Filtration configuration and filtration device

Abstract

A filtration arrangement 12 for a filtration device 10 for filtering a liquid 20 is provided. The filtration arrangement 12 includes a filtration vessel 14, a series of filtration elements 16 for removing particles from a liquid 20 passing therethrough, the filtration elements 16 being arranged to move in and out of the filtration vessel 14 along a path 26, and two wheels 18a, 18b in the filtration vessel 14 in sealing engagement with the filtration element 16 on either side, each of the two wheels 18a, 18b being rotatable with respect to the filtration vessel 14 with the movement of the filtration element 16. Additionally, a filtration arrangement 12 is provided that includes a fluid ejection device 36 and a filtration device 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the filtration of liquids. In particular, it provides a filtration configuration with two wheels, a filtration configuration with a fluid injection device, and a filtration device with such a filtration configuration.

Background Art

[0002] One of the major problems in today's world is to provide safe drinking water for humans and animals. Some of the main causes of water pollution are due to untreated sewage, untreated process water from manufacturing, agricultural waste, and effluent. Water needs to be treated before it can be safely consumed.

[0003] One way to provide safe drinking water from contaminated water is to evaporate the contaminated water under vacuum. By changing the phase of water to steam under vacuum, water boils at a low temperature. The drawback of this method is that a lot of energy is required to change the phase of water to steam under vacuum.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a filtration device for filtering particles from a fluid. This filtration device includes a filtration container, at least one filtration element for removing particles from the passing fluid, at least one filtration element that enters the filtration container and is arranged to move along a path from the filtration container, a filtration inlet arranged to transfer a mixture of particles and fluid to at least one filtration element in the filtration container, and a filtration outlet arranged to transfer the fluid filtered by at least one filtration element out of the filtration container. This filtration device is configured to establish a differential pressure across at least one filtration element in the filtration container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of this disclosure is to provide a filtration configuration for a filtration device having improved performance.

[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a filtration configuration for a filtration device that improves the purity of filtered liquids.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a filtration configuration for a filtration device that performs energy-efficient operation.

[0009] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a filtration configuration for a filtration device that reduces friction loss.

[0010] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a filtration configuration for a filtration device with improved airtightness.

[0011] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a filtration configuration for a filtration device that enables more efficient cleaning of the filter cloth.

[0012] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a filtration configuration for a filtration device that solves some or all of the aforementioned objectives.

[0013] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a filtration device having a filtration configuration that solves one, some or all of the aforementioned objects.

[0014] According to a first embodiment, a filtration configuration for a filtration device for filtering liquids is provided. The filtration configuration comprises a filtration container, a continuous filtration element for removing particles from a liquid passing through the inside, the filtration element being arranged along a path to enter and exit the filtration container, and two wheels that seal-engage on both sides of the filtration element inside the filtration container, each of the two wheels being rotatable relative to the filtration container as the filtration element operates.

[0015] The filtration device may include a filtration volume section. The range of the filtration volume section may be defined by the two wheels and the portion of the filtration element currently engaged with the wheels.

[0016] The wheel engages with the filter element in a sealing manner and rotates in conjunction with the filter element's movement, thus eliminating frictional losses between the wheel and the filter element while efficiently sealing the filtration volume within the filter container. Sealing is particularly beneficial when the filtration device is used under negative pressure downstream of the filter element. Without sealing, unfiltered liquid may pass through the filter element, reducing filtration performance. The wheel may also press the filter element against the filter container.

[0017] The filtration configuration allows the tangential velocity of the wheel to be the same as the velocity of the filtration element. Because there is no friction due to the relative motion between the wheel and the filtration element, the energy efficiency of the filtration device is increased. Furthermore, vibrations caused by friction and the resulting leaks can be avoided. Since the wheel rotates together with the filtration element, it can be said that the wheel and filtration element provide a rotatable seal.

[0018] The filtration element may be of any type as described herein. The filtration element may comprise a filter cloth and a carrier supporting the filter cloth. The filter cloth and the carrier may be continuous. The lateral width of the filter cloth and the carrier may be substantially the same or the same. As used herein, the lateral direction is the direction perpendicular to the path. The carrier may be a carrier belt.

[0019] The two wheels may rotate independently or be fixed to each other. The two wheels may have the same shape, dimensions, and / or mass. The two wheels may be spaced apart laterally.

[0020] The filter cloth may include a wire cloth such as a metal wire cloth or an alloy wire cloth having a three-dimensional pore shape. Such a filter cloth can provide substantially constant or constant permeability for filtration after a nominal degree of clogging of the filter cloth. The wire cloth may be woven by intersecting warp wires and weft wires. The warp wires may be formed in at least two different configurations to form first and second types of warp wires. The length of the first type of warp wire may differ from the length of the second type of warp with respect to a certain length unit. Pores may be formed in the gaps between portions of two adjacent warp wires and in the intersections of two adjacent weft wires.

[0021] The filtration configuration may include a motor. The motor may be configured to drive the filtration elements along a path. If the filter cloth is arranged on a continuous carrier, the motor may drive the carrier. The filtration elements may move continuously or intermittently during the operation of the filtration device.

[0022] Throughout this disclosure, the liquid may be water. The filtration vessel may be made of steel. The filtration configuration according to the first embodiment may or may not include the fluid injection device according to the second embodiment. However, the filtration configuration according to the first embodiment may be the same as that according to the second embodiment.

[0023] The two wheels may be movable perpendicular to the filtration vessel. This allows the two wheels to rest on the filtration element. By allowing the wheels to move downward, the filtration element is compressed, improving the seal. The two wheels may be positioned to move vertically downward by gravity. Thus, the greater the weight of the wheels, the better the seal between the filtration element and the filtration volume. Optionally, a biasing device such as a spring can be provided to each wheel to provide additional force to the filtration element. Vertical movement includes any movement that has a vertical component. The wheels may move, for example, purely vertically or in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical.

[0024] Each wheel may comprise at least one seating portion. In this case, the filtration element may be received in the seating portion. Each seating portion may extend along the perimeter of the respective wheel. Optionally, each wheel may have a contorted structure, and the filtration element may be received within the contorted structure. In this way, the filtration configuration comprises a rotatable labyrinth seal. Each such labyrinth seal comprises several seating portions.

[0025] The filtration container may comprise two circular parts. In this case, the two wheels may be pushed into the respective circular parts with the filtration element sandwiched therebetween. Each circular part may have an angular spread of 90 - 180°, for example 120 - 180°.

[0026] The filtration configuration may further comprise at least one fixed wheel sealing member. The fixed wheel sealing member may be arranged to seal between the filtration element and the respective circular part.

[0027] Each fixed wheel sealing member may be received within the respective seating portion. For this purpose, each of the fixed wheel sealing member and the filtration element may be received in either a common seating portion or a respective seating portion.

[0028] At least one fixed wheel sealing member may be made of a plastic material. The plastic material reduces the friction between the filtration element and the one or more fixed wheel sealing members.

[0029] The filtration vessel may have two lateral cavities on the outside of each wheel. The cavities may collect any spillage from the filtration volume section due to scattering. The sealing of the filtration element by the wheels prevents the liquid in the cavities from passing into the area downstream of the filtration element. Thus, the filtration configuration prevents unfiltered liquid from mixing with filtered liquid. The liquid in the cavities may be returned to the filtration volume section at least intermittently, for example, by pumping the liquid out or by injecting liquid into it to establish circulation. This prevents the liquid from remaining in the cavities for extended periods.

[0030] The filtration configuration may further include a fixed cavity sealing member at the bottom of each cavity. Each fixed cavity sealing member may be made from foam material and / or rubber.

[0031] According to a second embodiment, a filtration configuration for a filtration device for filtering liquids is provided. The filtration configuration comprises a filtration element and a continuous filtration element for removing particles from a liquid passing through it, wherein the filtration element is arranged along a path to enter and exit a filtration container, and the filtration element comprises a filter cloth and a carrier supporting the filter cloth, and a fluid injection device configured to provide a changing flow of fluid toward the filter cloth to induce vibration in the filter cloth.

[0032] The fluid flow blows particles away from the filter cloth, for example, by blowing them through the filter cloth. However, changes or fluctuations in the fluid flow also cause vibrations in the filter cloth. Such vibrations also help remove particles from the filter cloth; that is, the vibrations shake the particles off the filter cloth. This makes the cleaning of the filter cloth more efficient. Not only the fluid flow, but also vibrations have a significant impact on cleaning efficiency. For this reason, the filtration configuration according to this embodiment has significantly improved cleaning efficiency compared to using a fluid injection device that supplies a constant fluid flow. Optionally, the fluid injection device may be configured to provide a fluid flow that changes to excite the natural frequency of the filter cloth. This can further improve cleaning efficiency.

[0033] The filtration elements are continuous and therefore form a loop. The filter cloth may surround the carrier; that is, the carrier may be placed inside the filter cloth. The fluid injection device may be configured to provide a fluid flow in an outward direction relative to the loop. Separately or in addition to this, the fluid injection device may be configured to provide a fluid flow vertically downward. This vertical downward direction may be at an angle of 1 to 179 degrees relative to the horizontal.

[0034] The filtration configuration may include multiple rollers to support the filtration element and guide it along the path. The fluid injection device may be positioned so that the filter cloth hangs freely. The filter cloth may be suspended between two rollers with slack. In this way, the allowable vibration of the filter cloth is increased.

[0035] The fluid may be air. The fluid flow may fluctuate and change due to directional fluctuations and / or flow fluctuations. In the case of directional fluctuations, the fluid flow may have a nearly constant or constant flow rate, but the direction of the fluid flow changes. In the case of flow oscillation, the fluid flow may be nearly constant or have a constant flow direction, but the flow rate of the fluid flow changes.

[0036] The filtration configuration according to the second embodiment may or may not include the wheel according to the second embodiment. However, the filtration configuration according to the second embodiment may be the same as that according to the first embodiment.

[0037] The filtration configuration may be configured to separate the filter cloth from the carrier outside the filtration vessel. In this case, the fluid injector may be positioned between the carrier and the filter cloth. In this way, the fluid injector can provide fluid flow while simultaneously supporting the carrier. Furthermore, this allows the fluid injector to be positioned closer to the filter cloth, improving cleanability. In many implementations, no particles are ever "seen" on the carrier, so cleaning is not necessary.

[0038] The fluid injection device may comprise at least one fluid injection tube positioned to swing laterally with respect to the path. In this way, the fluid injection device can provide a changing flow of fluid toward the filter cloth, causing vibrations in the filter cloth. Each fluid injection tube may be flexible and / or suspended with flexibility. The number of swings of one or more fluid injection tubes can be increased by increasing the fluid pressure supplied to the fluid injection device, and vice versa. The fluid injection device may comprise a plurality of fluid injection tubes, for example, at least three fluid injection tubes.

[0039] The fluid injection device may include a pipe guide associated with each fluid injection tube. Each pipe guide may be configured to guide the fluid injection tube laterally.

[0040] The fluid injection device may be configured to provide a changing flow of fluid toward the filter cloth. In addition, in this manner, the fluid injection device can provide a changing flow of fluid toward the filter cloth to cause vibration in the filter cloth.

[0041] The fluid injection device may include at least one carrier support for supporting the carrier. The fluid injection device may further include fluid pipes for supplying fluid to one or more fluid injection pipes. In this case, each carrier support may at least partially surround the fluid pipe. The fluid pipes may extend laterally.

[0042] According to a third aspect, a filtration device for filtering a liquid is provided. This filtration device comprises a filtration configuration according to the first and / or second aspects. The filtration device may be of the type described in international patent application PCT / EP2021 / 068151. The entire contents of this international patent application are incorporated herein by reference. The filtration device may be configured to filter a liquid by controlling the differential pressure of the liquid across the entire filtration element and, in conjunction with the differential pressure, controlling the passage time of the liquid flow through the filter element. By providing a rapid pressure drop across the entire filtration element, all bacteria and parasites in the liquid are killed.

[0043] The filtration system may be used to filter any liquid in which it is desired to reduce the amount of biological material. The water flowing into the filtration element may or may not be pretreated. Examples of pretreatment include pre-washing and pre-heating.

[0044] The filtration device may further include an outlet line downstream of the filtration element, a collection volume section downstream of the outlet line, a liquid outlet device configured to control the liquid flow within the collection volume section of the liquid flowing out of the collection volume section, a gas outlet device configured to control the gas flow out of the collection volume section, and a control system configured to control the differential pressure of the liquid across the entire filtration element and, in conjunction with the differential pressure, control the passage time of the liquid flow through the filter of the filtration element. Controlling the differential pressure and passage time may include the steps of controlling the liquid outlet device to control the liquid flow within the collection volume section and the steps of controlling the gas outlet device to control the gas flow.

[0045] The outlet line may be located downstream of the filtration container, such as between the filtration container and the collection volume section. The collection volume section may be closed off from the atmosphere.

[0046] The filtration system may further include a liquid inlet device positioned upstream of the filtration element, for example, on the inlet line. The liquid inlet device can control the flow of liquid into the filtration element.

[0047] The filtration system may further include an upstream filter. The upstream filter may be positioned between the inlet line and the filtration element or within the inlet line.

[0048] The outlet line may have a geodetic elevation difference of at least 1 meter. The filtration device may be configured to establish a differential pressure by the downstream movement of the liquid in the outlet line. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] Additional details, advantages, and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 schematically shows a side cross-sectional view of a filtration device equipped with a filtration configuration. [Figure 2] Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective side view of the filtration configuration. [Figure 3] Figure 3 schematically shows a partial perspective side view of the filtration configuration. [Figure 4] Figure 4 schematically shows a partial plan view of the filtration configuration. [Figure 5] Figure 5 schematically shows a partial cross-sectional plan view of the filtration configuration. [Figure 6] Figure 6 schematically shows a partial cross-sectional plan view of the filtration configuration. [Figure 7] Figure 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional plan view of an example of additional sealing of the filtration configuration. [Figure 8] Figure 8 schematically shows a partial perspective side view of the filtration configuration. [Figure 9] Figure 9 schematically shows a partial perspective rear view of the filtration configuration. [Figure 10] Figure 10 schematically shows a partial perspective side view of the fluid injection device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] The following describes filtration configurations with two wheels, filtration configurations with fluid injection devices, and filtration devices equipped with such filtration configurations. The same or similar reference numbers are used to indicate identical or similar structural features.

[0051] Figure 1 schematically shows a side cross-sectional view of the filtration device 10. The filtration device 10 comprises a filtration configuration 12. The filtration device 10 comprises a filtration container 14, a continuous filtration element 16, and two wheels 18a and 18b (only one wheel 18b is shown in Figure 1). The filtration element 16 is configured to remove particles from the liquid passing through it. Here, the liquid is exemplified as water 20.

[0052] The range of the filtration volume section 22 is defined by two wheels 18a and 18b and a filtration element 16 in the filtration container 14. The water 20 to be filtered is received in the filtration volume section 22. Wheel 18b is equipped with a seat 24b. Wheel 18a is equipped with a corresponding seat 24a (Figure 2).

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the filtration element 16 is movable in a loop along the path 26. The filtration element 16 can move continuously or intermittently into the filtration area within the filtration container 14 and move out of the filtration container 14. The filtration container 14 may be made of steel.

[0054] Here, the filtration element 16 comprises a continuous filter cloth 28 and a continuous carrier, which is exemplified here as a carrier belt 30. The carrier belt 30 supports the filter cloth 28. The filter cloth 28 is positioned outside the carrier belt 30. The filter cloth 28 may be Minimesh® RPD HIFLO-S, sold by Haver & Boecker, such as RPD HIFLO 5S, 10S, 15S, 20S, 30S, or 40S.

[0055] The filter cloth 28 may have, for example, a pore size of at least 1 μm and / or less than 50 μm. The filter cloth 28 may have a thickness of, for example, 0.20 mm to 0.25 mm. The carrier belt 30 may have a thickness of, for example, at least 0.20 mm and / or less than 5 mm.

[0056] The filtration configuration 12 further comprises an electric motor 32. The motor 32 is configured to drive the filtration element 16 along the path 26 and to control the speed of the filtration element 16.

[0057] The filtration configuration 12 in this example further comprises several rollers. Figure 1 shows three rollers 34a, 34b, and 34c. Rollers 34a-34c support the filtration element 16 and guide it along the path 26. A motor 32 is positioned to drive one of the rollers 34a, which engages with the carrier belt 30, to move the filtration element 16 along the path 26. In addition, wheels 18a and 18b support and guide the filtration element 16 and thus function as rollers.

[0058] The filtration device 10 further comprises a fluid injection device 36. The fluid injection device 36 is configured to clean the passive components of the filtration element 16, i.e., the outside of the filtration volume section 22, in this case, below the filtration container 14. The fluid injection device 36 is configured to forcibly separate the filtrate or filtration cake from the filtration element 16 by pressurized air. The fluid injection device 36 will be described in more detail below.

[0059] The filtration device 10 in this example further includes an inlet line 38. Here, the inlet line 38 is exemplified as a vertical pipe that guides the water 20 to be filtered into the filtration container 14.

[0060] The filtration device 10 in this example further comprises an upstream filter 40. The upstream filter 40 is sometimes called a coarse filter because it has substantially higher permeability than the filtration element 16.

[0061] The filtration device 10 in this example further comprises a collection configuration 42. As shown in Figure 1, the collection configuration 42 is positioned vertically below the filtration configuration 12. The collection configuration 42 comprises a collection tank 44. The collection tank 44 is an example of a collection volume section according to this disclosure.

[0062] The filtration device 10 further comprises a control system 46. The control system 46 comprises a data processing device 48 and a memory 50 in which a computer program is stored. The computer program, when executed by the data processing device 48, includes program code that causes or instructs the data processing device 48 to perform various steps described herein. The control system 46 communicates with the motor 32, for example, to control the motor 32.

[0063] The filtration device 10 in this example further comprises an inlet valve 52. The inlet valve 52 is an example of a liquid inlet device according to the present disclosure. By controlling the inlet valve 52, the inflow flow 54 of the water 20 to be filtered through the inlet line 38 can be controlled. The inlet valve 52 communicates with a control system 46. The control system 46 can control the opening degree of the inlet valve 52.

[0064] The filtration device 10 in this example further comprises an outlet line 56. Here, the outlet line 56 is illustrated as a vertical pipe. However, the outlet line 56 does not necessarily have to be oriented vertically. The upstream and geodetic uppermost end of the outlet line 56 is open to the filtration element 16 in the filtration container 14. The downstream and geodetic lower end of the outlet line 56 is open to the collection tank 44. Except for the upstream and downstream ends, the outlet line 56 is closed. Thus, the outlet line 56 guides water 20 from the filtration container 14 below the filtration element 16 to the collection tank 44. Reference numeral 58 in Figure 3 shows the flow of the outlet line through the outlet line 56. The filtration device 10 further comprises a one-way outlet line valve 60 in the outlet line 56, which is illustrated here as a check valve.

[0065] The outlet line 56 may have a vertical extension of 1 to 10 meters. This allows vertical droplets of water 20 below the filtration element 16 to be supplied by the outlet line 56. For this reason, the outlet line 56 may be called a drop pipe. 5 meters of droplets in the outlet line 56 may correspond to a differential pressure of 50 kPa across the entire filtration element 16, and 8 meters of droplets in the outlet line 56 may correspond to a differential pressure of 80 kPa across the entire filtration element 16.

[0066] The filtration device 10 in this example further comprises an outlet valve 62. The outlet valve 62 is an example of a liquid outlet device according to the present disclosure. One alternative example of a liquid outlet device according to the present disclosure is a liquid pump. By controlling the outlet valve 62, the liquid flow 64 within the collection volume section that flows out of the collection tank 44 through the collection outlet 66 can be controlled. The outlet valve 62 is positioned in a geodesically low area of ​​the collection tank 44. The outlet valve 62 communicates with a control system 46. The control system 46 can control the opening degree of the outlet valve 62.

[0067] The filtration device 10 in this example further comprises a vacuum pump 68. The vacuum pump 68 is an example of a gas outlet device according to the present disclosure. The vacuum pump 68 is arranged in parallel with the outlet valve 62.

[0068] The vacuum pump 68 is configured to draw gas 70 from the top of the collection tank 44 and thereby exhaust the gas 70. By controlling the vacuum pump 68, the gas flow 72 from the collection tank 44 can be controlled. The vacuum pump 68 is positioned and connected to the geodetic uppermost region of the collection tank 44. The vacuum pump 68 communicates with the control system 46. The control system 46 can control the speed of the vacuum pump 68, for example, by a variable frequency drive.

[0069] The collection tank 44 is positioned downstream of the outlet line 56. As shown in Figure 1, the collection tank 44 is closed off from the atmosphere. In this example, the only points of contact between the internal volume of the collection tank 44 and the outside are through the outlet line 56, the outlet valve 62, and the vacuum pump 68.

[0070] The filtration device 10 in this example further includes an inlet level sensor 74. The inlet level sensor 74 can monitor the inlet level of the water 20 in the filtration container 14. The inlet level sensor 74 communicates with the control system 46.

[0071] The filtration device 10 in this example further includes an outlet level sensor 76. The outlet level sensor 76 can monitor the outlet level 78 of the water 20 in the collection tank 44. The outlet level sensor 76 communicates with the control system 46.

[0072] The filtration device 10 in this example further includes a temperature sensor 80. In this example, the temperature sensor 80 is located inside the collection tank 44. The temperature sensor 80 can monitor the temperature of the water 20 inside the collection tank 44. The temperature sensor 80 communicates with the control system 46.

[0073] The filtration device 10 in this example further includes a pressure sensor 82. The pressure sensor 82 is configured to monitor the negative pressure of the water 20. In this example, the pressure sensor 82 is positioned within the outlet line 56. The pressure sensor 82 communicates with the control system 46.

[0074] The contaminated water 20 is guided to the filtration container 14 through the inlet line 38. The inflow flow 54 is controlled by the inlet valve 52 based on a signal from the inlet level sensor 74. In this way, the inlet level of the water 20 in the filtration container 14 can be controlled to a constant level, for example. Coarse particles in the water 20 are filtered by the upstream filter 40. Finer particles are filtered by the filter cloth 28. The filtration elements 16 may move continuously during filtration, but the filtration rate may be controlled.

[0075] As the water 20 moves downstream within the outlet line 56, more space becomes available upstream of the water 20 in the outlet line 56 below the filtration element 16. This creates a negative pressure within the outlet line 56 below the filtration element 16. This negative pressure can be measured by the pressure sensor 82. The temperature of the water 20 may be, for example, 20°C. In this case, the water 20 boils at a negative pressure of 10 kPa. As the negative pressure decreases (to an even lower absolute pressure value), the flow within the filter through the filtration element 16 increases.

[0076] The difference between atmospheric pressure or near atmospheric pressure upstream of the filtration element 16 and the negative pressure downstream of the filtration element 16 constitutes a differential pressure across the entire filtration element 16. Due to the geodesic elevation difference of the outlet line 56, the gravity of the water column in the outlet line 56 pulls the water 20 through the filtration element 16, establishing a differential pressure across the entire filtration element 16. In this way, a liquid pump for pushing the water 20 out of the collection tank 44 can be avoided, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the filtration device 10.

[0077] Bacteria can withstand very rapid and high pressure increases, but they cannot withstand rapid pressure drops. Exposing the water 20 to a rapid pressure drop throughout the entire filter element 16 will kill all organisms in the water 20.

[0078] The vacuum pump 68 draws gas 70 from the top of the collection tank 44 and discharges it into the atmosphere. In this way, the water level in the collection tank 44 can be kept constant. For this reason, the vacuum pump 68 is synchronized with the negative pressure in the outlet line 56.

[0079] Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective side view of the filtration configuration 12. Figure 2 shows two wheels 18a and 18b, which have the same shape, dimensions, and mass. Each wheel 18a and 18b is rotatable relative to the filtration container 14. In addition, the wheels 18a and 18b can move vertically up and down relative to the filtration container 14. In this example, the wheels 18a and 18b rotate around a common axis of rotation provided by the connecting shaft 84. Here, the wheels 18a and 18b can rotate independently around the axis of rotation.

[0080] Wheels 18a and 18b engage with the filter element 16 in the filter container 14 on both sides of the filter element 16. Since wheels 18a and 18b can rotate and move perpendicular to the filter container 14, they compress the filter element 16 in the filter container 14 by gravity and rotate together with the filter element 16. Thus, wheels 18a and 18b and the filter element 16 provide a rotatable seal of the filter volume section 22. Wheels 18a and 18b rotate along with the movement of the filter element 16 along the path 26 in the filter container 14. Since the tangential velocities of wheels 18a and 18b correspond to the velocities on each side of the filter element 16, frictional losses between wheels 18a and 18b and the filter element 16 are eliminated.

[0081] Figure 2 shows the respective seating portions 24a and 24b on each wheel 18a and 18b. The seating portions 24a and 24b extend along the perimeter of each wheel 18a and 18b. The filtration element 16 is received by each seating portion 24a and 24b.

[0082] Figure 2 further shows the transverse direction 86. The transverse direction 86 is perpendicular to the path 26. The filter cloth 28 and the carrier belt 30 have the same width in the transverse direction 86. The respective widths of the filter cloth 28 and the carrier belt 30 may be, for example, 62 cm or more, for example, 132 cm.

[0083] The filter cloth 28 in this example is a metal wire cloth having a three-dimensional pore shape. The wire cloth includes intersecting warp and weft wires woven into a weave. The warp wires are formed in at least two different configurations to form first and second types of warp wires. Pores are formed in the gaps between portions of adjacent warp wires and the intersections of adjacent weft wires. This three-dimensional pore shape allows the filter cloth 28 to maintain a certain degree of permeability even after some clogging, such as when backwashed after each filtration cycle. The filter cloth 28 may be of the Minimesh® RPD HIFLO-S type sold by Haver & Boecker, such as RPD HIFLO 5S, 10S, 15S, 20S, 30S, or 40S.

[0084] Figure 3 schematically shows a partial perspective side view of the filtration configuration 12. Figure 3 shows an example of a structure for achieving vertical movement of wheels 18a and 18b relative to the filtration container 14. The filtration configuration 12 in this example comprises two vertical brackets 88 and a plate 90 on each side. The brackets 88 are fixed to the filtration container 14. The plate 90 is received between the associated brackets 88 and guided vertically between the brackets 88. The wheels 18a and 18b are rotatably supported on the plate 90.

[0085] Figure 3 shows that the filtration container 14 has a circular portion 92a. The circular portion 92a corresponds to the outer circumference of the wheel 18a. The filtration container 14 has a corresponding circular portion 92b on the opposite side. The wheels 18a and 18b are pushed into their respective circular portions 92a and 92b by gravity, and the filtration element 16 is compressed between them. In this example, each circular portion 92a and 92b has an angle of spread of approximately 150 degrees.

[0086] Figure 3 further shows that a cavity 94a is provided on the lateral outer side of wheel 18a between wheel 18a and the filtration container 14. The filtration configuration 12 includes a corresponding cavity 94b (Figure 4) on the lateral outer side of wheel 18b between wheel 18b and the filtration container 14.

[0087] Figure 3 further illustrates that the filtration configuration 12 includes a fixed cavity sealing member 96a at the bottom of cavity 94a and a corresponding fixed cavity sealing member 96b (Figure 4) at the bottom of cavity 94b. Each fixed cavity sealing member 96a, 96b is circular and conforms to the contours of their respective circular portions 92a, 92b. Each fixed cavity sealing member 96a, 96b has an angle of spread of approximately 150 degrees in this example. The fixed cavity sealing members 96a, 96b may be made of foam.

[0088] The cavities 94a and 94b are positioned to collect any spillage of water 20. Fixed cavity sealing members 96a and 96b prevent the water 20 in the cavities 94a and 94b from mixing with the filtered water 20 downstream of the filtration element 16. To prevent the water 20 from remaining in the cavities 94a and 94b for extended periods, a small flow of water 20 may be intentionally directed into each cavity 94a and 94b to provide some circulation of the water 20 within the cavities 94a and 94b.

[0089] Figure 4 schematically shows a partial plan view of the filtration configuration 12. Figure 4 shows the cavity 94b and the fixed cavity sealing member 96b. Figure 4 further shows that the filtration element 16 is received by the seat portions 24a and 24b of the wheels 18a and 18b.

[0090] Figure 5 schematically shows a partial cross-sectional plan view of the filtration configuration 12, and Figure 6 schematically shows a partial cross-sectional plan view of the filtration configuration 12. In Figure 6, the filtration element 16 is removed. Referring together to Figures 5 and 6, the filtration configuration 12 further comprises fixed wheel sealing members 98, 98a, and 98b. The fixed wheel sealing members 98, 98a, and 98b may be integrally formed or may be firmly connected to each other (directly or indirectly). The fixed wheel sealing members 98, 98a, and 98b are fixed to the filtration container 14. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the fixed wheel sealing members 98, 98a, and 98b are also received within seats 24a and 24b such that the filtration element 16 is positioned between the wheels 18a, 18b and the fixed wheel sealing members 98, 98a, and 98b, and the fixed wheel sealing members 98, 98a, and 98b are positioned between the filtration element 16 and the filtration container 14. The fixed wheel sealing member 98a is provided between the wheel 18a and the filter container 14. The fixed wheel sealing member 98b is provided between the wheel 18b and the filter container 14. The fixed wheel sealing member 98 is provided between both wheels 18a, 18b and the filter container 14. The fixed wheel sealing members 98, 98a, and 98b seal the space between the filter element 16 and the circular portions 92a, 92b of the filter container 14.

[0091] During the operation of the filtration element 16, the wheels 18a and 18b rotate, and there is no relative motion between the wheels 18a and 18b and the filtration element 16. The filtration element 16 slides on the fixed wheel sealing members 98, 98a and 98b. The fixed wheel sealing members 98, 98a and 98b are made of plastic to further reduce friction loss.

[0092] Figure 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional plan view of an example of an additional sealing of the filtration configuration 12. In Figure 7, the wheel 18a comprises two seat portions 24a1 and 24a2. The seat portions 24a1 and 24a2 form a curved structure. The filter cloth 28 is received by seat portion 24a1. Both the carrier belt 30 and the fixed wheel sealing member 98 are received by seat portion 24a2. The wheel 18b may be configured in a corresponding manner. In this case, the filtration configuration 12 comprises a rotatable labyrinth seal.

[0093] Figure 8 schematically shows a partial perspective side view of the filtration configuration 12. As shown in Figure 8, the filtration configuration 12 is configured to separate the filter cloth 28 from the carrier belt 30 in the area outside the filtration container 14, in this case, in the area vertically below the filtration container 14. The fluid injection device 36 is positioned between the carrier belt 30 and the filter cloth 28, thereby guiding the carrier belt 30 above the fluid injection device 36 and the filter cloth 28 below the fluid injection device 36. This allows the fluid injection device 36 to be positioned close to the filter cloth 28. The fluid injection device 36 is positioned in the area where the filter cloth 28 hangs freely, in this case, in the area between rollers 34a and 34b.

[0094] The fluid injection device 36 is configured to supply airflow to the filter cloth 28. The airflow is supplied almost perpendicularly downward and outward to the loop formed by the filter cloth 28. At the same time, the fluid injection device 36 supports the carrier belt 30.

[0095] Figure 9 schematically shows a partial perspective rear view of the filtration configuration 12. As shown in Figure 9, the fluid injection device 36 comprises a fluid pipe 100 and a plurality of fluid injection tubes 102, in this case 10 fluid injection tubes 102. Here, the fluid injection tubes 102 are aligned in the lateral direction 86. Pressurized air is introduced into the fluid pipe 100 and then into each fluid injection tube 102.

[0096] The fluid injection device 36 further comprises a pipe guide 104 for each fluid injection pipe 102. Each pipe guide 104 restricts the lateral movement 86 of the associated fluid injection pipe 102. The fluid injection pipes 102 are flexible. The airflow from the fluid injection pipes 102 toward the filter cloth 28 blows particles away from the filter cloth 28. Also, when air is supplied to the fluid injection pipes 102, the fluid injection pipes 102 oscillate 86. This changes the airflow over the filter cloth 28. As a result, vibrations are induced within the filter cloth 28. These vibrations further remove particles from the filter cloth 28. That is, the filter cloth 28 is exposed to the airflow to remove particles and is also oscillated to remove particles.

[0097] In addition, the vibration of the fluid injection pipe 102 causes the entire width of the filter cloth 28 to be covered by the airflow. A constant flow rate of air may be supplied to the fluid pipe 100. Alternatively, the airflow rate may be changed to provide a changing airflow and induce vibration of the filter cloth 28.

[0098] Figure 10 schematically shows a partial perspective side view of the fluid injection device 36. As shown in Figure 10, the fluid injection device 36 further comprises a plurality of carrier supports 106, in this case five carrier supports 106. The carrier supports 106 in this example are annular and surround the fixed fluid pipe 100. The carrier supports 106 support the carrier belt 30.

[0099] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. For example, it will be understood that the dimensions of parts may be modified as needed. For this reason, the present invention is intended to be limited only by the appended claims. The following are some embodiments (configurations) of the present invention. [Aspect 1] A filtration configuration (12) for a filtration device (10) for filtering a liquid (20), Filtration container (14), A continuous filtration element (16) for removing particles from a liquid (20) passing through it, the filtration element (16) is arranged along a path (26) to enter and exit the filtration container (14), Two wheels (18a, 18b) that seal-engage with the filtration element (16) on both sides within the filtration container (14), wherein each of the two wheels (18a, 18b) is rotatable relative to the filtration container (14) in accordance with the movement of the filtration element (16), and A filtration configuration (12) comprising the above. [Aspect 2] The filtration configuration (12) according to embodiment 1, wherein the two wheels (18a, 18b) are movable perpendicularly to the filtration container (14). [Aspect 3] A filtration configuration (12) according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein each wheel (18a, 18b) is provided with at least one seat (24a, 24b), and the filtration element (16) is received within the seat (24a, 24b). [Aspect 4] The filtration container (14) comprises two circular portions (92a, 92b), and the two wheels (18a, 18b) are pressed into each of the circular portions (92a, 92b) with the filtration element (16) between them, in the filtration configuration (12) according to any one of embodiments 1-3. [Aspect 5] The filtration configuration (12) according to embodiment 4 further comprises at least one fixed wheel sealing member (98, 98a, 98b) arranged to seal the space between the filtration element (16) and each of the circular portions (92a, 92b). [Aspect 6] Each fixed wheel sealing member (98, 98a, 98b) is received in its respective seat (24a, 24b), as in the filtration configuration (12) described in embodiments 3 and 5. [Aspect 7] The filtration configuration (12) according to embodiment 5 or 6, wherein the at least one fixed wheel sealing member (98, 98a, 98b) is made of a plastic material. [Aspect 8] The filtration container (14) comprises two cavities (94a, 94b) on the lateral outer side of each wheel (18a, 18b), as described in any one of embodiments 1-7 (12). [Aspect 9] The filtration configuration (12) according to embodiment 8, further comprising fixed cavity sealing members (96a, 96b) at the bottom of each cavity (94a, 94b). [Aspect 10] A filtration configuration (12) for a filtration device (10) for filtering a liquid (20), Filtration container (14), A continuous filtration element (16) for removing particles from a liquid (20) passing through it, the filtration element (16) is arranged along a path (26) to enter into and exit the filtration container (14), and comprises a filter cloth (28) and a carrier (30) supporting the filter cloth (28), A fluid injection device (36) is configured to provide a changing flow of fluid toward the filter cloth (28) in order to induce vibration in the filter cloth (28), A filtration configuration (12) comprising the above. [Aspect 11] The filtration configuration (12) according to embodiment 10, wherein the filtration configuration (12) is configured to separate the filter cloth (28) from the carrier (30) outside the filtration container (14). [Aspect 12] The filtration configuration (12) according to embodiment 11, wherein the fluid injection device (36) is positioned between the carrier (30) and the filter cloth (28). [Aspect 13] The filtration configuration (12) according to any one of embodiments 10-12 comprises at least one fluid injection pipe (102) arranged to vibrate laterally (86) with respect to the path (26). [Aspect 14] The filtration configuration (12) according to any one of embodiments 10-13, wherein the fluid injection device (36) is configured to provide a fluctuating flow rate of fluid toward the filter cloth (28). [Aspect 15] The filtration configuration (12) according to any one of embodiments 10-14, wherein the fluid injection device (36) comprises at least one carrier support (106) for supporting the carrier (30). [Aspect 16] A filtration device (10) for filtering a liquid (20), comprising a filtration configuration (12) described in any one of embodiments 1-15.

Claims

1. A filtration configuration (12) for a filtration device (10) for filtering a liquid (20), A filtration container (14) having two circular parts (92a, 92b), A continuous filtration element (16) for removing particles from a liquid (20) passing through it, the filtration element (16) is arranged along a path (26) to enter the filtration container (14) and exit the filtration container (14), Two wheels (18a, 18b) that seal-engage with the filtration element (16) on both sides within the filtration container (14), wherein each of the two wheels (18a, 18b) is rotatable relative to the filtration container (14) in accordance with the movement of the filtration element (16), and the two wheels (18a, 18b) are pressed into each of the two circular portions (92a, 92b) with the filtration element (16) between them, At least one fixed wheel sealing member (98, 98a, 98b) is arranged to seal the space between the filtration element (16) and each of the two circular portions (92a, 92b), A filtration configuration (12) comprising the above.

2. The filtration configuration (12) according to claim 1, wherein the two wheels (18a, 18b) are movable perpendicularly to the filtration container (14).

3. The filtration configuration (12) according to claim 1, wherein each wheel (18a, 18b) is provided with at least one seat portion (24a, 24b), and the filtration element (16) is received within the seat portion (24a, 24b).

4. The filtration configuration (12) according to claim 3, wherein each fixed wheel sealing member (98, 98a, 98b) is received in its respective seat (24a, 24b).

5. The filtration configuration (12) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fixed wheel sealing member (98, 98a, 98b) is made of a plastic material.

6. The filtration configuration (12) according to claim 1, wherein the filtration container (14) has two cavities (94a, 94b) on the lateral outer side of each wheel (18a, 18b).

7. The filtration configuration (12) according to claim 6, further comprising fixed cavity sealing members (96a, 96b) at the bottom of each cavity (94a, 94b).

8. A filtration device (10) for filtering a liquid (20), comprising the filtration configuration (12) described in claim 1.

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