Filter devices and methods

摘要

Filter elements are constructed of an array of parallel, spaced-apart rods, a plurality of spaced-apart bars fixed normal to the rods on one side of the array forming a multitude of cavities between the bars and above the surface of the array. Filter media comprising crushed aggregate bound in a matrix of cured resin fills the cavities to just below the plane of the top edge of the bars. Filter apparatus is provided having a rigid filter bed and including a scraper blade to be moved above the filter bed in contact with the top surface thereof to lift portions of filter cake from the filter bed. The scraper blade includes means to apply a vacuum through a surface of the blade. A new filtering method applies vacuum to the portions of filter cake lifted by the scraper blade causing relatively rapid removal of filtrate therefrom and producing an incoherent mass of particles of relatively dry filtered material.