Filter Cleaning System and Method

A filter cleaning system and method utilizes stationary conduit frames to discharge a cleaning fluid onto a filter without requiring removal of the filter. An intake valve positions on a housing upper end for receiving the fluid from an external source. A primary conduit extends along a longitudinal axis of the housing to carry the fluid from the housing upper end to a housing lower end, and in proximity to the filter. A plurality of conduit frames join the primary conduit at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The fluid flows through the conduit frames. Each conduit frame includes a plurality of apertures oriented to face the filter and discharge fluid onto the filter. Throughout the process, the conduit frames remain stationary. Support rods provide longitudinal stability, while wedges provide lateral stability to the conduit frames. A release valve discharges fluid and debris after cleaning.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is related to a filter cleaning system and method that cleans a filter with a stationary cleaning system, and allows the filter to remain within a filter tank during the cleaning process.

It is well known that swimming pool sanitation refers to methods for ensuring healthy conditions in swimming pools, hot tubs, plunge pools, and similar recreational water venues. Proper sanitation is needed to maintain the visual clarity of water and to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

A water filter removes impurities from water by means of a fine physical barrier, a chemical process, or a biological process. Filters cleanse water to different extents for purposes like irrigation, drinking water, aquariums, and swimming pools. Pleated paper type cartridge filters can be chained together to filter almost any size home pool. The cartridges are typically cleaned by removal from the filter housing and hosing-off down a sewer connection.

A sprayer is a device used to spray a liquid for cleaning. The sprayer can be used to remove debris, such as dirt, grime, carbon, oil, grease and corrosion from swimming pool cartridge filters. The sprayer often rotates or oscillates in proximity to the filter during cleaning to maximize contact with surface area.

Often, cleaning the filter requires multiple steps and a variety of tools. The steps must be performed chronologically to avoid mishaps and damage to the filter. An initial step for cleaning a swimming pool type filter requires releasing pressure from the housing, The housing upper end must then be removed. A next step includes removing the filter from the housing. This step may require tools to perform. The filter is then manually cleaned or replaced with a new filter. Finally, the housing upper end is reattached and a release valve is closed to increase water pressure for normal filtering operations. These steps can require much time and labor to perform.

Filter cleaning systems have been used in the swimming pool industry in the past, yet none with the present characteristics of the present invention. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,299,245; 3,650,283; and 5,300,065.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a filter cleaning system and method that cleans the filter with a stationary sprayer without requiring the filter to be removed from the filter housing.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a filter cleaning system and method that utilizes stationary conduit frames to discharge a cleaning fluid onto a filter for cleaning. The filter cleaning system positions within housing, such ay a cylindrical swimming pool filter tank. The housing contains both the filter and the stationary conduit frames. An intake valve positions on a housing upper end for receiving the fluid from an external conduit, such as a high pressure hose. A primary conduit extends along a longitudinal axis of the housing to carry the fluid from the housing upper end to a housing lower end, and in proximity to the filter.

In one embodiment, a plurality of transversely spaced conduit frames join the primary conduit at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis of the housing. In this manner, each conduit frame receives and carries the same fluid, but at different positions along the filter. In one embodiment, the plurality of conduit frames may include annular pipes having a sufficient diameter to compass the filter, and sufficient area to carry the fluid for cleaning the filter. In one embodiment, each conduit frame is distinct and separate from the other, sharing only the fluid from the primary conduit. Further, each conduit frame includes a frame inner surface having a plurality of apertures oriented to face the filter. The fluid has sufficient pressure to discharge from the plurality of apertures, and onto the filter for removing debris. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures may be shaped and dimensioned to discharge the fluid at a predetermined angle and velocity. For example, without limitation, an upper conduit frame comprises an aperture configured to discharge small droplets of the fluid at a high pressure; whereas a lower conduit frame comprises an aperture configured to discharge large fluid droplets at a low pressure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the portion of the filter in the housing lower end receives fluid not only from an adjacent aperture, but also from apertures in the housing upper end, due to gravity and excess fluid flow cascading down the filter.

In one embodiment, the plurality of conduit frames includes a frame outer surface for at least partially engaging a housing inner surface. At least one wedge positions between the frame outer surface and the housing inner surface. The restriction applied by the wedge helps minimize movements, such as vibrations, on the plurality of conduit frames during both cleaning and normal filtering operation. The wedge may also help secure the plurality of conduit frames into a locked position. At least one support rod may provide additional support to lock the plurality of conduit frames into a predetermined position. The at least one support rod attaches to the housing lower end, extending upwardly to the housing upper end. The at least one support member is configured to attach to the frame inner surface or the frame outer surface for providing longitudinal structural support to the plurality of conduit frames.

In some embodiments, a release valve positions on the housing lower end for releasing excess fluid from the housing. The release valve may also be efficacious for discharging debris from dirty filters during cleaning. A pressure gauge positions on the housing upper end to display the pressure of the fluid inside the housing, both during normal filtering operations and during cleaning. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the filter cleaning operation is completed when a substantial amount of the fluid has been released from the housing, thereby resulting in a low pressure reading on the pressure gauge.

One novel filter cleaning system feature is a stationary conduit frame that discharges the fluid onto the filter axially, from different longitudinal positions along the housing. Since the conduit frame compasses the filter, the filter receives fluid from myriad directions, and also receives cascading fluid flow from upper sections of the filter. The plurality of apertures that discharge the fluid are also configured to provide various types of sprays at various types of pressures, depending on cleaning requirements, filter size, and type of fluid utilized.

Additional novelty is provided in that the at least one wedge and the at least one support rod provide sufficient rigidity to the plurality of conduit frames, such that high fluid pressure streams that discharge for cleaning remain steady and focused on a predetermined area of the filter. The at least one wedge inhibits vibrations and damage from physical contact with the housing inner surface, and provides latitudinal stability. The at least one wedge comprises a gap configured to receive the plurality of conduit frames. The at least one gap further comprises grippers to provide a grip against the housing inner surface. Likewise, the at least one support rod retains the plurality of conduit frames in an upright position, and provide longitudinal stability.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in operation, the filter cleaning method provides a novel process for cleaning the filter. The filter cleaning method may include an initial Step of removing pressure from the housing. The pressure may build up from normal filtering operations as the fluid substantially fills the housing. The step of removing the pressure requires opening the release valve until fluid and debris stops flowing out of the housing. The release valve may then be closed to commence the tittering process. The pressure gauge is monitored to help ascertain when the pressure has been released. The method may then proceed to a Step of coupling an external conduit to the intake valve o provide a source of fluid for the filter cleaning. The external conduit may include, without limitation, a garden hose from an external water spigot. The fluid may include, without limitation, water, bleach, salt water, peroxide, acid, slurry, gel, and gas.

In one embodiment, a Step includes discharging the fluid through the external conduit so that fluid flows through the filter cleaning system. The fluid may then pass through the intake valve, through the primary conduit, and finally discharge through the plurality of apertures from each individual conduit frame. The filter remains positioned inside the housing throughout the whole cleaning process. The pressure gauge is monitored to determine the amount of fluid buildup in the housing. Another Step includes engaging the filter with the fluid from the plurality of conduit frames. Each conduit frame is configured to encompass the filter at varying heights along the housing. The plurality of apertures orient to face the filter and provide a desired fluid velocity such that cleaning the filter is optimized during discharge of the fluid.

In one embodiment, a Step includes securing the plurality of conduit frames in a stationary position in the housing. The plurality of conduit frames does not have to pivot, slide, rotate, or oscillate to access the filter for cleaning. Those skilled in the art will recognize that since each conduit frame encompasses the filter, and the fluid produced from cleaning the filter in the housing upper end flows down onto tower sections of the filter, the filter receives sufficient fluid for cleaning. Further, the fluid buildup that occurs while the release valve is closed may submerge the filter in the fluid. A final Step comprises releasing the fluid buildup in the housing through the release valve. In this manner, the fluid and filter debris from the housing are removed, and the pressure decreases. These steps may be repeated with different fluids, For example, without limitation, an initial pass may utilize soapy water, and a second run may utilize a composition for revitalizing the filters. The filter cleaning system does not require tools to operate, other than a basic wrench to open and close the valves.

An objective of the present invention is to clean a filter without removing the filter from the housing. This serves to save time and minimize the amount of tools needed. Damage to the filter from removal and installation are also minimized.

In yet another objective, the conduit frame used to discharge the fluid onto the filter remains stationary. This helps reduce mechanical wear and tear on the filter cleaning system.

In yet another objective, the time and labor required to clean the filter are reduced since removal and cleaning of the filter are not manually done.

DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of a filter cleaning system10is illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 5B. The filter cleaning system10comprises of the following: The filter cleaning system10positions within a housing12. In some embodiments, the housing12may include a cylindrical swimming pool filter tank. However, the housing12may include various shapes, including, without limitation, a rectangle, a sphere, and a pyramid. The housing12contains a filter14and a stationary plurality of conduit frames30that discharge a fluid44onto the filter14for cleaning. An intake valve116positions on a housing upper end18for receiving the fluid44from an external conduit20. The intake valve16may include a ball valve with a handle for regulating opening and closing. A primary conduit22extends along a longitudinal axis of the housing12to carry the fluid44from the housing upper end18to a housing lower end24, and in proximity to the filter14. The primary conduit22may include a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe having sufficient diameter to feed the fluid44through the cleaning system10.

In some embodiments, a pressure gauge26positions on the housing upper end18. (FIG. 1.) The pressure gauge26is operable to display the pressure of the fluid44inside the housing, both during normal filtering operations and during cleaning. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the filter cleaning operation is completed when a substantial amount of the fluid44has been released from the housing12, thereby resulting in a low pressure reading on the pressure gauge26. The pressure gauge26helps ascertain when the filter cleaning process is complete, wherein a high pressure may indicate that the housing12is substantially full of the fluid44. A release valve28located on the housing lower end24serves to discharge the fluid44and filter debris64from the housing12. The release valve28may position on a curved surface on a housing floor so that the fluid44flows out of the housing12unrestricted.

In one embodiment, a plurality of transversely spaced conduit frames30join the primary conduit22at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis of the housing, as referenced inFIG. 2. The connection between each conduit frame and the primary conduit may include, without limitation, a coupling, a weld, and a threaded end. In this manner, each conduit frame30receives and carries the same fluid44, but at different positions along the filter14. The plurality of conduit frames30may include annular tubes having a sufficient diameter to compass the filter14, and sufficient area to carry the fluid44for cleaning the filter14. In one embodiment, each conduit frame30is distinct and separate from the other, sharing only the fluid44from the primary conduit22. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of conduit frames30join into a spiral tubing configuration, whereby the fluid44flows downwardly through an unbroken path in conformance with gravity. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of conduit frames30include various shapes, including, without limitation, an oval, a rhombus, a pyramid, and a cube. In any case, the plurality of conduit frames30compass the filter14and position at orientations efficacious for thorough cleaning of the filter14.

Further, each conduit frame30includes a frame inner surface32having a plurality of apertures42oriented to face the filter14. The fluid44has sufficient pressure to discharge from the plurality of apertures42, and onto the filter14. The plurality of apertures42may include oval opening that serve as spray nozzles. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures42may be shaped and dimensioned to discharge the fluid44at a predetermined angle and velocity. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of apertures42are sized and angle to provide optimal engagement with the filter14. (FIG. 4) Each aperture42may include a flange for directional guidance. For example, without limitation, an upper conduit frame30comprises an aperture42configured to discharge small droplets of the fluid44at a high pressure; whereas a lower conduit frame30comprises an aperture42configured to discharge large droplets of the fluid44at a low pressure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the portion of the filter14in the housing lower end24receives fluid44not only from an adjacent aperture42, but also from apertures42in the housing upper end18, due to gravity and excess fluid flow cascading down the filter14. In one embodiment, each aperture42positions at least 2″ away from the other aperture42.

In one embodiment, the plurality of conduit frames30includes a frame outer surface34for at least partially engaging a housing inner surface38. At least one wedge36positions between the frame outer surface34and the housing inner surface38. In some embodiments, the at least one wedge36utilizes an adhesive to secure against the housing inner surface38and the frame outer surface34. The restriction applied by the at least one wedge36helps minimize movements, such as vibrations, on the plurality of conduit frames30during both cleaning and normal filtering operation. The wedge36may also help secure the plurality of conduit frames30into a locked position. Suitable materials for the at least one wedge36may include, without limitation, rubber, high density polymers, metal, alloys, and wood.

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one support rod40provides additional support to lock the plurality of conduit frames30into a predetermined position. The at least one support rod40attaches to the housing lower end24, extending upwardly to the housing upper end18. The at least one support rod40is configured to attach to the frame inner surface32or the frame outer surface34for providing longitudinal structural support to the plurality of conduit frames30. In one embodiment, three support rods40attach to the frame outer surface34at equidistant points.

In one embodiment, the release valve28positions on the housing lower end24for releasing excess fluid44from the housing12. The release valve28may also be efficacious for discharging debris64from dirty filter14sduring cleaning. Opening the release valve28serves to remove the debris64from the filter, and also to reduce the pressure in the housing12. This is an indication that the filter14is clean.

One novel filter cleaning system10feature is a stationary conduit frame30that discharges the fluid44onto the filter14axially, from different longitudinal positions along the housing12. Since the plurality of conduit frames30compasses the filter14, the filter14receives fluid44from various directions and fluid velocities. The filter14also receives cascading fluid flow from upper sections of the filter14. The plurality of apertures42that discharge the fluid44are also configured to provide various types of spray at various types of pressures, depending on cleaning requirements, filter size, and type of fluid44utilized (FIGS. 5A and 5B).

Additional novelty is provided in that the at least one wedge36and the at least one support rod40provide sufficient rigidity to the plurality of conduit frames30, such that high pressure fluid44streams that discharge for cleaning remain steady and focused on a predetermined area of the filter14. The at least one wedge36inhibits vibrations and damage from physical contact with the housing inner surface38, and provides latitudinal stability. Likewise, the at least one support rod40retains the plurality of conduit frames30in an upright position, and provide longitudinal stability. The at least one wedge36comprises a gap46configured to receive the plurality of conduit frames30. The at least one wedge36further comprises grippers48to provide a grip against the housing inner surface38(FIG. 3).

In one embodiment of the present invention, in operation, a filter cleaning method50provides a novel process for cleaning the filter14, as referenced inFIG. 6. The filter cleaning method50may include an initial Step52of removing pressure from the housing12. The pressure may build up from normal filtering operations as the fluid44substantially fills the housing12. The step of removing the pressure requires opening the release valve28until fluid44and debris64stops flowing out of the housing12. The release valve28may then be closed to commence the filtering process. The pressure gauge26may be monitored to help ascertain when the pressure has been released from the housing12, and thereby when the filter14is clean. The method50may then proceed to a Step54of coupling an external conduit20to the intake valve16to provide a source of fluid44for cleaning the filter14. The external conduit20may include, without limitation, a garden hose from an external water spigot. The fluid44may include, without limitation, water, bleach, salt water, peroxide, acid, slurry, gel, and gas.

In one embodiment, a Step56includes discharging the fluid44through the external conduit20so that fluid44flows through the filter cleaning system10. The fluid44may then pass through the intake valve16, through the primary conduit22, and finally discharge through the plurality of apertures42from each individual conduit frame30. The filter14remains positioned inside the housing12throughout the whole cleaning process. The pressure gauge26is monitored to determine the amount of fluid44buildups in the housing12. Another Step58includes engaging the filter14with the fluid44from the plurality of conduit frames30. Each conduit frame30is configured to encompass the filter14at varying heights along the housing12. The plurality of apertures42orient to face the filter14and provide a desired fluid velocity such that cleaning the filter14is optimized during discharge of the fluid44.

In one embodiment, a Step60includes securing the plurality of conduit frames30in a stationary position in the housing12. The plurality of conduit frames30does not have to pivot, slide, rotate, or oscillate to access the filter14for cleaning. Those skilled in the art will recognize that since each conduit frame encompasses the filter14, and the fluid44produced from cleaning the filter14in the housing upper end18flows down onto lower sections of the filter14, the filter14receives sufficient fluid44for cleaning. Further, the fluid44buildup that occurs while the release valve28is closed may submerge the filter14in the fluid44. A final Step62comprises releasing the fluid44buildup in the housing12through the release valve28. In this manner, the fluid44and filter debris64from the housing12are removed, and the pressure decreases. These steps may be repeated with different fluid44. For example, without limitation, an initial pass may utilize soapy water, and a second run may utilize a composition for revitalizing the filter14. The filter cleaning system10does not require tools to operate, other than a basic wrench to open and close the intake valve16and the release valve28.

Thus the reader will see that the filter cleaning system10and method50provides an efficient process for cleaning the filter14, and efficacious for eliminating the need to remove the filter14from the housing12during the cleaning of the filter14.

While the inventor's above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the filter cleaning system10could be utilized for cleaning large filters14in factories. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.