Patent ID: 6155430
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A clog-resistant filter for separating solids from liquids, of the type wherein said liquid is passed from a filter inlet through a circular-section hollow filter element, said filter being provided with means for the discharge of collected solids during filter operation, said filter comprising:a) a housing provided with an inlet for the liquid to be filtered and provided with a first outlet for filtrate and with a second outlet for liquid containing a high concentration of solids;b) a cylindrical hollow filter element insertable into said housing, the internal side of said filter element being in fluid connection with said inlet and the external side of said filter element being in fluid connection with said first outlet;c) a textured volume reduction device inserted in said filter element and being of a size and shape so as to occupy a major portion of the hollow of said filter element, said volume reduction device having a textured outer surface, said outer surface of said volume reduction device and said internal side of said filter element defining a space within said housing, wherein an incoming liquid stream, flowing in a direction parallel to the length of the cylindrical hollow filter element and in said space between said filter element and said textured outer surface of said volume reducing device, interacts with said textured surface to create a designed and controlled turbulence in a deliberate manner to prevent clogging of and for cleaning the internal side of said filter element; andd) a pressure-reduction device in fluid connection with said second outlet and provided with discharge means for solids and for the liquid in which they are entrained;whereby solid particles reaching said second extremity are swept out into said pressure-reduction device and said filter may operate for extended periods, without attention during which time clogging of the filter element is inhibited.