Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for the Filtration of Water.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Nov., 1889-Accepted, 15th Mar., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for the Filtration
of Water.
We, OMAR HESTREN JEWELL and IRA HESTREN JEWELL both of No. 230 Irving
Avenue, in the City of Chicago, County of Cook, and State of Illinois, one of the
United States of America, Mechanical Engineers, 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:-
Our invention relates to water filters, adapted for the filtration of large volumes of
water, by passing it under pressure, through a bed of filtering material contained in
a closed tank. Our present invention relates to certain improvements in the devices
for washing the filter and also in the devices which collect and deliver the purified water.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 represents a front elevation of a filter embodying our invention.
◉
Figure 2, a vertical section of the same, taken on the line 1, 1, of Figure 1; the
pipe R being left in full lines;
Figure 3, a plan section of the same, taken on the broken line 2, 2, of Figure 2;
Figure 4, a detail plan of the central distributor, detached, and with the cover
removed;
Figure 5, a vertical section of the same, taken on the line 3, 3, of Figure 4;
Figure 6, a detail vertical section of one of the collectors, detached;
Figure 7, a vertical section of one of the check-valves on the wash pipes; and
Figure 8, a perspective view of the same.
Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 are on enlarged scales as compared with figures 1, 2 and 3;
and like letters refer to the same parts in all the Figures.
In the drawings, A represents the tank of a filtering apparatus. This tank is made
of heavy sheet metal, the plates being strongly riveted together so as to be capable
of resisting great internal pressure. The tank is closed, but is provided with one or
more manholes, a and is partially filled with a bed of suitable filtering material, ex-
tending up to about the line marked "sand line" in Figure 2 of the drawings. The
tank may also be strengthened by stay-rods a¹, passing through from top to bottom,
the number and arrangement of these rods being determined by the size of the filter.
At one side of the tank a large opening u², is cut, which is to provide for the
attachment of the valve-chest B, through which the inlet and outlet of water to the
tank, for any purpose whatever, is controlled. This opening is closed by a plate
or saddle b, which is secured to the tank by riveting and serves as a support for the
valve-chest, the base B', of which is secured to the plate or saddle by bolts b¹. The
valve seat B, which is preferably constructed of some metal not readily effected by
water, is mounted on the front of the base B' and in front of this valve seat is
the body B3, of the valve chamber, which is closed at the front by means
of a cap or cover B. These parts, namely, B1, B2, B3 and B', composing
the valve-chest B, are secured together by means of suitable bolts 62. The
body B of the valve chamber is provided with internal flanges b³, located a
slight distance back from the front of the body on each side thereof and extending
from top to bottom as shown. A strainer 66, of perforated metal or other suitable
material, rests against the flanges 6 and is clamped upon them by means of the
cap or cover B4, which is provided with an aperture 64, closed by a removable
plate bs, whereby access may be obtained to the interior of the chest in front of the
strainer. A pipe B, is let into the lower end of the cover B and is provided with a
valve 6, whereby the space in front of the valve may be drained. This pipe is also
connected to the outlet leading to the sewer or other waste outlet, as will be herein-
after described, and thereby furnishes an outlet for the wash water when the wash
is through the screens of the collectors, as will be hereinafter explained. A horizonta

page_text: A
pipe C, is let into the front of the valve chest B near the upper portion thereof
and is the pipe which provides the inlet to the valve chest and thence to the filter,
the regular supply pipe being connected to this inlet pipe at its outer end marked X
in the drawings. This pipe is provided with a suitable valve c, whereby communi-
cation through it to the valve chest may be entirely shut off. The valve chest is
provided with four ports D, D1, D2, and D³, which open into corresponding
chambers d, d', d² and d² in the base B'. A pipe E, leads from the chamber d
through the side of the tank into the interior thereof and similar pipes E² and E³
lead respectively from the chambers and d³ into the interior of the filter.
pipe E, opens into the chamber d¹ at one side thereof outside of the tank and is
the ordinary outlet of the filter through which the purified water is delivered. The
main valve F, is in general form the shape of what is known as a D-valve, having
in its inner face a groove or recess f, by means of which either the ports D and Di,
or D' and D2 may be brought into communication with each other, as will be described
presently. This valve is also provided with a downward extension F1, of sufficient
length to close the port Ds when the valve is in the position shown in Figure 2
of the drawings, or in its lowest position. The valve is operated by means of a
valve rod G, threaded at its upper end, which is fitted to a stationary hand wheel G¹,
suitably threaded for this purpose, so that the rotation of the wheel will move the
valve rod and valve vertically. A stuffing box g is provided at the upper end of
the valve chest through which the valve rod passes. This valve rod is connected
to the valve F as follows:
The valve rod passes through a projection at the front of the valve, both the
valve rod and the opening being angular so that the valve cannot turn on the rod and
the latter being threaded on each side of the valve to receive nuts g', whereby the
valve is fastened to the rod in the position desired. The valve rod also extends down-
ward as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, even with or a little beyond the
extension F of the valve and the nut g' at the upper end of the valve is intended to
be at a point slightly above the upper lap of the valve, so that the valve cannot be
brought into contact with the chest at the limit of its adjustment in either direction
and so cannot be disturbed upon its seat. A spring H, is attached to the front face of
the valve near its side edges; the spring is fastened to the valve at its centre and the
free ends bending outward bear upon the inner face of the flanges 6s and, therefore,
exert a constant pressure inward to hold the valve up to its seat and also take up any
wear which may occur on the face of the seat. A pressure-screw is also employed,
which is provided with a hand-wheel i, by means of which it may be turned and
passes through an internally-threaded screw-plug that is fitted to a suitable aperture
in the plate 6s and has a stuffing-box . The inner end of this screw bears against a
friction plate G³, which is mounted on the front face of the valve and the pressure
screw I locks the valve firmly to its seat whenever desired. A safety valve C¹ of any
suitable construction is mounted on the pipe C and is connected with an overflow
pipe c'.
The valve in the drawings is an ordinary pop valve and by means of it
any undue pressure in the supply is relieved by the escape of water through it
into the overflow pipe, which communicates with the sewer or other outlet. The
pipe E opens into a three-way valve e, by means of which it may be placed in
communication with either the pure water outlet or delivery pipe E', or a waste-
pipe E. The overflow pipe c' is also connected to this waste pipe E5 and the
drain pipe B being connected to the overflow pipe c', as shown in Figure 1 of
the drawings, also communicates ultimately with this same waste pipe. A basin J
provided with a pipe j, leading to the overflow pipe c¹ is arranged to receive the
water from two test cocks J and J, which communicate with the valve casing at
two separate points, by means of pipes jj, respectively, to test the condition of
the water both as it enters and as it leaves the filter.
An air outlet cock J3, is arranged above the basin J and provided with a pipej³,
which passes into the tank and upward inside thereof to as near the top as is practic-
able; this device provides for the escape of air while the tank is being filled, the basin
receiving any water which may escape at the end of this operation. The pipe E is

page_text: extended in the interior of the tank beyond the middle thereof, the further section
being diminished in size as seen in Figure 2 of the drawings. Pipes e, branch
outward laterally on each side of this pipe at its extremity and about its middle and
from each branch rises a pipe e, nearly to the top of the tank, thus providing for the
delivery of water into the tank at several points in the upper portion thereof. The
end of the pipe E, next to the valve, is threaded into a collar e³, bolted to the saddle b,
and the pipes E and E³ are similarly supported by means of threaded collars e', also
bolted to the saddle. The pipe E2 extends inward through the tank somewhat beyond
the centre thereof and is provided with branch pipes K, five in number as shown in
Figure 3 of the drawings, extending outward horizontally in different directions
toward the circumference of the tank and then bending downwards and passing verti-
cally nearly to the bottom of the tank. At their lower ends these brauch pipes are
provided with strainer collectors K' which receive the filtered water at the bottom of
the filter bed and the particular construction of which is shown in Figure 6 of
the drawings.
A cast frame k, of brass, or other suitable metal, is first provided. This frame is
tapering from bottom to top and consists of a solid bottom, and ring ², at the
top, and bars or posts ³, joining these two portions. Around this skeleton frame is
wrapped a sheet of perforated metal or wire gauze, and fastened at its lower edge to
the bottom of the fraine, by means of an annular ring ko, and at its upper end by
means of a threaded coupling ring 2, which is turned upon the upper end of the
frame and has a slight flange extending down over the upper edge of the perforated
metal. This coupling ring provides the means by which the strainer collector is
connected to the lower ends of the pipes K. The frame provides a strong and sufficient
support to resist pressure and prevent the inward collapse of the strainer; but by
reason of our improvement, whereby we provide a strainer wash out through this
collector, there is danger of collapse outward and in order to prevent this a
metallic guard K³, is provided which consists of a ring ko, adapted to fit about
the middle of the upright frame and having transverse arms, corresponding in
number to the upright bars of the frame and in arrangement also, so that when
the guard is slipped over the top of the device it will pass down upon the outside of
the perforated sheet and the latter will be clamped and securely held between these
arms on the guard on the outside and the upright bars of the frame on the inside,
as shown in Figure 6 of the drawings, thereby firmly holding the strainer in
position and resisting outward pressure, so as to prevent the bursting of the strainer
outward.
The pipe E is the wash pipe proper and extends into the tank to about the centre
thereof and thence downward nearly to the bottom, where it connects with a central
casting 1, which may be called the distributor. This device is of a somewhat
peculiar construction as is shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings. In the main it
consists of a cup-shaped body I, having a solid bottom and an upright flange for ning
a central hollow chamber or space. From the interior of the rim or flange, pro-
jections, extend inward a slight distance, being arranged at regular intervals and
extending from the top to the bottom of the casting. A second casting L', is provided
and adapted to fit the cup just within these inward projections. This casting is of
the shape shown in figures 4 and 5, being of a general ring form, the upper edge
vertical for a short distance and then flaring ontward, as seen in Figure 5. The upper
or vertical portion of the ring is smaller than the internal circumference of the cup
inside of the projections l', but the lower edge is of a size just to fill this space and at
intervals there are thrown outward wing: 12, corresponding to the projections l', and
adapted to closely fit against the interior vertical face on each one of the said pro-
jections. It will be seen that the space or chamber inside the cup is thus divided,
so as to form a central chamber y, within the ring LA, and a series of small chambers
between the wall of the cap and the inner ring L', the series extending entirely around
the latter. Apertures, are made in the inner ring L each opening into one of these
little chambers and similar openings +, and made in the outer wall or flange of the
cup, each thus providing an outlet from each one of the same chambers. The

page_text: apertures 13 are closed upon the outside of the ring, by valves 15 which are free to
swing outward, but effectually closed the openings inward. These valves, as shown in
the drawings, are circular discs fastened to a T-head 1, the horizontal arms of which are
fitted in suitable bearings formed by depressions 7,in the upper edges of the wings l'as
seen in the two Figures referred to. The main body or cup may be of iron, but the
interior casting L' is preferably of brass, or some other like metal. The top of this
interior casting or ring, is flush with the top of the outer casing and the two are
covered by a flange ring, the contact surfaces being suitably ground to make a close
fitting joint. This extends over the entire space between the two walls, so as to
complete the series of small outer chambers and is fastened to the main or outer
casting by suitable screw bolts: it is threaded internally to receive the lower end of
the pipe E, as seen in Figure 2 of the drawings.
A series of pipes M, are connected to this central casting L, being fitted to the
respective openings in the outer wall of the cup, thus providing an outlet pipe for
each one of the small chambers z. These pipes extend outward radially from the
centre casting a short distance and are then connected to coupling joints N, which
are triangular in shape and are four-way couplers, one opening being at the apex
for the pipes M and the other three at the wider portion or base for the
reception of three pipes m, one in the centre about on a line with the pipe M,
and the other two branching off on each side thereof and extending outward
nearly to the wall of the tank. The central one of these pipes m does not extend to
the wall of the tank, however, but at some distance from the joint N is coupled to
another similar joint N', to the base or wide end of which there are also coupled three
pipes m¹, branching out laterally like the pipes coupled to the joint N and, in this
instance, extending nearly to the wall of the tank.
It will be seen that with this construction and arrangement the bottom of the tank
is well covered with these successively branching pipes and the system of branching
may be carried on further than shown in the drawings,if the size of the tank demands
it. These pipes are the distributors for washing and are perforated on their upper
sides with frequent openings m³, both in the pipes and the couplers through which the
water for washing escapes into the filter bed above. Each of these openings is
provided with a check-valve O, which is of special construction, as shown in
figures 7 and 8. A suitable cage o, is provided which terminates in a stem o¹,
threaded as its lowest end to provide for its attachment to the distributing pipes, the
openings in which are threaded to receive the valve stems. A passage or duct o². is
made through the stem of the cage aud has its upper portion enlarged,so as to provide
a flaring mouth or outlet and from the stem rise short arms or posts arranged around
the outer edge of the enlarged upper end of the stem. Two of these posts, standing
opposite to each other, extend upward somewhat farther than the others, as seen at 03,
and a cross-bar 04, joins their upper ends. These posts and the cross-bar constitute
the cage within which is arranged a ball-valve P, which is seated upon the flaring
mouth of the duct in the stem and has a slight play between its seat and the cross-bar
above it. A smaller ball-valve p is arranged below the ball P and is seated at the
bottom of the flaring mouth, or just at the upper end of the straight portion of the
passage through the valve stem. There is a little free space between the two balls, as
seen in Figure 7 of the drawings, and the retaining cage is open above and at the
sides, except the cross bar, so that there is scarcely any possibility of catching and
retaining inaterial which would prevent the free action of the balls.
A pipe R, is connected to the pipe C at some convenient point near its front
end, at least in front of the closing valve c. This pipe is then carried inward
towards the tank and is let into the base B' of the valve chest, so as to open into
the chamber d' on the side of the valve opposite to the connection with the pipe E
The pipe R is provided at some suitable point with a valve r, by means of which
communication, through the pipe, may be completely shut off, or opened at pleasure.
This pipe, connected with other parts as described, provides means for washing
through the collecting pipes and strainer collectors, as will be presently described.
The operation of this apparatus is as follows. The supply pipe is, of course,

page_text: connected to the inlet at X and when it is desired to filter, the valve F is set in the
position shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. The valve e is closed down upon its seat
at the upper end of the pipe E5, the valve es is opened and the valves b' and rare closed.
The port D is now connected through the recess f in the valve with the port D¹
which opens into the small chamber d', but these ports are closed to everything out-
side of the valve. The water forced in at the inlet will then pass through the port D
into the pipe E and into the upper part of the filter through the branch pipes e²,
thence down through the filter bed to the bottom of the tank, where it is collected
by the strainer collectors K', upward through the pipes K and outward through the
pipe E2 and port D³, valve passage f and port D into the small chamber d' and
thence into the pipe E¹ and outward through the discharge pipe E*.
In order to wash the filter, the valve F is lifted to its highest point, thereby
opening the port D³, closing the port D2 and establishing communication between the
ports D' and D through the recess on the underside of the valve, the latter, however;
closing these ports against the entrance of water from outside of the valve. The
valve e is raised to open communication between the pipes E' and Es the valve e³ is
closed and the valve remains closed. The water entering the inlet will now be
forced through the port D³ into the pipe E3 and thence downward and outward
into the radiating pipes at the bottom of the tank and escaping upward through
the check-valves in these latter pipes, will be forced up through the entire bed of
filtering material and thoroughly washing it. The wash water received in the
upper part of the filter is taken by the pipes E2 into the pipe E and passes
thence through the port D underneath the valve to the port D', which opens into
the small chamber and as the pipe E¹ connects with this same chamber, the
water will thence pass outward through this pipe E¹ and into the pipe E' and thence
to the drain.
When it is desired to wash the strainer collectors, as well as the filtering
material, the valve F is set the same as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings for
filtering. The valve c is closed and also the valve e5 and e, so that there is no
outlet through either the pipe E' or E'; and the valves and 66 are opened. There
is now no inlet through the pipe C, but the water will be carried around through
the pipe R into the small chamber d and thence into the small chamber d² and
pipe E2 and thence downward out through the screens of the collectors into the
tank at the bottom of the filter bed, up through which it passes as before to the top
of the tank and thence down and out through the pipes e², E, into the chamber d,
outward through the port D, into the front part of the valve chest from the bottom
of which it is discharged through the pipe Be into the drain pipe. The valve F is
held to its seat by the springs and may be locked in any position to which it may
be adjusted, by the screw . The valve C' and pipe c¹ afford relief to any over
pressure, the overflow passing off through the said pipe to the drain. By means of
the test cocks J1 and J', the water may be tested both before and after passing
through the filter.
It will be seen that with the single valve F and the ports, chambers and pipes
described and shown, provision is made for sending the water through the filter
to be purified, or through the wash pipes for the purpose of washing the filter
bed, or through the collecting pipes for the purpose of washing the collectors and
also the filter bed. Two means for washing are thus provided, either one of which
can be put in operation independently of the other. The wishing may, in some
instances, be done entirely by means of the supplementary pipe R and the collecting
pipes and strainers, as explained, and the separate wash pipe, with its adjuncts,
dispensed with, thus simplifying the apparatus; but it is usually preferable to
supply the separate washing devices also, so that if one means does not work
satisfactorily, or is obstructed in any way, the other meaus may be put in operation,
the successful washing of the filter being an essential point in the operation of the
apparatus. The devices for washing through the collecting pipes is desirable,
whether the regular wash pipe be present or not, for without them the collectors
cannot be washed and cleaned.

page_text: The centre casting L with its chambers and valves is an important improvement.
The valves 15 permit the water, coming down through the wash pipe, to pass freely
outward into the branch pipes radiating therefrom; and the ball check valves permit
the water to escape from these branching pipes into the bottom of the filter bed.
The two-ball check-valve is a very secure protection against the passage of sand or
silt into the branch pipes, but sometimes an accident may occur, whereby one or more
of these valves will not work properly, or it may become loosened or broken away;
the filtering material would then escape into the pipes, gradually filling them up and
also the centre piece and so obstructing the successful operation of the washing
devices. The valves prevent the passage backward into the central chamber of
water, or any other material; therefore if an accident should occur upon any one
of the pipes M, or its branches, it would only affect that one section, as the valve l³
for that particular branch would prevent the passage of the filtering material
into the central chamber and thence into other sections of the bottom pipes.
The construction of the collector K' is also an important feature, especially in view
of the improvement, whereby the washing is accomplished through this device. A
large strainer is desirable, so that the filtered water will be readily collected, but it
must be well supported and strengthened to prevent the collapse in any direction.
The construction here described and shown, whereby there is a strong internal frame
for the strainer and also a strong protecting guard or clamp on the outside thereof
provides a collector which needs all these requisites.
The construction of the wash pipes at the bottom of the filter in successivo branching
sections, is important for it provides not only for thoroughly covering the area
of the tank, so as to reach the entire filter bed with the wash, but also for the removal
of any one small section of the branches which may be injured or broken without
disturbing the other branches of the same radial section.
Modifications may be made in details of construction herein shown and described,
without departing from the essential features of our invention, hence we do not wish
to be understood as limiting ourselves to the particular details of construction and
arrangement of all the devices herein shown and described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is :-
First. The combination, with the inlet pipe, provided with a suitable closing
valve, of the collecting pipes, which take in the filtered water, a supplementary
pipe connecting at one end with the inlet in front of its valve and at the other
end with the collecting pipe of the filter and also provided with a closing valve,
the pipes which deliver the water into the upper part of the tank for filtering, and
suitable valves for connecting said latter pipes with the discharge, whereby the operation.
of washing the collectors and filtering material may be accomplished through the
collecting pipes, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Se cond. The combination, with the valve chest, provided with the ports D D'
and D, of the valve F, having recess f, the pipe E, the pipe E², the strainer
collectors K at the extremities of the branches of pipe E, the inlet C, the supple-
mentary pipe R, the valves c and applied respectively to said latter pipes, and
the discharge pipe B communicating with the valve chest and provided with a closing
valve 6, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Third. The combination, with the wash pipe Es, of the central casting L, the
radial pipes M, communicating with said casting, and valves controlling the
communication between the central or main chamber or said casting and the said
pipes and arranged to permit water to pass freely outward into the pipes, but to
automatically close and prevent the passage in the opposite direction, substantially
as and for the purposes set forth.
Fourth. The combination, with the wash pipe E³, of the central cup-shaped
body, provided with interior projections land apertures, the casting L fitted
to the cup inside of said projections and provided with apertures, the swinging

page_text: valves and the radiating pipes M, provided with check-valves, substantially as and
for the purposes set forth.
Fifth. The radial and branching wash pipes at the bottom of the tank, consisting
of the pipes M, branches m m¹ &c. four-way couplers N N¹ &c. and provided with
check-valves applied to apertures in the upper portion of said pipes, substantially as
and for the purposes set forth.
Sixth. The strainer collectors K', consisting of the skeleton frame k, the strainer k*,
wrapped around said frame and the guard K³, applied to the outside of the strainer
and clamping it to the frame, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicants.