WO2000018487A1

WO2000018487A1 - Filtration device and an indicating apparatus and method for a filtration device

Info

Publication number: WO2000018487A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/022631
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glenn Allan Ostrowski
Original assignee: Dresser Equipment Group, Inc.
Priority date: 1998-09-30
Filing date: 1999-09-29
Publication date: 2000-04-06
Also published as: AU6167099A

Abstract

A filtration device (10) and indicating apparatus (44) and method for a filtration device (10) according to which a filtering element (24) is connected between an inlet passage (18) and an outlet passage (20) of a filtration device (10) connected in a fluid flow system. The respective pressures of the fluid in the inlet and outlet passages (18 and 20) are measured and the differential pressure across the filtering element is calculated, to determine if the filtering element (24) is blocked or partially blocked and should therefore be changed.

Description

FILTRATION DEVICE AND AN INDICATING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A FILTRATION DEVICE

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to a filtration device, such as a strainer, a filter, or the like, and, more particularly, to a device for detecting and identifying when the filtering element in a filtration device should be changed or cleaned.

Many types of filtration devices are available including those that are placed in a fluid flow line for separating particles from the fluid. However, these devices tend to become blocked, or at least partially blocked, especially during extensive use. Since the filtering capability of a blocked, or partially blocked, filtration device is severely compromised, it is important that the filtering element of the device be cleaned or changed before any blockage occurs. This is especially critical when the filtration device is used in a gasoline dispensing installation in a service station, since it is very important in this environment that the flows lines not be clogged and spillage of the gasoline be prevented, so that a hazardous situation is avoided. However, there is no known device that will detect, and provide a visual indication of, a blocked, or partially blocked filtration device. Therefore, what is needed is a filtration device for a fluid flow system which includes a device for detecting and indicating when the filtering element of the filtration device needs to be cleaned or replaced. Summary of the Invention

The present invention, accordingly, provides a filtration device and an indicating apparatus and method for a filtration device according to which a filtering element is connected between an inlet passage and an outlet passage of a body member connected in a fluid flow system. The respective pressures of the fluid in the inlet and outlet passage are measured, and the differential pressure across the filtering element is calculated, to determine if the filtering element is blocked or partially blocked and therefore should be changed. A major advantage is achieved with the device, apparatus, and method of the present invention since the degree of filtration device blockage can be immediately detected and displayed to enable the filtration device element to be cleaned or replaced before the filtration device is compromised. Brief Description of the Drawings

The drawing is a sectional view of the filtration device of the present invention. Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring to the drawing, the reference numeral 10 refers in general, to the filtration device of the present invention which is formed by a hollow body member 12 fabricated of a rigid material such as metal or plastic, and having an inlet 14 for receiving fluid containing dispersed particles. An elongated chamber 16 is formed in the body member 12 and an internal inlet passage 18 extends through the body member from the inlet 14 to the upper portion of the chamber, as viewed in the drawing. The inlet passage 18 is laterally spaced from the chamber 16 with their respective axes extending parallel. The ends of the inlet passage 18 register with the inlet 14 and the chamber 16 for reasons to be described. An outlet passage 20 extends perpendicular to the inlet 14 and communicates with the lower portion of the chamber 16. It is understand that the body member 12 is connected to a source of fluid in any conventional manner so that the fluid is introduced into the inlet 14, and that the fluid may have particles, such a sediment, or the like, dispersed therein. It is also understood that a conduit, a pipe, or the like is connected to the body member 12 in registry with the outlet passage for receiving the fluid after it has passed through the body member in a manner to be described. As an example of the foregoing, the fluid is a gasoline and the filtration device 10 is connected in the flow line for the gasoline extending from an underground storage tank to a dispensing station in a service station. In these applications, the gasoline often contains particles, such as sediment, etc. which must be separated from the gasoline before it is introduced into a vehicle. A filtering element, or separator, in the form of a cylindrical basket 24, extends in the lower portion of the chamber 16 with a slight clearance between the outer surface of the filter basket and that portion of the body member 12 defining the chamber. The upper end of the filter basket 24 is open and a circular flange 26 extends from the outer surface of the upper end and rests on a flange 28 of the body member that extends into the chamber 16, to suspend the filter basket 24 in the chamber 16.

The lower end, or floor, of the filter basket 24 is conical shaped with the height of the cone extending for a substantial portion of the height of the filter basket. The filter basket 24 is formed of a mesh-like material which is designed to pass fluids but retain particles over a predetermined size. This material can vary according to the particular application in order to vary the size of the particles that can be captured. A U-shaped handle 30 extends from the upper portion of the filter basket 24 with its ends being affixed to the flange 26 in any known manner. A cover, or dome, 32 extends over the upper end of the body member 12 and is internally shaped so as to receive the upper end portion of the handle 30. A pair of bolts 34 extend through corresponding openings in the cover 32 and the upper end of the body member 12 to secure the former to the latter.

According to a feature of the present invention, a pressure measuring device 40 extends though an opening in the outer wall of the body member 12 and registers with the inlet passage 18. Also, a pressure measuring device 42 extends through another opening in the body member 12 and registers with the outlet passage 20. The pressure measuring devices 40 and 42 can each be in the form of a conventional electromechanical pressure transducer, or sensor, which senses the fluid pressure in the passages 18 and 20, respectively, and provides a corresponding output signal.

Thus, these output signals correspond to pressure of the fluid on the inlet side of the filter basket 24, and the fluid pressure on the outlet side of the filter basket, respectively. Since the pressure measuring devices 40 and 42 are conventional, they will not be described in any further detail. A processor /display 44 is electrically connected to the output terminals of the measuring devices 40 and 42 for receiving signals from the latter devices corresponding to the inlet fluid pressure and the outlet fluid pressure in the passages 18 and 20, respectively. The processor/display 44 can include a microprocessor, or the like, to process the latter signals, calculate the differential pressure across the filter basket 24, and compare the differential pressure to a predetermined value, or range of values.

Since the blockage of the filter basket 24 increases as more particles are captured, the inlet, or upstream, pressure in the passage 18 increases accordingly, causing a corresponding increase in the differential pressure across the filter basket. The processor/display 44 can be calibrated, based on known performances of the filtration device 10, to provide an indication of the differential pressure and/or when the differential pressure across the filter basket 24 attains a value corresponding to blockage of the basket caused by a build-up of particles in and/or on the basket that is sufficient to compromise the filtering capability of the device. This indication, of course, will, provide an alert that the filter basket should be cleaned or changed.

In operation, pressurized fluid from an external source is introduced into the inlet 14 of the body member 12 and flows into and upwardly through the inlet passage 18 before entering the upper portion of the chamber 16. The fluid then flows downwardly through the interior of the filter basket 24, and through the conical- shaped portion thereof before exiting the lower end of the chamber. The fluid then enters the outlet passage 20 through which it flows before exiting the body member 12 and passing to the aforementioned conduit or pipe. During this flow of the fluid through the filter basket 24 in the foregoing manner, any particles of a predetermined size that are dispersed in the fluid will be trapped on the interior surface of the filter basket, including the conical-shaped portion thereof, thus separating these particles from the fluid.

The measuring devices 40 and 42 measure the fluid pressures in the inlet and outlet passages 18 and 20, respectively, and provide corresponding output signals which are transmitted to the processor/display 44. When the differential pressure in the passages 18 and 20, and therefore across the filter basket 24, exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to blockage of the basket caused by the buildup of a significant quantity of particles in the interior of the basket, as described above, the display 44 will provide a corresponding indication that the filter basket should be cleaned or changed.

The device, apparatus, and method of the present invention enjoy several advantages. For example, the degree of blockage of the filtration device 10 can be immediately detected and displayed to enable the filter basket to be cleaned or changed before the filtering operation is compromised. This is especially advantageous in connection with gasoline dispensing systems since it will result in increased performance, in the form of higher flow rates, of the dispenser and enable purer fuels to be dispensed.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to the particular filtration device shown and described, it being understood that it is equally applicable to other types of filtration devices. Also, the pressure measuring devices do not have to be of the same type described above, and for example, can be in the form of mechanical devices, such as float or liquid level sensors. Further, the specific arrangement and location of the passages 14, 18 and 20, as well as the location of the pressure measuring devices 40 and 42 can vary as long as the above objects, features and advantages of the filtration device 10 are not compromised. Also, the filter basket can be replaced by any other type of filter, separator, or the like, as long as particles are separated from the fluid as the latter passes through the chamber.

It is understood that still other modifications, changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A filtration device for separating particles from fluid, the filtration device comprising a body member defining an inlet passage for receiving the fluid, an outlet passage for discharging the fluid, a filtering element disposed in the body member and connected between the inlet passage and the outlet passage for separating particles from the fluid as the fluid passes through the chamber, a pressure measuring device for measuring the fluid pressure in the inlet passage, and a pressure measuring device for measuring the fluid pressure in the outlet passage so that the differential pressure across the filtering element can be determined.

2. The filtration device of claim 1 further comprising a device connected to the pressure measuring devices for calculating the differential pressure.

3. The filtration device of claim 2 wherein the pressure measuring devices produce output signals corresponding to the respective fluid pressures in the inlet passage and in the outlet passage, and wherein the calculating device receives and processes the output signals.

4. The filtration device of claim 3 wherein the calculating device provides an indication of the differential pressure.

5. The filtration device of claim 3 wherein the calculating device is calibrated to provide an indication when the filtering element should be cleaned or replaced.

6. The filtration device of claim 1 wherein the filtering element is a cylindrical filter basket formed of a mesh-like material which passes fluids and retains particles over a predetermined size.

7. A method of separating particles from a fluid flowing through a conduit, comprising the steps of passing the fluid into an inlet passage, passing the fluid from the inlet passage to a filtering element for separating the particles from the fluid in the chamber, passing the fluid from the filtering element to an outlet passage for discharging the fluid, measuring the pressure of the fluid in the inlet passage, and measuring the fluid pressure in the outlet passage so that the differential pressure across the filtering element can be determined.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of calculating the differential pressure across the filtering element.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the steps of producing output signals corresponding to the respective fluid pressures in the inlet passage and in the outlet passage, and wherein the step of calculating includes processing the output signals.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of indicating the differential pressure.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of indicating that the filtering element should be cleaned or changed based on the differential pressure.

12. Apparatus for use with a filtration device having a body member defining an inlet passage for receiving the fluid, an outlet passage for discharging the fluid, and a filtering element disposed in the body member and connected between the inlet passage and the outlet passage for separating particles from the fluid as the fluid passes through the chamber; the apparatus comprising a pressure measuring device for measuring the fluid pressure in the inlet passage, and a pressure measuring device for measuring the fluid pressure in the outlet passage so that the differential pressure across the filtering element can be determined.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a device connected to the pressure measuring devices for calculating the differential pressure.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the pressure measuring devices produce output signals corresponding to the respective fluid pressures in the inlet passage and in the outlet passage, and wherein the calculating device receives and processes the output signals.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the calculating device provides an indication of the differential pressure

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the calculating device is calibrated to provide an indication when the filtering element should be cleaned or replaced.

17. A method of determining when a filtering element connected between an inlet passage and an outlet passage in a fluid flow system should be replaced, the method comprising the step of measuring the pressure of the fluid in the inlet passage, and measuring the fluid pressure in the outlet passage, calculating the differential pressure across the filtering element, and determining if the filtering element is blocked or partially blocked based on the differential pressure.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps of producing output signals corresponding to the respective fluid pressures in the inlet passage and in the outlet passage, and wherein the step of determining includes processing the output signals.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of indicating the differential pressure.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of indicating that the filtering element should be cleaned or changed based on the differential pressure.

21. A filtration device for use in a gasoline dispensing system in which gasoline is passed from a storage tank to a dispenser for dispensing to a vehicle, the filtration device comprising a body member defining an inlet passage for receiving the fluid, an outlet passage for discharging the fluid, a filtering element disposed in the body member and connected between the inlet passage and the outlet passage for separating particles from the fluid as the fluid passes through the chamber, a pressure measuring device for measuring the fluid pressure in the inlet passage, and a pressure measuring device for measuring the fluid pressure in the outlet passage so that the differential pressure across the filtering element can be determined.