Method and system for filtering sediment-bearing fluids

Abstract

A self-cleaning, back-washable filter apparatus and method for use with a pumping apparatus which is at least partially immersed in fluid. The filter apparatus may comprise a vibration device that is powered by a flow of fluid. A method for filtering a flow of fluid is also disclosed, comprising vibrating a filter by applying a flow of fluid to the filter.

1 . A filter apparatus for use with a pump, the filter apparatus comprising: 
 a filter element;    a supply line for delivery of a flushing medium;    a filter basket at least partially enclosed in the filter element, wherein the filter basket comprises:    a manifold, comprising: 
 a first member having a opening so as to receive the supply line;  
 a second member having a plurality of apertures;  
 the first and second members defining an internal chamber fluidly connecting the flushing medium supply opening with the plurality of apertures;  
 a blocking member positioned in the internal chamber and configured to rotatably traverse a groove in the second member and periodically block a flow of flushing fluid from the flushing medium supply opening to the plurality of apertures; and  
   a plurality of tubes at least partially enclosed in the filter element, wherein each tube of the plurality of tubes extends from one of the plurality of apertures and includes a plurality of perforations such that a flushing medium may flow from the supply line through the internal chamber into the plurality of tubes and through the perforations to backflush the filter element.    
     
     
         2 . The filter apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of perforations is configured to produce a spray that interacts with a spray produced by at least one perforation included in an adjacent one of the plurality of tubes to produce a combined spray directed into the filter element.  
     
     
         3 . The filter apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the groove defines an oval shape.  
     
     
         4 . The filter apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second member defines an oval shape.  
     
     
         5 . The filter apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second member defines an oval shape.  
     
     
         6 . The filter apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of apertures in the second member is within the groove  
     
     
         7 . The filter apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second member further comprises a plurality of channels fluidly connecting the groove with each of the plurality of apertures in the second member.  
     
     
         8 . The filter apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the supply line is coupled to a vent line coupling the first internal chamber to the atmosphere.  
     
     
         9 . The filter apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein in the vent line is configured to create a pressure differential across the filter element.  
     
     
         10 . A method of filtering a fluid comprising: 
 filtering a first flow of fluid through a filter;    backflushing the filter with a second flow of fluid; and    introducing a third flow of fluid comprising an enhancing material to a region in proximity to the filter wherein the backflushing is performed independently of the act of introducing.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising exposing the first flow of fluid to atmospheric pressure.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein introducing the enhancing material comprises introducing a flocculent.  
     
     
         13 . The filter apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein introducing the enhancing material comprises introducing a disinfection agent.  
     
     
         14 . The filter apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein introducing the enhancing material comprises introducing a coagulant.  
     
     
         15 . A filter apparatus comprising: 
 means for filtering a first flow of fluid;    means for backflushing the filter with a second flow of fluid; and    means for introducing a third flow fluid comprising an enhancing material to a region in proximity to the means for filtering wherein the means for back flushing is fluidly separated from the means for introducing.    
     
     
         16 . The filter apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising means for exposing the first flow of fluid to atmospheric pressure.  
     
     
         17 . The filter apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the means for introducing the enhancing material is configured to introduce a flocculent.  
     
     
         18 . The filter apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the means for introducing the enhancing material is configured to introduce a disinfection agent.  
     
     
         19 . The filter apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the means for introducing the enhancing material is configured to introduce a coagulant.