Improvements in or appertaining to Feed Water Filters.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Dec., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 20th Oct., 1896-Accepted, 19th Dec., 1896
Improvements in or appertaining to Feed Water Filters.
I, ANTHONY HARRIS, of 73, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C., Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has for its object various improvements in, and additions to my
feed water filters as set forth in my Specifications of Letters Patent No. 6801/91
and No. 19925/92.
In my present invention, while it could be used on the delivery side of the pump
I prefer to use it on the suction side, and it is more especially designed therefor.
The filter, or filters, are preferably placed inside the hotwell tank or its
equivalent, the walls of the tank partly, or in whole, forming the walls of the outer
filter shell, at the same time where more convenient the filter may be constructed
with an independent shell of its own, and be placed outside and separately from the
hotwell or equivalent tank or reservoir.
Where the filter is placed within the hotwell tank, or its equivalent, I sometimes
fit a diaphragm or bottom plate, separating the filter from the body of hotwell, in
like manner to the sides providing a ridge or angle iron for the filter to rest on,
leaving a space between the filter and the diaphragm and in this case the communica
tion between the hotwell and the filter is made by a valve on the outside of shell
on lower branch communicating with the hotwell, and the upper with the filter,
and so arranged that while the upper branch has means of shutting the communica-
tion with the filter, the lower branch connected to the hotwell cannot be shut off
but is connected to an automatic sentinel valve communicating with the pump
suction, so that when the suction through the filter reaches a given vacuum the
automatic sentinel valve opens and forms a communication from the hotwell to the
pump direct.
In some cases I dispense with the diaphragm separating the filter bottom from
the hotwell and in this case make the lower grate with a solid bottom and central
duct, fitted with a valve actuated from above, through which the water to be
filtered passes to the holes in the inner periphery in the series of grates and thence
through the filtering mediums, and I arrange the grates and filtering mediums so
that the water may pass through each medium independently or through several,
one after the other, as may be desired. In such cases as I dispense with the bottom
diaphragm, and place the inlet valve on the bottom grate, I fit a lightly weighed
valve, on, or near the top of the central duct, so that when the inlet valve is shut
and the direction of the flow of water is reversed to cleanse the filter, it may act
as a safety valve and at the same time allow the foul water and impurities to
escape. This valve, or series of small valves is preferably leather cased, and when
I use a single valve I provide a stuffing box to prevent air leakage where it is
pierced by the spindle of the inlet valve.
The series of grates comprising the filtering mediums are held down preferably
by screws, preferably placed round the outside edge of grates, though in some cases
I place them elsewhere, but so as to compress the grates from the outside of filter
shell, and in order to allow of the requisite pressure being applied I form a spigot
on the uppermost grate and arrange a stuffing box on the outside cover of filter, to
keep it air tight when the pressure is applied from the outside.
In cases where I employ the diaphragm, separating the filter from the hotwell,

page_text: I dispense with this relief and sludge valve in the top of the central duct and the
spigot and stuffing box, and also the valve at bottom of central duct and place the
sludge valve on the space between the diaphragm and bottom of filter, either on
the outside shell or on the side of the suction valve casing below the valve, so that
it will be operative when the suction valve is closed, and in this case also I make
the sludge valve an automatic spring loaded valve, so that it will act as a relief
valve and at the same time allow the dirt and water to be ejected when the outlet
valve is closed and the current of the water reversed.
To effect the cleaning of the filter I provide a steam valve, or a hot water, or a
steam and water combined arrangement of valves by which, when the inlet and
outlet valves are closed I inject steam or hot water into the outer casing of filter,
which causes the water to pass through the mediums the reverse way to that of the
current of water which automatically opens the spring loaded sludge valve and
passes to the outside, at the same time the natural passage through the filter being
impeded the automatic sentinel valve opens and makes a connection direct from the
hotwell to the pump, so that it goes on delivering water uninterruptedly. By this
means the filter can be cleansed without opening out.
In some cases I find it convenient to allow the water to pass into the filter on the
outside periphery of the grates and convey the filtered water from the central duct,
in this case I reverse the position of the valves.
In another modification of my invention I dispense with the inlet valve altogether,
and in this I place or suspend the series of grates in the hotwell or its equivalent
aud drain the water through the grates and filtering medium, and in some cases
I employ a group of several, but in these cases each set of grates have to be
removed separately for cleaning.
In some cases I provide, both in the reversible and non-reversible filter,
collecting and depositing chambers and appliances to assist in eliminating the
greasy matter from the water.
Improvements in or appertaining to Feed Water Filters.
1, ANTHONY HARRIS of 73 Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C. Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
This invention has for its object various improvements in and additions to my
former invention in feed water filters set forth in my Specifications of Letters
Patent. No. 6801 of 1891, and 19925 of 1892. In my present invention the filter,
while it could be used on the delivery side of the pump, I prefer to place on the
suction side and the drawings herein set forth are more especially designed for this
arrangement. The filter (or filters) is preferably placed inside the hot well tank
or its equivalent, the walls of the tank, partly or in whole, forming the walls of
the outer filter shell. Where more convenient however the filter may be constructed
with an independent shell of its own being placed outside and separate from the hot
well or equivalent tank or reservoir. Where the filter is placed within the hot
well tank or its equivalent, I sometimes fit a diaphragm or bottom plate separating
the filter from the body of the hot well and place a ridge or angle irou on the
sides for the filter to rest upon, leaving a space between the filter and the diaphragm.

page_text: cases
In this latter case the communication between the hot well and the filter is
preferably made by a valve on the outside of the shell. From this valve the lower
branch pipe communicates with the hot well, and the upper one with the filter, and
these are so arranged that while the upper branch has means for shutting off the
communication from the filter a lower branch connected to the hot well cannot be
shut off, but is connected to an automatic sentinel valve communicating with the
pump suction. By this means when the suction through the filter reaches a given
vacuum, the automatic sentinel valve opens and forms a communication from the
hot well to the pump direct and becomes a bye-pass valve. In some
I dispense with the diaphragm separating the filter bottom from the hot well,
and in this case make the lower grate of the filter with a solid bottom and a
central duct fitted with a valve actuated from above, through which the water to
be filtered passes to the holes in the centre periphery of the series of grates and
thence through the filtering medium. I arrange these grates and the filtering
mediums so that the water may pass through each medium independently or
through several, one after the other, as may be desired. In such case as I dispense
with the bottom diaphragm and place the inlet valve on the bottom grate, I fit a
lightly weighted valve on or near the top of the central duct, so that when the
inlet valve is shut and the direction of the flow of water is reversed (in order to
cleanse the filter) it may act as a safety valve and at the same time allow the foul
water and impurities to escape. This valve, or a series of small valves in its
place, is preferably leather cased, and when in use a single valve is provided and
stuffing box to prevent air leakage where it is pierced by the spindle of the iulet
valve. The series of grids and filtering mediums are held down preferably by
screws placed round or near the outside edge of the grates, though in some cases
I may place them elsewhere, but in any case so as to compress the grates from
outside of the filter shell, and in order to allow of the requisite pressure being
applied I may form a spigot on the uppermost grate, and arrange a stuffing box on
the outside cover of the filter to keep it air-tight when the pressure is applied from
the outside. In cases where I employ a diaphragm separating the filter from the
hot well, I dispense with this relief and sludge valve in the top of the central duct
of the spigot and stuffing box, and also the valve at the bottom of the central duct,
and place the sludge valve in connection with the space between the diaphragm
and the bottom of the filter, either on the outside of the shell or on the side of the
second valve casing below the valve, so that it will be operative when the suction
valve is closed. In this case also I make the sludge valve an automatic spring
loaded valve so that it will act as a relief valve and at the same time allow the
dirt and water to be ejected when the outlet valve is closed and the current of the
water reversed. To effect the cleaning of the filter I provide a steam valve or a
hot water or a steam and water combined arrangement of valves by which when
the inlet and outlet valves are closed I inject steam or hot water into the outer
casing of the filter. This causes the water to pass through the filtering mediums
the reverse way to that of the current of water. This reverse current automatically
opens the spring loaded sludge valve and passes to the outside. At the same time
the natural passage through the filter being impeded the automatic sentinel valve
opens and makes a connection direct from the hot well to the pump, so that the
latter goes on delivering water uninterruptedly. By this means the filter can be
cleansed without opening it. In some cases 1 find it convenient to allow the water
to pass into the filter on the outside periphery of the grates and convey the filtered
water from the central duct; in this case I reverse the position of the valves. In
another modification of my invention I dispense with the inlet valve altogether and
place or suspend a series of grates in the hot well or its equivalent and drain the
water through the grates and filtering medium and in some cases I employ a group
of several sets of grates but in this case each set of grates has to be removed
separately for cleaning. In some cases I provide, both in the reversible and non-
reversible filter, collecting and depositing chambers and appliances to assist in
eliminating the greasy matter from the water.

page_text: In order to more fully explain my invention I have appended hereunto the
accompanying drawings, being a few sets of working drawings of machines actually
constructed, which set forth various slight modifications of my invention. I do
not wish them however to be considered as forming the ambus of my invention or
as showing the varieties furthest apart.
Figure 1 is partly a transverse section and partly an elevation with the outer
shell removed of one of my filters.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal section,
Figure 2ª a section through the sludge valve and suction valve,
Figure 3 is a plan, and
Figure 4 a simplified arrangement, where the inlet valve from the hot well is
placed in the bottom and worked from the top through a stuffing box.
Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view through another filter in which the course
of the water is reversed, it entering from the outside and exiting through the
centre.
Figure 6 longitudinal section through the same, and
Figure 7 plan.
Figure 8 shows a single filter placed outside the hot well in a recess cut out of
the hot well for that purpose.
Figure 9 a section of the suction valve from filter and the bye-pass and the
cleaning valves.
Figure 10 is a plan view of the same, and
Figure 11 view of sludge outlet valve, and hot well inlet valve to filter.
Figure 12 is an elevation partly in section of a fourth filter made by me, and
Figures 13 and 14 side elevation and section of the valves, while
Figure 15 is a plan of the same.
Figure 16 is a modified form of grating.
Referring first to Figures 1, 2 and 3, A is the section of the skin of the hot
well, B angle iron support carrying the filter C. C is a filter arranged on pretty
much the same lines as that set forth in my Patent, No. 19925" having an outer
oblong chamber D open to the pump and suction E by means of valve F and an
inner central tubular chamber G connected with the hot well H. I is a bye pass
valve connected by passage i with a part of the hot well H below the bottom of
the filter (that is below the diaphragm K, which separates the filter from the hot
well). L'is a sludge valve held tight down by a spring as shown, and only capable
of rising when the pressure in the filter exceeds the weight on the spring, which
it only does when the outlet valve F and the inlet valve Ŏ are screwed down and
the steam and water cleaning valves M, merely indicated on this drawing, are
opened. N is the sludge outlet and O the hot well inlet valve to filter.
The action of this arrangement is as follows:-
The hot well valve O being open connecting the part G with the hot well
through the space below valve L and the suction pump being started, the water
drawn through the filtering media to the outside space D.
It thence passes
through the valve F to the pump. If however the filtering medium becomes
strongly clogged a vacuum commences to form in the pump suction pipe E. This
raises the valve I against the force of its spring and water passes direct from J
through the bye pass i, and the raising of the valve I actuates a gong which alarms
the attendant who at once closes the inlet and outlet valves. The steam and water
cleaning cocks M M¹ are now turned on passing steam and water into the outside
shell D. The suction valve F and inlet valve having been closed it can only
escape through the sludge valve L into the sludge orifice N carrying all the sludge
and dirt of the filter away. The cleaning valves M M' are now closed, the suction
valve F and the hot well valve O opened, and the work is carried on afresh again
as before without having to take off the cover P or the screws p which hold
down the frames and filtering material, which latter are left intact.
Figure 4 shows a simplification in which the water comes direct from the hot
well H into the space Ġ through the valve O. The spindle of this valve passes up

page_text: through the top as shown through a stuffing box, while the sludge orifice overflowing
into the air is simply formed in one with the valve L.
Passing now to Figures 5, 6 and 7 :-
These differ from those already shown in that the sludge valve L is here placed
on top. The orifices M M' for admitting cleaning water and cleaning steam are
clearly shown; other parts being lettered similar to those already described, but in
this filter the action is reversed, the inlet valves O admitting the water to be filtered
to the space between the filter and outer shell and the suction communicating to
the central chamber G and a stand pipe being fitted in central chamber G so that
the filter must always remain full of water and cannot be sucked dry.
Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11 show one of my filters placed at the corner outside of
the hot well (with independent shell). The letters of reference with what has
gone before entirely explain these figures.
Figures 12, 13 and 14 and 15 illustrate a fourth arrangement of filter, in which,
Figure 12 is a sectional elevation, Figure 13, side elevation showing valves,
Figure 14 showing sentinel or bye pass valve and the suction valve from the
filter, and Figure 15 a plan view.
In these, R is the door for removing the grates, S a cover over the filter proper
in the hot well. S₁ shows the cover unscrewed and withdrawn from the filter at
such time as the hot well is empty. The remaining letters are already explained
in the previous portion of the specification.
Figure 16 shows the slight variation mentioned in the last paragraph of my
Provisional Specification.
In this, G¹ is the central chamber, T hollow place between the filtering media
connected with the outside spaces and filled with blocks of absorbing felt or
compressed sponge. U are the similar spaces connected with the central space G¹.
These also, if desirable, can be filled with blocks of absorbent felt or compressed
sponge. Any other absorbent material, for which oil has an affinity or acts
upon it, can be used instead of these blocks. These subsidiary filtering or
absorbent materials are useful in separating greasy matter, colouring matter and
the like from the water, but as they are apt to get clogged, I prefer to allow a
free passage above, below and around them so that when clogged they do not
materially impede the passage of the water to the ordinary filtering cloths which
are fitted in addition to these and the blocks act more by contact absorption
than actual filtration. Where the filter is intended to be frequently opened and
cleaned, then the use of this additional filtering and absorbent media is often
desirable.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. A feed water filter of the type, substantially as described, placed or supported
in the hot well substantially as described.
2. The combination with the feed filter on the suction side of the pump, of two
or more pipes connecting the filter and the hot well respectively with the pump,
the connection with the filter being provided with a shut off valve, and the
connection with the hot well with a weighted valve, preferably of the sentinel
type, whereby whenever the filter gets foul or the connection between it and the
pump is closed, this valve will open and deliver the water to the pump and at the
same time, if a sentinel valve, give warning of the occurrence.
3. In combination with a filter, a weighted or spring sludge valve, steam or
water cleaning admission valves or both, and a device for shutting off the regular
inlet and the regular exit, whereby when these are shut off and the steam and
water supply valves are turned on, the current is reversed and the sludge and
dirt are carried out through the sludge valve which automatically opens and closes
according to the pressure.
4. In combination with a series of superimposed independent filtering surfaces,

page_text: each filtering a separate quantity of water, a subsidiary filtering or absorbing
material placed in the chambers between the flannel or equivalent filtering
surfaces substantially as described and illustrated in Figure 16.
5. The general arrangement and construction of filters and their accessories
substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 17th day of October 1896.
W. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and London, Patent Agents.