A multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus and use thereof

Abstract

A multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus (1), comprising a cyclone cartridge (9) with a plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones (21) and a plurality of fluid flow paths (38) through said cyclone cartridge (9) to the plurality of fluid cyclones (21); the cyclone housing (2) comprising a fluid inlet (5) for introducing an inlet stream of the liquid into the cyclone housing (2) such that the inlet stream of the liquid passes through the cyclone cartridge (9) towards the plurality of flow paths (38) to the plurality of fluid cyclones (21), wherein the fluid inlet (5) and the cyclone cartridge (9) are provided for introducing the inlet stream of the liquid subsequently along the fluid flow paths (38) of at least one group of the plurality of the fluid cyclones (21).

Description

[0001] A multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus and use thereof Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to a multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus, a swimming pool with such apparatus and use of such apparatus.

[0003] Background art

[0004] Swimming pool filtration systems are important to maintain the cleanliness of pool water by removing debris and contaminants. Existing filtration systems for example comprise multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatuses. Such multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatuses are for example described in EP2170522. The multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus according to EP2170522 is provided for filtering liquids, more in particular water for swimming pool purposes. The multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus according to EP2170522 comprises a cyclone housing with a cyclone cartridge disposed in the cyclone housing. The cyclone cartridge comprises a plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones. The fluid cyclones each comprise a first opening at a lower distal end and a larger second opening at a distal upper end. The first and the second ends are distal opposing ends of the fluid cyclones. The apparatus further includes a plurality of fluid flow paths through said cyclone cartridge to the plurality of fluid cyclones. The cyclone housing comprises a fluid inlet for introducing an inlet stream of the liquid into the cyclone housing such that the inlet stream of the liquid passes through the cyclone cartridge towards the plurality of flow paths to the plurality of fluid cyclones. The cyclone housing further comprises a fluid outlet for discharging an outlet stream of a filtered part of the liquid from the cyclone cartridge after having passed through the fluid cyclones. The cyclone housing further comprises a tube plate connected to the cyclone cartridge and provided for separating the inlet stream of the liquid from the outlet stream of the liquid. The tube plate comprises a plurality of diffuser tubes. Each diffuser tube extends downwardly through the second opening of a respective fluid cyclone of the plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones towards the first opening of the respective fluid cyclone of the plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones. The diffuser tubes are provided for guiding the outlet stream of the liquid from the first openings of the respective fluid cyclones towards the fluid outlet. The first openings of the respective fluid cyclones are provided for receiving a sediment stream.

[0005] Such conventional cyclone filters, while effective, have encountered challenges related to head loss and / or uneven water distribution over the different fluid cyclones. The multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus according to EP2170522 provides the water inlet at the bottom side and the water outlet at the top side where the water is guided through a centre hole provided in the tube plate towards a divertor cone reflecting the water flow under an angle of at least 90° from the upward direction to a more horizontal direction before the waterflow can enter each of the fluid cyclones. The waterflow is fed simultaneously to all fluid cyclones in this process. The redirection of the water flow by the divertor cone create significant losses and turbulence in the water flow. In addition such configuration has been found to be relatively difficult to be fitted together and be sealed watertight.

[0006] Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus according to the invention comprises a cyclone housing with a cyclone cartridge disposed in the cyclone housing. The cyclone cartridge comprises a plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones. The fluid cyclones each comprise a first opening at a lower distal end and a larger second opening at a distal upper end. The first and the second ends are distal opposing ends of the fluid cyclones. The fluid cyclones comprise a plurality of fluid flow paths through the cyclone cartridge to the plurality of fluid cyclones. The cyclone housing comprises a fluid inlet for introducing an inlet stream of the liquid into the cyclone housing such that the inlet stream of the liquid passes through the cyclone cartridge towards the plurality of flow paths to the plurality of fluid cyclones. The cyclone housing further comprises a fluid outlet for discharging an outlet stream of a filtered part of the liquid from the cyclone cartridge after having passed through the fluid cyclones. The cyclone housing further comprises a tube plate connected to the cyclone cartridge and provided for separating the inlet stream of the liquid from the outlet stream of the liquid. The tube plate comprises a plurality of diffuser tubes. Each diffuser tube extends downwardly through the second opening of a respective fluid cyclone of the plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones towards the first opening of the respective fluid cyclone of the plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones. The diffuser tubes are provided for guiding the outlet stream of the liquid from the first openings of the respective fluid cyclones towards the fluid outlet. The first openings of the respective fluid cyclones are provided for receiving a sediment stream.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus for filtering liquids, such as water and oil, with less head loss.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention with a multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus for filtering liquids, such as water and oil showing the technical characteristics of the first independent claim.

[0010] Thereto, the fluid inlet and the cyclone cartridge are provided for introducing the inlet stream of the liquid subsequently along the fluid flow paths of at least one group of the plurality of the fluid cyclones.

[0011] It has been found that with a multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus according to the present invention, the inlet stream of the liquid can be directed towards the group of the plurality of fluid cyclones by more gradually redirecting the inlet stream along the different fluid cyclones and hence without having to drastically redirect the inlet stream using the divertor cone.

[0012] Further, it has been found that in such configuration no longer a centre hole is necessary and that hence the fluid cyclones can also be provided in the centre of the cyclone cartridge such that the fluid cyclones can be provided more compactly in the housing.

[0013] Further, it has been found that by no longer having to provide a divertor cone, construction of the multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus according to the invention can be simplified. Moreover, less and / or less complicated maintenance of the apparatus according to the invention is required.

[0014] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the cyclone cartridge comprises a liquid path along the fluid paths of the plurality of the fluid cyclones such that the inlet stream of the liquid runs subsequently along the respective fluid flow paths of the group of the plurality of the fluid cyclones. Such liquid path has been found to be a relative easy way of guiding the inlet stream of the liquid subsequently along the fluid flow paths of the plurality of the fluid cyclones.

[0015] According to further preferred embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of the fluid cyclones are distributed over a planar disc and the liquid path is provided tangentially to the disc. By guiding the inlet stream along the liquid path in such configuration, it has been found that the inlet stream more easily is guided subsequently along the fluid flow paths of the group of the plurality of the fluid cyclones. Preferably, the inlet stream of the liquid is guided subsequently along the fluid flow paths of at least one group of the plurality of the fluid cyclones in a circular motion. According to more preferred embodiments, the liquid path thereto is substantially circular.

[0016] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the cyclone cartridge comprises at least two liquid paths along different respective groups of the plurality of the fluid cyclones, each liquid path subsequently running along the fluid flow paths of the plurality of the fluid cyclones of the respective group of the fluid cyclones such that the inlet stream of the liquid is split along the different liquid paths and subsequently along the respective fluid flow paths of the plurality of the fluid cyclones of the respective group. Such configuration has been found to offer an improved flow of the inlet stream to the respective fluid cyclones. Preferably, the inlet stream of the liquid is guided subsequently along the fluid flow paths of the respective groups of the plurality of the fluid cyclones in a circular motion. According to more preferred embodiments, the liquid path thereto is substantially circular.

[0017] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the cyclone cartridge comprises at least two, preferably two, liquid paths along two groups of pluralities of the fluid cyclones, a first liquid path of the inlet stream of the liquid running along the fluid flow paths of a first group of a plurality of the fluid cyclones and a second liquid path of the inlet stream of the liquid running along the fluid flow paths of a second group of plurality of the fluid cyclones such that the inlet stream of the liquid is split along the first and the second liquid paths and subsequently along the respective first and second fluid flow paths of the plurality of the fluid cyclones of the respective first and group. Preferably, the inlet stream of the liquid is guided subsequently along the fluid flow paths of the plurality of the fluid cyclones of the first and the second group in a circular motion. According to more preferred embodiments, the first and the second liquid paths thereto are substantially circular.

[0018] According to further preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first liquid path is provided to split the inlet stream in a clockwise direction and the second liquid path is provided to split the inlet stream in a counterclockwise direction. Such configuration has been found to allow for a relative compact configuration of the first and the second group, for example with the first group at least partly surrounding the second group.

[0019] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the fluid cyclones along a respective liquid path are substantially evenly distributed along the respective liquid path. Such configuration has been found to allow for an even distribution of the inlet stream over the different fluid cyclones. According to more preferred embodiments of the invention, the at least one liquid path tapers along streaming direction of the liquid. Such configuration has been found to provide an even flow of the inlet stream into the different fluid cyclones, even when the fluid cyclone is further downstream.

[0020] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the fluid cyclones are distributed in a substantial centrosymmetrical configuration. By centrosymmetrically distributing the fluid cyclones, the respective fluid cyclones can be more easily reached by the inlet stream.

[0021] According to more preferred embodiments of the present invention, the fluid inlet and the cyclone cartridge are provided for introducing the inlet stream of the liquid subsequently along the fluid flow paths of the plurality of the fluid cyclones along a substantially circular path. Such configuration has been found to allow for an improved distribution of the inlet stream over the different fluid cyclones.

[0022] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the inlet enters perpendicular to the cyclones' centreline. In such configuration, the inlet stream of the liquid can be more easily led subsequently along the fluid flow paths of the plurality of the fluid cyclones.

[0023] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the inlet enters lateral to the cyclone housing. In such configuration, the inlet stream of the liquid can be more easily led subsequently along the fluid flow paths of the plurality of the fluid cyclones.

[0024] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first openings are provided for discharging the sediment stream towards a sediment outlet of the apparatus. By providing the sediment outlet, the sediment stream can be directed as desired in the application.

[0025] The invention also relates to a swimming pool comprising water for swimming. The swimming pool comprises the apparatus according to the invention. The apparatus is arranged for in use filtering the water of the swimming pool. The invention also relates to the use of the apparatus according to the invention for filtering water of a swimming pool. It has been found that such use requires less energy. This has been found to be caused by the reduction in head loss.

[0026] Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The invention will be further explained by means of the following description and the appended figures.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a main view of an embodiment of the multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the apparatus according to figure 1.

[0030] Figure 3a shows a top view of the apparatus according to figure 1 .

[0031] Figure 3b shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus according to figure 3a.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a perspective detailed view of an inside of the apparatus according to figure 1 .

[0033] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a part of the apparatus of figure 1.

[0034] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another part of the apparatus of figure 1 .

[0035] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the part of figure 6.

[0036] Figure 8 shows another view of the inside of the apparatus according to figure 1 .

[0037] Figure 9a shows a top view of the inside of the apparatus according to figure 1 .

[0038] Figure 9b shows the same top view as 9a with an indication of liquid flowing through it in use.

[0039] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of another part of the apparatus according to figure 1 . Description of the invention

[0040] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0042] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0043] Furthermore, the various embodiments, although referred to as “preferred” are to be construed as exemplary manners in which the invention may be implemented rather than as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a main view of an embodiment of the multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus according to the present invention.

[0045] As discussed above, the multi-cyclone sediment filter 1 is designed to provide efficient filtration of debris, such as for example sediment, from swimming pool water with reduced head loss.

[0046] The multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus 1 is provided for filtering liquids, such as water for a swimming pool. The apparatus 1 comprises a cyclone housing 2 with a cyclone cartridge 9 disposed in the cyclone housing 2.

[0047] The cyclone cartridge 9 is shown in more detail in figure 2 and 6, with a cross-section of the cyclone cartridge 9 shown in figure 3b.

[0048] As shown in more detail in figure 9a, the cyclone cartridge 9 comprises a plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones 21 a - v. The fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v each comprise a first opening 30a - 30v at a lower distal end and a larger second opening 24a - 24v at a distal upper end. The first and the second ends are distal opposing ends of the fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v. The cyclone cartridge 9 comprises a plurality of fluid flow paths 38a - 38v through said cyclone cartridge 9 to the plurality of fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v. Cyclone cartridges 9 are well known in the prior art and are for example described in EP2170522. The cyclone cartridge 9 is for example made from plastic material as this allows the cyclone cartridge 9 to be relatively easily made, for example by moulding, however the cyclone cartridge 9 can also be made from other materials such as for example metal, for example aluminium or steel, preferably, stainless steel.

[0049] The fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v according to the embodiment shown are distributed over a substantially planar disc 39, preferably a planar disc 39 as is shown in figure 6. The different fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v according to the embodiment are also configured in a circular pattern which further is substantially centrosymmetrically.

[0050] Figure 6 also shows that different groups of fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v can be distinguished in this particular embodiment, fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 k and fluid cyclones 211 - 21 v, more in particular a first group 42 with fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 i along an outward edge of the planar disc 39, a second group 43 with fluid cyclones 21 j - 21 k positioned more inwardly in the disc 39 with respect to the first group 21 a - 21 i, a third group 44 with fluid cyclones 211 - 21 q along an outward edge of the planar disc 39 and a fourth group 45 with fluid cyclones 21 r - 21 v positioned more inwardly in the disc 39 with respect to the third group 211 - 21 q. The number of the different fluid cyclones in the different groups and in fact also the number of groups can be for example determined in function of the dimensions of the cyclone cartridge 9, the respective fluid cyclones 21 , the disc 39 and also the desired characteristics of the apparatus 1 .

[0051] As shown in the figures, the different fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v are similar. However, according to different embodiments of the invention, the respective fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v can have different dimensions and / or shapes depending on the desired configuration and properties of the cyclone cartridge 9.

[0052] The cyclone housing 2 is shown in more detail in figure 2, in a top view in figure 3a and a cross-section is shown in figure 3b. The cyclone housing 2 according to the embodiment shown in the figures is cylindrical, although other forms are possible. However, it has been found that a cylindrical shape better conforms to the preferred shape of the cyclone cartridge 9.

[0053] The cyclone housing 2 comprises a fluid inlet 5 for introducing an inlet stream of the liquid into the cyclone housing 2 such that the inlet stream of the liquid passes through the cyclone cartridge 9 towards the plurality of flow paths 38a - 38v to the plurality of fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v. As can be seen in figure 2, the cyclone cartridge 9 according to the embodiment shown thereto comprises an entrance 20. The entrance 20 is further shown in the cross-section of figure 3b and the detail of figure 6.

[0054] The inlet 5 of the embodiment shown in figure 1 is for example provided with an inlet connection 11 for connecting the inlet 5 to an existing piping system. The inlet connection 11 , for example is a screw connection.

[0055] According to the embodiment shown, the fluid inlet 5 and the cyclone cartridge 9 are provided for introducing the inlet stream of the liquid subsequently along the fluid flow paths 38a - 38v of the plurality of the fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v. This is shown in more detail in figure 9b, where the inlet stream of the liquid passing through the cyclone cartridge 9 towards the fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v is shown in more detail. It is for example shown that the inlet stream, after having been split, passes along the fluid flow paths 38a - 38v of at least one group of the fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 v. The inlet stream of the liquid more specifically passes subsequently along the fluid flow paths 38a - 38i of the fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 i of the first group 42. It is further shown that the inlet stream of the liquid also passes along the fluid flow paths 38j - 38k, fluid flow paths 38I - 38q and fluid flow paths 38r - 38v of respective groups of the fluid cyclones 21 j - 21 k, i.e. the second group 43, fluid cyclones 211 - 21 q, the third group 44, and fluid cyclones 21 r - 21 v, the fourth group 45. The inlet stream of the liquid more specifically passes subsequently along the fluid flow paths 38j - 38k, fluid flow paths 38I - 38q and fluid flow paths 38r - 38v of the respective groups of the fluid cyclones 21 j - 21 k, fluid cyclones 211 - 21 q and fluid cyclones 21 r - 21 v.

[0056] The cyclone cartridge 9 shown thereto comprises at least a liquid path 33, more specifically called the first liquid path 40 later on, along the liquid paths 38a - 38i and 38j - 38k of the plurality of the fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 i and 21 j - 21 k such that the inlet stream of the liquid runs subsequently along the respective fluid flow paths 38a - 38i of the plurality of the fluid cyclones 21 a - 21 i and, in the embodiment shown, also subsequently along the respective fluid flow paths 38j - 38k of the plurality of the fluid cyclones 21 j - 21 k.

[0057] The liquid path 33 is more clearly shown in figure 6 and is shown in a cross-section in figure 7. The liquid path 33 shown in the embodiment is circular and tapers along the streaming direction of the liquid, which is shown in the cross-section of figure 7. As shown in figure 9b, the liquid path 33 is provided tangentially to the disc 39 in the embodiment shown.

[0058] Figure 9b further shows that in the embodiment shown the cyclone cartridge 9 comprises at least two liquid paths 40, 41 along two groups 42, 44, the first 42 and the third group 44 of fluid cyclones 21 , of pluralities of the fluid cyclones 21 . A first liquid path 40 of the inlet stream of the liquid runs along the fluid flow paths of the first group 42 of a plurality of the fluid cyclones 21 and a second liquid path 41 of the inlet stream of the liquid runs along the fluid flow paths of a second group of a plurality of the fluid cyclones, in this case more specifically the third group 44 of plurality of the fluid cyclones 21 , such that the inlet stream of the liquid is split along the first and the second liquid paths 40, 41 and subsequently along the respective first and third fluid flow paths 38 of the plurality of the fluid cyclones 21 of the respective first and third group 42, 44.

[0059] It is noted that figure 9b also shows that the first liquid path 40 runs along the fluid flow paths of the second group 43 of a plurality of the fluid cyclones 21 and the second liquid path 41 of the inlet stream of the liquid runs along the fluid flow paths of the fourth group 45 of plurality of the fluid cyclones 21 . The inlet stream of the liquid hence also runs subsequently along the respective second and fourth fluid flow paths 38 of the plurality of the fluid cyclones 21 of the respective second and fourth group 43, 45.

[0060] It is noted that according to the embodiment shown, both the first and the second liquid path 40, 41 shown in the figures taper along the streaming direction of the liquid.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in figure 9b, the first liquid path 40 is provided to split the inlet stream in a clockwise direction 29 and the second liquid path 41 is provided to split the inlet stream in a counter-clockwise direction 28. Thereto as shown in figure 9b, the cyclone cartridge 9 comprises a splitter 46, splitting the inlet stream into a part flowing into the first liquid path 40 and a part flowing into the second liquid path 41. Preferably, the splitter 46 is provided such that the inlet stream is split up into equal parts.

[0062] Figure 9b further shows that the fluid cyclones 21 along a respective path 40, 41 are substantially evenly distributed along the respective liquid path 40, 41 .

[0063] Figure 9b also shows that the fluid inlet 5 and the cyclone cartridge 9 are provided for introducing the inlet stream of the liquid subsequently along the fluid flow paths 38 of the plurality of the fluid cyclones 21 along a substantially circular path 40, 41 . The cyclone housing 2 further comprises a fluid outlet 6 for discharging an outlet stream of a filtered part of the liquid from the cyclone cartridge 9 after having passed through the fluid cyclones 21 .

[0064] The outlet 6 of the embodiment shown in figure 1 is for example provided with an outlet connection 12 for connecting the outlet 6 to an existing piping system. The outlet connection 12, for example is a screw connection.

[0065] The cyclone housing 2 segment encompasses the filter subassembly 36, with lateral water inlet 5, outlet 6 and cyclone cartridge 9.

[0066] The cyclone housing 2 further comprises a tube plate 8 connected to the cyclone cartridge 9 and provided for separating the inlet stream of the liquid from the outlet stream of the liquid. The tube plate 8 according to the embodiment shown in the figures is shown in more detail in figure 5. The tube plate 8 comprises a plurality of diffuser tubes 15, each diffuser tube 15 extending downwardly through the second opening 24 of a respective fluid cyclone 21 of the plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones 21 towards the first opening 30 of the respective fluid cyclone 21 of the plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones 21 . The diffuser tubes 15 are provided for guiding the outlet stream of the liquid from the first openings 30 of the respective fluid cyclones 21 towards the fluid outlet 6. The first openings 30 of the respective fluid cyclones 21 are provided for receiving a sediment stream.

[0067] As shown in figure 8, the tube plate 8 of the embodiment shown is screw-mounted on the cyclone cartridge 9 with a screw 37. Two location posts 27 on the cyclone cartridge 9 have a mating hole and slot 32 at the bottom side of the tube plate 8, facilitating alignment for accurate positioning to further insure that the diffuser tubes 15 on the tube plate 8 are well centred inside the fluid cyclones 21 in the cyclone cartridge 9.

[0068] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first openings 30 are provided for discharging the sediment stream towards a sediment outlet 7 of the apparatus 1 . An embodiment of the tube plate 8 and its location is shown in figure 2 and in more detail in the cross section of figure 3b. Further detail of the embodiment of the tube plate 8 is shown in figure 5. A top view of its position with respect to the cyclone cartridge 9 is shown in figure 8.

[0069] According to the embodiment shown in the figures and more particular in figure 1 and figure 3b, the apparatus further comprises a sediment bowl 4. The sediment bowl 4 is positioned below the cyclone housing 2 and its fluid cyclones 21 and connects to it so as to enclose the cyclone cartridge 9. The sediment bowl 4 according to the embodiment shown in the figures comprises the sediment outlet 7, preferably at its bottom side. The sediment outlet 7 preferably is connectable to, for example, a drainage piping circuit, for example by a screw connection 47 shown in figure 1 . The embodiment shown in the figures is further provided with an O-ring 22 such as to provide a sealing between the cyclone housing 2 and the bowl 4 to avoid liquid from spilling. Although not shown in the figures, the bowl 4 preferably is translucent so as to be able to establish the amount of sediment gathered in the bowl 4 without having to open it.

[0070] According to the embodiment shown, more in particular in figures 2 and 3b, a locking ring 3 is provided for interconnecting the cyclone housing 2 and the bowl 4. Thereto, the locking ring 3 preferably has an internal thread 23 which is then for example screwed onto an external thread 13 of the cyclone housing 2.

[0071] The figures further show that the embodiment shown in the figures is provided with a baffle 10, itself shown in more detail in figure 10. The baffle 10 has been observed to reduce turbulence inside the bowl 4 so as to more easily allow sediment to settle at the bottom of the bowl and reducing the risk of debris re-entering the liquid stream.

[0072] As shown in figure 3b, the baffle 10 according to the embodiment shown has a central hole 34 in the middle which is aligned with the bottom centre of the sediment bowl 4. It is provided such that debris will pass through this hole 34 and settles at the bottom of the sediment bowl 4. In case the sediment bowl 4 is saturated with debris, one can purge the sediment bowl 4 by opening a valve, not shown in the figures, which can be connected to the sediment outlet 7.

[0073] As shown in the embodiment shown in the figures, further O-rings can be provided between different elements of the apparatus 1 to seal the elements from each other. For example, an O-ring 19 will provide a sealing between the cyclone cartridge 9 and the cyclone housing 2 at the water inlet 5 of the cyclone cartridge 9. Further, another O-ring 18 will for example provide a sealing between a chamber created by the tube plate 8 and the cyclone housing 2 and the chamber created by the cyclone cartridge 9 and the sediment bowl 4.

[0074] The filter sub-assembly 36 is inserted in the cyclone housing 2. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, ribs 31 in the cyclone housing 2 and slots 25 in the cyclone cartridge 9 improve correct positioning of the filter sub-assembly 36 inside the cyclone housing 2, to make sure that the entrance 20 of the cyclone cartridge 9 is well aligned with the water inlet 5 of the cyclone housing 2. The ribs 31 are for example shown in more detail in figure 4. Further, ribs 26 located longitudinally with respect to the cyclones 21 on the cyclone cartridge 9 are pressed by the sediment bowl 4 and baffle 10 when the locking ring 3 is screwed which locks and seals the sediment bowl 4 together with the top housing 2.

[0075] As shown in figure 1 , in the embodiment shown, the inlet 5 preferably enters horizontally, more preferably situated in the middle of a cylindrical region 35 of the cyclone housing 2, while the outlet 6 is positioned atop the cyclone housing 2. The inlet 5 preferably enters perpendicular to the cyclones' 21 centreline, increasing water distribution.

[0076] References

[0077] 1. Multi-cyclone 3. Ring sediment filter apparatus 4. Sediment bowl

[0078] 2. Housing 5. Inlet 6. Outlet 27. Positioning post fluid

[0079] 7. Sediment outlet cyclone

[0080] 8. Tube plate 28. Counter¬

[0081] 9. Cyclone cartridge clockwise direction

[0082] 10. Baffle 35 29. Clockwise

[0083] 11 . Inlet connection direction

[0084] 12. Outlet connection 30. First opening

[0085] 13. External thread fluid cyclone housing 31. Location ribs in

[0086] 14. Opening tube ii40 housing tube plate 32. Location holes in

[0087] 15. Tube in tube plate tube plate

[0088] 16. Fixing hole in tube 33. Liquid path plate 34. Drain in baffle

[0089] 17. Screw post ii45 35. Cylindrical reason cyclone cartridge of the cyclone housing

[0090] 18. O-ring 36. Filter sub¬

[0091] 19. O-ring assembly

[0092] 20. Entrance cyclone 37. Fixing screw cartridge 50 38a-38v. Fluid flow paths

[0093] 21 a-21v. Fluid cyclones

[0094] 22. O-ring

[0095] 23. Internal thread ring

[0096] 24. Second opening fluid cyclone

[0097] 25. Location slot cyclone cartridge

[0098] 26. Positioning rib fluid cyclone 39. Planar disc

[0099] 40. First liquid path

[0100] 41 . Second liquid path

[0101] 42. First group of fluid cyclones

[0102] 43.

[0103] Second group of fluid cyclones 44. Third group of fluid cyclones

[0104] 45. Fourth group of fluid cyclones

[0105] 46. Splitter 47. Screw connection of sediment outlet

[0106] Although aspects of the present disclosure have been described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be readily appreciated that these aspects may be implemented in other forms.

Claims

Claims1. A multi-cyclone sediment filter apparatus (1 ) for filtering liquids, such as water for a swimming pool, comprising a cyclone housing (2) with a cyclone cartridge (9) disposed in the cyclone housing (2), the cyclone cartridge (9) comprising a plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones (21 ), the fluid cyclones (21 ) each comprising a first opening (30) at a lower distal end and a larger second opening (24) at a distal upper end, the first and the second ends being distal opposing ends of the fluid cyclones (21 ), and a plurality of fluid flow paths (38) through said cyclone cartridge (9) to the plurality of fluid cyclones (21 ); the cyclone housing (2) comprising a fluid inlet (5) for introducing an inlet stream of the liquid into the cyclone housing (2) such that the inlet stream of the liquid passes through the cyclone cartridge (9) towards the plurality of flow paths (38) to the plurality of fluid cyclones (21 ); the cyclone housing (2) further comprising a fluid outlet (6) for discharging an outlet stream of a filtered part of the liquid from the cyclone cartridge (9) after having passed through the fluid cyclones (21 ); the cyclone housing (2) further comprising a tube plate (8) connected to the cyclone cartridge (9) and provided for separating the inlet stream of the liquid from the outlet stream of the liquid, the tube plate (8) comprising a plurality of diffuser tubes (15), each diffuser tube (15) extending downwardly through the second opening (24) of a respective fluid cyclone (21 ) of the plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones (21 ) towards the first opening (30) of the respective fluid cyclone (21 ) of the plurality of conically shaped fluid cyclones (21 ); the diffuser tubes (15) being provided for guiding the outlet stream of the liquid from the first openings (30) of the respective fluid cyclones (21 ) towards the fluid outlet (6), the first openings (30) of the respective fluid cyclones (21 ) being provided for receiving a sediment stream;characterized in that the fluid inlet (5) and the cyclone cartridge (9) are provided for introducing the inlet stream of the liquid subsequently along the fluid flow paths (38) of at least one group of the plurality of the fluid cyclones (21 ).

2. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the cyclone cartridge (9) comprises a liquid path (33) along the plurality of the fluid flow paths (38) of the fluid cyclones (21 ) such that the inlet stream of the liquid runs subsequently along the respective fluid flow paths (38) of the plurality of the fluid cyclones (21 ).

3. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the plurality of the fluid cyclones (21 ) are distributed over a planar disc (39) and the liquid path (33) is provided tangentially to the disc (39).

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cyclone cartridge (9) comprises at least two liquid paths (40, 41 ) along different respective groups (42, 44) of the plurality of the fluid cyclones (21 ), each liquid path subsequently running along the fluid flow paths (38) of the plurality of the fluid cyclones (21 ) of the respective group of the fluid cyclones (21 ) such that the inlet stream of the liquid is split along the different liquid paths (40,41 ) and subsequently along the respective fluid flow paths (38) of the plurality of the fluid cyclones (21 ) of the respective group (42, 44).

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the cyclone cartridge (9) comprises at least two liquid paths (40, 41 ) along two groups (42, 44) of pluralities of the fluid cyclones (21 ), a first liquid path (40) of the inlet stream of the liquid running along the fluid flow paths of a first group (42) of a plurality of the fluid cyclones (21 ) and a second liquid path (41 ) of the inlet stream of the liquid running along the fluid flow paths of a second group (44) of plurality of the fluid cyclones (21 ) such that the inlet stream of the liquid is split along the first and the second liquid paths and subsequently along the respective first and second fluid flow paths (38) of the plurality of the fluid cyclones (21 ) of the respective first and group.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first liquid path (40) is provided to split the inlet stream in a clockwise direction and the second liquid path (41 ) is provided to split the inlet stream in a counterclockwise direction.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 - 6, wherein the fluid cyclones (21 ) along a respective liquid path (33) are substantially evenly distributed along the respective liquid path (33).

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4 - 7, wherein the at least one liquid path (33) tapers along streaming direction of the liquid.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid cyclones (21 ) are distributed in a substantial centrosymmetrical configuration.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the fluid inlet (5) and the cyclone cartridge (9) are provided for introducing the inlet stream of the liquid subsequently along the fluid flow paths (38) of the plurality of the fluid cyclones (21 ) along a substantially circular path (33).1 1 . The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet (5) enters perpendicular to the cyclones' (21 ) centreline.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet (5) enters lateral to the cyclone housing (2).

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first openings (30) are provided for discharging the sediment stream towards a sediment outlet (7) of the apparatus (1 ).

14. Swimming pool comprising water for swimming, comprising the apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus (1 ) being arranged for in use filtering the water of the swimming pool.

15. Use of the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 13 for filtering water of a swimming pool.

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