CA2206948A1 - Waste water grease filter - Google Patents
Waste water grease filterInfo
- Publication number
- CA2206948A1 CA2206948A1 CA002206948A CA2206948A CA2206948A1 CA 2206948 A1 CA2206948 A1 CA 2206948A1 CA 002206948 A CA002206948 A CA 002206948A CA 2206948 A CA2206948 A CA 2206948A CA 2206948 A1 CA2206948 A1 CA 2206948A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- waste water
- filter
- collector body
- aperture
- removable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 148
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 92
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 10
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000010865 sewage Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000002910 solid waste Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 3
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000010813 municipal solid waste Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001473 noxious effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 206010061217 Infestation Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000011368 organic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000005416 organic matter Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000035943 smell Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000007594 Oryza sativa Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007164 Oryza sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000297 Rayon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920004933 Terylene® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010411 cooking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010806 kitchen waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010841 municipal wastewater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002964 rayon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000009566 rice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
- B01D29/11—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements
- B01D29/13—Supported filter elements
- B01D29/23—Supported filter elements arranged for outward flow filtration
- B01D29/25—Supported filter elements arranged for outward flow filtration open-ended the arrival of the mixture to be filtered and the discharge of the concentrated mixture are situated on both opposite sides of the filtering element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
- B01D29/11—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements
- B01D29/13—Supported filter elements
- B01D29/23—Supported filter elements arranged for outward flow filtration
- B01D29/27—Filter bags
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/40—Devices for separating or removing fatty or oily substances or similar floating material
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
- E03F5/00—Sewerage structures
- E03F5/14—Devices for separating liquid or solid substances from sewage, e.g. sand or sludge traps, rakes or grates
- E03F5/16—Devices for separating oil, water or grease from sewage in drains leading to the main sewer
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
Abstract
A waste water filter system has a collector body a disposable filter positioned within the collector body which retains particulate matter and grease while not retaining waste water; and an access aperture in the collector body for removing and replacing the filter.
Description
Title: WASTE WATER GREASE FILTER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system with a removable filter 5 for filtering particulate matter and/or grease from waste water. In one embodiment, this invention relates to a filtration unit for removing grease and solid organic material from waste water, such as the waste water that is produced in an industrial kitchen (such as a restaurant kitchen) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Water is heavily used in industrial, commercial and residential settings during the preparation of food including the cleaning of containers, cookware and utensils used in cooking. This produces a 15 consequent amount of waste water which typically contains a substantial amount of organic matter, including solid particulate matter and grease. Grease which enters the public sewage ~y~Lem may be treated at sewage treatment plants at a substantial cost. In industrial and commercial settings, some local governments mandate the use of 20 grease trap collection units to minimize the volume of grease entering the public sewage system.
The construction of grease traps is known in the art. Standard grease trap collection units consist of settling tanks for the collection of grease and other organic matter. The grease trap collection units are 25 typically positioned as part of the waste water flow path from the source of the waste water (eg. a kitchen) to, eg., a municipal waste water line. The grease trap collection units may not separate grease from the waste water efficiently as the flow therethrough deters the settling out of the grease. As grease and solid particulate matter build 30 up in the grease trap, the efficiency of the grease trap tends to decrease.
Excessive grease in waste water systems may result in excessive bacteria, may attract vermin or insects, may cause blocked pipes and reduced flow rates in sinks, and may allow noxious odours to enter a kitchen through waste water drains. Accordingly, standard grease trap collection units may require the regular service of a grease removal specialist to empty the trap and dispose of the grease and other matter that has built up therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the instant invention, there is provided a waste water filter system for removing solid organic particulate matter 10 and grease from waste water comprising:
(a) a collector body having an inflow aperture for receiving the waste water, an outflow aperture and an inner surface, the collector body defining a flow path for the waste water extending in a forward flow direction from the inflow aperture, through the collector body, and out the outflow aperture;
(b) a removable filter for removing a portion of the solid organic particulate matter and grease from the waste water, the removable filter positioned in the collector body between the inflow aperture and the outflow aperture, the removable filter having an outer surface and a reservoir for storing the solid organic particulate matter and grease removed from the waste water, said removable filter being expandable as it fills, the removable filter sized so that, when the reservoir is full, at least a portion of the outer surface of the removable filter is spaced from the inner surface of the collector body and defines a passageway in flow communication with the outflow aperture; and, (c) a retainer for releasably securing the removable filter in the collector body.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is 30 provided a waste water filter system for removing particulate matter and grease from waste water, the waste water filter system including a waste water supply line in flow communication with a source of waste water containing particulate matter and grease, a filtration unit positioned downstream from the supply line and a grease trap positioned downstream from the filtration unit, the filtration unit comprlsmg:
(a) a collector body having an inflow aperture for receiving the waste water, an outflow aperture and an inner surface, the collector body defining a flow path for the waste water extending in a forward flow direction from the inflow aperture, through the collector body, and out the outflow aperture;
(b) a removable filter for removing particulate matter from the waste water, the removable filter positioned in the collector body between the inflow aperture and the outflow aperture, the removable filter having an outer surface and a reservoir for storing the particulate matter removed from the waste water; and, (c) a retainer for releasably securing the removable filter in the collector body whereby the waste water exiting the filter contains a reduced amount of particulate matter and a reduced amount of particulate matter lodges in the grease trap.
In one embodiment, the removable filter comprises a filter bag having an inflow aperture in flow communication with the inflow aperture of the collector body whereby the waste water flows through the inflow aperture of the collector body, through the inflow aperture of the removable filter and through the removable filter with at least a 25 portion of the grease remaining in the removable filter. Preferably, the removable filter has openings sized to prevent fine particulate matter such as rice from flowing therethrough.
The removable filter bag may be made from a fabric material and preferably a grease retaining fabric. Preferably, the filter bag expands as 30 it fills with waste material. The removable filter may comprise an elastic material. Preferably, the elastic material stretches in both the machine direction and the cross direction. The material of the removable filter may have a needle count from about 300 to about 500 and more preferably from about 300 to about 400. The openings in the removable filter are preferably sized to retain more than 50%, and preferably more than more than 75%, of the grease and particulate 5 matter that enters the waste water filter system.
In another embodiment, the waste water filter system further comprises a support for supporting a portion of the removable filter as the removable filter is filled with waste material. The support may comprise a cradle and the collector body may have a cradle support 10 located on the inner surface thereof for supporting the cradle below the removable filter whereby the lower surface of the removable filter rests on the cradle as the removable filter is filled with waste material.
In another embodiment, the collector body further comprises a bypass for diverting waste water from the inflow aperture of the 15 removable filter. Accordingly, if waste water having a high solids content and a low grease content is to be produced, then this may be diverted around the removable filter instead of the removable filter becoming quickly filled with the solids. The bypass may comprise a bypass aperture positioned on the collector body in flow 20 communication with the passageway. Aternately, if waste water having a high solids content and a low grease content is to be produced, then this may be diverted around the removable filter and around the grease trap, to prevent the grease trap becoming filled with the solids and not grease.
In order to assist in the removal of the removeable filter, the collector body may have a disposal aperture sized to permit the removal of the removable filter when the removable filter is full of waste material, and the retainer may comprise a member for releasably securing the inflow aperture of the filter bag in flow communication with the inflow aperture of the collector body and a member for releasably covering said disposal aperture.
In a further embodiment, the waste water filter system further comprises a pump positioned in the flow path upstream of the outflow aperture for pumping the waste water through the outflow aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other advantages of the present invention will be more fully and particularly understood in conjunction with the following description of the following drawings of preferred embodiments of the 10 invention in which:
Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a waste water filter system, taken along the line A-A of Figure 2.
Figure 2 is a top cross-sectional view of a waste water filter system, taken along the line A-A of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a waste water filter system, taken along the line A-A of Figure 4.
Figure 4 is a top cross-sectional view of a waste water filter system, taken along the line A-A of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a perspective cut-away view of the interior of a waste 20 water filter system.
Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of a waste water filter system of the present invention, with dotted lines showing some interior detail of the filter system, shown when connected to a kitchen waste water flow path.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For the purposes of promoting and understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be 30 used to describe the same.
Figure 1 is a preferred embodiment of a waste water filter system.
The waste filter system comprises collector body or filtration unit 14 which has inner surface 16, outer surface 18, a reservoir 26, inflow aperture means 10, outflow aperture means 12 and access aperture 28.
Filter means 20 is provided within collector body 14 and has inner surface 22 and outer surface 24. Between filter means 20 and reservoir 5 26 is cradle 32.
As shown in Figure 1, waste water containing particulate matter and grease enters collector body 14 through inflow aperture means 10.
The waste water flows through filter means 20, from inner surface 22 to outer surface 24, and leaves collector body 14 via outflow aperture 10 means 12. Filter means 20 retains a portion of the grease and particulate matter that is too large to pass through filter means 20.
Over time, as waste water flows through the system, filter means 20 fills with grease and other solid or viscous matter in the waste water.
From time to time, or as required, filter means 20 may be removed and 15 replaced with an empty filter means 20, through means of access aperture 28.
Collector body has an internal cavity for receiving filter means 20.
The size of the cavity in collector body 14 may vary depending upon, for example, the anticipated grease content of the waste water, the daily 20 flow of waste water and the period of time between replacement of filter means 20. For example, the cavity in collector body 14 may be sized so that filter means 20 need only be changed once a day. The cavity and filter means 20 are respectively sized so that, when filter means 20 is full, at least a portion of outer surface 24 of filter means 20 25 is spaced from inner surface 16 of collector body 14 to define passageway 84 which is in flow communication with outflow aperture means 12.
Collector body 14 is preferable made from a light-weight, high strength polymer, such as plastic. Alternately, collector body 14 may be 30 made from other moldable polymers or from metal or fiberglass.
Filter means 20 is preferably positioned in flow communication with inflow aperture means 10 such that substantially all, and more preferably all, of the waste water flowing through input aperture means 10 passes through filter means 20. Accordingly, inflow aperture means 10 may have passageway 36 extending from outer opening 41, through inflow aperture 10, to inner opening 43. Inflow aperture 5 means 10 has a neck portion 36' which, at one end, is in flow communication with passageway 36 and, at the other end thereof, has inner opening 43. Outer opening 41 is sized to receive a waste water conduit as shown in Figure 6. Preferably, inflow aperture means 10 is positioned in the upper portion of collector body 14 so that the water 10 flows through collector body 14 by gravity feed.
Filter means 20 is releasably positioned in collector body 14 so that, for example, it may be removed from collector body 14 when it is full of grease and other matter and requires emptying. When filter means 20 is full, it may be removed from collector body 14, cleaned 15 and resecured in collector body 14. Preferably, filter means 20 is disposable whereby, when filter means 20 is full, it may be removed from collector body 14 and discarded and a new filter means 20 may be placed in collector body 14.
Filter means 20 may be any filter material which is capable of 20 filtering solid organic particulate matter from water. Filter means 20 may comprise a mesh or other porous material which has openings sufficiently small to allow liquids to pass from filter inner surface 22 to outer surface 24, while not allowing a substantial portion of the solid organic particulate matter to pass from filter inner surface 22 to outer 25 surface 24. Filter means 20 may be a fabric and is preferably expandable so as to expand as filter means 20 fills. More preferably, the fabric is elastic. Most preferably, the fabric is elastic in both the machine direction and the cross direction.
The use of an elastic material has several advantages. First, the 30 use of an elastic material may prevent premature rupture of the filter means. By using an elastic material, filter means 20 may expand when the rate of flow of waste water is high. Thus expansion increases the size of the openings in the filter material to allow for a larger flow rate therethrough. Secondly, as grease and solid materials accumulate within filter means 20, filter means 20 may expand to hold additional waste material. Thirdly, as waste material accumulates in filter means 5 20, the pores in the filter means will become blocked. As the filter means expands, the size of the pores will increase thus permitting more of the filter means to continue to effectively function as a filter.
Preferably, the material expands at a rate such that the pores in the filter means do not increase so as to allow the excessive flow 10 therethrough of waste material. The openings in the removable filter are preferably sized to retain more than 50%, and preferably more than more than 75%, of the grease and particulate matter that enters the waste water filter system.
The fabric may have a needle count from about 300 to about 500, 15 more preferably from about 300 to about 400 and most preferably about 350. Such material may trap up to 80 or 90% of the solid organic particulate matter that enters the filter. Surprisingly, it has been found that, in addition to filtering a substantial portion of the solid organic material from waste water, these material are also effective at filtering 20 grease from the waste water.
The amount of grease which is filtered will vary depending upon several factors including the temperature of the water entering filter means 20, the size of the pores in filter means 20 and the hold up time in filter means 20. ~y positioning the filtration unit distal from a waste 25 water source, such as a kitchen sink, the waste water will lose some heat as it travels to the filtration unit. As the waste water enters the filtration unit, depending upon the size of the pores, it will remain in the filter means for an additional period of time. This provides an opportunity for the grease to change from a fluid state to a more 30 viscous state. For example, the grease may gel or solidify. Due to the pore sizes of filter member 20, the gelled or solidified grease will tend to remain in the filtration unit decreasing the grease load in the waste water exiting the filtration unit and entering a grease trap posityoned downstream therefrom. Thus, instead of a grease trap having to be cleaned, for example, once a day, it may only have to be service, for example, one a week or once a month.
Filter means 20 may be made of various fabrics such as nylon, or another synthetic polyamide fibre having a protein-like structure, with tough, lightweight, elastic properties. Alternately, filter means 20 may be made of cotton, rayon, terylene, or other fabric known in the art.
Filter means 20 may be of any particular shape which may be 10 placed in the flow path of the waste water to filter particulate matter and grease in the waste water. Filter means 20 preferably also includes a reservoir or other storage means for storing grease and solid matter filtered from the waste water. In one embodiment, filter means 20 comprises a longitudinally extending bag having an opening at one 15 end thereof. Thus, filter means 20, when empty may be a hollow cylindrical member which is sealed at one end, and may expand as shown in Figure 5 as said accumulation occurs.
To facilitate the removal of filter means 20 from collector body 14, filter means 20 is preferably releasably secured to inflow aperture 20 means 10 by any means known in the art. As shown, in Figures 1 and 3, filter means 20 may be releasably secured by a releasable locking means, for example clamp 54 or like means, to neck portion 36'. Clamp 54 may comprise a longitudinally extending member which is threadingly engaged in head 80. Head 80 has a screw 82 which, when 25 rotated, draws the longitudinally extending member through head 80 to tighten clamp 54. The open end of filter means 20 is positioned around neck portion 36' and clamp 54 is then placed around filter means 20 and tightened to create an interference or friction fit, thus securing filter means 20 in a desired position in a flow path. As the 30 weight of filter means 20 increases during use, the frictional fit secures filter means 20 to inflow aperture means 10 so that filter means 20 does not separate from inflow filter means 10. Other suitable securing means known in the art which may be used to secure filter means 20 in position, including locking pins, spring clip fasteners and set screws.
Access aperture 28 is provided to facilitate the removal of filter 5 means 20. Preferably, access aperture 28 is large enough to permit the removal of filter means 20 when filter means 20 is full with grease and solid wastes. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, cover 52 is preferably provided to releasable engage with collector body 14 such that, when engaged, access aperture 28 is closed. Access aperture 28 may have a 10 threaded exterior surface 28' which engages threaded interior surface 52' of cover 52 so that cover 52 may be releasably secured on access cover 28 by screwing cover 52 thereon. Covering access aperture 28 may prevent noxious smells from being emitted from collector body 14, and may prevent infestation by vermin, insects, and airborne 15 microorganisms.
In an embodiment of the invention, inflow aperture means 10 may be sized so that it is rotatably mounted in collector body 14.
Further, inflow aperture means 10 may be integrally formed with collector body 14 or it may be releasably secured to collector body 14. In 20 the latter case, the portion of passageway 36 having outer opening 41 may be positioned exterior to outer surface 18 of collector body 14 and the portion of inflow aperture means 10 having opening 43 may be positioned in collector body 14. Inflow aperture means 10 has shoulder members 86 so that inflow aperture means 10 may be seated on 25 collector body 14. Inflow aperture means 10 may be releasably secured to collector body 14 by male and female engagement members. For example, inflow aperture means 10 may have threaded exterior surface 10' which is sized to threadingly receive securing ring 56 having threaded surface 56'. Other suitable connection means known in the 30 art which may be used to secure inflow aperture means 10 into position include clamps, locking pins, spring clip fasteners, and set screws. Alternately, inflow aperture means 10 may be secured by means such as glue or the like.
As seen in Figures 2 and 3, cradle 32 may be located in the flow path between filter means 20 and reservoir 26. Cradle 32 may provide a 5 platform for receiving the lower portion of filter means as grease accumulates in filter means 20. Thus, cradle 32 assists clamp 54 to retain filter means 20 in flow communication with inflow aperture means 10 despite the load caused by the filter's mechanical resistance to waste water passing through the filter and despite the load caused by 10 an accumulation of grease and solids retained in filter means 20.
Further, by supporting filter means 20, cradle 32 decreases the likelihood the filter means 20 may rip due to the load caused by the filter's mechanical resistance to waste water passing through the filter and the load caused by an accumulation of grease and solids retained 15 in filter means 20.
Cradle 32 may be releasably engaged with collector body 14 by means of cradle supports 34 positioned around inner surface 16 of collector body 14 (see Figure 5). Cradle supports 34 may comprise protrusions which extend into passageway 84. Cradle 32 may have 20 mating detents for receiving these protrusions.
Cradle 32 has openings to permit water to pass therethrough and is preferably made from a non-elastic material and may be a mesh.
Cradle 32 is may be made from a light-weight, high strength polymer, such as non-elastic plastic. Alternately, cradle 32 may be made from 25 other moldable polymers or from metal or fiberglass.
Optionally, collector body 14 may further comprise bypass means for bypassing filter means 20 when, for example, the waste water has a high solids content (other than grease) which may rapidly fill filter means 20. In such a case, collector body may have bypass aperture 42 in 30 flow communication with passageway 84. Bypass aperture 42 may have a passageway 30 and an inflow aperture 31. Inflow aperture 31 is adapted to be connected in flow communication with a waste water conduit which in turn may be in flow communication with, for example, a garbage disposal unit. Thus, a flow path may comprise a flow from a garbage disposal unit to inflow aperture 31, through passageway 30 and into collector body 14. In this embodiment, cradle 5 32 may be a fine or semi-fine mesh which may retain such solid materials which flow from said garbage disposal unit, through bypass aperture 42 to cradle 32. From time to time access aperture cover 52 may be removed and solid wastes may be removed from cradle 32 through access aperture 28, to facilitate the flow of waste water through 10 cradle 32. Alternately, the mesh of cradle 32 may be sized to allow such solid material to pass therethrough.
Inflow aperture 31 may have a removable cover so that, if bypass aperture 42 is not required, it may be sealed. For example, inflow aperture 31 may have a threaded exterior surface for receiving in 15 threaded engagement cap 44. Covering inflow aperture 31 may prevent noxious smells from being emitted from collector body 14, and may prevent infestation by vermin, insects, and airborne microorganisms.
Reservoir 26 is provided below filter means 20 and provides an area in which water may accumulate as it flows out of collector body 14 through outflow aperture means 12. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, when installed, reservoir 26 is positioned higher than the downstream conduits which are attached to outflow conduit means 12. Accordingly, the waste water leaving collector body 14 may leave reservoir 26 by gravity feed.
In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 6, the waste water filter system further comprises pump 50 having a motor 51 which is located in reservoir 26 in the flow path between cradle 32 and outflow aperture means 12. Pump 50 is thus a means to propel, or assist in propelling, waste water out of reservoir 26 via outflow 30 aperture means 12. Pump 50 may be most effectively used when reservoir 26 is positioned lower than the location to which the waste water leaving collector body 14 is to be sent, as illustrated in Figure 6.
In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, collector body 14 may have a drain aperture 13 for facilitating the draining of reservoir 26, for example when the unit is to be removed for servicing. Drain aperture is preferably provided with a threaded cap 13' for releasably 5 sealing drain aperture 13.
As shown in Figure 6, the waste water filter system of the present invention may be used in association with a flow path of waste water from a kitchen or other place where waste water and grease are produced. In the embodiment of Figure 6 the illustrated flow path 10 includes grease trap 70, public sewage system 72, sewage vent 68, pipes 60-63, and valves 64-67. Waste water enters pipe 60 from sink 74, or a like source. Valve 64 may be closed and valve 65 may be open to provide a flow path which does not include the waste water filter system. This is desirable for permitting continued use of the sink, for 15 example when the waste water filter system is undergoing maintenance such as removal and replacement of filter means 20.
Alternatively, valve 65 may be closed and valve 64 may be opened to provide a flow path in flow communication with the waste water filter system. In this embodiment, waste water flows through pipe 59 20 and 61 and into the waste water filter system at inflow aperture means 10. A flexible conduit, for example a hose 68, may be inserted the flow path between sink 74 and inflow aperture means 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, for example, hose 68 may be inserted in the flOw path between pipe 61 and pipe 59, such that waste water 25 flows through pipe 61, through hose 68, through pipe 59, and through inflow conduit aperture 10 into the waste water filter system. The use of a flexible conduit in the flow path prior to the waste water filter system may facilitate installation and movement of the waste water filter system, and may provide greater flexibility in positioning the 30 waste water filter system within the waste water flow path.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the waste water filter system of the present invention is used in association with optional grease trap 70, which may be located in the flow path downstream the waste water filter system of the present invention. By use of the present invention, grease and solid wastes may be removed prior to the waste water entering grease trap 70. As a result, grease trap 70 may 5 operate more efficiently, and may require a lower frequency of maintenance. When filter means 20 fills with grease and solids, it may be disposed of using a normal solid waste disposal means. Further, there is less chance that the grease trap will prematurely fill will grease and solid material. Thus, less grease may therefore enter the public 10 sewage system, resulting in a reduction in the amount of grease processing at sewage treatment plants.
It will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is hereby intended. While the invention has been disclosed and described with reference to a limited number of embodiments, 15 those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various modifications, variations and additions to the process may be made, and it is therefore intended in the following claims to cover each such variation, addition and modification as falls within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such alterations and further modifications in 20 the illustrated device, and such applications of the principals of the invention as it is illustrated therein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates, are considered as included in the invention.
25 Example A filtration unit as shown in Figures 1-6 was provided with a filter bags made by Zens Hosiery Co. and having the following specifications:
Needle count: 401 Cylinder Size: 31/2 Start up Yarn: 30/2 Stretch Nylon Bardy Yarn: 40/1/S stretch nylon 40/1/Z stretch nylon Run out Yarn: 60/1 Cotton Knit Length: 16 inches Finish Length: 12 inches The filtration unit was placed upstream from a standard grease trap in an industrial kitchen and waste water containing grease and solid organic particulate material was passed therethrough. The 10 concentration of oil and grease in the waste water entering the filtration unit and in the waste water exiting from the filtration unit was measeured. In addition, the biologic oxygen demand (BOD) and the total suspended solids (TSS) in the waste water entering the filtration unit and in the waste water exiting from the filtration unit 15 was also measeured. The results are set out below.
Sample C. ~n. ~ l i. ,. .c Parameter Test # 1 Test # 1 C~o-~ffiri~nt of Test # 2 Test # 2 Coefficient of into Rino Out of Rino Efficiency into Rino Out of Rino Efficiency Oil and 3.54% 0.07% 98% 4.98% 1.18% 76%
Grease BOD 2,400 PPM 1,470 PPM 39% 3,000 PPM 1,760 PPM 41%
TSS 14,567 PPM 747 PPM 95% 3,557 PPM 2,967 PPM 17%
As can be seen from the foregoing table, the filtration unit was surprisingly efficient in removing not only solid material from the 20 waste water but also in removing a large proportion of the oil and grease from the waste water.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system with a removable filter 5 for filtering particulate matter and/or grease from waste water. In one embodiment, this invention relates to a filtration unit for removing grease and solid organic material from waste water, such as the waste water that is produced in an industrial kitchen (such as a restaurant kitchen) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Water is heavily used in industrial, commercial and residential settings during the preparation of food including the cleaning of containers, cookware and utensils used in cooking. This produces a 15 consequent amount of waste water which typically contains a substantial amount of organic matter, including solid particulate matter and grease. Grease which enters the public sewage ~y~Lem may be treated at sewage treatment plants at a substantial cost. In industrial and commercial settings, some local governments mandate the use of 20 grease trap collection units to minimize the volume of grease entering the public sewage system.
The construction of grease traps is known in the art. Standard grease trap collection units consist of settling tanks for the collection of grease and other organic matter. The grease trap collection units are 25 typically positioned as part of the waste water flow path from the source of the waste water (eg. a kitchen) to, eg., a municipal waste water line. The grease trap collection units may not separate grease from the waste water efficiently as the flow therethrough deters the settling out of the grease. As grease and solid particulate matter build 30 up in the grease trap, the efficiency of the grease trap tends to decrease.
Excessive grease in waste water systems may result in excessive bacteria, may attract vermin or insects, may cause blocked pipes and reduced flow rates in sinks, and may allow noxious odours to enter a kitchen through waste water drains. Accordingly, standard grease trap collection units may require the regular service of a grease removal specialist to empty the trap and dispose of the grease and other matter that has built up therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the instant invention, there is provided a waste water filter system for removing solid organic particulate matter 10 and grease from waste water comprising:
(a) a collector body having an inflow aperture for receiving the waste water, an outflow aperture and an inner surface, the collector body defining a flow path for the waste water extending in a forward flow direction from the inflow aperture, through the collector body, and out the outflow aperture;
(b) a removable filter for removing a portion of the solid organic particulate matter and grease from the waste water, the removable filter positioned in the collector body between the inflow aperture and the outflow aperture, the removable filter having an outer surface and a reservoir for storing the solid organic particulate matter and grease removed from the waste water, said removable filter being expandable as it fills, the removable filter sized so that, when the reservoir is full, at least a portion of the outer surface of the removable filter is spaced from the inner surface of the collector body and defines a passageway in flow communication with the outflow aperture; and, (c) a retainer for releasably securing the removable filter in the collector body.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is 30 provided a waste water filter system for removing particulate matter and grease from waste water, the waste water filter system including a waste water supply line in flow communication with a source of waste water containing particulate matter and grease, a filtration unit positioned downstream from the supply line and a grease trap positioned downstream from the filtration unit, the filtration unit comprlsmg:
(a) a collector body having an inflow aperture for receiving the waste water, an outflow aperture and an inner surface, the collector body defining a flow path for the waste water extending in a forward flow direction from the inflow aperture, through the collector body, and out the outflow aperture;
(b) a removable filter for removing particulate matter from the waste water, the removable filter positioned in the collector body between the inflow aperture and the outflow aperture, the removable filter having an outer surface and a reservoir for storing the particulate matter removed from the waste water; and, (c) a retainer for releasably securing the removable filter in the collector body whereby the waste water exiting the filter contains a reduced amount of particulate matter and a reduced amount of particulate matter lodges in the grease trap.
In one embodiment, the removable filter comprises a filter bag having an inflow aperture in flow communication with the inflow aperture of the collector body whereby the waste water flows through the inflow aperture of the collector body, through the inflow aperture of the removable filter and through the removable filter with at least a 25 portion of the grease remaining in the removable filter. Preferably, the removable filter has openings sized to prevent fine particulate matter such as rice from flowing therethrough.
The removable filter bag may be made from a fabric material and preferably a grease retaining fabric. Preferably, the filter bag expands as 30 it fills with waste material. The removable filter may comprise an elastic material. Preferably, the elastic material stretches in both the machine direction and the cross direction. The material of the removable filter may have a needle count from about 300 to about 500 and more preferably from about 300 to about 400. The openings in the removable filter are preferably sized to retain more than 50%, and preferably more than more than 75%, of the grease and particulate 5 matter that enters the waste water filter system.
In another embodiment, the waste water filter system further comprises a support for supporting a portion of the removable filter as the removable filter is filled with waste material. The support may comprise a cradle and the collector body may have a cradle support 10 located on the inner surface thereof for supporting the cradle below the removable filter whereby the lower surface of the removable filter rests on the cradle as the removable filter is filled with waste material.
In another embodiment, the collector body further comprises a bypass for diverting waste water from the inflow aperture of the 15 removable filter. Accordingly, if waste water having a high solids content and a low grease content is to be produced, then this may be diverted around the removable filter instead of the removable filter becoming quickly filled with the solids. The bypass may comprise a bypass aperture positioned on the collector body in flow 20 communication with the passageway. Aternately, if waste water having a high solids content and a low grease content is to be produced, then this may be diverted around the removable filter and around the grease trap, to prevent the grease trap becoming filled with the solids and not grease.
In order to assist in the removal of the removeable filter, the collector body may have a disposal aperture sized to permit the removal of the removable filter when the removable filter is full of waste material, and the retainer may comprise a member for releasably securing the inflow aperture of the filter bag in flow communication with the inflow aperture of the collector body and a member for releasably covering said disposal aperture.
In a further embodiment, the waste water filter system further comprises a pump positioned in the flow path upstream of the outflow aperture for pumping the waste water through the outflow aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other advantages of the present invention will be more fully and particularly understood in conjunction with the following description of the following drawings of preferred embodiments of the 10 invention in which:
Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a waste water filter system, taken along the line A-A of Figure 2.
Figure 2 is a top cross-sectional view of a waste water filter system, taken along the line A-A of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a waste water filter system, taken along the line A-A of Figure 4.
Figure 4 is a top cross-sectional view of a waste water filter system, taken along the line A-A of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a perspective cut-away view of the interior of a waste 20 water filter system.
Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of a waste water filter system of the present invention, with dotted lines showing some interior detail of the filter system, shown when connected to a kitchen waste water flow path.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For the purposes of promoting and understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be 30 used to describe the same.
Figure 1 is a preferred embodiment of a waste water filter system.
The waste filter system comprises collector body or filtration unit 14 which has inner surface 16, outer surface 18, a reservoir 26, inflow aperture means 10, outflow aperture means 12 and access aperture 28.
Filter means 20 is provided within collector body 14 and has inner surface 22 and outer surface 24. Between filter means 20 and reservoir 5 26 is cradle 32.
As shown in Figure 1, waste water containing particulate matter and grease enters collector body 14 through inflow aperture means 10.
The waste water flows through filter means 20, from inner surface 22 to outer surface 24, and leaves collector body 14 via outflow aperture 10 means 12. Filter means 20 retains a portion of the grease and particulate matter that is too large to pass through filter means 20.
Over time, as waste water flows through the system, filter means 20 fills with grease and other solid or viscous matter in the waste water.
From time to time, or as required, filter means 20 may be removed and 15 replaced with an empty filter means 20, through means of access aperture 28.
Collector body has an internal cavity for receiving filter means 20.
The size of the cavity in collector body 14 may vary depending upon, for example, the anticipated grease content of the waste water, the daily 20 flow of waste water and the period of time between replacement of filter means 20. For example, the cavity in collector body 14 may be sized so that filter means 20 need only be changed once a day. The cavity and filter means 20 are respectively sized so that, when filter means 20 is full, at least a portion of outer surface 24 of filter means 20 25 is spaced from inner surface 16 of collector body 14 to define passageway 84 which is in flow communication with outflow aperture means 12.
Collector body 14 is preferable made from a light-weight, high strength polymer, such as plastic. Alternately, collector body 14 may be 30 made from other moldable polymers or from metal or fiberglass.
Filter means 20 is preferably positioned in flow communication with inflow aperture means 10 such that substantially all, and more preferably all, of the waste water flowing through input aperture means 10 passes through filter means 20. Accordingly, inflow aperture means 10 may have passageway 36 extending from outer opening 41, through inflow aperture 10, to inner opening 43. Inflow aperture 5 means 10 has a neck portion 36' which, at one end, is in flow communication with passageway 36 and, at the other end thereof, has inner opening 43. Outer opening 41 is sized to receive a waste water conduit as shown in Figure 6. Preferably, inflow aperture means 10 is positioned in the upper portion of collector body 14 so that the water 10 flows through collector body 14 by gravity feed.
Filter means 20 is releasably positioned in collector body 14 so that, for example, it may be removed from collector body 14 when it is full of grease and other matter and requires emptying. When filter means 20 is full, it may be removed from collector body 14, cleaned 15 and resecured in collector body 14. Preferably, filter means 20 is disposable whereby, when filter means 20 is full, it may be removed from collector body 14 and discarded and a new filter means 20 may be placed in collector body 14.
Filter means 20 may be any filter material which is capable of 20 filtering solid organic particulate matter from water. Filter means 20 may comprise a mesh or other porous material which has openings sufficiently small to allow liquids to pass from filter inner surface 22 to outer surface 24, while not allowing a substantial portion of the solid organic particulate matter to pass from filter inner surface 22 to outer 25 surface 24. Filter means 20 may be a fabric and is preferably expandable so as to expand as filter means 20 fills. More preferably, the fabric is elastic. Most preferably, the fabric is elastic in both the machine direction and the cross direction.
The use of an elastic material has several advantages. First, the 30 use of an elastic material may prevent premature rupture of the filter means. By using an elastic material, filter means 20 may expand when the rate of flow of waste water is high. Thus expansion increases the size of the openings in the filter material to allow for a larger flow rate therethrough. Secondly, as grease and solid materials accumulate within filter means 20, filter means 20 may expand to hold additional waste material. Thirdly, as waste material accumulates in filter means 5 20, the pores in the filter means will become blocked. As the filter means expands, the size of the pores will increase thus permitting more of the filter means to continue to effectively function as a filter.
Preferably, the material expands at a rate such that the pores in the filter means do not increase so as to allow the excessive flow 10 therethrough of waste material. The openings in the removable filter are preferably sized to retain more than 50%, and preferably more than more than 75%, of the grease and particulate matter that enters the waste water filter system.
The fabric may have a needle count from about 300 to about 500, 15 more preferably from about 300 to about 400 and most preferably about 350. Such material may trap up to 80 or 90% of the solid organic particulate matter that enters the filter. Surprisingly, it has been found that, in addition to filtering a substantial portion of the solid organic material from waste water, these material are also effective at filtering 20 grease from the waste water.
The amount of grease which is filtered will vary depending upon several factors including the temperature of the water entering filter means 20, the size of the pores in filter means 20 and the hold up time in filter means 20. ~y positioning the filtration unit distal from a waste 25 water source, such as a kitchen sink, the waste water will lose some heat as it travels to the filtration unit. As the waste water enters the filtration unit, depending upon the size of the pores, it will remain in the filter means for an additional period of time. This provides an opportunity for the grease to change from a fluid state to a more 30 viscous state. For example, the grease may gel or solidify. Due to the pore sizes of filter member 20, the gelled or solidified grease will tend to remain in the filtration unit decreasing the grease load in the waste water exiting the filtration unit and entering a grease trap posityoned downstream therefrom. Thus, instead of a grease trap having to be cleaned, for example, once a day, it may only have to be service, for example, one a week or once a month.
Filter means 20 may be made of various fabrics such as nylon, or another synthetic polyamide fibre having a protein-like structure, with tough, lightweight, elastic properties. Alternately, filter means 20 may be made of cotton, rayon, terylene, or other fabric known in the art.
Filter means 20 may be of any particular shape which may be 10 placed in the flow path of the waste water to filter particulate matter and grease in the waste water. Filter means 20 preferably also includes a reservoir or other storage means for storing grease and solid matter filtered from the waste water. In one embodiment, filter means 20 comprises a longitudinally extending bag having an opening at one 15 end thereof. Thus, filter means 20, when empty may be a hollow cylindrical member which is sealed at one end, and may expand as shown in Figure 5 as said accumulation occurs.
To facilitate the removal of filter means 20 from collector body 14, filter means 20 is preferably releasably secured to inflow aperture 20 means 10 by any means known in the art. As shown, in Figures 1 and 3, filter means 20 may be releasably secured by a releasable locking means, for example clamp 54 or like means, to neck portion 36'. Clamp 54 may comprise a longitudinally extending member which is threadingly engaged in head 80. Head 80 has a screw 82 which, when 25 rotated, draws the longitudinally extending member through head 80 to tighten clamp 54. The open end of filter means 20 is positioned around neck portion 36' and clamp 54 is then placed around filter means 20 and tightened to create an interference or friction fit, thus securing filter means 20 in a desired position in a flow path. As the 30 weight of filter means 20 increases during use, the frictional fit secures filter means 20 to inflow aperture means 10 so that filter means 20 does not separate from inflow filter means 10. Other suitable securing means known in the art which may be used to secure filter means 20 in position, including locking pins, spring clip fasteners and set screws.
Access aperture 28 is provided to facilitate the removal of filter 5 means 20. Preferably, access aperture 28 is large enough to permit the removal of filter means 20 when filter means 20 is full with grease and solid wastes. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, cover 52 is preferably provided to releasable engage with collector body 14 such that, when engaged, access aperture 28 is closed. Access aperture 28 may have a 10 threaded exterior surface 28' which engages threaded interior surface 52' of cover 52 so that cover 52 may be releasably secured on access cover 28 by screwing cover 52 thereon. Covering access aperture 28 may prevent noxious smells from being emitted from collector body 14, and may prevent infestation by vermin, insects, and airborne 15 microorganisms.
In an embodiment of the invention, inflow aperture means 10 may be sized so that it is rotatably mounted in collector body 14.
Further, inflow aperture means 10 may be integrally formed with collector body 14 or it may be releasably secured to collector body 14. In 20 the latter case, the portion of passageway 36 having outer opening 41 may be positioned exterior to outer surface 18 of collector body 14 and the portion of inflow aperture means 10 having opening 43 may be positioned in collector body 14. Inflow aperture means 10 has shoulder members 86 so that inflow aperture means 10 may be seated on 25 collector body 14. Inflow aperture means 10 may be releasably secured to collector body 14 by male and female engagement members. For example, inflow aperture means 10 may have threaded exterior surface 10' which is sized to threadingly receive securing ring 56 having threaded surface 56'. Other suitable connection means known in the 30 art which may be used to secure inflow aperture means 10 into position include clamps, locking pins, spring clip fasteners, and set screws. Alternately, inflow aperture means 10 may be secured by means such as glue or the like.
As seen in Figures 2 and 3, cradle 32 may be located in the flow path between filter means 20 and reservoir 26. Cradle 32 may provide a 5 platform for receiving the lower portion of filter means as grease accumulates in filter means 20. Thus, cradle 32 assists clamp 54 to retain filter means 20 in flow communication with inflow aperture means 10 despite the load caused by the filter's mechanical resistance to waste water passing through the filter and despite the load caused by 10 an accumulation of grease and solids retained in filter means 20.
Further, by supporting filter means 20, cradle 32 decreases the likelihood the filter means 20 may rip due to the load caused by the filter's mechanical resistance to waste water passing through the filter and the load caused by an accumulation of grease and solids retained 15 in filter means 20.
Cradle 32 may be releasably engaged with collector body 14 by means of cradle supports 34 positioned around inner surface 16 of collector body 14 (see Figure 5). Cradle supports 34 may comprise protrusions which extend into passageway 84. Cradle 32 may have 20 mating detents for receiving these protrusions.
Cradle 32 has openings to permit water to pass therethrough and is preferably made from a non-elastic material and may be a mesh.
Cradle 32 is may be made from a light-weight, high strength polymer, such as non-elastic plastic. Alternately, cradle 32 may be made from 25 other moldable polymers or from metal or fiberglass.
Optionally, collector body 14 may further comprise bypass means for bypassing filter means 20 when, for example, the waste water has a high solids content (other than grease) which may rapidly fill filter means 20. In such a case, collector body may have bypass aperture 42 in 30 flow communication with passageway 84. Bypass aperture 42 may have a passageway 30 and an inflow aperture 31. Inflow aperture 31 is adapted to be connected in flow communication with a waste water conduit which in turn may be in flow communication with, for example, a garbage disposal unit. Thus, a flow path may comprise a flow from a garbage disposal unit to inflow aperture 31, through passageway 30 and into collector body 14. In this embodiment, cradle 5 32 may be a fine or semi-fine mesh which may retain such solid materials which flow from said garbage disposal unit, through bypass aperture 42 to cradle 32. From time to time access aperture cover 52 may be removed and solid wastes may be removed from cradle 32 through access aperture 28, to facilitate the flow of waste water through 10 cradle 32. Alternately, the mesh of cradle 32 may be sized to allow such solid material to pass therethrough.
Inflow aperture 31 may have a removable cover so that, if bypass aperture 42 is not required, it may be sealed. For example, inflow aperture 31 may have a threaded exterior surface for receiving in 15 threaded engagement cap 44. Covering inflow aperture 31 may prevent noxious smells from being emitted from collector body 14, and may prevent infestation by vermin, insects, and airborne microorganisms.
Reservoir 26 is provided below filter means 20 and provides an area in which water may accumulate as it flows out of collector body 14 through outflow aperture means 12. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, when installed, reservoir 26 is positioned higher than the downstream conduits which are attached to outflow conduit means 12. Accordingly, the waste water leaving collector body 14 may leave reservoir 26 by gravity feed.
In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 6, the waste water filter system further comprises pump 50 having a motor 51 which is located in reservoir 26 in the flow path between cradle 32 and outflow aperture means 12. Pump 50 is thus a means to propel, or assist in propelling, waste water out of reservoir 26 via outflow 30 aperture means 12. Pump 50 may be most effectively used when reservoir 26 is positioned lower than the location to which the waste water leaving collector body 14 is to be sent, as illustrated in Figure 6.
In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, collector body 14 may have a drain aperture 13 for facilitating the draining of reservoir 26, for example when the unit is to be removed for servicing. Drain aperture is preferably provided with a threaded cap 13' for releasably 5 sealing drain aperture 13.
As shown in Figure 6, the waste water filter system of the present invention may be used in association with a flow path of waste water from a kitchen or other place where waste water and grease are produced. In the embodiment of Figure 6 the illustrated flow path 10 includes grease trap 70, public sewage system 72, sewage vent 68, pipes 60-63, and valves 64-67. Waste water enters pipe 60 from sink 74, or a like source. Valve 64 may be closed and valve 65 may be open to provide a flow path which does not include the waste water filter system. This is desirable for permitting continued use of the sink, for 15 example when the waste water filter system is undergoing maintenance such as removal and replacement of filter means 20.
Alternatively, valve 65 may be closed and valve 64 may be opened to provide a flow path in flow communication with the waste water filter system. In this embodiment, waste water flows through pipe 59 20 and 61 and into the waste water filter system at inflow aperture means 10. A flexible conduit, for example a hose 68, may be inserted the flow path between sink 74 and inflow aperture means 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, for example, hose 68 may be inserted in the flOw path between pipe 61 and pipe 59, such that waste water 25 flows through pipe 61, through hose 68, through pipe 59, and through inflow conduit aperture 10 into the waste water filter system. The use of a flexible conduit in the flow path prior to the waste water filter system may facilitate installation and movement of the waste water filter system, and may provide greater flexibility in positioning the 30 waste water filter system within the waste water flow path.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the waste water filter system of the present invention is used in association with optional grease trap 70, which may be located in the flow path downstream the waste water filter system of the present invention. By use of the present invention, grease and solid wastes may be removed prior to the waste water entering grease trap 70. As a result, grease trap 70 may 5 operate more efficiently, and may require a lower frequency of maintenance. When filter means 20 fills with grease and solids, it may be disposed of using a normal solid waste disposal means. Further, there is less chance that the grease trap will prematurely fill will grease and solid material. Thus, less grease may therefore enter the public 10 sewage system, resulting in a reduction in the amount of grease processing at sewage treatment plants.
It will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is hereby intended. While the invention has been disclosed and described with reference to a limited number of embodiments, 15 those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various modifications, variations and additions to the process may be made, and it is therefore intended in the following claims to cover each such variation, addition and modification as falls within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such alterations and further modifications in 20 the illustrated device, and such applications of the principals of the invention as it is illustrated therein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates, are considered as included in the invention.
25 Example A filtration unit as shown in Figures 1-6 was provided with a filter bags made by Zens Hosiery Co. and having the following specifications:
Needle count: 401 Cylinder Size: 31/2 Start up Yarn: 30/2 Stretch Nylon Bardy Yarn: 40/1/S stretch nylon 40/1/Z stretch nylon Run out Yarn: 60/1 Cotton Knit Length: 16 inches Finish Length: 12 inches The filtration unit was placed upstream from a standard grease trap in an industrial kitchen and waste water containing grease and solid organic particulate material was passed therethrough. The 10 concentration of oil and grease in the waste water entering the filtration unit and in the waste water exiting from the filtration unit was measeured. In addition, the biologic oxygen demand (BOD) and the total suspended solids (TSS) in the waste water entering the filtration unit and in the waste water exiting from the filtration unit 15 was also measeured. The results are set out below.
Sample C. ~n. ~ l i. ,. .c Parameter Test # 1 Test # 1 C~o-~ffiri~nt of Test # 2 Test # 2 Coefficient of into Rino Out of Rino Efficiency into Rino Out of Rino Efficiency Oil and 3.54% 0.07% 98% 4.98% 1.18% 76%
Grease BOD 2,400 PPM 1,470 PPM 39% 3,000 PPM 1,760 PPM 41%
TSS 14,567 PPM 747 PPM 95% 3,557 PPM 2,967 PPM 17%
As can be seen from the foregoing table, the filtration unit was surprisingly efficient in removing not only solid material from the 20 waste water but also in removing a large proportion of the oil and grease from the waste water.
Claims (27)
1. A waste water filter system for removing solid organic particulate matter and grease from waste water comprising:
(a) a collector body having an inflow aperture for receiving the waste water, an outflow aperture and an inner surface, said collector body defining a flow path for the waste water extending in a forward flow direction from said inflow aperture, through said collector body, and out said outflow aperture;
(b) a removable filter for removing a portion of the solid organic particulate matter and grease from the waste water, said removable filter positioned in said collector body between said inflow aperture and said outflow aperture, said removable filter having an outer surface and a reservoir for storing the solid organic particulate matter and grease removed from the waste water, said removable filter bag being expandable as it fills, said removable filter sized so that, when said reservoir is full, at least a portion of said outer surface of said removable filter is spaced from said inner surface of said collector body and defines a passageway in flow communication with said outflow aperture;
and, (c) a retainer for releasably securing said removable filter in said collector body.
(a) a collector body having an inflow aperture for receiving the waste water, an outflow aperture and an inner surface, said collector body defining a flow path for the waste water extending in a forward flow direction from said inflow aperture, through said collector body, and out said outflow aperture;
(b) a removable filter for removing a portion of the solid organic particulate matter and grease from the waste water, said removable filter positioned in said collector body between said inflow aperture and said outflow aperture, said removable filter having an outer surface and a reservoir for storing the solid organic particulate matter and grease removed from the waste water, said removable filter bag being expandable as it fills, said removable filter sized so that, when said reservoir is full, at least a portion of said outer surface of said removable filter is spaced from said inner surface of said collector body and defines a passageway in flow communication with said outflow aperture;
and, (c) a retainer for releasably securing said removable filter in said collector body.
2. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said removable filter comprises an elastic material.
3. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said elastic material stretches in both the machine direction and the cross direction.
4. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said removable filter comprises a grease retaining fabric.
5. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said removable filter has a needle count from about 300 to about 500.
6. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said removable filter has a needle count from about 300 to about 400.
7. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said the openings in the removable filter are sized to retain more than 50%
of the grease and particulate matter that enters the waste water filter system.
of the grease and particulate matter that enters the waste water filter system.
8. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said the openings in the removable filter are sized to retain more than 75%
of the grease and particulate matter that enters the waste water filter system.
of the grease and particulate matter that enters the waste water filter system.
9. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said removable filter comprises a filter bag having an inflow aperture in flow communication with said inflow aperture of said collector body whereby said waste water flows through said inflow aperture of said collector body, through said inflow aperture of said filter bag and through said removable filter with at least a portion of the particulate matter and grease remaining in said removable filter.
10. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 9 wherein said collector body has a disposal aperture sized to permit the removal of said removable filter when said removable filter is full particulate matter and grease, and said retainer for releasably securing said removable filter in said collector body comprises a member for releasably securing said inflow aperture of said removable filter bag in flow communication with said inflow aperture of said collector body and a member for releasably covering said disposal aperture.
11. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 10 wherein said waste water filter system further comprises a support for supporting a portion of said removable filter as said removable filter is filled.
12. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said removable filter has openings sized to prevent at least a portion of the particulate matter and grease from flowing therethrough.
13. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said waste water filter system further comprises a pump positioned in said flow path upstream of said outflow aperture for pumping the waste water through said outflow aperture.
14. A waste water filter system for removing particulate matter and grease from waste water, said waste water filter system including a waste water supply line in flow communication with a source of waste water containing particulate matter and grease, a filtration unit positioned downstream from said supply line and a grease trap positioned downstream from said filtration unit, said filtration unit comprising:
(a) a collector body having an inflow aperture for receiving the waste water, an outflow aperture and an inner surface, said collector body defining a flow path for the waste water extending in a forward flow direction from said inflow aperture, through said collector body, and out said outflow aperture;
(b) a removable filter for removing particulate matter from the waste water, said removable filter positioned in said collector body between said inflow aperture and said outflow aperture, said removable filter having an outer surface and a reservoir for storing the particulate matter removed from the waste water; and, (c) a retainer for releasably securing said removable filter in said collector body whereby the waste water exiting said filtration unit contains a reduced amount of particulate matter and a reduced amount of particulate matter lodges in the grease trap.
(a) a collector body having an inflow aperture for receiving the waste water, an outflow aperture and an inner surface, said collector body defining a flow path for the waste water extending in a forward flow direction from said inflow aperture, through said collector body, and out said outflow aperture;
(b) a removable filter for removing particulate matter from the waste water, said removable filter positioned in said collector body between said inflow aperture and said outflow aperture, said removable filter having an outer surface and a reservoir for storing the particulate matter removed from the waste water; and, (c) a retainer for releasably securing said removable filter in said collector body whereby the waste water exiting said filtration unit contains a reduced amount of particulate matter and a reduced amount of particulate matter lodges in the grease trap.
15. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said removable filter expands as it fills.
16. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said removable filter comprises an elastic material.
17. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 16 wherein said elastic material stretches in both the machine direction and the cross direction.
18. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said removable filter comprises a grease retaining fabric.
19. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said removable filter has a needle count from about 300 to about 500.
20. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said removable filter has a needle count from about 300 to about 400.
21. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said the openings in the removable filter are sized to retain more than 50%
of the particulate matter that enters the waste water filter system.
of the particulate matter that enters the waste water filter system.
22. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said the openings in the removable filter are sized to retain more than 75%
of the particulate matter that enters the waste water filter system.
of the particulate matter that enters the waste water filter system.
23. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said removable filter comprises a filter bag having an inflow aperture in flow communication with said inflow aperture of said collector body whereby said waste water flows through said inflow aperture of said collector body, through said inflow aperture of said filter bag and through said removable filter with at least a portion of the particulate matter and grease remaining in said removable filter.
24. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 23 wherein said collector body has a disposal aperture sized to permit the removal of said removable filter when said removable filter is full, and said retainer for releasably securing said removable filter in said collector body comprises a member for releasably securing said inflow aperture of said removable filter bag in flow communication with said inflow aperture of said collector body and a member for releasably covering said disposal aperture.
25. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 24 wherein said waste water filter system further comprises a support for supporting a portion of said removable filter as said removable filter is filled.
26. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said removable filter has openings sized to prevent at least a portion of the particulate matter and grease from flowing therethrough.
27. The waste water filter system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said waste water filter system further comprises a pump positioned in said flow path upstream of said outflow aperture for pumping the waste water through said outflow aperture.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002206948A CA2206948A1 (en) | 1996-06-05 | 1997-06-04 | Waste water grease filter |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002178270A CA2178270A1 (en) | 1996-06-05 | 1996-06-05 | Waste water grease filter |
| CA2,178,270 | 1996-06-05 | ||
| CA002206948A CA2206948A1 (en) | 1996-06-05 | 1997-06-04 | Waste water grease filter |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2206948A1 true CA2206948A1 (en) | 1997-12-05 |
Family
ID=25678498
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002206948A Abandoned CA2206948A1 (en) | 1996-06-05 | 1997-06-04 | Waste water grease filter |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2206948A1 (en) |
-
1997
- 1997-06-04 CA CA002206948A patent/CA2206948A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |