摘要 |
A filter element 28 for a gravity-flow water filter. An inlet screen 44 divides a cylinder 48 into two functionally distinct portions, an overflow chamber 24, and a filter body 26 which contains a filter medium 54. A wire half-loop 16 suspends overflow chamber 24 from an adjustable water source and positions overflow chamber 24 to catch the water outflow from the source. Wire half-loop 16 also positions overflow chamber 24 at a distance from the source so that there is a gap 22 between overflow chamber 24 and the source. The potential for water rising and spilling from overflow chamber 24 induces a user to adjust the source flow to less than a characteristic rate. When the flow is adjusted so that water level in overflow chamber 24 is not rising, the water level continues dropping until the flow of water from the source continuously enters the screened entrance of filter body 26 with no appreciable pressure head. Thus water moves more slowly through filter body 26 and filter medium 54 than if there were an appreciable pressure head at the entrance to filter body 26. With slower water motion, there is longer water-to-filter-medium contact, giving superior filtering effectiveness. Filtered water from filter element 28 is captured and accumulated in a receiver container 40 for later use.
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