Filter assemblies, and related filtration systems and methods

Abstract

A filter assembly includes a cage assembly and a rotating member configured to rotate around an outside of the cage assembly. The filter assembly includes orifices positioned on an outside of the rotating member oriented in a direction away from the cage assembly and configured to pass a flow of fluid from the rotating member in the direction away from the cage assembly. A method of removing particulate material from a filtration component of a filter assembly includes rotating a rotating member around an outside of a cage assembly of the filter assembly and between the cage assembly and the filtration component, and flowing air from the rotating member through the filtration component during rotating of the rotating member and while the rotating member contacts the filtration component.

Description

FILTER ASSEMBLIES, AND RELATED FILTRATION SYSTEMS AND METHODSPRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 585,886, filed September 27, 2023, for “SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR REMOVING SOLIDS FROM FILTRATION COMPONENTS.”TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems of pneumatic bulk solids transfer in which air filtering is used, and to methods of removing buildup from a filter or filter assembly.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pneumatic conveyance systems involve the transfer of fluid and bulk solids through a system, and often include a filtration system to separate and remove the solid material (e.g., flour, powders, etc.) from the fluid (e.g., air). For example, filtration systems may transfer and collect bulk solids such as sawdust, dirt, flour, powder etc. by drawing air carrying the bulk solids through filtration components of the filtration system to separate the bulk solids from the air. Similarly, air cleaning systems may draw a flow of air through a filtration component to remove particulate material such as dust, allergens, etc. disposed within the air. As the air passes through a filter medium of the filtration system, such as a fabric or filter sock, and as the particulate matter is separated from the air, the filter medium can become substantially covered (e.g., clogged) with a buildup of the particulate material on an outer surface thereof. The buildup of material affects the ability of the filtration system to filter the air, and accordingly, an efficiency of the pneumatic conveyance system. Thus, the filter media typically has to be periodically cleaned and / or changed for the pneumatic conveyance system to operate effectively. Clogged filter media components, as well as periodic cleaning and / or changing of filter media, can cause undesirable inefficiencies and downtime in the operation of a pneumatic conveyance system. Thus, techniques for removing particulate material from the filter media and preventing the same from becoming clogged may be advantageous.SUMMARY

[0004] In some embodiments, a filter assembly includes a cage assembly and a rotating member configured to rotate around an outside of the cage assembly. The rotating member defines at least one orifice oriented in a direction away from the cage assembly and configured to pass a flow of fluid from the rotating member in the direction away from the cage assembly.

[0005] In some embodiments, a filtration system includes a material inlet for receiving a carrier fluid containing particulate material. The filtration system includes a filter assembly in fluid communication with the material inlet and configured to remove at least some of the particulate material from the carrier fluid. The filter assembly includes a cage assembly, and a filtration component positioned around an outside of the cage assembly. The filter assembly further includes a rotating member configured to rotate between the cage assembly and the filtration component. At least a portion of the rotating member contacts the filtration component. The rotating member is configured to direct a cleaning fluid toward the filtration component to remove a portion of the particulate material from the filtration component. The filtration system further includes a blower configured to draw the carrier fluid into the material inlet and through the filter assembly.

[0006] In some embodiments, a method of removing material from a filtration component of a filter assembly of a pneumatic conveyance system includes rotating a rotating member around an outside of a cage assembly of the filter assembly and between the cage assembly and the filtration component. The method further includes flowing air from the rotating member through the filtration component during rotation of the rotating member and while the rotating member contacts the filtration component.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example embodiments, theembodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] FIG. l is a schematic view of a pneumatic conveyance system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2A is a simplified side view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2B is a simplified perspective view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2C is a simplified side view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2D is a simplified perspective view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2E is a simplified perspective view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2F is a simplified, partial top-down schematic view of a portion the filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 2G is a simplified partial section view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3A is a simplified side view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 3B is a simplified perspective view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 4A is a simplified side view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 4B is a simplified partial top-view of a filter assembly, according embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 5A-FIG. 5E are simplified partial side views of rotating members having different configurations of one or more orifices, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 6A is a simplified side view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 6B is a simplified perspective view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 7A is a simplified side view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 7B is a simplified perspective view of a filter assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram for a method or a series of acts for removing material from a filtration component of a filter assembly of a pneumatic filtration device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure include pneumatic conveyance systems including filtration systems (e.g., bag houses), filtration components (e.g., bags and / or socks), and cage assemblies for holding the filtration components in place, and rotating members for dislodging (e.g., removing) material buildup from the surfaces of the filtration components.

[0027] The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular filter assembly, pneumatic conveyance system, or component thereof, but are merely idealized representations, which are employed to describe example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] As used herein, the term “may” with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structure, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.

[0029] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps, but also include the more restrictive terms “consisting of,” “consisting essentially of,” and grammatical equivalents thereof.

[0030] As used herein, any relational term, such as “first,” “second,” “over,” “beneath,” “top,” “bottom,” “underlying,” “upward,” “downward,” etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference, orientation, or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] As used herein, the term “configured” refers to a size, shape, material composition, and arrangement of one or more of at least one structure and at least one system facilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the system in a predetermined way.

[0032] As used herein, the singular forms following “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, a parameter that is substantially met may be at least about 90% met, at least about 95% met, or even at least about 99% met.

[0035] As used herein, the term “about” used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter).

[0036] As used herein, the term “filtration component” and its equivalents refer to flexible and permeable filtration media (also referred to as a “filter media”), such as, for example, an oval or round tube made of woven or felted material, or a cartridge filter. The terms “filtration component,” “filter,” and “filter medium” may be used interchangeably herein.

[0037] As used herein, the terms “fluid” and “fluids” and their equivalents refer to substances that have no fixed shape and that yield relatively easily to external pressure. For example, fluids may include both liquids and gases.

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems, devices, and methods for a filter assembly configured to remove (e.g., clear) material from a filtration component of a pneumatic conveyance systems. The filter assembly includes a cage assembly defining a generally cylindrical structure. The filtration component is configured to connect to and be positioned around the cage assembly. In use and operation, air may be drawn through the filtration component disposed around the outside of the cage assembly and the filtration component filters particulate material from the air. The filtration component may be made of and comprise a fabric or woven material, such as a filter sock or filter bag. The filtration component may substantially conform to the shape of the cageassembly and the cage assembly may support the filtration component and facilitate maintaining the filtration component in a desired shape. The cage may facilitate maintaining a maximum, workable, or acceptable surface area of the filtration component.

[0039] As the filtration component filters the particulate material, the particulate material may deposit in, around, and / or on the filtration component. The accumulation of the particulate material in, around, and / or on the filtration component may clog the filtration component, increase the differential pressure across the filtration component, and / or reduce the filtration efficiency of the filtration component. The filter assembly may include an elongated rotating member outside of the cage assembly and between the cage assembly and the filtration component. The rotating component may be connected to a conduit that extends within the cage assembly. Rotation of the conduit (e.g., within the cage assembly) causes the rotating component to rotate around the outside of the cage assembly. The conduit may be in fluid communication with the rotating member and configured to receive a flow of cleaning fluid (e.g., cleaning air), which may be flowed from the conduit to the rotating member. The cleaning fluid may flow out of the rotating member through one or more orifices directed (e.g., oriented) toward the filtration component. In some embodiments, the rotating member directly contacts the filtration component such that the cleaning fluid passes directly from the rotating member to the filtration component. The cleaning fluid may pass through the filtration component to dislodge or remove particulate material disposed on the filtration component.

[0040] Rotation of the rotating member around the outside of the cage assembly and in contact with the filtration component while directing the cleaning fluid at the filtration component may facilitate continuous cleaning of the filtration component during operation of the pneumatic conveyance system. Continuously cleaning the filtration component may facilitate more effective operation of the filter assembly and the pneumatic conveyance system relative to conventional pneumatic conveyance systems and filter assemblies. For example, a buildup of particulate matter may increase the pressure drop through the filtration component, limiting the amount of particulate matter that the filtration component can filter. By continuously removing the particulate matter from the filtration component, the filtration component may filter the air flow more effectively and at a higher capacity. Accordingly, the pneumatic conveyance system may be configured to filter a higher flowrate of air, and thus process a higher volume of air and particulate matter compared to conventional pneumatic conveyance systems. Additionally, due to the reduced pressure drop through the filtration component, one or more components of the pneumaticconveyance system, such as a pump or blower of the pneumatic conveyance system, may operate in a more energy-efficient manner compared to in conventional pneumatic conveyance systems not including the filter assembly.

[0041] In addition to the filter assembly cleaning the filtration component, the techniques described herein may provide improved cleaning functionalities, resulting in an overall cleaner filtration component. For example, some conventional techniques attempt to remove particulate material through agitation, such as by vibrating or shaking the filtration component, which may damage the filtration component. Other techniques implement stationary air jets or air jets that rotate around the inside of the filter assembly, such as inside a filtration component and spaced from the filtration component. However, the rotating air jets are positioned a distance from the filtration component and do not contact the filtration component, limiting their effectiveness in removing the particulate material from the filtration component. For example, the cleaning air directed towards the filtration component may be entrained in the air being pulled through the filtration component and out of the filter assembly, rather than being directed through the filtration component in an opposite direction as the air being filtered. The filter assembly described herein, however, includes a rotating member that rotates around an outside of a filter cage and directly contacts the filtration component. The direct contact with the filtration component substantially reduces (e.g., eliminates) the loss of cleaning fluid from entrainment in the air being pulled through the filtration component and increases the effectiveness of the cleaning air by flowing the cleaning air directly from the rotating member through the filtration component. In addition, the rotating member concurrently agitates the particulate material on the filtration component by rubbing against an inside surface of the filtration component while directing the cleaning air directly at the filtration component.

[0042] During use and operation, the rotating member may interface with a relatively small surface area of the filtration component (e.g., less than a predetermined percent of a surface area of the filtration component). The interface may increase the cleaning ability of the rotating member and the continuous rotation of the rotating member facilitates cleaning of the entire surface area of the filtration component during a revolution of the rotating member. In addition, during cleaning by the rotating member, and because the surface area of the rotating member is relatively small compared to the remaining surface area of the filtration component, the pneumatic conveyance system maycontinuously remove the particulate material from the air while the pneumatic conveyance system is operating, eliminating the need for downtime to clean or change filters.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a pneumatic conveyance system 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The pneumatic conveyance system 100 may include a material inlet 102 (also referred to as a “fluid inlet 102”), a blower 104, and one or more filter assemblies 120. The inlet 102, blower 104, and filter assemblies 120 may be in fluid communication with one another and may be positioned on (e.g., within) a fluid path 106 of a carrier fluid 110. In some embodiments, the pneumatic conveyance system 100 facilitates collection of a solid material from the carrier fluid 110. For example, the blower 104 may draw the carrier fluid 110 (e.g., air or any other fluid) along the fluid path 106 from the inlet 102, through the filter assemblies 120, and out of the blower 104. Thus, the blower 104 may cause the carrier fluid 110 to enter the inlet 102 and flow along the fluid path 106 and through the filter assemblies 120. In some embodiments, the blower 104 causes the carrier fluid 110 to flow from an outside of the filter assemblies 120 to an inside of the filter assemblies 120, and from the inside of the filter assemblies 120 to the blower 104.

[0044] The carrier fluid 110 may include a particulate material 108 such as sawdust, flour, powder, dirt, dust, allergens, etc. As the carrier fluid 110 passes through the filter assemblies 120, the filter assemblies 120 may separate the particulate material 108 from the carrier fluid 110, and the carrier fluid 110 may flow through the blower 104 and out of the pneumatic conveyance system 100 along the flow path 106. In this way, the carrier fluid 110 may flow through the pneumatic conveyance system 100 and may exit as a substantially clean fluid (e.g., substantially devoid of the particulate material 108). While FIG. 1 illustrates that the pneumatic conveyance system 100 includes three filter assemblies 120, in some embodiments, the pneumatic conveyance system 100 includes one, two, or more filter assemblies 120 located within a common housing (e.g., receptacle 112) to increase a capacity of the pneumatic conveyance system 100 to filter the particulate material 108 from the carrier fluid 110.

[0045] In some embodiments, the pneumatic conveyance system 100 includes a receptacle 112. The filter assemblies 120 may be at least partially positioned within the receptacle 112. As the filter assemblies 120 remove the particulate material 108 from the carrier fluid 110, the particulate material 108 may fall from the filter assemblies 120 and accumulate within the receptacle 112. The particulate material 108 may be collected from the receptacle 112 for removal, disposal, transporting, and / or repurposing.

[0046] In some embodiments, some of the particulate material 108 that is separated from the carrier fluid 110 at the filter assemblies 120 may collect on, around (e.g., around the outside of), and / or in the filter assemblies 120 (e.g., instead of falling and being collected in the receptacle 112). For example, a fluid pressure from the carrier fluid 110 passing through the filter assemblies 120 may cause the particulate material 108 to collect on a surface (e.g., an outer surface) of one or more of the filter assemblies 120. In another example, an electrical (e.g., static) charge may cause the particulate material 108 to adhere to one or more of the filter assemblies 120. In another example, some of the particulate material 108 may become disposed or lodged within one or more of the filter assemblies 120, such as within a woven or lattice structure of the filter assemblies 120. In another example, the particulate material 108 may become disposed on one or more of the filter assemblies 120 based on an adhesion force holding the particulate material 108 to the filter assembly 120 and / or based on a cohesion force holding individual particles of the particulate material 108 to the rest of the particulate material 108, restricting, clogging, choking, or otherwise preventing the flow of the carrier fluid 110 through the filter assemblies 120. As discussed in further detail herein, each of the filter assemblies 120 may implement a rotating member for circumscribing the filter assembly 120 and flowing a cleaning fluid (e.g., cleaning air) outward through the filter assembly 120. The rotating member(s) may substantially clean the filter assemblies 120 during operation of the pneumatic conveyance system 100, to substantially prevent clogs and facilitate efficient operation of the pneumatic conveyance system 100.

[0047] FIG. 2A is a simplified side view of a filter assembly 220 and FIG. 2B is a simplified perspective view of the filter assembly 220, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The filter assembly 220 includes a cage assembly 222. The cage assembly 222 may include a base 224 connected to a coupler 226 by one or more longitudinal members 228. The cage assembly 222 may be cylindrical, or may be any other suitable shape or combination of shapes in accordance with the techniques described herein. In some embodiments, the coupler 226 is configured to connect to one or more structures or components of the pneumatic conveyance system 100. For example, the coupler 226 may include one or more features such as a fastener, through-hole, detent, thread, or other coupling means for coupling with a mating feature to secure and / or retain the filter assembly 220 to the pneumatic conveyance system 100, such as within the receptacle 112. In some embodiments, the filtration component 230 directly contacts the cage assembly 222, such as the longitudinal members 228 and the base 224.

[0048] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 220 includes a filtration component 230 positioned at least partially around an outside of the cage assembly 222. In some embodiments, the filtration component 230 exhibits a substantially cylindrical shape and includes an opening 232 at a longitudinal end thereof. The opening 232 may facilitate installation of the filtration component 230 around the cage assembly 222. The filtration component 230 may connect to the cage assembly 222 at the coupler 226. For example, a clamp (e.g., a hose clamp), tie, ring, fastener, or any other coupling mechanism may secure the filtration component 230 to the cage assembly 222 at the coupler 226. In some embodiments, the connection of the filtration component 230 and the coupler 226 forms a fluid seal. In some embodiments, the filtration component 230 comprises part of the cage assembly 222 (e.g., is integral with the cage assembly 222). The filter assembly 220 (e.g., the cage assembly 222) may be configured to connect to and interface with any of a variety of filtration components 230, such as filtration components from different sources, manufacturers, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, a carrier fluid 206 (which may be the same as the carrier fluid 110) passes through the filtration component 230 and upward out of the filter assembly 220. For example, the carrier fluid 206 may pass from the outside of the filtration component 230, through the filtration component 230 at one or more locations along an outer surface of the filtration component 230, and upwards (in the view shown in FIG. 2 A and FIG. 2B) through the inside of cage assembly 222, as shown by arrows in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. The carrier fluid 206 may flow out of the filter assembly 220 through a fluid outlet 234 defined by the cage assembly 222 (e.g., at the top of the cage assembly 222). The cage assembly 222 may at least partially support the filtration component 230 during operation of the pneumatic conveyance system 100, such as during the flow of the carrier fluid 206 through the filtration component 230. The carrier fluid 206 may pass through the filtration component 230, which may trap, screen, or otherwise substantially prevent particulate material 208 (FIG. 2C) from passing therethrough. The filtration component 230 may comprise one or more of cloth, paper, foam, fiberglass, polyester, or any other suitable material or medium for separating particulate material 208 from the carrier fluid 206. The filtration component 230 may comprise a sock, a filter bag, a cartridge, or another structure.

[0050] FIG. 2C-FIG. 2F show various views of the filter assembly 220 of FIG. 2 A and FIG. 2B, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2C is a simplified side view of the filter assembly 220, FIG. 2D is a simplified perspective view of the filter assembly 220, and FIG. 2E is a simplified perspective view of the filterassembly 220. FIG. 2F is a simplified, partial top-down schematic view of a portion the filter assembly 220, and FIG. 2G is a simplified, partial section view of the filter assembly 220.

[0051] As mentioned above, a flow of a carrier fluid 206 may pass through the filtration component 230, and the filtration component 230 may separate and / or remove particulate material 208 from the carrier fluid 206. During filtration of the particulate material 208 from the carrier fluid 206, some of the particulate material 208 may be deposited on, around, and / or in the filtration component 230. For example, the particulate material 208 may be deposited on an outside surface of the filtration component 230.

[0052] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 220 includes a conduit 238. The conduit 238 may be positioned at or along a central longitudinal axis 214 of the cage assembly 222 (as shown in FIG. 2 A and FIG. 2B). In some embodiments, the conduit 238 is located at a center of the cage assembly 222 such that a central longitudinal axis 214 (FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B) is substantially the same as a longitudinal axis of the conduit 238. The conduit 238 may be connected to the cage assembly 222 at the coupler 226 and / or at the base 224. In some embodiments, the conduit 238 is operably coupled to an actuator 262 configured to induce rotation of the conduit 238. The conduit 238 may rotate with respect to the cage assembly 222 and the filtration component 230 disposed around the cage assembly 222. For example, the cage assembly 222 may be fixed (e.g., mounted to a mating component of the pneumatic conveyance system 100) and the conduit 238 may rotate with respect to the fixed cage assembly 222 (e.g., within the cage assembly 222). The conduit 238 may interface with one or more bearing surfaces 240 at the coupler 226 and / or the base 224 to facilitate the rotation of the conduit 238 while the coupler 226 remains substantially stationary. The bearing surfaces 240 may include sliding mating surfaces of the conduit 238 and the cage assembly 222 and / or may include one or more bushings, bearings, or other suitable rotational component for stabilizing the conduit 238 and facilitating the rotation thereof.

[0053] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 220 includes a rotating member 236 operably coupled to the conduit 238. The rotating member 236 may be elongate and may be positioned and / or oriented at least partially longitudinally with respect to the cage assembly 222 such that a longitudinal axis of the rotating member 236 is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 214. In some embodiments, the rotating member 236 is substantially parallel to the conduit 238. In some embodiments, the rotating member 236 is substantially linear (e.g., straight).

[0054] The rotating member 236 may be connected to the conduit 238 by a manifold 242. The manifold 242 may extend radially from the conduit 238 such that the rotating member 236 is positioned (e.g., spaced) a radial distance from the conduit 238 (and the cage assembly 222, such as the longitudinal members 228). The manifold 242 may extend from within the cage assembly 222 to an outside of the cage assembly 222, such as beyond the longitudinal members 228. In some embodiments, the manifold 242 is operably coupled to the conduit 238 within the cage assembly 222, extends through or below the base 224, and is operably coupled to the rotating member 236 outside of the cage assembly 222. During rotation of the conduit 238, the rotating member 236 may rotate and / or may follow a rotational path around the conduit 238 and the cage assembly 222 (e.g., the longitudinal axis 214). In some embodiments, the rotational path of the rotating member 236 is larger than (e.g., has a larger diameter than), and located outside of, the cage assembly 222. In other words, the rotating member 236 may rotate outside of the diameter defined by the cage assembly 222. In some embodiments, the rotating member 236 is positioned outside of the cage assembly 222 and inside of the filtration component 230. In other words, the rotating member 236 may be positioned between the cage assembly 222 and the filtration component 230. Accordingly, the rotating member 236 may rotate around the outside of the cage assembly 222 and inside of the filtration component 230. Since the rotating member 236 is coupled to the conduit 238, and the conduit 238 is configured to rotate with respect to the cage assembly 222 and the filtration component 230, the rotating member 236 may rotate with respect to the cage assembly 222 and the filtration component 230.

[0055] In use and operation, the blower 104 may cause the filtration component 230 to contact the cage assembly 222 as the carrier fluid 206 is drawn from the outside of the filtration component 230 through the filtration component 230 and to the inside of the cage assembly 222. Positioning the rotating member 236 outside of the cage assembly 222 and inside of the filtration component 230 may cause the filtration component 230 to contact the rotating member 236 at one or more locations. The contact of the rotating member 236 with the filtration component 230 may facilitate removing and / or dislodging particulate material 208 from the filtration component 230. For example, as shown in FIG. 2F, the rotating member 236 may rub or drag against an inside surface of the filtration component 230 at an interface between the filtration component 230 and the rotating member 236 during rotation of the rotating member 236. In FIG. 2F, arrow 270 is the tangential direction at the rotating member 236 and is the direction in which the rotatingmember 236 is rotating at that particular location. In some embodiments, the filtration component 230 deforms, stretches, repositions, or otherwise moves in response to movement of the rotating member 236 along the inside surface of the filtration component 230. The contact of the filtration component 230 by the rotating member 236 at the interface may clean the filtration component 230 at the interface by causing some or all of the particulate material 208 at the interface to dislodge (e.g., fall) from the filtration component 230.

[0056] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 220 implements a flow of cleaning fluid 248 (e.g., air) (FIG. 2D-FIG. 2F) to remove the particulate material 208 from the filtration component 230. The conduit 238, the manifold 242, and the rotating member 236 may each individually include an inner diameter (e.g., an inner channel or an inner bore) configured to receive the cleaning fluid 248. The conduit 238 may define a fluid inlet 244 configured to receive a flow of the cleaning fluid 248 from the pneumatic conveyance system 100. The cleaning fluid 248 may travel through (e.g., down) the conduit 238 to the manifold 242, from the manifold 242 to the rotating member 236, and from the rotating member 236 through one or more orifices 246 along the length of the rotating member 236, as shown by arrows in FIG. 2C-FIG. 2E.

[0057] In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid 248 comprises a pressurized (e.g., compressed) fluid. For example, the cleaning fluid 248 may be provided to the fluid inlet 244 by an air compressor. In some embodiments, the fluid pressure of the cleaning fluid 248 is about 275 kPa (about 40 psig). In some embodiments the fluid pressure of the cleaning fluid 248 is within a range from about 35 kPa (about 5 psig) to about 830 kpa (about 120 psig), such as from about 35 kPa to about 140 kPa (about 20 psig), from about 140 kPa to about 275 kPa, from about 275 kPa to about 250 kPa (about 80 psig), or from about 250 kPa to about 830 kPa. In some embodiments, the fluid pressure of the cleaning fluid 248 may be greater than about 275 kPa (about 40 psig). However, the disclosure is not so limited, and the fluid pressure of the cleaning fluid 248 may be any other pressure and different than that described. In some embodiments, the fluid pressure of the cleaning fluid 248 is dependent on one or more factors, such as a filter thickness, filter weave, blower pressure, cleaning frequency, pressure loss, or any other factor, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a lower fluid pressure of the cleaning fluid 248 may be indicative of efficient and / or effective cleaning of the filtration component 230.

[0058] In some embodiments, the orifices 246 are positioned radially outward relative to the rotational path of the rotating member 236. For example, the orifices 246may be oriented in a direction away from the cage assembly 222 and towards the filtration component 230. In other words, the orifices 246 may be oriented away from the cage assembly 222 (e.g., away from conduit 238 and the longitudinal members 228 and towards the filtration component 230). In some such embodiments, the orifices 246 are directed toward the filtration component 230 (e.g., the orifices 246 face and contact the filtration component 230) such that the cleaning fluid 248 flows outs of the orifices 246 toward the filtration component 230 to facilitate removal of the particulate material 208 from the filtration component 230.

[0059] In some embodiments, the filtration component 230 contacts the rotating member 236 at one or more of the orifices 246. Contacting the filtration component 230 with the orifices 246 facilitates a direct path of the cleaning fluid 248 from the rotating member 236 through the filtration component 230 (e.g., without passing through or substantially mixing with the carrier fluid 110 within the volume of the cage assembly 222). The direct flow of the cleaning fluid 248 from the rotating member 236 to the filtration component 230 may enhance the ability of the cleaning fluid 248 to remove the particulate material 208 from the filtration component 230. For example, a fluid velocity of the cleaning fluid 248 flowing out of the orifices 246 may be greatest at or near the orifices where the cleaning fluid 248 exits the rotating member 236. Since the orifices 246 interface with and directly contact the filtration component 230, the cleaning fluid 248 may flow through the filtration component 230 without experiencing a substantial decrease in velocity or substantial mixing with the carrier fluid 206 flowing through the filter assembly 220. By way of contrast, if the rotating member 236 and the orifices 246 were spaced from the filtration component 230, the cleaning fluid 248 from the rotating member 236 would mix with the flow of the carrier fluid 206 which flows countercurrent (e.g., in the opposite direction) as the cleaning fluid 248. The mixing of the cleaning fluid 248 and the carrier fluid 206 may reduce the velocity and the cleaning efficiency of cleaning fluid 248.

[0060] In some embodiments, the orifices 246 comprise openings or holes defined in the rotating member 236. In some embodiments, one or more of the orifices 246 are configured as jets or nozzles to direct or modify the flow of the cleaning fluid 248 out of the rotating member 236. For example, the jets or nozzles may control one or more of the flow rate, speed, direction, mass, shape, or pressure of the cleaning fluid 248 flowing out of the orifices 246.

[0061] In some embodiments, the rotating member 236 operates continuously during operation of the filter assembly 220 and operation of the pneumatic conveyancesystem 100 without placing the filter assembly 220 offline (e.g., out of fluid communication with the blower 104). For example, the rotating member 236 may continuously move and / or rotate about the cage assembly 222 and the cleaning fluid 248 may continuously flow through and out of the rotating member 236.

[0062] In some embodiments, the rotating member 236 is configured to continuously rotate completely in a rotational path around the cage assembly 222 in a same direction. For example, the rotating member 236 may rotate continually in the same direction around the cage assembly 222 at a desired rotational speed (e.g., rotations per minute). In some such embodiments, each time the rotating member 236 rotates completely around the cage assembly 222, the rotating member 236 cleans substantially all surfaces of the filtration component 230. In other embodiments, the rotating member 236 is configured to change a direction of rotation one or more times. For example, the rotating member 236 may rotate in a first direction for a period of time (or through a predetermined degree of rotation) and may then rotate in a second, opposite direction for a period of time (or through a predetermined degree of rotation). In some embodiments, the rotating member 236 does not rotate completely around the cage assembly 222. For example, the rotating member 236 may rotate partially (e.g., less than 360 degrees) around the cage assembly 222 in a first direction, and then may rotate in an opposite direction (e.g., back to a starting point) around the cage assembly 222.

[0063] In some embodiments, the interface between the rotating member 236 and the filtration component 230 is relatively small compared to the surface area of the filtration component 230. The interface area between the rotating member 236 and the filtration component 230 may be within a range of from about 0.5% to about 30% of the total surface area of the inside of the filtration component 230, such as within a range of from about 0.5% to about 1.0%, from about 1.0% to about 2%, from about 2% to about 5%, from about 5% to about 10%, from about 10% to about 20%, or from about 20% to about 30% of the total surface area of the inside of the filtration component 230. In some embodiments, the interface area is less than about 10% of the total surface area of the inside of the filtration component 230 such that the surface area of the filtration component 230 not contacted by the rotating member 236 may effectively filter the particulate material 208 from the carrier fluid 110. In embodiments where multiple rotating members 236 are implemented (as discussed below) the cumulative interface area between the rotating members 236 and the filtration component 230 may be within the range of about 0.5% to about 30% of the total surface area of the inside of the filtration component 230.

[0064] As described above, in some embodiments, the filter assembly 220 operates substantially continuously during operation of the pneumatic conveyance system 100. In some embodiments, the rotating member 236 may rotate about the cage assembly 222 and the filtration component 230 continuously and the cleaning fluid 248 may continuously flow through the orifices 246 to clean the filtration component 230 while the pneumatic conveyance system 100 actively filters the particulate material 208 from the carrier fluid 110. Accordingly, the filtration component 230 may be continuously cleaned without downtime of the filter assembly 220 or a reduction in the filtration capacity of the pneumatic conveyance system 100 to clean and / or change the filtration component 230 and / or the filter assembly 220. In other embodiments, the rotating member 236 does not rotate substantially continuously and / or the cleaning fluid 248 is not provided through the orifices 246 substantially continuously. Rather, the cleaning fluid 248 is provided periodically (e.g., intermittently) and / or the rotating member 236 is rotated periodically. For example, the rotating member 236 may be rotated and / or the cleaning fluid 248 may be provided responsive to a trigger event such as a predetermined duration of time, a predetermined differential pressure across the filter assembly 220 (e.g., a differential pressure between the pressure at the material inlet 102 (FIG. 1) and the blower 104 (FIG. 1) exceeding a predetermined threshold), an operating pressure of the blower 104, and / or a user-initiated trigger event (e.g., a user command).

[0065] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 220 includes a rotating support 250. The rotating support 250 may be positioned around a perimeter or outside of the cage assembly 222. The rotating support 250 may be longitudinally spaced from the base 224. For example, the rotating support 250 may be positioned at an upper portion of the cage assembly 222 and may be located closer to the coupler 226 than to the base 224. The rotating support 250 may be positioned at any location of the cage assembly 222. In some embodiments, the rotating support 250 is positioned around the cage assembly 222. For example, the rotating support 250 may be connected to one or more of the longitudinal members 228 and may circumscribe a circumference of the cage assembly 222 in accordance with the general cylindrical shape of the cage assembly 222. In some embodiments, each of the longitudinal members 228 includes a first portion connected to a lower portion of the rotating support 250 and a second portion connected to an upper portion of the rotating support 250. In some embodiments, each of the longitudinal members 228 extends through the rotating support 250. In some embodiments, each of the longitudinal members 228 is coupled to the rotating support 250 at a bearing surface.

[0066] In some embodiments, the rotating support 250 includes a support ring 252. The support ring 252 may be positioned around an outside of the rotating support 250. The support ring 252 may be rotatable around the rotating support 250, for example, with respect to the rotating support 250 and the cage assembly 222. Accordingly, the support ring 252 may rotate with the rotating member 236 and provide support to the rotating member 236 during rotation of the rotating member 236 while the remaining portions of the rotating support 250 remain fixed with respect to the rotating member 236 and the cage assembly 222. As shown in FIG. 2G, the support ring 252 may interface with and / or connect to the rotating support 250 through one or more support elements 254. The support elements 254 may comprise bearings, bushings, mating-sliding surfaces, or any other suitable element for supporting and facilitating the rotation of the support ring 252, and combinations thereof.

[0067] In some embodiments, the support ring 252 is configured to rotate without substantially moving in a lateral direction. The lateral direction may refer to a side-to-side, front-to-back, and / or radial direction. For example, the support elements 254 may include one or more lateral support elements 254A configured to substantially fix the support ring 252 from lateral movement during rotation thereof. The lateral support elements 254A may interface with a lateral surface 256A of the support ring 252. In this way, the support ring 252 may rotate, and the lateral support element(s) 254A may support and / or maintain a lateral position of the support ring 252. The lateral position may refer to a side-to-side, front-to-back, and / or radial position or movement of the support ring 252. The lateral support elements 254A may facilitate the support ring 252 supporting a lateral or radial load.

[0068] In some embodiments, the support ring 252 is configured to rotate without substantially moving in an axial direction. For example, the support elements 254 may include one or more axial support elements 254B. The axial support elements 254B may interface with an axial surface 256B of the support ring 252. The axial support element(s) 254B may support and / or maintain an axial position of the support ring 252 during rotation of the support ring 252. The axial position may refer to a longitudinal or up-and-down position or movement of the support ring 252. The axial support elements 254B may facilitate the support ring 252 supporting an axial load (e.g., a load acting up or down with respect to the cage assembly 222). While FIG. 2G depicts the support ring 252 including the axial surface 256B on an upper side of the support ring 252, is will be understood that the support ring 252 may include an axial surface 256B on an upper side of the support ring252, on a lower side of the support ring 252, or both, such that the support ring 252 is configured to support axial loads in an upward direction, a downward direction, or both.

[0069] In some embodiments, the rotating member 236 is connected to the rotating support 250. For example, the rotating member 236 may be connected to the support ring 252 with a support connection 258. The support ring 252 may support the rotating member 236 (e.g., against axial and / or lateral loads) while allowing the rotating member 236 to rotate around the cage assembly 222 as described herein. The support ring 252 supporting the rotating member 236 may substantially prevent the rotating member 236 from bending, deforming, or breaking during use and operation of the rotating member 236. For example, as described herein, the rotating member 236 may be connected to the conduit 238, and driven to rotate, by the connection of the manifold 242 between the conduit 238 and the rotating member 236. In some embodiments, the rotating member 236 experiences one or more loads in one or more directions during rotation thereof. For example, the rotating member 236 interfacing and contacting the filtration component 230 (e.g., the rotating member 236 rubbing against the inside of the filtration component 230) may subject the rotating member 236 to forces opposing the rotational movement of the rotating member 236 (e.g., caused by friction). The connection between the rotating member 236 and the rotating support 250 may substantially reduce or prevent damage to the filter assembly 220 by supporting the rotating member 236 during rotation of the rotating member 236 about the filtration component 230. In addition, connecting the rotating member 236 to the support ring 252 by the support connection 258 facilitates fixing the rotation of the rotating member 236 with the rotation of the support ring 252 and maintaining the radial distance between the rotating member 236 and each of the cage assembly 222 and the conduit 238 during rotation of the rotating member 236. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B also illustrate a similar support connection 358 between a rotating support 350 and each of rotating members 336A, 336B. Further, the support ring 252 may facilitate maintaining a longitudinal axis of the rotating member 236 substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 214 of the cage assembly 222.

[0070] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 220 includes two or more rotating supports 250. The rotating supports 250 may be longitudinally positioned and spaced apart to provide more support to the rotating member 236 at multiple locations along the longitudinal length of the rotating member 236. As described herein, in some embodiments the filter assembly 220 includes two or more rotating members 236. In some such embodiments, one or more (e.g., each) of the rotating members 236 may be connected to arotating support 250. In other embodiments, each of the rotating members 236 may be connected to a different rotating support 250.

[0071] Referring back to FIG. 2A-FIG. 2E, in some embodiments, the filter assembly 220 includes an actuator 262 for driving the rotation of the conduit 238. The actuator 262 may be connected to the cage assembly 222 by an actuator bracket 264. The actuator bracket 264 may connect to the cage assembly 222 at the coupler 226. The actuator bracket 264 may fix the actuator 262 to the cage assembly 222 such that the actuator 262 drives the rotation of the conduit 238 (e.g., such that the conduit 238 may rotate within the cage assembly 222 and with respect to the cage assembly 222 (e.g., with respect to the longitudinal members 228)). In some embodiments, the actuator 262 is a linear actuator such as a piston. The actuator 262 may interface with a drive 268 to translate linear motion of the actuator 262 into rotational motion of the conduit 238. For example, the actuator 262 may drive (e.g., repeatedly and / or intermittently) in and out, and may engage with the drive 268 with each stroke of the actuator 262. The actuator 262 may engage with the drive 268 via a pawl 276. The pawl 276 may comprise a biasing element configured to engage a tooth of the drive 268 during a first (e.g., outward) stroke of the actuator 262 and thereby advance the drive 268 in accordance with a throw of the actuator 262. The pawl 276 may be configured to disengage during a second, opposite (e.g., inward) stroke of the actuator 262 and pass over a subsequent tooth of the drive 268. In this way, the actuator 262 may turn the conduit 238 by intermittently engaging the teeth of the drive 268 and advancing the drive 268 with subsequent strokes of the actuator 262. The filter assembly 220 may include any other suitable means, and equivalents thereof, for rotating the conduit 238 continuously and / or intermittently.

[0072] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 220 includes one or more components for stabilizing the conduit 238 as the conduit 238 is driven by the actuator 262. For example, the filter assembly 220 may include a stabilizer gear 272. The stabilizer gear 272 may be connected to the conduit 238, for example, above the cage assembly 222 and / or the coupler 226. The stabilizer gear 272 may be concentric with the conduit 238 and may rotate in accordance with the rotation of the conduit 238. In some embodiments, the filter assembly 220 includes an idler gear 274. The idler gear 274 may be connected to the actuator bracket 264 and / or the coupler 226. The stabilizer gear 272 may interface with the idler gear 274. For example, a rotation of the stabilizer gear 272 may rotate the idler gear 274. The stabilizer gear 272 interfacing with the idler gear 274 in this way may supportand / or provide stability to the conduit 238 as the conduit 238 is driven to rotate by the actuator 262.

[0073] FIG. 3A is a simplified side view and FIG. 3B is a simplified perspective view of a filter assembly 320, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The filter assembly 320 may be substantially similar to the filter assembly 220 of FIG. 2A-FIG. 2F, except that the filter assembly 320 may include more than one rotating member 336. For example, the filter assembly 320 includes a cage assembly 322 including a base 324 connected to a coupler 326 by one or more longitudinal members 328. The filter assembly 320 may be configured to connect to a filtration component 330. The filtration component 330 may be positioned around an outside of the cage assembly 322. The filter assembly 320 includes a conduit 338 positioned and configured to rotate at a longitudinal axis of the cage assembly 322 (e.g., the longitudinal axis 214 of FIG. 2A and 2B).

[0074] In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B and in the figures in general, unless specified otherwise, elements that are the same between the different figures may retain the same numerical designation, except they may begin with a number corresponding to the figure in which they are illustrated. For example, element 3XX in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B may correspond to element 2XX in FIG. 2A-FIG. 2G. As one example, the longitudinal members 328 in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B correspond to the longitudinal members 228 in FIG. 2A-FIG. 2G.

[0075] The filter assembly 320 may include a first rotating member 336A and a second rotating member 336B (collectively referred to as “rotating members 336”). The rotating members 336 may each be connected to the conduit 338 by a manifold 342. The first rotating member 336A may be positioned radially and circumferentially apart from the second rotating member 336B. For example, the rotating members 336 may be positioned about 180 degrees from one another. The rotating members 336 may be positioned any radial distance or angle relative to one another. In some embodiments, each of the rotating members 336 are located a same radial distance from the conduit 338 and are located at a different location along the circumference of the rotational path of the rotating members 336. In some embodiments, since each of the rotating members 336 are located substantially the same distance from the conduit 338 and are each operably coupled to the manifold 342, each of the rotating members 336 follows substantially the same rotational path around the cage assembly 322 and the conduit 338 as the other rotating members 336.

[0076] The rotating members 336 may be driven to rotate with respect to the cage assembly 322 by the conduit 338. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 3A andFIG. 3B, the rotating members 336 may be positioned outside of the cage assembly 322, as described above with reference to the rotating member 236. In other embodiments, the first rotating member 336A is positioned inside the cage assembly 322 and the second rotating member 336B is positioned outside of the cage assembly 322. For example, the first rotating member 336A may be connected to a manifold 342 extending within the cage assembly 322 to position the first rotating member 336A within the cage assembly 322, and the second rotating member 336B may be connected to an additional manifold 342 extending outside of the cage assembly 322 to position the second rotating member 336B outside of the cage assembly 322. The rotating members 336 may each include one or more orifices 346 and may be configured to pass a flow of cleaning fluid 348 from the orifices 346 toward and / or through the filtration component 330.

[0077] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 320 including a plurality of rotating members 336 may facilitate improved operation of the pneumatic conveyance system 100. For example, two or more rotating members 336 may facilitate removing a greater quantity of particulate material from the filtration component 330. For example, the first rotating member 336A may remove and / or may loosen some of the particulate material, and the second rotating member 336B may remove additional or a remainder of the particulate material from the filtration component 330, such as prior to additional accumulation of the particulate material on the filtration component 330. For example, the two rotating members 336 may facilitate a more frequent cleaning of the surfaces of the filtration component 330 compared to a filter assembly (e.g., filter assembly 220) including only one rotating member 336. In some embodiments, implementing two or more rotating members 336 facilitates balancing the filter assembly 320, for example, against the rotational movement of the rotating members 336. This may help to reduce or eliminate undesirable movements and / or vibrations that may damage one or more components of the filter assembly 320 and / or the pneumatic conveyance system 100. In some embodiments, implementing two or more rotating members 336 may facilitate tensioning the filtration component 730, or drawing the filtration component 330 close or tight against the rotating members 336. For example, the multiple rotating members 336 may perform one or more of the functions of the tensioner as described herein in connection with FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.

[0078] FIG. 4A is a simplified, partial side view of a filter assembly 420, and FIG. 4B is a simplified, partial top view of the filter assembly 420, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The filter assembly 420 includes a cage assembly422 including a base 424 connected to a coupler 426 by one or more longitudinal members 428. The filter assembly 420 may be configured to connect to a filtration component 430 positioned around an outside of the cage assembly 422. The filter assembly 420 includes a conduit 438 positioned and configured to rotate at a longitudinal axis 414 of the cage assembly 422. The filter assembly 420 includes at least one rotating member 436 connected to the conduit 438 by a manifold 442 and configured to rotate around the outside of the cage assembly 422, as described with respect to the rotating member 236.

[0079] The rotating member 436 may be positioned and oriented in a generally longitudinal direction with respect to the filter assembly 420. For example, the rotating member 436 may be substantially parallel to the conduit 438 and / or to the longitudinal axis 414. In some embodiments, the rotating member 436 is positioned and / or oriented at an angle 0 with respect to a vertical direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 414 (e.g., the longitudinal axis of the conduit 438). The vertical direction may be parallel to any of the longitudinally aligned features of the filter assembly 420, such as the conduit 438, the longitudinal members 428, and / or the longitudinal axis 414. Accordingly, the rotating member 436 may be angled or tilted from a vertical direction. For example, the angle 9 may correspond to an angle between a longitudinal axis of the rotating member 436 and the vertical direction. Stated another way the angle 9 may correspond to an angle between a longitudinal axis of the rotating member 436 and a line parallel to the longitudinal axis 414 and / or parallel to the conduit 438. In some embodiments, the angle 9 may be oriented such that the portion of the rotating member 436 distal from the connection between the rotating member 436 and the manifold 442 trails, with respect to the rotational direction of the rotating member 436, the portion of the rotating member 436 connected to the manifold 442. For example, one or more of the orifices 446 near a bottom of the rotating member 436 (e.g., proximate the manifold 442) may encounter or may rotate through a rotational position before one or more orifices 446 positioned near a top of the rotating member 436 (e.g., distal from the manifold 442). The angle 9 may be within a range of from about 1° to about 30°, such as from about 1° to about 2°, from about 2° to about 3°, from about 3° to about 5°, from about 5° to about 10°, from about 10° to about 15°, from about 15° to about 20°, or from about 20° to about 30°. In some embodiments, the angle 9 is about 15°. In some embodiments, the angle 9 is greater than about 15°. In some embodiments, the angle 9 may reduce binding between the filtration component 430 and the rotating member 436. For example, the trailing angle of the rotating member 436 facilitates the rotation of the rotating member 436 while substantially reducing the tendency of the filtration component430 to bind on the rotating member 436 compared to embodiments including a substantially vertical rotating member 436 or a rotating member 436 with a leading edge distal from the manifold 442.

[0080] While the angle 0 has been described with respect to “vertical” it should be understood that the “vertical” direction may not necessarily be vertical, for example, in a global reference frame. For example, the filter assembly 420 may be implemented with its longitudinal axis 414 oriented in an orientation other than the vertical orientation shown, such as sideways, at an angle, etc. In this way, the “vertical” direction is intended to represent the direction that is aligned with the longitudinal axis 414 of the filter assembly 420 (e.g., the longitudinal axis of the cage assembly 422, the longitudinal axis of the conduit 438) as is shown in the illustrated embodiments, and not necessarily a true vertical direction (e.g., in the direction of gravity).

[0081] In some embodiments, the rotating member 436 is substantially straight such that a longitudinal axis of the rotating member 436 comprises a straight line. In other embodiments, the rotating member 436 is not substantially straight, or the longitudinal axis of the rotating member 436 is not substantially straight. In some embodiments, the rotating member 436 has a curved or arcuate shape 460 (e.g., when viewed from the top). In some embodiments, the rotating member 436 has a spiral or helical configuration (e.g., due to the combination of the angle 9 and the arcuate shape 460). In some embodiments, the arcuate shape 460 of the rotating member 436 follows the curved shape of the rotational path followed by the rotating member 436. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the rotating member 436 may be curved such that some or all of the rotating member 436 extends radially outward the same radial distance with respect to the center longitudinal axis 414 (e.g., the conduit 438) and such that a distance between the rotational path of the rotating member 436 and the cage assembly 422 is substantially uniform along the circumference of the rotational path of the rotating member 436. In some embodiments, the arcuate shape 460 facilitates the rotating member 436 interfacing and / or contacting the filtration component 430 evenly and / or uniformly along some or all of the length of the rotating member 436, which may facilitate the rotating member 436 effectively cleaning the filtration component 430.

[0082] While the rotating member 436 is shown herein as having a substantially cylindrical shape and / or having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, it will be understood that the rotating member 436 may have any number of shapes and / or cross- sectional shapes. For example, the rotating member 436 may have a circular, oval, square,rectangular, triangular, or polygonal cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the rotating member 436 in contact with the filtration component 430 exhibits an arcuate shape, which may reduce a likelihood of dragging or sticking of the rotating member 436 on the filtration component 430. In some embodiments, the rotating member 436 has a substantially uniform cross-section such that the cross-sectional shape of the rotating member 436 along the length of the rotating member 436 is substantially uniform (e.g., each cross-section is substantially the same). In other words, the rotating member 436 may comprise an extrusion of a 2-dimensional cross-section. In other embodiments, the rotating member 436 has a non-uniform cross-section.

[0083] FIG. 5A-FIG. 5E are simplified, partial side views of a rotating members 536A-536E having different configurations of one or more orifices 546, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

[0084] In some embodiments, the orifices 546 are arranged in an array or pattern along a length of the rotating member 536. The orifices 546 may be positioned along an entirety of the length of the rotating member 536, or may be positioned along one or more partial lengths of the rotating member 536. The orifices 546 may be any shape such as one or more of circular, oval, square, rectangular, and polygonal. As mentioned above, the orifices 546 may be configured as jets or nozzles for directing and / or modifying the flow of the cleaning fluid from the rotating member 536.

[0085] As shown in the configuration FIG. 5A, the orifices 546 may be arranged in one or more substantially straight lines along a length of the rotating member 536. In some embodiments, the orifices 546 are arranged substantially equidistant from each other. In some embodiments, one or more of the orifices 546 are not equidistant from one or more neighboring orifices 546. In addition, in some embodiments, the size (e.g., diameter) of the orifices 546 may be substantially the same. As shown in the configuration of FIG. 5B, in some embodiments, the orifices 546 are arranged in an alternating pattern such as two lines (columns) of orifices 546 partly offset from one another. The offset orifices 546 may facilitate flowing a larger quantity (e.g., volume, flow rate, etc.) of the cleaning fluid from the rotating member 536. While the rotating members 536A and 536B illustrate particular arrangements of orifices 546, the disclosure is not so limited and the orifices 546 may be arranged in any other configuration.

[0086] In some embodiments, one or more of the orifices 546 has a different size than one or more other orifices 546. With reference to FIG. 5C, in some embodiments, the size (e.g., diameter, cross-sectional area) of the orifices 546 may change along a length ofthe rotating member 536C. For example, the orifices 546 proximate a bottom of the rotating member 536C (and the manifold) may be smaller than the orifices proximate a top of the rotating member 536C. In some embodiments, a density of orifices 546 in one or more portions of the rotating member 536C may be higher than a density of the orifices 546 in other portions of the rotating member 536C. For example, as shown in FIG. 5D, the bottom portion of the rotating member 536D may have less orifices (e.g., less orifices 546 per unit area) than a middle and / or top portion of the rotating member 536. In some embodiments, the rotating member 536D implements one or more changes in size as well as one or more changes in quantity of the orifices 546 along the length of the rotating member 536D to facilitate the cleaning fluid flowing from the rotating member 536 with a substantially uniform flow along the length of the rotating member 536. For example, the rotating member 536 may connect to a manifold and may receive a flow of cleaning fluid at a bottom end of the rotating member 536 (e.g., bottom end as oriented in the illustrated embodiments). The orifices 546 proximate the top of the rotating member 536D may be farther in the flow path of the cleaning fluid than the orifices 546 at the bottom of the rotating member 536D. The rotating member 536 including an increasing size of orifices 546 from the bottom to the top smaller sized orifices 546 and / or an increasing density of orifices 546 from the bottom to the top of the rotating member 536D may promote more flow of the cleaning fluid near the top of the rotating member 536D.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 5E, in some embodiments, the rotating member 536E may include one or more orifices 546 having an elongate shape. In some embodiments, the rotating member 536E may have one elongate orifice 546 spanning substantially all of the length of the rotating member 536E. The orifice 546 may be sized and configured to provide a substantially uniform flow throughout substantially an entire length of the orifice 546. The rotating member 536E having one or more elongate orifices 546 may facilitate providing a flow of cleaning fluid as a continuous or unbroken flow of cleaning fluid along the length of the rotating member 536 (e.g., in contrast to one or more broken or discrete flows provided by having many orifices 546 as shown in one or more embodiments). Accordingly, the elongate orifice 546 of FIG. 5E may facilitate flowing the cleaning fluid through substantially all of an interface between the rotating member 536E and a filtration component as described herein. In some embodiments, the rotating member 536E comprises an air knife for providing a substantially continuous curtain of air to the filtration component throughout substantially all of the length of the rotating member 536E.

[0088] While FIG. 5A-FIG. 5E illustrate the rotating members 536A-536E having a straight configuration, it will be understood that the rotating members 536A-536E may be curved or arcuate, as described above with reference to the rotating member 436 (FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B). Additionally, a rotating member may include and / or combine any of the features of any of FIG. 5A-FIG. 5E.

[0089] FIG 6A is a simplified side view of a filter assembly 620, and FIG. 6B is a simplified perspective view of the filter assembly 620, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The filter assembly 620 is substantially the same as the filter assembly 220 described above in connection with FIG. 2A-FIG. 2G, except that the filter assembly 620 includes a different actuator 662. For example, the filter assembly 620 includes a cage assembly 622 having a coupler 626. The filter assembly 620 includes a conduit 638 configured to rotate at a longitudinal axis of the cage assembly 622 to drive a rotation of a rotating member 636 as described herein.

[0090] The filter assembly 620 includes the actuator 662 for driving the rotation of the conduit 638. The actuator 662 may be connected to the cage assembly 622 by an actuator bracket 664 to fix the actuator 662 such that the actuator 662 may drive the conduit 638. For example, the conduit 638 may be connected to a drive 668. The drive 668 may interface with a driver 669 connected to the actuator 662. The actuator 662 may cause the driver 669 to rotate and in turn drive a rotation of the drive 668 and the conduit 638. In some embodiments, the actuator 662 may be a rotational actuator such as a motor. The actuator 662 may be any other actuator for driving the rotation of the conduit 638 as described herein. While the drive 668 and driver 669 are shown as comprising mating bevel gears, it should be understood that the drive 668 and driver 669 may include any component(s) for imparting rotational motion to the conduit 638, such as any style or type of gear, chain, sprocket, belt, linkage, pulley, or any other component and combinations thereof.

[0091] FIG. 7A is a simplified side view of a filter assembly 720, and FIG. 7B is a simplified perspective view of the filter assembly 720, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The filter assembly 720 is substantially the same as the filter assembly 220 described above in connection with FIG. 2A-FIG. 2G, except that the rotating member 736 may include one or more elongate orifices 746. The filter assembly 720 includes a cage assembly 722 having a filtration component 730 connected to and positioned around an outside of the cage assembly 722. A conduit 738 is positioned at a center of a cage assembly 722 and a rotating member 736 is connected to the conduit 738 by a manifold 742. Therotating member 736 is configured to rotate around an outside of the cage assembly 722 between the cage assembly 722 and a filtration component 730.

[0092] In some embodiments, the rotating member 736 includes one or more orifices 746. The orifices 746 may be elongate in shape and may substantially span the length of the rotating member 736. For example, the rotating member 736 and the orifices 746 may be configured as described in connection with FIG. 5E. In some embodiments, the rotating member 736 includes one orifice 746 that substantially spans the length of the rotating member 736. A cleaning fluid 748 may flow through the rotating member 736 from the conduit 738 and the manifold 742, and may flow out of the orifice 746 along an entirety of a length of the rotating member 736. The cleaning fluid 748 flowing from the orifice 746 may produce a substantially continuous air curtain 780 flowing from the rotating member 736 through the filtration component 730 to dislodge and / or remove particulate material 706 disposed on the filtration component 730. The air curtain 780 being continuous in this way may facilitate removing more of the particulate material 706 than, for example, a plurality of discrete orifices 746.

[0093] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 720 includes a tensioner 782. The tensioner 782 may be a generally elongate structure and may be connected to the conduit 738. For example, an arm 784 may be connected to the conduit 738 and extend outward to connect to and position the tensioner 782. In some embodiments, the arm 784 is connected to the conduit 738 below the cage assembly 722 (e.g., below the base 724) and is accordingly positioned below the cage assembly 722. In some embodiments the arm 784 extends past an outer dimension (e.g., diameter) of the cage assembly 722 such that the tensioner 782 is positioned outside of the cage assembly 722. In some embodiments, the arm 784 is connected to the conduit 738 at or by the manifold 742. For example, the arm 784 may be part of the manifold 742, or may be a separate component connected to the manifold 742. In some embodiments, the tensioner 782 is located outside of the cage assembly 722 and opposite (e.g., about 180° from the rotating member 736).

[0094] In some embodiments, the tensioner 782 may be driven to rotate by the connection of the tensioner 782 with the conduit 738. For example, as the conduit 738 rotates, the tensioner 782 may rotate around the outside of the cage assembly 722. In some embodiments, the tensioner 782 rotates between the cage assembly 722 and the filtration component 730. In some embodiments, the tensioner 782 may contact the filtration component 730, facilitating a tight or close interface of the filtration component 730 with the rotating member 736. For example, the tensioner 782 may be positioned across from oropposite the rotating member 736, such as 180° offset from the rotating member 736. As the tensioner 782 rotates and contacts the filtration component 730, the tensioner 782 may press, tension, or otherwise manipulate the filtration component 730 in a direction opposite that of the rotating member 736. The contact of the tensioner 782 with the filtration component 730 may tension the filtration component 730 against the rotating member 736, or may cause the filtration component 730 to draw close or tight to the rotating member 736, reducing a distance between the filtration component 730 and the rotating member 736 and the orifices 746. The rotating member 736 may effectively remove the particulate material 706 from the filtration component 730 when the rotating member 736 contacts the filtration component 730. The tensioner 782 tensioning the filtration component 730 against the rotating member 736 may facilitate sufficient contract between the rotating member 736 and the filtration component 730. The tensioner 782 tensioning the filtration component 730 against the rotating member 736 may facilitate the cleaning fluid 748 flowing through the filtration component 730 and / or may substantially block or prevent the cleaning fluid 748 from flowing elsewhere, such as upward through the cage assembly 722. In this way, the tensioner 782 may increase an efficiency of the cleaning functionality of the rotating member 736 by reducing, eliminating, and / or preventing alternative fluid paths for the cleaning fluid 748. In some embodiments, the filter assembly 720 includes two or more tensioners 782. The two or more tensioners 782 may be offset an equal distance or angle from the rotating member 736, or may be offset any other distance or angle. Multiple tensioners 782 may facilitate maintaining contact of the rotating member 736 with the filtration component 730 to a greater degree.

[0095] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram for a method 800 or a series of acts for removing material from a filtration component of a filter assembly of a pneumatic conveyance system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. While FIG. 8 illustrates particular acts, alternative embodiments may add, omit, reorder, or modify any of the acts of FIG. 8.

[0096] In some embodiments, the method 800 includes an act 810 of rotating a rotating member around an outside of a cage assembly of a filter assembly and between the cage assembly and a filtration component. For example, a conduit may be operably connected to the rotating member to cause the rotating member to rotate. The conduit may extend along a central axis of the filter assembly.

[0097] In some embodiments, the method 800 includes and act 820 of flowing air from the rotating member through the filtration component during rotation of the rotatingmember and while the rotating member contacts the filtration component. In some embodiments, the rotating member contacts the inside surface of the filtration component, and rotating the rotating member includes passing the rotating member along the inside surface of the filtration component. In some embodiments the air flows through the conduit, from the conduit to the rotating member, and from the rotating member through the filtration component.

[0098] In some embodiments, the method 800 is performed substantially continuously during operation of the pneumatic conveyance system. In other embodiments, the method 800 may be performed periodically or intermittently during operation of the pneumatic conveyance system.

[0099] Additional non-limiting example embodiments of the disclosure are set forth below.

[0100] Embodiment 1 : A filter assembly, comprising: a cage assembly; and a rotating member configured to rotate around an outside of the cage assembly, the rotating member defining at least one orifice oriented in a direction away from the cage assembly and configured to pass a flow of fluid from the rotating member in the direction away from the cage assembly.

[0101] Embodiment 2: The filter assembly of Embodiment 1, further comprising a filtration component around the cage assembly, the rotating member positioned between the filtration component and the cage assembly and directly contacting the filtration component.

[0102] Embodiment 3: The filter assembly of Embodiment 2, further comprising a rotating support around a perimeter of the cage assembly and connected to the rotating member to support the rotating member.

[0103] Embodiment 4: The filter assembly of Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3, further comprising a tensioner circumferentially spaced from the rotating member and configured to rotate in connection with the rotation of the rotating member, wherein the tensioner is configured to provide tension to the filtration component against the rotating member.

[0104] Embodiment 5: The filter assembly of Embodiment 3 or Embodiment 4, wherein the rotating support comprises at least one lateral support element to substantially prevent lateral movement of the rotating member.

[0105] Embodiment 6: The filter assembly of any one of Embodiments 3 through 5, wherein the rotating support comprises at least one axial support element to substantially prevent axial movement of the rotating member.

[0106] Embodiment 7: The filter assembly of any one of Embodiments 2 through6, wherein the filtration component is fixed with respect to the cage assembly.

[0107] Embodiment 8: The filter assembly of any one of Embodiments 1 through7, further comprising a conduit in fluid communication with the rotating member and extending along a longitudinal axis of the cage assembly; and a manifold fluidly connecting the conduit to the rotating member, wherein rotation of the conduit is configured to rotate the rotating member by means of the manifold.

[0108] Embodiment 9: The filter assembly of Embodiment 8, wherein the rotating member comprises: a first rotating member; and a second rotating member connected to the conduit via the manifold and circumferentially spaced from the first rotating member.

[0109] Embodiment 10: The filter assembly of any one of Embodiments 1 through 9, wherein the at least one orifice is defined along an entirety of a length of the rotating member.

[0110] Embodiment 11 : The filter assembly of any one of Embodiments 1 through 10, wherein the rotating member is angled from a vertical axis such that a portion of the rotating member distal from a connection between the rotating member and a manifold trails, with respect to a rotation of the rotating member, a portion of the rotating member proximate the connection.

[0111] Embodiment 12: A filtration system, comprising: a material inlet for receiving a carrier fluid including particulate material; a filter assembly in fluid communication with the material inlet and configured to remove at least some of the particulate material from the carrier fluid, the filter assembly comprising: a cage assembly; a filtration component positioned around an outside of the cage assembly; and a rotating member configured to rotate between the cage assembly and the filtration component, at least a portion of the rotating member contacting the filtration component, the rotating member configured to direct a cleaning fluid toward the filtration component to remove a portion of the particulate material from the filtration component. The filtration system further comprises a blower configured to draw the carrier fluid into the material inlet and through the filter assembly.

[0112] Embodiment 13: The filtration system of Embodiment 12, wherein the filter assembly is between the material inlet and the blower.

[0113] Embodiment 14: The filtration system of Embodiment 12 or Embodiment 13, further comprising an additional filter assembly in fluid communication with the material inlet and configured to remove at least some of the particulate material from the carrier fluid.

[0114] Embodiment 15: A method of removing material from a filtration component of a filter assembly of a pneumatic conveyance system, the method comprising: rotating a rotating member around an outside of a cage assembly of the filter assembly and between the cage assembly and the filtration component; and flowing air from the rotating member through the filtration component during rotation of the rotating member and while the rotating member contacts the filtration component.

[0115] Embodiment 16: The method of Embodiment 15, wherein the rotating member contacts an inside surface of the filtration component, and wherein rotating the rotating member includes passing the rotating member along the inside surface of the filtration component.

[0116] Embodiment 17: The method of Embodiment 16, further comprising rotating a tensioner around the outside of the cage assembly of the filter assembly and between the cage assembly and the filtration component, wherein rotation of the tensioner causes the rotating member to contact the inside surface of the filtration component.

[0117] Embodiment 18: The method of any one of Embodiments 15 through 17, wherein rotating a rotating member around an outside of a cage assembly comprises rotating a conduit operably connected to the rotating member and extending along a central axis of the filter assembly and causing the conduit to rotate the rotating member.

[0118] Embodiment 19: The method of any one of Embodiments 15 through 18, wherein flowing air from the rotating member through the filtration component comprises flowing the air through the conduit, from the conduit to the rotating member, and from the rotating member through the filtration component.

[0119] Embodiment 20: The method of any one of Embodiments 15 through 19, further comprising flowing air from the rotating member through the filtration component during rotation of the rotating member substantially continuously during operation of the pneumatic conveyance system.

[0120] While certain illustrative embodiments have been described in connection with the figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to those embodiments explicitly shown and described herein. Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the embodiments explicitlyshown and described herein may be made to produce embodiments within the scope of this disclosure, such as those hereinafter claimed, including legal equivalents. In addition, features from one disclosed embodiment may be combined with features of another disclosed embodiment while still being within the scope of this disclosure, as contemplated by the inventor.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A filter assembly, comprising: a cage assembly; and a rotating member configured to rotate around an outside of the cage assembly, the rotating member defining at least one orifice oriented in a direction away from the cage assembly and configured to pass a flow of fluid from the rotating member in the direction away from the cage assembly.

2. The filter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a filtration component around the cage assembly, the rotating member positioned between the filtration component and the cage assembly and directly contacting the filtration component.

3. The filter assembly of claim 2, further comprising a rotating support around a perimeter of the cage assembly and connected to the rotating member to support the rotating member.

4. The filter assembly of claim 2, further comprising a tensioner circumferentially spaced from the rotating member and configured to rotate in connection with the rotation of the rotating member, wherein the tensioner is configured to provide tension to the filtration component against the rotating member.

5. The filter assembly of claim 3, wherein the rotating support comprises at least one lateral support element to substantially prevent lateral movement of the rotating member.

6. The filter assembly of claim 3, wherein the rotating support comprises at least one axial support element to substantially prevent axial movement of the rotating member.

7. The filter assembly of claim 2, wherein the filtration component is fixed with respect to the cage assembly.

8. The filter assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a conduit in fluid communication with the rotating member and extending along a longitudinal axis of the cage assembly; and a manifold fluidly connecting the conduit to the rotating member, wherein rotation of the conduit is configured to rotate the rotating member by means of the manifold.

9. The filter assembly of claim 8, wherein the rotating member comprises: a first rotating member; and a second rotating member connected to the conduit via the manifold and circumferentially spaced from the first rotating member.

10. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one orifice is defined along an entirety of a length of the rotating member.

11. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotating member is angled from a vertical axis such that a portion of the rotating member distal from a connection between the rotating member and a manifold trails, with respect to a rotation of the rotating member, a portion of the rotating member proximate the connection.

12. A filtration system comprising: a material inlet for receiving a carrier fluid including particulate material; a filter assembly in fluid communication with the material inlet and configured to remove at least some of the particulate material from the carrier fluid, the filter assembly comprising: a cage assembly; a filtration component positioned around an outside of the cage assembly; and a rotating member configured to rotate between the cage assembly and the filtration component, at least a portion of the rotating member contacting the filtration component, the rotating member configured to direct a cleaning fluid toward the filtration component to remove a portion of the particulate material from the filtration component; and a blower configured to draw the carrier fluid into the material inlet and through the filter assembly.

13. The filtration system of claim 12, wherein the filter assembly is between the material inlet and the blower.

14. The filtration system of claim 12, further comprising an additional filter assembly in fluid communication with the material inlet and configured to remove at least some of the particulate material from the carrier fluid.

15. A method of removing material from a filtration component of a filter assembly of a pneumatic conveyance system, the method comprising: rotating a rotating member around an outside of a cage assembly of the filter assembly and between the cage assembly and the filtration component; and flowing air from the rotating member through the filtration component during rotation of the rotating member and while the rotating member contacts the filtration component.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the rotating member contacts an inside surface of the filtration component, and wherein rotating the rotating member includes passing the rotating member along the inside surface of the filtration component.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising rotating a tensioner around the outside of the cage assembly of the filter assembly and between the cage assembly and the filtration component, wherein rotation of the tensioner causes the rotating member to contact the inside surface of the filtration component.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein rotating a rotating member around an outside of a cage assembly comprises rotating a conduit operably connected to the rotating member and extending along a central axis of the filter assembly and causing the conduit to rotate the rotating member.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein flowing air from the rotating member through the filtration component comprises flowing the air through the conduit, from the conduit to the rotating member, and from the rotating member through the filtration component.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising flowing air from the rotating member through the filtration component during rotation of the rotating member substantially continuously during operation of the pneumatic conveyance system.

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