Screen intake

Abstract

An intake screen assembly having a dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure mounted above a central intake structure. The dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure is configured such that the inner portion closely conforms to a major flow velocity isosurface without the need for additional internal flow control structures or flow modifiers to achieve a desired flow velocity at any point on the screen face. The central intake structure may define an upper flange surface to which the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure is operatively connected. The dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure may be mounted to the periphery of the central intake structure at a location spaced from the intake opening. The dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure may include a plurality of arc-shaped or flat filtration screen panels. An air burst system may be attached to the central intake structure to backwash the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is directed to a screen intake for filtering incoming water from a water source. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a dome-shaped or dome-like shaped screen intake that defines an interior volume that closely mimics the key flow velocity isosurface in the intake pipe.

[0002] Priority claims This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 227,851, entitled "Screen Intake," filed July 30, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Water collection systems are typically used to supply water to end users, such as manufacturing plants, cities, irrigation systems, and power generation facilities, located adjacent to bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and saline bodies. These end users can employ this type of system instead of drilling a well or purchasing water directly from a municipal water source. Furthermore, the use of these systems may be dictated by the end user's location, e.g., remote areas where water from a municipal water source and / or electricity to operate pumps are not readily available. These water collection systems are advantageous in that they can operate efficiently and economically, with the ability to adapt to a variety of water and environmental conditions.

[0004] Conventional water collection systems typically use an intake pipe adapted to transport water from a submerged location in a body of water to end users adjacent or proximate to the body of water. The intake pipe is generally submerged in the body of water, and the end of the intake pipe is usually connected to an intake screen assembly, which forms one or more filtering elements. One common intake screen configuration is a T-shaped configuration with two filtering screens at opposite ends. A typical configuration for large intake screen assemblies is a flanged T-section with two screen cylinders cantilevered from opposite ends of the T-section, with a rigid closure, such as a flat, conical, or dished closure, at the distal end of each screen cylinder. These closures may be removable or may include an access portal within their design. The individual components of the assembly are typically welded together.

[0005] Regardless of the specific configuration, screen intakes generally prevent a certain size of surface debris from entering the intake pipe. At the same time, screen intakes must be designed to protect aquatic life while filtering debris along the length of the intake screen face. This requires that the flow velocity through the screen be kept below a maximum peak level. This maximum peak level may be approximately 0.5 feet per second, or other limits dictated by local requirements and specifications. One method for controlling the flow velocity at the screen face is to use flow modifiers within the screen intake. For example, Johnson Screens brand screen intakes use flow modifiers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,051,131 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012 / 0298572, to improve flow uniformity across the filtration screen, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0006] While internal flow modifiers can provide uniform flow rates through a filter screen, their design can be complex and add significant cost to the screen intake. Therefore, it would be useful to improve the design of the screen intake to achieve the goal of uniform flow rates through the filter screen without the need for internal flow controls or modifiers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] As disclosed herein, a water intake screen assembly according to the present invention can include a dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure mounted above a central water intake structure. Generally, various disclosed embodiments of the dome-shaped or dome-like water intake screen assembly can be configured so that the interior volume of the dome-shaped or dome-like water intake screen assembly fits snugly over the primary flow velocity isosurface, such that no additional internal flow control or flow modification structures are required to achieve a desired flow velocity at any point on the screen face. In some embodiments, the central water intake structure can form an upper flange surface to which the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure is operably coupled. In these embodiments, the upper flange surface can generally form a flange perimeter that surrounds the central inlet of the central water intake structure, where the flange perimeter forms a 360° perimeter. In an alternative embodiment, the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure can be attached to the perimeter of the central water intake structure at a location spaced from the water intake. The dome-shaped or dome-shaped upper screen structure is generally formed from a plurality of filtration screen panels. The filtration screen panels may comprise arcuate filtration screens or may comprise multiple planar screen panels combined to form a dome-shaped or dome-like portion of a polyhedron, such as a geodesic dome formed from triangular screen panels or a dodecahedral dome formed from pentagonal screen panels. The dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure may form a hemispherical upper screen structure. The dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure may form a dome perimeter formed between opposing sides of the dome-shaped upper screen structure and the uppermost point of the dome-shaped upper screen structure. The dome perimeter may be greater than 180° but less than 360°, resembling a partial toroidal shape. The dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure may have a dome perimeter formed between opposing sides of the dome-shaped upper screen structure and the uppermost point of the dome-shaped upper screen structure that is less than 180°.The screen assembly may include a circular backwash duct attached to the lower flange face of the central intake structure, or may include a circular backwash duct attached directly to or integrated as part of the central intake structure, the circular backwash duct substantially surrounding the periphery defined by the central inlet of the central intake structure.

[0008] As disclosed herein, a screen intake assembly according to the present invention has a flow velocity through the screen surface that does not exceed a desired limit at any point across the screen surface, even without additional internal flow control or flow conditioners. The screen intake assembly includes a dome-shaped or dome-like screen structure attached to a central intake structure. The internal volume can be selected and configured so that the primary flow velocity isosurface formed around the central opening of the central intake structure is closely mimicked and contained within the internal volume. Generally, in the absence of additional internal flow or flow conditioners, the primary flow velocity isosurface forms a non-deployable shape extending from the central opening. In some embodiments, the screen radius measured from the center point of the central opening to any point on the screen surface is approximately equal. The dome-shaped or dome-like screen structure generally includes multiple filtration screens, which have a deployable shape, such as flat or arc-shaped filtration screens. The multiple filtration screens can be held between a frame structure connected to the central intake structure. The central intake structure includes an intake pipe that delivers filtered water to a point of use. The intake pipe may have a pipe diameter equal to the central opening or may vary in diameter to be smaller than the central opening. A circular backwash duct may be operatively incorporated below the central opening whereby a plurality of air burst openings direct pressurized air into the dome-shaped or dome-like shaped screen structure to backwash and remove debris that may accumulate on the dome-shaped or dome-like screen structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the screen intake assembly of the present invention includes an upper dome-shaped or dome-like screen structure having a hemispherical or nearly hemispherical shape, and in some of these embodiments, the radius measured from the center point of the central opening is approximately the same regardless of where the radius is measured on the upper dome-shaped or dome-like screen structure.

[0010] In some embodiments, the screen intake assembly of the present invention includes an upper dome-shaped or dome-like screen structure having a geodesic shape, such as, for example, a polyhedron formed from triangular screen panels or a dodecahedron formed from pentagonal screen panels.

[0011] In some embodiments, the screen intake assembly of the present invention includes a dome perimeter formed between opposing sides of a dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure and a top of the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure, the dome perimeter being greater than 180° and less than 360°.

[0012] In some embodiments, the screen intake assembly of the present invention includes an upper dome-shaped or dome-like structure that defines a dome perimeter formed between opposing sides of the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure and a top point of the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure that is less than 180°.

[0013] In another aspect, the invention includes a method of managing flow velocity across a screen face of a water intake screen assembly by attaching a dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure to a central intake structure. Generally, the method may include configuring the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure so that an interior region of the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure encompasses a major flow velocity isosurface formed by fluid entering a central opening of the central intake structure. In some embodiments, the center point of the central opening on the central intake structure is approximately equidistant to any portion of the screen face formed on the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the present invention comprises a method for backwashing a dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure of a water intake screen assembly by connecting an air burst system to a central intake structure below the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure. In some embodiments, the air burst system can be attached to a bottom flange face of an upper connecting flange to which the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure is attached. Alternatively, the air burst system can be attached directly to or integrated into the central intake structure. The method further comprises supplying pressurized air to the air burst system and flowing the pressurized air through a plurality of air burst openings in fluid contact with an interior portion of the dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure.

[0015] As used throughout this disclosure, the term "key flow velocity isosurface" is defined as the outer boundary of the high velocity flow region that the screen face must exceed (fully encompass) to maintain the flow velocity through the slot at all points in an upper dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure below a predetermined limit. As an example, many jurisdictions and regulatory agencies require that the through-slot flow velocity of an intake screen not exceed 0.5 feet per second to protect aquatic life.

[0016] As used throughout this disclosure, the term "non-developable surface" refers to a surface that has a double curvature, for example along both the x and y axes of the screen surface, or that cannot be flattened along a plane.

[0017] As used throughout this disclosure, the term "developable surface" refers to a surface that can be flattened along a plane defined by the x- and y-axes of the screen surface. As used throughout this disclosure, the term "developable surface" can be used in reference to both a flat screen surface or a screen surface that is arc-shaped along a single axis and can be flattened (e.g., elliptical).

[0018] As used throughout this disclosure, the term "dome-shaped or dome-like" refers to a shape that constitutes a portion of a sphere, e.g., a hemisphere or an arc shape having an arc of less than or greater than 180 degrees. "Dome-shaped or dome-like" also refers to a shape that attempts to mimic a sphere, e.g., a geodesic shape. "Dome-shaped or dome-like" can further include shapes that have spherical portions, such as, for example, a toroidal shape.

[0019] The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every embodiment of the subject matter of this specification. The figures and detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] The subject matter herein can be more fully understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1a] FIG. 1a is a side view showing the isosurfaces of the main flow velocities for an intake pipe without any screening components. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b is a partially hidden cross-sectional view of a prior art water intake screen assembly. [Figure 1c] FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional view of the intake screen assembly of FIG. 1b showing isosurfaces of the main flow velocities. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a water intake screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of the intake screen assembly of FIG. 2 showing isosurfaces of the main flow velocities. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective front view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of a frame assembly attached to a central intake structure used in constructing the intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of the frame assembly of FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view of an arcuate filtration screen captured between portions of the frame assembly of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an internal side view of the arcuate filtration screen of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exterior side view of the arcuate filtration screen of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exterior perspective view of an arcuate filtration screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the interior of the arcuate filtration screen of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of the arcuate filtration screen of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a central water intake structure according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top view of the central intake structure of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a front view of the central water intake structure of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the central intake structure of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the central intake structure of FIG. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of an arcuate screen filter captured by a frame assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 21 is a side perspective view of an arcuate filtration screen captured by the frame assembly of FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a side perspective view illustrating the screen radii of an arcuate filtration screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of a water intake screen assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a top view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a side view of a central water intake structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the central intake structure of FIG. [Figure 27] 27 is a bottom perspective view of the central intake structure of FIG. 25. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a side view of a central water intake structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the central intake structure of FIG. [Figure 30] 30 is a bottom perspective view of the central intake structure of FIG. 28. FIG. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a side view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. 2 having an air burst assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] 32 is a bottom perspective view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. 31. FIG. [Figure 33] 33 is a bottom view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. 31. FIG. [Figure 34] 34 is a top view of a central intake structure for use with the air burst assembly of FIG. 31. FIG. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a bottom perspective view of the intake screen assembly of FIG. 31 with the bottom duct wall removed to reveal the interior of the air burst assembly. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a side view of a water intake screen assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a front view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a perspective rear view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a perspective top view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a top view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a side view of a water intake screen assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a top view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 44] 44 is a partially hidden perspective view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. 41. FIG. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a rear view of a water intake screen assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a side view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a bottom view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is a partially hidden perspective view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is a rear view of a water intake screen assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 53]FIG. 53 is a side view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 is a top view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 55] FIG. 55 is a bottom view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 56] FIG. 56 is a partially hidden perspective view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 57] FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 58] FIG. 58 is a front view of a water intake screen assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 59] FIG. 59 is a top perspective view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 60] FIG. 60 is a bottom perspective view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 61] FIG. 61 is a partially hidden perspective view of the water intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 62] 62 is a side view of the central intake structure of the intake screen assembly of FIG. 58. FIG. [Figure 63] FIG. 63 is a side view of one embodiment of an intake pipe for use with the intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 64] FIG. 64 is a top perspective view of the intake pipe of FIG. 63. [Figure 65] FIG. 65 is a side view of one embodiment of an intake pipe for use with the intake screen assembly of FIG. [Figure 66] FIG. 66 is a top perspective view of the intake pipe of FIG. 65. [Figure 67] FIG. 67 is a side view of a water intake screen assembly having a side access central water intake structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] While various embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, details thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the claims.

[0022] 1a shows an intake pipe 50 positioned within a body of water. Unless otherwise restricted or modified, drawing water into an opening 52 in the intake pipe 50 creates a high-velocity region 54 surrounding the opening 52. Generally, the flow velocity within the high-velocity region 54 increases as the flow approaches the opening. A dominant velocity isosurface 56 bounding the high-velocity region 54 defines the area that the screen surface must completely encompass.

[0023] FIG. 1b illustrates a prior art water intake screen assembly 100. The water intake screen assembly 100 may generally include an intake member or other body, shown in the form of a central flanged T-section 10, one or more closure members, shown as end plates 20a, 20b, a central manifold 102, a lower section 104, one or more screen sections 106a, 106b, and one or more manifold walls 108a, 108b. In an embodiment, the approximate center of the screen intake assembly 100 is shown along axis A. The central manifold 102 extends substantially continuously from axis A to the manifold walls 108a, 108b and is constructed of a material that does not permit the intake or inflow of fluids, such as stainless steel or copper-nickel pipe or tubing. Each of the screen sections 106a, 106b has a corresponding screen length 110a, 110b formed between each of the manifold walls 108a, 108b and the respective end plate 20a, 20b.

[0024] In the water intake screen assembly 100, an internal flow modification assembly 60, such as that described in PCT Publication WO 2019 / 200208, serves to modify the high flow velocity region 54 such that the primary flow velocity iso-surface 56 is modified and substantially penetrates into a lobe 62, as shown in FIG. 1c. While such an internal flow modification assembly 60 can be successfully utilized to maintain the primary flow velocity iso-surface 56 within the interior portion of the water intake screen assembly 100, the manufacture and installation of the internal flow modification assembly 60 can be expensive in both material and labor, and can leave certain void areas 64, which essentially means that the interior portion of the water intake screen assembly 100 is enlarged.

[0025] A water intake screen assembly 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 2, 2a, 3, 4, and 5. Generally, the water intake screen assembly 200 is fabricated from a material suitable for long-term submersion in a body of water. Exemplary materials include metals and metal alloys, such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and copper-nickel alloys, as well as polymeric materials, such as polyvinyl chloride and propylene. As shown, the water intake screen assembly 200 generally comprises a dome- or hemispherical-shaped upper screen structure 202 operably connected to a central intake structure 204. As shown in Figure 2a, the central intake structure 204 is fluidly connected to a pipe or tube assembly that enables the water intake screen assembly 200 to deliver filtered water to a desired location of use (e.g., a shoreline adjacent to the body of water in which the water intake screen assembly 200 is submerged).

[0026] 2a, a dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202 is used to encompass the high flow velocity region 54 without the need for an internal flow modification assembly 60. More specifically, the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure can be sized to just oversize the primary flow velocity iso-surface 56.

[0027] As seen in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, the water intake screen assembly 200 generally includes five arcuate filter screens 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d, and 212e, although it should be understood that the number of arcuate filter screens 212 may vary depending on the desired flow performance and overall size of the water intake screen assembly 200 (as shown in later embodiments). The frame structure 210 generally includes an inner frame 214 and an outer frame 216, as best seen in Figures 6, 7, and 8. With reference to Figures 9, 10, and 11, the inner frame 214 is formed by a plurality of inner frame members 218 having an inner flange end 220 and an inner hub end 222. The inner hub end 222 may include an inner angled end face 224. The outer frame 216 is formed by a plurality of outer frame members 226 having an outer flange end 228 and an outer hub end 230. The outer hub end 230 can include an outer angled end face 232. Generally, the inner frame member 218 and the outer frame member 226 are arranged such that the adjacent inner angled end face 224 and the adjacent outer angled end face 232 form an upper hub 234. The frame structure 210 further includes a plurality of angle members 236 forming a vertical surface 238 and a horizontal surface 240, with the horizontal surface 240 generally including a plurality of angle member openings 242.

[0028] Each arcuate filter screen 212 generally forms an arcuate, approximately triangular shape 250. The arcuate filter screen 212 is originally formed in a flat shape and then "wound" or otherwise processed to form the desired arcuate shape. Generally, each arcuate filter screen 212 has a screen face 252. The screen face 252 is formed by a plurality of spaced wires 254 operably connected to a plurality of support ribs or rods 256. Preferably, the spaced wires 254 may include, for example, Vee-Wire-shaped wire pieces that form an approximately triangular cross-section. Generally, the spacing between adjacent spaced wires 254 defines the filter rating of the arcuate filter screen 212 and determines the size of particulates and debris that will not pass through the screen face 252. In one exemplary embodiment, the support ribs 256 can be spaced apart and parallel to each other, with the spaced apart wires 254 positioned on top of the support ribs 256 so as to lie perpendicular to the support rods 256. The spaced apart wires 254 are connected to the support rods 256, for example, by a suitable welding operation, to form the screen surface 252.

[0029] 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , and 19 , the central water intake structure 204 generally includes an intake pipe 260, an upper connecting flange 262, and a lower connecting flange 264. The intake pipe 260 generally includes a hollow tube 266 extending between a tube inlet 268 and a tube outlet 270. In some embodiments, the hollow tube 266 can include an upper tube section 272 and a lower tube section 274, with the upper tube section 272 having a larger diameter compared to the lower tube section 274. The upper connecting flange 262 is fluidly connected to the hollow tube 266 at or adjacent to the tube inlet 268 such that the central flow opening 276 is substantially fluid-tight with the upper tube section 272, preventing any fluid bypass of the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202. The upper connecting flange 262 generally includes a flange perimeter 278 formed by a plurality of flange sides 280, the number of which corresponds to the number of arcuate filter screens 212 used in constructing the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202. The flange perimeter 278 generally forms a 360° perimeter surrounding the central flow opening 276. Generally, each flange side 280 includes a pair of frame mounting openings 282 and a plurality of screen retention openings 284, and adjacent flange sides 280 meet at side joints 285. Each side joint 285 includes one frame mounting opening 282 and a mounting slot 287. The central water intake structure 204 may further include a plurality of support brackets 286. The support brackets 286 operably connect the hollow tube 266 and the upper connecting flange 262 and may reinforce the water intake screen assembly 200 to provide structural strength. The lower connection flange 264 is operably connected to the hollow tube 266 and generally provides a connection surface 288 for operably connecting the water intake screen assembly 200 with a pipe or conduit that supplies water from the interior of the water intake screen assembly 200 to a point of use.

[0030] Generally, the water intake screen assembly 200 can be assembled by operably connecting the inner frame 214 to the central water intake structure 204, as representatively shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 . Specifically, the inner frame 214 is assembled sequentially by positioning the inner frame members 218 so that the inner flange ends 220 are positioned adjacent to the corresponding side joints 285. It should be understood that, although not shown, the upper connection flange 262 can include second mounting slots located inside each mounting slot 287, into which the inner flange ends 220 can be inserted and held during assembly. With the inner flange ends 220 positioned at the side joints 285, the inner hub ends 222 can be brought adjacent to form the upper hub 234. At this point, the inner hub ends 222 can be welded together and the inner flange ends 220 can be welded to the upper connection flange 262 to securely connect the inner frame 214 to the central water intake structure 204.

[0031] Once the central intake structure 214 is assembled and connected to the central intake structure 204, the arcuate filtration screens 212 can be positioned between adjacent inner frame members 218. Generally, the arcuate filtration screens are positioned such that the screen faces 252 face outward from the central intake structure 204.

[0032] The arcuate filter screen 212 is held in place by assembling the outer frame 216 and capturing the arcuate filter screen 212 between the inner frame 214 and the outer frame 216. Generally, the outer frame members 226 are positioned so that the outer flange ends 228 are held in corresponding mounting slots 287 at each side joint 285, and the outer hub ends 230 are adjacent and in contact with each other, completing the formation of the upper hub 234. A flat member 290 can be used to connect each outer flange end 228 to a corresponding frame mounting opening 282 using an appropriate connector. An angle member 236 can then be positioned along each flange side 280 so that the angle member openings 242 are aligned with the corresponding screen retention openings 284, and the angle member 236 can be connected to the upper connecting flange 262 with the vertical surface 238 positioned to hold the lower edge 253 of the arcuate screen filter 212. When the outer frame 216 is fully assembled, the arcuate screen filter 212 is retainably captured between the inner frame 214 and the outer frame 216. Although not part of the normal assembly process, the process of retaining the arcuate screen filter 212 by the outer frame 216 provides an opportunity to replace a damaged or worn arcuate screen filter 212 by disconnecting the two or more outer frame members 226 and repeating the assembly process of the outer frame 216 with a new arcuate screen filter 212.

[0033] Once assembled, the water intake screen assembly 200 is transported to the desired body of water, submerged, and attached to a pipe or tube assembly for transporting filtered water to a point of use. Generally, water enters the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202 by passing through the screen face 252, thereby preventing particles and debris larger than the spacing between adjacent spaced wires 254 from entering the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202. Water passing through the screen face 252 then travels through the central flow opening 276 to the pipe inlet 268 of the water intake pipe 260. The water flows through the hollow pipe 266 and exits through the pipe outlet 270. From there, the water flows through the pipe or pipe or tube assembly to a point of use.

[0034] The dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202 offers dimensional advantages that eliminate the need for complex and expensive internal flow conditioning assemblies often required with conventional screen intakes. As seen in FIG. 22, the screen radius 300 from the center point 302 of the pipe inlet 268 is generally constant at every point on each arcuate screen filter 212. Thus, the pressure drop and flow velocity through the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202 are approximately equal along the screen face 252 of each arcuate screen filter 212. This design is particularly advantageous for installations where the flow velocity through each screen filter 212 is limited to no more than a predetermined velocity (e.g., 0.5 ft / s, as commonly prescribed to prevent trapping or harming aquatic life).

[0035] As previously mentioned, the water intake screen assembly of the present invention can have any number of arcuate filter screens and upper connecting flange sides. For example, Figures 23 and 24 show one embodiment of a water intake screen assembly 350 having six arcuate filter screens 212 and six flange sides 280. The assembly process is otherwise the same as that previously described for the water intake screen assembly 200. Similarly, water intake screen assemblies having dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structures can easily be made to have four, eight, nine, ten, or more arcuate filter screens and flange sides, based on the desired filtration performance and user preference.

[0036] In some embodiments, the central intake structure 204 can include other configurations for connecting the central flow opening 276 to the intake pipe 260. With reference to FIGS. 25, 26, and 27, another embodiment of the intake pipe 360 ​​can include a hollow pipe 362 having a single common diameter from the pipe inlet 364 to the pipe outlet 366, such that the diameter of the central flow opening 276 is equal to the diameter of the intake pipe 360. With reference to FIGS. 28, 29, and 30, another alternative embodiment of the intake pipe 370 can include a hollow pipe 372 having a tapered conical section 374 such that the diameter of the central flow opening 276 is larger than the diameter at the pipe outlet 378, with the tapered conical section 374 seamlessly interconnecting the two different diameters. Generally, the configuration of the intake pipe and its connection to the central flow opening 276 can be tailored to provide desired flow characteristics.

[0037] As previously mentioned, the dimensional advantages provided by the use of a dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202 allow for substantially equal flow velocities due to the lack of pressure drop differences, thus eliminating the need for expensive internal flow conditioners or structures other than those that manage the flow characteristics within the water intake screen assembly 200. As such, it would be an additional benefit to have an air burst system 400 that can be used with the water intake screen assembly 200. The water intake screen assembly 200 would similarly be advantageous because it lacks structures within the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202 that could adversely affect the flow characteristics or add additional cost and complexity. Referring now to Figures 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35, the air burst system 400 may be operably coupled to the bottom flange surface 402 of the upper connecting flange 262. Generally, the air burst system 400 can include a circular backwash duct 404 formed by a bottom flange surface 402, a pair of side walls 406 a, 406 b, and a bottom duct wall 408, where the circular backwash duct 404 is disposed to surround the water intake pipe 260 and the central flow opening 276. The bottom duct wall 408 can include an air burst injection pipe 410 that forms an air inlet 412. The bottom flange surface 402 includes a plurality of air burst openings 414 that extend through the upper connecting flange 262, the air burst openings 414 disposed around the central flow opening 276 to communicate with the circular backwash duct 404.

[0038] Generally, the air burst system 400 can introduce pressurized air into the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202. As a result, particulates or debris trapped on the screen face 252 of the arc-shaped filtration screen 212 can be removed by directing the air in a direction opposite to the normal water flow past the screen face 252. Generally, the pressurized air can be supplied from a remote compressor and through a pipe or piping system connected to an air burst injection pipe 410. The pressurized air enters the circular backwash duct 404 and is directed through the air burst opening 414 so that the pressurized air travels into the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202 and through the screen face 252 of the arc-shaped filtration screen 212. This blows the trapped particles or debris away from the screen face 252. To ensure that the air passes through the air burst openings 414 and is therefore evenly distributed within the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202, the cross section of the circular backwash duct 404 may vary to have a smaller cross section at an opposing duct location 416 opposite the air burst injection tube 410. The cross section may be reduced by tapering one or both of the wall height 418 and the duct width 420 as the circular backwash duct 404 transitions between the air burst injection tube 410 and the opposing duct location 416.

[0039] Although the air burst system 400 is shown in Figures 31, 32, 33, and 35 as being defined by a bottom flange surface 402, a pair of side walls 406a, 406b, and a bottom duct wall 408, it should be understood that the cross-sectional appearance of the circular backwash duct 404 can take on a variety of configurations (shapes) while still providing beneficial backwashing of the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202. For example, the circular backwash duct 404 can have an arc-shaped or hemispherical cross-section, such as a section of a pipe or tube. Alternatively, the circular backwash duct 404 can have a cross-section formed by multiple faces or surfaces such that the cross-section resembles a triangle or a portion of a hexagon, octagon, or the like. As yet another alternative, a single large air chamber may surround the intake pipe 260 and central flow opening 276, such that the air chamber has a diameter that extends beyond the air burst openings 414, or may include multiple ducts extending from the air chamber to individual air burst openings 414. Regardless of the particular configuration of the air burst system 400, a defining feature is that no portion of the air burst system 400 is physically located within the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202, but instead is attached to the bottom flange surface 402. In this manner, the air burst system 400 does not affect the flow characteristics of the intake screen assembly 200 during normal operation.

[0040] 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40, another embodiment of the water intake screen assembly 200 may comprise a water intake screen assembly 500 having a dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 502 operably connected to a central water intake structure 503. The dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 502 is formed by a plurality of arcuate filter screens 504 having a generally pointed elliptical or mandorla-shaped periphery 506. Generally, each arcuate filter screen 504 has a frame 508 formed by a pair of pointed ends 510a, 510b and a pair of arcuate sides 512a, 512b that form the periphery 506. Generally, each arcuate filter screen 504 includes a screen surface 514 between the arcuate sides 512a and 512b. Generally, the screen surface 514 can comprise a plurality of support rods attached between the arcuate sides 512a, 512b, to which a plurality of parallel wires, such as Vee-wire, are attached to form slots through which water can flow and which prevent particulates and debris from passing through.

[0041] The central intake structure 503 may be substantially similar to the central intake structure 204, except that the flange perimeter 520 generally comprises an arcuate or rounded perimeter shape, as opposed to forming individual flange sides 280. Generally, the arcuate or rounded perimeter shape 520 requires appropriate connection of the appropriate arcuate sides 512 a, 512 b of the arcuate filter screens 504 at each end of the dome-shaped or hemispherical screen structure 502. The flange perimeter 520 is similar to the flange perimeter 278 in that a 360° perimeter is still formed around the central flow opening 276. With the end filter screens 504 operably connected to the upper connecting flange 262 by welding or using conventional fasteners, the remaining filter screens 504 can be placed in their appropriate positions and similarly connected at the arcuate sides 512 a, 512 b between adjacent filter screens 504 to form the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 502. Once assembled, the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 502 functions in a similar manner and provides similar benefits as those described above with respect to the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202, including the use of the air burst system 400. While the individual arcuate filtration screens 504 have been described as each having an individual frame 508, it should be understood that the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 502 may be constructed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202. For example, it may be constructed using a frame structure including inner and outer frames that cooperatively hold the individual filtration screens. Similarly, the hemispherical upper screen structure 202 may be constructed using a frame structure similar to that utilized in the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 502, thereby avoiding the need for separate inner and outer frames 214 and 216. Here, each frame structure is simply attached to the upper connecting flange 262 by welding or using suitable fasteners.

[0042] 41, 42, 43, and 44, another embodiment of the water intake screen assembly 200 may comprise a water intake screen assembly 600 having a dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 602 operably connected to a central water intake structure 603. The dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 602 may generally form a hemispherical polyhedron, e.g., a geodesic dome 604, which may be formed by a plurality of individual filtration screens 606 having a triangular frame 608. In an alternative embodiment, the hemispherical polyhedron may comprise a dodecahedral dome formed by individual filtration screens having a pentagonal frame. Each polygonal or triangular frame 608 includes a plurality of side members 610. Each filtration screen 606 may define a screen face 612 formed by attaching a plurality of parallel wires, such as Vee Wire, to a plurality of support rods extending between the side members 610. The individual filtration screens 606 are operatively connected with adjacent side members 610 joined to form the geodesic dome 604 .

[0043] The central intake structure 603 may be substantially similar to the central intake structure 503, forming an arcuate or rounded perimeter shape 620 to which a geodesic dome 604 is attached. The geodesic dome 604 is connected to the upper connection flange 262 by welding or using conventional fasteners, connecting the bottom side member 610 to the upper connection flange 262. Once assembled, the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 602 functions in a manner and provides similar benefits as those previously described with respect to the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structures 202 and 502, including the use of the air bursting system 400. While the individual arcuate filtration screens 606 have been described as each including an individual frame 608, it should be understood that the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 602 may be constructed in a manner similar to that previously described with respect to the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure 202. For example, it may be constructed using a frame structure including inner and outer frames that cooperatively hold the individual filtration screens.

[0044] Other variations on the water intake screen assembly 200 may include the water intake screen assembly 700 shown in Figures 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, and 51, or the water intake screen assembly 800 shown in Figures 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, and 57. Generally, the water intake screen assemblies 700 and 800 each include a dome-shaped upper screen structure, where the perimeter, as measured from top to bottom, of the dome-shaped upper screen structure extends over a 180° hemisphere. More specifically, the perimeter from top to bottom of the dome-shaped upper screen structure generally is greater than 180° and less than 360°.

[0045] 45-51 , the water intake screen assembly 700 generally comprises a dome-shaped upper screen structure 702 operably connected to a central water intake structure 704. The dome-shaped upper screen structure 702 is generally formed by a plurality of arcuate filtration screens 706 having a truncated elliptical periphery 708. The truncated elliptical periphery 708 is formed by a frame 710 having a pair of arcuate sides 712 a, 712 b, a pointed end 714, and a truncated end 716. Each arcuate filtration screen 706 generally includes a screen surface 718 formed by attaching a plurality of parallel wires, such as Vee Wire, to a plurality of support rods. Slots are thus formed between adjacent portions of the parallel wires, allowing water to flow through the slots from the outside of the dome-shaped upper screen structure 702, thereby preventing the passage of particulates and debris larger than the width of the slots and allowing water to enter the dome-shaped upper screen structure 702.

[0046] The central intake structure 704 may be substantially similar to the central intake structure 204, including an upper connecting flange 720 to which the dome-shaped upper screen structure 702 is operably mounted. The upper connecting flange 720 includes a flange perimeter 722. The flange perimeter 722 may have an arcuate or rounded perimeter shape, or may be formed by multiple flange sides. Generally, the size and shape of the flange perimeter 722 are such that the truncated end 716 of each arcuate filter screen 706 can be attached to the upper connecting flange 720. The truncated end 716 of each arcuate filter screen 706 is connected to the upper connecting flange 720 by welding or using conventional fasteners. Adjacent arcuate filter screens 706 are then operably connected using adjacent arcuate sides 712 a, 712 b, with the pointed ends 714 of each arcuate filter screen 706 positioned adjacent to each other to form the uppermost point 724 of the dome-shaped upper screen structure 702. Once assembled, the dome-shaped upper screen structure 702 functions in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structure, including the use of the air burst system 400. While the individual arcuate filtration screens 706 have been described as each having an individual frame 710, it should be understood that the dome-shaped upper screen structure 702 may be constructed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the dome-shaped upper screen structure 202, such as by use of a frame structure including inner and outer frames that cooperatively hold the individual filtration screens.

[0047] The water intake screen assembly 700 generally differs from previously described water intake screen assemblies in that the dome-shaped upper screen structure has a dome perimeter 726. That is, the dome perimeter 726 is formed from opposing sides 728a, 728b and measures more than 180° but less than 360° through the uppermost point 724. One advantage of the dome perimeter 726 is that it allows the screen radius to be reduced while maintaining the same screen surface area 730, compared to similarly formed embodiments with a dome perimeter of 180° or less. As such, this can be advantageous in that a desired amount of screen surface area 730 can be provided in locations with physical space and other operational limitations that would prevent the desired screen surface area from being achieved using a dome-shaped upper screen structure with a dome perimeter 726 of 180° or less. In other words, the dome-shaped upper screen structure 702 provides a larger screen area 730 than another dome-shaped upper screen structure sharing the same radius but having a dome perimeter 726 of 180° or less.

[0048] 52-57, the water intake screen assembly 800 provides similar benefits as those previously described with respect to the water intake screen assembly 700. However, the water intake screen assembly 800 differs in that the dome-shaped upper screen structure 802 is comprised of flat screen panels joined to form a polyhedron shape, e.g., a dodecahedron shape 804, formed by a plurality of pentagonal screen panels 806. Generally, each pentagonal screen panel 806 is formed by a shaped frame 808 having a plurality of sides 810. Each pentagonal screen panel 806 includes a screen face 811 generally formed by a plurality of parallel wires, such as Vee Wire, attached to a plurality of support rods. In this manner, slots are formed between adjacent portions of the parallel wires, allowing water to flow through the slots from the outside of the dome-shaped upper screen structure 802 while particles and debris larger than the slot width are prevented from passing through and flow into the dome-shaped upper screen structure 802.

[0049] Similar to the previously described embodiments, the dome-shaped upper screen structure 802 may be connected to a central intake structure 812, which may be substantially similar to the previously described central intake structures 204 and 704. The central intake structure 812 may include an upper connecting flange 814 having a flange perimeter 816 that may have an arcuate or rounded perimeter shape, or alternatively, may be formed by multiple flange sides. Generally, the size and shape of the flange perimeter 816 is adapted to accommodate attachment of the bottom side 810 of the bottom pentagonal screen panel 806. The geodesic shape 804 is formed by operably connecting adjacent sides 810 of adjacent pentagonal screen panels 806. Connection of the sides 810 to each other or to the upper connecting flange 814 may be achieved via welding or using conventional fasteners. Once assembled, the dome-shaped upper screen structure 802 functions similarly to that described with respect to the previously described dome-shaped or hemispherical upper screen structures, including the use of the air bursting system 400. While the individual pentagonal screen panels 806 have been described as each having an individual shaped frame 808, it should be understood that the dome-shaped upper screen structure 802 may be constructed in a manner similar to that previously described with respect to the dome-shaped upper screen structure 202, such as by use of a frame structure including inner and outer frames that cooperatively hold the individual filtration screens. The dome-shaped upper screen structure 802 is similar to the dome-shaped upper screen structure 702 in that a dome perimeter 818 is formed between opposing sides 820 a, 820 b that are greater than 180° but less than 360°.

[0050] 58-62, another embodiment of the water intake screen assembly 900 provides similar benefits as those described above, but incorporates a modified design in which the central intake structure 912 is eliminated to reduce overall material costs. Generally, the water intake screen assembly 900 includes a dome-shaped upper screen structure 902 comprised of arcuate screen panels 906. The arcuate screen panels 906 are attached between an inner frame 950 and an outer frame 952 and form a partial toroidal shape 904. Generally, each arcuate screen panel 906 includes a screen surface 911 generally formed by attaching a plurality of parallel wires, such as Vee Wire, to a plurality of support rods. Slots are thus formed between adjacent sections of the parallel wires, allowing water to flow through the slots from the outside of the dome-shaped upper screen structure 902 while particles and debris larger than the slot width are prevented from passing through and flowing into the dome-shaped upper screen structure 902.

[0051] The inner frame 950 generally includes a plurality of inner arc supports 954, the number of which corresponds to the number of arcuate screen panels 906. Each inner arc support 954 includes an intermediate cross member 958, an upper cross member 960, and a pair of side members 962a, 962b, each having a lower inner flange 963a, 963b. Each upper cross member 960 can be attached to a side of an inner hub 968, which has a number of sides equal to the number of inner arc supports 954. As shown, the inner hub 968 has a six-sided hexagonal shape. In this manner, the upper portion of the inner frame structure 950 is assembled by connecting the upper cross member 960 on each inner arc support 954 to the corresponding side of the inner hub 968.

[0052] The outer frame 952 generally includes a plurality of outer arcuate supports 970, where the number of outer arcuate supports 970 corresponds to the number of arcuate screen panels 906. Generally, each of the outer arcuate supports 970 includes an upper flange-like portion 972, a lower flange-like portion 974, and an arcuate body 976. The upper portion of the outer frame 952 is assembled by connecting each upper flange-like portion 972 to a corresponding outer hub flange 978 that projects upwardly from an outer hub 982. The number of outer hub flanges 978 equals the number of upper flange-like portions 972. As shown, the outer hub 982 includes six outer hub flanges 978 such that the outer hub has a hexagonal shape. Due to the nature of the partial toroidal shape 904, the outer hub 982 can be fabricated with an outer solid plate, or alternatively, as shown, the outer hub 982 can include a hub screen panel 984 fabricated in a manner similar to the arcuate screen panels 906. The outer hub 982 may further include one or more lifting lugs 986 to facilitate lifting and positioning of the water intake screen 900 .

[0053] Similar to the previously described embodiment, the dome-shaped upper screen structure 902 can be connected to a central intake structure 912. The central intake structure 912 differs from previously described central intake structures, such as central intake structures 204 and 704, because the dome-shaped upper screen structure 902 can be attached to a perimeter mounting assembly 914 that is connected to and surrounds a side wall 916 of an intake pipe 918. The intake pipe 918 can be fabricated such that the intake opening 940 is larger than the intake outlet 942. In this manner, the side wall 916 is angled between the intake opening 940 and the intake outlet 942. Generally, the perimeter mounting assembly 914 can include a lower member 920 and an upper member 922. The lower member 920 is connected near a lower portion 918a of the side wall 916. The upper member 922 is connected to a middle portion 918b that is between the lower portion 918a and the water intake opening 940. The upper member 922 generally includes a plurality of openings 966. Generally, the inner frame 950 can be attached to the upper member 922 by connecting lower inner flanges 963a, 963b on opposite sides of the upper member 922. The outer frame 952 can be connected to the lower member 920 by connecting a lower flange portion 974 to a corresponding mounting flange 919 that protrudes from the lower member 920. Once assembled, the dome-shaped upper screen structure 902 functions similarly to that described above with respect to the dome-shaped or hemispherical-shaped upper screen structures described above.

[0054] Due to the absence of a central intake flange, water intake system 900 includes an air burst system 990 that differs from that described above with respect to air burst system 400. In air burst system 990, an air burst tube 992 is attached to perimeter mounting assembly 914. More specifically, air burst tube 992 is attached through one of lower members 920 so as to be in fluid communication with a mounting assembly interior formed between perimeter mounting assembly 914 and sidewall 916. When desired, a pressurized burst of air can be introduced into perimeter mounting assembly 914 through air burst tube 992, allowing the pressurized burst of air to travel through opening 966 and access an interior portion 996 of dome-shaped upper screen structure 902.

[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 63-66, variations on the intake pipe can be utilized in place of intake pipe 918 to further improve performance in terms of the shape of the primary velocity contour and pressure drop. For example, an intake pipe 1000, as shown in FIGS. 63 and 64, can include an angled sidewall 1002 with an upper lip 1004 at the pipe inlet 1006. As shown, the upper lip 1004 can be formed with multiple surfaces 1008a, 1008b. Alternatively, an intake pipe 1010, as shown in FIGS. 65 and 66, can include an arcuate sidewall 1012 with an arcuate upper lip 1014 at the pipe inlet 1016. By adjusting the shape of the sidewall and upper lip, designers can adjust various flow characteristics at the pipe inlets 1006 / 1016 and tailor the shape of the primary velocity contour as desired. While not shown, the upper lip 1004 / 1014 can include multiple openings for use as part of an air burst system.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 67, an alternative embodiment of the water intake screen assembly 1100 may be configured for use in shallow or shallowed areas. Generally, the water intake screen assembly 100 may include a dome- or dome-like shaped upper screen structure 1102 substantially similar to the dome- or hemispherical shaped upper screen structure 202. The water intake screen assembly 1100 differs from previously disclosed embodiments in that it includes a side-access central intake structure 1104, as opposed to the bottom-access versions of the other embodiments. The side-access central intake structure 1104 is equally applicable to any of the disclosed embodiments and, as discussed, may be particularly suitable for shallow or shallowed areas.

[0057] Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that the various features of the embodiments described above can be combined in various ways to create numerous additional embodiments. Furthermore, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations, arrangements, etc. have been described for use in the disclosed embodiments, others than those disclosed may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0058] Those skilled in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter herein may be comprised of fewer features than those shown in the individual embodiments described above. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be an exhaustive listing of ways in which various features of the subject matter herein can be combined. Thus, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, various embodiments may include combinations of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as would be understood by one of skill in the art. Furthermore, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even if not described in such an embodiment, unless otherwise specified.

[0059] Although a dependent claim may refer to a specific combination with one or more other claims in the claims, other embodiments may also include combinations of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim, or combinations of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims, and such combinations are suggested herein unless it is stated that a particular combination is not intended.

[0060] The incorporation by reference of the above documents is limited so that it does not incorporate subject matter that is contrary to the express disclosure of this specification. The incorporation by reference of the above documents is further limited so that any claims contained in the documents are not incorporated herein by reference. The incorporation by reference of the above documents is further limited so that any definitions set forth in the documents are not incorporated herein by reference, unless expressly included herein.

[0061] For purposes of claim interpretation, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) will not be invoked unless the specific terms "means for" or "step for" are recited in the claim.

Claims

1. 1. A water intake screen assembly comprising: a dome-shaped or dome-like upper screen structure and a central intake structure; the upper screen structure approximates a non-deployable screen shape, defines an inner portion, and is formed from a plurality of filtration screens, each of the plurality of filtration screens having a deployable shape and including a screen surface; the central intake structure includes an intake pipe forming a central opening; a dome-shaped or dome-like shaped upper screen structure attached to the central intake structure such that the central opening is within the inner portion; a dominant velocity isosurface is formed by sieved water entering the central opening, the dominant velocity isosurface forming a non-developable shape around the central opening; A water intake screen assembly wherein the inner portion is adapted to just encompass the non-deployable shape.

2. 2. The water intake screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the screen surface of each of the plurality of filter screens comprises an arcuate screen surface.

3. 3. The water intake screen assembly of claim 2, wherein the non-deployable shape of the dome-shaped upper screen structure comprises a hemisphere.

4. 3. The water intake screen assembly of claim 2, wherein the non-deployable shape of the dome-shaped upper screen structure defines a dome perimeter measured between a pair of opposing sides and through the uppermost point of the dome-shaped upper screen structure, the dome perimeter being greater than 180° and less than 360°.

5. 3. The water intake screen assembly of claim 2, wherein the non-deployable shape of the dome-shaped upper screen structure comprises a partial toroidal shape.

6. 10. The water intake screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the screen surface of each of the plurality of filter screens comprises a flat screen surface.

7. 7. The water intake screen assembly of claim 6, wherein the dome-shaped upper screen structure has a polyhedron shape.

8. 10. The water intake screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the central water intake structure includes an upper connecting flange.

9. 9. The water intake screen assembly of claim 8, wherein the dome-shaped upper screen structure further comprises a frame structure, the frame structure being attached to the upper connection flange.

10. 10. The water intake screen assembly of claim 9, wherein the frame structure comprises an inner frame and an outer frame, and the plurality of filtration screens are retainably captured between the inner and outer frames.

11. 11. The water intake screen assembly of claim 10, wherein the inner frame is welded to the upper connecting flange.

12. 12. The water intake screen assembly of claim 11, wherein the outer frame is removably connected to the upper connection flange.

13. 2. The water intake screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the water intake pipe has the same pipe diameter as the central opening.

14. 2. The water intake screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the water intake pipe has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having an upper diameter the same as the central opening, and the lower portion having a lower diameter smaller than the upper diameter.

15. 2. The water intake screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the water intake pipe has a tapered conical portion, the conical portion fluidly coupled to the central opening, the tapered conical portion tapering toward a lower portion of the water intake pipe, the lower portion having a lower diameter smaller than the central opening diameter of the central opening.

16. 2. The water intake screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the water intake pipe has a flared portion that defines a central opening.

17. 10. The water intake screen assembly of claim 1, further comprising an air burst system surrounding the water intake pipe, the air burst system being fluidly connected to an inner portion of the dome-shaped upper screen structure.

18. 18. The water intake screen assembly of claim 17, wherein the air burst system is operably connected to a bottom flange surface of an upper connecting flange on the water intake pipe, the upper connecting flange having a plurality of air burst openings surrounding a central opening, the air burst openings fluidly connecting the air burst system to an inner portion of the hemispherical upper screen structure.

19. 20. The water intake screen assembly of claim 18, wherein the air burst system comprises a circular backwash duct formed by a bottom flange surface, a pair of side walls, and a bottom duct wall, and the air burst injection pipe is fluidly connected to the bottom duct wall or the side duct wall.

20. 20. The water intake screen assembly of claim 19, wherein the circular backwash duct defines a duct cross section that decreases from the air burst injection pipe to an opposing duct location opposite the air burst injection pipe.

21. 20. The water intake screen assembly of claim 19, wherein the duct cross section decreases as the circular backwash duct approaches the opposing duct position by selectively reducing one or both of the wall height and the duct width.

22. 10. The water intake screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the central water intake structure comprises a side access central water intake structure.

23. 1. A method for managing flow velocity across a screen face of a water intake screen assembly, comprising:

1. A method comprising the step of attaching a dome-shaped or dome-like shaped upper screen structure to a central intake structure, wherein an inner portion of the dome-shaped or dome-like shaped upper screen structure is adapted to just encompass a major flow velocity isosurface formed around a central intake opening of the central intake structure.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of attaching the dome-shaped or dome-like shaped upper screen structure further comprises the step of connecting the dome-shaped or dome-like shaped upper screen structure to an upper connecting flange on the central water intake structure.

25. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of attaching the dome-shaped or dome-like shaped upper screen structure further comprises the step of connecting the dome-shaped or dome-like shaped upper screen structure to a side wall of the intake pipe of the central intake structure.

26. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of attaching a dome-shaped or dome-like shaped upper screen structure comprises: attaching the inner frame to the central intake structure; positioning a plurality of screens relative to the interior frame; and attaching an outer frame to the central intake structure such that the plurality of filtration screens are held between the inner and outer frames.

27. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of attaching the dome-shaped or dome-like shaped upper screen structure further comprises welding a plurality of screens together to form the dome-shaped or dome-like shaped upper screen structure.

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