Adjustable receptacles

An effluent collector includes a filtrate receiving portion having a filtrate opening, and a pressate receiving portion having a pressate opening. The effluent collector includes a diverter barrier adjustably positioned above the pressate receiving portion. The diverter barrier is configured to adjustably direct at least a portion of a flow path toward or away from the pressate receiving portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject disclosure relates to filtration systems, and more particularly to sludge filtration systems having receptacles for receiving filtrate.

2. Background of the Related Art

In general, a filtration system for wastewater acts to separate solids and liquids from one another in order to prepare both the solids and liquids for further processing. Filtration apparatuses typically include a mechanical or mechanical/electrical filtration system that drives influent through a filter to separate the solids and liquids from one another. These mechanical or mechanical/electrical filtration systems include, but are not limited to screw presses, centrifuges, ring presses, filter presses, plate and frame presses, rotary presses, or the like. Examples of some of these filtration systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,380,436, 7,191,700, and 9,387,641, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In traditional filtration systems, the filtrate exiting from the filtration system is sent onwards to the next process. This sometimes includes filtrate that is not as clean as would be desired.

Traditional filtration systems have been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose. However, there is an ongoing need for filtration systems that provide cleaner filtrate and are more efficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As will be discussed in greater detail below in the Detailed Description section of this disclosure, the present disclosure is directed to effluent collectors, for example, those in filtration systems for collecting effluent. The effluent collector includes a filtrate receiving portion having a filtrate opening, and a pressate receiving portion having a pressate opening. The effluent collector includes a diverter barrier adjustably positioned above the pressate receiving portion. The diverter barrier is configured to adjustably direct at least a portion of a flow path toward or away from the pressate receiving portion.

The pressate receiving portion can include a pressate outlet downstream from the pressate opening. The diverter barrier can be movable with respect to the pressate opening. The diverter barrier can be positioned above the filtrate opening to adjustably direct at least a portion of a flow path toward or away from the filtrate receiving portion. The filtrate receiving portion and the pressate receiving portion can be defined in a common receptacle. The diverter barrier can be positioned in a flow path between an inlet of the receptacle and the pressate receiving portion and/or in a flow path between an inlet of the receptacle and the filtrate receiving portion. The diverter barrier can be a plate connected to the receptacle by a hinge and/or a track. The diverter barrier can include a series of movable tray portions. The pressate receiving portion can be positioned above the filtrate receiving portion. The pressate opening can be positioned above the filtrate opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a filtration system includes a filtration assembly having an effluent inlet, a solids outlet downstream from the effluent inlet and a effluent outlet downstream from the effluent inlet. The system includes an effluent collector downstream from the effluent outlet. The effluent collector includes a filtrate receiving portion having a filtrate opening, a pressate receiving portion having a pressate opening, and a diverter barrier operatively connected to the effluent collector. The diverter barrier is adjustably positioned above the pressate receiving portion. The diverter barrier is configured to adjustably direct a flow path toward or away from the pressate receiving portion.

The pressate receiving portion, filtrate receiving portion and diverter barrier can be similar to those described above. The effluent collector can include a plurality of diverter barriers. Each of the diverter barriers can be proximate to a respective portion of the effluent outlet. The filtration assembly can be at least one of a screw press, a filter press or a belt press. In accordance with some embodiments, the pressate receiving portion is positioned more proximate to the solids outlet than to the effluent inlet. The filtrate receiving portion can be positioned more proximate to the effluent inlet than to the solids outlet. It is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, the filtrate receiving portion is positioned closer to the effluent inlet than the pressate receiving portion is. The filtrate receiving portion and the pressate receiving portion can be defined in a common receptacle. The diverter barrier can be operatively connected to the receptacle and positioned in a flow path between the effluent outlet and the pressate receiving portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method for retrofitting an effluent collector downstream from a filtration assembly includes providing a diverter barrier and positioning the diverter plate within an effluent collector. The effluent collector can include a filtrate opening and a pressate opening. The method includes connecting the diverter barrier to the effluent collector to adjustably direct at least a portion of a flow path toward or away from the pressate receiving portion. The method includes attaching a pressate receiving portion to the effluent collector. The pressate receiving portion can define the pressate opening. The pressate receiving portion can be a pressate catch basin.

These and other aspects of the subject disclosure will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a filtration system having an adjustable effluent collector constructed in accordance with the disclosure is shown inFIG.1and is designated generally by reference character100. Other embodiments of filtration systems in accordance with the disclosure, or aspects thereof, are provided inFIGS.2-10, as will be described. The systems and methods described herein can be used to improve filtrate capture in filtration systems, which results in cleaner filtrate output. Well-known components, such as the filtration assemblies themselves, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

As shown inFIG.1, a filtration system100includes an adjustable effluent collector101downstream from a screw press filtration assembly103. Filtration assembly103includes an effluent inlet117, a solids outlet119downstream from the effluent inlet117, and a filtrate outlet120downstream from the effluent inlet117. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the filtrate outlet120of screw press filtration assembly runs along the length of the screw press assembly103, this is indicated schematically by the downward pointing arrows, which are intended to schematically indicate filtrate fluid exiting filtrate outlet120. The effluent collector101, which is positioned below filtrate outlet120, includes a common receptacle105configured to receive filtrate exiting from the filtrate outlet120. The frequency of the downward pointing arrows extending from filtrate outlet120is intended to schematically indicate the volume of fluid exiting from filtrate outlet120. Early on in filtration, e.g. closer to inlet117, there is a higher volume of fluid exiting filtrate outlet120, and therefore more arrows, and less pressure is required to extract the fluid. Later on in filtration, there is less fluid remaining and more pressure is required in order to extract the remainder of the fluid from the effluent being filtered, meaning that more pressure is required, therefore less arrows.

With reference now toFIGS.1-2, as the pressure increases across the filtration assembly103, the likelihood for solids inadvertently being pushed through a screen of filtration assembly103increases, meaning that effluent exiting from filtrate outlet120closer to solids outlet119typically includes more solid particulates, e.g. is dirtier, than the effluent exiting from filtrate outlet120closer to effluent inlet117. As such, in order to allow the cleaner effluent to exit filtration system100, two sumps (a filtrate receiving sump/portion113and a pressate receiving sump/portion108) are used. Filtrate receiving portion113has a filtrate opening112, which, in this embodiment is the same as the opening for common receptacle105. The pressate receiving portion108has a pressate opening114, which is describe in greater detail below. Pressate receiving portion108includes a pressate outlet110that is downstream from pressate receiving portion108and in fluid communication with inlet117such that the filtrate received in pressate receiving portion108can be recycled back through system100via inlet117. It is also contemplated that the filtrate exiting through pressate outlet110can be stored elsewhere and then recycled through system100at a later time.

As shown inFIGS.2-3, the first sump, e.g. filtrate receiving portion113, is positioned in the lower pressure stage more proximate to the effluent inlet117than to the solids outlet119, and the effluent collected therein can exit the system100. The second sump, e.g. pressate receiving portion108, is positioned proximate to the high-pressure stage and more proximate to the solids outlet119than to the effluent inlet117, and the filtrate collected therein typically has higher solids concentration, e.g. it is “dirtier,” than the filtrate closer to inlet117. Because of this, the filtrate collected in the pressate receiving portion108, exits from pressate outlet110and, if desired, is recycled back through filtration assembly103, and the cleaner filtrate collected via the first sump, e.g. the filtrate receiving portion113, and exits the system100for the next stage. Overall, this results in a cleaner output from system100.

As shown inFIGS.1-3, the receptacle105includes a diverter barrier106, e.g. a diverter plate106, operatively connected to a bottom wall122. The diverter plate106is configured to adjustably occlude at least a portion of a flow path130(schematically depicted by a series of arrows) between the filtrate outlet120and the pressate receiving portion108in order to control the amount of filtrate from outlet120that enters into pressate receiving portion108. The diverter plate106slides back and forth over pressate opening114on a track115depending on the desired amount of filtrate from120that is to be recycled, as indicated schematically by the double headed arrow inFIG.2. The pressate opening114is defined between a peak/vertex on bottom wall122and a side wall123of receptacle105. InFIG.1, the lead line for numeral114is pointing to this vertex. This vertex is positioned higher than a filtrate portion outlet116and the pressate outlet110. In other words, the opening114of the pressate receiving portion108is defined by a plane parallel to bottom wall122and extending from bottom wall122to side wall123, e.g. the portion covered by plate106inFIG.2. Diverter plate106includes a flange106athat rests on side wall123when in the closed position.

As shown inFIG.2, diverter plate106is in a closed position. This position may be used when it is desired to process effluent through system100in a quick manner, e.g. without the recycling described above. As shown inFIGS.2-3, diverter plate106is connected to the receptacle105by the track115, and may be secured by means of pins, a lead screw, belt, gears or other manual or automated mechanism to move it along the track and temporarily fix it to a desired location. In the embodiment ofFIGS.1-3, diverter plate106is engaged with track115by way of a pin106bthat extends from flange106ain a direction transverse to the sliding direction of plate106. Diverter plate106can be slid back and forth (in the directions indicated by the double headed arrow ofFIG.2) manually with a push rod, chain, or the like, or can be moved in another automatic mechanical means, e.g. with a belt, hydraulic system or other actuator device. Real-time adjustments can be made based on judgement of operator or based on measurements from a motor124driving the filter system (e.g. torque or power), or based on characteristics of the effluent and/or filtrate (e.g. temperature, clarity, etc.).

With continued reference toFIGS.1-3, if it is desired to process the effluent faster, then the diverter plate106occludes more or all of opening114and there is less or no recycling. In that scenario, flow path130between outlet120and pressate receiving portion108will be all or partially blocked such that all or most of the filtrate will be directed to and will exit via filtrate portion outlet116. Where clarity is more important, diverter plate106occludes less or none of opening114such that some or all of flow path130is directed to pressate receiving portion108and the filtrate exiting pressate outlet110is recycled, while the cleaner filtrate exits from filtrate portion outlet116. Diverter plate106is configured to fully and/or partially occlude opening114, or leave opening114entirely open, depending on the desired processing.

With reference now toFIG.4, another embodiment of the filtration system100includes a diverter barrier in the form of a hinged diverter plate140. Other than the connection of diverter plate140by way of a hinge109, and the absence of track115, the rest of the filtration system100is the same as that described above inFIGS.1-3. Hinged diverter plate140ofFIG.4can similarly include a push/pull rod, chain, belt, hydraulic system or other actuator device to rotate diverter plate about hinge109, as indicated schematically by the double headed arrow. Similar to diverter plate106ofFIGS.1-3, flow path130from outlet120to pressate receiving portion108is adjustable such that, depending on the rotational position of plate140, all, some or none of a portion of the flow path130can be directed toward pressate receiving portion108. In a closed position, e.g. where diverter plate140is rotated downward and a flange140athereof is resting on the sidewall123, filtrate fluid from outlet120would be directed away from pressate receiving portion108.

As shown inFIG.5, another embodiment a filtration system300is shown. Filtration system300includes a filtration assembly303and an adjustable effluent collector301. In system300, filtration assembly303is a belt press filtration assembly303having an effluent inlet317, a solids outlet319and a filtrate outlet therebetween generally indicated by arrow320. The outlet320of the belt press filtration assembly303runs along the length of a bottom belt311aof the press from inlet317on the left hand side to solids outlet319on the right hand side. In the belt press filtration assembly303shown inFIG.5, the effluent in side, e.g. the low-pressure side, is on the left hand side as oriented inFIG.5. As more fluid is squeezed out of the effluent and as the effluent is moved to the right-hand side, the rollers307of the belt press become smaller and closer together and more pressure is applied. Adjustable effluent collector301includes a filtrate receiving portion313having a filtrate opening312, and a pressate receiving portion308having a pressate opening314. In system300, pressate receiving portion308is a pressate catch basin308. Filtrate receiving portion313is housekeeping pad or catch basin313, e.g. a concrete catch basin. Filtrate receiving portion313includes an outlet316. A diverter barrier306includes a series of diverter plates306a,306b, and306cdownstream from belt press filtration assembly303. Plates306a-306care a series of plates that move relative to one another. As shown inFIG.5, plates306a-306care connected to a frame305of filtration system300.

With continued reference toFIGS.5-7, similar to system100, the effluent exiting from filtrate outlet320on the high pressure side, e.g. the right hand side as oriented inFIGS.5-7, typically includes more solid particulates, e.g. is dirtier, than the effluent exiting from filtrate outlet320on the right hand side of filter assembly303. As such, in order to allow the cleaner effluent to exit system300, pressate receiving portion/catch basin308is positioned at the right end of the filter system300, e.g. the area that coincides with the higher pressure as described above, such that the filtrate received by pressate catch basin308is “dirtier” than the filtrate received by filtrate receiving portion/pan313. Diverter plates306a-306c, as described above, are configured to adjustably direct at least a portion of a flow path330toward or away from pressate catch basin308in order to control the amount of filtrate from outlet320that enters into filtrate receiving portion313and/or pressate receiving catch basin308. In the embodiment ofFIGS.5-7, the flow path330is schematically indicated by all of the downwardly extending arrows extending from outlet320.

As shown schematically by arrows ofFIGS.5-6, diverter plates306a-306ccan be retracted and/or extended as needed relative to one another and/or pressate catch basin308depending on the desired amount of filtrate from outlet320that is to be recycled. The retracted position ofFIG.6may be used when it is desired to process effluent through system300in a quick manner, e.g. without the recycling described above. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that plates306a-306ccan be even further retracted relative to the catch basin308, e.g. they can be moved further to the right hand side as oriented inFIG.6, such that they entirely block flow from catch basin308and all fluid from outlet320is directed to filtrate receiving portion313. Typically, if it is desired to process the effluent faster, then the diverter plates306a-306care retracted and less (or no) effluent from flow path330between outlet320and opening312is diverted to pressate catch basin308. Where higher clarity is desired, the diverter plates306a-306care extended and block more of opening312and divert/direct more filtrate to pressate catch basin308. The filtrate exiting pressate outlet310is then recycled back to effluent inlet, or stored for recycling later, while the cleaner filtrate can be manually or automatically removed from catch basin313. As shown inFIG.7, pressate outlet310is positioned on a side of catch basin. Outlet310can have a hose, or other conduit, in fluid communication therewith to direct fluid from catch basin308back to effluent inlet317of belt press filtration assembly303.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that prior to belt press filtration assembly303, an inlet belt can be positioned upstream from inlet317and above belt311aat inlet317to feed the effluent to effluent inlet317. This optional third belt would allow initial filtrate draining before entering inlet317and pressing between belts311aand311bof press303. Moreover, this optional third belt can be disposed in the same catch basin313so that the initial filtrate can be collected therein.

With reference now toFIG.8, another embodiment of the filtration system300includes a hinged diverter plate340as a diverter barrier. Other than the connection of diverter plate340by way of hinge309, instead of the series of diverter plates306a-306b, the rest of the filtration system300is the same as that described above inFIGS.5-7. Hinged diverter plate340ofFIG.8can similarly include a push/pull rod, chain, belt, hydraulic system or other actuator device to rotate diverter plate about hinge309, as indicated schematically by the double headed arrow. In the embodiment ofFIG.8, axis of hinge309about which diverter plate340rotates goes in an out of the page as oriented inFIG.8. Similar to diverter plates306a-306cofFIGS.5-7, the flow from outlet320to inlet314can be directed toward pressate receiving portion308, in whole or in part depending on the rotational position of diverter plate340. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that you could also have a series of hinged diverter plates that would rotate about their own respective hinge axes. It is also contemplated that hinged diverter plate340can move from side to side, e.g. perpendicular with respect to the vertical supports on frame305, toward pressate catch basin308to block flow to catch basin308entirely and direct all flow from outlet320to filtrate receiving portion313.

As shown inFIGS.9-10, another embodiment a filtration system200is shown. Filtration system200includes a filtration assembly203and an adjustable effluent collector201. In system200, filtration assembly203is a vertical belt press filter having a effluent outlet generally indicated by arrows220. Filtration assembly203has an effluent inlet217and a solids outlet219. Outlet219is downstream from the effluent inlet217with respect to the movement of the belt, which moves from bottom to top. Effluent outlet220is downstream from the effluent inlet217in the same sense, e.g. effluent outlet220is after/above inlet217and before/below solids outlet219. Effluent collector201is downstream from the effluent outlet220in the sense that portions thereof, described as diverter plates and catch basins below, receive fluid from effluent outlet220.

With continued reference toFIGS.9-10, the material for belts209aand209bis porous so the outlet220is a continuous outlet along the height of the belt press filtration assembly203from inlet217on the bottom to the solids outlet219on the top side. In the belt press shown inFIG.9, the effluent-in side, e.g. the low-pressure side, is on the bottom as oriented inFIG.9. As more fluid is squeezed out of the effluent and as the effluent is moved upward between belts209aand209b, the rollers207of the belt press become smaller and closer together and more pressure is applied. Adjustable effluent collector201includes filtrate receiving portions213that are catch basins, one on each side of belt press filtration assembly203, and, optionally can also include a filtrate receiving portion213that is similar to housekeeping pad313, which is also labeled213and is shown below assembly203. Each filtrate receiving portion213defines a filtrate opening212and includes a filtrate portion outlet216. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the embodiment ofFIGS.9-10does not need to include catch basins213, and instead, fluid flow can drop down to a housekeeping pad filtrate receiving portion213, similar to filtrate receiving portion313. Effluent collector201includes pressate receiving portions208, each having a respective pressate opening214. In system200, pressate receiving portions208are pressate catch basins208, one on each side of filtration assembly203.

With continued reference toFIGS.9-10, a plurality of diverter barriers206a-206fare staggered underneath various rollers207of assembly203. Diverter barriers206a-206fare diverter plates206a-206fand are be movably attached to a frame205of filtration system200. Effluent collector201is defined by diverter barriers206a-206fand catch basins208and213. For sake of clarity, portions of the frame205(e.g. the portions supporting diverter barriers206a-206fand catch basins208and213) are not shown so that the diverter barriers206a-206fand catch basins208and213, and the various flow paths may be readily apparent. Moreover, a frame205bas shown inFIG.10varies slightly from frame205ofFIG.9, but the other portions of the system200remain the same. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the frame205bofFIG.10can be used instead of frame205.

On the left hand side ofFIG.9, single diverter plates206a-206dare arranged proximate to outlets220of assembly203proximate to respective rollers207. Each of the diverter plates can be moved back and forth, e.g. toward or away from its respective roller207, as indicated schematically by the double headed arrows, to adjustably direct at least a portion of a flow path toward catch basin208. InFIG.9, diverter plates206aand206bare in the extended position to direct a flow path exiting outlets220toward pressate catch basin208. The flow path from diverter plates206aand206bto catch basin208is indicated schematically by a series of arrows labeled230inFIG.9and by a dashed line inFIG.10. Diverter plates206cand206dare in the retracted position such that a flow path231, indicated schematically by a series of arrows labeled231inFIG.9and by a dashed line inFIG.10, from outlets220toward filtrate catch basin213, is unblocked. Diverter plates206a-206dcan all be retracted, extended, or any combination thereof depending on how much fluid is desired to be directed to pressate catch basin208.

In accordance with another embodiment, the right hand side ofFIG.9shows pairs of diverter plates, each pair including diverter plate206eand206f. A given pair is arranged under a respective roller207such that fluid exiting from outlet220can be directed toward or away from pressate catch basin208. On the top side, two pairs of diverter plates206eand206fare in the extended position, e.g. two diverter plates206fare extended outward to direct fluid exiting from outlets220towards pressate catch basin208, as indicated schematically by the flow path labeled230. Diverter plates206fact to direct at least a portion of a flow path between outlet220and filtrate catch basin213(which is shown in the lower portion of assembly203as flow path231) toward pressate catch basin208. On the bottom side of assembly203, diverter plates206fare retracted inwards, meaning that flow path231between outlets220and openings212of filtrate catch basin213is unblocked and the fluid from outlets220is directed to filtrate catch basin213.

With continued reference toFIGS.9-10, similar to systems100and300, the effluent exiting from filtrate outlet220on the high pressure side, e.g. the top side as oriented inFIG.9, typically includes more solid particulates, e.g. is dirtier, than the effluent exiting from filtrate outlet220on the bottom side of filter assembly203. As such, in order to allow the cleaner effluent to exit system200, the diverter plates206a-206f, as described above, are configured to adjustably occlude at least a portion of a flow path between the filtrate outlet220and the filtrate opening212and direct filtrate from outlet320toward pressate catch basin208.

As shown schematically by arrows ofFIG.9, diverter plates206a-206fcan be retracted and/or extended as needed relative to one another and/or pressate catch basin208depending on the desired amount of filtrate from outlet220that is to be recycled. For the embodiment on the left hand side ofFIG.9, the retracted position of plates206c-206dmay be used for some or all of plates206a-206dwhen it is desired to process effluent through system200in a quick manner, e.g. without the recycling described above. Typically, if it is desired to process the effluent faster, then the diverter plates206a-206dare retracted and divert less effluent to catch basin208. Where higher clarity is desired, one or more of diverter plates206a-206dare extended over filtrate catch basin213(e.g. similar to how diverter plates206a-206bare shown) to block a flow path231to opening212and direct the flow path along path230to pressate catch basin208. The filtrate exiting a pressate outlet210is then recycled back to effluent inlet, or stored for recycling later, while the cleaner filtrate can be manually or automatically removed from catch basin213by way of outlet216.

For the embodiment on the right hand side ofFIG.9, the retracted position of plates206fon the bottom of system200may be used for some or all of plates206eand206fwhen it is desired to process effluent through system200in a quick manner, e.g. without the recycling described above. Typically, if it is desired to process the effluent faster, then the diverter plates206eand206fare retracted and divert less effluent to catch basin208. Where higher clarity is desired, one or more of diverter plates206eand206fare extended to the right hand side as oriented inFIG.9over filtrate catch basin213(e.g. similar to how diverter plates206fon the top portion of system200are shown) to block a flow path231to opening212and direct the flow path to pressate catch basin208. The filtrate exiting a pressate outlet210is then recycled or stored as described above. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that outlets210and216can have respective hoses or other conduits attached thereto to empty their respective catch basins208and213.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that aspects of systems100,200and300are readily interchangeable and filter assemblies103,203and303can readily be used with any of adjustable effluent collectors101,201and301. Moreover, “high-pressure,” as used to describe areas of system100,200or300, generally means pressures ranging from 50-150 psi. Additionally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that catch basins (whether pressate or filtrate) may be drained via gravity or, if a pressate catch basin, may be pumped back to the effluent in point on the filter assembly. While axial movement of diverter barriers, e.g.106,306a-306cand206a-206f, has been described it is also contemplated that diverter barriers can be rotated from side to side about a vertical axis, e.g. an axis defined by frame205or305, to further direct fluid flow as needed to or away from a pressate catch basin. In this way, catch basins, e.g.208and213, could be in the same vertical and horizontal position (as defined byFIG.9) but would be side-by-side in a direction in and out of the page.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method for retrofitting an effluent collector, e.g. effluent collectors101,201, and/or301, downstream from a filtration assembly, e.g. filtration assemblies,103,203and/or303, includes providing a diverter barrier, e.g. diverter barriers106,206and/or306, and positioning the diverter barrier within the effluent collector. The effluent collector can include a filtrate opening, e.g. a filtrate opening112,212and/or312, and a pressate receiving portion,108,208and/or308, having a pressate opening, e.g.114,214and/or314. The method includes connecting the diverter barrier to the effluent collector to adjustably direct at least a portion of a flow path toward or away from the pressate receiving portion. The method includes attaching the pressate receiving portion to the effluent collector.

It is believed that the present disclosure includes many other embodiments that may not be herein described in detail, but would nonetheless be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the disclosures made. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be read as being limited only to the foregoing examples or only to the designated embodiments. The methods and systems of the present invention, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for filtration systems that capture a higher amount of solids than traditional filtrations systems due to the ability of the adjustable effluent collector to separate dirtier portions of filtrate and recycle portions if needed. This provides for a system that filters/captures 97-99% of solids from effluent. While the apparatus and methods of the subject invention have been shown and described with reference to illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject invention.