Patent ID: 8496117
Filing Date: 2013-07-30
Classification: B01D,C02F

Abstract:
1. A filter apparatus for an incoming fluid having a retentate and a permeate, comprising: a support frame; a container assembly for incoming fluid mounted for rotation about a mounting member portion of the support frame, the container assembly having openings therethrough; wherein the container assembly is a drum assembly, wherein the drum assembly includes two opposing end portions and an intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion includes a plurality of openings; and wherein the mounting member portion includes a central cylinder which extends through the container assembly and around which the drum rotates; an inlet assembly for delivering the incoming fluid under pressure to the container assembly, wherein the inlet assembly includes an inlet cylinder which surrounds and is slightly larger than the central cylinder, wherein the inlet cylinder extends through one end portion of the drum assembly, the inlet assembly further including a connecting line for receiving incoming fluid, wherein the incoming fluid enters the drum assembly through the inlet cylinder in the vicinity of the one end of the drum; a filter assembly mounted to or part of the inside of a portion of the container assembly, overlaying the openings in the container assembly; an outlet assembly; a trough assembly mounted fixedly to the mounting member portion, in fluid communication with the outlet assembly and having a seal contacting an interior surface of the filter assembly in a fluid tight manner; a manifold mounted to the frame and fixed in position, having a sealing edge for contacting an exterior surface of the container assembly in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a source of pressurized fluid connected to the manifold, wherein, as the container assembly turns in operation, retentate is collected on the interior surface of the filter assembly as the permeate moves through the filter and container assembly and out of the apparatus, the collected retentate being dislodged from the filter, moving into the trough assembly and from there into the central cylinder by periodic bursts of pressurized fluid, when the openings in the container assembly come into fluid connection with the manifold.