Filter cleaning hybrid device

Abstract

Disclosed herein are internal cleaning unit(s) of a tubular filter, wherein each cleaning unit includes at least one spinning drum and a suction nozzle. Further provided are filter assemblies including the cleaning units and methods of using the same for cleaning internal regions of a tubular filter.

Description

[0001] FILTER CLEANING HYBRID DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to cleaning unit of a tubular filter and methods of using the same for cleaning internal region of a tubular filter.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A tubular fluid filter (such as a water filter) of a filtration system, utilizes a tubular-shaped filter element for removing impurities from the fluid with which it is engaged.

[0006] The tubular filter generally includes a hollow tube and filtration / separation element, such as a mesh, whereby the fluid is allowed to pass through the walls of the tube, while contaminants are separated, allowing clean fluid to flow through.

[0007] The hollow filter tube may also include an internal cleaning assembly, configured to clean / clear the filtration element, to remove debris and prevent clogging, thereby facilitating and enhancing filtering operation. The operation of the cleaning assembly and in particular of cleaning units thereof should be as efficient as possible, to enhance filter operation and prolong its life.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for enhanced cleaning units of internal volume of a filter, that are efficient, cost effective, reliable and durable.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] Aspects of the disclosure, according to some embodiments thereof, relate generally to cleaning units of a tubular filter and cleaning assembly including the same, which are configured to allow efficient and robust cleaning of internal regions / surfaces of the filter, by removal / evacuation of debris and contaminants therefrom, to thereby enhance filter operation, filtering efficiency, prolong the filter usage, while minimizing water usage.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the cleaning units disclosed herein are advantageous, as they exhibit enhanced cleaning and removal of debris of internal walls / surfaces / regions of a filter, wherein each of the units include spinning drum(s) and a suction nozzle, wherein the units are further rotatable and axially moveable along an internal volume of the filter, thereby enhancing the release of debris and other contaminants from the internal wall s / surf aces of the filter, by the action of the spinning brushes, and the removal / evacuation of the scarped debris by the action of the suction nuzzle.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the cleaning units and the cleaning assembly including the same are further advantageous, as they can successfully and efficiently operate within the relatively harsh conditions (for example, abrasive materials and high temperatures) present within the filter, over an extended period of time. Additionally, advantageously, the disclosed cleaning units are cost effective to manufacture and operate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cleaning units disclosed herein are particularly suitable for tubular filter, and are configured to clean the internal surface / internal walls of such filter, in particular, the internal fine filtering element(s) of the tubular filter.

[0014] According to some embodiments, there is thus provided herein a cleaning unit for cleaning a tubular filter, the cleaning unit includes one or more spinning brushes (drums), configured to be positioned in close proximity to an internal wall region of the tubular filter; and a suction nozzle; wherein each of the one or more brushes is configured to spin about a first axis and wherein said cleaning assembly is configured to connect to a longitudinal hollow shaft positioned within an internal cavity of the filter and to rotate along a longitudinal axis of the tubular filter, thereby facilitating the spinning of the drums cleaning the internal wall region of the filter by the drums and the nozzle.

[0015] According to some embodiments, there is provided a cleaning unit for cleaning a tubular filter, the cleaning unit includes: one or more spinning drums, configured to be positioned in close proximity to an internal wall region of the tubular filter, said drum comprise one or more protruding cleaning elements, wherein each of the one or more drums is configured to spin about a first axis; and a suction nozzle; wherein said cleaning unit is configured to connect to a longitudinal hollow shaft positioned within an internal cavity of the filter and to rotate along a longitudinal axis of the tubular filter, thereby facilitating cleaning internal wall region of the filter by the spinning drums and the suction nozzle.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the cleaning unit includes two drums.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the cleaning elements may include one or more brushes and / or flaps.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the cleaning elements may include a plurality of flaps and / or brushes, arranged in one or more rows around the drum body.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the cleaning elements may include one or more brushes disposed around the body of the drum.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the brushes may include a plurality of bristles.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the cleaning elements may include a continuous flap and / or brushes, extending spirally around the body of the drum.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be flexible.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the drums are identical or similar with respect of size, shape and / or structure.

[0024] T According to some embodiments, the longitudinal shaft is further configured to axially linearly move within the internal cavity of the filter.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the suction nozzle is positioned between two drums brushes.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the suction nuzzle is configured to be in fluid communication with the hollow portion of the shaft.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the internal wall region of the filter body includes a fine filtration element.

[0028] According to some embodiments, at least some of the cleaning element(s) of the drum at least partially contact the internal wall region of the filter. According to some embodiments, the spinning speed of the drums is at least partially determined based on rotation speed of the shaft.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the spinning of the drums is configured to induce generation of localized turbulence forces and / or cavitation effect, thereby facilitating removal of debris, contaminants and / or soils from the internal wall region of the filter.

[0030] According to some embodiments, there is provided a cleaning assembly for a tubular filter system, the cleaning assembly includes a plurality of cleaning units as disclosed herein, connected to a longitudinal rotational hollow shaft positioned within an internal cavity of the filter system.

[0031] According to some embodiments, there is provided a tubular filter system for filtering a fluid of interest, the filter system includes an internal fine filtration compartment comprising a fine filtration element enclosing a fine filtration cavity; and the cleaning assembly as disclosed herein, wherein the cleaning assembly is positioned within the fine filtration cavity.

[0032] According to some embodiments, there is provided a method of cleaning a tubular filter, the method includes positioning the cleaning assembly within an internal space of the tubular filter.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the method may further include adjusting the positioning of the cleaning units on the shaft, such that at least one of the plurality of cleaning units are to be positioned in close proximity to or in contact with the internal wall region of the filter, thereby allowing at least partial contact of one or more cleaning elements of one or more spinning drums with the internal wall region of the filter, to thereby facilitate cleaning the internal wall region by the spinning drums, and evacuation of scraped material by the suction nozzle.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the cleaning units may be configured to selfadjust, to thereby maintain a requested distance between the cleaning units and the internal wall region of the filter. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include some, all, or none of the above advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] Some embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative description and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale.

[0037] In the figures:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of cross section of a tubular filter having internal cleaning units, according to some embodiments;

[0039] Figure 2A shows a schematic perspective view of a cleaning unit, according to some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 2B shows a schematic perspective close-up view of a drum element of a cleaning unit, according to some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 2C shows a schematic perspective close-up view of a nozzle element of a cleaning units, according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a cleaning unit, according to some embodiments; and

[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a cleaning unit, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The principles, uses, and implementations of the teachings herein may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and figures. Upon perusal of the description and figures present herein, one skilled in the art will be able to implement the teachings herein without undue effort or experimentation. In the figures, same reference numerals refer to same parts throughout.

[0045] According to some embodiments, there are provided herein advantageous cleaning units for the cleaning of internal surface regions of a tubular filter system, in particular, internal filtering elements thereof. Advantageously, the cleaning units include one or more drums associated with a suction nozzle, wherein the drums are configured to spin individually about a first axis, to thereby induce (directly or indirectly) scraping / removing / rel easing material from the internal surfaces of the filter and to further rotate along a second axis, to thereby move along internal surface regions of the filter. The scraped / released material may be removed / sucked / vacuumed from the internal volume region of the filter, via the suction nozzle.

[0046] Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which shows a schematic perspective view of a partial cross section of a tubular filter system having internal cleaning units, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 1, filter 100, includes a main body / housing / casing 130, which is essentially tubular. The filter may include several internal compartments (chambers), including a coarse filtration compartment, a fine filtration compartment, a flushing compartment, and the like. As shown in Fig. 1, Filter 100 includes an inlet opening / port 110, allowing fluid to be filtered (raw fluid) to enter the filter and an outlet opening, 112, configured to allow the exit of filtered fluid from the filter. The raw fluid (such as raw / unfiltered water) which enters via the filter inlet may be first passed through a coarse filtration element (such as exemplary coarse filtration screen 124) which may be positioned in a coarse filtration compartment 125. The coarse filtration is configured to separate large particles / debris / contaminants before being conveyed to a fine filtration compartment. This prevents passage of large particles which may damage the filter internals. In some embodiments, the inlet opening is positioned in the coarse filtration compartment. Coarsely filtered fluid can then enter the fine filtration region, in particular, into the internal space 122 which is at least partially defined by walls of fine filtration element 120. Fine filtration element (screen or mesh) 120 may be tubular and may be constructed of fine filtration means, such as, a screen, lattice, mesh, and the like, having a designated distribution / arrangement of fine openings. The walls of the fine filtration element may be made of, for example, but not limited to: metal, stainless still, silk, fabric, non-woven fabric, mesh, non-woven mesh, multi-layers of one or more materials, plastic, and the like, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fine filtration screen may include a multi-layer sintered screen of stainless steel woven mesh sintered together. As the fluid passes through this fine filtration element, debris, contaminate or other particles from the fluid may accumulate creating a “cake” of dirt on the surface of the filtration screen, hindering its filtration ability and affecting the filter operation. Filtered fluid can be dispensed via outlet port 112. As shown in Fig. 1, filter 100 includes an internal, rotatable longitudinal main shaft 104 traversing the internal volume of the filter. In some embodiments, the shaft may be arranged centrally with respect to the fine filtering element. Main shaft 104 may be connected at one end, via axle 114 to a motor 116, which is configured to control rotation speed and / or axial / lateral (sideways) movement of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft may be connected at one of its ends to a limit switch or mechanical element, for example, a coil or a a two-way coil with a clutch, and used to confine / control the lateral axial sideways movement of the main shaft. According to some embodiments, the shaft is at least partially hollow, in particular, in the portion present / housed in the fine filtration compartment region. The hollow shaft can allow passage of fluids therethrough, as further detailed herein below. The hollow shaft can act as an exhaustion or under-pressure manifold, configured to collect and remove debris removed from the internal walls of the fine filtration element (mesh), as detailed herein. To this aim, once a pressure differential between the pressure inside the filter and at an exhaustion valve (once opened, for example, by a controller), a backflow effect at the hollow shaft is created, thereby forming an exhaustion or “vacuum” effect, allowing the suction / removal of materials from the fine filtration region, via dedicated cleaning units. As shown in Fig. 1, associated with shaft 104 are cleaning units, such as, exemplary cleaning units 102A-C. Each of the cleaning units includes at least one spinning drum, which is capable of spinning about a first axis, and a suction nozzle. The spinning brushes are positioned in close proximity to the internal surface walls of the fine filtration element such that scraping elements of the spinning drums can at least partially physically interact with said walls, thereby directly or indirectly allowing scraping / removing debris, articles or other materials present on the fine filtering element and hindering its filtering effect. The speed / velocity of the spinning of the brushes, the is determined / controlled by the rotation of the shaft (i.e., the spinning is linearly related to the motor speed). In some embodiments, the induced spinning of the brushes can consequently induce localized turbulence areas, whereby the generated turbulence fluid forces (including fluid flows at various velocities), can further facilitate release of debris / particles / materials accumulated on the internal surface walls of the fine filtration element. Additionally, in some circumstances (depending, for example, on the fluid and spinning speed of the brushes), a cavitation effect may be generated. In such instances, due to the spinning of the brushes and fluid movement, localized vapor or air bubbles are formed in the fluid (in particular, in the vicinity of the spinning drums), whereby when such bubbles collapse / ” explode”, a localized miniature shock wave is formed, further facilitating the release of debris / particles / materials accumulated on the internal surface walls. The suction nozzle of the cleaning unit is configured to be in fluid communication with the hollow shaft, such that when under-pressure is formed within the hollow shaft, the nozzle can function as a suction mean, to directly suck / evacuate particles, contaminants, debris present on the fine filtration means and / or to suck / evacuate particles, contaminants, debris which have been removed from the fine filtration region by the spinning drums. According to some embodiments, the rotation and / or the axial movement of the shaft further increases the contact of the cleaning units with the fine filtration element surface, facilitating coverage of most or the entire surface area of the fine filtration element.

[0047] In some embodiments, the coordinated rotation and axial movement of the shaft facilitates spiral movement of the cleaning units along the internal walls of the fine filtration element (mesh filter).

[0048] In some embodiments, as detailed above, the shaft may rotate at a speed in the range of about 20-80 rpm, for example, 40-60 rpm. In some embodiments, the rotation of the shaft is linearly related to the spinning speed of the drums of the cleaning units. In some embodiments, the rotation of the shaft (and hence, the spinning drums) is determined / controlled by the motor controller.

[0049] As further detailed herein below, any number of cleaning units, at any distribution may be associated with the shaft. According to some embodiments, the number, arrangement, spatial distribution, and the like, of the cleaning units may be determined according to, but not limited to: the size of the filter, operating parameters of the filter, operating conditions (e.g., type of fluid, condition of fluid, environmental conditions, etc.). In some embodiments, a plurality of cleaning units may be used. In some embodiments, each cleaning unit may be positioned on the shaft, at different angle relative to the shaft longitudinal axis, to thereby increase surface coverage of the fine filtration element. In some embodiments, the cleaning units may be spaced along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In some embodiments, at least two adjacent cleaning units my at least partially overlap in coverage. In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning units may be spaced at a similar distances along the hollow shaft. In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning units may be spaced at different distances therebetween along the hollow shaft. In some embodiments, at least two of the cleaning units are positioned on opposing sides of the hollow shaft. In some embodiments, at least two of the cleaning units are positioned on the same side of the hollow shaft. In some embodiments, all of the cleaning units are positioned on the same side of the hollow shaft.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cleaning units may be integrally formed with the shaft. In some embodiments, the cleaning units are reversibly attached to the shaft, for example, by screwing, gluing, snapping, etc. the cleaning unit to the shaft. In some embodiments, the cleaning units are transiently associated with shaft. In come embodiments, the cleaning units are permanently associated with the shaft. In some embodiments, the cleaning units are rigidly connected to the shaft.

[0051] Reference is now made to Fig. 2A, which shows a close up view of a cleaning unit, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 2A, cleaning unit 200 includes two spinning drums, 202A-B and a suction nozzle 204, positioned in between. Drums 202A-B may be reversibly or fixedly attached or fixed to suction nozzle 204 by any securing means, such as, for example, screws 216A-B shown in Fig. 2A. It is noted that in some embodiments, the drums may be integrally formed with suction nozzle 204. In some embodiments, when the cleaning unit includes two drums, the drums may be symmetrically connected with respect of the suction nozzle. As shown in Fig. 2A, each drum is capable of spinning about a first axis: in the example shown in Fig. 2A, drum 202A is capable of spinning about axis X’ (as exemplary indicated by arrow 231) and drum 202B is capable of rotation about Axis X”. Each of the drums is capable of independently spinning about its axis. In some embodiments, the spinning is free spinning and may be induced by rotation of the shaft, as detailed above. In some embodiments, the spinning of the drums (and the connected cleaning elements thereof) may induce a (localized) turbulence and / or cavitation effect, facilitating the removal of debris, contaminants, etc. from the filter screen. In some embodiments, the spinning of the drums is controllable (for example, by a motor controller and a connecting shaft). In some embodiments, the spinning of the drums is affected by positioning the drums in holder 214, which holds the drums while allowing individual spinning of the drums between respective edges of the holder. In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 2A, the holder is configured to facilitate the attachment of the drum(s) to the suction nozzle. In some embodiments, each drum is associated with a separate holder. In some embodiments, a single holder may be used to hold two (or more) drums. In some embodiments, two opposing holders may be used to hold opposing sides of a drum. In some embodiments, each drum side is associated with a separate holder. Each of the drums includes a plurality of contacting elements (also referred to as cleaning elements or scraping elements), which are configured to remove / scrape / shave / rub materials / particles / debris / layers from a surface. In some embodiments, the contacting elements may be in the form of brushes, bristles, fins, flaps, and the like. In some embodiments, the contacting elements may be symmetrically arranged / distributed over the external surface of the body of the cleaning drum. In some embodiments, the contacting elements may be soft, flexible, or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, the contacting elements may be arranged in rows. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be arranged in columns. In some embodiments, the contacting elements are integrally formed with the drum body. In some embodiments, the contacting elements may be attached to the drum body. In the example shown in Fig. 2A, the contacting elements include a plurality of flaps, such as exemplary flaps 218A-D. The contacting (cleaning) flaps may be arranged in rows, wherein each row may include one or more flaps (such as, for example, 1-8 flaps). In some embodiments, the flaps may be elongated and may acquire any shape, such as, for example, tubular, rectangular, etc. In some embodiments, the cleaning flaps may be soft, rigid or semi rigid. In some embodiments, the flaps may be constructed from such materials as, but not limited to: plastic, rubber, metal, and the like. In some embodiments, the protruding ends of the contacting flaps are configured to be in close proximity or contact the internal surface of walls of the fine filtering element, to facilitate scraping or removing particles, debris, contaminants therefrom. As detailed herein, the removal may be facilitated by mechanical scraping, by inducing turbulence forces, by inducing cavitation forces, or any combinations thereof. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. In some embodiments, the contacting (cleaning) elements may include brushes, the brushes may include one or more bristles. In some embodiments, the plurality of contacting elements may be identical or similar with respect of size, shape, form, composition, distribution, and the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements are evenly distributed over the drum body. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements are arranged in rows, wherein the rows are evenly distributed over the drum body. As further shown in Fig. 2A, suction nozzle 204 has an elongated body (for example, tubular), which is hollow, or having a hollow conduit or channel defining an internal space, extending from a shaft end (also referred to as outlet end) 212 to inlet end (also referred to as drum end) 210. The shaft end 212 of nozzle 204 is configured to associate with a shaft of the filter, to form (after being attached thereto) a fluid connection between the internal volume of the shaft and the nozzle body. The inlet end 210 of nozzle 204 is positioned between the cleaning drums and is essentially open to the environment, allowing the removal / suction of materials from the internal volume of the fine filtering element (such as materials that has been released / scraped by the drums) and / or directly from the face of the internal walls for the fine filtering element, once negative pressure or pressure drop is formed in the shaft, as detailed above. Accordingly, by the combined action of the spinning drums and the suction nozzle, fast, efficient removal of debris from the fine filtering elements is facilitated.

[0052] Reference is now made to Fig- 2B, which shows a close up view of a cleaning drum, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 2B, cleaning drum 250 has an essentially round, circular body 252, having a hollow center, allowing spinning of said drum about an axle / axis. For example, as detailed herein, a corresponding holder may be used as an axle for the spinning of the drum. On the face of the drum body, a plurality of cleaning (contacting elements) are positioned. The contacting elements may be transiently or permanently attached to the drum body. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be integrally formed with the drum body. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be inserted as separate units into corresponding holding openings in the drum body. In the example shown in Fig. 2B, the cleaning elements are in the form of flaps, such as flaps 260A-B, which are arranged in rows, each row includes a plurality of such flaps. In the example shown in Fig. 2B, rows 254A-H of flaps are evenly arranged over the face of the drum body 252. The flaps found in a row may be different, similar or identical with respect of size, shape, composition. In some embodiments, the rows may different, similar or identical with respect of number of flaps in a row, distribution of flaps along a row, and the like. In some embodiments, each row of flaps may be attached as a set of flaps to the drum. In some embodiments, the flaps and / or row of flaps may be replaceable. In some embodiments, the dimensions and / or composition of the drum may be determined based on the type of filter, size of filter, operating conditions of the filter, fluid to be filtered, and the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the drum body may be made of such materials as, but not limited to: plastic, rubber, stainless steel, metal, PVC, and the like, or any combinations thereof.

[0053] Reference is now made to Fig. 2C, which shows a closeup view of a suction nozzle, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 2C, exemplary suction nozzle 280 has an elongated, tubular body 282 having two opposite open ends: shaft end 292 which is configured to attach or associate with a shaft of a filter, and to form a fluid connection therewith; and an opposing nozzle inlet end 290, which is configured to be placed in close proximity to the spinning drums and allow suction of debris or other materials from the region of the drums. As detailed above, suction nozzle 280 includes a cavity / channel / conduit extending between the shaft end and the inlet end, to form a fluid connection between the two ends. In the example shown in Fig. 2C, the suction nozzle further includes attachment region 284, for attachment association with one or more drums. In some embodiments, holder(s), configured to hold one or more drums may be attached to the attachment region of the nozzle. In some embodiments, the attachment region may include grooves, pins, holes, etc., allowing the placement and / or securing of the drums (for example, via a corresponding holder) to the nozzle body. In some embodiments, the dimensions and / or composition of the nozzle may be determined based on the type of filter, dimensions of the filter system, working environment, type of fluid to be filtered, pressure parameters, size of filtering element, size of cleaning unit(s), and the like. In some embodiments, the suction nozzle may be made of such materials as, but not limited to: plastic, stainless steel, metal, rubber, PVC, and the like, or any combinations thereof.

[0054] Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which shows a close up view of a cleaning unit, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 3, cleaning unit 300 includes two spinning drums, 302A-B and a suction nozzle 304, positioned in between. Drums 302A- B may be reversibly or fixedly attached or fixed to suction nozzle 304 by any securing means, such as, for example, screws or pins. It is noted that in some embodiments, the drums may be integrally formed with suction nozzle 204. In some embodiments, when the cleaning unit includes two drums, the drums may be symmetrically connected with respect of the suction nozzle. As shown in Fig. 3, each drum is capable of spinning about a first axis. In the example shown in Fig. 3, drum 302A is capable of spinning about axis X’ and drum 302B is capable of rotation about Axis X”. In some embodiments, the spinning is free spinning and may be induced by rotation of the shaft, as detailed above. In some embodiments, the spinning of the drums may induce a (localized) turbulence and / or cavitation effect, facilitating the removal of debris, contaminants, etc. from the filter screen. In some embodiments, the spinning of the drums is controllable (for example, by a motor controller and a connecting shaft). In some embodiments, the spinning of the drums is affected by positioning the drums in respective holders 314A-B, which hold the drums (at each respective side), while allowing individual spinning of the drums between respective holders. In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 3, the holders are configured to facilitate the attachment of the drum(s) to the suction nozzle. In some embodiments, each drum is associated with a separate holder. In some embodiments, each side of the drum is associated with a separate holder. In some embodiments, a single holder may be used to hold two (or more) drums. Each of the drums includes contacting elements (also referred to as cleaning elements or scraping elements), which are configured to remove / scrape / shave / rub materials / particles / debris / layers from a surface. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the contacting elements include a continuous flap, such as flaps 318A-B. The contacting (cleaning) flap is arranged as a continuous extension (flap) extending along the drum body, for example, in a spiral arrangement, as illustrated in Fig. 3. In some embodiments, the flap may be elongated and may acquire any shape, such as, for example, rectangular. In some embodiments, the cleaning flaps may be soft, rigid or semi rigid. In some embodiments, the brushes may be constructed from such materials as, but not limited to: plastic, rubber, metal, and the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the protruding ends of the contacting flaps are configured to be in close proximity or contact the internal surface of walls of the filter, in particular, internal surface walls of the fine filtering element, to facilitate scraping or removing particles, debris, etc. therefrom. As detailed herein, the removal may be facilitated by mechanical scraping and / or by inducing turbulence forces and / or cavitation forces. As further shown in Fig. 3, suction nozzle 304 has an elongated body (for example, tubular), which is hollow, or having a hollow conduit or channel defining an internal space, extending from a shaft end 312 to inlet end 310. The shaft end 312 of nozzle 304 is configured to associate with a shaft of the filter, to form (after being attached thereto) a fluid connection between the internal volume of the shaft and the nozzle body. The inlet end 310 of nozzle 304 is positioned between the cleaning drums and is essentially open to the environment, allowing the removal / suction of materials from the internal volume of the fine filtering element (such as materials that has been released / scraped by the drums) and / or directly from the face of the internal walls for the fine filtering element, once negative pressure or pressure drop is formed in the shaft, as detailed above. Accordingly, by the combined action of the spinning drums and the suction nozzle, fast, efficient removal of debris from the fine filtering elements is facilitated.

[0055] Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which shows a close up view of a cleaning unit, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 4, cleaning unit 400 includes two spinning drums, 402A and 402B and a suction nozzle 404, positioned in between. Drums 402A-B may be reversibly or fixedly attached or fixed to suction nozzle 404 by any securing means, such as, for example, screws or pins. It is noted that in some embodiments, the drums may be integrally formed with suction nozzle 404. In some embodiments, when the cleaning unit includes two drums, the drums may be symmetrically connected with respect of the suction nozzle. As shown in Fig. 4, each drum is capable of spinning about a first axis. In some embodiments, the spinning is free spinning and may be induced by rotation of the shaft, as detailed above. In some embodiments, the spinning of the drums may induce a (localized) turbulence and / or cavitation effect, facilitating the removal of debris, contaminants, etc. from the filter screen. In some embodiments, the spinning of the drums is controllable (for example, by a motor controller and a connecting shaft). In some embodiments, the spinning of the drums is affected by positioning the drums in one or more respective holders (holder 414A is shown), which is configured to hold the drums (at each respective side), while allowing individual spinning of the drums between respective holders. In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 4, the holder(s) are configured to facilitate the attachment of the drum(s) to the suction nozzle. In some embodiments, each drum is associated with a separate holder. In some embodiments, each side of the drum is associated with a separate holder. In some embodiments, a single holder may be used to hold two (or more) drums. Each of the drums includes a plurality of contacting elements (also referred to as cleaning elements or scraping elements), which are configured to remove / scrape / shave / rub materials / particles / debris / layers from a surface. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the contacting elements include a plurality of brushes, such as brushes 418A-I. The contacting (cleaning) brushes are arranged along the drum body, for example, in a spiral arrangement, as illustrated in Fig. 4. In some embodiments, each of the brushes may include or be made of one or more bristles, that may be elongated and may acquire any shape, such as, for example, tubular, rectangular, and the like. In some embodiments, the cleaning brushes may be soft, rigid or semi rigid. In some embodiments, the brushes may be constructed from such materials as, but not limited to: plastic, rubber, metal, and the like, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the protruding ends of the contacting brushes are configured to be in close proximity or contact the internal surface walls of the fine filtering element, to facilitate scraping or removing particles, debris, etc. therefrom. As detailed herein, the removal may be facilitated by mechanical scraping and / or by inducing turbulence forces and / or cavitation forces. As further shown in Fig. 4, suction nozzle 404 has an elongated body (for example, tubular), which is hollow, or having a hollow conduit or channel defining an internal space, extending from a shaft end 412 to inlet end 410. The shaft end 412 of nozzle 404 is configured to associate with a shaft of the filter, to form (after being attached thereto) a fluid connection between the internal volume of the shaft and the nozzle body. The inlet end 410 of nozzle 404 is positioned between the cleaning drums and is essentially open to the environment, allowing the removal / suction of materials from the internal volume of the fine filtering element (such as materials that has been released / scraped by the movement of the drums and the associated cleaning element) and / or directly from the face of the internal walls for the fine filtering element, once negative pressure or pressure drop is formed in the shaft, as detailed above. Accordingly, the combined action of the spinning drums and the suction nozzle allows fast and efficient removal of debris from the fine filtering elements is facilitated.

[0056] According to some embodiments, each of the drums may include one or more contacting (cleaning) elements. In some embodiments, the size (for example, length, diameter, width), shape and / or composition of the drums may be determined based on the type, shape, number, size, distribution pattern, and the like, of the cleaning units. In some embodiments, The cleaning elements may have any suitable shape, size or form, such as, for example, brushes, fins, flaps, and the like. In some embodiments, the contacting elements may be symmetrically arranged / distributed over the external surface of the body of the cleaning drums. In some embodiments, the containing elements may be soft, flexible, or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, the contacting elements may be arranged in rows. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be arranged in columns. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be evenly distributed over the drum body. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be arranged continuously over the drum body. In some embodiments, the contacting elements may be arranged in spiral pattern over the body of the drum. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be integrally formed with the drum body. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be insertable to the drum body, at respective receiving openings. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be reversibly associated with the drum body. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be permanently associated with the drum body. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements may be removably associated with the drum body.

[0057] In some embodiments, a combination of different types of cleaning elements may be utilized with a drum. In some embodiments, the distance of the protruding ends of the cleaning elements may be adjusted, so as to fit the size and / or shape of the filter, and in particular, the size and / or shape of the fine filtering element. In some embodiments, the cleaning units may be positioned such that the protruding ends of the cleaning elements are in contact with the internal walls of the internal filtering element. In some embodiments, the cleaning units may be positioned such that the protruding ends of the cleaning elements are in touching or at least in close proximity (for example, at a distance in the range of about 0.0-lcm) from the internal walls of the internal filtering element). According to some embodiments, the spinning drums may be connected such that their distance from the internal walls is adjustable. In some embodiments, the drums may be positioned on or include a suspension (for example, in the form of a spring, coil, and the like), which maintains a desired distance with respect of the internal walls (e.g., the internal walls of the fine filtration element). In some embodiments, the distance between the cleaning units and the internal wall region of the filter is self-adjustable (for example, by utilizing a suspension).

[0058] In some embodiments, the spinning speed of the drums of the cleaning units may be affected by rotation speed of the shaft. In some embodiments, the speed of the cleaning elements may be preadjusted, for example, by adjusting the holding strength of the holder (thereby reducing or increasing friction between the drum and the holder). In some embodiments, the spinning speed of the drums of the cleaning units may be controlled by a dedicated motor and controller. In such a setting, an electrical or mechanical connection between the drums and the controller / motor is present. In some embodiments, the spinning of the drums facilitates the scraping / removal of debris from the surface of the fine filtering element, for example, by inducing localized turbulence fluid forces, cavitation effect and / or by physical / mechanical scarping. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the filter system disclosed herein may include one or more controllers, one or more motors, one or more valves, or any combinations thereof, which are used to monitor and / or control various operating parameters of the filter.

[0060] According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for cleaning a tubular filter, in particular, internal walls of a fine filtration element of a tubular filter. In some embodiments, the method includes positioning or placing a cleaning assembly, which includes one or more cleaning units as disclosed herein, attached to a main shaft, to the corresponding internal space of the tubular filter. In some embodiments, the method may further include adjusting the positioning of the cleaning assembly within the internal space of the tubular filter such that one or more of the plurality of cleaning units are positioned in close proximity to or in contact with internal wall of region of the filter, in particular, internal wall / surface of the fine filtration element of the tubular filter. By such placement and adjustment, direct (for example, by physical scraping) or indirect (for example, by generated turbulence and / or cavitation effect), scraping of the internal wall region fine element by the spinning drums, and evacuation of scraped material by the suction nozzle may be facilitated.

[0061] In some embodiments, the filtered fluid is water.

[0062] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. No feature described in the context of an embodiment is to be considered an essential feature of that embodiment, unless explicitly specified as such.

[0063] As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean “at least one” or “one or more” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0064] Although the disclosure is described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that numerous alternatives, modifications and variations that are apparent to those skilled in the art may exist. Accordingly, the disclosure embraces all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and / or methods set forth herein. Other embodiments may be practiced, and an embodiment may be carried out in various ways.

[0065] The phraseology and terminology employed herein are for descriptive purpose and should not be regarded as limiting. Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the disclosure. Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

[0066] As used herein, the term “about” may be used to specify a value of a quantity or parameter (e.g., the length of an element) to within a continuous range of values in the neighborhood of (and including) a given (stated) value. According to some embodiments, “about” may specify the value of a parameter to be between 80 % and 120 % of the given value. According to some embodiments, “about” may specify the value of a parameter to be between 90 % and 110 % of the given value. According to some embodiments, “about” may specify the value of a parameter to be between 95 % and 105 % of the given value.

[0067] In the description and claims of the application, each of the words “comprise” “include” and “have”, and forms thereof, are not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated.

[0068] In the description and claims of the application the expression “at least one of A and B”, (e.g. wherein A and B are elements, method steps, claim limitations, etc.) is equivalent to “only A, only B, or both A and B”. In particular, the expressions “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “one or more of A and B”, and “one or more of A or B” are interchangeable.

[0069] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging / ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging / ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

[0070] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. No feature described in the context of an embodiment is to be considered an essential feature of that embodiment, unless explicitly specified as such.

[0071] Although steps of methods according to some embodiments may be described in a specific sequence, methods of the disclosure may include some or all of the described steps carried out in a different order. A method of the disclosure may include a few of the steps described or all of the steps described. No particular step in a disclosed method is to be considered an essential step of that method, unless explicitly specified as such.

[0072] The phraseology and terminology employed herein are for descriptive purpose and should not be regarded as limiting. Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the disclosure. Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cleaning unit for cleaning a tubular filter, the cleaning unit comprising: one or more spinning drums, configured to be positioned in close proximity to an internal wall region of the tubular filter, said drum comprise one or more protruding cleaning elements, wherein each of the one or more drums is configured to spin about a first axis; and a suction nozzle; wherein said cleaning unit is configured to connect to a longitudinal hollow shaft positioned within an internal cavity of the filter and to rotate along a longitudinal axis of the tubular filter, thereby facilitating cleaning internal wall region of the filter by the spinning drums and the suction nozzle.

2. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, comprising two drums.

3. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the cleaning elements are selected from one or more brushes and / or flaps.

4. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the cleaning elements comprise a plurality of flaps and / or brushes, arranged in one or more rows around the drum body.

5. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the cleaning elements comprise one or more brushes disposed around the body of the drum.

6. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the brushes comprise a plurality of bristles.

7. The cleaning unit according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning elements comprise a continuous flap and / or brushes, extending spirally around the body of the drum.

8. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the cleaning elements are flexible.

9. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 2-8, wherein the drums are identical or similar with respect of size, shape and / or structure.

10. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the longitudinal shaft is further configured to axially linearly move within the internal cavity of the filter.

11. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the suction nozzle is positioned between two drums brushes.

12. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the suction nuzzle is configured to be in fluid communication with the hollow portion of the shaft.

13. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the internal wall region of the filter body comprises a fine filtration element.

14. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein at least some of the cleaning element(s) of the drum at least partially contact the internal wall region of the filter.

15. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the spinning speed of the drums is at least partially determined based on rotation speed of the shaft.

16. The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the spinning of the drums is configured to induce generation of localized turbulence forces and / or cavitation effect, thereby facilitating removal of debris, contaminants and / or soils from the internal wall region of the filter.

17. A cleaning assembly for a tubular filter system, the cleaning assembly comprising a plurality of cleaning units of any one of claims 1-16, connected to a longitudinal rotational hollow shaft positioned within an internal cavity of the tubular filter system.

18. A tubular filter system for filtering a fluid of interest, the tubular filter system comprising an internal fine filtration compartment comprising a fine filtration element enclosing a fine filtration cavity; and the cleaning assembly according to claim 17, wherein the cleaning assembly is positioned within the fine filtration cavity.

19. A method of cleaning a tubular filter, the method comprising positioning the cleaning assembly of claim 17, within an internal space of the tubular filter.

20. The method according to claim 19, comprising adjusting the positioning of the cleaning units on the shaft, such that at least one of the plurality of cleaning units are to be positioned in close proximity to or in contact with the internal wall region of the filter, thereby allowing at least partial contact of one or more cleaning elements of one or more spinning drums with the internal wall region of the filter, to thereby facilitate cleaning the internal wall region by the spinning drums, and evacuation of scraped material by the suction nozzle.

21. The method according to any one of claims 19-20, wherein the cleaning units are configured to self-adjust, to thereby maintain a requested distance between the cleaning units and the internal wall region of the filter.

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