IMPROVEMENTS IN FILTERS
Year: 1885

page_text: "
I, WILLIAM LLOYD WISE, of N° 46 Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature
of said invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN FILTERS (a communication to me from
abroad by Louis Pommeraye, Civil Engineer of 42 Rue du Général Foy, Paris) to
be as follows:-
In a filter according to this invention the liquid to be treated surrounds a
cylinder or column of filtering material and presses inwards to its interior through
its wall. This cylinder or column is formed of rings or sections separated by some
material such as india-rubber, suitable for making a water tight joint between them.
These rings are compressed by a screw, and surround a light metal cylinder which
is perforated to allow the liquid which passes through the filtering material to gain
access to its interior, from whence a pipe or passage leads the said liquid away. One
or more columns of filtering material are enclosed within a casing, provided with
the necessary inlets and outlets, and in some instances mounted upon trunnions to
facilitate the removal of the columns for the purpose of cleaning,
In order to more fully describe the nature of this invention, there is annexed by
way of example, the accompanying drawing, in which Fig. 1 is a vertical section
of the improved filter specially applicable for manufacturing purposes.
Fig. 2 is an elevation of the same filter shewing some of the details in section.
Fig. 3 is a side view of the apparatus placed horizontally for cleaning purposes,
and for the insertion or removal of the filtering columns.
$
Fig. 4 is a plan of the said filter the cover and all the filtering columns being
removed. Fig. 5 is a plan of the filter shewing the foot-like support by which it is
partly carried when in a horizontal position.
Fig. 6 is a horizontal section in the plane of the axis of the journals shewing
the internal arrangement of the filter; two columns are in place while the other
three are removed.

page_text: Fig. 7 shews both in horizontal and vertical section a filtering column provided
with all its discs.
When the filter is designed for domestic purposes it is arranged in the manner
shewn in vertical section in Figs. 8 and 9, Fig. 8 being a section of a filter intended
to be used in apartments, and Fig. 9 showing a modification preferably for use in
the Navy and in the Army and operating under strong pressure.
Referring to the arrangement shewn in Figs. 1 to 7 inclusively, A is a cast iron
cylinder forming the body of the filter and containing the filtering columns C each
fitted in their respective sockets T leading to the outlet conduits U. Each column
is closed by means of a stop cock V. The cylinder A pivots upon two journals F
one of which reaches inside the filter and communicates by means of the elbow D
with the liquid requiring to be filtered. B is a cast iron cover closing hermetically
the body of the filter. This cover is tightly held by 6 strong bolts and is guided
upon the two iron rods G. C. C are hollow and recessed filtering columns upon
which are placed filtering discs of suitable material, such for instance as cloth,
porous stone, agglomerated charcoal or porcelain, the material varying according to
the nature of the liquid to be treated. Each disc H is separated from the adjoining
discs by means of a jointing ring I, and all the discs and rings are first pressed by
means of the cap J and the nut K provided with a handle which enables each
column to be grasped when it is required to insert it or remove it from the filter.
This movable cap J which supports another cap L is compressed, when the filter is
in working order by means of the screw L¹, and the hand nut M¹. Each column C
is thus pressed down individually, such pressure being regulated according to
requirement. E is an admission cock for the liquids requiring to be filtered.
O. O are two cast iron frames supporting the two above-mentioned journals. Pis
a foundation plate supporting the filter. Q. Q. are stone troughs designed to
receive the filtered liquid. R. R. are troughs for containing the residuum from the
cleaning. S is a clearing top for use previous to cleaning the filter. T are outlet
necks in which are placed the filtering columns. In order to place the filter in a
horizontal position for cleaning it is pulled over by the iron stay N and supported
upon the wooden block Y. When the six bolts of the cover are loosened, the latter
slides upon the two guides G and discloses the inside of the filter, from which each
filtering column can be removed and cleaned or replaced by a fresh one. Large
quantities of liquid can be rapidly and perfectly filtered, the liquid passing through
the filtering discs in the direction of their radius and converging towards the
centre and the impurities held in suspension remaining behind. Liquids may thus
be filtered under slight or weak pressure, the quantity filtered alone varying.
The above description of the filter shewn in Figs. 1 to 7, specially designed for
manufacturing purposes, applies also in its essential features to the filter designed
for domestic purposes and shewn in Figs. 8 and 9. The filters designed for domestic
purposes however, being smaller can be easily cleaned without being placed in a
horizontal position. The filtering columns C are mounted in the manner above
described, the discs H of stone, charcoal, porcelain or other material being separated
from one another by gutta percha rings I compressed by means of the cap J, such
pressure being regulated according to requirements.
t
Each filtering column is made of suitable metal or other material such as
earthenware and the like and is provided with perforations or grooves a which
allow the liquid to flow into the lower compartment of the casing A whence it runs
out, free from impurities, through the cock V.
The casing A is provided with a movable lid or cover to permit the apparatus
to be replenished when required and to enable the column to be withdrawn for
cleaning purposes or to be replaced by fresh ones.
When water is delivered under pressure the arrangement shewn in Fig. 9 is
preferably used, the filtering column C being arranged in the same manner as the
columns above described and mounted in a metallic casing A made of-two parts
1

page_text: bolted one to the other and provided at its upper part with an admission pipe and
at its lower part with a clearing tap V and a central outlet opening T.
This last arrangement is particularly applicable for use in the Navy where
condensed water is made use of. In order to aerify such water, a Westinghouse or
other suitable forcing apparatus may be employed, by means of which air can be
introduced under pressure into the condensed water reservoir.
This apparatus may likewise be employed to obtain a supply of drinkable water
for troops when campaigning, by using in combination with it a pump or any
other suitable appliance.
It will be evident that the details of the apparatus may be varied without
departure from the essential features of the invention.

page_text: Improvements in Filters.
1, WILLIAM LLOYD WISE, of N° 46 Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention (a communication to me from abroad by Louis Pommeraye, of
42 Rue du Général Foy, Paris, Civil Engineer) and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:―
In a filter according to this invention the liquid to be treated surrounds a
cylinder or column of filtering material and passes inwards to its interior through
its wall. This cylinder or column is formed of rings or sections separated by some
material, such as india. rubber, suitable for making a water tight joint between
them. These rings are compressed by a screw, and surround a light metal cylinder
which is perforated to allow the liquid which passes through the filtering material
to gain access to its interior, from whence a pipe or passage leads the said liquid
away. One or more columns of filtering material are enclosed within a casing,
provided with the necessary inlets or outlets, and in some instances mounted upon
trunnions to facilitate the removal of the columns for the purpose of cleaning.
Referring to the accompanying sheet of drawings Fig. 1 is a vertical section of
the improved filter specially applicable for manufacturing purposes.
Fig. 2 is an elevation of the same filter shewing some of the details in section.
Fig. 3 is a side view of the apparatus placed horizontally for cleaning purposes,
and for the insertion or removal of the filtering columns.
Fig. 4 is a plan of the said filter, the cover and all the filtering columns being
removed.
Fig. 5 is a plan of the filter shewing the foot like support by which it is partly
.carried when in a horizontal position.
Fig. 6 is a horizontal section in the plane of the axis of the journals shewing the
internal arrangement of the filter; two columns are in place while the other three
are removed.
Fig. 7 shews both in horizontal and vertical section a filtering column provided
with all its discs.
When the filter is designed for domestic purposes it is arranged in the manner
shewn in vertical section in figs. 8 and 9, fig. 8 being a section of a filter intended
to be used in apartments and fig. 9 shewing a modification operating under strong
pressure.
Figs. 10, 11, and 12 shew in horizontal and vertical sections and elevation
respectively a modification applicable to the filtration of oils.
Referring to the arrangement shewn in Figs. 1 to 7 inclusively, A is a cast iron
cylinder forming the body of the filter and containing the filtering columns C each
fitted in their respective sockets T leading to the outlet conduits U. Each column
is closed by means of a stop cock V. The cylinder A pivots upon two journals F
one of which reaches inside the filter and communicates by means of the elbow D
with the liquid requiring to be filtered, this elbow is jointed by means of the

page_text: stuffing box F. B is a cast iron cover closing hermetically the body of the filter,
the joint being made by means of a large india-rubber ring lying in a groove.
This cover is tightly held by six strong bolts and is guided upon the two iron
rods G. CC are hollow and recessed filtering columns upon which are placed
filtering discs of suitable material, such for instance as cloth, porous stone,
agglomerated charcoal, or porcelain, the material varying according to the nature
of the liquid to be treated. Each disc H is separated from the adjoining discs by
means of a jointing ring I, and all the discs and rings are first pressed together by
means of the cap J and the nut K provided with a handle which enables each
column to be grasped when it is required to insert it or remove it from the filter.
The movable cap J which supports another cap L is compressed, when the filter is
in working order by means of the screw L' and the band nut M. Each column is
thus pressed down individually, such pressure being regulated according to require-
ment. E is an admission cock for the liquid requiring to be filtered. 00 are two
cast iron frames supporting the two above mentioned journals. P is a foundation
plate supporting the filter. Q is a stone trough designed to receive the filtered
liquid. R a trough for containing the residuum from the cleaning. S is a clearing
top for use previous to cleaning the filter. T are outlet necks in which are placed
the filtering columns. In order to place the filter in a horizontal position for cleaning
it is pulled over by the iron stay N and supported upon the wooden block Y. When
the six bolts of the cover are loosened, the latter slides upon the two guides G G
and. discloses the inside of the filter, from which each filtering column can be
removed and cleaned or replaced by a fresh one. The compression of the filtering
columns constitutes the means for regulating the filtering operation and is effected
according as required. The said filter being composed of a great number of filtering
columns, it is indispensable that each column should be regulated according to
requirements. This is effected by means of a screw L' which is placed in the axis
of each column and outside the cover and which as it presses down the caps J and L
acts upon all the discs which surround each column and holds them in their normal
position while likewise causing the bottom of the filter to become jointed to the
feet of the columns. When therefore a column does not supply a perfectly clear
liquid, or the latter does not run easily, as can be seen by inspecting its cock V, it
is sufficient to relax or fasten the screw of the column which is not performing its
work properly, and the discs will separate or close together until they are in
sufficient proximity for the filtering operation to take place in a regular and satis-
factory manner. Large quantities of liquid can be rapidly and perfectly filtered,
the liquid passing through the filtering discs in the direction of their radii and
converging towards the centre, and the impurities held in suspension remaining
behind. Liquids may thus be filtered under slight or weak pressure, the quantity
filtered alone varying.
The interior case or core of the filtering column is made of any suitable metal,
made thin for the sake of lightness; and is perforated by longitudinal grooves
which enable liquids to obtain access to the outlet.
The above description of the filter shewn in Figs. 1 to 7 specially designed for
manufacturing purposes applies also in its essential features to the filter designed
for domestic purposes and shewn in Figs. 8 and 9.
The filters designed for domestic purposes however being smaller can be easily
cleaned without being placed in a horizontal position. The filtering columns C are
mounted in the manner above described, the discs H of stone, charcoal, porcelain or
other material being separated from one another by gutta-percha or other suitable
rings I compressed, by means of the cap J, such pressure being regulated according
to requirements. Each filtering column is made of suitable metal or other material
such as earthenware and the like and is provided with perforations or grooves a
which allow the liquid to flow into the lower compartment of the casing A whence
it runs out, free from impurities, through the cock V. The column may be
mounted upon the transverse wall m dividing the envelope A into two compart-
ments either by means of screws as shown or in any other suitable manner so that'

page_text: the column may be easily removed for cleaning purposes. The pressure cap may
likewise be arranged in any suitable manner. There may place within the same
envelope A which may assume any suitable shape and be of suitable material one
or several columns according to requirements. The casing A is provided with a
movable lid or cover to permit the apparatus to be replenished when required and
to enable the column to be withdrawn for cleaning purposes or to be replaced by
fresh ones.
A stop cock V₁ permits the upper reservoir being emptied in which
the filtering column is mounted in such a manner that by forcing water into the
said reservoir, it will carry away the impurities which have accumulated at the
bottom of this compartment or upon the parts H.
To obtain forced and automatic cleaning of the filters employed for domestic and
industrial purposes, the vessel containing the discs of charcoal is inverted, see Fig. 9,
so that the water rises in the top reservoir all and compresses the air therein. It
will be obvious that if, when the discs of charcoal are encrusted, the clearing cock
at B is opened, after closing the tap at A, the pressure which previously existed
around the discs is destroyed and the filtered water contained in the reservoir all
will pass in the reverse direction through the discs of charcoal taking with it the
dirt or sediment which might be retained therein and carrying it out through the
cock at B. To put the apparatus in order again it is only necessary to reopen
the tap at A and close the cock at B. The opening in the top of the reservoir all
serves for the introduction of compressed air or steam to clean the discs in the
same way if it is thought that the air compressed naturally by the filter, be
insufficient.
The application of filters according to this invention to the filtration of oils of
different kinds, necessitates special modifications which are shown in Figs. 10, 11
and 12. As is well known, oils are difficult to filter and good filtration takes place
slowly besides, when the operation is performed by decantation it also takes time
and a considerable quantity of material for containing vessels.
Slowly flowing filters are difficult to clean and fit up, and they always give a
large residue which stops in the filtering material employed from which the oil is
difficult to extract. In any case the oils must be caused to pass by pressure,
which necessitates the expenditure of considerable power and the use of costly
material.
By the use of the double pressure filter all these inconveniences are avoided and
the following advantages obtained.
1st promptitude and constant flow.
2nd automatic cleaning of the discs of cotton and charcoal which compose the
filter.
3rd systematic heating at a low temperature of the oil, to render it fluid and
facilitate its purification through tlie discs of charcoal after it has passed through
those of cotton. The apparatus is double as herein before stated and permits, in
the same operation, a first filtration, called cleansing, through the discs of cotton
and then a second filtration called purifying through the discs of charcoal. Between
these two filters there is a small cylinder for the systematic heating of the oil.
By reference to Figs. 10, 11 and 12 the working of the apparatus may be
understood. The oil passes by the pipe a' and tap a into the chamber b which
contains the cotton filtering medium e. There, under the influence of pressure
obtained by any suitable means, the oil passes through the filtering medium e and
enters into and fills the chamber f from which it overflows by the elbow conduit g
passing into the small tubes surrounded by steam from the heated cylinder / thence
passing by the tap and conduit into the chamber c which contains the charcoal
filtering medium. The oil being continually forced by the pressure, penetrates
through the discs of carbon and enters the chamber f¹ and flows out completely
filtered by the tap j and the pipe k into any suitable receptacle.
In a good installation, compressed air would be used, the cleaning being effected
by this air which arrives by the tap or according to the chamber to be cleaned
and passing through all the filtering medium in an inverse sense, detaches all dirt or

page_text: sediment from the surface of the discs and ejects it by the taps m or m' from the
chambers b or c. n is a steam tap for the heating of the cylinder h and the tap o
serves for the removal of condense water. p is a tap that enables communication
to be established between the chamber f and the chamber c which contains the
charcoal filtering medium when the heating vessel h is not used.
When the filter is employed for water it will be evident that it need not be
passed through the heater and that the distribution of the conduits or pipes may
be much simplified.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is -
1. A filter having one or more filtering columns with central outflow, the said
column or columns being formed of filtering discs H, superposed one above the
other with interposed rings I and being mounted on a bollow and recessed column C
substantially as hereinabove described and shewn, and for the purpose specified.
2. In a filter having filtering columns with central outflow of the kind referred
to in claim 1 the external cylinder A containing the said filtering columns and
capable of oscillating on trunnions or journals of which one projects into the
interior of the filter and forms an inlet for the liquid to be filtered substantially as
described and for the purpose specified.
3. In a filter having filtering columns with central outflow the combination of
movable caps J and outer caps L to allow of each column being tightened according
to requirement, substantially as described and shewn.
4. The improved filter constructed substantially as described with reference to
Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, the said filter being specially designed for the filtration
of syrups and the sugary juices of sugar manufactories.
5. The combination of one or more filtering columns such as referred to in claim 1,
mounted in an external case, such as A with a lower reservoir designed to contain
the filtered water, substantially as described and shewn in Fig. 8.
6. In a filter having one or more filtering columns with central outflow, a top
reservoir such as all (Fig. 9) to receive the filtered water and also to act as a
reservoir for compressed air to force liquid against (and through) the filtering
columns to clean them, substantially as described and shewn.
7. The combination of filtering columns of cotton e and filtering columns in c, as
described, with a heating cylinder h, the whole constituting a double apparatus for
the filtration of oils or other fatty matters substantially as hereinabove described
with reference to the drawings.
W. LLOYD WISE,
Per F. J. Brougham.