Filter Unit Lifting System

Abstract

In the present invention, a water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) comprises a water filter (600), at least two lifting pillars (100), at least two sleeves (200), and a sliding connector (400), wherein the sleeves (200) are attached to the corners of the water filter (600), and the length axis of the sleeves is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the water filter (600), the lifting pillars (100) are arranged to fit inside the sleeves (200), and the length axis of the lifting pillars (100) coincides with the length axis of the sleeves (200) so that the sleeves (200) can slide along the lifting pillars (100), thereby forming at least two pairs of lifting pillars and sleeves, and the at least two pairs are connected to a lifting aid for lifting the water filter unit from an operating position to a raised position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of water treatment. More specifically, the present invention relates to water treatment filters, such as submerged water filters for aquaculture. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a water filter unit with a lifting system or a lifting system integrated with the filter unit, which allows lifting the submerged filter unit for inspection. [Background technology]

[0002] In certain water applications, such as aquaculture (fishponds), water purification systems such as filter units are used to maintain and control the water quality. Such filter units can be, for example, rotary filter units, as described in US Pat. No. 5,399,363, or drum filters. In aquaculture applications, it is common for several filter units to be arranged in one large reservoir that cannot be drained as long as there are fish in the system. The possibilities to carry out inspection and maintenance of such filter units are therefore limited.

[0003] To date, maintenance and part replacement of such filter units (installed in undrainable reservoirs) must be performed below the surface and is carried out by divers. This has led to the development of devices to facilitate such in situ maintenance, such as cleaning of the filter fabric, as described in US Pat. No. 5,399,363. However, more extensive inspection and part replacement remains a major undertaking when the device is installed underwater.

[0004] Alternatively, an overhead crane large enough to lift the entire filter unit can be used to remove the filter from its installed location to allow for maintenance. However, installing such a crane is costly and may not be possible in all aquaculture environments. Furthermore, this requires the unit to be de-installed before it can be removed, and requires an underwater installation procedure of the filter unit (by a diver) before it can be put back into operation again.

[0005] Therefore, a new approach is needed to provide easy access to water filter units for performing inspection and maintenance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 1044049 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 1961475 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION Accordingly, the present invention aims to preferably mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above mentioned deficiencies and disadvantages in the art singly or in any combination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect, this is achieved by a water filter unit with an integrated lifting system, comprising a water filter, at least two lifting pillars, at least two sleeves and a sliding connector, the sleeves being attached to the corners of the water filter, the length axis of the sleeves being perpendicular to the mounting surface of the filter, the lifting pillars being arranged to fit inside the sleeves, the length axis of the lifting pillars coinciding with the length axis of the sleeves so that the sleeves can slide along the lifting pillars, thereby forming at least two pairs of lifting pillars and sleeves, the at least two pairs being connected to at least one lifting aid for lifting the water filter unit from an operating position to a raised position, the sliding connector comprising a filter side connector connected to the filter unit arranged to connect to an external source or outlet, thereby forming a fluid connection between the filter unit and the external source or outlet when the filter unit is lowered to the operating position.

[0009] According to a second aspect, there is provided a lifting system for a water filter unit, comprising at least two lifting pillars, at least two sleeves, and a sliding connector, wherein the sleeve comprises at least two filter unit connectors for attaching the sleeve to a corner of the water filter, the length axis of the sleeve is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the filter, the lifting pillars are arranged to fit inside the sleeve, and the length axis of the lifting pillars coincides with the length axis of the sleeve so that the sleeve can slide along the lifting pillars, thereby forming at least two pairs of lifting pillars and sleeves, and the at least two pairs are connected to at least one lifting aid, whereby the lifting system is capable of lifting the water filter unit from an operating position to a raised position, and the sliding connector comprises a filter side connector connected to the filter unit arranged for connection to an external source or outlet, thereby forming a fluid connection between the filter unit and the external source or outlet when the filter unit is lowered to the operating position.

[0010] These and other aspects, features and advantages enabled by the present invention will become apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a water filter unit integrated with a lifting system in a raised position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a water filter unit integrated with a lifting system in an operating position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a complete lifting system 1 for a filter unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a lifting pillar. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sleeve. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a pair of lifting pillars and sleeves. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a self-centering support. [Figure 8] 1A is a schematic diagram of a slide connector in a raised position (A) and an operating position (B). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1-8, which show schematic diagrams of exemplary arrangements for some embodiments. Corresponding features in different figures are designated by the same reference numerals. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments and in the drawings is not intended to be limiting.

[0013] The following description will focus on embodiments of the invention applicable to filter unit 2000 integrated with lifting system 1000 and lifting system 1000 for filter unit 2000.

[0014] The filter unit is typically part of a water purification process where larger (rotating) filters are used, such as, but not limited to, wastewater plants, municipal water supplies, industrial wastewater purification processes, aquaculture, or for purification of clean water. The filter unit with the lifting system may be arranged for operation in fish ponds or large reservoirs that cannot be drained as long as there are fish in the system. The present invention relates to a system that helps to solve the problems in the art regarding accessing the system for maintenance and part replacement of the filter unit, etc.

[0015] In one embodiment, the water filter unit 2000 with integrated lifting system 1000 comprises a water filter 600, at least two lifting poles or pillars 100, at least two sleeves 200, and a sliding connector 400. The sleeves are attached to the corners of the water filter 600, and the length axis of the sleeves 200 is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the filter 600, i.e., the sleeves are mounted vertically. The lifting pillars 100 are arranged to fit inside the sleeves 200, and the length axis of the lifting pillars 100 coincides with the length axis of the sleeves 200, so that the sleeves 200 can slide along the lifting pillars 100, thereby forming at least two pairs of lifting pillars 100 and sleeves 200. The at least two pairs are connected to at least one lifting aid 500 for lifting the water filter unit 2000 from an operating position to a raised position. The slide connector 400 can include a filter side connector 401 connected to the filter unit 2000 configured to connect to an external source, such that when the filter unit 2000 is lowered into an operating position, a fluid connection is formed between the filter unit 2000 and the external source.

[0016] The sleeve can slide up and down along the lifting pole. When the sleeve is in the bottom position, the filter system is in its working position (i.e. standing on the floor / bottom). As the sleeve moves along the lifting pole towards the top position, the filter unit is lifted from the floor towards the raised (inspection) position. This can be seen in Figure 1, where a water filter unit 2000 with an integrated lifting system 1000 is shown in the raised position. In Figure 2, the water filter has been lowered to its working position. In Figures 1 and 2, the filter unit is a rotary filter, but in other embodiments it may be other types of filters, such as a drum filter.

[0017] Previously, such lifting involved the use of an overhead crane large enough to lift the entire filter unit, which required both space to access the crane and possibly a structure or mount strong enough to attach such a crane above the filter unit. With the present invention, the filter unit can be lifted straight up from its installed position to a position above the water level to facilitate inspection and replacement of parts.

[0018] Lifting can be facilitated by several means, such as, but not limited to, by using winches, hoists, rack and pinions, lead screws, or pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders as lifting aids. Lifting can thus be manually, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically operated.

[0019] In one embodiment, the lifting device may be external, such as a crane attached to the filter system and lifting points above the filter system, in which case a sleeve attached to the filter system guides the lifting and ensures the unit is lifted along one axis, thus maintaining its position above the footprint.

[0020] However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, lifting devices are attached to at least one, preferably at least two, or even all four pairs of lifting poles and sleeves. Therefore, no external structure above the filter (strong enough to support the weight of the entire unit) is required. Moreover, by having at least two, preferably four such lifting devices that share the weight of the filter device, they can be significantly reduced in size and (for many systems) can be operated manually.

[0021] In one embodiment, each lifting pillar 100 comprises a profile tube 101 having a bottom end 102 and a top plate 103 having anchoring means 104 for connection to the lifting aid 500 .

[0022] In one embodiment, each sleeve 200 comprises a hollow profile tube 201 provided with anchoring means 202 for connection to said lifting aid 500 .

[0023] Thus, a lifting aid such as a hoist can be attached between the sleeve and the upper plate of the lifting pole to allow lifting of the filter unit.

[0024] In one embodiment, the anchoring means 202 of the hollow profile tube 201 and the anchoring means 104 of the lifting pillars 100 are connected to a lifting aid 500 on said at least two pairs of lifting pillars 100 and sleeves 200 .

[0025] By having at least two, for example four, such lifting aids to share the weight of the filter apparatus, they can be significantly reduced in size. One such example can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, where a lifting system 500 comprises a chain hoist attached to each lifting pole and sleeve pair to facilitate easy lifting of the filter unit.

[0026] In one embodiment, the lifting pole comprises a rack (i.e., a toothed bar) and the sleeve comprises a corresponding pinion (a round gear). As the pinion rotates, the sleeve, and therefore the filter unit, moves along the lifting pole. This pinion can be rotated manually, such as by using a crank mechanism, possibly with a gear system, or the pinion can be rotated electronically using an electric motor.

[0027] In one embodiment, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder is used to move the sleeve, and thereby the filter unit, along the lifting pole.

[0028] Thus, using the solution of the present invention, it is not necessary to have facilities capable of providing lifting points and space for large overhead cranes to access the filter units.

[0029] To ensure that the system can be lifted in a stable manner, the length of the lifting pillar 100 is at least equal to or greater than the length of the sleeve 200 combined with the lifting capacity. The lifting capacity refers to the maximum vertical distance that the lifting system can lift the filter unit from its operating position. A lifting crane connected to a structure above the filter unit also leads to other drawbacks, such as the filter being lifted from one lifting point. Therefore, the filter unit generally rotates around the lifting axis and can swing back and forth (like a pendulum hanging from a lifting point), which may present a danger during inspection.

[0030] According to the present disclosure, the filter unit moves straight up along the lifting axis, with little translational or rotational movement possible as the sleeves on the filter unit slide along the lifting pillars 100. Also, by locating the sleeves 200 at the corners of the filter unit frame, the location is very stable.

[0031] Once the filter unit has been raised to its raised position for inspection and maintenance, it is beneficial to be able to lock it in place.

[0032] Thus, in one embodiment, the profile tube 101 of the lifting pillar 100 and the hollow profile tube 201 of the sleeve 200 can be provided with locking holes 105, 204 as shown in Figures 4 and 5, which overlap when the filter unit is in the raised position, so that a locking bolt can be inserted through the locking hole to fix the sleeve 200 to the lifting pillar 100. This ensures that the filter unit is fixed in the raised position until the locking bolt is removed, thus avoiding many of the risks normally associated with lifting a filter unit.

[0033] However, controlling the lifting along one axis has a further advantage: when the filter unit is serviced / repaired, it is lowered again to exactly the same position, thus eliminating the need for a complete new installation of the filter unit. This is particularly important when installation has to be carried out in the submerged operating position.

[0034] To ensure that the position is the same, the filter unit may be provided with a self-centering support 300 attached to the floor on which the filter unit is placed. In one embodiment, a self-centering support 300 is provided for each sleeve 200. As shown in Figure 7, the self-centering support 300 may comprise a profiled tube section 302 and a top plate 304. The profiled tube section 302 fits inside the sleeve 200 and when the lifting pillar 100 is inserted into the sleeve 200, the lifting pillar 100 rests on the top plate 304.

[0035] In one embodiment, the self-centering support 300 further comprises a base plate 301 and a centering tap 303 disposed on the top plate. The vertical centering tap 303 fits inside the lifting pillar 100 so that when said lifting pillar 100 is inserted into said sleeve 200, the pillar 100 is centered on the self-centering support 300.

[0036] Typically, the filter unit is arranged to effectively support the weight of the filter unit and possibly has additional legs that help to minimize vibrations during operation. In such a case, the sleeve 200 is centered by the profile tube part 302 but does not rest on the base plate 301. The profile tube part 302 of the self-centering support 300 has the same cross-sectional dimensions as the lifting pillar. The sleeve 200 therefore fits over the profile tube part 302. The base of the lifting pillar can then rest on the top plate 304 of the support 300 and is positioned by a guide tap, i.e. a vertical centering tap 303.

[0037] Thus, when the filter unit is in the lowered, i.e. operating, position, the lifting pillars can be removed: when lifting the filter unit, the lifting pillars simply rest on the support and remain in place during lifting due to the centering taps and the weight of the filter unit.

[0038] Typically, the filter unit is bolted to an inlet wall or channel. In such cases, the filter unit must be removed from the inlet wall or channel before it can be moved or lifted, which requires a de-installation procedure, sometimes performed by a diver. In accordance with the present invention, this is advantageously avoided by slide connector 400. Slide connector 400 is arranged to connect to an external source, thereby forming a fluid connection between filter unit 2000 and the external source when filter unit 2000 is in the operating position.

[0039] In one embodiment, the slide connector 400 further comprises an external connector 404, which may be attached to an external source such as, but not limited to, another unit, a pipe, a channel, or a wall, including, for example, an inlet or outlet of a reservoir or pond.

[0040] The slide connector 400 may include a sealing means 403, such as a rubber seal, gasket or clamp, connected to the filter side connector 401 or the external connector 404. This ensures a tight seal between the filter side connector 401 or the external connector 404, thereby minimizing the possibility of leakage.

[0041] In one embodiment, the external connector 404 is U-shaped with an opening facing upward along a vertical axis such that the side connector 401 fits inside the external connector 404. This configuration allows the filter side connector 401 to be lifted vertically from an external source when the water filter unit 2000 is lifted from the operating position to the raised position.

[0042] In Fig. 8, a slide connector 400 is shown, which may comprise a U-shaped filter side connector 401 for connection to the filter unit, a clamp bar 402 for sealing means, such as, but not limited to, a rubber seal 403, and a U-shaped external connector 404. The filter side connector 401 is connected to the water inlet of the filter unit 2000 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and the external connector 404 is connectable to an external source, such as another unit, a pipe, a channel or a wall, with an inlet or outlet. The filter side connector 401 fits with the inside of the external connector 404 via a rubber seal, forming a fluid connection between the water inlet of the filter unit and the external source when the connectors are positioned at the same height. Thus, the filter side connector 401 of the filter system 1000 is positioned to be lifted vertically from the external connector 404 along a lifting axis perpendicular to the mounting surface of the filter when the water filter unit 2000 is lifted from the operating position to the raised position.

[0043] 1, 2, 3 and 8, it can be seen that the filter side connector 401 fits inside the external connector 404 and docks into place with a rubber seal 403 between them.

[0044] In the present invention, when the filter unit is in its working position, it is kept in its exact position. This is achieved by the self-centering support 300. However, a similar effect can be achieved by using alternative solutions such as holes in the floor to guide the sleeve, a sliding connector with edges or rails to lock the sliding connector in place when lowered into the working position. When locked in place, the sliding connector ensures a tight connection to the inlet wall or channel by the use of a rubber seal 403 between the filter side connector 401 and the external connector 404.

[0045] However, the sliding connector does not prevent upward movement along the lifting axis. Thus, the filter unit can be lifted upwards without having to unscrew or unscrew it from the surrounding unit. Furthermore, when the filter unit is lowered again, it automatically slides downwards to its original sealed position.

[0046] The sliding connector configuration also provides a simple means for closing off the water flow while the filter unit is being lifted: a plate having similar dimensions to the filter side connector and thus fitting into the exterior connector 404 can be slid downward between the filter unit and the inlet wall or channel prior to lifting the filter unit, thereby stopping the water flow.

[0047] Thus, the present invention completely eliminates the need for a diver to lift a filter unit that is partially or completely submerged in water.

[0048] This highlights the advantage of the sliding connector 400 in the present invention, especially in combination with a means for holding the filter unit in place, such as the self-centering support 300. This sliding connector 400 forms a seal between the filter side connector 401 and the external connector 404, ensuring an open inlet without leakage, and furthermore allows the vertical lifting of the water filter without the need to physically remove or unscrew the filter unit from the concrete wall. This not only makes it very easy to lift the filter unit for inspection or maintenance, but also eliminates the need to reinstall the system once inspection is complete. Once inspection is complete, the filter unit is simply lowered, and the self-centering support 300 of the present invention ensures that it is lowered into the correct operating position, and the sliding connector 400 again creates a seal between the filter unit and the inlet wall or channel, without any reinstallation procedure. In practice, this may mean that long stoppages for inspection are avoided, which will be of both practical and economic benefit in an aquaculture environment.

[0049] To lift the filter unit, the lifting pillars are simply slid downwards through the sleeves at the corners of the filter device until they rest on the self-centering supports. Once the lifting pillars are in place, a lifting device such as a hoist can be connected to the lifting pillars and sleeves (preferably each of them). The unit can then be raised above the water level and preferably secured in the raised position using locking bolts to ensure safe and trouble-free inspection of the filter unit.

[0050] When the filter unit is to be lowered, the locking bolts are removed and the filter unit is lowered to its original, i.e. working, position. The sliding connectors reconnect the unit to the water flow and, once the filter unit is resting on the self-centering supports 300, the lifting aids 500 (such as hoists) and lifting pillars 100 can be safely removed.

[0051] In some embodiments, the sleeves may be integrated as part of the filter unit, however, they can also be attached to existing filter units that do not have sleeves.

[0052] Thus, in one embodiment, the sleeve includes a filter unit connector that allows the sleeve to be attached to a filter unit. The filter unit connector is simply a small piece of metal plate attached to the sleeve with holes to fit bolts into the structure of the filter unit.

[0053] Thus, in one embodiment, a lifting system 1000 for a water filter unit 2000 is provided, comprising at least two lifting pillars 100 and at least two sleeves 200, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The sleeves 200 comprise at least two filter unit connectors 203 for attaching the sleeves 200 to the corners of the water filter 600, and the length axis of the sleeves 200 is perpendicular to the attachment surface of the filter 600. The lifting pillars 100 are arranged to fit inside the sleeves 200, and the length axis of the lifting pillars 100 coincides with the length axis of the sleeves 200. Thus, the sleeves 200 can slide along the lifting pillars 100 to form at least two pairs of the lifting pillars 100 and the sleeves 200. The at least two pairs are connected to at least one lifting aid 500, so that the lifting system 100 can lift the water filter unit 2000 from an operating position to a raised position.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but rather that the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims, and other embodiments other than those specifically set forth above, e.g., embodiments different from those set forth above, are equally possible within the scope of these appended claims.

[0055] In the claims, the term "comprises / comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims, they may in some cases be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. Furthermore, reference to the singular does not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second", etc. do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000), comprising: A water filter (600), at least two lifting pillars (100), at least two sleeves (200), and a slide connector (400); Equipped with the sleeves are attached to the corners of the water filter (600), the length axis of the sleeves (200) is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the water filter (600), the lifting pillars (100) are arranged to fit inside the sleeves (200), the length axis of the lifting pillars (100) coincides with the length axis of the sleeves (200) so that the sleeves (200) can slide along the lifting pillars (100), thereby forming at least two pairs of the lifting pillars (100) and the sleeves (200), the at least two pairs being connected to at least one lifting aid (500) for lifting the water filter unit (2000) from an operating position to a raised position; The slide connector (400) has a filter side connector (401) connected to the water filter unit (2000) arranged to connect to an external source or outlet, thereby forming a fluid connection between the water filter unit (2000) and the external source or outlet when the water filter unit (2000) is lowered to the operating position.

2. The water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) as described in claim 1, wherein the slide connector (400) further comprises an external connector (404) attachable to the external source, such as a channel, pipe, unit, or inlet wall.

3. The water filter unit (2000) with integrated lifting system (1000) of claim 2, wherein the slide connector (400) further comprises a sealing means (403), such as a rubber seal, gasket, or clamp, connected to the filter side connector (401) or the external connector (404) to provide a seal between the filter side connector (401) or the external connector (404).

4. A water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the external connector (404) is U-shaped with an upward opening along a vertical axis so that the filter side connector (401) fits inside the external connector (404), allowing the filter side connector (401) to be lifted vertically from the external source when the water filter unit (2000) is lifted from the operating position to the raised position.

5. The water filter unit (2000) with integrated lifting system (1000) according to claim 1, wherein said water filter unit is a rotary filter, preferably a disc filter or a drum filter.

6. A water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) as described in claim 1, wherein the length of the lifting pillar (100) is at least equal to or greater than the combined length of the sleeve (200) and the lifting capacity of the lifting system.

7. A water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) as described in claim 1, wherein each of the lifting pillars (100) comprises a profile tube (101) having a bottom end (102) and an upper plate (103) having anchoring means (104) for connecting to the lifting aid (500).

8. A water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) as described in claim 7, wherein each of the sleeves (200) comprises a hollow profile tube (201) provided with anchoring means (202) for connection to the lifting aid (500).

9. A water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) as described in claim 8, wherein the anchoring means (202) of the hollow profile tube (201) and the anchoring means (104) of the lifting pillar (100) are connected to the lifting aid (500) on the at least two pairs of the lifting pillar (100) and the sleeve (200).

10. 2. A water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one lifting aid (500) is selected from the group consisting of a hoist, a winch, a rack and pinion, a lead screw, or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

11. 2. A water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a self-centering support (300) for each sleeve (200), the self-centering support (300) comprising a profile tube portion (302) and a top plate (304), the profile tube portion (302) fitting into the inside of the sleeve (200), and the lifting pillar (100) resting on the top plate (304) when the lifting pillar (100) is inserted into the sleeve (200).

12. The self-centering support (300) further comprises a base plate (301) and a centering tap (303) disposed on the top plate, A water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) as described in claim 11, wherein the vertical centering tap (303) fits inside the lifting pillar (100) so that when the lifting pillar (100) is inserted into the sleeve (200), the lifting pillar (100) is centered on the self-centering support (300).

13. The slide connector (400) comprises a U-shaped filter side connector (401) for connecting to the water filter unit, a sealing means (403) and a U-shaped outer connector (404); The filter side connector (401) is connected to the water inlet or outlet of the water filter unit (2000), and the external connector (404) can be connected to an external source such as an inlet wall, a channel, a pipe or a unit; the filter side connector (401) fits inside the external connector (404) via the sealing means, such as a rubber seal, to form a fluid connection between the water filter unit and the external source when the water filter unit is in an operating position; A water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) as described in claim 1, wherein when the water filter unit (2000) is lifted from the operating position to the raised position, the filter side connector (401) is positioned to be lifted vertically from the external connector (404) along a lifting axis perpendicular to the mounting surface of the water filter.

14. A water filter unit (2000) with an integrated lifting system (1000) as described in claim 8, wherein the profile tube (101) of the lifting pillar (100) and the hollow profile tube (201) of the sleeve (200) are provided with locking holes (105 and 204, respectively), which overlap when the water filter unit is in the raised position, so that a locking bolt can be inserted through the locking hole to fix the sleeve (200) to the lifting pillar (100).

15. A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) comprising at least two lifting pillars (100), at least two sleeves (200), and a slide connector (400), the sleeve (200) comprises at least two filter unit connectors (203) for attaching the sleeve (200) to corners of a water filter (600), the length axis of the sleeve (200) being perpendicular to the mounting surface of the water filter (600); The lifting pillar (100) is arranged to fit inside the sleeve (200), and the longitudinal axis of the lifting pillar (100) coincides with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve (200), so that said sleeve (200) can slide along said lifting pillar (100), thereby forming at least two pairs of said lifting pillar (100) and said sleeve (200), said at least two pairs being connected to at least one lifting aid (500), thereby said lifting system (1000) can lift the water filter unit (2000) from an operating position to a raised position; A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000), wherein the slide connector (400) of the water filter unit (2000) is provided with a filter side connector (401) for connecting to the water filter unit (2000) which is arranged for connection to an external source or outlet, thereby forming a fluid connection between the water filter unit (2000) and the external source or outlet when the water filter unit (2000) is lowered to the operating position.

16. 16. The lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) of claim 15, wherein the slide connector (400) further comprises an external connector (404) attachable to the external source, such as an inlet wall, channel, pipe or unit.

17. A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) as described in claim 16, wherein the slide connector (400) further comprises a sealing means (403), such as a rubber seal, gasket or clamp, connected to the filter side connector (401) or the external connector (404) to provide a seal between the filter side connector (401) and the external connector (404).

18. A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) as described in claim 16 or 17, wherein the external connector (404) is U-shaped with an upward opening along a vertical axis so that the filter side connector (401) fits inside the external connector (404), allowing the filter side connector (401) to be lifted vertically from the external source when the water filter unit (2000) is lifted from the operating position to the raised position.

19. A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) according to claim 15, wherein said water filter unit is a rotary filter, preferably a disc filter or a drum filter.

20. A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) as described in claim 15, wherein the length of the lifting pillar (100) is at least equal to or greater than the combined length of the sleeve (200) and the lifting capacity of the lifting system.

21. A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) as described in claim 15, wherein each of the lifting pillars (100) comprises a profile tube (101) having a bottom end (102) and an upper plate (103) having anchoring means (104) for connecting to the lifting aid (500).

22. A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) as described in claim 15, wherein each of the sleeves (200) comprises a hollow profile tube (201) provided with anchoring means (202) for connection to the lifting aid (500).

23. A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) as described in claim 22, wherein the anchoring means (202) of the hollow profile tube (201) and the anchoring means (104) of the lifting pillar (100) are connected to the lifting aid (500) on the at least two pairs of the lifting pillar (100) and the sleeve (200).

24. 16. A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) as described in claim 15, wherein the at least one lifting aid (500) is selected from the group consisting of a hoist, a winch, a rack and pinion, a lead screw, or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

25. A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) as described in claim 15, further comprising a self-centering support (300) for each sleeve (200), the self-centering support (300) comprising a profile tube portion (302) and an upper plate (304), the profile tube portion (302) fitting into the inside of the sleeve (200), and the lifting pillar (100) resting on the upper plate (304) when the lifting pillar (100) is inserted into the sleeve (200).

26. The self-centering support (300) further comprises a base plate (301) and a centering tap (303) disposed on the top plate, A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) as described in claim 25, wherein the vertical centering tap (303) fits inside the lifting pillar (100) so that when the lifting pillar (100) is inserted into the sleeve (200), the lifting pillar (100) is centered on the self-centering support (300).

27. The slide connector (400) comprises a U-shaped side connector (401) for connecting to the water filter unit, a sealing means (403) and a U-shaped outer connector (404); The filter side connector (401) is connected to the water inlet or outlet of the water filter unit (2000), and the external connector (404) can be connected to an external source such as an inlet wall, a channel, a pipe or a unit; the filter side connector (401) fits inside the external connector (404) via the sealing means, such as a rubber seal, to form a fluid connection between the water filter unit and the external source when the water filter unit is in an operating position; A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) as described in claim 15, wherein when the water filter unit (2000) is lifted from the operating position to the raised position, the filter side connector (401) is arranged to be lifted vertically from the external connector (404) along a lifting axis perpendicular to the mounting surface of the water filter.

28. A lifting system (1000) for a water filter unit (2000) as described in claim 15, wherein the profile tube (101) of the lifting pillar (100) and the hollow profile tube (201) of the sleeve (200) are provided with locking holes (105 and 204, respectively), which overlap when the water filter unit is in a raised position, so that a locking bolt can be inserted through the locking hole to fix the sleeve (200) to the lifting pillar (100).

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