid 52 from fluid source 12 into reservoir 40, pump 42 may still be able to drain reservoir 40 in the time duration ǻT1, ǻT2, etc., even though fluid 52 may be flowing into reservoir 40 from fluid source 12. In some exemplary embodiments, filtration system 10 may include control valve 100 (shown in phantom on FIG.1) disposed between fluid source 12 and reservoir 40. Control valve 100 may be a multi-position or proportional type valve having a valve element movable to regulate a flow of the fluid through fluid conduit 28. In the flow- passing position, control valve 100 may permit fluid 52 to flow from fluid source 12 to reservoir 40 through fluid conduit 28, substantially unrestricted by control valve 100. In contrast, in the flow-blocking position, control valve 100 may completely cease the flow of fluid 52 from fluid source 12 to reservoir 40 through fluid conduit 28. The valve element of control valve 100 may also be selectively movable to various positions between the flow-passing and flow-blocking positions to provide for variable flow rates of the fluid in conduit 28. Controller 50 may adjust the valve element of control valve 100 to prevent or reduce the flow rate of fluid 52 from fluid source 12 into reservoir 40 for the time period ǻT1, ǻT2, etc., during which pump 42 may be active. In other exemplary embodiments, filtration system 10 may include a bypass conduit 102 (shown in phantom on FIG.1) that may allow at least a portion of fluid 52 to flow from fluid source 12 to filter 16 without passing through fluid flowAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 booster device 14 in the time period duration ǻT1, ǻT2, etc., during which pump 42 may be active.

[0090] FIG.7 illustrates an exemplary chart 700 comparing the average flow rate of fluid 52 from a fluid source 12 such as a washing machine with and without fluid flow booster device 14, consistent with some embodiments of this disclosure. As illustrated in FIG.7, an average fluid flow rate (e.g., in liters per minute (LPM), gallons per minute (gpm) or other flow rate unit) is shown on the ordinate (or Y) axis 702 of chart 700 and time (e.g., in seconds, minutes, or hours) is shown in the abscissa (or X) axis 704 of chart 700. The inflow flow rate of fluid 52 out of the washing machine over a period of time during which the washing machine discharges fluid 52, when no fluid flow booster device 14 is present in filtration system 10, is shown by dashed line 706. As illustrated in FIG.7, the inflow flow rate is highest at time TA1. This initial spike in the measured inflow flow rate occurs due to the activation action of the discharge pump of the washing machine. As illustrated in FIG.7, however, the average flow rate (e.g., inflow flow rate) during the time when the washing machine begins discharging or draining water may be FA or lower. As also shown in FIG.7, at time TA2 the flow of fluid 52 from the washing machine completely ceases. The flow rate of fluid 52 as discharged by fluid flow booster device 14 when present in filtration system 10 is illustrated in FIG.7 by solid line 708. As illustrated in FIG.7, the maximum outflow flow rate of fluid 52 discharged by pump 42 is FB, which is greater than the average flow rate FA. As also illustrated in FIG.7, pump 42 may discharge fluid 52 via a plurality of pulses or flow bursts at times TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. As discussed elsewhere in this disclosure, in some exemplary embodiments, the average flowrate FA (e.g., inflow flow rate) may be in a range between 4 LPM and 11 LPM, whereas an average of flowrate FB (e.g., outflowAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 flow rate) may be in a range between 14 LPM and 21 LPM, with the maximum flow rate in each flow burst being about equal to FB. As also discussed elsewhere in this disclosure, maintaining a high flow rate of fluid 52 as it passes through filter 16, may allow the fluid in filter 16 to be recirculated, causing the debris in the fluid to remain suspended in the fluid instead of being deposited on the mesh or membrane surfaces of filter 16. This may help to prevent clogging of filter 16, which may help ensure a longer period of use (or life) of filter 16.

[0091] In some exemplary embodiments, the first threshold (volume or weight of fluid 52) may be adjustable. For example, when filter 16 and / or debris collector 18 have accumulated debris, a resistance to flow of fluid 52 from reservoir 40 may increase. This in turn may decrease the outflow flow rate of fluid 52 at which pump 42 may be able to discharge fluid 52 from reservoir 40. If the flow rate F1 (see Fig.6) from pump 42 decreases, the time period ǻT1 or ǻT2 required to discharge fluid from reservoir 40 may increase. Alternatively, pump 42 may be able to discharge a smaller amount of fluid 52 out of reservoir 40 during the time period ǻT1 or ǻT2. Since fluid 52 may continue to flow from fluid source 12 into reservoir 40 during the time period ǻT1 or ǻT2, if pump 42 is unable to empty reservoir 40 in that time period, reservoir 40 may be filled up before pump 42 is able to discharge all the fluid from reservoir 40 in the time period ǻT1 or ǻT2. This may cause reservoir 40 to overflow or result in an increased pressure on one or more components associated with fluid source 12, which in turn may damage or destroy those components. To prevent this from happening, controller 50 may adjust (e.g., reduce the first threshold amount) so that pump 42 may be activated before reservoir 40 is full by setting the first threshold to correspond to a fluid level less than H1 but still greater than H2. Doing so may allow pump 42 to pump a smaller amount of fluid 52 in the same timeAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 period ǻT1 or ǻT2. Moreover, because reservoir 40 is partially empty, reservoir 40 may have the volume available to absorb fluid 52 flowing from fluid source 12 in the time period ǻT1 or ǻT2, without causing reservoir 40 to overflow. Thus, by increasing the frequency of pumping fluid 52 from reservoir 40, controller 50 may be able to offset the effects of the decreased flow rate in fluid conduit 30 caused by blockage of filter 16 and / or debris collector 18.

[0092] Towards this end, in some exemplary embodiments, filtration system may include one or more pressure sensors 22 and / or flow sensors 24 configured to measure a pressure in fluid conduit 30 and / or the outflow flow rate of fluid 52 via fluid conduit 30. Controller 50 may be configured to monitor signals generated by pressure sensor 22 indicative of a pressure in fluid conduit 30. As discussed above, when filter 16 and / or debris collector 18 accumulate debris, a resistance to flow of fluid 52 through fluid conduit 30 may increase, which may be manifested as in increase in pressure recorded by pressure sensor 22. In some exemplary embodiments, when controller 50 determines that the pressure measured by pressure sensor 22 is greater than or equal to a pressure threshold, fluid flow booster device 14 (or controller 50 of fluid flow booster device 14) may be configured to decrease the first threshold amount. That is, fluid flow booster device 14 (or controller 50 of fluid flow booster device 14) may be configured to activate pump 42 when the amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is less than a total volume or weight of fluid 52 that may fit in reservoir 40 or less than the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H1. By way of example, controller 50 may reduce the first threshold amount to 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 2 / 3, 7 / 8, or 5 / 8 of the total volume or weight of fluid 52 that may fit in reservoir 40, or may reduce the first threshold amount to 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 2 / 3,Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 7 / 8, or 5 / 8 of the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H1.

[0093] As also discussed above, when filter 16 and / or debris collector 18 accumulate debris, a resistance to flow of fluid 52 through fluid conduit 30 may increase, which may be manifested as a decrease in the outflow flow rate of fluid 52 via fluid conduit 30 as recorded by flow sensor 24. In some exemplary embodiments, when controller 50 determines that the outflow flow rate of fluid 52 in fluid conduit 30 as measured by flow sensor 24 is less than or equal to a first flow rate threshold, fluid flow booster device 14 (or controller 50 of fluid flow booster device 14) may be configured to decrease the first threshold amount. That is, fluid flow booster device 14 (or controller 50 of fluid flow booster device 14) may be configured to activate pump 42 when the amount of fluid in reservoir 40 is less than a total volume of reservoir 40 or less than the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H1. By way of example, controller 50 may reduce the first threshold amount to 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 2 / 3, 7 / 8, or 5 / 8 of the total volume or weight of fluid 52 that may fit in reservoir 40, or may reduce the first threshold to 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 2 / 3, 7 / 8, or 5 / 8 of the volume or weight of fluid 52 corresponding to level H1. According to some embodiments, controller 50 may be configured to reduce the first threshold in multiple increments over time in response to increased pressure or reduced flow rate from reservoir 40 as the filter or debris collector becomes clogged or filled with filtered particles. For example, the pressure threshold may be a first pressure threshold and controller 50 may be configured to further decrease the first threshold amount more than once. For example, when pressure sensor 22 determines that the pressure measured by pressure sensor 22 is greater than or equal to a second pressure threshold, which may itself be greater than the first pressure threshold, controller 50 may beAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 configured to further decrease the first threshold amount. An increase in fluid pressure at pressure sensor 22 of the fluid being discharged from pump 42 may indicate that debris has been collected by debris collector 18, which may restrict fluid flow, increasing the pressure at sensor 22. Similarly, for example, the flow rate threshold may be a first flow rate threshold, and controller 50 may be configured to further decrease the first threshold amount more than once. For example, when flow sensor 24 determines that the flow rate measured by flow sensor 24 is less than or equal to a second flow rate threshold, which may itself be less than the first flow rate threshold, controller 50 may be configured to further decrease the first threshold amount. A decrease in fluid flow being discharged from pump 42 may indicate that debris has been collected by debris collector 18, which may restrict fluid flow, indicated by flow sensor 24.

[0094] As also discussed elsewhere, one or more debris collection cups 26 in debris collector 18 may accumulate debris filtered out from fluid 52. As the amount of accumulated debris in the one or more debris collection cups 26 increases, the resistance to flow of fluid 52 out of fluid flow booster device 14 and filter 16 also may increase. This in turn may reduce the flow rate of fluid through filter 16. Therefore, it may be necessary to remove, clean, and / or replace one or more of the debris collection cups 26 periodically.

[0095] FIG.8 illustrates an exemplary working example of filtration system 10. Filtration system 10 of FIG.8 includes many of the components (e.g., fluid source 12, fluid flow booster device 14, filter 16, debris collector 18, drain 20 and pressure sensor 22, along with fluid conduits 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 that may be similar to those discussed above with respect to filtration system 10 of FIG.1. In the working example of FIG.8, flow sensor 24 is disposed in fluid conduit 28 betweenAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 fluid source 12 and fluid flow booster device 14. Further, an addition flow sensor 104 may be disposed after filter 16 and debris collector 18 and upstream of drain 20 to measure the flow rate of fluid 52 flowing into drain 20. Flow sensor 104 may have similar construction and functional characteristics as those of flow sensor 24 described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0096] The arrangement of FIG.8 was used to perform a series of wash cycles for washing laundry using a washing machine as fluid source 12. FIG.9 illustrates an exemplary chart 900 showing flow rate of the fluid in the working example filtration system 10 of FIG.8. As illustrated in FIG.9, fluid flow rate (e.g., in LPM) is shown on the ordinate (or Y) axis 902 of chart 900 and time (e.g., in seconds) is shown in the abscissa (or X) axis 904 of chart 900. Solid line 906 in FIG. 9 illustrates the variation of flow rate of fluid 52 over time discharged by the washing machine fluid source (as measured by flow sensor 24) during a washing cycle during a single load of laundry. Thus, for example, the washing machine discharges water during four separate time periods TP1, TP2, TP3, and TP4 as shown in FIG.9. Dashed line 908 in FIG.9 illustrates the variation of flow rate of fluid 52 over time discharged by fluid flow booster device 14 (as measured by flow sensor 104) during the same washing cycle of the single load of laundry. As discussed above, the fluid flow booster device discharged fluid 52 in a series of bursts or pulses 910 during each of the time periods TP1, TP2, TP3, and TP4.

[0097] FIG.10 illustrates an exemplary flow chart 1000, showing a magnified view of the time period TP1 of FIG.9. As illustrated in FIG.10, fluid flow rate (e.g., in LPM) is shown on the ordinate (or Y) axis 1002 of chart 1000 and time (e.g., in seconds) is shown in the abscissa (or X) axis 1004 of chart 1000. Solid line 1006 in FIG.10 illustrates the variation of flow rate of fluid 52 over time dischargedAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 by the washing machine (as measured by flow sensor 24) during the time period TP1 of a washing cycle of a single load of laundry. Dashed line 1008 in FIG.10 illustrates the variation of flow rate of fluid 52 over time discharged by fluid flow booster device 14 (as measured by flow sensor 104) during the same washing cycle of the single load of laundry. As seen in both FIGS.9 and 10, the maximum flow rate discharged by fluid flow booster device 14 (e.g., about 16 LPM) significantly exceeds the flow rate of the fluid discharged by the washing machine (e.g., about 6 LPM). Similarly, the fluid discharge flow rate 1008 shows less variation than the inflow flow rate 1006. The higher flow rate or consistency of higher flow rate contributes to improved filtration because it prevents debris from collecting on filter 16, which could inhibit filtration capabilities, especially for cross-flow and vortical cross-flow filters. In contrast, if fluid flow booster device 14 were not present and the washing machine discharge flow rate 1006 were used, the lower flow rate would cause particles and debris to more quickly collect on filter 16, decreasing its functional lifespan and requiring more cleaning. Thus, it is seen from FIGS.9 and 10 that the addition of fluid flow booster device 14 improves both filtration efficiency and prolongs the functional lifespan of filter 16 between cleanings.

[0098] FIG.11 illustrates an exemplary chart 1100 showing the effect of fluid flow booster device 14 over 30 washing machine load cycles, including cleaning or replacing the one or more debris collection cups 26 on the flow rate of fluid 52 passing through filter 16 in the working example filtration system of FIG.8. As illustrated in FIG.11, an average fluid flow rate (e.g., in liters per minute (LPM), gallons per minute (gpm) or other flow rate unit) through filter 16 is shown on the ordinate (or Y) axis 1102 of chart 1100 and the number of washing machine load cycles of a fluid source 12 such as a washing machine is shown in the abscissa (orAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 X) axis 804 of chart 800. As illustrated by the solid line 806, the average flow rate through filter 16 may slowly decrease from flow rate FAVG1 to FAVG2 over the first N1 wash cycles. One or more debris collection cups 26 may be cleaned and / or replaced after the first N1 wash cycles. As illustrated in FIG.11, cleaning or replacement of the one or more debris collection cups 26 may increase the average flow rate of fluid 52 through filter 16 from FAVG2 to FAVG1 after the debris collector is replaced after point N1. As further illustrated in FIG.11, the average flow rate through filter 16 may slowly decrease from flow rate FAVG1 to FAVG2 over the next few wash cycles between N1 and N2 after which the one or more debris collection cups 26 may be cleaned and / or replaced again. The pattern may repeat between wash cycles N2 to N3, N3 to N4, N4 to N5, etc. For example, as illustrated in FIG.11, the pattern may repeat when the one or more debris collection cups 26 are cleaned and / or replaced after N1 (e.g., 10 cycles), N2 (e.g., 15 cycles), N3 (e.g., 20 cycles), N4 (e.g., 25 cycles), and N5 (e.g., 30 cycles). It is to be understood that the numerical values of the number of cycles N1, N2, N3, N4, N5 illustrated in FIG.11 are exemplary and nonlimiting and the one or more debris collection cups 26 are cleaned and / or replaced after any number of wash cycles. Although some decrease is seen as debris collects in the debris collection cup 26 over time (e.g., the accumulated debris from load cycles 1-10, 11- 15, 16-20, 21-25, and 26-30), the addition of fluid flow booster device 14 was found to maintain a higher flow rate overall between debris collection cup 26 being changed, thereby improving efficiency and filtration of the system. Without fluid flow booster device 14, it was observed that the fluid flow rate showed similar drops from the initial washing machine discharge flow rate FA (see FIG.7), and this further reduced rate cause clogging and fouling of the filter 16, whereas the fluid flow booster device 14 maintained minimal debris on filter 16 by causing debris toAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 proceed to debris collector 18 and debris collection cup 26 for disposal.

[0099] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may determine an outflow flow rate of fluid 52 flowing out of fluid booster device 14 via conduit 30 based on measurements obtained using flow sensor 24. Controller 50 may be configured to compare the outflow flow rate to an outflow flow rate threshold. When controller 50 determines that the outflow flow rate is less than or equal to the outflow flow rate threshold, controller 50 may generate an alert indicating the need to clean and / or replace one or more debris collection cups 26. For example, fluid flow booster device 14 and / or fluid source 12 may include one or more display devices, indicators (e.g., lights, dials, icons, symbols) and / or acoustic devices. Controller 50 may be configured to activate the one or more display devices, indicators, and / or acoustic devices to generate an alert indicating the need to clean and / or replace one or more debris collection cups 26, when the outflow flow rate of fluid 52 flowing through filter 16 is less than or equal to the outflow flow rate threshold.

[0100] FIG.12 illustrates an exemplary method 1200 of boosting a flow rate of a fluid being discharged from a fluid source. The order and arrangement of steps of method 1200 is provided for purposes of illustration. As will be appreciated from this disclosure, modifications may be made to method 1200 by, for example, adding, combining, removing, and / or rearranging the steps of method 1200. Some or all steps of method 1200 may be executed by controller 50 and / or other components of filtration system 10, and / or a combination thereof.

[0101] Method 1200 may include a step of receiving fluid 52 from a fluid source 12 into a reservoir 40 at an inflow flow rate (Step 1202). In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may be configured to control one or more pumps associated with fluid source 12 and cause those pumps to discharge fluid 52 fromAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 fluid source 12 into fluid conduit 28 such that reservoir 40 may receive fluid 52 from fluid source 12. In some exemplary embodiments, the one or more pumps associated with fluid source 12 may continuously or periodically discharge fluid 52 from fluid source 12 into fluid conduit 28 such that reservoir 40 may receive fluid 52 from fluid source 12. In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may be configured to adjust a valve element of control valve 100 to move to a flow-passing position, allowing fluid 52 to flow from fluid source 12 into fluid conduit 28 such that reservoir 40 may receive fluid 52 from fluid source 12.

[0102] Method 1200 may include a step of determining an amount of fluid in reservoir 40 (Step 1204). As discussed above, in some exemplary embodiments, sensor 46 in the form of a load cell that may be attached to bottom wall 58 of reservoir 40 and the load cell may be configured to determine a weight of the fluid in reservoir 40. In some exemplary embodiments, the load cell may include one or more strain gauges attached to bottom wall 58 of reservoir 40. The one or more strain gauges may be configured to detect an amount of strain (e.g., deformation or change of length of the strain gauge caused by a weight of fluid 52). Furthermore, the load cell may be configured to determine a weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 based on one or more correlations between the measured strain and corresponding weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40. Such correlations may be in the form of look up tables, mathematical expression, and / or algorithms that may relate a measured value of strain with a corresponding value of weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40. In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 46 and / or controller 50 may be configured to determine an amount (e.g., volume or weight) of fluid 52 based on a determined level (e.g., H, H1, H2, etc.) of fluid 52 in reservoir 40. For example, when reservoir 40 has a generally constant cross-sectional shape, sensor 46 and / or controller 50 mayAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 be able to determine a volume of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 by taking a product of the cross-sectional area of reservoir 40 and the determined level (e.g., H, H1, H2, etc.) of float 82. Sensor 46 and / or controller 50 may also be able to determine a weight of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 by taking a product of a density of the fluid and the volume of the fluid 52 in reservoir 40.

[0103] Method 1200 may include a step of determining whether the amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount (Step 1206). For example, controller 50 may be configured to compare the determined volume of fluid 52 with a first threshold volume to determine whether the determined volume of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is greater than or equal to a first threshold volume. When controller 50 determines that the determined volume of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is greater than or equal to a first threshold volume (Step 1206: Yes), method 1200 may proceed to step 1208. When controller 50 determines, however, that the determined volume of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is less than the first threshold volume (Step 1206: No), method 1200 may return to step 1202.

[0104] Method 1200 may include a step of generating a first signal, using a sensor 46, when an amount of the fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount (Step 1208). For example, sensor 46 may be configured to generate a first signal when the volume of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 as determined by sensor 46 is greater than or equal to the first threshold volume. Method 1200 may include a step of activating a pump 42 to discharge the fluid 52 from the reservoir 40 at an outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate in response to generation of the first signal (Step 1210). In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may be configured to activate pump 42 upon receiving the first signal from sensor 46 (e.g., when an amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is greater than or equal to the firstAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 threshold amount, when float 82 contacts reed switch 1288, and / or when float 82 is located at position 84).

[0105] Method 1200 may include a step of determining an amount of fluid in reservoir 40 (Step 1212). Step 1212 of method 1200 may be performed in a manner similar to step 1204. Method 1200 may include as step of determining whether the amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is less than or equal to a second threshold amount (Step 1214). For example, controller 50 may be configured to compare the determined volume of fluid 52 with a second threshold volume to determine whether the determined volume of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is less than or equal to a second threshold volume. When controller 50 determines that the determined volume of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is less than or equal to a second threshold volume (Step 1214: Yes), method 1200 may proceed to step 1216. When controller 50 determines, however, that the determined volume of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is greater than the second threshold volume (Step 1214: No), method 1200 may return to step 1212.

[0106] Method 1200 may include a step of generating a second signal, using a sensor 46, when an amount of the fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to a second threshold (Step 1216). For example, sensor 46 may be configured to generate a second signal when the volume of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 as determined by sensor 46 is less than or equal to the first threshold volume. Method 1200 may include a step of deactivating pump 42 in response to generation of the second signal (Step 1218). In some exemplary embodiments, controller 50 may be configured to deactivate pump 42 upon receiving the second signal from sensor 46 (e.g., when an amount of fluid 52 in reservoir 40 is less than or equal to the second threshold amount, when float 82 contacts reed switch 120, and / or when float 82 isAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 located at position 86). Method 1200 may return to step 1202 and some or all of steps 1202 through 1218 may be performed in a cyclic manner while fluid source 12 supplies fluid 52 to fluid flow booster device 14.

[0107] Apparatus, systems, and methods of the disclosure may be beneficially utilized in filtering applications in which the substance being filtered results in a “cake” (e.g., a build-up of particles) on the filter media that resulting in an increasing pressure drop across the filter media. A filtration system of some embodiments of the disclosure may reduce the pressure drop, allowing for reduced filter cleaning and higher filter flow rates with low risk of problems such as flooding or equipment damage. Applications include microplastic filtering, whole house filters, gray water filters, boat filters, chemical process filtration, water filters, plastic resin filtration for recycling purposes, etc.

[0108] As used herein, unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “or” encompasses all possible combinations of elements, except where infeasible. For example, if it is stated that a component includes X or Y, then, unless specifically stated otherwise or infeasible, the component may include X, or Y, or X and Y. As a second example, if it is stated that a component includes X, Y, or Z, then, unless specifically stated otherwise or infeasible, the component may include X, or Y, or Z, or X and Y, or X and Z, or Y and Z, or X and Y and Z. Furthermore, the phrase “one of X and Y” or “one of X or Y” shall each be interpreted in the broadest sense to include one of X, or one of Y, or one of X and one of Y.

[0109] The block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer hardware / software products according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in a schematic diagram mayAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 represent certain arithmetical or logical operation processing that may be implemented using hardware such as an electronic circuit or an electronic control unit. Blocks may also represent a module, a segment, or a portion of code that comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical functions. Controllers may be programmed to execute such instructions. It should be understood that in some implementations, functions indicated in a block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may be executed or implemented substantially concurrently, or two blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Some blocks may also be omitted.

[0110] It should also be understood that each block of the block diagrams, and combination of the blocks, may be implemented by special purpose hardware- based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or by combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the exact construction that has been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. For example, while examples have been discussed in the context of microplastic filtration, embodiments of the disclosure may be applicable to other forms of mass transport.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A fluid flow booster device, comprising: a reservoir configured to receive a fluid from a fluid source at an inflow flow rate; a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge the fluid out of the reservoir at an outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate; a sensor configured to determine an amount of the fluid in the reservoir; and a controller in communication with the pump and the sensor, the controller configured to: activate the pump, causing the fluid to be discharged from the reservoir at the outflow flow rate, when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir, as determined by the sensor, is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount.

2. The fluid flow booster device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: deactivate the pump, when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir, as determined by the sensor, is less than or equal to a second threshold amount.

3. The fluid flow booster device of claim 2, wherein the sensor is configured to: generate a first signal when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to the first threshold amount; and generate a second signal when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to the second threshold amount.

4. The fluid flow booster device of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to:Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 activate the pump in response to the first signal; and deactivate the pump in response to the second signal.

5. The fluid flow booster device of claim 3, wherein the sensor comprises: a first reed switch disposed near to a top wall of the reservoir; and a second reed switch disposed near to a bottom wall of the reservoir.

6. The fluid flow booster device of claim 3, wherein the sensor includes a float, and the sensor is configured to: generate the first signal when the float is positioned at a first height; and generate the second signal when the float is positioned at a second height.

7. The fluid flow booster device of claim 6, wherein the first height corresponds to a first position of the float near to a top wall of the reservoir, and the second height corresponds to a second position of the float near to a bottom wall of the reservoir.

8. The fluid flow booster device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: deactivate the pump, when an amount of the fluid discharged by the pump exceeds a discharge threshold.

9. The fluid flow booster device of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a latching relay.

10. The fluid flow booster device of claim 1, wherein the fluid source includes a washing machine, andAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 the pump is configured to discharge the fluid from the reservoir to flow through a filter configured to remove particles from the fluid.

11. The fluid flow booster device of claim 1, wherein the first threshold amount is adjustable.

12. The fluid flow booster device of claim 11, further including: a fluid conduit connecting an outlet of the pump to a filter configured to remove particles from the fluid; and a pressure sensor configured to determine a pressure of the fluid in the fluid conduit, wherein the controller is configured to decrease the first threshold amount when the pressure exceeds a pressure threshold.

13. The fluid flow booster device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to cause the pump to discharge the fluid from the reservoir by: activating the pump for a first period of time during discharge of the reservoir, and deactivating the pump for a second period of time between successive discharges of the reservoir.

14. The fluid flow booster device of claim 13, wherein a ratio of the second period of time and the first period of time ranges between about 1.2 to 5.

15. The fluid flow booster device of claim 1, wherein the inflow flow rate of the fluid entering the reservoir changes over time; and the outflow flow rate of the fluid being discharged from the reservoir remains constant over time.

16. The fluid flow booster device of claim 1, wherein the inflow flow rate has an average value ranging between about 4 liters per minute (LPM) to 11 LPM, andAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 the outflow flow rate has an average value ranging between about 14 LPM to 21 LPM.

17. The fluid flow booster device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to determine at least one of a volume or a weight of the fluid in the reservoir.

18. The fluid flow booster device of claim 17, wherein the sensor comprises a load cell.

19. The fluid flow booster device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to determine the amount of the fluid in the reservoir by determining a level of the fluid in the reservoir.

20. The fluid flow booster device of claim 19, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a differential pressure sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar level sensor, a capacitive sensor, or an inductive sensor.

21. A filtration system, comprising: a fluid source configured to discharge a fluid; a drain configured to receive the fluid from the fluid source; a filter disposed between the fluid source and the drain, the filter being configured to filter the fluid; and a fluid flow booster device disposed between the fluid source and the filter, the fluid flow booster device being configured to: receive the fluid from the fluid source at an inflow flow rate; discharge the fluid to the filter at an outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate during a first time period; and cease a flow of the fluid to the filter during a second time period.

22. The filtration system of claim 21, wherein the fluid source, the filter, and the fluid flow booster device are located in a housing.Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 23. The filtration system of claim 21, wherein the fluid source is a washing machine.

24. The filtration system of claim 23, wherein at least one of the filter or the fluid flow booster device is located in the washing machine.

25. The filtration system of claim 21, wherein the fluid flow booster device includes: a reservoir configured to receive the fluid from the fluid source at the inflow flow rate; a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge the fluid out of the reservoir at the outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate; a sensor configured to: determine an amount of the fluid in the reservoir; and activate the pump, causing the fluid to be discharged out of the reservoir at the outflow flow rate, when the amount of fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount.

26. The filtration system of claim 25, wherein the sensor is further configured to: deactivate the pump when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to a second threshold amount.

27. The filtration system of claim 26, wherein the sensor is further configured to: generate a first signal when the amount of fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to the first threshold amount; and generate a second signal when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to the second threshold amount.

28. The filtration system of claim 27, wherein the sensor is further configured to:Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 after deactivating the pump, generate a third signal when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is again greater than or equal to the first threshold amount.

29. The filtration system of claim 28, wherein the first time period is a duration between generation of the first signal and generation of the second signal, and the second time period is a duration between generation of the second signal and generation of the third signal.

30. The filtration system of claim 29, wherein a ratio of the second time period and the first time period ranges between about 1.2 to 5.

31. The filtration system of claim 25, further including: a pressure sensor disposed in a fluid conduit between the fluid flow booster device and the filter and configured to determine a pressure of the fluid being discharged by the fluid flow booster device.

32. The filtration system of claim 31, wherein the fluid flow booster device is configured to decrease the first threshold amount when the pressure exceeds a threshold pressure.

33. The filtration system of claim 25, further including: a flow sensor disposed in a fluid conduit between the fluid flow booster device and the drain and configured to determine the outflow flow rate of the fluid being discharged by the fluid flow booster device.

34. The filtration system of claim 33, wherein the fluid flow booster device is configured to decrease the first threshold amount when the outflow flow rate decreases below a threshold flow rate.Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 35. The filtration system of claim 21, wherein a controller associated with one of the fluid source or the filter is configured to control operations of the fluid flow booster device.

36. A method of boosting a flow rate of a fluid being discharged from a fluid source, the method comprising: receiving the fluid from a fluid source into a reservoir at an inflow flow rate; generating a first signal, using a sensor, when an amount of the fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount; activating a pump to discharge the fluid from the reservoir at an outflow flow rate greater than the inflow flow rate in response to generation of the first signal; generating a second signal, using the sensor, when the amount of the fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to a second threshold amount; and deactivating the pump in response to generation of the second signal.

37. The method of claim 36, further including discharging the fluid from the reservoir by: activating the pump for a first period of time during a discharge of the reservoir, and deactivating the pump for a second period of time between successive discharges of the reservoir.

38. The method of claim 36, further including: determining at least one of a pressure or the outflow flow rate associated with the fluid being discharged from the reservoir; and decreasing the first threshold amount based on one or more of the determined pressure or the outflow flow rate.Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 39. The method of claim 38, further including decreasing the first threshold amount when the pressure associated with the fluid being discharged from the reservoir exceeds a pressure threshold or when the outflow flow rate decreases below a first flow rate threshold.

40. The method of claim 36, further including: directing the fluid from the pump to a filter; directing a filtered portion of the fluid exiting from the filter to a drain; directing a remaining portion of the fluid including filtered debris from the filter to a debris collection cup; and accumulating the filtered debris in the debris collection cup.

41. The method of claim 40, further including: determining the outflow flow rate of the fluid directed from the pump to the filter; and replacing the debris collection cup when the determined outflow flow rate falls below a second flow rate threshold.

42. The method of claim 36, wherein the sensor comprises a load cell and generating the first signal includes determining a weight of the fluid in the reservoir using the load cell.

43. The method of claim 36, further including: determining, using the sensor, a level of the fluid in the reservoir; and determining the amount of the fluid in the reservoir based on the level of fluid in the reservoir.

44. The method of claim 43, further including: positioning a float on a surface of the fluid in the reservoir; and determining the level of the fluid based on a position of the float.Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 45. A fluid flow booster device comprising: a reservoir including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a fluid amount sensor configured to determine an amount of a fluid in the reservoir; a pump fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the reservoir and configured to discharge the fluid out of the reservoir; a pressure sensor configured to determine fluid pressure of the fluid discharged by the pump; a controller configured to: cause the pump to discharge the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid amount sensor indicates that the amount of fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount; and decrease the first threshold amount to a second threshold amount when the pressure sensor indicates that the fluid pressure is greater than a first pressure threshold.

46. The fluid flow booster device of claim 45, wherein the controller is further configured to cause the pump to cease discharging the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid amount sensor indicates that the amount of fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to a third threshold amount.

47. The fluid flow booster device of claim 45, wherein the controller is further configured to decrease the second threshold amount to a fourth threshold amount when the pressure sensor indicates that the fluid pressure is greater than a second pressure threshold.

48. The fluid flow booster device of claim 47, wherein the second pressure threshold is greater than the first pressure threshold.Attorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 49. The fluid flow booster device of claim 45, wherein the pump is configured to discharge the fluid from the reservoir at an outflow flow rate that is greater than an inflow flow rate of the fluid entering the reservoir at the fluid inlet.

50. The fluid flow booster device of claim 45, wherein the fluid outlet is configured to discharge the fluid to a filter device.

51. The fluid flow booster device of claim 50, wherein the filter device comprises a first filtration device and a second filtration device, wherein the second filtration device comprises a debris collector.

52. A fluid flow booster device comprising: a reservoir including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a fluid amount sensor configured to determine an amount of a fluid in the reservoir; a pump fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the reservoir and configured to discharge the fluid out of the reservoir; a flow sensor configured to determine a flow rate of the fluid discharged by the pump; a controller configured to: cause the pump to discharge the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid amount sensor indicates that the amount of fluid in the reservoir is greater than or equal to a first threshold amount; and decrease the first threshold amount to a second threshold amount when the flow sensor indicates that the flow rate of the fluid discharged by the pump is less than a first flow rate threshold.

53. The fluid flow booster device of claim 52, wherein the controller is further configured to cause the pump to cease discharging the fluid from the reservoir whenAttorney Docket No.16105.0040-00304 the fluid amount sensor indicates that the amount of fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to a third threshold amount.

54. The fluid flow booster device of claim 52, wherein the controller is further configured to decrease the second threshold amount to a fourth threshold amount when the flow sensor indicates that the flow rate of the fluid discharged by the pump is less than or equal to a second flow rate threshold.

55. The fluid flow booster device of claim 54, wherein the second flow rate threshold is smaller than the first flow rate threshold.

56. The fluid flow booster device of claim 52, wherein the pump is configured to discharge the fluid from the reservoir at an outflow flow rate that is greater than an inflow flow rate of the fluid entering the reservoir at the fluid inlet.

57. The fluid flow booster device of claim 52, wherein the fluid outlet is configured to discharge the fluid to a filter device.

58. The fluid flow booster device of claim 57, wherein the filter device comprises a first filtration device and a second filtration device, wherein the second filtration device comprises a debris collector.

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