A disc for a disc filter

Abstract

A filtration disc for a disc filter includes at least two generally concentric annular groove segments formed at least on one of its sides.

Description

[0001] A DISC FOR A DISC FILTER

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003]

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to a disc used in disc filters, in particular for agricultural purposes.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005]

[0002] A disc filter is a filtration system commonly used in agricultural applications for removing contaminants from liquid (typically water) that is channeled towards a field for irrigating crops. The cleaner liquid after filtration is useful for crop health, efficient operation of irrigation equipment used in the field (and the like).

[0006]

[0003] Such discs typically have a hollow center at their core to allow the discs to be stacked on a central rod or shaft of the filter, and each such disc includes grooves that extend generally radially between its inner periphery that surrounds the disc's core and its outer periphery. The groove on the disc are typically formed between ridges on both lateral sides.

[0007]

[0004] Since the outer periphery of the disc is longer in its circumference than the circumference at its inner periphery, the grooves in each disc become wider and / or the ridges between the grooves become wider as they extend towards the outer periphery.

[0008]

[0005] As a result, the number of grooves per disc is generally determined by the disc's inner periphery, which is shorter than its outer periphery. SUMMARY

[0009]

[0006] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

[0010]

[0007] In at least certain embodiments, groove formations in filtration discs may be arranged as intermittent groove / ridge segments, that are distinct one from the other generally along the disc's radial extension.

[0011]

[0008] Such intermittent groove / ridge segments may be divided into two or more generally concentric annular groove segments placed on the same disc surface.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the number of grooves in one or more annular groove segment(s) may be different than the number of grooves in one or more other annular groove segment(s) that is located on the same disc surface / side.

[0012]

[0010] In certain cases, at least one annular groove segment may be separated from at least one other annular groove segment on the same disc surface by an annular flow channel.

[0013] [Oi l] Provision of such annular groove segments may be useful in increasing / optimizing the number of grooves at each annular groove segment, thus increasing the total area of filtration (e.g. overall liquid passages, liquid flow area and the like) of such discs.

[0014]

[0012] Such annular groove segments may be formed on both surface / sides of the disc, and in certain embodiments the locations of the annular flow channels on opposing sides of a disc may be chosen such that they do not substantially overlap or at most only partially overlap, in order to avoid thin regions along the disc where breakage may occur during use.

[0015]

[0013] In the present disclosure the flow of liquid (typically water) along grooves of a disc will be defined according to the upstream and downstream directions.

[0016]

[0014] Normally, the downstream flow of liquid is from the outer periphery towards the inner periphery of a disc, however in certain cases the flow may be in the opposite direction, namely downstream from the inner periphery towards the outer periphery of a disc.

[0017]

[0015] Provision of such annular flow channels may assist in improving flow along the grooves of the discs, since e.g. if one or more grooves become blocked at a relative upstream groove segment, the liquid flow along the annular flow channel may assist in distributing the liquid towards grooves in the more downstream groove segment and by that increase filtration efficiency

[0018]

[0016] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020]

[0017] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0021]

[0018] Fig. 1 schematically shows a plan view of one side of a disc filter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]

[0019] Figs. 2A and 2B schematically show partial enlarged views of annular groove segments of a disc filter in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

[0023]

[0020] Fig. 3 schematically shows a plan view of one side of a disc filter in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]

[0021] Figs. 4 and 5 schematically show partial enlarged views of three annular groove segments of a disc filters in accordance with yet further embodiments of the present invention; and

[0022] Figs. 6 to 9 schematically show examples of various types of grooves in annular groove segments that can be present in disc filters in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

[0025]

[0023] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated within the figures to indicate like elements.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027]

[0024] Attention is first drawn to Fig. 1 schematically showing a plan view of one surface / side of a filtration disc 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028]

[0025] The filtration disc 10 has a central hollow core 12 to allow a plurality of such discs to be stacked on a central rod or shaft of a disc filter (not shown) in which such filtration discs are housed.

[0029]

[0026] The filtration disc can further be seen including an inner periphery 131 that surrounds the core 12 and an outer periphery 132 (accordingly having a larger diameter that the diameter of the disc's inner periphery).

[0030]

[0027] In the enlarged section at the upper side of figure 1, the filtration disc can be seen in this example being formed with three annular groove segments 2.

[0031]

[0028] It is noted that a filtration disc typically also includes another side generally similar to this side, which is hidden in figure 1. With attention briefly drawn to Fig. 2B, an annular groove segment 2' on the opposing other side of the filtration disc can be seen indicated at the lower side of the figure.

[0032]

[0029] Attention is drawn back to Fig, 1. As seen in this example, a first annular flow channel 3 may be formed between the most radially outward groove segment 2 and the more radially inward, here, central groove segment 2, and a second annular flow channel 3 may be formed between the central groove segment 2 and the most radially inward groove segment 2.

[0030] As seen in Fig. 2A, each groove segment 2 includes a plurality of generally radially extending grooves 1 formed between ridges 5 on both lateral sides.

[0033]

[0031] In the present disclosure the flow of liquid (typically water) along grooves of the groove segments of a disc will be defined according to the upstream and downstream directions.

[0034]

[0032] Normally, the downstream flow of liquid is from the outer periphery 132 towards the inner periphery 131 of a filtration disc, however in certain cases the flow may be in the opposite direction, namely downstream from the inner periphery 131 towards the outer periphery 132 of a filtration disc.

[0035]

[0033] Since the inner diameter of each groove segment 2 is smaller than its outer diameter, at least in a scenario where all grooves have a generally similar widths, the number of grooves 1 in each given groove segment 2 is generally determined by the inner diameter of the given groove segment.

[0036]

[0034] Therefore, by dividing the grooves into groove segments, the inner diameter of each groove segment as is extends radially outwardly is made larger and by that one can optimize (and if advantageous increase) the number of grooves in each groove segment to improve filtration efficiency of the filtration disc.

[0037]

[0035] In the example seen in Fig. 2A, the fact that the grooves 1 and / or the ridges 5 between the grooves 1 become wider as they extend towards the outer periphery 132, can be identified at the upper sides 7 of the ridges, which in this example are formed as flat chamfers.

[0038]

[0036] As seen, the ridges 5 as they extend radially outwards towards the disc's outer periphery 132 in this example become wider, and this is emphasized by the black color indicated on one of the upper sides 7.

[0039]

[0037] Attention is drawn to Fig. 3 showing an embodiment of a filtration disc 10 having two groove segments.

[0040]

[0038] With attention additionally drawn to Figs. 4 and 5, examples of filtrations discs having being optimized to have different numbers of grooves in groove segments can be seen.

[0039] In Fig. 4, the widths of the grooves may be designed to increase (and possibly the number of grooves decrease) as the groove segment 2 is more radially outward.

[0041]

[0040] In Fig. 5, the widths of the grooves may be designed to increase (and possibly the number of grooves decrease) as the groove segment 2 is more radially inward.

[0042]

[0041] Attention is drawn to Figs. 6 to 8 schematically showing examples of various types of grooves in annular groove segments that can be present in disc filters in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

[0043]

[0042] In Fig. 6 a radial extension R of a disc filter is indicated together with two axes G that represent axes along which grooves extend in this example in the radial inner and outer annular groove segments.

[0044]

[0043] As seen, the grooves in the inner annular groove segment are inclined relative to a radial extension passing there through in a first direction, while the grooves in the outer annular groove segment are inclined relative to a radial extension passing there through in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The grooves in the middle annular groove segment extend in this example generally radially.

[0045]

[0044] With attention drawn to Fig. 7, an example of an annular groove segment where the widths of the grooves increase is shown. In this example, such increase in the widths of the grooves may occur as such grooves extends radially outward. In this example also the ridges between the groves can be seen having a generally constant with along their extensions.

[0046]

[0045] In Fig. 8, an example of annular groove segments having nonlinear extending grooves is illustrated. Here the grooves in each annular groove segment can be seen extending along curved extensions.

[0047]

[0046] In some embodiments, the annular flow channels 3 may be formed as a continuous rings that fully encircles the center of the disc and remain largely free of any obstructions.

[0047] In other embodiments, obstructive elements may be positioned along or extend through one or more of the disc's annular flow channels 3. As illustrated in Fig. 9, an example is shown where one or more primary ridges 55 traverse at least some of the annular flow channels 3.

[0048]

[0048] In this particular example, primary ridges 55 are depicted as extending through both annular flow channels 3 of the illustrated disc. However, in other variations (not shown), such an obstacle — e.g., a primary ridge 55 — may extend through only a subset of the annular flow channels 3, such as just one.

[0049]

[0049] In certain cases, primary ridges 55 may be spaced periodically along the annular direction, for instance occurring once every "n" number of ridges 5, such as once every ten ridges 5, or at a similar interval.

[0050]

[0050] In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, “comprise” “include” and “have”, and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

[0051]

[0051] Further more, while the present application or technology has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and non- restrictive; the technology is thus not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed technology, from a study of the drawings, the technology, and the appended claims.

[0052]

[0052] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures can not be used to advantage.

[0053]

[0053] The present technology is also understood to encompass the exact terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc., if in here such terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc. are referred to in connection with terms such as “about, ca., substantially, generally, at least” etc. In other words, “about 3” shall also comprise “3” or “substantially perpendicular” shall also comprise “perpendicular”. Any reference signs in the claims should not be considered as limiting the scope.

[0054] Although the present embodiments have been described to a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A filtration disc for a disc filter comprising at least two generally concentric annular groove segments formed at least on one of its sides.

2. The filtration disc of claim 1, wherein the at least two generally concentric annular groove segments are formed on both sides of the disc.

3. The filtration disc of claim 1 or 2, wherein the number of grooves are different in at least two different annular groove segments on a certain side of the disc.

4. The filtration disc of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least on one of the sides of the disc, at least one annular groove segment is separated from at least one other annular groove segment by an annular flow channel.

5. The filtration disc of claim 4, wherein annular flow channels on opposing sides of a disc do not substantially overlap or at most only partially overlap.

6. The filtration disc of any one of the preceding claims and comprising more than two annular groove segments formed at least on one of its sides.

7. The filtration disc of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in a downstream flow direction generally along a radial extension of the disc, the widths of the grooves in a relative downstream located annular groove segment are generally smaller than the widths of the grooves in a relative more upstream located annular groove segment.

8. The filtration disc of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in a downstream flow direction generally along a radial extension of the disc, the widths of the grooves in a relative downstream located annular groove segment are generallylarger than the widths of the grooves in a relative more upstream located annular groove segment.

9. A method for filtering comprising: providing a disc filter having a plurality of filtration discs stacked one on top of the other in its interior, wherein each filtration disc comprising at least two generally concentric annular groove segments formed at least on one of its sides, and channeling liquid to flow along the annular groove segments in order to remove contaminants from the liquid.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least two generally concentric annular groove segments are formed on both sides of the disc.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the number of grooves are different in at least two different annular groove segments on a certain side of the disc.

13. The method of any one of the claims 9 to 11, wherein at least on one of the sides of the disc, at least one annular groove segment is separated from at least one other annular groove segment by an annular flow channel.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein annular flow channels on opposing sides of a disc do not substantially overlap or at most only partially overlap.

15. The method of any one of claims 9 to 14 and comprising more than two annular groove segments formed at least on one of its sides.

16. The method of any one claims 9 to 15, wherein in a downstream flow direction generally along a radial extension of the disc, the widths of the grooves ina relative downstream located annular groove segment are generally smaller than the widths of the grooves in a relative more upstream located annular groove segment.

17. The method of any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein in a downstream flow direction generally along a radial extension of the disc, the widths of the grooves in a relative downstream located annular groove segment are generally larger than the widths of the grooves in a relative more upstream located annular groove segment.

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