Filter System with Integral Media Retainer Seal

Abstract

A filter system having a filter media retainer seal includes: at least one underdrain block having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls extending between the top wall and the bottom wall; a filter media retainer mounted onto the top wall of the at least one underdrain block; and at least one rib positioned between the underdrain block and the filter media retainer. The at least one rib forms a seal between the underdrain block and the filter media retainer, and prevents filter media from entering the underdrain block. The at least one rib can be monolithically formed to the at least one underdrain block. Alternatively, the at least one rib is monolithically formed to the filter media retainer. The rib is crushable and/or it bites into a surface on the adjoining part to reduce or eliminate the need for a separate sealant.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . An underdrain block for a filter system, the underdrain block comprising:
 a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of side walls extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, and at least one crushable rib projecting out from the underdrain block, wherein the at least one crushable rib is monolithically formed to the underdrain block.   
     
     
         2 . The underdrain block of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one crushable rib projects out from the top wall of the underdrain block. 
     
     
         3 . The underdrain block of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one crushable rib projects out from the top wall of the underdrain block at a height ranging from 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The underdrain block of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one crushable rib comprises a width ranging from 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The underdrain block of  claim 2 , wherein the underdrain block comprises a plurality of crushable ribs projecting out from the top wall. 
     
     
         6 . The underdrain block of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of crushable ribs projecting out from the top wall have different heights ranging from 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The underdrain block of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one crushable rib extends continuously around a perimeter of the top wall of the underdrain block. 
     
     
         8 . The underdrain block of  claim 1 , wherein the underdrain block further comprises a rail that extends along at least one outer side edge of the top wall of the underdrain block, wherein the rail projects out of the top wall of the underdrain block in a direction opposite the bottom wall. 
     
     
         9 . The underdrain block of  claim 8 , wherein the rail is monolithically formed to the underdrain block. 
     
     
         10 . The underdrain block of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one crushable rib is monolithically formed to the rail.