AU726168B2

AU726168B2 - Solids separator

Info

Publication number: AU726168B2
Application number: AU27012/99A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gregory Leslie Lewis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-05-07
Filing date: 1999-05-07
Publication date: 2000-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2019-05-07
Also published as: AU2701299A

Description

r, 1 P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT oo Invention Title: "SOLIDS SEPARATOR" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: TITLE: SOLIDS SEPARATOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION THIS INVENTION relates to improvements in the separation of solids and/or fines from a flow of fluid that otherwise might enter, along with the fluid, into a storage volume for the fluid and accumulate therein. The invention finds particular application in the filtering of rain water, collected, typically but not exclusively, off a roof, to improve the cleanliness of the inside of storage volumes such as rain water tanks, and the like.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Rain water collection and storage, in a suitable vessel, typically a tank in corrugated iron, of fibreglass or concrete, is a 15 widely used means of establishing a supply of household water. The cleaner the storage vessel remains, the more suitable the water will be for consumption and other household activities.

The current methods and apparatus by which to achieve .the goal of maintaining cleanliness have been successful only in removing large solid objects i.e. leaves and twigs etc., this being achieved typically by placing one or more coarse mesh screens at strategic points in the flow of fluid to a vessel, typically positioned as a leaf strainer at outflow of roof guttering, and as an insect barrier, 3 typically at the inlet to the vessel. An additional approach to maintaining cleanliness involves adaptations to the system of collection whereby the first quantity of rain water is diverted from the storage vessel, but this only prevents initial dust and foreign matter from entering the vessel.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to further improve the cleanliness of fluid flowed to a storage vessel by a means which might operate independently of existing ,techniques or operate together with them to supplement their operation. The invention in a preferred form has an additional object of not only enabling removal of the collected material by removal of the solids separator but also the cleaning of the solids separator for reuse. Other objects and particular advantages will hereinafter become apparent.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention addresses the above stated problems with a solids separator which comprises one or more of a separating receptacle, sack, sock, bag, cone or the like (hereinafter generally referred to as a bag, or being in bag form, for convenience, it being intended that the term bag will encompass all of the aforesaid where context does not specify something more specific), in a 1 4 material acting as a filter, sieve or screen (hereinafter referred to as a filter material for convenience, it being intended that any of the aforesaid functions are encompassed by the term), to be loaded into or fixed in place, in use, in a fluid flow to a storage vessel at a strategic point, either in the storage vessel or the conduits or flow paths to the storage vessel. In a preferred form, the solids separator is located down stream of a coarse mesh separator, of the usual kind, typically located at the inlet to the storage vessel. In a particular preferred form, the solids separator is ideally suspended inside the storage vessel, effective to separate a targeted quantity of the remaining solids from the fluid, holding the solids until cleaning or replacement of the sock is implemented. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the degree of additional filtering which is effected is determined by the qualities and attributes built into the S• 15 solids separator, there being a variety of filter or screening materials available to be used and a range of particle sizes able to be effectively targeted by suitable choice of filter or screening material.

The solids separator may be a usual filter material, in bag form, adapted to be fitted, in use, to pass a flow of water, directed to a storage vessel, therethrough, further characterised in that the solids separator is effective to hold sludge therein pending replacement or cleaning, and there is sufficient filter material above a full water line to the storage vessel to enable flow therethrough without unacceptable impedance and sufficient of the solids separator to store build up of sludge to enable a useful period of time between replacement or cleaning. The solids separator may be adapted to be removably hung, in use, beneath and from a coarse mesh separator, at an inlet to the storage vessel, suspended inside the storage vessel to receive water flowed to the inlet. It may be fitted with an outlet thereto to enable cleaning by flushing through the outlet. It might be dimensioned with a length greater than the height of the storage vessel and a substantially uniform diameter there-along. It might comprise a number of separating bags of increasing separative ability, nested, in use, one inside the other. The filter material is typically effective in the separative range 1 micron to 1.0 millimeter, ;preferably being 5 microns. However the filter material may have a size as low as 0.5 micron. Preferably the filter material is made •oo.

15 of a needle punched polyester felt material. The solids separator might be fitted with looped straps extending from and arrayed around its opening, for attachment over or to a feature of a storage vessel such as a leaf or insect guard to hang, in use, at an inlet thereto.

The invention includes a storage vessel comprising an inlet fitted with a solids separator of the above defined kind effective to hold sludge therein pending replacement or cleaning. The solids separator might be hung from the inlet to extend down the height of the storage vessel and to extend, in part, over the bottom of the storage vessel. Alternately, the solids separator might be extended around and beneath the roof, hung from the roof of the storage vessel substantially above the full water line of the storage vessel.

The storage vessel might be fitted with a drain from within the solids separator to the exterior of the storage vessel, with a tap to control outflow. The storage vessel might be fitted with a flow pipe to direct water to the storage vessel, the solids separator can be located in the flow pipe to have inflow to the pipe directed therethrough.

The invention also includes a method of filtering water flowed to a storage vessel wherein a bag form filter is formed in a filter material, it is mounted in the flow of water with a substantial area for filtering located above the full water level of the storage vessel, it is removed and replaced or cleaned, or flushed, to clear the bag of sludge. The bag might be removed, flushed, washed and reinstalled.

ooe• DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described with reference to various preferred embodiments which are shown in particular detail in the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a sectional view through a storage vessel with a solids separator in the form of a long, substantially sock-like element, mounted therein, in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 shows a sectional detail of a solids separator in accordance with the invention, formed in this embodiment by a plurality of nested, substantially bag-like elements; FIG. 3 shows with sectional detail, the formation of a solids separator, in accordance with the invention, substantially in sock form; FIG. 4 shows a detail of the end of a generally sock-form or bag-form solids separator in accordance with the invention; FIGS 5 and 6 show a solids separator in accordance with the invention hung from the roof of a storage vessel and extended thereabout closely under the roof; FIGS. 7 and 8 show details of an adaptation of a solids separator by which to flush the solids separator whilst it remains in place inside a storage vessel, in accordance with the invention; 15 FIG. 9 shows a further form for a solids separator in .accordance with the invention, mounted upstream of a storage set v ess e l; FIG. 10 shows a detail revealing a means of fitting a solids separator in accordance with the invention to a concrete tank in accordance with the invention; FIG. 11 shows a solids separator in accordance with the invention adapted to be fitted within a storage vessel via interaction with a leaf strainer at an inlet to hang there-off inside the storage vessel; and 8 FIGS. 12 and 13 show details of the support means by which a solids separator in accordance with the invention might be hung beneath a leaf strainer in the position shown in FIG. 11.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIG. 1, a typically five micron, preferably polyester, needle punched felt material, solids separator, in sock form, which may be approximately three meters long, is seen in a typical storage vessel, in this case the usual cylindrical tank. The length of the sock might be varied. A longer sock has the advantage that there will be a longer time till the sludge builds up to reduce the area of the sock available for filtering and the time at which it should be replaced or cleaned and reused. The material of the solids separator is ideally a needle punched polyester felt. It will be clear to those skilled in the 15 art that other materials, such as woven materials, in a range of material types such as other fabric filaments and fibres, including natural fibres and materials such as metals may be used in construction of solids separators in this embodiment, and in each of 9**S the other embodiments described below. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the fineness of the material from which the solids separator is made will determine the fineness of the material which will be filtered, and the other dimensions of the solids separator, its size or area presented to the flow of fluid, will determine the flow volumes which can be handled, the degree of build up of separated sludge and the time to replacement or cleaning for reuse. The solids separator may be securely fastened with an adjustable and/or removable means, such as a clamp, ideally to a cylindrical projection, typically approximately 150 millimeters diameter, attached, in this embodiment, on the bottom of a generally tapered funnel which may additionally house a coarse mesh separator of the usual kind to filter larger particulate such as insect parts, leaves and the like, the assembly being positioned at the inlet of a storage vessel. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the assembly may work with additional leaf screens and mechanisms which dump the first water to flow off a collection surface. The solids separator, in sock-form in this embodiment, may be hung or suspended in the vessel to separate and collect the solids from 15 incoming rain water so as to contain sludge therein and reduce build up of contaminants inside the storage vessel itself. The solids separator may be removed and disposed of when clogged or it might be removed and cleaned and replaced as required. The length is ideally sufficient that the sludge can sink therein and the diameter and length above the full water line is ideally chosen to leave an adequate surface area in play to continue the filter function when the storage vessel is near full, without there being too great a resistance to flow that may see water lost to the system by overflow upstream. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the water flow through the filter medium is substantially reduced and may be substantially extinguished below the water level in the tank by the body of stored water so that effective operation is in the area above the water level.

To this end, the filter material may be in the top zone and the lower end of the sock might be provided in other materials sufficient to hold the filtered sludge.

In FIG. 2, the solids separator is made up of a number of separating socks or bags, ideally, but not necessarily, in cylindrical form, preferably of increasing separative ability, coarser at the inner and finer at the outer, which may be fixed to a stepped, conveniently cylindrical projection, by means of suitable removable and/or adjustable attachment means, such as clamps, on the bottom of a preferably and generally tapered funnel which may house a coarse mesh separator. The solids separator is positioned in this embodiment at the inlet of a water storage vessel. The bags are then suspended into the vessel to separate and collect the solids from incoming fluid to prevent build up inside the vessel. They can be removed and then cleaned or replaced when required. The inner bag might be a 5000 micron material and 1500 mm long. The middle bag 2 might be in a 500 micron material and 1800 mm long. The outer bag can be in a 1 micron material and 2100 mm long. The progressive change in separation ability is advantageous in removing larger solids 11 before contact with the finer material, reducing the time to clogging of the solids separator. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the number of the bags used in the solid separators might be varied to suit a desired outcome. It will also be clear to those skilled in the art that the material of the bags to the solids separator might be any of the materials described above including needle punched polyester felts.

The above solids separator sock, or the bags, may be made of any type of separating material and sewn or otherwise manufactured to form a vessel which is open at one end only as will be clear to those skilled in such arts. The desired separating ability of the sock or bags is determined by the degree of cleanliness required in the storage vessel, and the frequency of cleaning or replacement of the sock or bags. The fineness of the material may typically vary *e* 15 over the range from substantially 0.5 micron upwards, to typically around 1.00 millimeter, with 5 micron providing a generally useful result.

FIG. 3 is seen the formation of a long or elongate filter sock 22 which may be formed by taking an elongate rectangular piece of suitable material, of any of the kinds described above as are suited to processing in this particular manner, folding it to join its longitudinal edges and stitching or otherwise joining them at 24, joining them together to form an essentially tube-like structure.

12 Subsequently the tube 22 can be stitched or otherwise joined at one end 25 to close it off and form a sock 23 with open end 26 whereat fluid may be flowed into the sock. Alternate treatments may be made to close the end such as by means of adhesives, by heat sealing plastic based materials, or by tying off the end.

In FIG. 4 is seen a detail at the closed end of a filter sock 27 whereat the material of the sock might be folded over on itself and clamped between arms 29, 30 of end clamping device 28 which might be an extrusion in a suitable plastics material. The end clamp might be designed to enable removal for cleaning and re-application to re-close the sock for reuse.

In FIGS. 5 and 6 is seen a side elevation and a plan view of a solids separator 31 mounted beneath the roof 32 of a tank, being suspended thereunder on hangers 33 to hold it up above the water 15 level, snaking around from inlet 34. The solids separator might be o supported in a hollow tube which is holed strategically to permit outflow of fluid. This embodiment is operative to effect a filtering operation over the length of the solids separator as there is no length submerged in water to be rendered less operative thereby.

In FIG. 7 is seen a means by which a solids separator i might be flushed. Tank 35 is filled via pipe 36 feeding water, typically via leaf strainer 37, with solids separator 38 hung therebeneath. The water level 39 is determined at full capacity by overflow 40. The 13 solids separator 38 is fitted with an outlet passed out of the tank to outlet 41 controlled by tap or valve 42. Opening valve 42 will allow water in the solids separator 38 to flow out and carry with it a body of solids contained therein. This has an advantage in not needing to de-mount or remove the solids separator for cleaning.

In FIG. 8, the flush outlet is positioned at the bottom of the solids separator with the advantage that the arrangement is effective to enable flushing at lower water levels in the tank, or with greater effectiveness when it is full and the pressure at the outlet is correspondingly greater to make the outflow faster and more effectively entrain sludge settled at the bottom of the solids separator. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the geometry of the solids separator might be varied suit the flushing operation as by surfaces sloped towards the outlet to more effectively entrain 15 sludge in the flush water.

In FIG. 9 is seen a tank 44 filled from pipe 45 via strainer 46. A solids separator 47 is shown suspended in pipe 45. Filtering here is effected primarily by the solids separator 47 with the strainer 46 acting to vent the tank and prevent passage of insects. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that there may be a leaf strainer and the like up stream so as to catch larger debris before it enters the solids separator.

14 In FIG. 10 is seen a solids separator 54 hung inside a concrete tank 48 fed with water via pipe 49 which feeds to elbow mated to a cover 51 which seals to the tank 48 and a downpipe 53.

The solids separator 54 is clamped to the downpipe 53 by clamp The elbow 50 might not be permanently fixed to the stormwater pipe 49 to enable its removal and removal of the solids separator.

In FIGS. 11 to 13 is seen a solids separator 58 hung beneath a leaf strainer in a tank 56. The solids separator, as illustrated, is a generally cylindrical bag 58 with hangers 59. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the shape of the solids separator might be varied and shapes such socks or cones might be adopted. The supports or hangers are seen in FIG. 13 in greater detail. A strap 60 may have its end 61 attached to the solids separator 58 by stitching, or the like, and a looped end 62 may be provided therein to take a cord (not shown) by which to the solids separator may be tied or attached to or over the strainer 57, typically the cord is looped through the straps to draw them, and/or the upper edge of the solids separator, over the top of the leaf strainer. Whilst four such devices are shown, it will be clear to those in the art that there may be more or less in number with still useful results. Three "o provide an optimum connection at least price. A 5 micron solids separator, 460 mm diameter and 700 mm deep will pass 800 litres of water per minute in its unclogged state. A 120mm space from bottom of overflow pipe to the bottom of the leaf strainer might be provided thus giving a water flow of 136 litres per minute which can enter and leave the tank if it is full. This will reduce the possibility of water overflowing the strainer when the tank is full of water. A 465mm round hole may be provided in the top of the tank to take a leaf strainer which also supports the solids separator by way of four straps, with loops through which a nylon cord can be threaded and tied.

Cleaning of the solids separator might be carried out by the owner initially in three months from fitting to tank and as required after that. Expected life of the polyester, felt type solids separator is expected to be approximately two years, depending on the environment in which the tank is found.

When the solids separator requires cleaning, good results can be obtained with the polyester, felt bases separators by putting them through a wash cycle in a washing machine. Generally to keep the integrity of the storage vessel and its fluid at a desirable state, the solidsseparator should be replaced when it appears that it no longer cleans up to an acceptable state when washed.

.t

Claims

1. A solids separator for a storage vessel such as a rain water tank including: a bag form structure adapted to be fitted, in use, to pass therethrough a flow of fluid, directed to the storage vessel; the solids separator is effective to hold sludge therein pending replacement or cleaning by means of filter material having a pore size in the range 1 micron to 1 millimetre; and there is sufficient filter material above a full liquid line to the storage vessel, in use in a storage vessel, to enable flow therethrough without unacceptable impedance and sufficient of the solids separator to store build up of sludge to enable a useful period of time between replacement or cleaning. 15

2. A solids separator as claimed in claim 1 adapted to be attached, in use, beneath and to a coarse mesh separator, at an inlet to the storage vessel, suspended inside the storage vessel to receive water ***flowed to the inlet. i

3. A solids separator as claimed in claim 1 effective to contain a body of sludge until cleaning or replacement of the solids separator is required, cleaning being by removal and washing and/or by flushing through an outlet to the solids separator. 17

4. A solids separator as claimed in claim 1 dimensioned with a length greater than the height of a targeted storage vessel and a substantially uniform diameter there-along.

5. A solids separator as claimed in claim 1 comprising a number of separating socks of increasing separative ability, nested one inside the other, which are fixed, in use, to a stepped cylindrical projection, with clamps, on the bottom of a funnel which may house a coarse mesh separator.

6. A solids separator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the solids separator is made of a needle punched polyester felt material in the separative range 1 micron to 1.0 millimeter, preferably 5 microns.

7. A solids separator as claimed in claim 1 fitted with looped straps extending from and arrayed around its opening, for attachment over or to a feature of a storage vessel such as a leaf or insect guard at an opening thereto. 20

8. A storage vessel comprising: an inlet; the solids separator of any one of claims 1 7 operatively associated with the inlet.

9. A storage vessel comprising: an inlet; the solids separator of claim 4 operatively associated with the inlet; the solids separator being hung from the inlet to extend down the height of the storage vessel and to extend, in part, over the bottom of the storage vessel.

10. A storage vessel comprising: an inlet; the solids separator of claim 1 operatively associated with the inlet so that water flowed thereto flows through the solids separator 15 into the storage vessel; the solids separator being extended around and beneath the roof, hung from the roof of the storage vessel substantially above the full water line of the storage vessel. 20

11. A storage vessel comprising: an inlet; the solids separator of claim 3 in the storage vessel 19 operatively associated with the inlet so that water flowed thereto passes through the solids separator; the storage vessel being fitted with a drain from within the solids separator to the exterior of the storage vessel, there being a tap to control outflow.

12. A method of filtering water flowed to a storage vessel comprising; forming a filter material having a pore size in the range 1 micron to 1 millimetre into bag or sock form; mounting the bag or sock in the flow of water with a substantial area for filtering located above the full water level of the storage vessel. r

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the filter material is needle- punched polyester felt in the separative range 1 micron to 1 millimetre preferably 5 microns. GREGORY LESLIE LEWIS By his Patent Attorneys FISHER ADAMS KELLY