Plate filter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter (10) comprising a tank (12) which extends along a main axis (A1) and filtration plates (24) arranged parallel to the main axis (A1) and disposed in a star shape in a receiving volume (22) of the tank (12), each of the filtration plates (24) comprising at least one filtering element (34) connected to a collection pipe, the filter (10) comprising an external manifold (28), each of the collection pipes (36) comprising an end portion which extends in the receiving volume (22) of the tank (12) along a secondary axis, parallel to the main axis (A1), the end portion of each of the collection pipes being fluidically connected to the external manifold (28) by a through-channel formed in the main wall (20) of the tank (12), each channel extending through the main wall (20) along the secondary axis.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: PLATE FILTER

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a pressure filter with vertical filtration trays having a device for rapid handling of the set of trays.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] Among the devices used for the liquid / solid separation of a loaded suspension on an industrial scale, there are in particular pressure filters with a cylindrical enclosure called a "tank", whose filtration trays are arranged vertically. These filtration trays include one or more filter element(s). These filtration trays are arranged either parallel to each other or radially around the center of the tank. The first arrangement is called "in parallel"; the second is called "in star". These trays, whose filter element(s) are covered with a filter medium, generally a fabric, are provided with a collection pipe connected to an external collector allowing the filtered liquid called "filtrate" to be evacuated.

[0007] Although these filters offer satisfactory filtration efficiency, they are nonetheless complex to install and maintain. Using these filters requires regular replacement of the filter media in the filter trays to maintain optimal filtration performance. The filter trays then need to be removed from the tank to replace the filter media.

[0008] Furthermore, on current filters, the connection of the collection pipes to the external collector is made through the tank along a radial axis relative to a main axis of the tank. Thus, to move the filtration trays outside or inside the tank, several manipulations are necessary and consist, among other things, of a radial translation of each of the collection pipes in order to separate them from the tank, then an axial movement towards the outside of the tank. These manipulations must be carried out manually for each filtration tray of the filter.

[0009] Thus, such manipulations are time-consuming and in the case where the filter is used to separate toxic compounds, handling the filtration trays can present a significant health risk for the operator in charge of maintenance.

[0010] Thus, current filters present maintenance that is complex, time-consuming and potentially dangerous for the operator.

[0011] The invention therefore proposes to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a filter whose installation or removal of the filtration trays in the tank is quick, efficient and safer for the operator.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention proposes a filter comprising at least one tank which extends along a main axis and filtration trays arranged parallel to the main axis and disposed in a receiving volume delimited by a main wall of the tank, the filtration trays being arranged in a star shape in the receiving volume of the tank, each of the filtration trays comprising at least one filter element fluidically connected by one of its axial ends to a collection pipe, the filter comprising at least one external collector which extends along an external face of the main wall and outside the receiving volume of the tank, each of the collection pipes comprising an end section which extends in the receiving volume of the tank along a secondary axis, parallel to the main axis,the end section of each of the collection pipes being fluidically connected to the external collector by at least one through channel formed in the main wall of the tank, each channel extending through the main wall along the secondary axis.,

[0014] According to other characteristics of the invention: - the main wall comprises a shoulder which extends radially relative to the main axis, each channel extending through the shoulder;

[0015] - the end section of each of the collection pipes comprises a collar which extends radially along an external periphery of the end section relative to the secondary axis, at least one centering device being interposed axially between each collar and each channel;

[0016] - each of the centering devices comprises at least one end piece fitted onto the external periphery of the end section, the end piece comprising a free end having a conical centering surface;

[0017] - each of the centering devices comprises a device for receiving the tip which extends at least partly into each channel, the receiving device comprising a through-orifice delimited by an internal wall, the internal wall being at least partly conical so as to form a surface for receiving the centering surface of the tip;

[0018] - each of the centering devices comprises at least one circular seal mounted around the end piece, the seal comprising at least two compression surfaces which extend in a plane intersecting the secondary axis;

[0019] - all of the filtration trays are secured to a common lifting frame which extends over said filtration trays, in the receiving volume of the tank;

[0020] - the filtration trays are each secured to the lifting frame via their collection pipe; the lifting frame has a circular shape whose axis of revolution is coaxial with the main axis of the tank;

[0021] - the axial retention of the filtration trays in the tank is ensured by the lifting frame and by the axial contact of the end section of each of the collection pipes on the shoulder of the tank; - the tank comprises at least one central conduit which extends along the main axis of the tank, the central conduit comprising axial guide means capable of cooperating with complementary guide elements carried by the lifting frame;

[0022] - the guide elements of the lifting frame are rods which extend parallel to the main axis, the axial guide means taking the form of grooves formed on the periphery of the central conduit and intended to house at least part of the rods;

[0023] - a control conduit extends outside the receiving volume of the tank, between each channel and the external collector, each control conduit comprising a fluid passage control member;

[0024] - the filter comprises double trays comprising at least two filter elements fluidly connected to the same collection pipe and single trays comprising a single filter element fluidly connected to a collection pipe, the single trays each extending between two double trays.

[0025] Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig. 1] is a perspective and cutaway view of a filter according to an example of the invention comprising a tank housing filtration trays secured to a lifting frame;

[0028] [Fig.2] is an axial sectional view of the filter bowl of Figure 1;

[0029] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of the tank and filter trays carried by the filter lifting frame of Figure 1;

[0030] [Fig. 4] is a detailed view of an end section of a collection pipe of one of the filtration trays of the filter of FIG. 1, the end section comprising a centering device according to a first example of the invention, the end section being arranged opposite a channel formed in a shoulder of the tank;

[0031] [Fig.5] is a detailed view of the end section of a collection tube of one of the filtration trays of the filter of Figure 1 comprising a centering device according to a second example of the invention;

[0032] [Fig.6] is a detailed view of the end section of Figure 5 cooperating fluidly with the channel formed in the shoulder of the tank;

[0033] [Fig.7] is a schematic top view of the filter lifting frame of Figure 1.

[0034] Detailed description of the invention

[0035] For the description of the invention and the understanding of the claims, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the V, L, T reference system indicated in the figures, the longitudinal L and transverse T axes of which extend in a horizontal plane, will be adopted as a non-limiting example and without limiting reference to Earth's gravity.

[0036] In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numbers.

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a filter 10 according to an example of the invention, here a filter 10 with vertical filtration trays under pressure for the liquid / solid separation of a loaded suspension.

[0038] It should be considered that initially a structural description of the filter 10 will be proposed and then a functional description of the elements of the filter 10 will be proposed.

[0039] The filter 10 comprises a cylindrical tank 12 which extends along a main axis A1 with a conical lower bottom 14, a removable domed cover 16 and a substantially cylindrical central portion 18.

[0040] According to the example of the invention illustrated, the main axis A1 is here a vertical axis, considering the Earth's gravity.

[0041] The tank 12 comprises in particular a main wall 20 which delimits a receiving volume 22 of the filtration trays 24.

[0042] In the example of the invention illustrated, the receiving volume 22 of the filtration trays 24 extends essentially between the conical lower bottom 14 and the removable domed cover 16. In other words, the receiving volume 22 of the filtration trays 24 extends mainly in the cylindrical central portion 18 of the tank 12.

[0043] As seen in Figures 2 and 5, the main wall 20 of the tank 12 comprises a shoulder 26 which extends radially relative to the main axis A1 of the tank 12.

[0044] More particularly, the central portion 18 of the tank 12 comprises a first cylinder C1 of a first diameter and a second cylinder C2 of a second diameter strictly greater than the first diameter, the diameters being considered along the main axis A1 of the tank 12. The second cylinder C2 is defined in particular as being in contact with the cover 16.

[0045] The shoulder 26 then forms an intermediate wall which extends here and in a non-limiting manner in a plane P, visible in figure 4, perpendicular to the main axis of the tank and in such a way that it connects the first cylinder C1 and the second cylinder C2 to each other as visible in figure 2.

[0046] It is further understood that the removable domed cover 16 comprises a base with a diameter identical to the second diameter of the second cylinder C2.

[0047] The tank 12 then has a mushroom shape which is particularly visible in figure 2.

[0048] The filter 10 further comprises an external collector 28 which extends along an external face 30 of the main wall 20 of the tank 12, and outside the receiving volume 22 of the tank 12. More precisely and without limitation, the external collector 28 here takes the form of a torus which extends around the central portion 18 of the tank 12. Even more precisely, the external collector 28 extends opposite the shoulder 26 of the tank 12.

[0049] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the tank 12 comprises three concentric central conduits 32 which extend along the main axis A1 of the tank 12. Concentric means that the three central conduits 32 have decreasing diameters so as to be assembled into each other. Three outlets, each fluidically connected to one of the central conduits 32, then extend through the conical lower bottom 14 of the tank 12.

[0050] The operation of such central conduits 32 will however not be detailed here, these not being the subject of the invention.

[0051] Visible in Figures 1 and 3, the filtration trays 24 are suspended axially in the tank 12, that is to say parallel to the main axis A1, and are arranged in the receiving volume 22 delimited by the main wall 20.

[0052] In the illustrated example of the invention and in a non-limiting manner, the filtration plates 24 are arranged radially in a star shape around the main axis A1 of the tank 12.

[0053] Each of the filtration trays 24 comprises at least one filter element 34 fluidly connected by one of its axial ends to a collection tube 36.

[0054] Single trays 24a are identified comprising a single filter element 34 connected to its collection tube 36 and double trays 24b comprising two filter elements 34 connected to the same collection tube 36.

[0055] Here, the single plates 24a extend radially between two double plates 24b. In other words, the single plates 24a and the double plates 24b are arranged alternately around the main axis A1 of the tank 12.

[0056] Each filter element 34 of the single trays 24a and the double trays 24b comprises at least one drain, not visible, and a cloth 38 which covers the drain(s).

[0057] The collection pipe 36 of each of the filtration trays 24 comprises a main section 40, partly visible in FIGS. 4 to 6, which extends radially relative to the main axis of the tank. The main section 40 of each of the collection pipes 36 is in particular configured to be integral with the filter element(s) 34 of the filtration tray 24, visible in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0058] More precisely, the drain(s) of each of the filtering elements 34 are configured to fit on one of their axial ends into slots, not visible, of the main section 40 of its associated collection pipe 36. A sealing profile, extending the fabric, then covers the connection between the drains and the main section of the collection pipe and a ring associated with a clamping system makes it possible to block the filtering element in position in fluid connection with the main section of the collection pipe.

[0059] Furthermore, each of the collection pipes 36 comprises an end section 42, visible in FIGS. 4 to 6, which extends along a secondary axis A2, parallel to the main axis of the tank.

[0060] It should be considered that in the remainder of the description, only the structural and functional characteristics of a single collection tube 36 will be detailed, but it will be understood that these characteristics apply mutatis mutandis to all of the collection tubes 36 of the filter 10.

[0061] It is understood from the above that a radial end of the collection tube 36 takes the form of an elbow such that the end section 42 extends along the second axis A2, that is to say perpendicular to the main section 40 of the collection tube 36.

[0062] Furthermore, and visible in Figure 5, the radial end of the collection tube 36 comprising the end section 42 is the radial end of the collection tube 36 which extends in the vicinity of the main wall 20 of the tank 12. More precisely, the end section 42 of the collection tube 36 extends into the receiving volume 22 of the tank 12 so that it is axially in line with the shoulder 26 of the latter along the secondary axis A2.

[0063] Thus and as visible in Figure 6, the end section 42 is fluidically connected to the external collector 28, shown in Figure 5, by at least one through channel 44, formed in the main wall 20 of the tank 12, here formed in the shoulder 26 of the tank 12. In particular, the channel 44 extends in the shoulder 26 along the secondary axis A2.

[0064] According to the example of the invention illustrated in Figure 5, a control conduit 46 extends outside the receiving volume 22 of the tank 12, between the channel 44 formed in the shoulder 26 and the external collector 28 so as to ensure the fluid connection between the end section 42 and the external collector 28 of the tank 12. It is then understood that the external collector 28 comprises a connection opening 48, oriented towards the channel 44, the control conduit 46 being connected to the connection opening 48 and to the channel 44.

[0065] According to the example of the invention illustrated, the control conduit 46 comprises a fluid passage control member 50, for example a tap. The fluid passage control member 50 can then switch between an open position which allows fluid passage between the channel 44 and the external collector 28 and a closed position which blocks fluid passage between the latter.

[0066] In addition, the control conduit 46 may comprise a transparent portion allowing visual monitoring of the fluid flowing within the control conduit 46.

[0067] It is then understood that each end section 42 of each of the collection pipes 36 of the filter is fluidically connected to a channel 44 and to a control conduit 46. Advantage is thus taken of such a configuration of the filter in that the control conduits 46 associated with each of the end sections 42, and therefore with each filtration tray 24, allow individual control of each of the filtration trays 24.

[0068] As particularly visible in Figure 4, the end section 42 of each of the collection pipes 36 comprises a collar 52 which extends radially along the external periphery of the end section 42, relative to the secondary axis A2. The collar 52 extends in particular around the end section 42 at a non-zero axial distance from the free end of the end section 42 so as to leave a cylindrical space around the free end of the end section 42.

[0069] According to the example of the invention illustrated in Figure 4, a centering device 54 is interposed axially between the collar 52 and the channel 44. More precisely, the centering device 54 extends mainly at the level of the cylindrical space described above.

[0070] The centering device 54 comprises an end piece 56 fitted onto the external periphery of the end section 42. The end piece 56 is fitted onto the end section 42 in such a way that it bears axially against the collar 52. It is then understood that the end piece 56 is force-fitted around the external periphery of the end section 42 until it comes into axial contact with the collar 52.

[0071] The end piece 56 can thus comprise a bearing surface 58 which extends radially and in contact with the collar 52 of the end section 42.

[0072] The end piece 56 further comprises a free end having a conical centering surface 60 in order to facilitate the axial insertion guidance of the end section 42 into the channel 44, along the secondary axis A2. Such an assembly will be detailed later in the description.

[0073] Thus, according to the example of the invention illustrated in Figure 4, an edge 62 of the channel 44 has a chamfered profile, complementary to the conical centering surface 60 of the end piece 56.

[0074] According to another embodiment of the invention visible in figures 5 and 6, the centering device 54 comprises a receiving device 64 for the tip 56 which extends at least partly in each channel 44. More precisely, the receiving device 64 extends along the secondary axis A2 and comprises an internal wall 66 which delimits a through orifice 68. The through orifice 68 then extends at least partly in the channel 44.

[0075] The internal wall 66 of the receiving device 64 comprises at least one conical portion so as to form a receiving surface 70 complementary to the conical centering surface 60 of the free end of the tip 56.

[0076] Furthermore, the centering device 54 comprises at least one circular seal 72 mounted around the end piece 56. It is then understood that the seal 72 comprises two compression surfaces 74, axially opposite one another and which extend in a plane intersecting the secondary axis A2. In other words, it is understood that the seal 72 comprises a first compression surface 74a in axial contact with the bearing surface 58 of the end piece 56 and a second compression surface 74b in contact, either with the edge 62 of the channel 44 according to the embodiment of FIG. 4, or in contact with the receiving device 64 of the end piece 56 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6. The centering device according to the examples of the invention of FIGS. 4 to 6 can be made in a non-limiting manner from a plastic material.

[0077] Advantage is thus taken of the centering device 54 according to one or other of the embodiments of figures 4 to 6 in that it makes it possible to mechanically protect the end section 42 and possibly the channel 44, during its axial insertion into the channel 44. In other words, the centering device 54 can be changed if it is damaged and thus represents a lower cost compared to cases of wear of the end section 42 or the channel 44 of the tank which would require their repair.

[0078] As seen in Figure 1, all of the filtration trays 24 are secured to a common lifting frame 76 which extends over the filtration trays 24, in the volume of the tank 12. More particularly, the lifting frame 76 extends in the volume of the tank 12, between the collection pipes 36 of the filtration trays 24 and the domed cover 16 of the tank 12.

[0079] The lifting frame 76, visible schematically in Figure 7, has in particular a circular shape whose axis of revolution R is coaxial with the main axis A1 of the tank 12. In particular, a central portion 78 of the lifting frame 76 is defined, taking the form of a cylinder, and a peripheral portion 80 taking the form of a cylinder, the central portion 78 and the peripheral portion 80 being concentric.

[0080] In particular, the peripheral portion 80 is configured to extend in the vicinity of the shoulder 26 of the tank 12.

[0081] Main arms 82 then extend radially between the central portion 78 and the peripheral portion 80 of the lifting frame 76 and in such a way that they connect them. Intermediate arms 84 further extend between the main arms 82 and in such a way that they connect them.

[0082] Each of the filtration trays 24 is secured to the lifting frame 76 via its collection pipe 36. To this end, the collection pipes 36 comprise fixing means, not visible here, complementary with fixing elements 77 secured to the lifting frame 76, visible in FIGS. 4 to 6. For example and in a non-limiting manner, the fixing elements 77 may be rails allowing on the one hand the radial sliding of the collection pipes 36, for example during the maintenance operation of the filtration trays 24, and on the other hand the locking in position of said collection pipes 36 once the maintenance of the filtration trays 24 has been carried out.

[0083] Furthermore, it should be considered that each of the collection pipes 36 is integral with the lifting frame 76 such that its end section 42 is arranged opposite its associated channel 44, along the secondary axis A2.

[0084] Furthermore, visible in Figures 1 and 3, the lifting frame 76 comprises guide elements 86 which extend axially from the central portion 78, along the main axis A1. The guide elements 86 take in particular the form of rods which extend axially in the receiving volume 22 of the tank 12.

[0085] The rods forming the guide elements 86 are then configured such that they extend from the central portion 78 of the lifting frame 76 and at least axially beyond the filtration plates 24.

[0086] Such a configuration of the guide elements 86, here in the form of rods, of the lifting frame 76 is advantageous in the maintenance method of the filter 10 which will be described later in the detailed description.

[0087] The central conduits 32 of the tank 12 mentioned above, and in particular the radially outermost central conduit 32, comprise axial guide means 88 capable of cooperating with the guide elements 86 carried by the lifting frame 76.

[0088] According to the example of the invention illustrated, the axial guide means 88 take the form of grooves 88 formed on the periphery of the central conduit 32 and configured to house at least in part the rods of the lifting frame 76.

[0089] It is then understood from the preceding description that the filtration plates 24 are held radially in the tank 12 by their connection with the lifting frame 76. It is also understood that the filtration plates 24 are held axially in the tank 12 at least in part by the axial contact of the end sections 42 of the collection pipes 36 on the shoulder 26 of the tank 12 as described previously.

[0090] Also, the axial maintenance of the filtration trays 24 in the tank 12 is ensured by the connection of the filtration trays 24 with the lifting frame 76.

[0091] Such a configuration of the tank 12 is particularly advantageous in that the weight of the filtration plates 24 and the lifting frame 76 against the shoulder 26 contributes to the sealing between the end sections 42 of the collection pipes 36 and the channels 44 by exerting axial pressure on the seals 72 of the centering devices 54 mentioned previously.

[0092] The operating method of the filter 10 as well as its maintenance method will now be described in detail in the remainder of the description using figures 1 to 7.

[0093] The operating process of the filter 10 is particularly remarkable for two phases called the filtration phase and the clearing phase.

[0094] During the filtration phase, the tank 12 of the filter 10 is filled with the suspension to be filtered. The tank 12 is then pressurized while the filtration trays 24, via their collection pipe 36, are placed under vacuum. The liquid phase of the suspension then passes through the cloths 38 of the filter elements 34, and the solid phase remains on the surface of said cloths 38, forming a cake. In particular, the liquid phase passes through the cloths then into the collection pipes 36 to reach the external collector 28 via the control conduit 46. During the filtration phase, the cloths 38 are pressed against the drains of the filter element 34.

[0095] Furthermore, during the filtration phase, the pressure applied in the tank 12 makes it possible to reinforce the compression of the seals 72 of the centering devices 54, at the level of their compression surfaces 74, thus improving the sealing between the collection pipes 36 and the channels 44 formed in the shoulder 26 of the tank 12. The filtration phase stops when the resistance of the cakes to the flow of the liquid becomes too great.

[0096] At this stage, the cakes must be detached from the canvases 38; this is the unbuilding phase.

[0097] Several de-basing processes can be implemented, for example a de-basing process by counter-current filtrate. Most often, the filtrate used is stored during the filtration phase in a tank, called a "blowing tank", located above the filter. During the de-basing phase, said filtrate is returned under the sole effect of gravity to all the filter elements 34 of the filter 10, after venting the tank 12 of said filter 10 to the atmosphere.

[0098] Once detached from their filter element 34, the cakes settle within the suspension between the plates, to the bottom of the tank 12, before being extracted.

[0099] The method of operating the filter 10 can be implemented several times. However, in order to maintain optimal filtration performance, it is necessary to regularly replace the cloths 38. It is then necessary to remove the filtration trays 24 from the tank 12 in order to allow an operator to remove the cloths 38 from the filter elements 34.

[0100] The filter 10 according to the invention is then advantageous in several structural aspects.

[0101] On the one hand, the lifting frame 76 carrying all of the filtration trays 24, the extraction of said filtration trays 24 from the tank 12 can be carried out in a single operation.

[0102] In addition, the lifting frame 76 being integrated into the receiving volume 22 of the tank 12, no manipulation of the connection of the filtration trays 24 with the lifting frame 76 is necessary by the operator, the latter only having to secure the lifting frame 76 to an external lifting means, for example an overhead crane.

[0103] On the other hand, the particular structure of the sealed connection between the end sections 42 of the collection pipes 36 and the channels 44 formed in the shoulder 26 of the tank 12, along the secondary axis A2 parallel to the main axis A1 of the tank 12, makes it possible to extract the filtration trays 24 secured to the lifting frame 76 along this same main axis A1 of the tank 12.

[0104] Furthermore, the sealing between the end sections 42 of the collection pipes 36 and the channels 44 being operated solely by the weight of the lifting frame 76, the filtration plates 24 and their collection pipes 36, pressing axially on the shoulder 26 of the tank 12, no separation manipulation between the collection pipes 36 and the channels 44 is necessary.

[0105] It is then understood that the structure of the filter 10 makes it possible to reduce the manipulations of an operator, necessary to extract the filtration trays 24 from the tank 12, thus reducing the associated health risks while reducing the time necessary for this operation.

[0106] Thus, once the lifting frame 76 has been extracted axially outside the tank 12, the filtration trays 24 can be maintained, in particular by changing their fabric 38.

[0107] Once this operation of changing the cloths 38 has been carried out, the lifting frame 76 carrying the filtration trays 24 can be reintroduced into the tank 12.

[0108] To do this, the lifting frame 76 carrying the filtration plates 24 is placed axially above the receiving volume 22 of the tank 12 as illustrated in Figure 3 and in such a way that the free ends of the rods are outside the tank 12.

[0109] We then understand the advantage of the configuration of the rods, forming the guide elements 86, which extend axially beyond the filtration plates 24 in that it allows visual control of the positioning of the rods relative to the grooves 88 carried by the central conduit 32 of the tank 12.

[0110] In other words, when repositioning the lifting frame 76 carrying the filtration trays 24 in the tank 12, the angular position of the rods relative to the grooves 88 is ensured, such that they cooperate with each other during the axial movement of the lifting frame 76 towards the receiving volume 22 of the tank 12. It is then understood that the angular position of the rods relative to the grooves 88 also ensures the angular position of the end sections 42 of the collection pipes 36 relative to the channels 44 formed in the shoulder 26.

[0111] Thus, the positioning of the rods in the grooves 88 ensures the positioning of the end sections 42 of each of the collection tubes 36 in their associated channel 44, the centering device 54 as described previously also participating in facilitating the insertion of the end sections 42 into the channels 44.

[0112] The weight of the lifting frame 76 and the filter trays 24 coupled to the collection pipes 36 subsequently ensure the seal between the end sections 42 and the channels 44, as described previously, and no sealing operation is necessary on the part of the operator.

[0113] It is then understood that during the maintenance process of the filter 10, the particular configuration of the latter, and in particular the axial cooperation between the end sections 42 of the collection pipes 36 and the channels 44 makes it possible to simplify the repositioning of the filtration plates 24 in the tank 12, this operation being carried out in a single operation thanks to the lifting frame 76 carrying said filtration plates 24.

[0114] Furthermore, the lifting frame 76 being configured to remain in the receiving volume 22 of the tank 12, once the filtration trays 24 are positioned therein, no additional operation of detaching the filtration trays 24 from the lifting frame 76 is necessary.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 . Filter (10) comprising at least one tank (12) which extends along a main axis (A1) and filtration trays (24) arranged parallel to the main axis (A1) and arranged in a receiving volume (22) delimited by a main wall (20) of the tank (12), the filtration trays (24) being arranged in a star shape in the receiving volume (22) of the tank (12), each of the filtration trays (24) comprising at least one filter element (34) fluidically connected by one of its axial ends to a collection pipe (36), the filter (10) comprising at least one external collector (28) which extends along an external face (30) of the main wall (20) and outside the receiving volume (22) of the tank (12), each of the collection pipes (36) comprising an end section (42) which extends into the receiving volume (22) of the tank (12), reception (22) of the tank (12) along a secondary axis (A2), parallel to the main axis (A1),the end section (42) of each of the collection pipes (36) being fluidically connected to the external collector (28) by at least one through channel (44) formed in the main wall (20) of the tank (12), each channel (44) extending through the main wall (20) along the secondary axis (A2)., 2. Filter (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the main wall (20) comprises a shoulder (26) which extends radially relative to the main axis (A1), each channel (44) extending through the shoulder (26).

3. Filter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the end section (42), of each of the collection pipes (36), comprises a collar (52) which extends radially along an external periphery of the end section (42) relative to the secondary axis (A2), at least one centering device (54) being interposed axially between each collar (52) and each channel (44).

4. Filter (10) according to the preceding claim, in which each of the centering devices (54) comprises at least one end piece (56) fitted onto the external periphery of the end section (42), the end piece (56) comprising a free end having a conical centering surface (60).

5. Filter (10) according to the preceding claim, in which each of the centering devices (54) comprises a receiving device (64) for the tip (56) which extends at least partly into each channel (44), the receiving device (64) comprising a through orifice (68) delimited by an internal wall (66), the internal wall (66) being at least partly conical so as to form a receiving surface (70) for the centering surface (60) of the tip (56).

6. Filter (10) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein each of the centering devices (54) comprises at least one circular seal (72) mounted around the end piece (56), the seal (72) comprising at least two compression surfaces (74, 74a, 74b) which extend in a plane intersecting the secondary axis (A2).

7. Filter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the set of filtration trays (24) is integral with a common lifting frame (76) which extends to cover said filtration trays (24), in the receiving volume (22) of the tank (12).

8. Filter (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the filtration trays (24) are each integral with the lifting frame (76) via their collection pipe (36).

9. Filter (10) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, in which the lifting frame (76) has a circular shape whose axis of revolution (R) is coaxial with the main axis (A1) of the tank (12).

10. Filter (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9 in combination with claim 2, in which the axial retention of the filtration plates (24) in the tank (12) is ensured by the lifting frame (76) and by the axial contact of the end section (42) of each of the collection pipes (36) on the shoulder (26) of the tank (12).

11. Filter (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, in which the tank (12) comprises at least one central conduit (32) which extends along the main axis (A1) of the tank (12), the central conduit (32) comprising axial guide means (88) capable of cooperating with complementary guide elements (86) carried by the lifting frame (76).

12. Filter (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the guide elements (86) of the lifting frame (76) are rods which extend parallel to the main axis (A1), the axial guide means (88) taking the form of grooves (88) formed on the periphery of the central duct (32) and intended to house at least part of the rods.

13. Filter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a control conduit (46) extends outside the receiving volume (22) of the tank (12), between each channel (44) and the external collector (28), each control conduit (46) comprising a control member (50) for the passage of the fluid.

14. Filter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising double trays (24, 24b) comprising at least two filter elements (34) fluidly connected to the same collection pipe (36) and single trays (24, 24a) comprising a single filter element (34) fluidly connected to a collection pipe (36), the single trays (24, 24a) each extending between two double trays (24, 24b).

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