Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of preventing loss of filter media during backwashing of a liquid particle filter by passing a backwashing fluid in an upward direction through the filter which comprises the steps of: directing the backwash fluid and entrained filter media along a deflection plate which defines a horizontal zone wherein substantially non-turbulent flow takes place which flow extends between a space above the filter media bed and a backwash outlet; allowing entrained media to settle onto the deflection plate in the zone while it is carried by the velocity of the fluid in the zone; trapping this media near an outlet for the backwash fluid from the filter; passing the entrapped media through a return passage back into the filter bed; and, shielding the return passage from the ingress of upwardly flowing backwash fluid.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of preventing loss of filter media during backwashing of a liquid particle filter by passing a backwashing fluid in an upward direction through the filter which comprises the steps of: directing the backwash fluid and entrained filter media along a deflection plate which defines a horizontal zone wherein substantially non-turbulent flow takes place which flow extends between a space above the filter media bed and a backwash outlet; allowing entrained media to settle onto the deflection plate in the zone while it is carried by the velocity of the fluid in the zone; trapping this media near an outlet for the backwash fluid from the filter; passing the entrapped media through a return passage back into the filter bed; and, shielding the return passage from the ingress of upwardly flowing backwash fluid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the velocity of the backwash fluid in the non-turbulent flow horizontal zone is sufficient to induce a flow in the return passage which will inhibit backflow in the passage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as claimed in claim 2 in which the duration of the backwash fluid in the non-turbulent flow is sufficient to enable filter media entrained therein to settle through the depth of the zone.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
78 words
A liquid particle filter backwash outlet assembly comprising: an outlet weir; deflection plate means located adjacent to the outlet weir defining a zone for substantially horizontal non-turbulent flow of backwash liquid extending upstream of the weir above the filter bed; means defining a return passage from a zone adjacent the weir to the filter bed; and, shield means located adjacent to an outlet of the return passage to inhibit the ingress of backwash liquid into the return passage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
78 words
A liquid particle filter backwash outlet assembly comprising: an outlet weir; deflection plate means located adjacent to the outlet weir defining a zone for substantially horizontal non-turbulent flow of backwash liquid extending upstream of the weir above the filter bed; means defining a return passage from a zone adjacent the weir to the filter bed; and, shield means located adjacent to an outlet of the return passage to inhibit the ingress of backwash liquid into the return passage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
An outlet assembly as claimed in claim 4 in which the deflection plate located over and spaced apart from the filter bed forms the floor of the zone and is inclined at a small angle to the horizontal downwardly towards the entrance to the return flow passage.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
An outlet assembly as claimed in claim 5 in which the level of the deflection plate at the upstream end of the zone is substantially the same as that of the outlet weir sill.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
An outlet assembly as claimed in claim 4 in which the entrance to the return passage opens in an upstream direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
An outlet assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the shield means comprises a plate disposed adjacent the outlet from the return passage to shield against the ingress of upwardly flowing backwash liquid and air.