WO2015138942A1

WO2015138942A1 - Filtration apparatus and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2015138942A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/020513
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael T. CONCHING; Jorge CAAMANO
Original assignee: Stormwater Online, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-03-14
Filing date: 2015-03-13
Publication date: 2015-09-17

Abstract

A self-contained filtration apparatus for treating water comprising at least one of a centrifuge, an ozone production unit, a chemical dosing mixer, and a green sand media filter configured to be back- flushed with at least one of chlorine and potassium permanganate.

Description

DESCRIPTION

FILTRATION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application claims priority and is entitled to the filing date and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/214,557, filed on March 14, 2014 and entitled "Filtration Apparatus and Method of Use." The contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated by reference herein.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE:

[0002] Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patents and published patent applications cited or referred to in this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0003] Aspects of this invention relate generally to filtration apparatuses and methods of use, and more particularly to such a system configured for treating storm water and other water run-off for discharge or reuse.

BACKGROUND ART: [0004] By way of background, facilities such as industrial fabricators, hazardous waste generators or treatment plants, etc. are not permitted to simply allow storm water to run off their property, the concern of course being that such water would carry with it harmful pollutants and debris of one kind or another. Rather, such facilities are strictly required to capture, adequately treat (as through filtration and/or chemical neutralization), and only then release such water off of their property. Depending on the type of facility and expected contaminants to be addressed, the storm water treatment system is to be tailored accordingly. Known systems are relatively expensive, are often not readily adapted to various applications (not easily scalable or modified for treating storm water in various contexts), and are typically not enabled for effective routine maintenance and longevity of the filters themselves.

[0005] In other contexts from water reclamation to wells and indirect potable water it is desirable to have a stand-alone, substantially portable or modular system that can be deployed where needed and have relatively higher throughput than even on-site storm water treatment systems but that might otherwise operate similarly. For example, such a system or apparatus capable of processing on the order of fifty to three hundred gallons per minute (50- 300 gpm) would be advantageous in meeting the water treatment requirements of many reuse or potable water contexts while still being substantially "packaged" in a "shipping container" or the like for deployment, effectively functioning as a "mini-water treatment plant." Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages as described in the following summary. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION:

[0006] Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the exemplary advantages described below. [0007] The present invention solves the problems described above by providing a self- contained filtration apparatus for treating water comprising at least one of a centrifuge, an ozone production unit and a blower unit in fluid communication with the ozone production unit, and a green sand media filter configured to be back-flushed with at least one of chlorine and potassium permanganate.

[0008] A primary objective inherent in the above described apparatus and method of use is to provide advantages not taught by the prior art.

[0009] Another objective is to provide such an apparatus that enables filtering via at least one centrifuge upstream of a filtration tank, in at least one embodiment.

[0010] Another objective is to provide such an apparatus that enables the introduction of ozonized air into the water to be treated. [001 1] Another objective is to provide such an apparatus that enables the introduction of a chemical into the water to be treated.

[0012] Another objective is provide such an apparatus that enables a green sand media filter thereof to be back-flushed with at least one of chlorine and potassium permanganate.

[0013] Another objective is provide such an apparatus that enables scaling and packaging for deployment and accommodation of various throughput and treatment requirements.

[0014] Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

[0015] The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention. In such drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a filtration apparatus according to aspects of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing a valve-actuator unit thereof;

[0018] Figure 3 A is a schematic flow diagram thereof in a first mode of operation;

[0019] Figure 3B is a schematic flow diagram thereof in a second mode of operation;

[0020] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a filtration apparatus according to aspects of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view thereof; [0022] Figures 6A-6C are front, side and rear schematic views of a first exemplary module thereof;

[0023] Figures 7A-7C are front, side and rear schematic views of a second exemplary module thereof;

[0024] Figures 8A-8C are front, side and rear schematic views of a third exemplary module thereof;

[0025] Figures 9A-9C are front, side and rear schematic views of a fourth exemplary module thereof;

[0026] Figure 10 is a schematic flow diagram of the alternative embodiment of Figs. 4-9 in a first mode of operation;

[0027] Figure 11 is a schematic control diagram thereof;

[0028] Figure 12 is a top perspective view of a further alternative exemplary embodiment of a filtration apparatus according to aspects of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 13 is a schematic flow diagram thereof in a first mode of operation;

[0030] Figure 14 is a schematic control diagram thereof;

[0031] Figure 15 is a top perspective view of a still further alternative exemplary embodiment of a filtration apparatus according to aspects of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 16 is a schematic flow diagram thereof in a first mode of operation; and

[0033] Figure 17 is a schematic control diagram thereof.

[0034] The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION:

[0035] The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in detail in the following description.

[0036] As a threshold matter, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the primary exemplary context for the filtration apparatus and method of use according to aspects of the present invention is the treatment of storm water and other water run-off, the invention is not so limited, such context being merely illustrative. For example, the invention may also be employed in treating sewage or wells or in agricultural applications, as will be further appreciated from the alternative exemplary embodiments of Figs. 12-17. Moreover, while the exemplary fluid being treated is water, other fluids requiring cleaning or "polishing" and other means of treatment, including but not limited to filtration, centrifugal spinning, chemical flocculation, or other such methods of separating particulates and other matter from a liquid, now known or later developed, are all to be considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0037] Turning first to Fig. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a filtration apparatus 20 according to aspects of the present invention. The exemplary apparatus 20 comprises first and second media tanks 40, 50 and first and second cartridge filter tanks 60, 70 connected in series through or within a system of pipes, each such pipe at an inlet and an outlet of each of the four tanks 40, 50, 60, 70 having an in-line combination valve-actuator unit 80-87, for a total of eight such units in the exemplary embodiment, enabling the selective control of flows into or out of each tank 40, 50, 60, 70 discretely. A total of five pressure transducers 90-94 (Figs. 3A, 3B and 5) are also installed within the piping system so as to have one each positioned in the inlet line to and outlet line from each tank 40, 50, 60, 70, for the purpose of monitoring pressure differential through or across each tank, indicating that a filter may be clogged or clogging or there may otherwise be some restriction within a particular tank that would justify back-flushing or some other intervention, as explained further below. As also shown in Fig. 1, all such tanks and piping are mounted within a frame 22 on which is further installed and operably connected a pump 34 for pulling water into the apparatus 20 from a sump S (Figs. 3A and 3B) or other such source such as a well and then pushing the water through the apparatus 20 under pressure and a controller 30 in electrical communication with the pump 34, and particularly the pump control 36, and each of the valve-actuator units 80-87 and pressure transducers 90-94 for controlled operation of the apparatus 20, whether manual, semi-automated, or automated, as described further herein. The exemplary frame 22 is formed having a frame bottom 24 for support or installation of a number of the other components of the apparatus 20 and multiple frame legs 24 for sitting the apparatus 22 on a support surface such as the ground (not shown). Transverse frame bottom supports 28 may be added for further support of the frame bottom 24 as well as providing structure for more readily picking up the apparatus 20 for transport as by a forklift (not shown). Once again, those skilled in the art will appreciate that while a particular exemplary embodiment of the filtration apparatus 20 is shown and described herein as having a particular number and arrangement of tanks, actuators and valves (or combination valve-actuator units), pressure transducers, pump, controller, and the like arranged as a unitary system within a particular support structure, the invention is not so limited, but instead may involve a wide variety of such components now known or later developed and arranged in such other configurations as appropriate to a particular context without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0038] With continued reference to Fig. 1, the first and second media tanks 40, 50 are shown as substantially annular vessels each having an inlet pipe connection 42, 52 and an outlet pipe connection 44, 54, with each such pipe connection having a respective valve- actuator unit 80-83 - valve-actuator unit 80 being associated with the first inlet pipe connection 42, valve-actuator unit 81 being associated with the first outlet pipe connection 44, valve-actuator unit 82 being associated with the second inlet pipe connection 52, and valve-actuator unit 83 being associated with the second outlet pipe connection 54. As such, each such valve-actuator unit 80-83 functions to control the flow into or out of each respective media tank 40, 50, more about which is described further below in connection with Figs. 3A and 3B regarding the filtration apparatus 20 in use; the piping between all such points of connection is best appreciated with reference to the schematics of Figs. 3 A and 3B as well. Within each media tank 40, 50 there is provided any media or mixed media now known or later developed for the effective removal of solids and oils from a fluid such as water passing therethrough. In the exemplary filtration apparatus 20, each such media tank 40, 50 may include #20 silica sand (.45 - .55 mm), zeolite, virgin activated carbon, pe-gravel, manganese green sand, and any blends thereof or other such media. As is known in the art, the flow into each media tank 40, 50 is through an inlet 42, 52, respectively, located toward the top of each of the tanks, with the water to be filtered then passing or forced down through the filter media (not shown) within the respective tanks 40, 50 before exiting through the respective outlets 44, 54 located toward the bottom of each tank 40, 50. Analogously, the first and second cartridge filter tanks 60, 70 are also substantially annular vessels each having an inlet pipe connection 62, 72 and an outlet pipe connection 64, 74, with each such pipe connection having a respective valve-actuator unit 84-87 - valve-actuator unit 84 being associated with the first inlet pipe connection 62, valve-actuator unit 85 being associated with the first outlet pipe connection 64, valve-actuator unit 86 being associated with the second inlet pipe connection 72, and valve-actuator unit 87 being associated with the second outlet pipe connection 74. Because the exemplary cartridge filters 60, 70 rely primarily or even exclusively on pressure or forced flow therethrough and not any gravity effects, the inlets 62, 72 and outlets 64, 74 may be located in relatively close proximity, as shown having both nearer to the bottom of each cartridge filter tank 60, 70, though it will be appreciated that other such arrangements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, such as an inlet at the top of the cartridge filter. In the exemplary embodiment, from one to four cartridges (not shown) are housed within the filter units 60, 70, in 1, 5, 10, and 20 micron sizes. Once more, those skilled in the art will appreciate that while particular types of filter units are shown and described in particular quantities and in a particular order within the apparatus 20 (here as media-media-filter-filter), a variety of other such combinations may be employed according to aspects of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Moreover, as will be further appreciated from the description of the apparatus 20 in use further below, in any such configuration, due to the ability to selectively turn filters on and off, other combinations for the "treatment of the train" may be achieved even within a single set-up. Moreover, replacement of one kind of filter or media for another can result in different filtration effects that would have a bearing on the configuration selections for the apparatus 20 in any particular context. The frequency of back-flushing any such units 40, 50, 60, 70 or replacing the filter media or cartridges will generally depend on the amount and size of solids that are being filtered out of the water, maintenance of the units, and other factors. As needed, back- flushing may be accomplished selectively in one or more of the tanks 40, 50, 60, 70 at any particular time by employing the associated valve-actuator units 80-87, whether manually or automatically, more about which is once again said below. In more detail, though, with brief reference to Fig. 2, there is shown an enlarged view of one valve-actuator unit 80 as having a switch 88 that enables each such unit 80 to toggle between flow in a first direction as when water is being treated, also known as the "treatment flow" setting, and flow in an opposite direction as when the system is being back-flushed, also known as the "back-flush flow," or no flow as when a particular tank is to be taken off-line or not utilized in a certain context or set-up. While a particular valve-actuator unit 80 representative of all such units 80-87 is shown and described, it will be appreciated that the invention is not so limited and that any other such fluid mechanics hardware or devices now known or later developed, and whether as a combination unit or as separate components, may be employed in the present invention.

[0039] Regarding the flow of water or other fluid through the filtration apparatus 20 generally, as again shown in Fig. 1, there is included a pump 34 for the purpose of pulling water into the apparatus 20 from a sump S (Figs. 3A and 3B) or other such source and then pushing the water through the apparatus 20 under pressure. As such, the pump 34 may be positioned within the apparatus 20 as shown as being mounted directly on the frame bottom 24 or may be placed actually in the sump S so as to pump water out. In the exemplary embodiment, the pump 34 is a self-priming two- or three-horsepower (2 or 3 hp) pump, with either such pump configured to operate on a nominal 220-volt single-phase AC circuit, though once more those skilled in the art will appreciate that any such pump or pumps and and/or power source now known or later developed may be employed in the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Once more, the pump 34 and pump control 36 and other components of the apparatus 20, particularly each of the valve-actuator units 80-87 and pressure transducers 90-94, are under the control of a controller 30 in electrical communication therewith. The controller 30 is in the exemplary embodiment a programmable logic controller ("PLC") having a microprocessor (not shown) for storage of and operation according to an operating protocol as well as control of data acquisition and storage and a user interface in the form of a touch screen 31. The controller 30 further includes a main power switch 32 that in the exemplary embodiment turns the unit off when in the horizontal position and on when in the vertical position as well as an operation switch 33 that is used to switch the unit between automatic mode and manual mode.

[0040] With reference now to Figs. 3A and 3B, in use, the general configuration of the filtration apparatus 20 is as shown, with an inlet pipe or hose 38 in fluid communication between the sump S and the pump 34 and the rest of the apparatus piping and a discharge hose or pipe 78 that feeds the filtered or treated water coming out of the apparatus 20, in this case the second cartridge filter tank outlet pipe connection 74, specifically, into a separate holding tank T, which fills from the bottom up and, when reaching a certain level, simply flows out a top valve and pipe to a storm drain or otherwise off the property in the case of discharge rather than reuse of the treated water. All such operation of the apparatus 20 may be automated or semi-automated or manual through the controller 30 and user selections made there through the user interface touch screen 31, the main power switch 32, and the operation switch 33. Again, the main power switch 32 acts as a power override, and the operation switch 33 switches the unit 20 between automatic mode and manual mode. When in manual mode, the pump 34 can be "manually" controlled, still through the touch screen 31, and the valve-actuator units 80-87 may be individually adjusted to selectively control flow into or out of any of the tanks 40, 50, 60, 70. Such "manual" mode of the operating switch 33 and unit 20 is often employed for back-flush operations and testing. Whereas, in the "automatic" mode or setting of the operating switch 33 and unit 20, the controller 30 effectively controls the operation of the filtration apparatus 20, and particularly the pump 34 and valve-actuator units 80-87, based on user selections at set-up or during operation as well as feedback from the pressure transducers 90-94 and/or a float switch or controller timers (not shown). The pump control 36 is effectively configured as a three-way valve and may include or be in electrical communication with a float valve or switch (not shown) or other such device for assessing the presence and/or level of water or other fluid from which the pump 34 is to pull. When no water is present or this float valve or switch is not operational, the pump 34 will not come on and the apparatus 20 will basically not operate in automatic mode. In more detail regarding the pressure transducers 90-94, by being located in a pipe leg before and after each tank 40, 50, 60, 70, the pair of such transducers on the inlet and outlet side of a particular tank are thus able to measure pressure variance or differential thereacross as an indication once more of a filter being clogged or clogging or there otherwise being some restriction within a particular tank that would justify back-flushing or some other intervention. In the exemplary embodiment a pressure differential in the range of 8-12 psi may trigger an alarm or an automatic back-flush operation depending on the mode of the unit 20 and the user selections made in the controller 30. This triggering pressure could be acquired automatically at system start-up or when a new filter is installed or could be manually set by an operator. As desired, a user may set the pressure differential trigger point higher or lower relative to a baseline, may set a different "min/max" pressure differential range even for each tank discretely, and/or may adjust the back-flush time, all through the touch screen user interface 31. Other selections such as taking a particular tank completely off-line can also be made through the touch screen 31. Particularly, in the exemplary embodiment, the second cartridge filter tank 70, or the fourth of the four tanks in series, may be optionally employed (bypassed) depending on the needs of the site and user, which selections effectively result in changes to the valve-actuator units 86, 87 associated with the second cartridge filter tank 70. Such a "bypass" of the fourth filter would be either based on effectively a manual override or if the pressure across that unit 70 exceeds a set threshold, such as, for example, 15-18 psi, as again indicating that the filter unit is becoming clogged. Particularly in the scenario where that final filter is the smallest mesh as a finishing or "polishing" final filtration, it will be appreciated that the tendency to become clogged would be even greater and that, once clogged, the filter could dramatically choke or slow down the overall through-put of the system 20. With such a decrease in flow rate through the system 20, keeping the fourth tank 70 on-line could adversely affect the property's ability to treat the water at the required rate so that the site does not flood. In the exemplary embodiment, the filter (not shown) placed in the second cartridge filter tank 70 may be rated at 1 or 5 microns and so in the typical construction and usage also cannot be backwashed without compromising the integrity of the filter. As such, once the filter in the last tank 70 becomes clogged in the exemplary embodiment, the tank must typically need to be taken off-line until the filter can be properly cleaned or replaced. As such, being able to bypass that second cartridge filter tank 70 rather than having to shut the entire system 20 down until such corrective action has been taken has clear advantages. As an alternative to the on-site control of the system 20 through the touch screen or other such user interface 31, the controller 30 may also be configured for wireless interaction and control as from a computer, tablet, smartphone, or other such computing device employing any such technology and protocol now known or later developed in the art. [0041] In the normal "treatment flow" first mode of operation of the apparatus 20 as shown in Fig. 3A, whether manually or automatically controlled, the respective valve-actuator units 80-87 associated with the tanks 40, 50, 60, 70 are basically operable for allowing fluid flow through the system as indicated. Specifically, the water to be treated is pulled out of the Sump S by the pump 34 through the sump inlet hose 38 and directed to the valve-actuator unit 80 associated with inlet 42 (Fig. 1) of the first media tank 40 and is filtered by the media therein as the water then passes out of the first media tank 40 through or under the control of the valve-actuator unit 81 associated with the outlet 44 (Fig. 1) of the first media tank 40. Again, the pressure transducers on the inlet and outlet sides of the first media tank 40, here transducers 90, 91, together monitor the pressure differential over or across the tank 40, which will naturally increase as more and more particulate and oils are trapped within the media, making it more difficult for water to pass through and resulting in less water flow and a higher filter pressure. Similarly, the water from the outlet 44 of the first media tank 40 then passes to the inlet 52 (Fig. 1) of the second media tank 50 where the associated inlet valve- actuator unit 82 and the corresponding outlet valve-actuator unit 83 of the second media tank 50 similarly control the flow therethrough, with pressure transducers 92, 93 in the inlet and outlet lines, respectively, again monitoring the pressure differential here across the second media tank 50. The treatment train of the exemplary embodiment continues in like fashion in and out of the first and second cartridge filter tanks 60, 70 as illustrated until the filtered water exits through the last outlet pipe connection 74 associated with the second cartridge filter tank 70 under the control of valve-actuator unit 87 and then passes through the discharge pipe 78 into the tank T. Those skilled in the art will again appreciate that while a particular configuration and arrangement of filtration tanks within the system and a particular "treatment flow" therethrough are thus shown and described, the invention is not so limited, but may instead take a number of further forms without departing from its spirit and scope.

[0042] With reference now to Fig. 3B, a "back-flush flow" scenario is there represented schematically. Essentially, as expected, this flow is effectively backwards through the system 20 so as to remove particles and oils clogged or captured within the media or cartridge filter units 40, 50, 60. Again, in the exemplary embodiment as stated above the last filter, or the second cartridge filter unit 70, is to have a final, small-micron polishing filter that typically cannot be readily back-flushed, though it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the filter even in the second cartridge filter unit 70 may be of such a size and/or construction as to also be subject to back- flushing. In general, in filter beds there are typically thousands of channels for water to pass through, each trapping particulate matter. As time passes these channels become blocked and it becomes necessary to clean the filter bed to restore the filter to its optimum working condition by discharging the trapped particles to the drain or otherwise. In the exemplary embodiment, the water flow should generally not exceed 20 gallons per minute (gpm) per square foot of surface area to prevent discharging sand or other media to the drain and possibly damaging the filter. Manual back-flush can be activated through user selections on the touch screen 31 of the control panel 30, choosing the appropriate filter, and then selecting back-flush. The controller 30 will cooperate with the valve-actuator units 80-87 to properly route the water back through the system 20. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3B, clean back-flush water enters the apparatus 20 through clean back-flush inlet pipe 96 as sourced in the exemplary embodiment from the holding tank T. The clean back-flush water then passes through the pipe 96 to the pump 34 and pump controller 36 where the water is routed now, instead of to the valve-actuator unit 80 associated with inlet 42 (Fig. 1) of the first media tank 40, to the valve-actuator unit 81 associated with the outlet 44 (Fig. 1) of the first media tank 40. The back-flush flow then passes up through the media and out the inlet 42 under the control of the valve-actuator unit 80. It will be appreciated that the water thus flowing out of inlet 42 of the first tank 40 will have particles and oils formerly trapped in and now dislodged from the media. As such, this dirty water can be routed back out of the system along or through dirty back- flush outlet pipe 98 and from there either be re-routed back to the site sump S or to a pre-filter unit, more about which is said below. In the exemplary embodiment, the back-flush flow is shown as continuing on to the outlet valve-actuator unit 83 of the next media tank 50, out the inlet valve-actuator unit 84 of that tank, and finally on to the first cartridge filter tank 60, again, in the outlet valve-actuator unit 85 and out the inlet valve-actuator unit 84 for back- flushing the filter. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such direct flow from tank to tank would potentially deposit the particles and oils dislodged from an upstream tank on the back side of the filter or media of the next tank, such that when the apparatus 20 is again run in regular "treatment mode" such particles and oils may then be dislodged from such media or filter and potentially then trapped in the next downstream unit, with eventually all such particles and other matter being removed from the system by way of a back-flush operation with discharge from the dirty back-flush outlet pipe 98 or simply filter or media replacement, while still through routine back-flush operations insuring that the overall flow rate through the apparatus 20 is maintained at an acceptable level. It will be further appreciated that, alternatively, the back-flush operation can be performed on a per tank basis, with the back- flushed water from each tank simply returned by way of the dirty back- flush outlet pipe 98 to the site sump S or other vessel for further processing. All such selections regarding the back- flush configuration and triggering events and pressures may again be controlled by the controller 30 through user interaction via the touch screen 31 or otherwise. Regarding the bypassed second cartridge filter tank 70, as shown in Fig. 3B, the dirty back-flush water exiting the inlet valve-actuator unit 84 of the first cartridge filter tank 60 is still directed to the outlet valve-actuator unit 87 of the second cartridge filter tank 70, but instead of then flowing into the tank 70, under control of the valve-actuator unit 87, the water bypasses the second cartridge filter tank 70 through bypass pipe 76 directly to the inlet valve-actuator unit 86 and, due to its also being closed to flow into the tank 70, on out the dirty back-flush outlet pipe 98. In the exemplary embodiment, the back-flush cycle would be run for roughly 3 to 5 minutes, or approximately a 1 -minute back- flush time for each of the first three tanks 40, 50, 60 at a recommended exemplary pressure of 22-25 psi. Once the back-flush is complete, the pump 34 would turn off, the valves would again reverse, and normal "treatment flow" operation can then be resumed as shown in Fig. 3A, again all under the control of the controller 30 and related devices within the system 20. Once again, those skilled in the art will appreciate that while particular configurations and operational modes and sequences have been herein described, the invention is not so limited, but may instead take a number of other forms without departing from its spirit and scope.

[0043] By way of further illustration, an upstream pre-filter device, or a filtration device ahead of and in fluid communication with the filtration apparatus 20 or connected between the sump S and the apparatus 20, such as disclosed in a co-pending patent application by the same inventors entitled "Pre-Filter Apparatus and Method of Use" filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 25, 2013, and assigned serial number 13/750,299, may be employed in conjunction with the filtration apparatus 20 for the purposes of extending the life of the filter media, minimizing the need for back- flushing, and maintaining flow rates within the apparatus 20 by acting as an above-ground oil/water separator and allowing for up to or on the order of ninety-eight percent (98%) solids (>70 microns particle size) removal before the water enters the filtration apparatus 20 and further providing a mechanism for relatively easy solid disposal, and potentially even pH adjustment and chemical flocculation. It will be appreciated that the aspects of such a pre-filter apparatus as disclosed in the co-pending application are beyond the scope of the present invention and, further, that any other such pre-filter apparatus may be employed in conjunction with the filtration apparatus 20 of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope, the selection and use of any such pre-filter apparatus being dictated, in part, by characteristics of the site on which storm- water and other water run-off is to be treated.

[0044] It follows from the foregoing that such a filtration apparatus 20 as shown and described herein in at least one exemplary embodiment can be easily scaled and adapted to various contexts by simply adding or removing filters and changing filter media, the entire system then being modular and portably installed on a pallet-like base frame structure 22 for easy transport. All that is required is a standard 120-volt or 220-volt power supply, with no extra plumbing or permanent piping needed on site, the on the order of 1,000-gallon holding tank T supplying all the water the system needs for back-flush mode as described above, so no fresh water source at the location of the system is even required. Most notably, the filtration apparatus 20 as shown and described is capable of automated or semi-automated back- flushing for cleaning and maintenance particularly of the first and second media tanks 40, 50 and at least the first sub-micron cartridge filter tank 60 through the use of reclaimed or clean/treated storm water. In the exemplary embodiment, a pressure increase is what triggers the back- flush mode of operation, though it will be appreciated that other variables such as a reduction in flow rate, or simply a time-based maintenance program, could also trigger the back-flush. Either way, this change in performance of the system would be indicative that one or more filters are beginning to clog and function less optimally, such that a back-flush operation is called for, such as the exemplary modes described above.

[0045] Turning now to Figs. 4 and 5, there are shown front and rear perspective views of an alternative filtration apparatus 120 according to aspects of the present invention. The exemplary apparatus 120 comprises four modules 140, 160, 180, 200 connected in series through or within a system of pipes with a variety of in-line valves, pumps and the like for the selective control of flows into or out of each module 140, 160, 180, 200 discretely. Unless indicated otherwise or set forth below in more detail, the alternative apparatus 120 operates in much the same way or on the same basic principles as the first exemplary filtration apparatus 20 of Figs. 1-3, such that here details related to pipes, inlets, outlets, valves or actuators, tank construction and related support structure, framework or hardware, and aspects of the related control system and operation will not be repeated or embellished beyond the flow and control schematic diagrams of Figs. 10 and 1 1 and related discussion below. More generally, the filtration apparatus 120 is an above-ground clarifying platform with a double centrifuge system, chemical dosing ability, and advanced media treatment. Effectively, the alternative embodiment of Figs. 4-9 combines features of the priority filing, U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/783,903, filed on March 14, 2013 and entitled "Filtration Apparatus and Method of Use," with aspects of the "Pre-Filter Apparatus and Method of Use" disclosed as set forth above in a co-pending U.S. Non-provisional patent application filed by the same inventors on January 25, 2013, and assigned Ser. No. 13/750,299, along with a number of additional features such as at least one of a centrifuge, an ozone production unit and a blower unit in fluid communication with the ozone production unit, and a green sand media filter configured to be back-flushed with at least one of chlorine and potassium permanganate. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of such combinations of features and functionality and related configurations of the components are possible according to aspects of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope. As such, the shown and described alternative embodiments, including that of Figs. 4-1 1, are to be understood as being illustrative of aspects of the invention and non-limiting.

[0046] Each clarifier tank 141, 161, 181 is in the exemplary embodiment formed having a "cone bottom" or a funnel-shaped bottom for reasons that will be appreciated from the following description and having a nominal size of five-hundred gallons (500 gal). Support frames 142, 162, 182 are configured accordingly to essentially hold each clarifier tank 141, 161, 181 in a substantially upright orientation. As such, the overall dimensions of each of the first three modules 140, 160, 180 are approximately 5' x 5' x 7' in the exemplary embodiment. Again, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of other sizes, shapes, and configurations of the modules 140, 160, 180 and the related tanks 141, 161, 181 and frames 142, 162, 182 are possible, employing any materials or methods of construction now known or later developed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be appreciated that the first three modules with their respective three clarifier tanks approximate or correspond to the clarifier sections disclosed in the above-ground clarifier with dewatering bag pre-filter apparatus as disclosed in the referenced 13/750,299 patent application, more about which is said below, leading to further appreciation of this somewhat analogous structure and the improvements made according to aspects of the present invention; accordingly and more generally, it is to be understood that the present invention is in some respects a new and novel combination of the inventors' previous two inventions into a single unitary system. However, it is still to be appreciated that not only may other combinations again be made, but additional components such as pre-filters, whether as a dewatering bag or otherwise, may yet be employed, whether as part of a filtration apparatus according to aspects of the present invention or apart from and upstream of it, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0047] Referring to Figs. 6A-6C, there are shown schematic front, side, and rear views of the exemplary first filtration module 140 of the alternative filtration apparatus 120 according to aspects of the present invention. As a threshold matter regarding all such schematic views of the four modules 140, 160, 180, 200 as in Figs. 6-9, it will be appreciated that the views are not to scale and so do not show the components necessarily in proper size or shape, in either an absolute or relative sense, do not necessarily show the same components in the same positions as in the perspective views of Figs. 4 and 5, and may include or not include some ancillary components, for simplicity or otherwise. As shown in the front view of Fig. 6A, water to be treated as sourced from a tank or sump S (Figs. 3A and 3B) flows into the module 140 through inlet pipe 138 by operation of the primary pump 143. In the exemplary embodiment, the first module pump 143 is selected as a self-priming one horsepower (1 hp) pump, though may be any other pump or pumping device now known or later developed in the art for pumping a fluid such as water, preferably at a nominal flow rate of approximately one hundred gallons per minute (100 gpm), though it will be appreciated that such flow rate can also vary based on a number of factors. In a manner known in the art, the primary pump 143 may be manually operated as through a pump control 144 or may be automated or semi- automated as through electronic control and/or a float switch (not shown). Next, as best seen in the rear schematic view of Fig. 6C, the water passes from the primary pump 143 to a first module centrifuge 146 via a pump outlet line 145. In the first module centrifuge 146, the fluid is mechanically spun for removal of particles or solids on the order of seventy (70) microns or greater. The solids exit the bottom of the centrifuge 146 and are then passed via the first solids outlet line 147 to a first flocculant mixer 148, which may be a venturi-style or other such mixer, where the solids are chemically treated using a combination of metal precipitants and flocculants. While a single flocculant mixer 148 is shown in Figs. 6A-C, it will be appreciated, as shown in Fig. 5, that multiple such mixers are also possible, more about which is said below in connection with Figs. 7A-C as well as the alternative embodiments of Figs. 12-17. The treated solids then flow out of the first flocculant mixer 148 through the first treated outlet line 149 and into the first clarifier tank 141, where the solids and flocculants are able to settle at the substantially cone bottom and, as best seen in the side schematic view of Fig. 6B, are then removed by a secondary pump 150, such as a nominal one-half horsepower (1/2 hp) self-priming pump, and are further filtered as by being routed via a secondary pump outlet line 151 to a bag filter 152 or the like or are otherwise disposed of. Meanwhile, the filtered water phase exiting the top of the first module centrifuge 146, in the exemplary embodiment containing solids, if any, approximately less than seventy (70) microns in size, passes via the first centrifuge outlet line 153 into a first cartridge filter 154 and from there through a first outlet line 155 to the second filtration module 160. An optional first electrical panel 156 may be installed on the first filtration module 140 for separate power and control of various ones of the components of the apparatus 120. Again, those skilled in will appreciate that while a particular selection and arrangement of components of the first filtration module 140 is shown and described, the invention is not so limited. [0048] Turning next to Figs. 7A-7C, there are shown schematic front, side, and rear views of the exemplary second filtration module 160 of the alternative filtration apparatus 120 according to aspects of the present invention. Filtered water from the first filtration module 140 flows through the first outlet line 155 directly into the second clarifier tank 161 of the second filtration module 160. There, the water is blended with a high dose of ozone, on the order of forty grams per hour or more (> 40 g/hr), to oxidize metals, reduce BOD/COD and help destroy soluble oil bonds. More generally, in the exemplary embodiment of the second filtration module 160 ozone may be produced and added to the second clarifier tank 161 in the range of thirty to forty-five grams per hour (30-45 g/hr), though this may be both decreased as needed or increased to sixty to ninety grams per hour (60-90 g/hr) or more in particular applications. Electric arc ozone production as here differs from UV ozone production in that the ozone is added to water rather than created by disassociation of the water molecule. Free gaseous ozone mixes very well in water that has high turbidity, oils, and opacity, whereas UV ozone does not blend as well because it penetrates by light waves making contact with contaminants rather than a gas molecule. The high energy of electric arc ozone helps oxidize metals, converting them from a dissolved metal to a suspended solid, a form that is easier to filter. Ozone also helps break oil bonds with soap. This makes it easier to treat water-soluble oils that repel standard water treatment chemistry. Ozone also works to destroy hormones, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals of emerging concern. In one exemplary embodiment, as best seen in both Fig. 4 and the schematic of Fig. 7A, the hardware employed in the described ozone production and administration consists of an ozone production unit 163 and an integrated blower unit 166. The ozone production unit 163 comprises a transformer bank 164 and an ozone plate bank 165 together configured to operate on the principle of "electric arc" ozone production. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the transformers (not shown) convert 1 10 or 220 volts supplied electric power to on the order of 5,000 volts so that when power is sent to the ozone plates (not shown) an electric arc is formed and this arc removes 02 from the ambient air thereabout. That is, while the transformer bank 164 may not be open to the atmosphere, the ozone plate bank 165 generally is so that ambient air can move about the plates for the removal of ozone. In any such system, and as described in connection with the alternative embodiments of Figs. 12-17, an oxygen concentrator can also be provided in fluid communication with the ozone production unit, and particularly the ozone plate bank in the case of "electric arc" ozone production, so as to supply oxygen enriched air to the ozone generator and thereby render ozone production more rapid and/or efficient. Further details regarding the ozone production unit 163 are beyond the scope of the present invention. The blower unit 166 then sucks air from the ozone production unit 163, and the ozone plate bank 165 and the space surrounding the ozone plates, specifically, and has sufficient force to push the air and ozone into the column height of water in the second clarifier tank 161, which tank is on the order of five to six feet (5-6') in height and the blower may be configured, for example, to be capable of pushing air into a nominal ten-foot (10') column of water. In one exemplary embodiment the blower unit 166 is rated at six to fifteen pounds per square inch (6-15 psi) and is capable of producing on the order of six hundred fifty cubic-feet per minute (650 ft³/min) of aeration. The pressurized, ozonized air is passed from the blower unit 166 into the tank 161 by way of the blower tube 167. Optionally, a diffuser (not shown) may be installed at the distal end of the blower tube 167, or the end of the tube 167 opposite the blower unit 166 that is positioned within the tank 161, such that as the mixed air passes therethrough a convection effect is caused in the tank 161, mixing water/solids/ozone to achieve the goal of dispersion and high contact time. As shown particularly on Fig. 4, a related separate control panel 168 may also be included on the second filtration module 160 so as to control, among other things, the ozone production unit 163 and the blower unit 166. Or, as per the schematic of Fig. 7A, the ozone production unit 163 and blower unit 166 may have all necessary controls self-contained therein. In addition, and with reference particularly to Fig. 7C, a combination of one or more peristaltic pump(s) 169 and/or venturi injectors (not shown) dose chemistry into the water, which is violently mixed in the 500-gallon cone bottom clarifier tank 161 by the high-volume aerator employed in connection with the ozone treatment described above, in the exemplary embodiment the "aerator" generally comprising the blower unit 166 and any diffuser positioned on or in the blower tube 167. The unique aerator design in combination with the cone-bottom tank shape provides for increased chemical contact, allowing for precipitated materials to settle in a shorter time frame. In the exemplary embodiment, the additives introduced at this stage as through the one or more peristaltic pump(s) 169 and/or venturi injectors may include or be sourced from, but are not limited to, a second chemical mixer 170 and a second flocculant mixer 171. In a further exemplary embodiment, two or more of both the peristaltic pump(s) and the venturi injectors are employed on one or both of the first and second filtration modules 140, 160, which it will be appreciated would effectively double the dosing capacity in each module and allow for related variation depending on the kind and amount of additive(s), such as up to four or more additives rather than two. For example, the mechanical dosing means inherent to venturi injectors, as by creating a suction or siphon effect due to a line restriction, are known to allow for relatively higher dosing, such as on the order of twelve grams per hour (12 g/hr) or more, such that one kind of additive may be more effectively dosed by a venturi injector and another by a peristaltic pump. It will be appreciated that a variety of other quantities, configurations, and arrangements of such dosing hardware, now known or later developed, may be employed in the present invention in conjunction with one or more of the filtration modules. The mixing of the dosed chemicals with the ozonized air is in the exemplary embodiment facilitated by introducing the respective dosing lines 172, 173 substantially along with the aerator diffuser, or following the blower tube 167 down into the tank so as to introduce the dosed chemicals at substantially the same location where the ozonized air is pushed into the tank 161. As with the first filtration module 140, as best seen in Fig. 7B, the second filtration module 160 may also be configured with a second module pump 174 configured to remove solids from the second clarifier tank 161 via a secondary pump outlet line 175 to a bag filter 176 or the like for disposal. Treated water from the second filtration module 160, whether or not routed through a bag filter 176 or the like, may then pass as by pumping or gravity feed through the second outlet line 177 to the third filtration module 180. [0049] Referring then to Figs. 8A-8C, there are shown schematic front, side, and rear views of the exemplary third filtration module 180 of the alternative filtration apparatus 120 according to aspects of the present invention. Filtered water from the second filtration module 160 flows through the second outlet line 177 and here into the third clarifier tank 181, where the water is given additional contact time for reactions to run to completion. A third module pump 183, such as a 3 -hp self-priming pump, removes the contents from the third 500-gallon cone bottom tank 181 and passes the water through a third module outlet line 184 to a third module centrifuge 185 to further remove flocculant and precipitated solids. These solids are returned to the second filtration module 160 to take advantage of the fully activated chemistry and thereby reduce operational costs. A third control panel 186 may be provided to selectively and independently control, among other things, the third module pump 183. Once more, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of other configurations and related functions of the third filtration module 180 and its components are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. With continued reference to particularly Figs. 5 and 8C, the third filtration module 180 may also include one or more 20-micron cartridge filters 190, 191, here two in series to further filter the water prior to entering the final stage. In the exemplary embodiment, in fact, a third cartridge filter 192 is employed as part of the fourth filtration module 200, the filter 192 being positioned on the fourth frame 202. In any event, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that virtually any number and arrangement of such filters 190, 191, 192 is possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, such filters may be of any construction and rating now known or later developed, such that the 20-micron call-out will be appreciated as being merely illustrative. By way of further example, the two or more cartridge filters in series may become increasingly finer, ending with a final polishing filter of, for example, 1 micron.

[0050] Finally in connection with the present exemplary embodiment, referring now to Figs. 9A-9C, there are shown schematic front, side, and rear views of the exemplary fourth filtration module 200 of the alternative filtration apparatus 120 according to aspects of the present invention, which is essentially configured as a media filter 201. As will be appreciated from the foregoing, water entering the fourth filtration module 200 has already been treated and filtered to a high degree of clarity and metals are likely within benchmark values. The advanced media used in the fourth filtration module media filter 201 is a final "polish" to reduce metals, and/or other contaminants as designed or depending on the application, to acceptable storm water values or other relevant water quality regulation or standard. The filtration apparatus 120 has a self-cleaning, self-rejuvenating cycle that regenerates the media so as to reduce media cost and ensure that the media is prepared to remove contaminants regardless of whether a storm has just begun or is in its final stages days later, or basically regardless of the water quality to be treated by the treatment train. In a back-flush operation so as to rejuvenate, render more effective, and extend the life of the media within particularly the media filter 201, which in the exemplary embodiment is "green sand," a relatively small amount of chlorine or potassium permanganate may be introduced into the back-flush piping. Such piping may be further equipped with a venturi injector as in other contexts herein for chemical dosing even during the back-flush cycle, particularly to address any precipitant coagulants in the system. The treated back-flush water is in the exemplary embodiment then routed back to the first filtration module 140 for solids removal and eventually back through the third filtration module 180 and the final 1 -micron filter 191 prior to discharge. As will be appreciated, in comparison with the embodiment of Figs. 1-3 wherein there are two media tanks and two cartridge filters, the exemplary alternative embodiment essentially entails one media tank and three cartridge filters. Once more, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any other such combinations and sequences of filters of various kinds, now known or later developed, may be employed according to aspects of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Moreover, other means of treating the water within, upstream or downstream of any such filter units are also possible beyond those shown and described as employing similar technology. Particularly, and further by way of comparison of the two exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, again, the alternative embodiment of Figs. 4-9 further includes or integrates clarifier tanks and related treatment of the water such as by a new and novel ozone aeration approach and/or by chemical dosing in various ways and at various stages, the advantages of which will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. [0051] Briefly with reference to Figs. 10 and 1 1, there are shown schematic flow and control diagrams essentially depicting the alternative exemplary filtration apparatus 120 of Figs. 4-9, with some variations as noted. First, as shown in Fig. 10, the apparatus 120 again comprises three clarifier tanks 141, 161, 181 in series with different additives, if any, supplied to each. That is, while in connection with Figs. 4-9 there is shown and described a system 120 having a first flocculant mixer 148 in connection with the first filtration module 140 so as to feed the first clarifier tank 141 and a second chemical mixer 170 and a separate second flocculant mixer 171 as well as an ozone production unit 163 in connection with the second filtration module 160 so as to feed the second clarifier tank 161, with no mixers or chemical dosing in connection with the third filtration module 180 and related third clarifier tank 181, it will again be appreciated that a virtually infinite variety of such arrangements (number, location, configuration, etc.) of the various additives and tanks or pipes being fed or supplied are possible in the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope. By way of further illustration, and with reference to the schematic flow diagram of Fig. 10, there is shown a filtration apparatus 120 again having three clarifier tanks 141, 161, 181, but here having an ozone production unit 163 and a first chemical mixer 148 feed into the first clarifier tank 141, a second chemical mixer 170 feed into the second clarifier tank 161 further equipped with a stirrer or agitator 178, which may be mechanical, aeration, or other any other such agitator now known or later developed, for mixing the dosed chemistry into the water within the second clarifier tank 161, and a third chemical mixer 188 feed into the third clarifier tank 181. As shown, each chemical mixer 148, 170, 188 may accomplish its dosing in cooperation with a respective metering pump 159, 179, 199 in-line between the mixers 148, 170, 188, and in the exemplary embodiment the respective first, second, and third clarifier tanks 141, 161, 181. In the exemplary embodiment, the first chemical may be a metal precipitant such as aluminum, the second chemical may be sodium hydroxide, and the third chemical may be a polymer. It should be noted that throughout a flocculant is used as a subset of any such chemicals that may be used or dosed (i.e., chemical flocculant), such that whether referred to as a "chemical mixer" or a "flocculant mixer" the same idea is conveyed, such that for example, here, where a polymer is added to the third clarifier tank 181, such chemical mixer 188 could have been referred to instead as a "flocculant mixer." Those skilled in the art will again appreciate that a variety of other configurations of the filtration apparatus 120 are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, oftentimes dictated, at least in part, by the characteristics of the water to be treated. With continued reference to Fig. 10, then, it is generally shown that water to be treated gathers in a sump S, which again might be a well or other water source, and pumped therefrom by a pump 134 having upstream thereof one or more check or butterfly valves. From the pump 134 the water goes into a separator or centrifuge 146 before passing into the first clarifier tank 141. As shown, a butterfly valve and/or a paddle switch downstream of the centrifuge 146 may be employed in controlling the flow out of the centrifuge 146 and into the first clarifier tank 141. The treated water leaving the first clarifier tank 141 is pumped by pump 150, again in cooperation with various upstream and/or downstream valves and/or switches, into the second clarifier tank 161, and then the treated water leaving the second clarifier tank 161 is pumped by pump 174, again in cooperation with various upstream and/or downstream valves and/or switches, into the third clarifier tank 181. From the third clarifier tank 181, the treated water is pumped by pump 183, again in cooperation with various upstream and/or downstream valves and/or switches, through another separator or centrifuge 185 before flowing to and through a series of cartridge and/or media filters for further treatment or "polishing" of the water. In the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 4-9, there are provided first, second, and third cartridge filters 190, 191, 192 in series to gradually treat or "polish" the water as by sequentially filtering finer and finer particulates from the water - for example, nominally rated 20-, 5- and 1 -micron cartridge filters in series, with a final "polish" step being a further filtration module 200 having a media filter 201. By comparison, in the alternative exemplary embodiment represented schematically in Fig. 10, the second cartridge filter 191 may instead feed into the media filter 201, which may then flow into the final cartridge filter 192. In either case, the fully treated water flows out of the last filter, whether cartridge or media, and into a storage or surge tank T, which water may be used for other purposes as described elsewhere herein, including back-flushing the filtration system 120, resulting in a backwash discharge, as well as from the centrifuge(s), if any, of solid waste collected in solid waste tank W. Referring briefly to Fig. 1 1, there is shown a control schematic for the exemplary filtration apparatus 120 of Fig. 10. As indicated, a central controller 130 is configured in electrical communication with a number of the components of the filtration apparatus 120 for which operation is to be selectively controlled according to aspects of the present invention. Particularly, the controller 130 is electrically and operably connected to the ozone production unit 163 and each of the metering pumps 159, 179, 199 associated with the respective chemical mixers 148, 170, 188 in order to selectively operate dosing within the treatment system 120. Further, the controller 130 is electrically coupled to the flow pumps 134, 150, 170, 183 in the system 120 as well as the related valves and/or switches so as to control the flow of water through the system 120 whether in standard flow or backwash flow operation, particularly the three-way valves at the inlets and outlets of the cartridge filter(s) 190, 191, 192 and/or media filter(s) 201 so as to be able to selectively reverse the flow therethrough. Furthermore, monitoring devices may be installed and electrically connected to the controller 130 for providing feedback relative to other operations and components of the system 120, such as float and/or alarm switches for depth or water level detection and reporting in the three clarifier tanks 141, 161, 181. Various other components and arrangements may be employed for operation and feedback within the filtration apparatus 120 according to aspects of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope.

[0052] Turning now to Fig. 12, there is shown a perspective view of a further alternative filtration apparatus 220 according to aspects of the present invention. The exemplary apparatus 220 is similar to other embodiments disclosed herein, with other variations. Generally, the system 220 is here shown as being packaged and essentially self-contained within a shipping container 222 or the like for ease of transport and deployment. The container 222 may have a floor 224 and one or more walls 226, whether whole or partial or solid or perforated, on which one or more components of the system 220 may be installed. Not shown for ease of viewing, the container 222 may have at least three walls and a roof and a roll-up or other such door so as to selectively completely enclose the filtration apparatus 220 within, whether for protection from the elements or to prevent tampering, vandalism, or theft or simply for aesthetics. If the system 220 is substantially completely enclosed, there may be provided ventilation or even air conditioning or other such climate control capabilities, which would aid in keeping the system 220 relatively cool even when pumps, power sources and other electrical components are operating and generating heat. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that relatively cooler temperatures also aid in ozone production were such part of a particular system 220. For purpose of powering any such stand-alone water filtration apparatus 220, power may be supplied from the site in the form of 110 or 220 volts AC hook-ups or may be solar panels, a generator, or any other such power source or supply now known or later developed, or any combination thereof. The unit 220 may also be equipped with lighting and other such ancillary components or equipment as needed for operation and service. As shown, on one wall or otherwise as part of the filtration apparatus 220 there may be operably installed the main control box or controller 230, and on the same or other wall may be installed a separate backwash controller 231 and/or an ancillary controller 232 for systems or devices such as air conditioning or climate control, lighting, security, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any such controllers and others may be stand-alone or integrated within one or more universal controllers and may further be configured for both on-site and remote access and control employing any technology now known or later developed in the art. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the filtration apparatus 220 is configured for a nominal fifty gallons per minute (50 gpm) throughput, though those skilled in the art will appreciate that such is approximate and merely illustrative. In such exemplary context, the resulting apparatus 220 can be sized and configured to fit on or in a roughly ten to twenty foot (10-20') trailer or container, though again this is merely illustrative. With continued reference to Fig. 12, the inlet flow is pumped into the system 220 via a pump 234 and from there travels to a first centrifuge 246 for solids separation. Adjacent the centrifuge 246 there is shown installed the main control box or controller 230 and the ozone production unit 263, though it will be appreciated that these components could be configured in other locations, so long as ozonized air from the ozone production unit 263 could be supplied or introduced to the water at some point downstream of the first centrifuge 246 and in the exemplary embodiment upstream of the settling tank 280, more about which is said below. As shown, in addition to the ozone generator or production unit 263, there is installed adjacent and in fluid communication therewith an oxygen concentrator 266. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concentrator 266 concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply, typically ambient air, to then supply an oxygen-enriched gas mixture, here to the ozone generator 263, which thus increases the efficiency of ozone production. In an exemplary embodiment, the concentrator 266 may be capable of producing a mixture that is on the order of ninety-five percent oxygen (95% O2), such as by pressure swing adsorption, which in the case of electric arc ozone production would react with the charged plates within the generator 263 to produce ozone at a relatively high rate, with the ozone then supplied to the water to be treated as through a venturi mixer 268 (Fig. 13) or the like. It is noted that for simplicity air or other lines from the oxygen concentrator 266 to the ozone generator 263 and from the generator 263 to the feed pipe 250 are not shown in Fig. 12. From the first centrifuge 246 and any such ozone feed point, the flow would pass into a relatively long and winding feed pipe 250. Within the feed pipe 250 there are positioned in fluid communication one or more static mixers 252, 253 for supplying chemistries of various forms to the water to be treated. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 12, there are first and second chemical supplies 256, 257 that feed the same or different chemicals to the feed pipe 250 via the respective first and second static mixers 252, 253 in cooperation with respective first and second metering pumps 260, 261. The feed pipe 250 is configured of sufficient size (length and/or diameter) to allow adequate "contact time" for the dosed chemicals with the water. In the exemplary 50-gpm context, the feed pipe 250 may be on the order of one-and-a-half inches (1-1/2") in diameter and have a total length of approximately fifty to one hundred feet (50-100'). Depending on the chemicals to be dosed and other factors, the static mixers - here, first and second static mixers 252, 253 - may be substantially adjacent to each other so as to have substantially the same "contact time" with the water within the feed pipe 250 or, as shown, may be separated by some distance. In the exemplary embodiment, the treated water exits the feed pipe 250 into a single relatively large settling tank 280, which provides further "contact time" for the water and any dosed chemicals. Staying with the nominal 50-gpm system 220, the settling tank 280 may be on the order of two hundred fifty gallons (250 gal). From the settling tank 280, the water generally is pumped via a delivery pump 283 to a bank of filters, with an intermediate second separator or centrifuge 285. Here, as with the embodiment of Figs. 4-1 1, there are three cartridge filters 290, 291, 292 and one media filter 301. From the last filter - here the third cartridge filter 292 - the flow of treated water is discharged into the surge or discharge tank 310, again here a roughly two hundred fifty gallon (250 gal.) tank storing treated water that can be used to backwash the system 220 or simply drained. It will be appreciated once more by those skilled in the art that a variety of related configurations of the components and overall filtration apparatus 220 beyond those shown and described are possible according to aspects of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope.

[0053] Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, there are shown schematic flow and control diagrams substantially relating to the alternative exemplary filtration apparatus 220 of Fig. 12, with some slight variations. First, with reference to the schematic flow diagram of Fig. 13, there is shown a filtration apparatus 220 again generally having a feed pipe 250 in which are dosed one or more chemical additives, a settling tank 280, and first, second, and third cartridge filters 290, 291, 292 nominally rated at 20-, 5- and 1 -micron in series as well as a media filter 301 between the second and third cartridge filters 291, 292, together cooperating to gradually treat or "polish" the water as herein described. Once more, the water to be treated is pulled out of a sump S by a pump 234 where it then passes through a separator or centrifuge 246. As shown, a butterfly valve and/or a paddle switch downstream of the centrifuge 246 may be employed in controlling the flow out of the centrifuge 246 and into the feed pipe 250. Next, though, as shown, there is positioned in the line a venturi mixer 268 for introducing ozone into the flow as generated or supplied by the ozone production unit 263. In the alternative exemplary embodiment, a three-way valve 270 is provided upstream of the venturi mixer 268 for selective bypass of the flow around the mixer 268 and ozone feed point through a bypass line 272. Regardless, after passing the ozone feed point, the flow passes into the relatively long feed pipe 250. While in Fig. 12 there are shown two static mixers 252, 253 within the feed pipe 250 for introducing up to two or more chemicals into the flow, as shown in the schematic of Fig. 13 there are three such mixers 252, 253, 254. Those skilled in the art will again appreciate that a variety of the number, configuration, and location of such mixers is possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, it will be appreciated that more than one chemical can be introduced to and through a single mixer. With continued reference to Fig. 13, there are again shown three static mixers 252, 253, 254 each supplying a chemical to the water passing through the feed pipe 250 by way of respective chemical supplies 256, 257, 258 in cooperation with respective metering pumps 260, 261, 262. Once more, the first chemical may be a metal precipitant such as aluminum, the second chemical may be sodium hydroxide, and the third chemical may be a polymer. It should again be noted that a virtually infinite variety of such chemicals or flocculants alone or in combination may be employed. The treated water again flows from the feed pipe 250 into the relatively large settling tank 280 and from there is pumped by delivery pump 283, again in cooperation with various upstream and/or downstream valves and/or switches, through another separator or centrifuge 285 before flowing to and through the bank of cartridge and media filters 290, 291, 292, 301 for further treatment or "polishing" of the water. In the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 12 and 13, the resulting treated water flows into a surge or discharge tank 310 for later discharge or use in backwashing the system 220. Those skilled in the art will again appreciate that a variety of other configurations of the filtration apparatus 220 are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, oftentimes dictated, at least in part, by the characteristics of the water to be treated. Referring briefly to Fig. 14, there is shown a control schematic for the exemplary filtration apparatus 220 of Fig. 13. As indicated, a central controller 230 is configured in electrical communication with a number of the components of the filtration apparatus 220 for which operation is to be selectively controlled according to aspects of the present invention. Particularly, the controller 230 is electrically and operably connected to the ozone production unit 263 and each of the metering pumps 260, 261, 262 associated with the respective chemical supplies 256, 257, 258 and static mixers 252, 253, 254 in order to selectively operate dosing within the treatment system 220. Relatedly, the controller 230 is also electrically coupled to the three-way valve 270 for selectively bypassing the ozone production unit 263 and related venturi mixer 268. Further, the controller 230 is again electrically coupled to the flow pumps 234, 283 in the system 220 as well as the related valves and/or switches so as to control the flow of water through the system 220 whether in standard flow or backwash flow operation, particularly the three-way valves at the inlets and outlets of the cartridge filter(s) 290, 291, 292 and/or media filter(s) 301 so as to be able to selectively reverse the flow therethrough. It should be noted that while only a single general or universal controller 230 is shown in the schematic of Fig. 14, such could thus include the backwash controller 231 and/or the ancillary controller 232 shown separately in Fig. 12. Furthermore, once again, monitoring devices may be installed and electrically connected to the controller 230 for providing feedback relative to other operations and components of the system 220, such as float and/or alarm switches for depth or water level detection and reporting in the settling tank 280. Various other components and arrangements may be employed for operation and feedback within the filtration apparatus 220 according to aspects of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope.

[0054] Turning now to Fig. 15, there is shown a perspective view of a still further alternative filtration apparatus 320 according to aspects of the present invention. The exemplary apparatus 320 is similar to other embodiments disclosed herein, with other variations. Generally, the system 320, similar to the system 220 of Fig. 12, is shown as again being packaged and essentially self-contained within a shipping container 322 or the like for ease of transport and deployment, here in a larger scale as described further below. The container 322 may have a floor 324 and one or more walls 326, whether whole or partial or solid or perforated, on which one or more components of the system 320 may be installed. Not shown for ease of viewing, the container 322 may have at least three walls and a roof and a roll-up or other such door so as to selectively completely enclose the filtration apparatus 320 within, whether for protection from the elements or to prevent tampering, vandalism, or theft or simply for aesthetics. If the system 320 is substantially completely enclosed, there may again be provided ventilation or even air conditioning or other such climate control capabilities, which would aid in keeping the system 320 relatively cool even when pumps, power sources and other electrical components are operating and generating heat. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that relatively cooler temperatures also aid in ozone production were such part of a particular system 320. For purpose of powering any such stand-alone water filtration apparatus 320, power may be supplied from the site in the form of 110 or 220 volts AC hook-ups or may be solar panels, a generator, or any other such power source or supply now known or later developed, or any combination thereof. The unit 320 may also be equipped with lighting and other such ancillary components or equipment as needed for operation and service. As shown, on one wall or otherwise as part of the filtration apparatus 320 there may be operably installed the main control box or controller 330, and on the same or other wall may be installed a separate backwash controller 331 and/or an ancillary controller 332 for systems or devices such as air conditioning or climate control, lighting, security, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any such controllers and others may be stand-alone or integrated within one or more universal controllers and may further be configured for both on-site and remote access and control employing any technology now known or later developed in the art. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the relatively larger filtration apparatus 320 is configured for a nominal three hundred gallons per minute (300 gpm) throughput, though those skilled in the art will appreciate that such is approximate and merely illustrative. In such exemplary context, the resulting apparatus 320 can be sized and configured to fit on or in a roughly thirty to forty foot (30-40') trailer or container, though again this is merely illustrative. With continued reference to Fig. 15, the inlet flow is pumped into the system 320 via a pump 334 and from there travels to a first centrifuge 346 for solids separation. Notably, in the exemplary embodiment each centrifuge 346 is nominally rated for up to one hundred fifty gallons per minute (150 gpm), so two such centrifuges 346 are installed in parallel and the main flow split between them upstream and then rejoined downstream. Of course, a single centrifuge capable of throughput on the order of 300 gpm could instead be employed, as could be more than two centrifuges, such as three each nominally rated for one hundred gallons per minute (100 gpm), again in the exemplary 300-gpm context. Adjacent the centrifuges 346 there is shown installed the main control box or controller 330 and the ozone production unit 363, though it will be appreciated that these components could be configured in other locations, so long as ozonized air from the ozone production unit 363 could be supplied or introduced to the water at some point downstream of the first centrifuges 346 and in the exemplary embodiment upstream of the settling tank 380, more about which is said below. As shown, in addition to the ozone generator or production unit 363, there is installed adjacent and in fluid communication therewith an oxygen concentrator 366, with the actual air or other lines therebetween not shown for simplicity. From the first centrifuges 346 and any such ozone feed point, the flow would pass into a relatively long and winding feed pipe 350. Within the feed pipe 350 there are positioned in fluid communication one or more static mixers 352, 353, 354 for supplying chemistries of various forms to the water to be treated. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 15, there are first, second, and third chemical supplies 356, 357, 358 that feed the same or different chemicals to the feed pipe 350 via the respective first, second, and third static mixers 352, 353, 354 in cooperation with respective first, second, and third metering pumps 360, 361, 362. The feed pipe 350 is configured of sufficient size (length and/or diameter) to allow adequate "contact time" for the dosed chemicals with the water. In the exemplary 300- gpm context, the feed pipe 250 may be on the order of four inches (4") in diameter and have a total length of approximately fifty to one hundred fifty feet (50-150'). Depending on the chemicals to be dosed and other factors, the static mixers - here, first, second, and third static mixers 252, 253, 254 - may be substantially adjacent to each other so as to have substantially the same "contact time" with the water within the feed pipe 350 or, as shown, may be separated by some distance, each in its own turn or leg of the feed pipe 350. Again, any number or arrangement of such chemical dosing assemblies are possible - i.e., one, two, three, or more. In the exemplary embodiment, the treated water exits the feed pipe 350 into a single relatively large settling tank 380, which provides further "contact time" for the water and any dosed chemicals. Continuing with the nominal 300-gpm system 320 of Fig. 15, the settling tank 380 may be on the order of four to five thousand gallons (4,000-5,000 gal). As such, due to its sheer size and the related "scaled up" other components of the nominal 300- gpm filtration apparatus 320, the settling tank 380 is shown as positioned outside the container 322, though it will be appreciated in other contexts that such tank could be smaller and/or also positioned within the container 322. From the settling tank 380, the water generally is pumped via a delivery pump 383 (Fig. 16) to a bank of filters, with an intermediate pair of second separators or centrifuges 385 again in parallel based on a nominal throughput of one hundred fifty gallons per minute (150 gpm) per centrifuge 385. Here, as with the embodiments of Figs. 4-1 1 and 12-14, there are three cartridge filters 390, 391, 392 and one media filter 401, though again based on the relatively higher nominal throughput of 300 gpm, like the centrifuges 346, 385, multiple filters are provided in parallel in banks to separate and accommodate the total flow. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment as shown, there are three nominal 20-micron cartridge filters 390 in parallel that feed into a second bank of three nominal 5-micron cartridge filters 391 in parallel that feed into the one relatively larger media filter 401 that from there feeds into a final bank of three nominal 1- micron cartridge filters 392 in parallel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that filters rated for higher or lower nominal flow rates may be employed such that greater or fewer filters may be banked than the exemplary three filters in parallel shown. From the last filter - here the third bank of cartridge filters 392 - the flow of treated water is discharged into the surge or discharge tank 410, here a one thousand gallon (1,000 gal.) tank located outside of the container 322 for storing the treated water that can be used to backwash the system 320 or simply be drained. It will be appreciated once more by those skilled in the art that a variety of related configurations of the components and overall filtration apparatus 220 beyond those shown and described are possible according to aspects of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope. It is noted in conjunction with the discharge tank 410 or the supply line leading to it from the last "polishing" filters 392, in the embodiment of Fig. 15 or any others disclosed herein, that such water is highly "polished" and virtually potable and so could be put to other uses beyond back-flushing the system 320 or safely draining off the water. For example, in the line leading to or from the discharge tank 410, or in a line splitting there-off, there could be provided a reverse osmosis ("R/O") unit (not shown) or other such technology now known or later developed for treating all or a smaller proportion (e.g., ten percent (10%)) of the overall flow to render such further treated water truly potable by any applicable standard. [0055] Referring finally to Figs. 16 and 17, there are shown schematic flow and control diagrams substantially relating to the alternative exemplary filtration apparatus 320 of Fig.

15, with some slight variations. First, with reference to the schematic flow diagram of Fig.

16, there is shown a filtration apparatus 320 again generally having a feed pipe 350 in which are dosed one or more chemical additives, a settling tank 380, and banks of first, second, and third cartridge filters 390, 391, 392 nominally rated at 20-, 5- and 1-micron in series as well as a media filter 401, here between the first and second banks of cartridge filters 390, 391, together cooperating to gradually treat or "polish" the water as herein described. Once more, the water to be treated is pulled out of a sump S by a pump 334 where it then passes through one or more first separator(s) or centrifuge(s) 346. As shown, a butterfly valve and/or a paddle switch downstream of the centrifuges 346 may be employed in controlling the flow out of the centrifuges 346 and into the feed pipe 350. Next, though, as shown, there is positioned in the line a venturi mixer 368 for introducing ozone into the flow as generated or supplied by the ozone production unit 363. In the alternative exemplary embodiment, a three-way valve 370 is provided upstream of the venturi mixer 368 for selective bypass of the flow around the mixer 368 and ozone feed point through a bypass line 372. Regardless, after passing the ozone feed point, the flow passes into the relatively long feed pipe 350. As in Fig. 15, there are shown three static mixers 352, 353, 354 within the feed pipe 350 for introducing up to three or more chemicals into the flow. Those skilled in the art will again appreciate that a variety of the number, configuration, and location of such mixers is possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, it will be appreciated that more than one chemical can be introduced to and through a single mixer. With continued reference to Fig. 16, there are again shown three static mixers 352, 353, 354 each supplying a chemical to the water passing through the feed pipe 350 by way of respective chemical supplies 356, 357, 358 in cooperation with respective metering pumps 360, 361, 362. Once more, the first chemical may be a metal precipitant such as aluminum, the second chemical may be sodium hydroxide, and the third chemical may be a polymer. It should again be noted that a virtually infinite variety of such chemicals or flocculants alone or in combination may be employed. The treated water again flows from the feed pipe 350 into the relatively large settling tank 380 and from there is pumped by delivery pump 383, again in cooperation with various upstream and/or downstream valves and/or switches, through another one or more separator(s) or centrifuge(s) 385 before flowing to and through the bank of cartridge and media filters 390, 391, 392, 401 for further treatment or "polishing" of the water. In the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 15 and 16, the resulting treated water flows into a surge or discharge tank 410 for later discharge or use in backwashing the system 320 or even potable water or reclamation uses as described elsewhere. Those skilled in the art will again appreciate that a variety of other configurations of the filtration apparatus 320 are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, oftentimes dictated, at least in part, by the characteristics of the water to be treated. Referring briefly to Fig. 17, there is shown a control schematic for the exemplary filtration apparatus 320 of Fig. 16. As indicated, a central controller 330 is configured in electrical communication with a number of the components of the filtration apparatus 320 for which operation is to be selectively controlled according to aspects of the present invention. Particularly, the controller 330 is electrically and operably connected to the ozone production unit 363 and each of the metering pumps 360, 361, 362 associated with the respective chemical supplies 356, 357, 358 and static mixers 352, 353, 354 in order to selectively operate dosing within the treatment system 320. Relatedly, the controller 330 is also electrically coupled to the three-way valve 370 for selectively bypassing the ozone production unit 363 and related venturi mixer 368. Further, the controller 330 is again electrically coupled to the flow pumps 334, 383 in the system 320 as well as the related valves and/or switches so as to control the flow of water through the system 320 whether in standard flow or backwash flow operation, particularly the three-way valves at the inlets and outlets of the cartridge filter(s) 390, 391, 392 and/or media filter(s) 401 so as to be able to selectively reverse the flow therethrough. It should again be noted that while only a single general or universal controller 330 is shown in the schematic of Fig. 17, such could thus include the backwash controller 331 and/or the ancillary controller 332 shown separately in Fig. 15. Furthermore, once again, monitoring devices may be installed and electrically connected to the controller 330 for providing feedback relative to other operations and components of the system 320, such as float and/or alarm switches for depth or water level detection and reporting in the settling tank 380. Various other components and arrangements may be employed for operation and feedback within the filtration apparatus 320 according to aspects of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope.

[0056] Aspects of the present specification may also be described as follows:

[0057] 1. A self-contained filtration apparatus for treating water, comprising: at least one media filter; at least one cartridge filter in fluid communication with the at least one media filter; and at least one centrifuge upstream of and configured to supply solids-separated water to one of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter.

[0058] 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1 further comprising an ozone production unit configured to supply ozone to the water upstream of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter. [0059] 3. The apparatus of embodiment 2 further comprising an oxygen concentrator in fluid communication with the ozone production unit.

[0060] 4. The apparatus of embodiment 2 further comprising: at least one clarifier tank upstream of and in fluid communication with one of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter; and a blower unit in fluid communication with the ozone production unit and having a blower tube extending into the clarifier tank, whereby ozonized air is introduced into the water in the clarifier tank. [0061] 5. The apparatus of embodiment 4 wherein the at least one clarifier tank comprises a first clarifier tank and further comprises a second clarifier tank downstream of and in fluid communication with the first clarifier tank and upstream of and in fluid communication with one of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter, wherein the blower tube extends into the second clarifier tank.

[0062] 6. The apparatus of embodiment 2 wherein the ozone production unit further comprises: an ozone plate bank; and a transformer bank electrically coupled to the ozone plate bank, whereby the ozone production unit produces ozone by electrically charging the ozone plate bank via the transformer bank as air passes through the ozone plate bank so as to embody an electric arc ozone production process.

[0063] 7. The apparatus of embodiment 2 wherein: a venturi mixer is positioned within a pipe upstream of one of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter; and the ozone production unit is in fluid communication with the venturi mixer, whereby ozonized air as supplied by the ozone production unit is introduced into the water through the venturi mixer.

[0064] 8. The apparatus of embodiment 1 wherein: the at least one media filter contains green sand; and the at least one media filter is configured to accept back-flush water containing at least one of chlorine and potassium permanganate, whereby the green sand media may be rejuvenated. [0065] 9. The apparatus of embodiment 1 further comprising at least one mixer for selectively dosing a chemical into the water.

[0066] 10. The apparatus of embodiment 9 wherein the at least one mixer is selected from the group consisting of a venturi injector, a peristaltic pump, and a static mixer.

[0067] 1 1. The apparatus of embodiment 9 wherein the chemical is selected from the group consisting of a flocculant, a metal precipitant, aluminum, chlorine, potassium permanganate, sodium hydroxide, and a polymer.

[0068] 12. The apparatus of embodiment 9 wherein the mixer is positioned within a pipe upstream of one of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter.

[0069] 13. The apparatus of embodiment 12 wherein a metering pump is provided between the mixer and a respective chemical supply for selectively dosing the chemical into the water flowing within the feed pipe via the mixer.

[0070] 14. The apparatus of embodiment 9 further comprising: at least one clarifier tank upstream of and in fluid communication with one of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter; and a dosing line from the mixer into the clarifier tank.

[0071] 15. The apparatus of embodiment 14 further comprising: an ozone production unit configured to supply ozone to the water upstream of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter; a blower unit in fluid communication with the ozone production unit and having a blower tube extending into the clarifier tank, whereby ozonized air is introduced into the water in the clarifier tank; and the dosing line from the mixer leading into the clarifier tank substantially along with the blower tube, whereby the chemicals are introduced into the water substantially with the ozonized air to further enhance mixing. [0072] 16. A self-contained filtration apparatus for treating water, comprising: at least one of a clarifier tank and a pipe; an ozone production unit; and a blower unit in fluid communication with the ozone production unit and having a blower tube in fluid communication with the at least one clarifier tank and pipe, whereby ozonized air is introduced into the water.

[0073] 17. The apparatus of embodiment 16 wherein the ozone production unit further comprises: an ozone plate bank; and a transformer bank electrically coupled to the ozone plate bank, whereby the ozone production unit produces ozone by electrically charging the ozone plate blank via the transformer bank as air passes through the ozone plate bank so as to embody an electric arc ozone production process. [0074] 18. A self-contained filtration apparatus for treating water comprising at least one media filter containing green sand and configured to accept back-flush water containing at least one of chlorine and potassium permanganate, whereby the green sand media may be rejuvenated. [0075] 19. A self-contained filtration apparatus for treating water, comprising: a feed pipe; at least one filter selected from the group consisting of a cartridge filter and a media filter; a venturi mixer positioned within the pipe upstream of the at least one filter; an ozone production unit in fluid communication with the venturi mixer, whereby ozonized air as supplied by the ozone production unit is introduced into the water through the venturi mixer; at least one first centrifuge upstream of and configured to supply solids-separated water to the venturi mixer; at least one static mixer for selectively dosing a chemical into the water, the mixer being positioned within the pipe upstream of the at least one filter and downstream of the at least one venturi mixer; and at least one second centrifuge upstream of and configured to supply solids-separated water to the at least one filter and downstream of the at least one static mixer.

[0076] 20. The apparatus of embodiment 19 further comprising a settling tank in fluid communication with and downstream of the pipe and upstream of the at least one filter. [0077] 21. The apparatus of embodiment 19 further comprising a container housing each of the feed pipe, at least one filter, venturi mixer, ozone production unit, at least one first centrifuge, at least one static mixer, and at least one second centrifuge so as to render the apparatus transportable and deployable. [0078] To summarize, regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that a filtration apparatus is disclosed and configured for treating storm water and other water run-off or supplies. Because the principles of the invention may be practiced in a number of configurations beyond those shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not in any way limited by the exemplary embodiments, but is generally directed to a system of one or more media or filter tanks that are able to operate in an automated, semi-automated, or manual mode to treat and/or back-flush water therethrough and further comprising capabilities of dosing one or more of ozone and a chemical into the treated water, and in any case in a variety of configurations to suit various contexts, and so is able to take numerous forms to do so without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the particular geometries and materials of construction disclosed, but may instead entail other functionally comparable structures or materials, now known or later developed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the various features of each of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any logical manner and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0079] In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be expressly understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular apparatus, methodology, configuration, size, shape, material of construction, protocol, etc., described herein, but may include any such technology now known or later developed without departing from the spirit and scope of the specification. Furthermore, the various features of each of the above- described embodiments may be combined in any logical manner and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described. [0080] Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the present invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0081] Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present invention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other group members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. [0082] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." As used herein, the term "about" means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0083] The terms "a," "an," "the" and similar referents used in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0084] Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using "consisting of or "consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term "consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term "consisting essentially of limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of the present invention so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein. [0085] All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced and identified in the present specification are individually and expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the compositions and methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.

[0086] While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s) believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A self-contained filtration apparatus for treating water, comprising:

at least one media filter;

at least one cartridge filter in fluid communication with the at least one media filter; and at least one centrifuge upstream of and configured to supply solids-separated water to one of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an ozone production unit configured to supply ozone to the water upstream of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising an oxygen concentrator in fluid communication with the ozone production unit.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising:

at least one clarifier tank upstream of and in fluid communication with one of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter; and

a blower unit in fluid communication with the ozone production unit and having a blower tube extending into the clarifier tank, whereby ozonized air is introduced into the water in the clarifier tank.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the at least one clarifier tank comprises a first clarifier tank and further comprises a second clarifier tank downstream of and in fluid communication with the first clarifier tank and upstream of and in fluid communication with one of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter, wherein the blower tube extends into the second clarifier tank.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the ozone production unit further comprises:

an ozone plate bank; and a transformer bank electrically coupled to the ozone plate bank, whereby the ozone production unit produces ozone by electrically charging the ozone plate bank via the transformer bank as air passes through the ozone plate bank so as to embody an electric arc ozone production process.

7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein:

a venturi mixer is positioned within a pipe upstream of one of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter; and

the ozone production unit is in fluid communication with the venturi mixer, whereby ozonized air as supplied by the ozone production unit is introduced into the water through the venturi mixer.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the at least one media filter contains green sand; and

the at least one media filter is configured to accept back- flush water containing at least one of chlorine and potassium permanganate, whereby the green sand media may be rejuvenated.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one mixer for selectively dosing a chemical into the water.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the at least one mixer is selected from the group consisting of a venturi injector, a peristaltic pump, and a static mixer.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the chemical is selected from the group consisting of a flocculant, a metal precipitant, aluminum, chlorine, potassium permanganate, sodium hydroxide, and a polymer.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the mixer is positioned within a pipe upstream of one of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein a metering pump is provided between the mixer and a respective chemical supply for selectively dosing the chemical into the water flowing within the feed pipe via the mixer.

14. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising:

a dosing line from the mixer into the clarifier tank.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising:

an ozone production unit configured to supply ozone to the water upstream of the at least one media filter and the at least one cartridge filter;

a blower unit in fluid communication with the ozone production unit and having a blower tube extending into the clarifier tank, whereby ozonized air is introduced into the water in the clarifier tank; and

the dosing line from the mixer leading into the clarifier tank substantially along with the blower tube, whereby the chemicals are introduced into the water substantially with the ozonized air to further enhance mixing.

16. A self-contained filtration apparatus for treating water, comprising:

at least one of a clarifier tank and a pipe;

an ozone production unit; and

a blower unit in fluid communication with the ozone production unit and having a blower tube in fluid communication with the at least one clarifier tank and pipe, whereby ozonized air is introduced into the water.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the ozone production unit further comprises:

an ozone plate bank; and

a transformer bank electrically coupled to the ozone plate bank, whereby the ozone production unit produces ozone by electrically charging the ozone plate blank via the transformer bank as air passes through the ozone plate bank so as to embody an electric arc ozone production process.

18. A self-contained filtration apparatus for treating water comprising at least one media filter containing green sand and configured to accept back-flush water containing at least one of chlorine and potassium permanganate, whereby the green sand media may be rejuvenated.

19. A self-contained filtration apparatus for treating water, comprising:

a feed pipe;

at least one filter selected from the group consisting of a cartridge filter and a media filter; a venturi mixer positioned within the pipe upstream of the at least one filter;

an ozone production unit in fluid communication with the venturi mixer, whereby ozonized air as supplied by the ozone production unit is introduced into the water through the venturi mixer;

at least one first centrifuge upstream of and configured to supply solids-separated water to the venturi mixer;

at least one static mixer for selectively dosing a chemical into the water, the mixer being positioned within the pipe upstream of the at least one filter and downstream of the at least one venturi mixer; and

at least one second centrifuge upstream of and configured to supply solids-separated water to the at least one filter and downstream of the at least one static mixer.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a settling tank in fluid communication with and downstream of the pipe and upstream of the at least one filter.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a container housing each of the feed pipe, at least one filter, venturi mixer, ozone production unit, at least one first centrifuge, at least one static mixer, and at least one second centrifuge so as to render the apparatus transportable and deployable.