Filtration method with self-cleaning filter assembly

摘要

A filter assembly and method of filtering a fluid containing particulates is provided having a filter element mounted on a horizontal mandrel, whereby the filter element and mandrel are rotatable within a housing during a self-cleaning step, wherein the filter element is immersed and agitated in a cleaning liquid followed by high speed rotation while a rinsing liquid is delivered to the core of the filter element. An ultrasonic transducer in the housing may be activated while the filter element is immersed in the cleaning liquid to assist in removing accumulated particulates from the filter element.

主权项

1. An apparatus for filtering a fluid containing particulates to produce a filtrate, comprising:
(a) a housing; (b) a first hollow core filter element positioned inside the housing, wherein the filter element has an exterior surface facing the housing and an interior surface; (c) a perforated, hollow mandrel extending along an axis of the filter element and rotatably mounted in the housing, wherein the filter element is mounted on the mandrel and rotatable therewith; (d) a discharge manifold in fluid communication with an end of the mandrel, for receiving the filtrate that passes from the exterior surface of the filter element through the filter element and the mandrel; (e) an inlet manifold for introducing an unfiltered fluid into the housing and outside the exterior surface of the filter element; (f) a motor mechanically linked to the mandrel for rotating the mandrel and filter element relative to the housing; and (g) a means for delivering a rinsing liquid to the interior surface of the filter element while the filter element is rotating, whereby the rinsing liquid is introduced inside the mandrel.