Apparatus for filtering a liquid stream and method of operating the apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for filtering a liquid flow and a method for operating the apparatus. To provide an apparatus and method for filtering a liquid flow that can simply and reliably filter a liquid flow and requires little maintenance, the apparatus (10, 10a) for filtering a liquid flow includes a pipe element (12) that guides the liquid flow and a filter unit (14, 14a) that is fixedly disposed within the pipe element (12) and filters the liquid flow. The apparatus (10, 10a) further includes a cleaning rotor (16, 16a) that is disposed in the filter unit (14, 14a) and is rotatable about a rotation axis D that is disposed in a flow direction S of the liquid flow, and a drive unit (18) that includes a drive part (19) that generates a drive torque and a transmission structure (20) that transmits the drive torque to the cleaning rotor (16, 16a). Furthermore, the device (10, 10a) has a locking unit (17, 17a) arranged in the pipe element (12) in the direction of flow of the driving torque force, and the locking unit (17, 17a) is adjustable between a locked state in which the cleaning rotor (16, 16a) is fixed and a released state in which the cleaning rotor (16, 16a) is released so that it can rotate about the rotation axis D.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for filtering a liquid stream and a method of operating an apparatus for filtering a liquid stream. [Background technology]

[0002] Devices for filtering liquid streams are used to filter particles from the liquid stream to prevent clogging or plugging of systems downstream of the device, such as condensers and heat exchangers.

[0003] For this purpose, known devices comprise a pipe element for guiding a liquid flow, such as a cooling water flow, and a movable or fixed filter unit arranged in the pipe element for separating particles that contaminate the liquid flow, such as dirt particles and residues, from the liquid flow.

[0004]

[0003] Known devices for filtering liquid flows include a rotatable cleaning rotor arranged in the filter unit, since the filter unit becomes clogged and / or blocked with separated particles over time. To clean the clogged and / or blocked filter unit, the cleaning rotor is rotated such that a local flow reversal of the liquid is performed in the area of ​​the cleaning rotor, and particles lined (trapped) on the filter unit are removed by a small amount of liquid. For example, DE 3833807 A1 discloses a device for separating solids from cooling water.

[0005] Known devices for filtering liquid flows have the disadvantage that the cleaning rotor and the drive unit driving the cleaning rotor may in extreme cases fail unexpectedly and unpredictably due to very high mechanical loads, such as undesirable fluid-induced forces and torques, making the maintenance of the device complicated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] DE3833807A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-maintenance device and method for filtering liquid streams, which allows for simple and reliable filtering of liquid streams, particularly in the power plant sector or large industrial liquid systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention is solved by an apparatus according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 12. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0009] According to the invention, an apparatus for filtering a liquid flow comprises a pipe element for guiding the liquid flow and a filter unit arranged in a fixed position within the pipe element for filtering the liquid flow. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the device comprises a cleaning rotor arranged in the filter unit and rotatable about a rotation axis arranged in the flow direction of the liquid flow, and a drive unit including a drive part that generates a drive torque and a transmission structure part (arrangement) for transmitting the drive torque to the cleaning rotor.

[0010] The inventors recognized that the locking unit of the present invention, which is disposed within the pipe element in the direction of the force flow (the direction in which the force is transmitted) of the driving torque and is adjustable between a locked state in which the cleaning rotor is secured and a released state in which the cleaning rotor is released and rotatable about its axis of rotation, protects both the cleaning rotor and the drive unit from stresses caused by undesired fluid-induced forces and torques, as well as the resulting vibrations and possible undesired rotation of the cleaning rotor. Holding the cleaning rotor and / or drive unit with the locking unit disposed within the pipe element prevents fluid-induced forces and torques, and thus unexpected rotation of the cleaning rotor and / or drive unit, preventing wear caused by unpredictable fluid-induced loads and, in the worst case, damage to the cleaning rotor and / or drive unit. The fact that the locking unit is disposed within the pipe element means that the cleaning rotor and / or drive unit can be reliably and effectively protected. This allows for a low-maintenance liquid flow filtration device while simultaneously allowing the filter unit to be used to simply and reliably filter the liquid flow.

[0011] An apparatus for filtering a liquid flow is preferably understood to be an apparatus designed so that particles contained in the liquid flow are separated and / or discharged and / or removed from the liquid flow.

[0012] The pipe elements are designed so that the liquid flow is guided and / or directed within the pipe elements. The pipe elements have pipe walls with, for example, a circular, elliptical or polygonal cross section and extend in the direction of flow of the liquid flow. Preferably, the pipe elements are straight in the area of ​​the filter unit and the cleaning rotor, and the longitudinal axis of the pipe elements extends parallel to the direction of flow of the liquid flow. Furthermore, the pipe elements have an interior area bounded by an inner wall, within which the liquid flow is guided.

[0013] The filter unit is designed so that particles, such as dirt particles, present in the liquid flow are separated from the liquid flow as the liquid flows through the filter unit. The filter unit is preferably arranged stationary within the pipe element at an angle, preferably perpendicular to the direction of flow of the liquid flow. Stationary means that the filter unit is fixed in the axial and / or radial direction of the pipe element. Particularly preferably, the filter unit is arranged sealed within the pipe element so that the inner cross section of the pipe element, limited by the inner wall of the pipe element, is completely covered by the filter unit. Preferably, the filter unit has, for example, a polygonal, elliptical, or circular filter surface for filtering the liquid flow.

[0014] The filter surface of the filter unit is preferably arranged on one or more filter elements of the filter unit. The filter elements are preferably made of a metal material, such as stainless steel, a plastic material, or a composite material. Depending on the type and design and / or arrangement of the filter elements, the filter surface of the filter unit is, for example, conical. The filter unit, in particular the filter elements, are preferably designed as sieves, such as perforated plates or grids, so that particles are separated on the filter surface from the liquid flowing through the filter unit.

[0015] The cleaning rotor is designed and / or arranged in the filter unit such that a local reversal of the flow direction of the liquid flow in the area of ​​the cleaning rotor causes a small amount of liquid passing through the filter unit, preferably the filter surface, to pass in the opposite direction and initiate particle removal for pressure-relieved cleaning of the filter unit. Preferably, the cleaning rotor is arranged in a discharge element arranged in a pipe element to carry away and / or extract particles separated from the liquid flow by the filter unit. The discharge element is designed for extraction, i.e., for local reversal of the flow direction of the liquid flow in the area of ​​the cleaning rotor. Preferably, the discharge element is arranged in the pipe element. For example, the discharge element is designed as a pipe or tube.

[0016] The rotation axis of the cleaning rotor is arranged in the flow direction of the liquid flow, preferably on the longitudinal axis of the pipe element. The cleaning rotor extends radially relative to the rotation axis within the pipe element. Preferably, the cleaning rotor has a semicircular or polygonal profile arranged at an angle, preferably perpendicular, to the rotation axis and / or the flow direction of the liquid flow. For example, in the case of a circular filter surface, the cleaning rotor has a profile designed as a sector, and in the case of a conical filter surface, for example, a rectangular profile. By rotating the cleaning rotor around the rotation axis, the filter surface is essentially, preferably completely, covered by the cleaning rotor, and particles lined up on the filter unit, in particular the filter surface, can be sucked out of the filter unit by the cleaning rotor.

[0017] The cleaning rotor can be driven by a drive unit. According to the invention, the drive of the drive unit is designed as a hydraulic or electric drive. A transmission structure is designed so that the drive torque generated by the drive is transmitted to the cleaning rotor. Rotation, i.e., rotational movement of the cleaning rotor about its axis of rotation, is achieved by switching on the drive and transmitting the drive torque to the cleaning rotor via the transmission structure.

[0018] The locking unit is preferably understood to be a device or unit designed to protect the cleaning rotor, the transmission structure and / or the drive unit from unwanted rotation and / or to fix the rotor against unwanted rotation about its axis of rotation and to absorb forces exerted on the rotor by the liquid flow. The locking unit is adjustable between a release state and a locking state. Furthermore, the locking unit is designed such that, in the locked state, rotation of the cleaning rotor about its axis of rotation is prevented. In the release state, the cleaning rotor is released for rotation about its axis of rotation and thus, preferably, for cleaning the filter unit. Preferably, the locking unit is arranged in the pipe element such that the cleaning rotor and / or the drive unit and / or the transmission structure and / or the drive are fixed in the locked state.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for filtering a liquid flow, in particular a method for operating the device described in the patent application. A liquid flow guided into a pipe element is filtered by a filter unit arranged in the pipe element to separate particles from the liquid flow. A cleaning rotor arranged in the filter unit and rotatable about a rotation axis arranged in the flow direction of the liquid flow is held in a locked state and in the flow direction of the force of the driving torque of the cleaning rotor by a locking unit arranged in the pipe element.

[0020] To start the cleaning process (washing stage), the locking unit is moved from a locked state to a released state which releases the cleaning rotor, and the cleaning rotor is rotated by a drive unit including a hydraulic or electric drive for generating a drive torque and a transmission structure for transmitting the drive torque to the cleaning rotor to remove particles separated from the liquid flow. Preferably, during the cleaning process, e.g. before or after adjusting the locking unit, the extraction performed by the discharge element is turned on.

[0021] The device for filtering a liquid stream is preferably used in large-scale industrial liquid systems and / or power plant sectors, where large-scale industrial and / or power plant sectors mean that the device, in particular the pipe elements, filter units and / or cleaning rotors, preferably have a volume of about 500 to 180,000 m 3 / h, preferably 1000 to 120,000 m 3 / h, particularly preferably 1500 to 110,000 m 3 / h) can pass through and / or be filtered.

[0022] The drive unit is arranged, for example, in the liquid flow or, preferably, outside the liquid flow. The transmission structure is designed depending on the configuration (arrangement) of the drive unit on the pipe element. For example, if the drive unit is arranged in the liquid flow, the transmission structure for transmitting the drive torque from the drive unit to the cleaning rotor has a drive shaft connected to the cleaning rotor.

[0023] However, according to an advantageous further development of the invention, the transmission structure includes a gear and a rotor shaft for transmitting the drive torque to the cleaning rotor, and the locking unit is arranged downstream of the gear in the direction of force flow of the drive torque. If the drive is arranged outside the liquid flow on the pipe element, the gear is preferably designed as an angle gear. By angle gear, it is understood that the drive and output are arranged at an angle, for example, perpendicular to each other. The rotor shaft is connected to the cleaning rotor and is attached to the filter unit so that the cleaning rotor can rotate about its rotation axis. The rotor shaft is connected to the gear so that the drive torque is transmitted from the gear to the cleaning rotor. Since the transmission structure advantageously includes a gear and a rotor shaft, the drive torque can be reliably transmitted to the cleaning rotor regardless of the arrangement (structure) of the drive. Since the locking unit is arranged downstream of the gear in the direction of force flow of the drive torque, the gear of the transmission structure is reliably protected from mechanical overloads caused by undesired rotation of the cleaning rotor. This can prevent mechanical overload and excessive wear of the drive unit at positive and / or non-positive connections, such as gearing or keyway connections, within the gear and / or between the gear and the drive and / or between the gear and the rotor shaft.

[0024] The locking unit is arranged, for example, between the gear and the rotor shaft in the direction of the force flow of the driving torque. However, according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the locking unit is arranged on the rotor shaft. In this context, the term "on the rotor shaft" means that the locking unit is arranged directly on the rotor shaft and / or on an intermediate shaft connecting the gear to the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft is preferably designed in one or more parts. The intermediate shaft is designed, for example, as a separate part or, preferably, as part of a multi-part rotor shaft. The driving torque is transmitted from the gear to the rotor shaft by the intermediate shaft. The rotor shaft is preferably rotatably mounted on a bearing unit arranged on the filter unit. For this purpose, the bearing unit preferably has at least two bearing elements, for example, plain bearings or, preferably, roller bearings. Arranging the locking unit on the rotor shaft advantageously ensures that not only the rotor shaft but also the arrangement and drive unit upstream of the cleaning rotor are fully protected and are not affected by forces and torques from the flow.

[0025] This prevents relative movement between the sealing elements of the bearing unit and the rotor shaft, thereby preventing wear of sealing elements such as O-rings, shaft seals, and radial shaft seals.

[0026] According to an advantageous further development of the invention, the locking unit is arranged substantially in line with the bearing unit of the rotor shaft in the flow direction of the liquid flow. In this context, "substantially in line" is understood to mean that the locking unit is arranged downstream of the bearing unit of the rotor shaft in the flow direction. Preferably, the bearing unit and the locking unit are arranged coaxially with respect to the rotation axis. Preferably, the locking unit has a diameter perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid flow and / or perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cleaning rotor, which diameter has a ratio to the diameter of the bearing unit of at most 1.2:1, preferably at most 1.1:1, particularly preferably at most 1:1. A locking unit arranged in line with the bearing unit advantageously reduces any obstructions to the liquid flow caused by flow resistance, thereby counteracting undesirable pressure buildup in the area of ​​the locking unit.

[0027] According to an advantageous further development of the invention, the locking unit is designed in such a way that the cleaning rotor is positively and / or frictionally locked in the locked state, whereby the cleaning rotor is positively locked by the locking unit arranged in the locked state. Fixing the cleaning rotor means that the cleaning rotor is fixed against undesired rotation about its axis of rotation, for example directly and / or indirectly on the rotor shaft and / or drive unit.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the locking unit is internally preloaded in the locked state. Preloaded means that an external force, such as a tensile or compressive force, is required to move the locking unit from the locked state to the unlocked state, but the locking unit remains locked without external action. Internally means that the locking unit is designed so that the preload in the locked state is generated by the locking unit itself. For example, the preload of the locking unit can be generated by spring tension. Preloading the locking unit in the locked state advantageously ensures that the cleaning rotor is automatically fixed outside of the cleaning process (washing phase) without the need for continuous control of the locking unit. This further reduces the risk of undesired rotation of the cleaning rotor.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the locking unit has an adjustment element arranged on the pipe element, which, in the locked state, is operably (removably) connected to a holding part arranged on the cleaning rotor. The adjustment element is, for example, arranged in an interior region of the pipe element or arranged on the pipe element sealed through the pipe wall. The holding part is preferably arranged on the cleaning rotor in a circumferential direction relative to the rotation axis of the cleaning rotor. The adjustment element and / or the holding part are preferably designed so that, in the locked state, the cleaning rotor and the adjustment element are securely fitted (engaged) in a circumferential direction relative to the rotation axis of the cleaning rotor. The adjustment element and the holding part preferably have shaped parts, such as alternating raised portions and recessed parts, respectively, that engage with each other in the locked state. Furthermore, the adjustment element is adjustable between an open position associated with the open state and a locked position associated with the locked state. The adjustment element and the holding part facilitate secure fixation of the cleaning rotor in the locked state. Since the locking unit has a holding part arranged on the adjusting element and the cleaning rotor, undesired fluid-induced forces and torques can be blocked and prevented in an advantageous manner directly at their source, i.e. in the area between the cleaning rotor and the inner wall of the pipe element.

[0030] According to an advantageous further development of the invention, the locking unit is designed as a hydraulically actuated brake. A locking unit designed as a hydraulically actuated brake is preferably arranged on the rotor shaft or the intermediate shaft. Particularly preferably, the hydraulically actuated brake is arranged to surround and / or enclose the rotor shaft or the intermediate shaft. The hydraulically actuated brake is designed to prevent rotation of the rotor shaft by holding the rotor shaft or the intermediate shaft in a locked state. For this purpose, the brake torque is greater than the torque of the cleaning rotor resulting from the flow. The hydraulically actuated brake is preferably designed as a multi-disc brake. The multi-disc brake preferably has a pretensioned spring element, e.g., a spring assembly, for preloading in the locked state and / or compressing the discs.

[0031] To initiate the cleaning process (washing phase), i.e., the adjustment from a locked state to a released state, the disks of the locking unit, preferably designed as a multi-disc brake, are released to allow the rotor shaft to rotate about its axis of rotation. Preferably, the disks are released by hydraulically generated pressure. Therefore, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a pressure unit for providing hydraulic pressure for adjusting the hydraulically actuated brake between the locked and released states. The pressure unit is preferably designed as a reservoir for a liquid, e.g., oil. To release a locking unit designed as a hydraulically actuated brake, the brake is pressurized by hydraulic pressure, preferably provided by the pressure unit, and in the case of a multi-disc brake, for example, a preloaded spring assembly is released. The pressure unit is preferably arranged outside the filter unit, particularly preferably outside the pipe element. The release of the hydraulically actuated brake by the pressure unit and hydraulically generated pressure makes the adjustment between the locked and released states particularly simple and reliable.

[0032] According to an advantageous further development of the invention, the device comprises a control unit connected to at least one sensor element for controlling the drive unit. The control unit is preferably formed as a programmable unit in the form of a computer, a PLC, or an external and / or higher-level controller. Preferably, the device comprises at least one, particularly preferably a plurality of, sensor elements for detecting sensor signals, such as pressure upstream and / or downstream of the filter unit in relation to the flow direction of the liquid flow, and / or hydraulic pressure for releasing a locking unit designed as a hydraulically actuated brake. The sensor elements are connected to the control unit for transferring recorded data. The sensor elements are arranged, for example, on and / or within the pipe element before and / or after the filter unit and / or on the locking unit. The control unit is preferably connected to at least one control means for activating (starting) and deactivating (stopping) the drive. Preferably, the control unit is designed to execute a predeterminable program as a function of the sensor signals. The predeterminable program preferably has the option of setting threshold values ​​for the pressure of the liquid flow upstream and / or downstream of the filter unit. Furthermore, the control unit is designed to transfer the recorded data to a receiver which is preferably arranged outside the pipe element.

[0033] In principle, cleaning or the cleaning process of the filter unit by the cleaning rotor can be performed in any manner, at any time, and for any duration. However, cleaning is preferably controlled periodically and / or as a function of a predeterminable threshold value and / or for a specified period and / or after or for a specified time interval. Particularly preferably, the maximum pressure upstream and / or downstream of the filter unit is set as the predeterminable threshold value. The pressure upstream and / or downstream of the filter unit is preferably detected by the above-mentioned sensor element, and particularly preferably continuously monitored. One or two different predeterminable threshold values ​​can be provided for the pressure upstream and / or downstream of the filter unit. For example, the cleaning rotor is activated when the pressure upstream of the filter unit exceeds a first threshold value or when the pressure downstream of the filter unit falls below a second threshold value. Furthermore, the pressures upstream and downstream of the filter unit can be detected to determine the pressure difference, whereby preferably, the maximum pressure difference can be specified as the threshold value. Preferably, the device has a sensor element designed as a differential pressure sensor. Alternatively and / or additionally, further measurements of the liquid flow, for example the flow velocity, can also be carried out.In the case of a locking unit with a holder arranged on the cleaning rotor, the device preferably has a sensor element designed as a position sensor for detecting the angular position of the cleaning rotor.

[0034] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1a] 1 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal section of an apparatus for filtering a liquid flow; [Figure 1b] 1B is a schematic detail view B of the locking unit of the device shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 1c] 1b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1a along line AA. [Figure 2a] 1 is a schematic view of a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of an apparatus for filtering a liquid flow; [Figure 2b] 2b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 2a along line CC. [Figure 2c] 2a and 2b, a schematic detail view D of the locking unit of the device shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] 1a shows a schematic view of a longitudinal section of an apparatus 10 for filtering a liquid flow. The apparatus 10 comprises a pipe element 12 for guiding the liquid flow and a filter unit 14 arranged in a fixed position within the pipe element 12. A cleaning rotor 16 is arranged in the filter unit 14, which is rotatable about a rotation axis D arranged in the flow direction S of the liquid flow. Furthermore, the apparatus 10 comprises a drive unit 18 including a drive 19 for generating a drive torque and a transmission structure 20 for transmitting the drive torque to the cleaning rotor 16. Furthermore, the apparatus 10 comprises a locking unit 17 arranged within the pipe element 12 in the force flow direction of the drive torque.

[0037] The pipe elements 12 have pipe walls 22 with a circular cross section QR and extending in the liquid flow direction S. Furthermore, the pipe elements 12 are straight in the area of ​​the filter units 14, so that the longitudinal axis L of the pipe elements extends parallel to the liquid flow direction S and along the rotation axis D of the cleaning rotor. The liquid flow is guided between the inner walls 24 of the pipe elements 12.

[0038] The filter unit 14 is arranged in a fixed position perpendicular to the flow direction S of the liquid flow in the pipe element 12. That is, the filter unit 14 is fixed axially and radially about the longitudinal axis L of the pipe element 12. Furthermore, the filter unit 14 has a conical filter surface 26 for filtering the liquid flow. As shown in FIG. 1c, the filter surface 26 is arranged on a plurality of filter elements 28. Particles present in the liquid flow, such as dirt particles, are separated from the liquid flow at the filter surface 26 as the liquid flow passes through the filter unit 14.

[0039] The cleaning rotor 16 extends radially relative to the axis of rotation D within the pipe element 12 and has a rectangular contour 30 arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation D and to the flow direction S of the liquid flow. The cleaning rotor 16 is centrally arranged within the pipe element 12 on the filter unit 14. The device 10 has a discharge element 15 arranged on the cleaning rotor 16 for extracting and carrying away particles separated from the liquid flow by the filter unit 14 and the filter surface 26. The discharge element 15 is arranged within the pipe element 12. The rotation of the cleaning rotor 16 about the axis of rotation D on the filter unit 14 causes a local reversal of the flow direction S of the liquid flow in the area of ​​the cleaning rotor 16 together with the extraction of the discharge element 15, which causes a backflow of a small amount of liquid through the filter surface 26 and removes particles for pressure-relieved cleaning of the filter unit 14.

[0040] The drive of the drive unit 18 is designed as an electric motor 19. The transmission structure 20 comprises a gear in the form of an angle gear 32 and a rotor shaft 34 for transmitting the drive torque generated by the motor 19 to the cleaning rotor 16. The angle gear 32 is connected to the rotor shaft 34 via an intermediate shaft 36 formed as part of the rotor shaft 34. The rotor shaft 34 is rotatably mounted in a bearing unit 38 arranged in the filter unit 14. The bearing unit 38 has two bearing elements in the form of roller bearings 40.

[0041] The locking unit 17 is adjustable between a locked state in which the cleaning rotor 16 is fixed and a released state in which the cleaning rotor 16 is released and rotatable about the rotation axis D. The locking unit 17 is disposed on an intermediate shaft 36 connecting the angle gear 32 to the rotor shaft 34, and is disposed substantially in line with the bearing unit 38 of the rotor shaft 34 in the liquid flow direction S. That is, the locking unit 17 has a diameter D1 perpendicular to the liquid flow direction S and perpendicular to the rotation axis D of the cleaning rotor 16, the diameter D1 being in a ratio of 1.1:1 to the diameter D2 of the bearing unit 38; therefore, the flange portion 45 of the locking unit 17 protrudes only slightly.

[0042] Furthermore, the locking unit is designed as a hydraulically actuated brake in the form of a multi-disc brake 17 (see FIG. 1b). The multi-disc brake 17 is preloaded in the direction of the locked state and, for this purpose, is provided with a preloaded spring element in the form of a spring assembly. For adjustment from the locked state to the released state, the preloaded spring assembly of the multi-disc brake 17 is released by hydraulically generated pressure. For this purpose, the device 10 is provided with a pressure unit designed as a reservoir for supplying hydraulic pressure. The reservoir 41 is arranged outside the filter unit 14 and the filter surface 26.

[0043] The device 10 also comprises a control unit 42 connected to a sensor element in the form of a differential pressure sensor 43 for controlling the drive unit 18. The differential pressure sensors 43 are arranged in connectors before and after the filter unit 14 and are connected to the control unit 42 for transferring the detected pressure difference.

[0044] During operation of the device 10 for filtering a liquid flow, the liquid flow introduced into the pipe element 12 is filtered by the filter unit 14 arranged within the pipe element 12 to separate particles from the liquid flow. The cleaning rotor 16 arranged within the filter unit 14 is held by the multi-disc brake 17 arranged in a locked state. As soon as the pressure difference determined by the differential pressure sensor 43 reaches a predetermined threshold, the multi-disc brake 17 is moved by the control unit 42 from the locked state to the released state, which releases the cleaning rotor 16, and the cleaning process (washing phase) begins. For this purpose, the discs 39 of the multi-disc brake 17, which are preloaded toward the locked state by a spring assembly, are released by hydraulic pressure provided by a storage container. At the same time, the cleaning rotor 16 is rotated by the drive unit 18 to remove particles separated from the liquid flow. The discharge element 14 performs extraction, i.e., a local reversal of the flow direction S of the liquid flow in the area of ​​the cleaning rotor 16, causing a small amount of liquid to flow backward across the filter surface 26, thereby removing particles for pressure relief (relief) cleaning of the filter unit 14. Due to the rotation of the cleaning rotor 16 about its axis of rotation D, the filter surface 14 is completely covered by the cleaning rotor 16. The removed particles are guided by the discharge element 15 out of the pipe element 12 and separated from the liquid flow.

[0045] The device 10a shown in Fig. 2a shows a second embodiment of the device 10, in which the same reference numerals are used for the same components. The device 10a differs from the device 10 of Fig. 1a by a locking unit 17a with an adjusting element 44 arranged on the pipe element 12 and a holding part 46 arranged on the cleaning rotor 16a (see Figs. 2b and 2c). Furthermore, the device 10a comprises a filter unit 14a with a circular filter surface 26a and a cleaning rotor 16a with a contour 30a formed as a sector.

[0046] The adjustment element 44 and the retaining portion 46 each have shaped portions in the form of alternating raised portions 48 and recessed portions 50 that engage with one another in a locked state. Additionally, the adjustment element 44 is adjustable between a released position associated with a released state and a locked position associated with a locked state.

[0047] The device 10a also comprises a sensor element designed as a position sensor 52 for detecting the angular position of the cleaning rotor 16a. The position sensor 52 detects the current position of the cleaning rotor 16a and transmits it to the control unit 42.

[0048] During operation of the apparatus 10a, a liquid flow is filtered as described above for the apparatus 10. The cleaning rotor 16a, disposed in the filter unit 14a, is held by the locking unit 17a, which is in a locked state, with the adjustment element 44 in the locked position. The raised portions 48 and the recessed portions 50 engage, respectively, so that the cleaning rotor 16a and the adjustment element 44 fit securely in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis D of the cleaning rotor 16a.

[0049] To perform cleaning, the adjustment element 44 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position and the filter unit 14a is cleaned with the cleaning rotor 16a as previously described for the apparatus 10.

[0050] To lock the cleaning rotor 16a after cleaning, the drive unit 18, monitored by the position sensor 52, moves the cleaning rotor 16a to an angular position where the retaining portion 46 is located opposite the adjusting element 44. The adjusting element 44 is then moved from the release position to the locking position and engages with the retaining portion 46.

[0051] The locking unit 17, 17a can prevent serious unexpected failures of the device 10, 10a for filtering a liquid flow and therefore can extend the intervals between scheduled maintenance of the device 10, 10a.

[0052] All features described in relation to individual embodiments of the present invention, even when described in relation to different embodiments, can be provided in different combinations to achieve their advantageous effects in the device 10, 10a for filtering a liquid flow and in the method of operating the device 10, 10a. For example, the device 10, 10a may include a plurality of cleaning rotors 16, 16a, e.g., two or three, each of which may be secured via a locking unit 17, 17a. In this case, for example, the cleaning rotor 16 may be secured via a locking unit 17 arranged on the intermediate shaft 36, and the cleaning rotor 16a may be secured via a locking unit 17a arranged on the pipe element 12.

[0053] The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited by the features described in the specification or shown in the drawings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10, 10a Apparatus for filtering a liquid stream 12 Pipe Elements 14,14a Filter unit 15 Emission factors 16,16a Cleaning rotor 17,17a Lock unit / multi-disc brake 18 Drive unit 19 Drive unit 20 Transmission structure (arrangement) 22 Pipe Wall 24 Inner wall 26.26a Filter Surface 28 filter elements 30,30a Cleaning rotor contour 32 gear / angle gear 34 rotor shaft 36 Intermediate shaft 38 Bearing unit 40 bearing elements / roller bearings 41 Storage Container 42 Control Unit 43 Sensor element / differential pressure sensor 44 Adjustment Factors 45 flange 46 Holding part 48 Raised area 50 recess 52 Sensor Elements / Position Sensors D Rotation axis D1 Diameter of lock unit D2 Bearing unit diameter L Longitudinal axis of the pipe element QR Pipe Element Cross Section S Liquid flow direction

Claims

1. A pipe element (12) for guiding the liquid flow, A filter unit (14, 14a) is positioned in a fixed location within the pipe element (12) to filter the liquid flow, A cleaning rotor (16, 16a) is arranged in the filter unit (14, 14a) and is rotatable about a rotation axis (D) arranged in the flow direction (S) of the liquid flow, A drive unit (18) including a hydraulic or electric drive unit (19) that generates drive torque and a transmission structure (20) for transmitting the drive torque to the cleaning rotor (16, 16a), A locking unit (17, 17a) is provided, which is positioned within the pipe element (12) in the direction of the force flow of the driving torque, and is adjustable between a locked state that fixes the cleaning rotor (16, 16a) and a released state that releases the cleaning rotor (16, 16a) so that it can rotate around the rotation axis (D). A device for filtering liquid flow, equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The transmission structure (20) includes a gear (32) and a rotor shaft (34) for transmitting the drive torque to the cleaning rotors (16, 16a), and the lock unit (17) is positioned downstream of the gear (32) in the direction of the force flow of the drive torque. The apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The locking unit (17) is located on the rotor shaft (34). The apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The locking units (17, 17a) are arranged substantially in a straight line with the bearing unit (38) of the rotor shaft (34) in the direction of the liquid flow (S). The apparatus according to feature 2.

5. The locking units (17, 17a) are designed to ensure that the cleaning rotors (16, 16a) are securely and / or frictionally locked in the locked state. The apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 4.

6. The locking unit (17) is internally pre-pressurized in the direction of the locked state. The apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 4.

7. The locking unit (17a) is positioned on the pipe element (12) and has an adjustment element (44) that, in the locked state, is detachably connected to a retaining portion (46) positioned on the cleaning rotor (16, 16a). The apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 4.

8. The locking unit is designed as a hydraulically operated brake (17). The apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 4.

9. The hydraulic brake (17) is provided with a pressure unit (41) that supplies hydraulic pressure to adjust the brake between the locked state and the released state. The apparatus according to feature 8.

10. The pressure unit (41) is located outside the filter units (14, 14a). The apparatus according to feature 9.

11. The drive unit (18) is equipped with a control unit (42) connected to at least one sensor element (43), The apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 4.

12. The liquid flow guided within the pipe element (12) is filtered by filter units (14, 14a) located within the pipe element (12) to separate particles from the liquid flow. A cleaning rotor (16, 16a) is positioned in the filter unit (14, 14a) and is rotatable about a rotation axis (D) positioned in the direction of the liquid flow (S). The cleaning rotor (16, 16a) is held in the direction of the flow of the driving torque force within the pipe element (12) by a locking unit (17, 17a) positioned in a locked state. The locking units (17, 17a) are moved from the locked state to a released state, which releases the cleaning rotors (16, 16a) and starts the cleaning process. The cleaning rotors (16, 16a) are rotated by a drive unit (18) which includes a hydraulic or electric drive unit (19) that generates the driving torque and a transmission structure (20) that transmits the driving torque to the cleaning rotors (16, 16a) in order to remove particles separated from the liquid flow. A method for operating a device that filters a liquid stream.

13. The cleaning process is controlled periodically and / or as a function of a predetermined threshold and / or according to a specified period and / or a specified time interval. The method according to 12, characterized by the features described above.

14. The pressure of the liquid flow detected by at least one sensor element (43) located upstream and / or downstream of the filter unit (14, 14a) is set as the threshold value, The method according to 12 or 13, characterized by the features described herein.

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