Radial-flow fluidizable filter

US6322704A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• John Martin · Seattle, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 20, 1998
• Grant date: Nov 27, 2001
• Expiry date: Nov 20, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01D24/4684
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A radial flow fluidized unit (RFFU) (250) employing non-bonded media particles (56) for removing impurities from an influent, that can be backwashed and/or regenerated by fluidizing the media particles (56) to free the impurities therefrom. During a fluidization operation a fluid applies a drag force on a section of the media particles (56) within a volume of the unit where the media co-acts with the influent: (Volume 1). The drag force transports the media particles (56) into a second volume (Volume 2) for fluidization. Under normal conditions the top portion of the unit contains the packed media (56) where the influent co-acts with the media (56) (Volume 1). The RFFU (250) can also operate in the reverse where the bottom or opposite end contains the packed media (56) for co-acting with the influent. In either case, the opposite end of the unit (Volume 2), is used to fluidize the media (56) and thereby purge any entrapped material within the media (56) and restore the capabilities of the media for the intended purpose. Once the restoration is complete, the media (56) is hydraulically transported back to the co-acting volume (Volume 1), using the available fluids within the unit.