GB2292696A - Method and apparatus for water treatment - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for water treatment Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2292696A
GB2292696A GB9417561A GB9417561A GB2292696A GB 2292696 A GB2292696 A GB 2292696A GB 9417561 A GB9417561 A GB 9417561A GB 9417561 A GB9417561 A GB 9417561A GB 2292696 A GB2292696 A GB 2292696A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
water
filter medium
container
tray
foam
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB9417561A
Other versions
GB9417561D0 (en
GB2292696B (en
Inventor
Malcolm Graham Goodson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB9417561A priority Critical patent/GB2292696B/en
Publication of GB9417561D0 publication Critical patent/GB9417561D0/en
Publication of GB2292696A publication Critical patent/GB2292696A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2292696B publication Critical patent/GB2292696B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D36/00—Filter circuits or combinations of filters with other separating devices
    • B01D36/02—Combinations of filters of different kinds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D24/00—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof
    • B01D24/007—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with multiple filtering elements in series connection
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D24/00—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof
    • B01D24/02—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with the filter bed stationary during the filtration
    • B01D24/10—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with the filter bed stationary during the filtration the filtering material being held in a closed container
    • B01D24/16—Upward filtration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D24/00—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof
    • B01D24/02—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with the filter bed stationary during the filtration
    • B01D24/10—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with the filter bed stationary during the filtration the filtering material being held in a closed container
    • B01D24/16—Upward filtration
    • B01D24/165—Upward filtration the filtering material being supported by pervious surfaces
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D24/00—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof
    • B01D24/48—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof integrally combined with devices for controlling the filtration
    • B01D24/4876—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof integrally combined with devices for controlling the filtration in which the filtering elements are moved between filtering operations; particular measures for removing or replacing the filtering elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
    • B01D29/11—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements
    • B01D29/13—Supported filter elements
    • B01D29/15—Supported filter elements arranged for inward flow filtration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
    • B01D29/50—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with multiple filtering elements, characterised by their mutual disposition
    • B01D29/52—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with multiple filtering elements, characterised by their mutual disposition in parallel connection
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/14—Safety devices specially adapted for filtration; Devices for indicating clogging
    • B01D35/147—Bypass or safety valves

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
  • Farming Of Fish And Shellfish (AREA)
  • Biological Treatment Of Waste Water (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus for water treatment comprising a container and filter medium inserted within the container. An inlet and outlet is also provided for receiving and despatching water to and from the container. An indicating means is provided for indicating when the filter is fully, or partially blocked. The indicating means may be provided by movement of the filter medium itself or by movement of a tray positioned above said filter medium. <IMAGE>

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WATER TREATMENT This invention relates to a method and apparatus for water treatment. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to the treatment of water used in ponds, aquaria and fish farming. The invention may also be applicable to the treatment of water from other sources for example waste water treatment plants.
Prior proposals in relation to water treatment have included the use of filtration units, commonly comprising moulded plastic containers and including filter media such as open-cell foam or brushes. In one example of a filtration unit, pond water is pumped into a moulded container having an inlet positioned in the top of the container. The water is subsequently directed over or delivered to one or more layers of foam and subsequently through a further filtration process comprising plastic media. The filtered water is then delivered to the pond through an outlet positioned in the base of the unit. The foam material employed in this prior proposal provides effective filtration and comprises an open structure which is particularly effective with regard to filtration of solid matter. In addition as the foam becomes increasingly blocked with use, the foam acts as a biological filter.However, one of the main problems arising from this prior proposal is that as the foam becomes increasingly blocked a head of water is formed, above the foam material which increases as the foam becomes increasingly blocked. The amount of water delivered to the filter unit at any one time is therefore restricted by the head of water which can be accommodated before flooding occurs, and also the surface area of the foam, as the head of water developed is also restricted by such parameters.
The aforementioned problems associated with such a filter unit have at least been somewhat partially overcome by providing vertically positioned foam cartridges and/or brushes within the container.
However, in such a system it is not possible to use graded foam, layered and positioned with coarse foam providing a top layer and fine foam being a base layer, the arrangement providing an effective graded filtration system.
A further problem associated with aforementioned filtration units is that although it is desirable the foam becomes increasingly blocked with biological material which treats the water and hence improves filtration, it is virtually impossible to determine when the foam is completely blocked, the filtration unit ceasing to be effective and the foam requiring cleaning or changing. It is a requirement of such systems, therefore, that they are checked regularly to ensure that effective filtration of the water is taking place. In practice this is achieved by a user inspecting the foam contained therein which is time consuming and inaccurate.
Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for water treatment which provides improved filtration of water and/or provides means for identifying full or partial blockage of the filter media contained within a filtration unit and/or to provide improvements generally.
According to the invention there is provided a method and apparatus for water treatment comprising a container, a filter medium positioned within said container, an inlet and outlet for receiving and despatching water from and to a pond or other aquatic system characterised by said container being provided with indicating means identifying full or partial blockage of the filter medium contained therein.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method and apparatus for indicating full or partial blockage of a filter medium wherein the increase in pressure within filtration apparatus caused by such full or partial blockage is arranged to apply a thrust to an indicator member to move same to signal the condition of the filter medium. Weight means may be provided on the indicator member to provide an initial pre-load.
In one embodiment, the arrangement is such that the filter medium itself moves under the increased water pressure. In another embodiment, the filter medium itself remains stationary and the increase in pressure causes movement of an associated structure to provide said indication.
According to the invention there is also provided a method and apparatus for water treatment comprising a container, a filter medium inserted within said container, an inlet and outlet for receiving and despatching water from and to a pond or the like characterised by the direction of flow of water through the container being in an upward direction and said filter medium being restrained within said container so as to provide improved filtration of water.
In an embodiment, the container is of generally cuboid shape and manufactured from moulded plastic.
The filter medium provided within said container comprises one or more layers of foam placed above pieces of plastic designed in a suitable shape so as to remove suspended solids from the water. The foam is positioned substantially horizontally within the container and has a cross sectional area similar to that of the container. If more than one layer of foam is provided the layers are positioned in a "graded" fashion, the coarsest foam providing the bottom layer.
The foam layer or layers are secured within the container so that minimal vertical displacement occurs in a downstream (upwards) direction while the filter medium is still providing effective filtration. In one embodiment this is achieved by providing a tray with a perforated base containing soil or other matter, the tray being positioned over the foam layer providing downward pressure or load thereon. The pressure on the foam provided by the combined weight of the tray and the matter contained therein increases the foam resistance to the upward flow of water pumped through the filtration unit thereby providing improved filtration due to partial blockage within the foam.
In an embodiment of the invention the tray contains soil, gravel or other matter providing weight within the tray, is secured firmly within the container employing a press, friction fit arrangement.
The filtration unit is manufactured from a moulded plastic and it deforms during insertion of the tray so as to firmly grip the tray. During filtration the gravel or soil contained within the tray acts as a further solid and/or biological filter medium before the water is directed to an outlet. During the filtration process the foam becomes increasingly blocked and when the amount of blockage is such that the pressure provided by the pumps exceeds that provided by the weight of the gravel/soil and tray, and the frictional resistance provided by the tight fit of the tray within the container, the foam constitutes indicating means and displaces upwards and subsequently displaces the tray which constitutes secondary indicating means and in a vertical direction allowing water to pass through the container by passing the foam and indicating to a user that the filter is at least partially ineffective and foam requires cleaning or changing.
In another embodiment the tray is formed with channels or grooves within its base which act to direct filtered water which has passed through the foam filter medium, to a vertical channel formed within said tray. The water then passes upwards through this channel and then downwards through a weir towards an outlet.
In another embodiment the filter medium may comprise foam cartridges or other similar devices positioned substantially vertically within a filtration unit. The cartridges also comprise means for directing the flow of water in an upward direction. A tray is inserted within said filtration unit employing a press/frictional fit within the walls of said filtration unit. The cartridges also comprise means for directing the flow of water in an upward direction, such means may comprise "collection" tubes of a crucifix shaped cross section partially or fully surrounded by foam. The tray also comprises apertures formed within its base and adapted to receive said "collection" tubes so as to receive the upward flowing water comprising individual filtration medium elements.
In another embodiment the tray inserted within said container may be partially or fully filled with soil/gravel or the like providing further filtration of said water and also to provide a medium for receiving plants.
In a further embodiment the filtration unit may be inserted within a decorative outer structure so as to disguise the obtrusive features of the unit. The decorative outer structure may also be formed with an outlet forming a waterfali effect when water is despatched to the pond.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig 1 shows a section through filtration apparatus of the type comprising vertically placed foam cartrigdes.
Fig 2 and 3 show a section through filtration apparatus of the type having a horizontal layered foam filtration media.
As shown in the drawings, apparatus for water treatment 10 comprises an external decorative shell 12 having fitted therein a water tight downwardly tapering tank 14 having a water inlet 16 located approximately halfway between its base 18 and its upper edge 20. An outlet 22 is provided in the upper portion of tank 14.
Shell 12 has a lid 24 which also closes tank 14.
Within tank 14 there is provided a filter medium comprising a pair of cartridge-type filter elements disposed in generally upright attitudes and located between a tray 28 and the base 18 of tank 14.
Each filter element 26 comprises an outer tube of porous filter foam 30 and an inner collection tube 32 to receive filtered water from the foam. The collection tubes open into tray 28.
Tray 28 is in the form of a plastics moulding having downwardly tapering walls 34 which are a press or frictional fit within the corresponding wall of tank 14. The tray has an upper lip 36 adapted to cooperate with a corresponding shoulder 38 formed in tank 14 between portions 40, 42 of the tank of successively greater width.
There is provided within tray 28 weight means in the form of gravel or soil to provide additional resistance to upward movement of the tray under the action of water pressure exerted within the chamber provided by tank 14. If so desired, plants may be grown in the gravel 44 for decorative purposes.
In use, filtration occurs as follows. Water entering through inlet 16 passes via filter elements 26 to collection tubes 32 and hence through gravel 44 to outlet 22. Filtration and treatment of the water occurs in the foam of the filter elements and likewise in the gravel 44.
When partial blockage of the filter elements 26 occurs, the pressure rises in tank 14 below tray 28, thereby exerting an increased upthrust on the base 46 of tray 28, thereby eventually overcoming the combined effect of the friction fit between the tray and the tank, and the weight of the gravel 44 in the tray.
When this occurs, the lifting of the tray not only allows water to bypass both the filter elements 26 and the gravel 44 and to reach outlet 22, but also the upward movement of the tray 28 is arranged to cause the tray to lift the lid 24, thereby providing a visual indication of partial or full blockage of the filter elements.
Thus, tray 28 and lid 24 constitute indicator means with respect to filter blockage.
Turning now to the embodiment of Fig 2, tank 50 has an inlet 52 and an outlet 54. The filter medium 56 comprises a layer 58 of particulate filter medium, for example plastic pieces and one or more layers 60 of foam which may be flat or profile cut.
A tray 62 is a friction fit in an upper collar portion 64 of tank 50, in a similar manner to tray 28 in the embodiment of Fig 1.
Weight means in the form of gravel 66 is provided in tray 62. Within a recess in the base of the tray is a central weir 68 permitting water to overflow into outlet 54 when it reaches a defined depth 69 within the tray.
Tray 62 also has channels or grooves 70 in its base wall to direct water which has passed through the filter medium 56 to enter weir 68 and outlet 54.
In use, water entering through inlet 52 is filtered by filter medium 56 and 58 and passes out through outlet 54.
When partial blockage of the filter medium 56 occurs, the pressure within tank 50 increases below the filter medium and exerts an upthrust thereon, as indicated by arrows 74 in Fig 2. This upthrust is applied to the base of tray 62, thereby tending to lift same. When the upthrust is sufficient, the tray lifts thereby providing a visual indication of the state of the filter medium.
Turning now to the embodiment of Fig 3 tank 50 has an inlet 52 and an outlet 76. The filter medium 56 comprises a layer 58 of particulate filter medium, for example plastic pieces and one or more layers 60 of foam.
A tray 78 is a friction fit in the tank 50 in a similar manner to the trays in the embodiments of Fig 1 and Fig 2.
Weight means in the form of gravel 66 is provided in tray 78. The tray has perforations 80 in its base wall to permit water which has passed through the filter medium 56 to enter the tray pass through the gravel 66 and pass through the outlet 76.
When partial or full blockage of the filter medium 56 occurs, the pressure within tank 50 increases below the filter medium and exerts an upthrust thereon. This upthrust is applied to the base of the tray 78 thereby tending to lift same.
When the upthrust is sufficient, the tray lifts thereby providing a visual indication of the blockage or state of the filter medium.
Tray 78 is provided with gravel or soil to provide additional resistance to upward movement of the tray and also to provide further filtration of the water flowing upward through said tray and towards outlet 76.
It is also to be understood that the presence of the gravel 66, constituting weight means, not only sets a preload on the filter blockage indicating mechanism, but also resists upper movement of the filter medium, thereby allowing filtration to occur at a higher pressure than would otherwise be possible, whereby the filtration action can continue more effectively than would otherwise be possible.

Claims (13)

1 Apparatus for water treatment comprising a container, a filter medium positioned within said container, an inlet and an outlet for receiving and despatching water characterised by said container being provided with indicating means identifying full or partial blockage of said filter medium.
2 Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised by said indicating means comprising the provision of means whereby an increase of pressure within said filter causes thrust to be applied to and movement of an indicator member.
3 Apparatus according to claim 2 characterised by said indicator member comprising the filter medium itself.
4 Apparatus according to claim 2 characterised by said indicating means comprising a tray positioned within the container in a push fit type arrangement.
5 Apparatus for water treatment comprising a container, a filter medium inserted within said container, an inlet and outlet for receiving and despatching water characterised by the direction of flow of the water, in use, through the container being in an upward direction and said filter medium being restrained within said container so as to provide improved filtration of the water.
6 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims characterised by said filter medium comprising one or ore layers of foam.
7 Apparatus according to claim 4 characterised by said tray containing soil or gravel providing weight within the tray and also providing further filtration means.
8 Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised by said indicating means comprising foam adapted, in use, to be displaced in an upward direction upon partial blockage of said filter medium.
9 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims characterised by said filter medium comprising foam cartridges positioned substantially vertically within said container.
10 Apparatus according to claim 4 characterised in that said tray being formed with channels or grooves within its base so as to direct filtered water which has passed through the said filter medium towards an outlet.
11 Apparatus according to claim 9 characterised in that said cartridges also comprise means for directing the flow of water in an upward direction.
12 Apparatus for water treatment according to any one of the preceding claims characterised by said apparatus being adapted for use in ponds or aquaria.
13 Apparatus for water treatment substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB9417561A 1994-09-01 1994-09-01 Method and apparatus for water treatment Expired - Fee Related GB2292696B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9417561A GB2292696B (en) 1994-09-01 1994-09-01 Method and apparatus for water treatment

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9417561A GB2292696B (en) 1994-09-01 1994-09-01 Method and apparatus for water treatment

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9417561D0 GB9417561D0 (en) 1994-10-19
GB2292696A true GB2292696A (en) 1996-03-06
GB2292696B GB2292696B (en) 1998-06-10

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GB9417561A Expired - Fee Related GB2292696B (en) 1994-09-01 1994-09-01 Method and apparatus for water treatment

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4246109A (en) * 1979-09-21 1981-01-20 Manders Logan J Oil filter apparatus
US4818385A (en) * 1987-08-31 1989-04-04 Medley Iii Frank W Filter with high pressure indicator
WO1992022372A1 (en) * 1991-06-11 1992-12-23 Amafilter B.V. Apparatus for filtering liquids
US5188727A (en) * 1990-07-18 1993-02-23 Omni Corporation Water filter unit

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4285813A (en) * 1978-03-27 1981-08-25 Metaframe Corporation Aquarium filtration apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4246109A (en) * 1979-09-21 1981-01-20 Manders Logan J Oil filter apparatus
US4818385A (en) * 1987-08-31 1989-04-04 Medley Iii Frank W Filter with high pressure indicator
US5188727A (en) * 1990-07-18 1993-02-23 Omni Corporation Water filter unit
WO1992022372A1 (en) * 1991-06-11 1992-12-23 Amafilter B.V. Apparatus for filtering liquids

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9417561D0 (en) 1994-10-19
GB2292696B (en) 1998-06-10

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20060901