Guided high-pressure media cleaning system for disc filters

Abstract

The rotating disc filter includes a guided high-pressure media cleaning system with an elongated shaft extending along one side of a series of filter discs, or along a portion of one side of the disc filter. The lance guide is configured to receive and support a lance equipped with a series of nozzles. During the high-pressure media cleaning operation, the lance guide and lance move along the shaft from one cleaning position to another. At each cleaning position, the lance protrudes from the lance guide into an open space adjacent to the filter media on the filter discs. As the filter discs rotate, high-pressure cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the filter media from the nozzles of the lance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 528,100, filed on July 21, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present invention relates to a rotating disk filter used for filtering water and wastewater, and more particularly to a system and method for cleaning a filter medium and restoring its capacity using a high - pressure medium cleaning system.

Background Art

[0003] Rotating disk filters of the type described herein are designed to filter wastewater and water (hereinafter collectively referred to as "wastewater"). These filters typically include a drum and a plurality of filter disks or units attached to the drum. Each filter unit contains a medium that filters the wastewater as it passes through the filter unit. When the wastewater passes through the filter unit, suspended matter contained in the wastewater is captured by the medium. To clean or remove the suspended matter from the medium, the rotating disk filter typically includes a backwash system that is used periodically to peel and remove the suspended matter from the medium. In practice, the backwash system is frequently used during the operation of the rotating disk filter. Conventional backwash operations are important and perform valuable functions, but the filter medium can become clogged over time and may lose its ability to efficiently filter the wastewater passing through the filter unit. This is sometimes referred to as long - term media clogging. In many cases, clogging becomes significant after the medium has been used for several months. Additionally, clogging can also occur due to sudden failures in upstream processing processes. In any case, even with frequent and regular backwashing, it is expected that the efficiency of the medium will decrease over time.

[0004] Conventional backwashing operations are known to be supplemented with less frequent media cleaning using a system referred to herein as a high-pressure media cleaning system. Compared to conventional backwashing, high-pressure media cleaning aims to restore the filtration capacity of the media and is usually performed at a lower frequency than conventional backwashing.

[0005] Numerous methods exist to enable disc filters to perform high-pressure cleaning of their filter media. Some methods have achieved some degree of success, while others have proven unreliable and / or ineffective. In any case, high-pressure cleaning systems significantly increase the cost of disc filters. Some markets, such as the aquaculture market, are highly cost-sensitive. However, in aquaculture applications and various other uses, regular high-pressure cleaning of the filter media in disc filters is expected to improve filtration efficiency and media lifespan. Therefore, the challenge is to provide a high-pressure media cleaning system for disc filters that is efficient and effective, yet lower cost than many conventional high-pressure media cleaning systems. [Overview of the project]

[0006] The present invention relates to a disc filter designed to provide an efficient and cost-effective method for high-pressure media cleaning. With this in mind, the disc filter of the present invention is designed to receive and support a handheld lance or wand, which, in operation, is operably connected to a high-pressure pump to deliver and pass a cleaning fluid (e.g., water) into the lance. The disc filter is fitted with one or more lance guides. The lance guides are designed to receive and support the lance and, with the assistance of an operator or service person, guide the lance to the media cleaning position. Once inside the guides, the lance is pushed through the guides until it reaches a predetermined cleaning position. At this position, the high-pressure pump is activated, delivering cleaning fluid into the lance and discharging it from one or more nozzles on the lance. The cleaning fluid discharged from the lance at high pressure collides with the filter medium, removing particulate matter contained in the filter medium. The filter disc supporting the filter medium is rotated while the cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the filter medium. At a selected rotation speed, the entire filter medium on the filter disc can be cleaned.

[0007] In one example, the lance guide is movably mounted on an elongated member extending along one or part of one side of the filter disc and is directly or indirectly supported by the frame structure of the disc filter. During the media cleaning operation, the lance guide moves along the elongated member from one media cleaning position to another. At each media cleaning position, the lance guide is sent to or directed to an open space between two filter discs or an open space adjacent to a filter disc. Once the lance guide is properly positioned, the lance is sent through the lance guide and extends to a position where it cleans the filter media adjacent to the lance. Pressurized cleaning fluid is discharged from the lance through one or more nozzles. The cleaning fluid is directed to the adjacent filter media, and particulate matter is removed from the filter media by impact of the high-pressure cleaning fluid. As the cleaning fluid is sprayed from the lance, the drum of the disc filter rotates, and the adjacent filter media rotates as it passes through the lance, allowing all or substantially all of the filter media to be cleaned. Once the filter medium is cleaned, the lance guide and lance move downward along the elongated member to another cleaning position.

[0008] In another example, the high-pressure cleaning system of the present invention comprises a plurality of spaced-apart guide plates extending adjacent to an elongated member supporting a lance guide. These guide plates are spaced apart, and by spacing, the guide plates form a series of openings or slots between consecutive guide plates. The guide plates are mounted on the disc filter such that the openings or slots coincide with the space between each filter disc. The lance guide is rotatably mounted on the elongated member, and the elongated member is positioned relatively close to the openings or slots, so that the lance guide can be rotated into any of the openings or slots. When this occurs, the lance guide is appropriately aligned with the space between two consecutive filter discs, or at least the space adjacent to the filter discs.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, a rotating disc filter is provided and designed to receive a lance having at least one nozzle for pressurized cleaning of the filter medium of the disc filter. The disc filter is - Rotating drum and, - A drive device that rotates the drum during the media washing operation, - Multiple filter discs mounted on the drum, - A filter disc containing a filter medium for filtering water or wastewater passing through the filter disc, - Lance guide support mounted on the disk filter, -Supported by Lance Guide, - A lance guide including a receiver configured to receive and support the lance in a media washing position.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a rotating disk filter, the rotating disk filter is A rotating drum and Multiple filter discs mounted on the drum, A filter disc containing a filter medium for filtering water or wastewater passing through the filter disc, A drive device that rotates the drum during the media washing operation, A lance support structure attached to a disk filter and positioned on one side thereof, An elongated member extending generally horizontally along at least one side of the disk filter, A lance guide supported by an elongated member, A lance guide including a lateral opening through which an elongated member extends, A lance guide is movable along an elongated member, from one position on the elongated member where the lance guide aligns with an open space adjacent to at least one filter disk, to another position on the elongated member where the lance guide aligns with another open space adjacent to at least one other filter disk. The lance support structure includes an opening that extends through the lance guide and is configured to receive and support the lance during a media cleaning operation.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention includes a method for cleaning the filter medium of a rotating disk filter, the rotating disk filter comprising a rotating drum, a drive device for rotating the drum during a medium cleaning operation, and a plurality of filter disks attached to the drum, the filter disks comprising a filter medium for filtering water or wastewater passing through the filter disks. This method is - Inserting a lance having one or more nozzles into a lance guide supported on an elongated member mounted on a disc filter, - Moving the lance relative to the lance guide to a position where the lance extends from the lance guide into the space between two adjacent filter disks or into the space adjacent to one filter disk. - A pressurized cleaning fluid is supplied from a fluid source into the lance, and the cleaning fluid is supplied from one or more nozzles on the lance onto the filter medium of at least one filter disc positioned adjacent to the lance. - The method includes cleaning the filter media of a filter disc by rotating the drum and causing the filter media of an adjacent filter disc to rotate beyond the lance as the cleaning solution is sprayed from the lance.

[0012] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and self-evident by examining the following description and accompanying drawings which merely illustrate the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rotating disk filter incorporating a high-pressure media cleaning system.

[0014] [Figure 1A]Figure 1A shows the rear part of the disk filter and a drive system for rotating the drum of the disk filter.

[0015] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a lance guide forming part of a high-pressure media cleaning system.

[0016] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the lance guide and a lance incorporating a series of nozzles.

[0017] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 4, showing the lance inserted into the lance guide.

[0018] [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a high-pressure media cleaning system incorporated in a disk filter.

[0019] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the portion of the high-pressure media cleaning system shown in Figure 5, surrounded by a circle.

[0020] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view showing a part of a high-pressure media cleaning system in a state where the lance guide is arranged at the media cleaning position and the lance has not been inserted into the lance guide.

[0021] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 8, showing the lance inserted into the lance guide, and both the lance guide and the lance arranged at the media cleaning position.

[0022] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view showing the lance guide and the lance in an elevated position where the lance guide and the lance are movable horizontally from one cleaning position to another cleaning position.

[0023] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a disc filter showing the lance guide and lance in both the cleaning and lifting positions.

[0024] [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic partial plan view showing the position of the lance relative to two adjacent filter discs during the media cleaning operation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Referring further to Figures 1 and 1A, a rotating disk filter is shown and schematically indicated by reference numeral 10. Generally, the disk filter 10 includes a frame structure supporting a rotating drum 12. The drum 12 is fitted with several spaced-apart filter disks 14, each having a filter medium 14A on both sides. As shown in the drawings, the filter disks 14 are spaced axially along the drum 12. The number of filter disks 14 can be varied. Each filter disk 14 includes a filter frame which can be constructed from various materials. In the example shown in the drawings, the filter frame includes a modular plastic frame.

[0026] Near the rear end of the disc filter 10 is a drive system 16 operably connected to the drum 12, which rotates the drum and filter disc 14 during backwashing or high-pressure media washing operations. See Figure 1A. As shown in Figure 1A, the drum motor 16A is mounted on the rear of the disc filter 10 and is used to rotate the drum 12 and the filter disc 16 mounted thereon. Various drive devices can be used to rotate the drum 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the drive system for driving the drum 12 comprises a driven sprocket 16B directly or indirectly connected to the drum 12. A chain 16C is wrapped around the motor 16B and a drive sprocket 16D connected to the sprocket 16B. Thus, when the motor 16A is operated, the sprockets 16B and 16D are driven, causing the drum 12 and the filter disc 14 mounted thereon to rotate.

[0027] The filter medium 14A functions to filter water or wastewater passing through the filter disc 14. The disc filter 10 may operate as either an inside-out disc filter or an outside-in disc filter. When operating as an inside-out disc filter, the water or wastewater to be filtered enters the drum 12, enters the filter disc 14 from the drum, and is discharged through the filter medium 14A. When operating as an outside-in disc filter, the filtration process is essentially reversed. In this case, the water or wastewater to be filtered enters the filter disc via the filter medium formed on the filter disc. The filtered water or wastewater flows from the filter disc into the drum and is discharged from the disc filter. As the water or wastewater to be treated passes through the filter medium 14A, suspended solids within it are captured by the filter medium. Therefore, the filter medium 14A needs to be cleaned periodically. The type of disc filter disclosed herein generally includes a conventional backwashing system. Conventional backwashing systems typically operate at relatively low pressures, generally around 6 to 10 bar. Conventional backwashing systems are frequently used in wastewater filtration processes. In particular, when treating wastewater containing relatively high concentrations of suspended solids, conventional backwashing is often performed daily or even more frequently. However, over time, conventional backwashing processes are typically insufficient to address the clogging that occurs over time. That is, over time, it is not uncommon for disc filters to become clogged over extended periods, resulting in the filter medium losing its ability to effectively and efficiently filter wastewater. Therefore, more powerful cleaning (i.e., high-pressure cleaning) is required to regenerate or restore the filter medium 14A to an optimal or acceptable level. For this reason, the disc filter of the present invention is equipped with a high-pressure medium cleaning system, which is described in more detail below. As used herein, “high pressure” means a pressure higher than the 6 to 10 bar pressures commonly used in conventional disc filter backwashing systems.

[0028] The basic structure and operation of disk filters are well known and understood by those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. However, various features of rotating disk filters are described in U.S. Patent No. 11,000,791 and U.S. Patent No. 11,291,935, and the disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] The high-pressure media cleaning system is mounted on the frame structure of the disc filter 10. As shown in Figure 1, the high-pressure media cleaning system is mounted on one side of the disc filter 10 and extends along one side of the filter disc 14, spaced just outside the filter disc. Throughout this specification, the high-pressure media cleaning system and its components are said to extend along one side of the disc filter 10 or along one side of the filter disc 14. This description does not mean that the high-pressure media cleaning system and its components extend along the entire length of the disc filter 10. Rather, this description means that the high-pressure media cleaning system and its components extend along at least a portion of the length of the disc filter or along one side of multiple filter discs 14. This, of course, means that the high-pressure media cleaning system and its components shown in Figure 5 can be manufactured and used on a disc filter 10 in which each section extends across only a portion of one side of the disc filter 10. In this case, during the high-pressure media cleaning operation, the section will move from one location to another. As described below, the high-pressure media cleaning system includes a lance guide for receiving and holding a lance having one or more nozzles incorporated therein, a lance guide support, and a series of guide plates for properly positioning the lance guide and lance during high-pressure cleaning operation. Details of these structures will be described later.

[0030] Figure 5, also shown in Figure 1, illustrates a lance guide support structure attached to one side of the disk filter 10. In the illustrated embodiment, this support structure includes a lance guide support structure comprising a shaft-shaped elongated member 22. The elongated member 22 extends along at least a portion of one side of the disk filter 10. Furthermore, although the elongated member 22 is spaced outside the filter disk 14, it is positioned close to the filter disk. A series of recesses 22A are formed on the outer surface of the elongated member 22, spaced along the elongated member 22. The significance of the recesses 22A will be described later.

[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the elongated member 22 is fixed to the frame structure of the disk filter and suspended above the disk filter 10 by a series of supports 24 extending from there, the supports 24 engaging with and supporting the elongated member 22. The design of the supports 24 can vary. In one example, the support 24 includes a series of support arms, each generally L-shaped. Each support arm includes a base 24A, a vertical leg 24B, and a gusset 24C that structurally reinforces the support arm 24. The vertical leg 24 has an uppermost end that penetrates a slot formed in the elongated member 22. This creates a secure connection between the vertical leg 24B and the elongated member 22. This connection prevents rotation or movement of the elongated member 22, and the elongated member is effectively suspended by the upper end of the vertical leg 24A. Thus, the support arms 24 and the frame structure of the disk filter 10 support the elongated member or shaft 22 in close proximity to the outer edge of the filter disk 14. In another embodiment, the support portion 24 may have a tubular structure connected between the frame structure of the disk filter 10 and the elongated member 22.

[0032] A lance guide 30 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 22. See Figure 2. As will be described later, the lance guide 30 is movable along the shaft 22 from one media cleaning position to another. Functionally, the lance guide 30 positions the lance 50, and by extension its spray nozzle 50B, in the correct position relative to the media to be cleaned. The lance guide 30 is designed to allow the lance 50 to be easily inserted into the guide. Furthermore, once the lance 50 is inserted into the lance guide 30, the lance guide guides the lance to the media cleaning position and fixes the lance in that cleaning position. The lance 50 and lance guide 30 are designed to prevent the lance from piercing the disc filter 10. In other words, the lance guide 30 and lance 50 are designed so that the lance does not come into contact with the drum of the disc filter 10 or any moving parts of the disc filter 10.

[0033] A closer look at the lance guide 30 reveals a block-like structure. A lateral opening 30A penetrates the lance guide 30. A lateral slot 30A1 protrudes from the bottom of the opening 30A. The slot 30A1 has an open bottom and also opens into the lateral opening 30A. The shaft 22 supporting the lance guide 30 penetrates the lateral opening 30A. The slot 30A1 allows the lance guide 30 to move along the shaft 22 without interference from the support structure extending from the frame structure of the disk filter 10 to the shaft. This will be discussed in more detail later.

[0034] The lance guide 30 is equipped with two index plungers 30B and 30C. The index plunger 30B engages with a shaft 22 that passes through the opening 30A and is configured to effectively lock the lance guide 30 in the set media cleaning position. The index plunger 30C, located on one side of the lance guide 30, engages with the lance 50 when the lance is inserted into the lance guide and is configured to fix the lance within the lance guide.

[0035] A receiver 30D is formed in part of the lance guide 30. The receiver 30D functions to receive and hold the lance 50. The receiver 30D can be designed in various ways. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the receiver 30D has an elongated through-hole extending from one end to the other of the lance guide. A rail slot 30D1 is formed along the bottom of the through-hole. As will be described later, the lance 50 is provided with a rail 50C. See Figure 3. The function of the rail slot 30D1 is to receive the rail 50C of the lance 50.

[0036] As shown in the drawing, the filter discs 14 are spaced apart on the drum 12. Therefore, there is open space between consecutive filter discs 14. In the design of the high-pressure media cleaning system of the present invention, it is required that the lance guide 30 and the lance 50 be aligned in the open space between two consecutive filter discs 14, or in the open space adjacent to at least one filter disc, during the cleaning operation. To facilitate this alignment, the high-pressure media cleaning system is provided with a structure that facilitates and enables the precise positioning of the lance guide 30 and the lance 50 at various cleaning positions along the elongated member 22.

[0037] This structure is shown in Figures 6 to 10. This is also an elongated structure that extends parallel to the elongated member 22. Part of this structure is located below the elongated member 22, as shown in Figure 7. Looking at this structure, it can be seen that it includes a web 46 and an outer flange 44. On the opposite side of the outer flange 44 is a series of guide plates 40. The guide plates 40 extend along the length of the structure and are spaced apart, defining a series of slots or openings 42 between them. When mounted on the disc filter 10, the slots or openings 42 align with the open spaces between each filter disc 14. This typically means that the guide plates 40 align with each filter disc 14. Furthermore, the slots or openings 42 are designed to receive lance guides 30. In other words, as will be described later, the lance guide 30 moves along the elongated member 22 during the media cleaning operation and rotates within each slot or opening 42 so that when the lance 50 is inserted into the receiver 30D of the lance guide, the lance can extend into the open space formed by one or two filter discs 14.

[0038] A process or method for cleaning the filter medium 14A is described below. As described above, the lance guide 30 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 22, but is normally free to move laterally back and forth on the shaft. To begin the high-pressure medium cleaning operation, the lance guide 30 is aligned with one opening or slot 42 between two guide plates 40. Next, the lance guide 30 is rotated into the slot 42. An index plunger 30B is used to engage the shaft 22 with the recess 22A that essentially fixes the lance guide 30 to the shaft. When rotated into the slot 42, the lance guide 30 is surrounded on the opposite side by the two guide plates 40. This also prevents the lance guide 30 from moving substantially laterally on the shaft 22. The lance guide 30 in the slot 42 ensures that the lance guide is properly aligned with the open space between the two filter discs 14, or with the open space adjacent to a single filter disc located at the end of the disc filter 10.

[0039] Next, the lance 50 is inserted into the receiver 30D of the lance guide 30. Once inserted into the receiver 30D, the guide rail 50C of the lance 50 fits into the rail slot 30D1 formed at the bottom of the receiver 30D. Once inserted into the receiver 30D, the lance 50 is pushed through the receiver to the appropriate cleaning position, after which the side index plunger 30C engages with a portion of the lance 50 to fix the lance in the cleaning position.

[0040] The number of nozzles 50B on the lance 50 and their spacing can be changed. In the exemplary designs shown in Figures 3 and 4, multiple pairs of spray nozzles are provided. Each pair of spray nozzles is aligned laterally on the lance and faces in opposite directions. This particular arrangement allows for cleaning of the filter medium on two filter discs. That is, by projecting the lance between the two filter discs, the spray nozzles 50B on one side of the lance will treat the medium on one filter disc, while the spray nozzles on the other side of the lance will treat the medium on the other filter disc. This means that for a filter disc 14 of a particular diameter, the nozzle configuration of the lance can be configured to effectively clean the filter medium on the filter disc. In some cases, the filter medium can be effectively cleaned even while the lance 50 is in only one position within the lance guide 30. In other cases, especially when the filter disc 14 is relatively large, the lance 50 may need to take multiple positions within the lance guide 30 to efficiently clean the entire filter medium on the filter disc. In any case, before initiating the high-pressure media cleaning operation, the side index plunger 30C is used to engage with one of the index notches 50D formed in the guide rail 50C of the lance 50. Once the index plunger 30C is seated in one of the notches 50D, the system is ready to clean the filter media adjacent to the lance 50.

[0041] The lance 50 is connected to a high-pressure pump (not shown), which is connected to a liquid cleaning source. The pump's operation forces cleaning fluid into the lance 50, which is then discharged from a nozzle 50B formed on the lance. As described above, the nozzle 50B is typically directed toward the side of the lance, from which the pressurized cleaning fluid is directly delivered to the adjacent filter medium 14A. Furthermore, the drive system 16 of the disc filter 10 operates, causing the drum 12 and filter disc 14 to rotate. In most cases, the lance extends between the two filter discs 14 and sprays or disperses the high-pressure cleaning fluid outwards onto the rotating filter medium 14A passing through the lance. This process continues until the filter medium 14A is cleaned. In some cases, the coverage area of ​​the lance nozzle 50B may not be sufficient to cover the entire rotating filter medium 14A passing through the lance. In such cases, the lance 50 needs to be repositioned within the lance guide 30 to effectively clean another area of ​​the filter medium. In most cases, it will be sufficient to position the lance in one or two positions within the lance guide 30 to clean the entire filter medium 14A of the filter disc 14 as it rotates through the lance 50. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the high-pressure media cleaning system of the present invention can also be used for cleaning operations in which the lance 50 is positioned in two or more positions within the lance guide 30.

[0042] To move the lance 50 and lance guide 30 to a different cleaning position, rotate the lance guide from the cleaning position (the position where the lance guide extends into the slot 42) to the raised position. See Figures 9 and 10. In the raised position, the portion of the lance guide 30 that aligns with the guide plate 40 is either detached from the guide plate or extends above it. This allows the lance guide 30 and lance 50 to move laterally along the shaft 22 without interference from the guide plate 40. Therefore, to move the lance 50 and lance guide 30 to a different cleaning position, the index plunger 30B can be released from the shaft 22 and the lance guide 30 can be rotated away from the slot 42. Rotating away from the slot 42, the lance guide 30 moves laterally along the shaft 22 to the next cleaning position where the lance guide aligns with another slot 42. Upon reaching this cleaning position, the lance guide 30 rotates to the next slot 42. When set to this cleaning position, the index plunger 30B engages with the recess 22A on the shaft 22, and as a result, the lance guide 30 and the lance 50 are firmly fixed in this cleaning position. At this point, the high-pressure media cleaning process described above continues, and the filter media 14A positioned adjacent to the lance 50 is cleaned as described above.

[0043] In the process of cleaning the filter medium 14A of all filter discs 14, it is found that the lance guide 30 must pass through the vertical legs 24B of the support arms 24 that support the shaft 22. This is achieved by slots 30A1 that define space allowing the top of the vertical legs 24 to pass through as the lance guide 30 moves through each support arm 24.

[0044] The high-pressure cleaning system described and claimed herein offers several advantages. First, it provides a cost-effective solution for preventing prolonged clogging of filter media, particularly in applications where chemical cleaning is unsuitable. Furthermore, the high-pressure cleaning system disclosed herein efficiently cleans the filter media of disc filters while being safe for the operator and cleaning without damaging the filter media.

[0045] The present invention can, of course, be carried out in specific ways other than those described herein without departing from the scope and essential features of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein should be construed as illustrative and not limiting in all embodiments, and all modifications made within the meaning and equivalents of the appended claims are intended to be encompassed therein.

Claims

1. It is a rotating disk filter, A. Rotating drum and B. Multiple filter discs mounted on the drum, C. The filter disc includes a filter medium for filtering water or wastewater passing through the filter disc, D. A drive device for rotating the drum during the media washing operation, E. A lance support structure mounted on the disk filter and positioned on one side thereof, i. An elongated member extending generally horizontally along at least one side portion of the disk filter, ii. A lance guide supported by the elongated member, iii. The lance guide includes a lateral opening through which the elongated member extends, iv. The lance guide is movable along the elongated member from one position on the elongated member where the lance guide aligns with an open space adjacent to at least one filter disk, to another position on the elongated member where the lance guide aligns with another open space adjacent to at least one other filter disk, v. A rotating disk filter comprising a lance support structure including an opening extending through the lance guide and configured to receive and support a lance during the media cleaning operation.

2. The rotating disk filter according to claim 1, wherein the disk filter comprises the lance, the lance being supported within the lance guide and extending therefrom into an open space adjacent to the filter medium of at least one filter disk.

3. The rotary disc filter according to claim 1, wherein the lance guide is rotatably mounted on the elongated member and is rotatable from a media cleaning position to an elevated position, and the lance guide is configured to move along the elongated member from one cleaning position to another.

4. The rotating disk filter according to claim 1, wherein the disk filter comprises a frame structure, and the elongated member is supported by a plurality of supports extending between the frame structure of the disk filter and the elongated member.

5. The rotary disc filter according to claim 1, further comprising a series of guide plates extending along one side of the disc filter adjacent to the elongated member supporting the lance guide, wherein the guide plates are spaced apart to define openings that are substantially aligned with the space between the filter discs, and the openings between the consecutive guide plates allow the lance guide to be aligned with the space between the filter discs during the media cleaning operation.

6. The rotary disc filter according to claim 5, wherein the elongated member supporting the lance guide is positioned adjacent to the guide plate, and during a media washing operation, the lance guide supported on the elongated member protrudes through one of the openings formed by two consecutive guide plates.

7. The rotating disk filter according to claim 4, wherein the lance guide, the elongated member, and the support are configured such that the lance guide moves along the elongated member and any one of the supports can pass through any one of the supports without obstructing the movement of the lance guide.

8. A rotating disc filter designed to receive a lance having at least one nozzle for pressure washing the filter medium of the disc filter, wherein the disc filter is A. Rotating drum and B. A drive device for rotating the drum during the media washing operation, C. Multiple filter discs mounted on the drum, D. The filter disc includes the filter medium for filtering water or wastewater passing through the filter disc, E. A lance guide support mounted on the disk filter and extending along at least one side of the disk filter, F. A lance guide supported on the aforementioned support, G. A rotating disk filter comprising a lance guide including a receiver configured to receive and support the lance in a media cleaning position.

9. The rotary disk filter according to claim 8, wherein the receiver for the lance is provided with an inlet and is configured to engage with and guide the lance as the lance moves through the receiver toward the media washing position.

10. The rotating disk filter according to claim 8, wherein the disk filter comprises the lance, the lance being supported by the lance guide and extending therefrom into an open space adjacent to the filter medium of at least one filter disk.

11. The rotary disk filter according to claim 8, wherein the lance guide support includes an elongated member extending through a lateral opening formed in the lance guide.

12. The rotary disc filter according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of spaced guide plates extending adjacent to the filter disc, wherein the guide plates are generally aligned laterally with the filter disc and define a series of openings formed between the continuous guide plates, and the lance guide protrudes through one of the openings when in the media washing position.

13. The rotary disk filter according to claim 12, wherein the lance guide support includes an elongated member positioned outside the guide plate, and both the guide plate and the elongated member extend adjacent to each other.

14. The rotating disk filter according to claim 8, wherein the disk filter includes a frame structure, the lance guide support includes an elongated member, and the elongated member is supported by one or more supports extending between the frame structure of the disk filter and the elongated member.

15. The rotating disk filter according to claim 14, wherein one or more of the supports protrude into one or more openings of the elongated member supporting the lance guide, thereby suspending the elongated member adjacent to the filter disk.

16. The rotary disk filter according to claim 15, wherein the support includes a support arm that supports both the elongated member and a plurality of guide plates adjacent to the filter disk.

17. The lance guide support includes an elongated member extending through the opening of the lance guide, The lance guide is movable along the elongated member, The lance guide is rotatable even around the elongated member, The disk filter further includes a plurality of spaced guide plates that extend adjacent to the filter disk and define a series of openings between continuous guide plates, The rotary disk filter according to claim 8, wherein the lance guide protrudes through one of the openings between the guide plates when it is in the media cleaning position.

18. The rotary disk filter according to claim 10, wherein the lance includes an elongated guide rail configured to fit into a recess of a guide rail formed within the receiver of the lance guide.

19. A method for cleaning the filter medium of a rotating disk filter, wherein the rotating disk filter comprises a rotating drum, a drive device for rotating the drum during a medium cleaning operation, and a plurality of filter discs attached to the drum, the filter discs containing the filter medium for filtering water or wastewater passing through the filter discs, and the method is i. Inserting a lance having one or more nozzles into a lance guide supported on an elongated member mounted on the disc filter, ii. Moving the lance relative to the lance guide to a position that extends from the lance guide to the space between two adjacent filter disks or to the space adjacent to one filter disk. iii. To supply pressurized cleaning fluid from a fluid source into the lance, and to supply the cleaning fluid from one or more nozzles on the lance onto the filter medium of at least one filter disc positioned adjacent to the lance, iv. A method for cleaning the filter medium of a filter disc by rotating the drum and rotating the filter medium of the adjacent filter disc beyond the lance when the cleaning solution is sprayed from the lance.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the lance guide supports the lance, positioning it approximately midway between two adjacent filter discs, while the cleaning solution is sprayed from at least two opposite nozzles on the lance.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein during the media cleaning operation, the lance guide is moved along the elongated member to position the lance guide at a plurality of media cleaning positions on the elongated member, and at each media cleaning position, the lance guide protrudes through an opening formed by two adjacent guide plates, and the opening is aligned with the space between two filter discs or the space adjacent to one filter disc.

22. Moving the lance guide from one media cleaning position to another media cleaning position is, Rotating the lance guide on the elongated member from a first cleaning position where the lance guide protrudes from a first opening between two guide plates to an elevated position, While in the raised position, move the lance guide along the elongated member, removing one or more guide plates in the process, and The method according to claim 21, comprising rotating the lance guide from the raised position to a second cleaning position in which the lance guide protrudes from a second opening between two adjacent guide plates.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, during the process of moving the lance guide along the elongated member, a support structure supporting the elongated member passes through a slot formed in the lance guide.

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