AU2006100193B4 - Filtration system - Google Patents

Description

I 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 04/32 ti/C PLO 93e- J Related Application This application is E March 2005. The entire co.

patent application are incor Field of the invention This invention relat but not exclusively, to filter Although being de particularly water, the inve filtering particulates in air b< Background There are many type materials for separating par systems located on the press forced under pressure throug) known that any restriction on positive head (pressure) at includes the particulates to b the particulates within the put pump and, in many situat complication, the constructior e.g. by causing wear within thi -4 it -tS fi a FILTRATION

SYSTEM

ssociated with Patent Application No. 2005901136, filed 9 itents of the specification including drawings of this prior )oratcd herein in full by this cross reference.

s to filtration of liquids to separate particulates, particularly, ng particulates from water.

scribed in detail herein in relation to filtering liquids, ition is useful for filtering particulates from gases, e.g. preing drawn into an air conditioning system.

s of filter systems using various constructions, designs and Sculates from liquids being pumped. Filters are in most ure side, i.e. downstream, of the pump so that the liquid is Sthe filter medium. Downstream filtering is usual since it is the suction side of the pumping equipment creates a loss of he discharge side. However, because the liquid which separated first passes through the pump, the presence of ip must be allowed for in the design and construction of the ons, the effects of the particulates can increase the costs, and the maintenance costs of the pumping system, Spump equipment.

2 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 I 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 05/32 It is known to firsi pumped, before the liquid of the pump. For example as a water course, canal, rc the water can first be passe the pump. However, such particles or contaminants e pumping apparatus.

Objects of the invention Jo It is an object of the can be effectively used to provide advantages over, or filtration systems.

It is a further object filtering a fluid to separate provide advantages over, or filtration methods.

A further object is to the invention.

Summary of the invention According to a first filtration system for use with outlet through which pressuris a filter element which through which fluid is drawn Sseparate larger or oversized particulates from a liquid being is then passed through a filtration system on the pressure side in agricultural uses where water is drawn from a supply such ervoir, etc. and, for example, sprayed for irrigation of crops, J through screening material before entering the intake side of screening apparatus is operative primarily to separate larger trained in the water to stop them entering and damaging the present invention to provide a fluid filtration system which eparate particulates from fluid being moved and which can at least provide a useful alternative to, other or known fluid of the present invention to provide a method of effectively particulates from the fluid being moved and which can it least provide a useful alternative to, other or known fluid rovide a fluid filter useable with the system and method of spect of the present invention there is provided a fluid a fluid moving means which has a fluid intake and a fluid -d fluid is discharged, the filtration system including: has a cylindrical body composed of a filter medium and when in use by suction to separate particulates from the 3 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 16/11/2006 15:04 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 05/16 o fluid, a central region of the cylindrical body constituting an intake volume from which fluid is drawn to enter the fluid intake of the moving means; 0 end members located at both ends of the cylindrical body and which in use locate IN and support opposite ends of the cylindrical body in the required shape thereof, one of the end members being an open end member which provides an opening therein for the moving means to draw fluid from the intake volume into the fluid intake of the moving Smeans; 2 a filter mount separate from the filter element and which includes a central support around which the cylindrical body of the filter element is located in use and o 10 which provides structural support to prevent the cylindrical body substantially deforming or collapsing inwardly in use the filter element and end member being selectively removable from the filter mount including the central support after use; the filter mount further including a mounting means for releasably locating and retaining the filter element in position surrounding the central support so that the open end member having the opening therein is in communication with an outlet leading from the intake volume to the fluid intake of the moving means in use, the mounting means enabling selective release of the filter element and associated end members from the central support whilst the central support remains in position associated with the outlet leading to the fluid, intake of the mounting means.

With this construction and arrangement of the filtration system, there is no need to provide a support as part of the filter element to support the cylindrical body in use. In turn, this enables a large filter area to be provided for flow of fluid through the filter medium and consequently there can be a low pressure drop across the cylindrical filter body and hence the efficiency and effectiveness of the moving means (pump or fan) with the filtration system located upstream of the intake of the moving means may not be significantly compromised or reduced. By providing such a filtration system upstream of the moving means, the filtrated fluid is therefore being moved with significant potential savings and efficiencies in the design and construction, in the power consumption, and in the maintenance and repair of the pump or other fluid moving means.

4 COMS ID No: SBMI-05378653 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:08 Date 2006-11-16 I 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 87/32 According to a seco: of filtering a liquid to be pu outlet through which liquid the steps of: providing a liquid fi cylindrical body composed suction to separate particula constituting an intake volun pump; end members locatec support opposite ends of the end members being an open pump to draw liquid from tl mount which includes a cen element is located and whic substantially deforming or c mounting means releasably open end member having th from the intake volume to t installing the liquid i connected to the system and filtered by suction from the element and through the outl The present inventiol and configuration to be usea aspect of the invention. In p id aspect of the present invention there is provided a method nped by a liquid pump which has a liquid intake and a liquid pressurised by the pump is discharged, the method including tration system which includes: a filter element which has a )fa filter medium and through which liquid is drawn by tes from the liquid, a central region of the cylindrical body ie from which liquid is drawn to enter the liquid intake of the at both ends of the cylindrical body and which locate and cylindrical body in the required shape thereof, one of the end member which provides an opening therein for the e intake volume into the liquid intake of the pump; a filter :ral support around which the cylindrical body of the filter i provides structural support to prevent the cylindrical body ollapsing inwardly; the filter mount further including a ocating and retaining the filter element in position so that the Sopening therein is in communication with an outlet leading e liquid intake of the pump; iltration system so that the liquid intake of the pump is operating the system and pump so as to draw the liquid to be ntake volume and through the open end member of the filter et leading to the fluid intake of the pump.

i also provides a filter element itself having the construction ble in the filtration system and method of the first and second articular the invention in a third aspect provides a filter COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 16/11/2006 15:04 16/1/0061504 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PG 61 PAGE 09/16 element for use in a fluid filtration system having a fluidimovin.g means having a fluid intake and a fluid Outlet through which pressurised fluid is discharged, the filter element o including: Z a cylindrical body composed of a filter medium and through which fluid is drawn IND 5 when in use by suction to separate particulates from the fluid, a central region of the cylindrical body constituting an intake volume from which fluid is drawn to enter the fluid intake of the moving means; end members located at both ends of the cylindrical body and which in use locate 0 and support opposite ends of the cylindrical body in the required shape thereof one of the en~d members being an open end member which provides an opening therein for the 0 moving means to draw fluid from the intake volume into the fluid intake of the moving mneans, the end member of the filter element remote from the open end member being a closed end memnber, both the open end member and the closed end member being mioulded to opposite ends of the cylindrical body composed of the filter medium so as to 1s seal the medium against passage of fl uid around the ends of the cylindrical body and so as to define end members having fbnctional formations for mounting of the filter element; the filter element being arranged to be installed and used with a filter mount separate from the filter element and which includes a central support around which the cylindrical body of the filter element is locat ed in use and which provides structural support to prevent the cylindrical body substantially deforming or collapsing inwardly in use, the filter element and end members being selectively removable from. the filter mount including the central support after use; the filter mount further including a mounting means for releasably locating and retaining the filter element in position surrounding the central support so that the open end mnember having the opening therein is in communication with an outlet leading from the intake volume to the fluid intake of the moving means in use, the mounting mneans enabling selective release of the filter element and associated end members from the central support whilst the central support remains in position associated with the outlet leading to the fluid intake of the mouinting means, the mounting means of the filter mount comprising an end mount having: a central outlet 6 COMS ID No: SBMI-05378653 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:08 Date 2006-11-16 I 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 09/32 through which in use fluid I moving means; an annular b away from the annular body sealing formation located rad complementary formation of relationship, the sealing form partially in the gene-al direct wherein the complem element comprises a bevellec to mounting means and which 1 The apparatus of th detail and it can be underst how the apparatus is used ii invention. Consequently tt filtration method.

In the preferred cml may be composed of a ph construction and operation.

fabric having a porosity se c filter medium down to as 1( The pleated construction pi can pass. The diameter minimise pressure drop acr In the preferred eml the open end member is a c ,asses from the intake volume to the fluid intake of the )dy to which the central support is fixed so as to extend md support the cylindrical body of the filter element, and a ally outwardly beyond the central support and with which a the open end member of the filter element forms a sealing ation of the end mount comprising a bevelled surface facing on of the central support; entary formation of the open end member of the filter surface facing partially in the general direction of the ngages with the bevelled surface of the end mount.

filtration system will be further described herein in more ,od from this description of the apparatus and its operation Sthe filtration method according to the second aspect of the ere is no need to repeat in detail the steps of the preferred )odiment, the cylindrical body composed of a filter medium ated filter medium which can be of generally conventional For example the pleated filter medium may be a polyester ected for the particular field of application. Pore sizes of the ,w as 15 microns may be possible with the present invention.

ovides a large surface area through which fluid being filtered nd axial length of the cylindrical body can be selected to ass the filter medium in use.

iodiment, the end member of the filter element remote from losed end member, and both the open end member and the 7 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 S09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 10/32 closed end member are moul( the filter medium so as to sea cylindrical body and so as to mounting of the filter elemer solid or imperforate disc. Tt around the cylindrical body.

attached securely to the end moulding the end members cylindrical body and, in par o1 the moulded end member a! The central support i.e. providing less flow rest comprise for example a I stainless steel, polycarbona such as one made of a nu welded to the rods. The si adjacent to the inside of I which filtrate is being drn volume, the cylindrical i cylindrical filter body par collapse inwardly. The restriction to the flow off medium.

The mounting of tI closure which co-operates ed to opposite ends of the cylindrical body composed of Sthe medium against passage of fluid around the ends of the define end members having functional formations for t. The closed end member for example may comprise a e open end member may comprise an annular member The opposite ends of the cylindrical body are preferably members so as to be located and supported thereby, e.g. by so that the respective end members are fused to the icular, by embedding the end edges of the filter medium in part of the moulding process.

is preferably a cylindrical support of pervious construction, iction to the filtrate than the filter element. The support may lerforated cylinder made of any suitable material such as te, etc. or may comprise a generally cylindrical cage or mesh mber of upright support rods and a helical wire around and tpport cylinder in use is located within and preferably closely he cylindrical body so that during the filtration operation in Iwn by suction by the pump from the internal pump intake upport will provide structural support to the surrounding icularly against any tendency of the filter body to deform or cylindrical support however does not offer any significant Itrate thercthrough which has already passed through the filter ie filter mount in the preferred embodiment includes an end with the open end member associated with the filter element 8 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 and which closes the intake vo end closure which communicE Preferably the mounting near central outlet through which i of the moving means; an ann extend away from the annula and a sealing formation locat which a complementary forn sealing relationship.

to The sealing formatio partially in the general direc formation of the open end rr facing partially in the gener the bevelled surface of the c of the end mount preferabl annular body and the comp of the filter element compri surrounding the opening in The use of this type of radi filter element into sealing i necessary or desirable if a The annular body c having the central support The annular body 1 central outlet with that be' PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 11/32 lume against fluid passage except through an outlet in the tes in use with the fluid intake of the moving means.

s of the filter mount comprises an end mount having: a use fluid passes from the intake volume to the fluid intake ]lar body to which the central support is fixed so as to -body and support the cylindrical body of the filter element, sd radially outwardly beyond the central support and with iation of the open end member of the filter element forms a i of the end mount may comprise a bevelled surface facing :ion of the central support, and the complementary ember of the filter element may comprise a bevelled surface il direction of the mounting means and which engages with nd mount. In this embodiment, the bevelled sealing surface comprises a male surface extending around the outside of the ementary bevelled sealing formation of the open end member ses a female bevelled surface formed in a step or shoulder the end member and spaced radially outwardly therefrom.

3l sealing engagement obviates the need to strongly press the ngagement with the mounting as would be otherwise Face to face sealing contact was used.

f the end mount preferably comprises a moulded annular body fixed to the body by being embedded in the moulding.

asy have a bevelled surface surrounding and defining the 'elled surface forming a sealing surface facing partially away 9 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 1 09/03/2006 23:81 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 12/32 from the intake volume to for downstream fluid path.

n a seal with a complementary male member of a for one type of installtion, the mounting means may further include an internally threaded connector with a cei facing away from the opposil where the central support is 1 complementary threaded mal The filter element is 1 the filter mount by relcasabl cylindrical body remote fron The fluid filtration s3 and the fluid moving means connected to a water source, housing, so that the water be water pump.

tral hole for fluid passage therethrough, the connector Sside of the annular body of the filter mount to the side )cated and being arranged to be coupled to a connector of a downstream fluid path.

rged into a sealing relationship of its open end member with means acting in the direction from the end of the the open end and towards the open end.

3tem can be suitable for installations where the fluid is water s a water pump, the installation includes a housing the filter element and filter mount being located within the ng filtered is drawn out of the housing by suction of the In another different type of installation where the fluid filtration system can be suitable, the fluid is water at element and filter mount ass drawn and filtered before en In one possible embi for periodically washing pai that filter element. The filtf mount so that it is located filtration operations and so 1 the filter element. The filte d the moving means comprises a water pump, and the filter -mbly is immersed in a body of water from which water is tering the intake of the water pump.

hdiment, the filtration system may also include a filter washer ticulates from the filter element to enable prolonged usage of r washer may be mounted by or in association with the filter in proximity or in association with the filter element during hat it can be intermittently operated to wash particulates from washer can include for example washing elements rotatably COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 S09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 13/32 mounted for directing wash through the cylindrical bod outside surfaces of the cylii interrupting the filtering ope slurry or suspension or the system prior to recommenci When the fluid is a to prolong its use by. blov volume outwards through t pulsed reverse direction air The filter element sliding the cylindrical bod3 replacement filter element after use can be of modest filter medium and, in the member fused to the cylin, likewise fused to the oppo: Summary of the drawing Possible and prefe with particular reference t that the features illustrate construed as limiting on tli Fig. 1 is a vertic embodiment of the presen Fig- 2 is a wire caj ing liquid from within the pump intake volume outwardly y of the filter element to backwash particulates from the Idrical body. This washing operation can be performed by ration for a short period for backwashing, the resulting liquid like with the particulates entrained being separated from the ng of filtering operation.

as such as air, the 'filter element may be periodically cleaned ing air back through the filter medium, i.e. from the intake ie walls of the cylindrical body, such as by an intenaittent or blower.

in the preferred embodiment can be readily replaceable by off the central support, together with the end members, and a :an be readily reinstalled. The filter element to be disposed of cost, consisting only of the cylindrical body composed of the preferred embodiment, a closed solid disc forming one end Irical body and, at the other end, an annular open end member ite end of the cylindrical body.

rred features of the present invention will now be described Sthe accompanying drawings. However it is to be understood in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be e scope of the invention. In the drawings: al cross-section through a filtration system according to an invention, e sectional perspective view of the filtration system of Fig. 1, 11 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 I 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 14/32 Fig. 3 is a partial se element and associated filte Fig. 4 is a partial mount useful for drawin assembly, Fig. 5 is a plan viev Fig. 6 is a plan vi elements installed in parall Description of particular 0t Referring to the F cylindrical body 11 compo suction into the central pui solid disc 17 which is fixe thereto, and thus closes t cylindrical body 11, there i the cylindrical body 11.

cylindrical body II so th elements 11, 16, 18 con component of the filtration A filter mount 20 id stainless steel drum. The outside and prevents the filt The filter mount 2 retaining the filter element ctional and exploded view through the lower end of the filter r mount useful with a closed chamber filter system, ectional and exploded view of the filter element and filter fluid from ambient surroundings without enclosing the of the end mount of the filter mounting of Fig. 4, and :w of a filtration system using multiple non-enclosed filter

I.

:mbodiments gs. I and 2 of the drawings, the filter element 10 has a sed of filter medium through which the liquid is drawn by ap intake volume 15. The top end member 16 comprises a d to the end of the cylindrical body 11, e.g. by being fused e upper end of the volume 15. At the lower end of the an annular open end member 18 which also may be fused to he end members 16 and 18 support the opposite ends of the tt the body retains the required cylindrical shape. These stitute the removable and replaceable operative filtering ystem.

eludes a central support 21, such as a cylindrical perforated upport 21 receives the cylindrical filter body 11 around the :r body inwardly collapsing or distorting excessively in use.

also includes mounting 25 for releasably locating and 0 and an end closure 30 which co-operates with the open end 12 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 member 18 to close the en 17 other than the water outl More particularly d moulded plastic pipe or of 41 which has centrally the suction side liquid intake 6 end cap 44 through whic' backwash pipe 45 leads t< connection 47, leading to swivelling or rotating mox flushing of pressure filter el the risers 50, 51 which an connects the closed top end A central rod 55 manifold 40, the T-connect top end member 16, so that central axis of the centre r under pressure through the are directed with a tangent within the chamber 15 to body 11 to thereby dislod filtration operation.

Attached at the top of a disc 32 which has at it PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 15/32 of the volume 15 opposite to the top end closed by the disc t 31.

scribing the illustrated embodiment, a manifold 40, e.g. of ny other suitable material, is closed at one end by an end cap rein a suction type connector 42 which in use leads to the 1 of the pump 60. At the other end of the manifold 40 is an i a backwash pipe 45 passes into the manifold 40. The a vertical riser 46 which passes backwash water to a Tthe horizontal pipes 48, 49. The T-connection 47 enables cment of the horizontal pipes 48, 49 as is known for back ements. The horizontal pipes 48, 49 cany backwash water to provided with outlet holes or jets 52, 53. A cross-bar 54 s of the risers 50, 51.

extends vertically through the assembly, i.e. through the on 47, through the centre of the cross-bar 54, and through the the risers 50, 51 of the backwash system can rotate about the xl 55. The backwashing operation involves pumping water backwash pipe 45 and, because the outlet holes or jets 52, 53 .al component, the assembly of the riser pipes 50, 51 rotates force flushing water outwardly through the cylindrical filter ;ed particulates that have been collected thereby during the )fthe T-shaped manifold 40 is the end closure 30 in the form outer periphery a step 33 which provides a seat for receiving 13 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 the end member 18 of the f support core 21, e.g. a cylin The cylindrical filte element with a full solid di; to the filter body so as to b so as to be fused to the opei no central core support ft includes a wing nut 35 whi after passing through the to Tightening the wing nut 37 In operation, the fil the suction liquid intake i through suction pipe con embodiment which is desi source, such as a water coi for any housing surroundir the filter element 10 and tl require a structural suppor cartridge because support d central support 21. It can I economical filter replacem and the open bottom end m The water is filterec the pump intake volume pressure through outlet 62, PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 16/32 Iter element 10. Also supported on the disc 32 is the central ler of stainless steel mesh.

T body 11 can be a pleated polyester cartridge style filter ;c 17 closing the top end, e.g. made of polyurcthane moulded Sfused thereto. The annular end member 18 can be moulded Slower end of the cylindrical filter body 11. However there is rming part of the filter clement 10. The filter mount :h can be attached to the threaded top end of the centre rod p end member 16 thus fixing the filter element 10 in position.

clamps the filter body 11 to the lower end member ration apparatus is installed as schematically illustrated with il of the pump 60 in communication with the volume lector 42, manifold 40, and outlet 31. In the illustrated gned and constructed to be installed submerged in a water irse, irrigation supply channel, reservoir, etc. there is no need g the filter element 10 the water is drawn directly through nce into the pump 60. The cylindrical filter body 11 does not :core or the like as part of the replaceable filter element or uring suction of water through the body 11 is provided by the ie readily seen therefore that this construction provides for an :nt because only the filter medium 11, the top end member 16 -mber 18 together form the replaceable element or cartridge.

as it is drawn through the cylindrical body I 1 and passes via 15 into the pump inlet 61, whence it is discharged under for distribution through sprinklers or sprayers to crops.

14 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 I 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 17/32 As the filter element the filter washer can be or cylindrical filter body 11 e vacuum gauge (not shown) the backwash cycle in ace particular, when the vacuur can be stopped and valvi the backwash pipe 45, rise pressure exits from the hole rod 55 so that the water cylindrical body I. In the body from which irrigatiol cylindrical filter body 11 dc in fact been separated from In some applicatiot applications, it may not be I even for relatively short ti allow replacement of a fill filtration systems can be it filtration system while the element is being replaced ai In the embodiment filter element 10 and into v be for example a conventi portion 71 of the bottom v 10 becomes progressively more obstructed with particulates, ,erated to backwash and dislodge the particulates from the nabling subsequent continued use thereof. For example, a can be operatively associated with the pump 60 to activate ordance with the pump manufacturer's specifications. In i gauge is used to initiate the backwash operation, the pump :s (not shown) can be operated to direct a water flow through r 46, pipes 48, 49, and risers 50, 51. As the water under :s 52, 53, the risers 50, 51 rotate about the axis of the centre jets backwash through the filter medium constituting the Scase of a filtration system as illustrated when installed in a Swater is being drawn, the particulates dislodged from the not constitute a pollutant of the water source since they have water being drawn from that source.

.s of the filtration system, such as in continuous industrial easible or at least desirable to inten-upt the filtering operation, res to allow backwashing of the filter element, or indeed to er element to be discarded. In such situations, two similar stalled in parallel so that water can be directed through one other is temporarily being backwashed or while the filter id vice versa.

ifFig. 3, a housing 70 can be provided totally surrounding the 'hich the liquid to be filtered is introduced. The housing may Dnal polypropylene swimming pool filter housing. Only a all of the housing 70 is illustrated. That part of the bottom COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 09/032006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 18/32 wall 71 has the water outlet filtration system is suitable to liquid to be filtered is to be source where the filtration sy 70 can sealingly engage with body 11, and have a top cl member 17. A liquid inlet i water to be filtered is draw described above. Such a E applications such as in foo washed and the wash watc recycling and treatment syst other applications.

To describe the filte filter mount 20 a central 4 volume 15 through the outl has the central support 21 and to support the cylindr support 21 are shown embe A sealing fonnatio: 21 and this cooperates wil the filter element 10 to fo: of the end mount cor direction of the central element 10 comprises a be 31 defined by the spigot 72. In this embodiment, the be installed externally of a source of liquid from which the drawn in the case of an agricultural irrigation water stem is not submerged in the body of water)- The housing the filter mount 20, and can surround totally the cylindrical ,sure either above or formed by a large diameter top end not shown) would be provided into the housing 70 so that Sfrom within the housing through the filter element 10 as ystem can be used for agricultural purposes, in industrial 3 processing operations e.g. where fruit or vegetables are r is to be filtered and recycled, in swimming pool water ems, in reverse osmosis and desalination plants, and in many r mount 20 of Fig. 3 in more detail, there is provided by the Utlet hole 75 through which liquid passes from the intake et 31 into the intake 61 of the pump 60. An annular body 77 5xed thereto so as to extend away from the annular body 77 ical body 11 of the filter element 10. The rods 21a of the dded in the annular body 77 for this purpose.

1 80 is located radially outwardly beyond the central support h a complementary formation 85 at the open end member of in a sealing relationship. In particular, the sealing formation iprises a bevelled surface 81 facing partially in the general upport 21. The complementary formation 85 of the filter velled surface 86 facing partially in the general direction of the 16 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 19/32 mounting means 20 and whi sealing surface 81 of the en outside perimeter of the a formation 86 of the open end a step or shoulder surroundir therefrom.

The annular body 7 support 21 affixed to the I moulding process. To achi materials can be used, sud preformed mouldings showr the other of which is surrou can be moulded with the location and alignment so position. As shown in Fij numbers can obviously be t The annular body central outlet hole 75. Th.

away from the intake volut of the downstream fluid p wall 71 of the housing The embodiment o reference numerals are us mounting means 25 includ for fluid passage therethrc ch engages with the bevelled surface 81. The bevelled 1 mount comprises a male surface extending around the nular body 77 and a complementary bevelled sealing member 18 comprises a female bevelled surface formed in g the opening in the end member 18 and spaced outwardly 7 comprises a moulded annular body having the central ,ody by being embedded in the moulding as part of the eve this, any suitable plastics, synthetic rubber, or similar as polyurethane. The annular body 77 and the annular in Fig. 3, one of which is surrounding the outlet hole 75 and ading the outer periphery and defining the sealing formation central support 21 being held in a suitable jig for its accurate that the filter element 10 is accurately located and held in 5, there may be three upright support rods 21 a but other sed.

77 has a bevelled surface 76 surrounding and defining the t bevelled surface 76 forms a sealing surface facing partially ae 15 and forms a seal with the complementary male member ith, namely the outer surface 73 of the spigot 72 in the base f Fig. 4 is in most respects the same as Fig. 3 and the same dx for corresponding parts. In this embodiment however the es an internally threaded connector 90 having a central hole 91 ugh. The connector 90 faces away from the annular body 77 17 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 20/32 so as to be fitted to a comple path which can, as illustnr T-junction having a lateral mounted to the annular boc body 77 during the mouldi: form a seal with the lower s providing a sealing gasket, time of assembly.

Jn the embodiments means, although different t( applied to central rod 5 element. In particular, the I relationship of its open end shown in Fig.3, or shown s from the end of the cylindri embodiment of Fig. 3, the example a removable lid c spring on its under surface nentary threaded male connector 95 of the downstream fluid ted, consist of a. conventional plumbing fitting such as nspection port or water inlet 96. The connector 90 can be y 77 by means of bolts 92 which can be embedded in the [g process. The upper surface 93 of the connector 90 can irface of the annular body 77 in any convenient way, e.g. by sealing ring, or a bead of silicone or the like applied at the of Figs. 3 and 4 there may be provided other releasable the retention of the filter element by means of the wing nut Sand holding the top cap 17 clamped down onto the filter Iter element in Figs. 3 and 4 is preferably urged into sealing nember 18 with the filter mount 20 by releasable means (not hemnatically by numeral 98 in Fig. 4) acting in the direction :al body 10 remote from the open end 18. In the case of the releasable means acting in that direction may comprise for cap of the housing 70 having for example a compression o that when the lid is fitted to the housing, the filter element is urged by the spring downwardly and the complementary sealing surfaces 86 and 81 are urged into and maintaii generally U-shape strap or I tension applied to that strap connector fitting 95, 96. T line 98.

,ed in sealing relationship. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, a and may be passed over the top of the filter element 10, and e.g. by clips or clamps securing the strap at its ends to the his is schematically illustrated only in Fig. 4 by the broken 18 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-90901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 21/32 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 21/32 In the embodiment o the plumbing fitting 95 by s and connector 90 onto the fi the support 21 so that the of 20. The filter element 10 position. The assembly can drawn so that the water bein the intake volume 15 throug As shown in Fig. 6, multii to required volume and flow r, requirements.

It will be understoo can be made to the system i of the invention. For exam IS ends thereof which are oper the closed top disc 17 ma: position atop the filter ele embodiment, the only elem with an annular end meml pleated filter body.

For some possible E those forms having an ope arranged to locate and hold passed after having passec porous sleeve or bag (whic F Fig. 4, the mounting means 25 can be readily mounted to arewing the assembly consisting of the support 21, body 77 tting 95. The filter element 10 can then be readily slid over en end element 18 seals to the outer edge of the filter mount can then be clipped or clamped releasably in its operative be immersed in a body of water from which water is to be g drawn through the filter 10 is filtered before passing out of b the outlet holes 75 and 91 to the intake of the water pump.

lIc such assemblies can be installed in parallel so that the te of water can be achieved for higher water supply capacity i from the preceding description that various modifications ts described and illustrated without departing from the scope ile only, the filter element 10 may have end members at both ,similar to the illustrated open end member 18. In this case, be part of a removable filter mount which is secured in nent each time the filter element 10 is installed. In this .nt which is replaced comprises the cylindrical filter body 11 ,er extending around each of the two opposite ends of the pplications of the invention, the central support particularly n internal space as in the illustrated embodiments, can be therein a body of filter medium through which the filtrate is first through the cylindrical filter body. For example, a h can be selectively removed for replacement) containing a 19 COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09 I 09/03/2006 23:01 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 22/32 second filtering medium reactive media, etc.) can be I for water treatment involvi particulates.

Although initially de side installations, the systen side installations of the filter It is to be understood be made to the features of t] o1 herein described without de claims.

activated charcoal, diatom aceous earth, zeolite, other >laced inside the support 21. This can be particularly useful ig some chemical conditioning as well as the removal of veloped for, and particularly described in relation to, suction 1 and filter body of the invention can be used with pressure i.e. downstream of the pump.

that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may e possible and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention as parting from the scope of the invention as defined in the COMS ID No: SBMI-02924031 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:05 Date 2006-03-09

Claims (4)

1. A fluid filtration system for use with a fluid moving means which has a fluid O Z intake and a fluid outlet through which pressurised fluid is discharged, the filtration system including: a filter element which has a cylindrical body composed of a filter medium and through which fluid is drawn when in use by suction to separate particulates from the o fluid, a central region of the cylindrical body constituting an intake volume from which \o fluid is drawn to enter the fluid intake of the moving means; end members located at both ends of the cylindrical body and which in use locate and support opposite ends of the cylindrical body in the required shape thereof, one of the end members being an open end member which provides an opening therein for the moving means to draw fluid from the intake volume into the fluid intake of the moving means; a filter mount separate from the filter elment knd which includes a central support around which the cylindrical body of the filter element is located in use and which provides structural support to prevent the cylindrical body substantially deforming or collapsing inwardly in use. the filter element and end member being selectively removable from the filter mount including the central upport after ue; the filter mount further including a mounting means for releasably locating and retaining the filter element in position surrounding the central suDport so ftat the open end member having the opening therein is in communication with an outlet leading from the intake volume to the fluid intake of the moving means in use, the mounsLmeans enabling selective release of the filter element and associated end members from the central suport whilcentral entral support remains in position associated with the outlet leading to the fluid intake of the mounting means. 21 COMS ID No: SBMI-05378653 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:08 Date 2006-11-16 16/11/2006 15:04 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 14/16 O

2. A system as claimed in claim I wherein the end member of the filter element remote from the open end member is a closed end member, and wherein both the open Z end member and the closed end member are moulded to opposite ends of the cylindrical body composed of the filter medium so as to seal the medium against passage of fluid around the ends of the cylindrical body and so as to define end members having functional formations for mounting of the filter element.

S3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the mounting means of the filter o mount comprises an end mount having: (N a central outlet through which in use fluid passes from the intake volume to the fluid intake of the moving means; an annular body to which the central support is fixed so as to extend away from the annular body and support the cylindrical body of the filter element, and a sealing formation located radially outwardly beyond the central support and with which a complementary formation of the open end member of the filter clement forms a scaling relationship.

4. A filter element for use in a fluid filtration system having a fluid moving means having a fluid intake and a fluid outlet through which pressurised fluid is discharged, the filter element including: a cylindrical body composed of a filter medium and through which fluid is drawn when in use by suction to separate particulates from the fluid, a central region of the cylindrical body constituting an intake volume from which fluid is drawn to enter the -fluid intake of the moving means; end members located at both ends of the cylindrical body and which in use locate and support opposite ends of the cylindrical body in the required shape thereof, one of the end members being an open end member which provides an opening therein. for the 22 COMS ID No: SBMI-05378653 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:08 Date 2006-11-16 16/11/2006 15:04 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 15/15 VO Smoving means to draw fluid from the intake volume into the fluid intake of the moving means, the end member of the filter element remote from the open end member being a Z closed end member, both the open end member and the closed end member being S moulded to opposite ends of the cylindrical body composed of the filter medium so as to seal the medium against passage of fluid around the ends of the cylindrical body and so as to define end members having functional formations for mounting of the filter O element; o the filter element being arranged to be installed and used with a filter mount larate fom the filter element ad which includes a central support around which the cylindrical body of the filter element is located in use and which provides structural support to prevent the cylindrical body substantially deforming or collapsing inwardly in use. the filter element and end members bei seletivelyrevable rom the fiter mount incl.udw the central support after use; the filter mount further including a mounting means for releasably locating and retaining the filter element in position surrondina the central su ortso that the open end member having the opening therein is in communication with an outlet leading from the intake volume to the fluid intake of the moving means in use, the mounting means enabling selective release of the filter element and associated end. members from the central support whilst the central support mains in position associated with the outlet leading to the fluid intake of the mounting means the mounting means of the filter mount comprising an end mount having: a central outlet through which in use fluid passes from the intake volume to the fluid intake of the moving means,- an annular body to which the central support is fixed so as to extend away from the annular body and support the cylindrical body of the filter element, and a sealing formation located radially outwardly beyond the central support and with which a complementary formation of the open end member of the filter element forms a 23 COMS ID No: SBMI-05378653 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:08 Date 2006-11-16 16/11/2006 15:04 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 16/16 O sealing relationship, the sealing formation of the end mount comprising a bevelled CA surface facing partially in the general direction of the central support; O Z wherein the complementary formation of the open end member of the filter element comprises a bevelled surface facing partially in the general direction of the mounting means and which engages with the bevelled surface of the end mount. A filter element as claimed in claim 4 wherein the complementary bevelled Sscaling formation of the open end member of the filter element comprises a female o bevelled surface formed in a step or shoulder surrounding the opening in the end member and spaced radially outwardly therefrom, the sealing formation of the open end member being operable to form a sealing relationship to the bevelled sealing surface of the end mount which comprises a male surface extending around the outside of the annular body. edi--9 Ma rch4 006 :FY-6nlCA44-PT-L 4 24 COMS ID No: SBMI-05378653 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:08 Date 2006-11-16