IL286882B2 - Non- rotatable submersible filtration systems - Google Patents
Non- rotatable submersible filtration systemsInfo
- Publication number
- IL286882B2 IL286882B2 IL286882A IL28688221A IL286882B2 IL 286882 B2 IL286882 B2 IL 286882B2 IL 286882 A IL286882 A IL 286882A IL 28688221 A IL28688221 A IL 28688221A IL 286882 B2 IL286882 B2 IL 286882B2
- Authority
- IL
- Israel
- Prior art keywords
- filtration system
- apertures
- filtering
- filtration
- intake pipe
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 title claims description 1397
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 214
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 212
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 177
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 168
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 115
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 89
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 34
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 31
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 31
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 29
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 47
- 239000000706 filtrate Substances 0.000 description 22
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 21
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 19
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 14
- 239000008239 natural water Substances 0.000 description 12
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- IUVCFHHAEHNCFT-INIZCTEOSA-N 2-[(1s)-1-[4-amino-3-(3-fluoro-4-propan-2-yloxyphenyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl]ethyl]-6-fluoro-3-(3-fluorophenyl)chromen-4-one Chemical compound C1=C(F)C(OC(C)C)=CC=C1C(C1=C(N)N=CN=C11)=NN1[C@@H](C)C1=C(C=2C=C(F)C=CC=2)C(=O)C2=CC(F)=CC=C2O1 IUVCFHHAEHNCFT-INIZCTEOSA-N 0.000 description 6
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- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000011045 prefiltration Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 4
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- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 2
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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
- B01D29/15—Supported filter elements arranged for inward flow filtration
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
- B01D35/02—Filters adapted for location in special places, e.g. pipe-lines, pumps, stop-cocks
-
- 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
- B01D29/01—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 flat filtering elements
- B01D29/03—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 flat filtering elements self-supporting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
- B01D35/02—Filters adapted for location in special places, e.g. pipe-lines, pumps, stop-cocks
- B01D35/027—Filters adapted for location in special places, e.g. pipe-lines, pumps, stop-cocks rigidly mounted in or on tanks or reservoirs
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
- Centrifugal Separators (AREA)
- Filtering Materials (AREA)
Description
IL 286882/ NON- ROTATABLE SUBMERSIBLE FILTRATION SYSTEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"
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[001] The present invention relates to non-rotatable filtrations systems that filtration apertures of a filter medium thereof, with an effective surface area designed to limit the maximal flow velocity therethrough, during a filtering mode in which water flow from an outer surface of the filter medium, through the filtering apertures, toward inflow openings of an intake pipe.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2"
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[002] Water pump systems can be used to draw water from a natural water supply source for various uses. The water supply source can be a river, a lake, the sea, a pond, and the like. Various impurities and debris residing within such a natural water supply source can pass through standard water pumps during pumping, resulting in clogging, slow water flow and can eventually damage the pumps. Additionally, undesired impurities entering the water pump systems may harm other components of these systems, thereby damaging the filter system incorporated therein. These impurities may include particles and debris (such as wood, plants, rocks, and the like) and small microorganisms (such as algae or small fish). id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3"
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[003] One typical method of protecting conventional water pump systems is the utilization of submerged pre-filter systems placed in line ahead of the pump to prevent large quantities of undesired particles and/or small organisms from entering the pump’s intake pipe. These pre-filter systems usually include a relatively coarse filter mesh barrier (such as a porous structure or a net for size filtering) surrounding the pump intake pipe, adapted to prevent large particles and/or organisms from entering the pump intake pipe. An example of such a standard system is a pre-pump strainer. id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4"
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[004] Various pre-filter and filter systems have been previously disclosed. For example, US Pat. No. 8800496 discloses a water circulation pump pre-filter unit (PFU), which is submerged and comprises at least two cleaning mechanisms, wherein the PFU can include mesh screens that act as filtering surfaces. US Pat. No. 7513993 discloses a fluid filter apparatus that uses particulate to filter water in a pool or spa, the fluid filter apparatus comprising at least one porous body. US App. No. 2021/0129053 discloses a pre-filter system that can include a filter IL 286882/ portion comprising pipes having apertures, elbows, and tees, wherein the apertures of at least some of the pipes can be covered with a mesh netting. id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5"
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[005] Pre-filtering is usually performed for prevention of relatively large particle or small organisms from entering into the system, while separate additional filters are further required down the line prior to utilization of the pumped water. Filtration of the water to a desired final quality at the water source itself will require very fine mesh densities which tend to get clogged quickly in such natural environments, and will therefore require frequent maintenance to clean or replace the clogged meshes or other filtering mediums, making this process impractical and costly for ongoing utilization. id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6"
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[006] Self-cleaning filters are also known in the art for reduction of maintenance costs, but most of the conventional self-cleaning mechanisms are utilized within filters residing in pressure chambers, for example by applying backwash mechanisms to remove accumulated particles from the surface or volume of the filtering medium. Pressurized filter assemblies are usually utilized on-shore and not within natural water sources, as the pressure chamber encompasses the filtering medium and blocks any passage of the surrounding water into the filter medium. id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7"
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[007] There is a need in the industry for improved filtration systems that can provide sub-millimeter filtration quality at the source of the natural water source, optionally employing self-cleaning mechanism and modes of operation that will significantly reduce maintenance costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8"
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[008] The present disclosure is directed toward non-rotatable filtration systems that include at least one filtering assembly with a filter medium defining a plurality of apertures, wherein the total area through which water flow through these apertures, toward an intake pipe during a filtering mode thereof, is designed to be large enough to limit the maximal flow velocity through the apertures, so as to result in minimal disturbance to the water in the immediate vicinity of the filter medium. id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9"
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[009] In one representative embodiment, there is provided a non-rotatable filtration system comprising at least one filtering assembly and an intake pipe. The at least one filtering assembly comprises a filter medium. The filter medium comprises a plurality of medium apertures, at IL 286882/ least some of which are filtration apertures, wherein each filtration aperture defines an aperture area and has an aperture size that is not greater than 300 microns. The intake pipe defines a minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area, and includes at least one inflow opening which is in fluid communication with the filter medium, at least when the filtering assembly is in a filtering mode. A ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 4. id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10"
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[010] The various innovations of this disclosure can be used in combination or separately. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11"
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[011] Some embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative description and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale.
In the Figures: id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12"
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[012] Fig. 1A shows a side view of one example of a filtration system with a single dome-shaped filtering assembly. id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13"
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[013] Fig. 1B shows a sectional side view of the filtration system of Fig. 1A. id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14"
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[014] Fig. 1C shows a view in perspective of the filtration system of Figs. 1A-B. id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15"
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[015] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of zone 2 of the filter medium indicated in Fig. 1C.
IL 286882/ id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16"
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[016] Fig. 3 shows a side view of an example of a filtration system with a plurality of filtering assemblies. id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17"
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[017] Figs. 4-5 show views in perspective of the filtration system of Fig. 3. id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18"
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[018] Fig. 6 shows a side view of an example of a filtration system with a flush pipe. id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19"
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[019] Figs. 7A-B show a side view and a sectional view in perspective, respectively, of an example of a cylindrical filtering assembly. id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20"
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[020] Figs. 8A-B show a side view and a sectional view in perspective, respectively, of an example of a pyramid-shaped filtering assembly. id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21"
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[021] Fig. 9 shows a side view of an example of a filtration system with an expansion chamber of the intake pipe. id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22"
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[022] Fig. 10A shows a view in perspective of an exemplary filtration system with an offshore platform connection assembly and with ultrasonic transducers. id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23"
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[023] Fig. 10B shows a sectional view in perspective of an upper portion of the filtration system 100 of Fig. 10B. id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24"
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[024] Fig. 11A shows a view in perspectives of an example of several discs tightly pressed against each other. id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25"
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[025] Fig. 11B shows the discs of Fig. 11A spaced from each other. id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26"
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[026] Fig. 12 shows a partial enlarged view of two discs pressed against each other. id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27"
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[027] Fig. 13 shows a view in perspective of one example of a disc-type filtration system. id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28"
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[028] Fig. 14 shows a zoomed in view on a portion of the disc-type filtration system of Fig. 13, with the discs removed from one filtering assembly to expose its inner structure. id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29"
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[029] Fig. 15A shows a sectional view in perspective a disc-type filtering assembly in a filtering mode. id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30"
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[030] Fig. 15B shows a sectional view in perspective a disc-type filtering assembly 202 in a cleaning mode.
IL 286882/ id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31"
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[031] Figs. 16A-B show a view in perspective and a sectional view in perspective of an example of a disc-type filtration system with a compressed-air flush pipe, equipped with filtering assemblies that include multiple filter mediums. id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32"
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[032] Fig. 17A shows a view in perspective of an example of a coiled thread unit. id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33"
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[033] Fig. 17B shows the support blank of the coiled thread unit of Fig. 29A. id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34"
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[034] Fig. 17C shows a partial view in perspective of a coiled thread unit, with a single layer of threads. id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35"
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[035] Fig. 17D shows another view in perspective of an example of a coiled thread unit. id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36"
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[036] Fig. 18A shows a view in perspective of a coiled thread-type filtering assembly. id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37"
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[037] Fig. 18B shows a sectional view of the coiled thread-type filtering assembly of Fig. 18A. id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38"
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[038] Fig. 19 shows one example of a coiled thread-type filtration system. id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39"
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[039] Fig. 20A shows a sectional view in perspective a coiled thread-type filtering assembly in a filtering mode. id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40"
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[040] Fig. 20B shows a sectional view in perspective a coiled thread-type filtering assembly in a cleaning mode. id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41"
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[041] Fig. 21 shows a view in perspective of an example of a coiled thread-type filtration system with a compressed-air flush pipe. id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42"
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[042] Fig. 22A shows a view in perspective an example of a sheaf-like unit. id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43"
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[043] Fig. 22B shows a sectional view in perspective of the sheaf-like unit of Fig. 22A. id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44"
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[044] Fig. 23A shows a view in perspective of a sheaf-type filtering sub-assembly. id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45"
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[045] Fig. 23B shows a sectional view of sheaf-type filtering sub-assembly of Fig. 23A. id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46"
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[046] Fig. 24 shows one example of a sheaf-type filtration system.
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[047] Fig. 25A shows a sectional view in perspective a sheaf-type filtering assembly in a filtering mode. id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48"
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[048] Fig. 25B shows a sectional view in perspective a sheaf-type filtering assembly in a cleaning mode. id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49"
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[049] Fig. 26 shows a view in perspective of an example of a sheaf-type filtration system with a compressed-air flush pipe. id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50"
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[050] Figs. 27A-B show an example of a filtration system with a bubble generator. id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51"
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[051] Fig. 28 shows a zoomed-in sectional view of a bubble generator positioned below a filtering assembly. id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52"
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[052] Figs. 29A-B show an example of a filtration system with a rectangularly-shaped guiding chamber extending upwards from a bubble generator. id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53"
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[053] Fig. 30 shows an example of a filtration system with a frustoconical guiding chamber extending upwards from a bubble generator. id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54"
id="p-54"
[054] Fig. 31 shows another example of a filtration system with a bubble generator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55"
id="p-55"
[055] For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems should not be construed as being limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods, apparatus, and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present, or problems be solved. The technologies from any example can be combined with the technologies described in any one or more of the other examples. id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56"
id="p-56"
[056] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed technology may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosed technology.
IL 286882/ Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the disclosure. In order to avoid undue clutter from having too many reference numbers and lead lines on a particular drawing, some components will be introduced via one or more drawings and not explicitly identified in every subsequent drawing that contains that component. id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57"
id="p-57"
[057] Although the operations of some of the disclosed embodiments are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like "provide" or "achieve" to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art. id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58"
id="p-58"
[058] As used herein, the terms "integrally formed" and "unitary construction" refer to a construction that does not include any welds, fasteners, or other means for securing separately formed pieces of material to each other. id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59"
id="p-59"
[059] As used herein, operations that occur "simultaneously" or "concurrently" occur generally at the same time as one another, although delays in the occurrence of operation relative to the other due to, for example, spacing between components, are expressly within the scope of the above terms, absent specific contrary language. id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60"
id="p-60"
[060] As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the terms "have" or "includes" means "comprises." As used herein, "and/or" means "and" or "or," as well as "and" and "or". Further, the terms "coupled" and "connected" generally mean electrically, electromagnetically, and/or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically) coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items absent specific contrary language. As used herein, "and/or" means "and" or "or," as well as "and" and "or".
IL 286882/ id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61"
id="p-61"
[061] Directions and other relative references may be used to facilitate discussion of the drawings and principles herein, but are not intended to be limiting. For example, certain terms may be used such as "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "inside," "outside,", "top," "bottom," "interior," "exterior," "left," right," and the like. Such terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships, particularly with respect to the illustrated embodiments. Such terms are not, however, intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an "upper" part can become a "lower" part simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same part and the object remains the same. id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62"
id="p-62"
[062] Filtering systems disclosed herein include at least one filter medium, such as a screen mesh, a stack of discs, coiled threads, sheaf-like arrangements of elongated threads, and the like, wherein the filter medium defines a medium outer surface and includes a plurality of medium apertures. A filtration system can include, in some examples, at least one filtering assembly that include the respective filter medium. id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63"
id="p-63"
[063] The term "plurality", as used herein", means more than one. id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64"
id="p-64"
[064] The filtering system further includes an intake pipe that defines at least one inflow opening which is in fluid communication with the filter medium, and through which suction or pumping force can facilitate suction of raw water which are in direct contact with the medium outer surface, through the medium apertures, into the intake pipe through the inflow opening(s). The intake pipe can be attached to a suction line terminating at its opposite end in a suction line outlet, which can be either connected to a pump (e.g., a centrifugal pump) or alternatively, open ended if positioned at a level relatively lower with respect to the at least one inflow opening, such that gravitational force can serve to apply the necessary negative pressure difference to apply suction force at the inflow opening(s) instead of a pump. id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65"
id="p-65"
[065] The suction force, applied either by a pump or gravitational force, facilitates flow of raw water, through the filter medium, into the intake pipe, and optionally therefrom along the suction line, at an intake flow rate Q. The flow velocity V can vary at various regions of this flow path, for example depending on the cross-sectional area through which the fluid passes at each position along the flow path. The intake pipe can have a uniform or non-uniform cross-section area along its length. For example, some types of intake pipes can have a pipe expanded portion, also termed an expansion chamber, that can have a cross-section area which is IL 286882/ significantly larger than the cross-sectional area at the region adjacent inflow opening. A minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is denoted Ap, through which a maximal pipe velocity Vp can be defined, for a given flow rate Q. id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66"
id="p-66"
[066] In some cases, the intake pipe can be integrally formed with the suction line. In other cases, the intake pipe can be separate component terminating at a pipe outflow opening, which can be hermetically attached to a suction line, for example at a suction line inlet, by any suitable pipe coupler known in the art. Furthermore, the intake pipe can be formed from several components fluidly coupled to each other, and can also include an intake manifold branched into a plurality of manifold branches, each one including at least one inflow opening. id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67"
id="p-67"
[067] In some cases, the filtration system can include more than one filtering assembly, wherein all filtering assemblies can be coupled to a common intake pipe, optionally branched into different intake manifold branches, each branch coupled, directly or indirectly, to a different filtering assembly and defining at least one inflow opening which is in fluid communication with the filter medium of the respective filtering assembly. Alternatively, one intake pipe can be attached, for example by passing through, a plurality of filtering assemblies, and include a plurality of inflow openings, such that at least one inflow opening is in fluid communication with the filter medium of the respective filtering assembly. Any reference to a filter medium of a filtration system, in singular form, in the case of a filtration system that includes a plurality filtering assemblies, refers to the combination of the filter mediums of all filtering assemblies comprised in the system, unless otherwise stated. id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68"
id="p-68"
[068] Each medium aperture can define an aperture open area Aa, for example at the cross-section defined by its outermost edge or edges. The medium apertures can have any of a variety of shapes, such as circular, oval or elliptic, rectangular, and the like. Moreover, depending on the type of medium, various medium apertures can be in the form of small-sized puncture-like opening, elongated channel-like or otherwise formed opening, can define straight, curved or tortuous paths, and so on. Each medium aperture has an aperture size D defined as the narrowest distance between two ends thereof across any cross-section thereof. For example, in the case of a circular filtration aperture, the aperture size D can be its diameter. In the case of an oval or elliptic aperture, the aperture size D is defined as its smallest diameter. In the case of an elongated (e.g., slot-like) aperture, the aperture size D is defined as the distance between its elongated edges (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the elongated dimensions of the aperture). Thus, while a circularly-shaped aperture and an elongated aperture can have an identical IL 286882/ aperture size D, such an elongated aperture will still have a significantly larger aperture open area Aa. id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69"
id="p-69"
[069] The filter medium includes a plurality of medium apertures, each having an aperture open area Aa, such that the total area of medium apertures At is defined as the sum of the aperture open areas Aa of all of the medium apertures. The medium apertures comprise filtration apertures, defined as the apertures through which raw water flow from the medium outer surface toward the at least one inflow opening when suction force is applied thereto. In some cases, all of the medium apertures, for example of all of the filtering mediums if more than one filtering medium is included in the filtration system, are filtration apertures. In other cases, only a subset of the medium apertures, for example, medium apertures of only one or some of the filtering mediums, are filtration apertures, while the remainder of the medium apertures, such as the medium apertures of the remaining one or more filter mediums, are termed non-filtration apertures, as will be described hereinbelow. id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70"
id="p-70"
[070] An effective area of filtration Ae is defined as the sum of aperture open areas Aa of solely the filtration apertures, without the non-filtration apertures. In some implementations, all medium apertures are filtration apertures, such that the effective area of filtration is equal to the total area of medium apertures, that is to say Ae = At. For example, all of the filtration mediums of a filtration system can be switched between filtering and cleaning modes, such that all of the filtering mediums are simultaneously in a filtering mode at the same time, and all can be simultaneously switched to a cleaning mode at the same time. In other implementations, the filtration system comprises a plurality of filtering assemblies, wherein, at a given time, one or more of the filtering assemblies is operating in a filtering mode, while another one or more filtering assembly is operating in a cleaning mode. A filtering mode includes applying suction force through the intake pipe, operable to facilitate flow of raw water through the respective filtering medium, toward and into the intake pipe. In contrast, such suction force is ceased (for example, by utilizing a valve that blocks the flow path into the intake pipe) during a cleaning mode, during which any one of a variety of self-cleaning mechanisms, as will be described in greater detail below, serves to clean the filter medium. id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71"
id="p-71"
[071] In such cases, the medium apertures will include filtration apertures defined as the total number of medium apertures of all filtering assemblies operating in a filtering mode, while the apertures of all filtering assemblies operating in a cleaning mode define the subset of non-filtration apertures. The effective area of filtration Ae, in such cases, will be the sum of IL 286882/ apertures open areas Aa of the filtration apertures, belonging solely to the filtering assemblies operating in a filtering mode at any given time. id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72"
id="p-72"
[072] As described, a filtration system can include a plurality of filtering assemblies, wherein at least one of the filtering assemblies is in a filtering mode and at least one other filtering assembly is in a cleaning mode. In such cases, even if at least one of the filtering assemblies is in a cleaning mode, the filtration system as a whole is termed to be in a filtering mode as long as it also includes at least one filtering assembly which is in a filtering mode. id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73"
id="p-73"
[073] As mentioned above, the flow rate through the subset of filtration apertures is denoted Q, and is equal throughout the system – along any point of the flow path passing toward and through the intake pipe, for example, and is dictated by the suction force that can be facilitated by a pump of gravitation force, as described hereinabove. Since the flow rate Q is equal at any point, the flow velocity V is dictated by the area through which the water flow at any point along the path from the filter medium and up to the suction line outlet. For example, the flow velocity V will be fastest at the narrowest cross-sectional area of the intake pipe and/or the suction line. Similarly, for any specific flow rate Q, the flow velocity V will be slower as the area through which water flow at the respective region is increased. Thus, for any specific flow rate Q, the larger the effective area of filtration Ae is, the slower is the flow velocity V through the filtration apertures. id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74"
id="p-74"
[074] Flow velocity through the filtration apertures can significantly influence the tendency of various particles, debris and particulates to cling or adhere to the medium outer surface. In fact, any disturbance to the water surrounding the filtration assembly may increase adherence of particulates to the surface of the filtration medium. It is an object of the disclosed filtration systems to minimize flow disturbance around and across the filter medium, and more specifically, around and through the filtration apertures, so as to minimize particulate adherence in the first place, instead of allowing such particulates to adhere and cleaning them from the filter medium afterwards. id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75"
id="p-75"
[075] While conventional filters may rely on specific self-cleaning mechanisms, such as rotatable drums equipped with nozzles configured to spray cleaning liquid that impinges against the surface of the portion of the screen exposed above the level of the water source to dislodge filtride adhered thereto, such solutions may result in suboptimal cleaning for drums that accumulate too much filtride adhered to the surface during filtering modes, especially IL 286882/ when reducing the aperture size D to a size that is not greater than 350 microns (including being optionally not greater than 300 microns, not greater than 200 microns, not greater than 1microns, not greater than 40 microns, not greater than 10 microns, not greater than 5 microns, and/or not greater than 1 micron). This in turn limits aperture size D of conventional filters immersed in natural water sources, which will otherwise require frequent maintenance that will render such solutions impractical. Moreover, even for apertures having aperture size greater than 350 microns, such as aperture size D in the range of 350 microns to 2 millimeters, inclusive, conventional self-cleaning mechanisms, as described above, may still result in reduced operational efficiency of the overall filtration system due to the need to constantly remove relatively significant amount of filtride accumulated over the filter medium. Thus, the unique configurations of the various examples of filtration systems disclosed herein (including systems 100, 200, 300, and/or 400 as will be described in greater detail herein below), while particularly efficient for delicate filtration sizes, can significantly improve overall operational efficiency for any size of filtration apertures. id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76"
id="p-76"
[076] Movement of the filter medium within the water, such as rotational movement of conventional drums, in some cases at relatively high rotational speeds that can exceed 1 rpm, further disturbs the water in the vicinity of the drum in a manner that accelerates adherence of filtride to the filter medium. All of the filtration systems disclosed herein are preferably non-rotational filtration systems, meaning that such system do not include means for rotating or revolving any of the filtration mediums, to avoid disturbances to the surrounding water that may result from such rotational movement. Thus, any reference to any filtration system throughout the specification and claims, including any example of a filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 as will be described further below, can be similarly referred to as a "non-rotatable filtration system", meaning that the filtrations systems disclosed herein are devoid of any mechanism for rotating them, either during filtering or during cleaning modes, as will be elaborated in detail further below. It is to be understood that non-rotatable filtration system may be advantageous in that they do not disturb the water in the vicinity of their filter medium(s), thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of filtride accumulation on or in the filter medium(s). id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77"
id="p-77"
[077] Prevention or minimization of filtride adherence to the filter medium may obviate the need for adding self-cleaning mechanisms, or may allow for a significant reduction of the aperture size D such that even if some particulates do adhere to the filter medium, specific self- IL 286882/ cleaning mechanisms, as will be further described hereinbelow, may be sufficient to adequately dislodge them and clean the filter medium without requiring frequent additional maintenance. id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78"
id="p-78"
[078] In some implementations that include a self-cleaning mechanism, any filtering assembly can transition between a filtering mode and a cleaning mode. For example, the filtering mode can last for a predefined duration of time during which raw water from the water source are filtered through filter medium, and more precisely, raw water flow through the filter medium, and the resulting filtrate flows therefrom into the intake pipe and the suction line. The cleaning mode can last for a predefined duration of time during which water is not sucked toward and into the intake pipe, for example, by actuating a valve that blocks water flow through the intake pipe or suction line, or by stopping the pump when relevant, and cleaning of the filter medium is performed by executing or actuating the self-cleaning mechanism. In such implementations, the self-cleaning mechanism is not actuated during the filtering mode for the specific filter medium (i.e., for the specific filtering assembly), such that water suction and filtration are not performed during the cleaning mode, since the forces acting in each mode may counter each other. id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79"
id="p-79"
[079] One way by which the desired goal is achieved is by increasing the effective area of filtration Ae, with respect to the flow rate Q, to be large enough so as to reduce the flow velocity Ve through the filtration apertures to a value that will not disturb the surrounding water and prevent particulates from adhering to the filter medium, or at least significantly reduce their tendency to adhere. id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80"
id="p-80"
[080] Since the flow velocity Ve depends on the flow rate Q and the area Ae, for a maximal flow rate Qm, a minimal effective area of filtration Ae is defined such that for any area equal to or greater than Ae, and as long as the flow Q does not exceed the maximal value Qm, the resulting flow velocity Ve through the filtration apertures is low enough to significantly reduce the tendency of particulates around the filter medium to cling or adhere thereto. Thus, a minimal effective area of filtration Ae is designed for a maximal flow rate Qm, in a manner that will result in the flow velocity through the filtration apertures not exceeding maximal flow velocity threshold Ve. id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81"
id="p-81"
[081] Preferably, the upper flow velocity threshold Ve is selected to result in laminar flow across the filter medium, and more precisely, across the filtration apertures. In some cases, the IL 286882/ upper flow velocity threshold Ve is designed to limit the Reynolds number in the vicinity of the submerged portion of the filter medium below a threshold level. id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82"
id="p-82"
[082] Since the maximal flow rate Qm is proportional to the maximal pipe velocity Vp at the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area Ap, a minimal area ratio Ra can be defined as the ratio between the effective area of filtration Ae and the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area Ap (i.e., Ra=Ae/Ap), applicable to achieve the same goal in the same manner described above to result in a maximal flow velocity Ve through the filtration apertures. Thus, for any given design of any filtration system disclosed herein (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification), including an intake pipe defining a minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area Ap, the effective area of filtration Ae is designed to result in a predefined minimal area ratio Ra. id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83"
id="p-83"
[083] As mentioned, the effective area of filtration Ae is the sum of aperture open area Aa multiplied by the total number of filtration apertures. Thus, the same Ae can be achieved either by multiplying a given number of filtration apertures, each having a relatively large Aa, or by multiplying a greater number of filtration apertures, each having a proportionally smaller Aa. It is an object of the filtration system, described in any of the examples of the current disclosure, to provide a very fine mesh density, meaning that very narrow aperture sizes are desired. Thus, it is to be understood that a minimal area ratio Ra for filtration mediums equipped with filtration apertures having a size which is greater than the maximal desired aperture size D as disclosed herein, is beyond the scope of the current disclosure. id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84"
id="p-84"
[084] In some examples, there is provided a filtration system defining a minimal area ratio Ra and having a maximal aperture size D. In some examples, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) comprises a filtration medium defining a plurality of medium apertures (that comprise filtration apertures), wherein the aperture size D is not greater than 350 microns, and wherein the minimal filtration ratio Ra defined by the filtration system is greater than 4, including examples in which Ra is greater than 5, greater than 7, greater than 8, and greater than 10. id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85"
id="p-85"
[085] In some examples, there is provided a filtration system defining a minimal area ratio Ra and having a maximal aperture size D. In some examples, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this IL 286882/ specification) comprises a filtration medium defining a plurality of medium apertures (that comprise filtration apertures), wherein the aperture size D is not greater than 300 microns, and wherein the minimal filtration ratio Ra defined by the filtration system is greater than 4, including examples in which Ra is greater than 5, greater than 7, greater than 8, and greater than 10. id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86"
id="p-86"
[086] In some examples, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) comprises a filtration medium defining a plurality of medium apertures (that comprise filtration apertures), wherein the aperture size D is not greater than 200 microns, and wherein the minimal filtration ratio Ra defined by the filtration system is greater than 4, including examples in which Ra is greater than 5, greater than 7, greater than 8, and greater than 10. id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87"
id="p-87"
[087] In some examples, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) comprises a filtration medium defining a plurality of medium apertures (that comprise filtration apertures), wherein the aperture size D is not greater than 100 microns, and wherein the minimal filtration ratio Ra defined by the filtration system is greater than 4, including examples in which Ra is greater than 5, greater than 7, greater than 8, and greater than 10. id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88"
id="p-88"
[088] In some examples, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) comprises a filtration medium defining a plurality of medium apertures (that comprise filtration apertures), wherein the aperture size D is not greater than 40 microns, and wherein the minimal filtration ratio Ra defined by the filtration system is greater than 4, including examples in which Ra is greater than 5, greater than 7, greater than 8, and greater than 10. id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89"
id="p-89"
[089] In some examples, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) comprises a filtration medium defining a plurality of medium apertures (that comprise filtration apertures), wherein the aperture size D is not greater than 10 microns, and wherein the minimal filtration ratio Ra defined by the filtration system is greater than 4, including examples in which Ra is greater than 5, greater than 7, greater than 8, and greater than 10. id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90"
id="p-90"
[090] In some examples, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) comprises a filtration IL 286882/ medium defining a plurality of medium apertures (that comprise filtration apertures), wherein the aperture size D is not greater than 5 microns, and wherein the minimal filtration ratio Ra defined by the filtration system is greater than 4, including examples in which Ra is greater than 5, greater than 7, greater than 8, and greater than 10. id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91"
id="p-91"
[091] In some examples, there is provided a filtration system defining a minimal area ratio Ra and having a maximal aperture size D. In some examples, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) comprises a filtration medium defining a plurality of medium apertures (that comprise filtration apertures), wherein the aperture size D is not greater than 1 micron, and wherein the minimal filtration ratio Ra defined by the filtration system is greater than 4, including examples in which Ra is greater than 5, greater than 7, greater than 8, and greater than 10. id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92"
id="p-92"
[092] In one example, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) can include a plurality of medium apertures having an aperture size of 300 microns and an intake pipe defining a minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area Ap of 0.03145 m, wherein the total area of medium apertures At is 0.2940 m, and the effective area of filtration Ae is at least 0.2756 m, for a minimal area ratio of 8.7. Assuming that the maximal flow rate Qm is 0.09435 m/s, these value will result in a flow velocity Ve through the filtration apertures, that does not exceed 0.34 m/s. id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93"
id="p-93"
[093] In another example, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) can include a plurality of medium apertures having an aperture size of 200 microns and an intake pipe defining a minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area Ap of 0.03145 m, wherein the effective area of filtration Ae is at least 0.2205 m, for a minimal area ratio of 7. Assuming that the maximal flow rate Qm is 0.09435 m/s, these value will result in a flow velocity Ve through the filtration apertures, that does not exceed 0.42 m/s. id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94"
id="p-94"
[094] In yet another example, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) can include a plurality of medium apertures having an aperture size of 100 microns and an intake pipe defining a minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area Ap of 0.03145 m, wherein the effective area of filtration Ae is at least 0.1378 m, for a minimal area ratio of 4.3. Assuming that the IL 286882/ maximal flow rate Qm is 0.09435 m/s, these value will result in a flow velocity Ve through the filtration apertures, that does not exceed 0.68 m/s. id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95"
id="p-95"
[095] In some examples, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 and 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) comprises a filtration medium defining a plurality of medium apertures (that comprise filtration apertures), wherein the aperture size D is not greater than 300 microns, and wherein the maximal effective area of filtration Ae is designed to result in a flow velocity Ve through the filtration apertures, that does not exceed 0.7 m/s, including examples in which Ve does not exceed 0.5 m/s, does not exceed 0.4, and does not exceed 0.3 m/s. id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96"
id="p-96"
[096] In some examples, a filtration system (such as any example of filtration system 100, 200, 300 or 400 disclosed in greater detail throughout this specification) comprises a filtration medium defining a plurality of medium apertures that include a minimal portion thereof that constitute filtration apertures, including examples in which at least 50% of the medium apertures are filtration apertures, at least 65% of the medium apertures are filtration apertures, at least 70% of the medium apertures are filtration apertures, at least 85% of the medium apertures are filtration apertures, and examples in which all of the medium apertures are filtration apertures (i.e., Ae=At). id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97"
id="p-97"
[097] It is contemplated by the inventors that the above-mentioned ratio Ra results in favorable water stability in the vicinity of the submerged filter medium during filtering mode, sufficient to minimize adherence of particulates to the surface of the filter medium, which in turn will reduce maintenance requirements and allow for reduction of the aperture size D a value that is not greater than 350 microns, not greater than 300 microns, not greater than 2microns, not greater than 100 microns, not greater than 40 microns, not greater than 10 microns, not greater than 5 microns, and/or not greater than 1 micron. id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98"
id="p-98"
[098] Examples of any filtration system disclosed in the current specification can include one or more filtering assemblies which are fully immersed within the water source, such that raw water can pass into the inlet pipe through all of the medium apertures, for example during a filtering mode, while various self-cleaning mechanisms, as will be elaborated below, can be implemented to clean filtride accumulated on or in the filter medium during a cleaning more. id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99"
id="p-99"
[099] The term "raw water", as used herein, refers to unfiltered water that can be present in a natural water source. The term "filtrate", as used herein, refers to water that passed through the IL 286882/ filter medium toward the intake pipe. For example, water from which a substantial portion of debris or particulates have been filtered is filtrate. The term "filtride", as used herein, refers to the residue (e.g., microalgae, debris, or other particulates) that has been separated from the filtrate by the filter medium. id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100"
id="p-100"
[0100]While various filtration systems are known in the art for utilization inland, i.e. – in a relatively dry environment, the filtration systems of the current disclosure are meant for full immersion within an open water source, differentiating their structure, designed for such environments. For example, various known filtration systems adapted for inland utilization, such as disc-type, sheaf-type, or coiled-thread type filters, are placed within pressure vessels that are sealed from the surrounding environment, except for a dedicate inlet for unfiltered liquid entering the enclosed housing that defined the pressure vessel. This liquid flows through an intermediary passageway defined between the walls of the vessel's housing and the filter medium, through the filter medium, and toward a dedicated outlet of the resulting filtrate. Such vessels can further include dedicated inlets and outlets for wash liquid. In contrast, all of the filtration systems disclosed herein are devoid of such a pressure vessels. Specifically, the filter medium is configured to be directly exposed to the environment such that raw liquid of the environment is in direct contact with the medium outer side, without passing through an intermediary passageway. Since all currently disclosed filtration systems are not housed in any external housing (such as pressure vessels), they will not include any inlet pipes or ports, which are present in other conventional pressurized system to drive fluid to be filtered toward and through the filter medium. id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101"
id="p-101"
[0101]For simplicity, any reference throughout the specification to "inflow openings" will refer to either a single inflow opening or to a plurality of inflow openings, unless stated otherwise. id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102"
id="p-102"
[0102]In some implementations, a filtration system and any filtering assemblies thereof can be continuously operable for filtering water that pass through the medium apertures toward the inflow opening(s), without the need for any self-cleaning mechanisms, if the minimal effective filtration surface open area Ae associated with a minimal Ra for a maximal aperture size D, results in almost no accumulation of filtride on or in the filter medium(s), to a degree that does not require use of any type of an additional self-cleaning mechanism.
IL 286882/ id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103"
id="p-103"
[0103]One of the cleaning mechanism, as will be described below, can include a vibration motor that can be coupled, directly or indirectly, to the at least one filtering assembly, such that during a cleaning mode, the motor can vibrate the filter medium(s) in a manner that will dislodge filtride accumulated thereon. Such a motor should be placed in close proximity to the filter mediums for efficient transmission of the vibrations generated thereby. Placement of the vibration motor in close proximity to the filtering medium(s) means that it is positioned offshore, optionally partially or fully immersed within the water of the surrounding natural water source, or at the very least, may be subjected to frequent splashes of water. Thus, it is important for such a drive motor to be watertight adequate operability thereof in this environment. Consequently, the vibration motor utilized for vibrating any filter medium disclosed herein is a watertight vibration motor. The vibration motor 70 can be implemented, in some examples, as an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor. id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104"
id="p-104"
[0104]The term "watertight vibration motor", as used herein, refers either to a vibration motor which is constructed to be watertight, or a conventional, not necessarily sealed, vibration motor, which is encapsulated in a watertight housing. A watertight vibration motor can refer to an electric motor, which must be watertight to prevent contact between any electric component thereof and the surrounding water. id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105"
id="p-105"
[0105]The filtrations system can also include a controller, which can include at least one control sub-unit for controlling the operation of the vibration motor. The controller can also include a receiver and/or transmitter for wireless communication with an onshore component. If the controller is placed in close vicinity to the vibration motor or any portion of any filtering assembly, that is to say, in an offshore position, it may be similarly partially of fully immersed in the water or be subjected to water splashes, and thus also needs to be watertight. In some implementations, the controller can be provided as a watertight component, or can be optionally placed within a watertight housing, wherein the same watertight motor housing can serve to protect both the vibration motor and the controller. The controller can activate the vibration motor 70, for example, when the filtration system or a corresponding filtering assembly is in a cleaning mode, and keeping the motor 70 inactive during the filtering mode. id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106"
id="p-106"
[0106]In some examples, the filtration system (such as system 100, 200, 300, and/or 4disclosed herein below) further includes at least one sensor, which can be chosen from, but not limited to, flow sensor, pressure sensor, and the like. The filtration system (100, 200, 300, 400) can include a plurality of sensors, including combination of various types of sensors. In such IL 286882/ examples, the one or more sensors are operatively coupled to the controller (including any specific control sub-unit thereof, as desired), such that the sensor may transmit sensed signals to the controller, which in turn can transmit such signals, either as raw data or after manipulating such data, to a receiver that can be, for example, on shore or otherwise remote from the filtration system. In such examples, the controller can include a wireless transmitter, receiver, and/or transceiver. A transmitter and/or transceiver can be utilized to transmit signals, for examples based on sensed signals by one or more sensors, to a remote receiver, while a receiver and/or transceiver can be utilized to receive signals from a remote transmitter, for example in the form of commands, including requests for updated sensed signals and/or operation instructions that may be based on transmitted sensed signals. id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107"
id="p-107"
[0107]For example, the controller may be configured to transmit flow velocity sensed by one or more sensors at different regions of or near the filtration system, such as the flow velocity within the intake pipe, across the filter medium, or the flow of water in the vicinity of the filtration system (e.g., indicative of currents, waves and the like within the water source). In another example, the controller may be configured to transmit pressure readings from pressure sensors placed on various portions of the filtration system. Pressure sensors can measure the environmental pressure in the vicinity of the filtration system, which may be indicative of the depth of immersion within the water source. Two or more pressure sensors can also provide the pressure drops along or across various regions of the filtration system, from which flow velocities may be derived. id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108"
id="p-108"
[0108]The controller can be configured to received operational instructions from a remote location, which can include commands for controlling various self-cleaning mechanisms as will be described in greater detail below, such as a vibration motor, ultrasonic transducers, and one or more three-way valves. id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109"
id="p-109"
[0109]One possible implementation of a filtration system, referred to as screen-type filtration system 100, provided with at least one screen-type filtering assembly 102, will now be described in detail with reference to Figs. 1A-10B of the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1A shows a side view of one example of a filtration system 100 with a single dome-shaped filtering assembly 102. Fig. 1B shows a sectional side view of the filtration system 100 of Fig. 1A. Fig. 1C shows a view in perspective of the filtration system 100 of Figs. 1A-B. Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of zone 2 of a filter medium 144 indicated in Fig. 1C. Fig. 3 shows a side view of an example of a filtration system 100 with a plurality of filtering assemblies 102. Figs. 4-5 IL 286882/ show views in perspective of the filtration system 100 of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 shows a side view of an example of a filtration system 100 with a flush pipe 170. Fig. 7A and 7B show a side view and a sectional view in perspective, respectively, of an example of a cylindrical filtering assembly 102. Fig. 8A and 8B show a side view and a sectional view in perspective, respectively, of an example of a pyramid-shaped filtering assembly 102. Fig. 9 shows a side view of an example of a filtration system 100 with an expansion chamber 180 of the intake pipe 160. Fig. 10A shows a view in perspective of an exemplary filtration system 100 with an offshore platform connection assembly 44 and with ultrasonic transducers 80. Fig. 10B shows a sectional view in perspective of an upper portion of the filtration system 100 of Fig. 10B. Figs. 27A-B show an example of a filtration system 100 with a bubble generator 90 provided with bubble apertures 94 laterally offset from the filter medium 144. Fig. 28 shows a zoomed-in sectional view of a bubble generator 90 positioned below a filtering assembly 102. Figs. 29A-B show one example of a guiding chamber 60 extending from a bubble generator 90. Fig. 30 shows another example of a guiding chamber 60 extending from a bubble generator 90. Fig. 31 shows an example of a filtration system 100 with a bubble generator 90 provided with bubble apertures 94 aligned with the filter medium 144. Figs. 1A-10B and 27A-31 are described herein together. id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110"
id="p-110"
[0110]As shown throughout Figs. 1A-10B (as well as Figs. 27A-31), a screen-type filtration system 100 includes at least one screen-type filtering assembly 102 comprising a filter medium 144, and an intake pipe 160 comprising at least one inflow opening in fluid communication with the filter medium 144. For simplicity, any reference to a component of filtration system 100 (such as filtering assembly 102, filter medium 144, and so on) in a single form throughout the current specification, will similarly refer to "one or more" of said components for implementations that include a plurality of said components, unless otherwise stated. id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111"
id="p-111"
[0111]The terms "screen-type filtration system 100" and "filtration system 100" are interchangeable, and the terms "screen-type filtering assembly 102" and "filtering assembly 102" are also interchangeable, for system and assembly numerals 100 and 102 throughout the specification, and particularly with respect to Figs. 1A-10B, unless otherwise stated. id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112"
id="p-112"
[0112]The filtering assembly 102 can include hollow body 104 to which the filter medium 144 is attached. The hollow body 104 exhibits a lower end 106 and an upper end 108, the lower end facing the water source bed 24 when immersed in the water source 20, and the upper end 108 facing the water level 22. The lower end 106 can be an open end or define an opening, to IL 286882/ which the filter medium, which can be in the form of a relatively flat or otherwise shaped screen mesh, is attached. The hollow body 104 can include a sidewall 110 extending upward from the lower end 106, and optionally an upper wall 112 extending from the sidewall 110 at or to the upper end 108. An internal space 150 is formed between the hollow body 104 and the filter medium 144, such that raw water 10 from the water source 20 in which the filter assembly 1is immersed, may flow into the inner space 150 only through apertures 152 of the filter medium 144. The term "water level", as used herein, is defined as the level of the surface of the water source when no waves are present. The term "flat", with reference to a screen mesh, refers to the screen mesh extending along an uncurved plane. id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113"
id="p-113"
[0113]The filter medium 144 defines a medium outer surface, which is a screen outer surface 146 in the illustrated examples, and a medium inner surface, which is a screen inner surface 148 in the illustrated examples. Any type of medium outer surface of any example of a filtration system disclosed herein, including screen outer surface 146 in the case of a screen-type filtration system 100, is facing the surrounding water it is immersed in. Specifically for the example of filter medium 144 comprising a screen mesh, the screen outer surface 146 is facing away from the upper end 108 of hollow body 106. The opposite screen inner surface 148 is facing the upper end 108. Medium apertures 152 comprise filtration apertures 154. id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114"
id="p-114"
[0114]Filter medium 144 includes a plurality medium apertures 152 (an example of which is shown in Fig. 2). Each medium aperture 152 has an aperture size D and an aperture open area Aa. In some implementations, the medium aperture 152 has a circular shape, such that the aperture size D is the diameter of the medium aperture 152, and the aperture open area Aa can be calculated as π·D. However, it is to be understood, as described above, that the medium aperture 152 can take the form of any other geometrical shape. For example, in some implementations the medium aperture 152 is square-shaped, such that the aperture size D is the length of its edge, and the aperture open area Aa can be calculated as D. In the example illustrated in Fig. 2, the screen mesh 144 is shown to be formed of weft and warp wires defining medium aperture 152 that can extend over a substantially planar, but in some examples not necessarily planar, screen outer surface 146 (as evident in the zoomed-in view). The aperture size D in the example illustrated in Fig. 2 can be defined by the distance between adjacent weft wires, which is shown in this specific example to be narrower than the distance between adjacent warp wires.
IL 286882/ id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115"
id="p-115"
[0115]While screen mesh 144 is illustrated in Fig. 2 as composed of intersecting weft and warp wires, it is to be understood that this is shown by way of illustration and not limitation, and that a screen mesh 144 can be provided in any other form known in the art, including meshes being formed of single-layered material sheets, in which the medium apertures 152 can be formed by laser cutting, punching, or other manufacturing methods known in the art. id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116"
id="p-116"
[0116]For a filtration system 100 that includes a screen-type filtering assembly 102, the terms "filter medium 144" and "screen mesh 144" are interchangeable, and refer to a filter medium which is implemented as a substantially flat or otherwise-shaped screen mesh. id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117"
id="p-117"
[0117]The filtration system 100 is further shown to comprises an intake pipe 160, which can be optionally disposed at least partially within the filtering assembly 102, such as within the internal space 150 enclosed by the hollow body 104. The intake pipe 160 includes at least one inflow opening 164 which is in fluid communication with the medium apertures 152. While a configuration of four inflow openings 164 arranged circumferentially side-by-side around a portion of the intake tube 160 extending into internal space 150 are illustrated in the example shown in Fig. 1B, it is to be understood that any other number, such as less or more than four inflow openings, is contemplated. Any reference to "inflow openings 164" throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, refers also to implementation of a single inflow opening 164. id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118"
id="p-118"
[0118]The intake pipe 160 can be an independent component of a suction line (not shown), attached thereto and in fluid communication therewith, or can be formed as an integral part or extension of the suction line. Intake pipe 160 is coupled to at least one hollow body 104, such as to an upper end 108 thereof, and more specifically, to an upper wall 112 as shown in the illustrated examples. Intake pipe 160 can extend away from the upper end 108, and terminate with an opening at an intake pipe outlet 168 that can be coupled, for example by a pipe coupler (not shown), to an inlet of the suction line. The intake pipe 160 and the suction line together define a fluid-communication line between the inflow opening(s) 162 and a suction line outlet (not shown) which can be placed onshore. This fluid-communication line is intended to direct filtrate from the at least one filtration assembly 102 to a target location, which can be onshore, for example by applying suction force at the inflow opening(s) 162. This may be accomplished by creating a negative pressure difference between the inflow opening(s) 162 and the suction line outlet.
IL 286882/ id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119"
id="p-119"
[0119]In some implementations, such a negative pressure difference can be created by an absolute height difference between the inflow opening(s) 162 and the suction line outlet, wherein the suction line outlet can be an open-ended outlet positioned remotely at a height which is lower than that of the inflow opening(s) 162, allowing for gravitational flow through the intake pipe 160 and the suction line. Alternatively, the suction line can be connected to a pump (not shown), such as a centrifugal pump or any other appropriate pump type, at the suction line outlet, wherein the pump is utilized to create the necessary negative pressure to facilitate flow from the water source 20, through the submerged portion (e.g., filtering region) of the filter medium 144, toward the inflow opening(s) 162 and into the intake pipe 160. id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120"
id="p-120"
[0120]The medium apertures 152 generally extend between the screen outer surface 146 and screen inner surface 148, such that the internal space 150 can be defined between the screen inner surface 148, the inner surfaces of the walls of hollow body 104, and the intake pipe 160. During filtration mode, raw water 10 which is in direct contact with the screen outer surface 146, flow through the filtration apertures 154 into the internal space 150, becoming filtrate that flows therefrom, through the inflow opening(s) 162, into intake pipe 160. id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121"
id="p-121"
[0121]The hollow body 114 can include body sealed opening 114, along which the intake pipe 160 is coupled in a sealed manner to the hollow body 114. In the example illustrated in Figs. 1A-C, the upper wall 112 comprises the body sealed opening 114, through which the intake pipe can optionally extend, in a sealed manner, toward internal space 150. id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122"
id="p-122"
[0122]In some examples, the filter medium 144 comprises a screen sealed opening 158, which can be aligned with, and similarly dimensioned to, the body sealed opening 114, allowing the intake pipe to similarly extend therethrough, the screen opening 158 is sealed around the intake pipe 166 to restrict passage of raw water 10 into the internal space 150 only through the apertures 152 of the screen mesh 144. As shown, the intake pipe 160 can optionally extend through the entire height of a filtering assembly 102, passing both through the body sealed opening 114 and the screen sealed opening 158. In other examples, the intake pipe 160 can terminate within the filtering assembly 102 before reaching the lower end 106. id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123"
id="p-123"
[0123]A conventional vibration motor is not necessarily provided as a watertight motor, as it is usually placed in a dry environment. Thus, a conventional vibration motor 70 needs to be sealed from the surrounding environment in a watertight manner to prevent any damage to its operation when immersed within, or otherwise being contacted by, water from the water source IL 286882/ . An vibration motor 70 (shown, for example, in Fig. 4) can become a watertight vibration motor 72 by being encased within a watertight housing 72, which can be attached to a component of the filtration system 100. For example, vibration motor 70 can be attached to the intake pipe 160, as shown in Fig. 4. Since the intake pipe 160 is attached to the hollow bodies 104 and/or filter mediums 144 of the filtering assemblies 102 (one or more) it extends through, when the motor 70 is operated, during a cleaning mode, to vibrate the intake pipe 160, the vibrations pass, in turn, to the filter mediums 144 attached thereto. id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124"
id="p-124"
[0124]As mentioned above, the filtration system 100 further includes at least one controller (see for example Fig. 4), which can which can include at least one motor control sub-unit, configured to control functionality of the drive motor 70. The controller 74 can include a dedicated processor and/or other component of a control circuitry, including a wireless receiver or transmitter, which, for the same reasons described above of a vibration motor, should be also watertight to prevent any damage to such components when immersed or otherwise contacted by water from the water source 20. Thus, the controller 74 should be also a watertight controller 74. This can be achieved, for example, by placing the controller 74 in its own watertight housing 72 (see for example Fig. 4). The filtration system 200 can include, in some examples, more than one watertight housing, such that each of the vibration motor 60 and the controller 74 is placed in its own watertight housing 72. In alternative examples, both the vibration motor 70 and the controller 74 can be placed within the same watertight housing 72. id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125"
id="p-125"
[0125]While designed to minimize filtride accumulation over the filter medium 144, filtration system 100 may still include self-cleaning mechanisms, such as backwash mechanisms that will be described in further detail below, which can be utilized as safety measures, or as additional measures that can be utilized in implementations in which the aperture size D is not greater than 350 microns (including being optionally not greater than 300 microns, not greater than 200 microns, not greater than 100 microns, not greater than 40 microns, not greater than microns, not greater than 5 microns, and/or not greater than 1 micron), which can still require certain self-cleaning measured to be employed for such fine mesh densities. id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126"
id="p-126"
[0126]Figs. 1A-C show an example of a filtration system 100 that includes a single screen mesh 144, and in particular, includes a single filtering assembly 102 with a single screen mesh 144. The screen mesh 144 is fully immersed within the water source 20 when the filtration system 100 is in a filtering mode. In some examples, the entire filtering assembly 102, including the entire hollow body 104, is immersed within the water source 20. In other IL 286882/ examples, since raw water 10 may enter into internal space 150 (to become filtrate 12) only through the medium apertures 152 of the screen mesh 144, it may be enough to immerse only the screen mesh 144, while at least a portion of the hollow body 104, such as at least a portion of its upper wall 112, can be exposed to the atmosphere above the water level 22. id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127"
id="p-127"
[0127]In some examples, the filtration system 100 can include more than one filtering medium 144, by including a plurality of filtering assemblies 102, optionally arranged in a substantially vertical arrangement, one on top of the other, as shown for example in Figs. 3-5. While all filtering sub-assemblies 102 are shown to be immersed in the water source 20 in Fig. 3, in other examples, at least a portion of the hollow body 104 of the uppermost filtering assembly 1can be exposed to the atmosphere above the water level 22, while all of the filter mediums 144, including the uppermost filter medium 144, remain fully immersed. id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128"
id="p-128"
[0128]It is to be understood that other arrangements of a plurality of filtering assemblies 1are also contemplated, such as filtering assemblies 102 that can be arranged side-by-side, horizontally spaced from each other, or arranged in any other arrangement, as long as they share a single intake pipe 160. While an intake pipe 160 is shown to extend along a single, optionally substantially vertical axis, through a plurality of filtering assemblies 102 in the arrangement shown in Figs. 3-5, in some implementations, the intake pipe 160 can include an intake manifold split into a plurality of intake manifold branches, each intake manifold branch equipped with its own one or more inflow opening(s), in fluid communication with a filter medium 144 of a respective filtering assembly. For example, an intake manifold can include a plurality of intake manifold branches, corresponding to in number to the number of filtering assemblies, such that each intake manifold branch is coupled to a corresponding filtering assembly 102, optionally extending into its internal space 150, with its inflow opening(s) being in fluid communication with the corresponding internal space 150 and screen mesh 144. id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129"
id="p-129"
[0129]In some implementations, the filtration system 100 also includes at least one float for keeping the one or more filtering assembly 102 at a desired height relative to the water level 22. While a single is illustrated in Figs. 3-5, it is to be understood that any other number, such as two or more floats, are contemplated, and that the singular use of the term "float 50" is not limiting, and may similarly refer to a plurality of floats. Likewise, while a ring-shaped float is illustrated in Figs. 4-5, it is to be understood that any other shape is contemplated. The float can be coupled to a component of the filtration system 100, such as intake pipe 160 in the example illustrated in Figs. 3-5. In other examples, the float can be directly coupled to a IL 286882/ component of the filtering assembly 102, such as the hollow body 104 (for example, to a sidewall 110 and/or an upper wall 112 thereof), and more particularly, to a hollow body 104 of an uppermost filtering assembly 102 in the case of a plurality of filtering assemblies 1arranged vertically on top of each other. The float 50 can be attached to the intake pipe 160 (or other components of the filtration system) by various coupling means, such as connection ribs, rods, cables, chains, ropes, and the like. id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130"
id="p-130"
[0130]In some implementations, the float is an adjustable float 50, meaning that the weight of the float 50 can be adjusted to control its buoyancy. In some implementations, the adjustable float 50 may be provided in the form of a ballast tank, with at least one port for controlling the level of ballast water. In some implementations, the adjustable float comprises a float water port or liquid port 52 through which water (or other suitable liquid), such as ballast water, can be poured to fill the internal volume of the float 50, thereby increasing its weight, and an air port or gas port 54, through which air (or other suitable gas) may flow into the float 50 while water may exit through the water port 52. Adjustable float 50 can be utilized, by increasing and decreasing the weight of the floats 50, to control the buoyancy of the one or more filtering assembly 102 and its height, relative to the water level 22. id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131"
id="p-131"
[0131]In some implementations, filtration system 100 comprises an offshore platform connection assembly 44 (see Figs. 10A-B) for coupling at least one filtering assembly 102 to an offshore platform 40. The offshore platform connection assembly 44 can include elongated flexible members 46, such as chains, cables, ropes, and the like, coupled to a component of a filtering assembly 102, for example to eyelets of a hollow body, and to a winch 48 positioned on the offshore platform topside 42, configured to control the length of the elongated flexible members 46. id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132"
id="p-132"
[0132]In some examples, the filtration system 100 can include one or more weight(s) 30, attached to a component of the filtration system 100, such as to a hollow body 104 (for example, to a sidewall 110 or edges along a lower end 106 thereof), and in particular, to the hollow body 104 of a lowermost filtration assembly 102, as shown in the example illustrated in Figs. 3-5. The weight(s) can be attached to the component of the filtration system 100, such as to a lowermost hollow body 104, via coupling means that can include rods, chains, cables, ropes, and the like. While two weights 160 are illustrated in Figs. 3-5, it is to be understood that any other number, such as a single weight 30 or more than two weights 30, is contemplated. For example, a single ring-shaped weight 30 is illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10A.
IL 286882/ id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133"
id="p-133"
[0133]A combination of float(s) 50, and in some examples, adjustable float(s) 50, with weight(s) 30, as illustrated in Figs. 3-5 and 9, can serve to control the height of the one or more filtering assembly 102 within the water source 20 (i.e., relative to water level 22), for example by adjusting the degree of floatation of float(s) 50, while weight(s) 30 pull the at least one filtering assembly 102 gravitationally downward. Moreover, the combination of float(s) from above, and weight(s) 30 from below the filtering assemblies 102, can together stabilize the filtering assemblies 102 (one or more), such as in a vertical arrangement (i.e., substantially orthogonal to the plane defined by water level 22) shown in Fig. 3. In alternative implementations, additional weights are not required if the one or more filtering assembly 1is designed to be heavy enough to strive pull it downward. id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134"
id="p-134"
[0134]The above-mentioned offshore platform connection assembly 44 can be utilized to control the height of the at least one filtering assembly 102, relative to the water level 22. Weight(s) 30 can be also utilized in combination with an offshore platform connection assembly 44 (see Fig. 10A), such that when the elongated flexible members 46 are released (i.e., elongated), the weight(s) 30 pull the one or more filtration assemblies 102 downward (for example, deeper into the water source 20). In alternative implementations, additional weights are not required if the one or more filtering assembly 102 is designed to be heavy enough to strive to tension the elongated flexible members. id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135"
id="p-135"
[0135]In some implementations, the filter medium 144 comprises copper, for example by being completely made of copper or coated by a copper layer. Copper is known to repel algae and other microorganisms that are present in many natural water sources. Embedding copper into the filter medium 144, or forming it from copper, can significantly reduce the likelihood of algae and other microorganisms from clinging to the filter medium and clogging its apertures 152 when immersed in a natural water source 20. id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136"
id="p-136"
[0136]In some implementations, the filtration system 100 comprises a backwash self-cleaning mechanism. Backwash is a process typically comprising flushing a cleaning fluid (e.g., cleaning water) in the opposite direction to that of the flow during the filtering mode, and is utilized in order to remove accumulated filtride from the filter medium 144. id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137"
id="p-137"
[0137]In some examples, the filtration system 100 includes a backwash mechanism that includes at least one flush pipe 170 comprising at least one flush opening 174, in fluid communication with the filter medium 144 – at least during a cleaning mode.
IL 286882/ id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138"
id="p-138"
[0138] Fig. 6 shows an example of a filtration system 100 comprising a flush pipe 160, that can be optionally connected to a portion of intake pipe 160, such as a portion of pipe 160 which extends away from any filtering assembly 102. As shown for example in cross-sectional exemplary views in Figs. 7B and 8B, the flush pipe 170 can converge with the intake pipe 160, such that flush opening(s) 174 can be defined at the region of connection with intake pipe 160. In such examples, one or more valves (not shown) can be utilized to control flow through either intake pipe 160 and/or flush pipe 170. For example, during a filtering mode, one or more valves can be utilized to block flush pipe 170 (for example, by closing flush opening(s) 174) in a manner that retains fluid communication between filter medium 144 and internal space 150, through inflow opening(s) 164, along intake pipe 160, at least up to intake pipe outlet 168, while access into and through flush pipe 170, for example up to flush pipe inlet 178, is blocked. During a cleaning mode, the one or more valves can be switched to open access from flush pipe 170, at least from flush pipe inlet 178 thereof, through flush opening(s) 174, to the filter medium 144, optionally via the same opening(s) utilized as inflow opening(s) 164 during the filtering mode, and through internal space 150. Suction halts during this backwashing procedure (i.e., during the cleaning mode), either by stopping the operation of a pump or by blocking the passageway through the intake pipe toward intake pipe outlet 168, such as by blocking the intake pipe outlet 168 or blocking any other region at or along the portion of intake pipe 160 extending from flush opening 174 toward intake pipe outlet 168. id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139"
id="p-139"
[0139]During the cleaning mode, cleaning fluid, such as water or other suitable liquid, and in some cases, pressurized air or other suitable gas, flows at high pressure through the flush pipe 170 and flush opening(s) 174, optionally via the same opening(s) utilized as inflow opening(s) 164 during the filtering mode and into internal space 150, wherein the jets of the cleaning fluid, directed toward medium inner surface 148, impinge against the screen mesh 144 at a speed and force high enough to dislodge filtride that may have accumulated thereon. id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140"
id="p-140"
[0140]In some examples, as illustrated in Figs. 6-8B, the flush pipe 170 converges with intake pipe 160, such that a single pipe portion shared with both extends into the hollow body 104 of the filtering assembly 102, allowing the same inflow opening(s) to be utilized both for filtrate intake during a filtering mode, and for wash fluid outflow therethrough during the cleaning mode, as described above. In other examples, a flush pipe 170 can be a separate component that does not connect with intake pipe 160, such that each of the intake pipe 160 and the flush pipe 170 can be separately coupled to hollow body 104 and/or screen mesh 144, enabling fluid IL 286882/ communication between intake pipe 160 and filter medium 144 in a manner that allows fluid flow through the intake pipe 160 toward intake pipe outlet 168 during the filtering mode, while no cleaning fluid is allowed to flow from flush pipe inlet 178 toward filter medium 144 in this mode, and in a manner that allows fluid flow from the flush pipe inlet 178, through the flush opening(s) 174 toward filter medium 144 during the cleaning mode, while no filtrate is allowed to flow from inflow opening(s) 164 toward intake pipe outlet 168 in this mode. In such examples, each hollow body 104 can include two body sealed openings 114, each body sealed opening 114 associated with a corresponding pipe coupled thereto and optionally extending therethrough, and each screen mesh 144 can include two screen sealed openings 158, each screen sealed opening 158 associated with a corresponding pipe coupled thereto and optionally extending therethrough. id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141"
id="p-141"
[0141]While a flush pipe 170 converging with the intake pipe 160 at a single flush opening 174 is illustrated in Fig. 6, such that a shared portion of both pipes is shown to extend through all filtering assemblies 102, in alternative implementations, the flush pipe 180 can include a flush manifold split into a plurality of flush manifold branches, each flush manifold branch equipped with its own one or more flush opening(s), in fluid communication with a filter medium 144 of a respective filtering assembly 102. For example, a flush manifold can include a plurality of flush manifold branches, corresponding to in number to the number of filtering assemblies, such that each flush manifold branch is coupled to a corresponding filtering assembly 102, optionally extending into its internal space 150, with its inflow opening(s) being in fluid communication with the corresponding internal space 150 and screen mesh 144. id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142"
id="p-142"
[0142]As mentioned, the minimal ratio Ra and/or maximal flow velocity across the filtration apertures Ve depend on the effective area of filtration Ae, such that for a given maximal flow rate Qm, a minimal effective area of filtration Ae is required to result in the minimal desired Ra and/or maximal desire Ve. Furthermore, as also mentioned above, the filtration apertures 154 contribute to the effective area of filtration Ae. Thus, when any filtering assembly 102 is in a filtering mode, all of its medium apertures 152 are filtration apertures 154. When any filtering assembly 102 is switched to a cleaning mode, all of its medium apertures 152 are none filtration apertures 154. id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143"
id="p-143"
[0143]In some examples, as shown for the filtration system 100 illustrated in Fig. 6, a single pipe portion that can be shared by both the intake type 160 and the flush pipe 170, extends through all of a plurality of filtering assemblies 102, such that all of the filtering assemblies IL 286882/ 102 are can be simultaneously either in a filtering mode or a cleaning mode. In such examples, during the filtering mode, the total area of medium apertures At is equal to the effective area of filtration Ae. In alternative examples, in which the intake pipe 160 includes an intake manifold, and the flush pipe 170 includes a flush manifold, such that each intake manifold branch and flush manifold branch is independently associated with a corresponding filtering assembly 102, it may be possible open and close appropriate valves (not shown) to set at least one of the plurality of filtering assemblies 102 to operate in a cleaning mode, while the remaining one or more filtering assemblies 102 are set to operate in a filtering mode. In such cases, only the medium apertures 152 of the filtering assemblies 102 which are in the filtering mode, at a specific point of time, serve as filtration aperture 154 that contribute to the effective area of filtration Ae. id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144"
id="p-144"
[0144]A controller, which can be a watertight controller 74 as mentioned above, can control the operation of one or more valve to transition any filtering assembly 102 of the filtration system 100 between filtering and cleaning modes. A controller 74 can include several control sub-units, such as one control sub-unit for controlling the operation of a vibration motor 70, and another control sub-unit for controlling the transition of any filtering assembly 102 between the filtering and cleaning modes. Alternatively, a controller 74 can include a control sub-unit for controlling transitions between cleaning and filtering modes, without a control sub-unit for controlling a motor, for example if the filtration system 100 is not provided with a vibration motor. id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145"
id="p-145"
[0145]A controller 74 can be programmed such that at any given point of time, at least one filtering assembly 102 (in the case of a plurality of filtering assemblies) is in a filtering mode. In some examples, a controller can be programmed such that at any given time, a minimal number of filtering assemblies 102 continue to operate in a filtering mode, corresponding to the minimal desired effective area of filtration Ae. For example, a minimal number of filtering assemblies 102 can operate in a filtering mode such that the sum of the aperture open areas Aa of their combined medium apertures 152 (which are filtration apertures 154) is equal to, or higher than, a minimal desired value for the effective area of filtration Ae. id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146"
id="p-146"
[0146]One manner by which the effective area of filtration Ae may be increased is by increasing the size of the filter medium of a specific filtering assembly. However, it may be preferable to alternatively provide a filtration system that includes a plurality of filtering IL 286882/ assemblies, such that the combined filtration apertures of all of the filter mediums can be similar to an alternatively single very large filter medium. id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147"
id="p-147"
[0147]Thus, on top of the ability to significantly reduce the size of each filtering assembly 1while meeting the minimal ratio Ra and/or maximal flow velocity across the filtration apertures Ve requirements, a further advantage of a filtration system 100 with a plurality of filtering assemblies 102 is that each of the filtering assemblies 102 can be separately controlled, such that while one or more of the filtering assemblies 102 is in a filtering mode, the remainder one or more of the filtering assemblies 102 can be switched to the cleaning mode, as described above. This can ensure continuous filtration functionality of the filtration system 100 such that even when one or more of the filtering assemblies 102 are cleaned, water filtration does not need to be completely stopped but may rather continue through the rest of the filtering assemblies 102. id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148"
id="p-148"
[0148]In some examples, the upper end 108 of the hollow body 104 is narrower than its lower end 106, meaning that the cross-sectional area of the lower end 106 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the upper end. At least a portion of any wall of the hollow body 104 in such examples, such as any of the sidewall 110 and/or the upper wall 112 can taper between the lower end 106 and the upper end 108. id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149"
id="p-149"
[0149]In some examples, the hollow body 104 can be a dome-shaped hollow body, as shown in the examples illustrated in Figs. 1A-C. In the illustrated example, the hollow body 1includes a ring-like sidewall 110 exhibiting a circular cross section, having a uniform diameter along its height, and a dome-shaped upper wall 112 extending from the sidewall 110 to the upper end 108. It is to be understood that a distinction between a sidewall and an upper wall is not meant to be limiting, and that a hollow body 104 can include a single continuous wall that can be referred to as a sidewall extending from the lower end 106 to the upper end 108. For example, a hollow body 104 can have a sidewall 110 that is dome-shaped (similar to the dome shape of upper wall 112 in Figs. 1A-C), without any uniformly sized portion, but rather narrowing in diameter along the entire path from the lower end to the upper end. The term "dome", as used herein, is not limited to the shape illustrated in Figs. 1A-C but rather is intended to include a variety of bodies-of-revolution, including but not limited to those having compound contours.
IL 286882/ id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150"
id="p-150"
[0150]Figs. 7A-7B show another example of a hollow body 104 which is a cylindrically shaped hollow body 104, including a ring-like sidewall 110 exhibiting a circular cross section, having a uniform diameter along its height, extending all the way from the lower end 106 to the upper end 108, and a substantially flat upper wall 112 disposed horizontally at the level of the upper end 108, for example between the sidewall 110 and the body opening 114. id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151"
id="p-151"
[0151]Figs. 8A-8B show another example of a hollow body 104 which is a pyramid-shaped hollow body 104, including several sides (four sides in the illustrated example, but any other number of sides is contemplated) tapering from a wider lower end 106 to a narrow upper end 108, for example up to the body opening 114, or alternatively up to a relatively narrow upper wall 112 that can be flat shaped at the level of the upper end 108 and define the body opening 114. id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152"
id="p-152"
[0152]Several examples of differently shaped hollow bodies 106 are shown in Figs. 1A-C, 7A-B and 8A-B merely by way of illustration, and it is to be understood that any other shape is contemplated, such as, but not limited to, conical, frustoconical, cubical and/or irregularly formed shapes. id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153"
id="p-153"
[0153]In all of the illustrated examples, the filter mediums 144 are shown as relatively flat-shaped screen meshes, extending along a horizontal plane facing downward. In the case of filtration systems 100 equipped with a single filtering assembly 102, such a configuration is advantageous as during a cleaning mode, for example implemented as a backwashing mechanism, the filtride dislodge from the screen mesh 144 will fall downward, toward the water source bed 24 (which can be, for instance, the sea bed or the ground of a lake or river), whereas an alternative configuration in which a similarly flat-shaped screen mesh would face upward (i.e., toward the water level 22) might have caused the filtride to fall back toward the mesh 144. In the case of a filtration system 100 equipped with a plurality of filtering assemblies 102, the filtride releasing during the cleaning mode from the lowermost screen mesh will similarly fall toward the water bed source 24, while filtride dislodged from any other screen mesh 144 will fall downward toward the lower filtering assembly, but will not interact with any of the lower filter mediums 144, since each filter medium 144 is protected from the upper environment by the enclosing walls of the hollow bodies 104. id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154"
id="p-154"
[0154]In some cases, hollow bodies 104 having a narrower upper end 108 and wider lower end 106, such as dome-shaped hollow bodies 104 shown in Figs. 1A-C or tapering bodies 104 IL 286882/ shown in Figs. 8A-B, may be advantageous over uniformly sized bodies, as illustrated in Fig,. 7A-B, since the filtride dislodged from an upper screen mesh 144 can slide over the dome-shaped or tapering walls, away from the hollow body 104, while a flat-shaped upper wall 112, as in the example illustrated in Figs. 7A-B, might accumulate filtride and other waste matter thereon over time. Nevertheless, even if filtride may gather over a flat-shaped upper wall 1of the type illustrated in Figs. 7A-B, the upper wall still protect the screen mesh from interacting with such debris or waste matter. id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155"
id="p-155"
[0155]In some examples, the filtration system 100 further comprises one or more tethers 32, that can be coupled to a component of the filtration system 100 such as to the intake pipe, or a hollow body 104 of a lowermost filtering assembly, as illustrated in Fig. 9. The tethers 32 are intended to secure the filtration system 100 to the water source bed 24 by anchor elements or heavy structures, and can be in the form of cables, chains, ropes, moorings and the like. id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156"
id="p-156"
[0156]In some examples, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the intake pipe 160 extends from the upper end 108 of an uppermost filtering assembly 102 toward the intake pipe outlet 168. In other examples, as illustrated in Figs. 4-5 and 9, the intake pipe 160 extends from the lower end 1of a lowermost filtering assembly 102 toward the intake pipe outlet 168. Specifically, the intake pipe 160 can extend from the lowermost filtering assembly 102 downward, toward water source bed 24, such that the intake pipe outlet 168 is positioned lower than the lowermost filtering assembly 102. Fig. 9 shows an example of an intake pipe 160 oriented downward toward water source bed 24, and then extending to some length parallel to water source bed 24, wherein intake pipe outlet 168 is closer to water source bed 24, compared to the lowermost filtering assembly 102. id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157"
id="p-157"
[0157]In some examples, the intake pipe 160 further comprises an expansion chamber 180, as shown for example in Fig. 9. An expansion chamber 180 is disposed upstream from the one or more filtering assembly 202, and is formed as a portion of the intake pipe which expands to an expansion chamber diameter Dc, which is at least twice as great as the minimal pipe diameter Dp, and in some examples, at least three times as great as the minimal pipe diameter Dp. The minimal pipe diameter Dp is the diameter of intake pipe 160 at its minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area Ap, which can be measured at a portion of the intake pipe 160 extending into the filtering assembly 102, or at least extending through or disposed at the level of, a body sealed opening 114 and/or a screen sealed opening 158.
IL 286882/ id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158"
id="p-158"
[0158]The expansion chamber 180 can be either integrally formed with the remainder of intake pipe 160, or provided as a separate component hermetically attached to the remainder of intake pipe 160. The expansion chamber 180 can include a gradually tapering inflow portion, expanding gradually radially outward from minimal pipe diameter Dp to expansion chamber Dc, a main expanded portion having a uniform diameter Dc along a length Lc, and a gradually tapering outflow portion, narrowing gradually radially inward from expansion chamber diameter Dc back to minimal pipe diameter Dp, after which the pipe may further extend along a certain length and terminate with intake pipe outlet 168. In some examples, the length of expanded main portion Lc is at least twice as great as the expansion chamber diameter Dc. id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159"
id="p-159"
[0159]While intake pipe 160 is shown to extend through filtering assemblies 102 in the drawings in a vertical orientation, for example extending through upper end 108 along a vertical axis that is substantially orthogonal to the screen mesh 144, this orientation is shown by way of illustration and not limitation, and in other examples, the intake pipe can assume other orientations, for example by being attached to, or penetrating through, a body sealed opening 114 formed at the sidewall 110 instead of an upper wall 112. id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160"
id="p-160"
[0160]In some embodiments, filtration system 100 can include one or more ultrasonic transducers 80 (see Figs. 10A-B), positioned to apply ultrasonic energy directed at the filter medium 144. If the filtrations system 100 includes a plurality of filter mediums 144, ultrasonic transducer(s) 80 can be positioned next to each of the filtration mediums 144, as shown in Fig. 10A. The ultrasonic transducer(s) 80 can apply ultrasonic energy that can disintegrate and/or create ultrasonic waves that will impact against the filter medium in a manner that will dislodge filtride therefrom. Advantageously, the desire ultrasonic waves, directed at the filter medium, do not require high energy, enabling utilization of the ultrasonic transducer as low-energy long-term self-cleaning mechanism. id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161"
id="p-161"
[0161]Fig. 10B shows an enlarged sectional view of an upper portion of the filtration system 100 shown in Fig. 10A. One or more ultrasonic transducers 80 can be arranged so as to direct ultrasonic energy, during a cleaning mode, at the corresponding filter medium 144. As mentioned, a filtration system 100 (as well as systems 200, 300 and/or 400 described further below) can include any combination of the components and assemblies utilized for self-cleaning or for connection and control of immersion depth of the one or more filtering assemblies.
IL 286882/ id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162"
id="p-162"
[0162]Fig. 10B shows a filtration system 100 equipped with an offshore connection assembly 44, with ultrasonic transducer(s) 80, and with a vibration motor 70. It is to be understood that these components are shown in combination for illustrative purpose only, and that while such components and assemblies can be used in combination in a single filtration system, other examples of the filtration system can include only one or some of these components, as well as any combination with other components or implementations, such as utilizing any of a vibration motor 70 and/or ultrasonic transducer(s) 80, while the filter medium (e.g., screen mesh 144, as well as discs 232 or threads 345, 445, as will be described further below) can be made of, or coated by, or otherwise comprise, copper. id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163"
id="p-163"
[0163]In any example of a filtration system 100, 200, 300, 400 that includes more than one controllable component, a controller 72 of the filtration system can be utilized to control any of such controllable components. A single controller 72 can be utilized, in some examples, to control more than one components of the filtration system, or it can include several control sub-units, each for controlling a separate (or several) controllable components. For example, a controller 72 shown in the example illustrated in Fig. 10B, can be utilized to control both the vibration motor 70 and the ultrasonic transducer(s) 80, which can be operated simultaneously or separately during cleaning modes of the respective one or more filtration system 100. id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164"
id="p-164"
[0164]A controllable component that can be controlled by a controller, including by any control sub-unit thereof, can include any one of: vibration motor 70, adjustable float(s) 50 (for example, by controlling the float water port 52 and/or float air port 54), offshore platform connection assembly 44 (for example, to control the immersion depth by controlling winch to wind or release a length of elongated flexible members 46), as well as any valves that may be included in any filtration system disclosed herein, such as three-way valves 76 as will be described further below. id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165" id="p-165"
id="p-165"
[0165]While in some examples, as shown in Figs. 1B, 7B and 8B, inflow openings 164 are facing sideways, for example by being formed along a sidewall of the intake pipe 160, in other examples, an inflow opening 164 can be formed as an open end of intake pipe 160, defined over a plane substantially parallel to screen mesh 144, for example at or near the level of the upper end 108 of hollow body 104. Intake pipe 160 can extend along a relatively short length into internal space 150, or in other examples, intake pipe 160 can terminate substantially at the level of the body sealed opening 114 at the upper end 108, resulting in the inflow opening 1being substantially flush with a surface of the upper wall 112.
IL 286882/ id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166" id="p-166"
id="p-166"
[0166]In some examples, as shown in Fig. 10B, the filtration system 100 further comprises an inner flange 116 formed around the edge of the inflow opening 164, for example along an inner surface of the screen mesh 144, adjacent screen sealed opening 158. The flange can define a tapering inner edge 118, extending radially inward to a narrower diameter of the inflow opening 164, for improved hemodynamic behavior. id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167" id="p-167"
id="p-167"
[0167]In some examples, a filtration system can be equipped with a bubble generator 90, which can be positioned below the filter medium of at least one filtering assembly, when immersed within a water source 20. Figs. 27A-27B show an example of a filtration system 1that includes a plurality of vertically arranged filtering assemblies 102, with a bubble generator positioned below the lowermost filtering assembly 102d. While Figs. 27A-B show a bubble generator 90 used in combination with a plurality of vertically arranged filtering assemblies 102, which can be similar to the plurality of filtering assemblies 102 described with respect to Fig. 3-6 or 9-10A, it is to be understood that this is not meant to be limiting, and that a bubble generator 90 can be used also with a single filtering assembly by being placed below the single filtering assembly when immersed in a water source, as shown in the example illustrated in Fig. 28, and that the bubble generator can be used in combination with any other type of one or more filtering assemblies, such as one or more disc-type filtering assembly 202, one or more coiled thread-type filtering assembly 302, or one or more sheaf-type filtering assembly 402. id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168" id="p-168"
id="p-168"
[0168]The bubble generator 90 includes a hollow enclosure 92 defining an internal lumen 91, and a plurality of bubble apertures 94 facing upward, toward the water level 22, yet laterally offset from the outermost edges of the adjacent filter medium 144 (e.g., closest screen mesh 144d in the examples illustrated in Figs. 27A-B). Fig. 28 shows an enlarged sectional view of one example of a bubble generator 90, wherein the hollow enclosure 92 can be provided in the form of a tubular ring defining a tubular lumen 91, shaped to generally follow the shape of the outer perimeter of screen mesh 144. It is to be understood that any other type of hollow enclosure can be similarly used, including a hollow housing having any shape and enclosing an internal lumen 91 with a plurality of bubble apertures 94 formed along an upper surface thereof, the bubble apertures 94 being in fluid communication with the lumen 91, and facing upward, for example toward water level 22 and opposite to water source bed 24. id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169" id="p-169"
id="p-169"
[0169]As further shown in Fig. 28, the bubble apertures 94 can be formed along a contour which generally follows the shape of, but is larger than, the contour of the at least one filter IL 286882/ medium 144. Nevertheless, the shape of hollow enclosure 92 or the contour along which bubble apertures 94 can also differ from the general contour of the edges of filter medium 144. id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170" id="p-170"
id="p-170"
[0170]The bubble generator further includes an air/gas hose 96 attached to the hollow enclosure 92, which can be in the form of a pipe, hose, tube and the like, and can be either rigid or flexible. The air/gas hose 96 is in fluid communication with the lumen 91, and is configured to deliver air (including compressed air) or any other gas intro the lumen 91 of the hollow enclosure 92, which is then released through the bubble apertures 94 in the form of bubbles floating upward, adjacent to the one or more filtering assemblies 102. id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171" id="p-171"
id="p-171"
[0171]In some examples, the bubble generator 90 can be coupled to other components of the filtration assembly 100, such as to a component of one or more filtering assembly 102 or an intake pipe 160, via suitable couplers such as chains, cables, ropes and the like. While filtration system 100 is shown in Figs. 27A-B in combination with a float 50 and tethers 32, it is to be understood that such components are shown by way of illustration and not limitation, and that a filtration system 100 that includes a bubble generator 90 can be provided with or without float(s) 50, tether(s) 32, weight(s) 30, and the like. id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172" id="p-172"
id="p-172"
[0172]In the examples illustrated in Figs. 27A-28, all of the bubble aperture 94 are offset laterally away from the outermost edges of the filter medium 144. The term "laterally offset", as used herein, refers to being distanced from each other along a horizontal plane, which can be any plane parallel to the water level 22, for example, and is also the plane of screen mesh 144 in the examples illustrated throughout Figs. 27A-28. This means that no bubble apertures are placed directly beneath the screen mesh 144, such that any bubble formed by air or gas passing through bubble apertures 94 will reach the medium apertures 152. id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173"
id="p-173"
[0173]A bubble generator 90 can serve as a passive self-cleaning mechanism that can be the sole cleaning-mechanism of any filtration system disclosed herein, or utilized in combination with one or more other self-cleaning mechanism(s) disclosed herein. During operation of the filtration system, including throughout filtration mode thereof, air or other gas can be delivered, through the hose 96, into lumen 91, and through the bubble apertures 94, to form air or gas bubbles 28 that float upward. Since all bubble apertures 94 are laterally offset from the filter medium(s) 144, the bubble 28 float along the sides of the one or more filtering assemblies, such as around hollow body 104, without directly contacting or impinging against any of the one or more filter mediums 144. The air (or gas) preferably exits the bubble apertures 94 under IL 286882/ hydrostatic pressure (or a pressure that is only slightly higher than the hydrostatic pressure), to limit the velocity of the bubble during their upward-oriented movement. id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174" id="p-174"
id="p-174"
[0174]The vertically-oriented movement of the bubble along the sides of the filter medium(s) 144 potentially creates currents in otherwise stationary water-sources (such as ponds or pools, for example). This water movement can result in eddies that have flow components tangential to the plane of the filter medium(s) 144, allowing filtride accumulated along the filter medium(s) 144 to be dragged away thereby. The distance by which the bubble apertures 94 are laterally offset from the outermost edges of the filter medium(s) 144, together with the relatively moderate or low suction force applied through the intake pipe 160, reduce the likelihood of any bubbles 28 being attracted toward the medium apertures 152. The minimal lateral offset of any bubble apertures from the outermost edges of the filter medium(s) can be a function of the medium aperture size D. In some examples, the minimal lateral offset Lo, as illustrated for example in Fig. 28, is at least 10 times greater than the apertures size D. In some examples, the minimal lateral offset Lo is at least 50 times greater than the apertures size D. In some examples, the minimal lateral offset Lo is at least 100 times greater than the apertures size D. In some examples, the minimal lateral offset Lo is at least 500 times greater than the apertures size D. In some examples, the minimal lateral offset Lo is at least 1000 times greater than the apertures size D. id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175" id="p-175"
id="p-175"
[0175]While a single bubble generator 90 is shown in Figs. 27A-B below a lowermost filtering assembly 102d when a plurality of filtering assemblies 202 are provided, it is to be understood that in other examples, a separate bubble generator 90 can be provided below any one of a plurality of filtering assemblies. While four rotatable filtering assemblies 102a, 102b, 102c and 202d, are illustrated throughout Figs. 27A-B and 29A-30 (as well as throughout Figs. 4-6 and 9-10A), it is to be understood that any other number is contemplated. While a plurality of filtering assemblies 102 are illustrated to be connected to a mutual pipe or hose, such as intake pipe 160, any plurality of filtering assemblies 102 can be, alternatively or additionally, coupled to each other via flexible connectors which can be in the form of chains, ropes, cables and the like. Such flexible connectors can allow relative movement between the different filtering assemblies 102, for example along a horizontal plane (which can be a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the water level or water source bed). id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176" id="p-176"
id="p-176"
[0176]In some examples, the filtration system further includes a guiding chamber extending upward from the bubble generator 90 and around the one or more filtering assemblies IL 286882/ 102, as shown in Figs. 29A-30. The guiding chamber 60 includes a chamber wall 64 extending from a chamber lower end 63 to a chamber upper end 62, wherein the one or more filtering assemblies can be disposed within the guiding chamber 60, substantially enclosed by the chamber wall 64. The chamber lower end 63 can be below the filtering assembly 102, and in the case of a plurality of filtering assemblies, below the lowermost filtering assembly, such as filtering assembly 102d in the illustrated examples. In some implementations, the chamber lower end 63 can be at the level of the bubble generator 90, such as the level of the hollow enclosure 92. In some implementations, the chamber lower end 63 can be below or at the level of the bubble apertures 94. id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177" id="p-177"
id="p-177"
[0177]The chamber lower end 63 can be attached to the bubble generator 90, such as to the hollow enclosure 92, optionally via a plurality of support extensions 65 extending between the bubble generator 90 and the chamber lower end 63. The chamber lower end 63 can be optionally an open end. The chamber upper end 62 is open ended, and can be positioned slightly below the water level 22 as shown in Fig. 29A. Alternatively, the chamber upper end 62 can be positioned at the level of the water level 22, or even terminate above the water level 22. The chamber wall 64 is dimensioned to enclose the one or more filtering assemblies 102. In some examples, the chamber wall 64 is designed to circumscribe the entire perimeter of any of the filtering assemblies 102. In some examples, the chamber wall 64 is designed to circumscribe only a portion of the perimeter of any one of the filtering assemblies 102, such as at least 50% of the perimeter, at least 70% of the perimeter, or at least 90% of the perimeter. The chamber wall 64 can include openings through which pipes or hoses of the filtration system 100 can extend into the guiding chamber 60. id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178" id="p-178"
id="p-178"
[0178]Guiding chamber 60 is designed to direct bubbles 28 generated by the bubble generator in proximity to filter mediums 144 of the one or more filtering assemblies 102 as the bubbles float upward, toward the water level 22. Specifically, guiding chamber 190 is designed to prevent dispersion of bubble 28 farther away from the one or more filter medium 144. As such, the shape and dimensions of the chamber wall 64 are designed to closely match the horizontal projections of the filtering assemblies 102 and/or of the hollow enclosure 92, since placing the chamber wall 64 too far away from any of the filter mediums 144 might allow bubble dispersion sideways, contrary to the desired path for bubbles 28. id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179" id="p-179"
id="p-179"
[0179]Fig. 29B shows one optional design of the guiding chamber 60, in which the chamber wall 64 is provided with a uniform circular cross-sectional shape, the walls being slightly offset IL 286882/ from the hollow bodies 103 and/or hollow enclosure 92, such as being offset laterally from the outermost edges of hollow enclosure 92. Fig. 30 shows another optional design of a guiding chamber 60, in which the chamber wall 64 is provided with a non-uniform cross-sectional area between the lower end 63 and the upper end, that can follow a frustoconical profile, extending from a wider cross-sectional area at the chamber lower end 63 to a narrower cross-sectional area at the chamber upper end 62, so as to direct the bubbles 28 closer to the filter mediums 144 as the bubble 28 float further upwards. It is to be understood that while circular cross-sectional shape is illustrated, any other cross-sectional shape of the chamber wall is contemplated, such as rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, star-shaped, elliptic, and the like. id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180" id="p-180"
id="p-180"
[0180]While the bubble generator is illustrated and described above, with respect to Figs. 27A-30, to have bubble apertures which are laterally offset from the screen mesh 144, in alternative example, some or all of the bubble apertures can be aligned with the screen mesh 144, meaning that they are positioned below the screen mesh in a manner that can release bubble 28 that can float through the medium apertures 152 of the screen mesh 144, as shown in Fig. 31. In such implementations, bubble generation is preferably performed during a cleaning mode, while no suction is applied through the intake pipe 160, so as to avoid suction of air into the intake pipe. id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181" id="p-181"
id="p-181"
[0181]Bubbles floating from bubble apertures 94 which are aligned with the screen mesh 144, as shown in Fig. 31, can be trapped within the internal space 150 of the hollow body 104, and need to be released therefrom. Thus, for such configurations, the filtration system 100 can further include a release valve 98 in fluid communication with the inner space 150 of the hollow body 104, optionally via a release tube 97. In the illustrated example, a release tube 97 is shown to extend from the follow body, such as at its upper end 108, terminating at an upper end thereof above the water level 22. This allows bubbles 28 to float through the release tube 97 upward, to the atmosphere at the release tube's upper end. In order to allow trapped air to be released to the atmosphere, yet prevent particles that may be occasionally present in the surrounding atmosphere from falling into internal space 150 through the same release tube 97, the release tube can be further equipped with a unidirectional valve 98 at its upper end, such as a ball valve or any other type of unidirectional valve. id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182" id="p-182"
id="p-182"
[0182]While illustrated to terminate above the water level, it is to be understood that the upper end of the release tube, as well as the unidirectional valve, do not have to be necessarily exposed to the atmosphere, and that in alternative implementation, any of the upper end of the release tube 97 and/or the release valve 98 can be positioned within the water, yet above the IL 286882/ upper end 108 of the hollow body, which can be sufficient to release trapped air and allow it to float from its release point upward, toward the water level and the atmosphere. id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183" id="p-183"
id="p-183"
[0183]As mentioned, a filtration system 100 according to the current specification may be provided, in some implementations, without the need for any self-cleaning mechanisms. However, it is to be understood that for implementations that do include a self-cleaning mechanism, the filtration system 100 is not limited to a single type of mechanism, but may rather include any combination of the above-mentioned self-cleaning mechanisms. For example, the same filtration system can include a combination of any of: backwashing vie flush pipe 170, a vibration motor 70, a bubble generator 90, a guiding chamber 60, a release valve 98, a filter medium 144 that comprises copper, and/or ultrasonic transducer(s) 80. id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184" id="p-184"
id="p-184"
[0184]While various water conduits such as intake pipe 160 or flush pipe 170, are illustrated throughout the figures as relatively rigid pipes, it is to be understood that this is shown by way of illustration and not limitation, and that any of such conduits can be flexible, such as being implemented in the form of hoses and the like. id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185" id="p-185"
id="p-185"
[0185]While filtering assemblies 102 are shown, for example in Fig. 9, to be attached to each other and/or to any of one or more weights 30, tethers 32, and/or float(s) 50, via rigid attachments components, such as being attached to an upper float 50 via intake pipe 160, it is to be understood that this is shown by way of illustration and not limitation. In some examples, one or more filtering assemblies 102 can be coupled to lower weight(s) 30 and/or lower anchor(s) 32, and to upper float(s) 50, via flexible attachment means, such as ropes, chains, cables and the like, in a manner that allows the one or more filtering assemblies 102 to move sideways relative to any of the weight(s) 30, anchor(s) 32 and/or float(s) 50, for example in response to currents within the water source 20. id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186" id="p-186"
id="p-186"
[0186]While a filtration system is described above, for example with respect to Figs. 1A-10B and 27A-31, to include one or more screen-type filtering assemblies 102, it is to be understood that filtration systems of the current specification are not limited to screen-type filtering assemblies equipped with screen meshes, as will be further elaborated for other types of implementations hereinbelow. id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187" id="p-187"
id="p-187"
[0187]While certain features are shown in the drawings in combination with each other, it is to be understood that a combination of features throughout the drawings is not meant to be limiting, and that optional features described throughout the current specification can be used IL 286882/ in isolation for certain implementations of filtration systems described herein. For example, while filtration systems (e.g., system 100) are illustrated in some of the drawings (e.g., Figs. 3-9) in combination with one or more floats (50), any of the filtration systems can be similarly provided without any float(s). Similarly, while different types of float(s) are illustrated in combination with some filtration systems in some of the drawings, it is to be understood that the various types of floats can be interchangeable, and that any of the filtration systems disclosed herein can be provided without or with one or more floats, which, when present, can have any shape and be of any type (e.g., rounded floats, elongated floats, non-adjustable floats, adjustable floats, rotatable floats), and that the floats can be coupled to any suitable portion of the filtration system via any suitable means of attachment. id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188" id="p-188"
id="p-188"
[0188]While filtration systems (e.g., system 100) are illustrated in some of the drawings in combination with weights (30) and/or tethers (32), it is to be understood any of the filtration systems 100, 200, 300, and/or 400, can be devoid of any weight(s) and/or tether(s), or can have one or more weights, one or more tethers, or combination of both weights and tethers. For example, while Figs. 3-6 illustrate a filtration system with weights (30) and without tethers, it is to be understood that any of the systems can be provided without weights (30), as well as with both weight(s) and tether(s). Similarly, while the system 100 is illustrated in Figs. 9-10A with both weight (30) and tethers (32), it (or other filtration systems of the current specification) can be provided only with one or more weight(s) without tethers, only with tether(s), or without any of the weights or the tethers. id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189" id="p-189"
id="p-189"
[0189]While filtration system 100 is illustrated in Figs. 4-5 and 10B in combination with vibration motor (70), it is to be understood that this is not mandatory, and that vibration motor (70) can be omitted from these drawings. Alternatively, a vibration motor (70) can be combined with any of the filtration systems 100, 200, 300, and/or 400, and may be coupled to any portion of the filtration system in any suitable manner that will allow it to vibrate at least one filter medium of the filtration system. id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190" id="p-190"
id="p-190"
[0190]While filtration system 100 is illustrated in Fig. 10A in combination with ultrasonic transducers (78), it is to be understood that this is not mandatory, and that ultrasonic transducers (78) can be omitted from these drawing. Alternatively, one or more ultrasonic transducers (78) can be combined with any of the filtration systems 100, 200, 300, and/or 400, and may be coupled to any portion of the filtration system in any suitable manner that will allow at least IL 286882/ one ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasonic waves directed toward at least one filter medium of the filtration system. id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191" id="p-191"
id="p-191"
[0191]While filtration system 100 is illustrated in Fig. 9 in combination with expansion chamber (180), it is to be understood that this is not mandatory, and that expansion chamber (180) can be omitted from these drawing. Alternatively, an expansion chamber can be combined with any of the filtration systems 100, 200, 300, and/or 400, formed on or attached to a corresponding intake pipe. id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192" id="p-192"
id="p-192"
[0192]While filtration systems 100, 200, 300, and/or 400, are illustrated throughout some of the drawings in combination with one or more controllers (74) that can control various components of the systems, it is to be understood that this is not mandatory, and that controllers (74) can be omitted from these drawing. Alternatively, one or more controllers (74) can be combined with any of the filtration systems 100, 200, 300, and/or 400, and may be coupled to any portion of the filtration system in any suitable manner that will allow them to control functionality of component associated therewith (such as a vibration motor, ultrasonic transducers, opening and closing air and water ports of adjustable floats, rotating floats, opening and closing inlets and outlets of valves such as three-way valves, transmitting and/or receiving data to and/or from remote locations, and the like). id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193" id="p-193"
id="p-193"
[0193]While filtration system 100 is illustrated in Figs. 10A-B in combination with an offshore platform (40), it is to be understood that this is not mandatory, and that offshore platform (40) can be omitted from these drawings. Alternatively, any of the filtration systems 100, 200, 300, and/or 400, can be similarly coupled to an offshore platform (40) and movable thereby relative to the water level (22). id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194" id="p-194"
id="p-194"
[0194]It is to be understood that any reference to the term "filtration systems", without a numeral indicator specified next to the term, throughout the current specification, refers to any of the filtration systems 100, 200, 300, and/or 400 disclosed herein. id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195" id="p-195"
id="p-195"
[0195]Another possible implementation of a filtration system, referred to as disc-type filtration system 200, provided with a disc-type filtering assembly 202, will now be described in detail with reference to Figs. 11A-16B of the accompanying drawings. Fig. 11A shows a view in perspectives of an example of several discs 232 tightly pressed against each other. Fig. 11B shows the discs 232 of Fig. 11A spaced from each other. Fig. 12 shows a partial enlarged view of two discs 232 pressed against each other. Fig. 13 shows a view in perspective of one IL 286882/ example of a disc-type filtration system 200. Fig. 14 shows a zoomed in view on a portion of the disc-type filtration system 200 of Fig. 13, with the discs removed from one filtering assembly 202 to expose its inner structure. Fig. 15A shows a sectional view in perspective a disc-type filtering assembly 202 in a filtering mode. Fig. 15B shows a sectional view in perspective a disc-type filtering assembly 202 in a cleaning mode. Figs. 16A-B show a view in perspective and a sectional view in perspective of an example of a disc-type filtration system 200 with a compressed-air flush pipe 270, equipped with filtering assemblies 202 that include multiple filter mediums 244. Figs. 11A-16B are described herein together. id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196" id="p-196"
id="p-196"
[0196]A disc-type filtration system 200 comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality of, disc-type filtering assemblies 202. Each filtering assembly 202 includes at least one filter medium 244, wherein each filter medium 244 is implemented as a stack of discs 232 which are normally pressed against each other, for example during a filtering mode, and can be optionally spaced from each other during a cleaning mode. id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197" id="p-197"
id="p-197"
[0197]Fig. 11A shows three such discs 232, according to one example, shown to be normally pressed against each other. Fig. 11B shows the discs 232 of Fig. 11A spaced away from each other. Fig. 12 shows a zoomed in view of an example of two discs 232 pressed against each other. Each disc 232 defines a disc first side 238a, illustrated as an upper surface in Fig. 11B, and a disc second side 238b, illustrated as a lower surface in Fig. 11B. When the discs 232 are stacked together, disc first sides 238a and disc second side 238b of adjacent discs 232 are facing each other. Each disc 232 further defines a disc outer surface 234, which is its outermost surface, and a disc inner surface 236, such that the disc sides 238 radially extend between the disc outer surface 234 and the disc inner surface 236. id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198" id="p-198"
id="p-198"
[0198]Each disc further comprises a plurality of grooves 240 extending along at least one disc side 238, and optionally along both disc sides 238a, 238b, from the disc outer surface 234 to the disc inner surface 236. When the discs 232 are tightly pressed against each other, the grooves 240 and disc sides 238 facing each other define a plurality of medium apertures 252, implemented as channels 252 as shown for example in Fig. 11. id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199" id="p-199"
id="p-199"
[0199]The geometry of the grooves 240 illustrated throughout Figs. 11A-12 is shown by way of illustration and not limitation, and it is to be understood that the grooves 240 may take any of various geometrical configurations. In some examples, the grooves are formed only on one disc side 238, while the opposite side remains relatively flat, such that when the discs are IL 286882/ pressed against each other, channels 252 are formed between grooves 240 of one disc 232 and a flat disc surface of the side 238 of the adjacent disc. In some examples, as shown in Figs. 11A-12, both disc sides 238 define grooves 240, such that channels 252 are defined between the grooves 240 of two adjacent discs 232 pressed against each other. id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200" id="p-200"
id="p-200"
[0200]In some examples, grooves 240 can have a uniform cross-sectional shape and size across their length, as shown in Fig. 11A-12. In alternative examples, grooves 240 can have a non-uniform profile, for example tapering configuration from the disc outer surface 234 to the disc inner surface 236. The groove 240 can have any cross-sectional shape, such as being rectangularly shapes (as shown in Fig. 11A-12), V-shaped, elliptical or otherwise circularly shaped, any other regular polygonal shape, or irregularly shaped – including irregular polygonal shapes. In some examples, grooves 240 can extend along a linear path, which can be either radial or diagonal. In other examples, as show in Fig. 11A-12, the grooves 240 can be curved. id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201" id="p-201"
id="p-201"
[0201]In some examples, the grooves 240 on each disc side 238 are shaped in different patterns. For example, the discs 232 of Fig. 12 include grooves 240 curved in opposite direction on both sides 238 of each disc 232, such that the resulting channels 252 are shaped in a zig-zagged pattern. id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202" id="p-202"
id="p-202"
[0202]Each channel 252 defines the aperture size D, which can be the narrowest dimension of any cross-section of the channel 252. The groove 240 can have a height and width, which can be uniform or non-uniform along its length, and dictate the aperture size D. For example, the aperture size D can be the smallest between any width and any total height (which can be the sum of two heights when two grooves of two adjacent discs define the channel) along the length of the channel 252. The aperture open area Aa is defined as the cross-sectional area of the groove 240 at the disc outer surfaces 234. id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203" id="p-203"
id="p-203"
[0203]Channels 252 are adapted to allow through the flow of raw water from the disc outer surface 234 to the disc inner surface 236, and are further adapted to trap particles contaminating the water during the flow through the channels. The channels 252 are further adapted to restrict entry of relatively larger particles (i.e., larger than aperture open area Aa) into the channels 252. id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204" id="p-204"
id="p-204"
[0204]As shown throughout Figs. 13-16B, a disc-type filtration system 200 includes one or more disc-type filtering assembly 202 (five are shown in the drawings). Disc-type filtration IL 286882/ system 200 further comprises an intake pipe 260 with at least one inflow opening 2configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one filtering assembly 202, at least during the filtering mode. In some examples, the disc-type filtering system 200 further comprises a flush pipe 270 with at least one flush opening 274 configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one filtering assembly 202, at least during the cleaning mode. In some examples, the filtration system 200 further comprises one or more valves, such as a three-way valve 76, such that the at least one filtering assembly 202 is coupled to the intake pipe 260, and optionally also to the flush pipe 270, via the at least one valve. id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205" id="p-205"
id="p-205"
[0205]In some examples, particularly for filtration systems 200 that include a plurality of filtering assemblies 202, the intake pipe 260 can include an intake manifold 262 branched into several intake branches 266, corresponding in number to the number of filtering assemblies 202, wherein each intake branch 266 has at least one inflow opening 264 which is in fluid communication with medium apertures 252 of a respective filtering assembly 202, at least during a filtering mode thereof. id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206" id="p-206"
id="p-206"
[0206]In some examples, the filtration system 200 comprises a backwash self-cleaning mechanism, for flushing a cleaning fluid (e.g., cleaning water or compressed air) in the opposite direction to that of the flow during the filtering mode, in order to remove accumulated filtride from the filter medium(s) 244. In such examples, the flush pipe 270 can further include an flush manifold 272 branched into several flush branches 276, corresponding in number to the number of filtering assemblies 202, wherein each flush branch 276 has at least one flush opening 2which is in fluid communication with medium apertures 252 of a respective filtering assembly 202, at least during a cleaning mode thereof. In some examples, the filtration system 200 further comprises a plurality of three-way valves 76, such that each filtering assembly 202 is coupled to an intake branch 266 of the intake pipe 260, and to a flush branch 276 of the flush pipe 270, via a corresponding three-way valve 76. id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207" id="p-207"
id="p-207"
[0207]Disc-type filters, including such that implement backwash self-cleaning mechanisms, are conventionally known to be adapted for inland utilization, wherein a stack of discs is placed within a pressure vessel that is sealed from the surrounding environment, except for a dedicate inlet for unfiltered liquid entering the enclosed housing that defined the pressure vessel. This liquid flows through an intermediary passageway defined between the walls of the vessel's housing and the stack of discs, toward and through the channels, into the space defined by the internal lumen of the discs, and toward a dedicated outlet of the resulting filtrate. Such vessels IL 286882/ can further include dedicated inlets and outlets for backwash. In contrast, the disc-type filtration system 200 disclosed herein includes filtering assemblies 202 which are devoid of such a pressure vessel. Specifically, the stacks of discs 244 are configured to be directly exposed to the environment such that raw water 10 of the environment is in direct contact with the stack outer surface 246, without passing through an intermediary passageway. Thus, the disclosed disc-type filtration system 200 implements utilization of filter mediums in the form of stacks of discs 244, with optional backwash-type self-cleaning mechanisms, in an unconventional manner which is devoid of pressure vessels enclosed around the stack outer surfaces 246. id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208" id="p-208"
id="p-208"
[0208]For simplicity, any reference to a component of filtration system 200 (such as filtering assembly 202, intake branch 266, flush branch 276, three-way valve 76, and so on) in a single form throughout the current specification, will similarly refer to "one or more" of said components for implementations that include a plurality of said components, unless otherwise stated. id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209" id="p-209"
id="p-209"
[0209]The terms "disc-type filtration system 200" and "filtration system 200" are interchangeable, and the terms "disc-type filtering assembly 202" and "filtering assembly 202" are also interchangeable, for system and assembly numerals 200 and 202, respectively, throughout the specification, and particularly with respect to Figs. 13-16B, unless otherwise stated. id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210" id="p-210"
id="p-210"
[0210]For a filtration system 200 that includes one or more disc-type filtering assemblies 202, the terms "filter medium 244" and "stack of discs 244" are interchangeable, and refer to a filter medium which is implemented as a stack of discs 232 compresses against each other. id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211" id="p-211"
id="p-211"
[0211]Each filtering assembly 202 comprises a spine 222 (see, for example, in Fig. 14) extending away from an opening of a base 242, and a plurality of discs 232 disposed along the length of the spine 222. The discs 232 are in a naturally compressed stacked formation, wherein the stack of discs, when compressed against each other, defines the filter medium 244. The filter medium 244 has a medium outer surface 246, which can be also referred to as a stack outer surface 246, defined by the combined outer surfaces 234 of the discs 232 in the stack 244. The filter medium 244 also has an opposite medium inner surface 248, which can be also referred to as a stack inner surface 248, defined by the combined inner surfaces 236 of the discs 232 in the stack 244. The base 242 can have a flanged rim around the opening, the rim designed to support the discs 232 placed thereon.
IL 286882/ id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212" id="p-212"
id="p-212"
[0212]In some examples, each filtering assembly 202 includes a compression mechanism, configured to retain the plurality of discs 232 in a normally compressed configuration. In some examples, as shown in Fig. 14, each filtering assembly 202 comprises a compression plate 224, mounted on the spine 222 opposite to the base 242, such that the discs 232 are stacked between the base 242 (i.e., the flanged rim of the base 242) and the compression plate 224. The filtering assembly 202 can further include one or more stems 226 extending from the compression plate 224 in a direction opposite to the discs 232, each stem 226 having a flanged head portion 2at an end thereof, opposite to the compression plate 224. The filtering sub-assembly 220 can further include one or more springs 230 extending around the stems 226, each spring 2disposed between the compression plate 224 and the flanged head portion 228 of the corresponding stem 226. The springs 230 serve to bias the compression plate 224 away from head portion 228, toward base 242, thereby compressing the discs 232 against each other between the compression plate 224 and the base 242. id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213" id="p-213"
id="p-213"
[0213]A three-way valve 76 can include, in some examples, one port attached in a sealed manner to the filtering assembly 202 and in fluid communication with the opening defined by the base 242, another port attached in a sealed manner to an intake branch 266, configured to be in fluid communication with the inflow opening 264 during the filtering mode, and another port attached in a sealed manner to a flush branch 276, configured to be in fluid communication with the flush opening 272 during the cleaning mode. id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214" id="p-214"
id="p-214"
[0214]The intake pipe 260 can be an independent component of a suction line, attached thereto and in fluid communication therewith, or can be formed as an integral part or extension of the suction line. The intake pipe 260 and suction line together define a fluid-communication line between the inflow openings 264 and a suction line outlet which can be placed onshore. This fluid-communication line is intended to direct filtrate from filtering assemblies 202 to a target location, which can be onshore, for example by applying suction force at the inflow openings 264. This may be accomplished by creating a negative pressure difference between the inflow openings 264 and the suction line outlet. The negative pressure difference can be created by gravitational forces or a pump, in the same manner described above. This pressure difference facilitates flow from the water source 20, through the filter medium(s) 244, optionally via three-way valve(s) 76, toward the inflow opening(s) 264 and into the intake pipe 260. It is appreciated that rather than a three-way valve 76, other valve arrangements can be used for flow control between each filtering assembly 202 and the pipes 260, 270, such as a two-way valve disposed IL 286882/ between the filtering assembly 202 and a corresponding intake branch 266, and another two-way valve disposed between the filtering assembly 202 and a corresponding flush branch 276. id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215" id="p-215"
id="p-215"
[0215]In some examples, the filtration system 200 can be submerged such that all of the filtering assemblies 202 are immersed in the water source 20, wherein any filtering assembly 202 can optionally transition between filtering and cleaning modes, as will be elaborated below. id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216" id="p-216"
id="p-216"
[0216]As mentioned above, the channels 252 generally extend between the stack outer surface 246 and stack inner surface 248, and an internal space 250 (see Fig. 15A) is defined between the stack inner surface 248 and the spine 222. This space 250 is in fluid communication with the corresponding opening define by the base 242, and is therefore in fluid communication, in some examples, with the three-way valve 76. id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217" id="p-217"
id="p-217"
[0217]Fig. 13 shows an example of a filtration system 200 comprising five filtering assemblies 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d and 202e, each of which is coupled, via a corresponding three-way valve 76, to an intake branch 266 of an intake manifold 262 and to a flush branch 276 of a flush manifold 272. The three-way valve 76 is configured to open fluid communication between the filter medium 244, via internal space 250, and the intake pipe 260 via inflow opening 264, while blocking access to the flush pipe 270 (for example, blocking access to the corresponding flush opening 274), in the filtering mode. The three-way valve 76 is further configured to open fluid communication between the flush pipe 270, for example via flush opening 274 of a corresponding flush branch 276, and the filter medium 244, via internal space 250, while blocking access to the intake pipe 260 (for example, blocking access to the corresponding inflow opening 264), in the cleaning mode. id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218" id="p-218"
id="p-218"
[0218]Fig. 15A shows a sectional view with a cutting plane passing through a filtering assembly 202c which is in a filtering mode. During filtering mode, raw water 10 which is in direct contact with the stack outer surface 246, flow through the channels 254 into the internal space 250, becoming filtrate that flows therefrom, through the base 242, into three-way valve 76, and therefrom, through the inflow openings 264 of intake branch 266, into intake pipe 260. As further shown in Fig. 15A, access from the same internal space 250 to the flush pipe 270 is blocked in the filtering mode shown for filtering assembly 202c, for example by blocking access through the flush opening 274 of the corresponding flush branch 276c. id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219" id="p-219"
id="p-219"
[0219]Fig. 15B shows a sectional view with a cutting plane passing through a filtering assembly 202d which is in a cleaning mode. During cleaning mode, washing fluid such as water IL 286882/ (or any other liquid or gas), supplied from the flush pipe inlet 278 of flush pipe 270, into the corresponding flush branch 276 (such as branch 276d in the illustrated example of Fig. 14B), through the flush opening 274, into three-way valve 76, and therefrom into the internal space 250. The washing fluid is introduced at a relatively high pressure, flowing in a "reverse" direction from the internal space 250 toward the stack inner surface 248, substantially displacing any particles trapped within the channels 252. If the cleaning flow pressure is high enough, it impinges against the compression plate 224, compressing the springs 230 in a manner that allows the discs 232 to be "decompressed" (as shown for the discs 232 of filtering assembly 202d in Figs. 13-15B), which allows the fluid to flow over the sides 238 of the discs and their grooves 240 to better dislodge any filtrate that may have accumulated therein. As further shown in Fig. 15B, access from the same internal space 250 to the intake pipe 260 is blocked in the cleaning mode shown for filtering assembly 202d, for example by blocking access through the inflow opening 264 of the corresponding intake branch 266d. id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220" id="p-220"
id="p-220"
[0220] Once backwash is no longer required, cleaning fluid flow terminates and the three-way valve 76 can transition back to the filtering mode (as described above with respect to Fig. 15A), at which point the springs 230 serve to recompress the discs 232 against each other. id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221" id="p-221"
id="p-221"
[0221]As mentioned above, the filtration system 200 can further include at least one controller (not shown in Figs. 11A-16B), that can include one or more control sub-units for controlling any of the three-way valves 76, thereby controlling the transition of any filtering assembly 2between filtering and cleaning modes. The controller 76 can include a dedicated processor and/or other component of a control circuitry, including a wireless receiver or transmitter, which, for the same reasons described above, should be also sealed in a watertight manner to prevent any damage to such components when immersed or otherwise contacted by water from the water source 20. Thus, the controller 76 should be also a watertight controller 76. This can be achieved, for example, by placing the controller 76 in a watertight housing. id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222" id="p-222"
id="p-222"
[0222]In the example illustrated in Figs. 13-15B, one filtering assembly 202d is shown to be in a cleaning mode, while the remaining filtering assemblies 202a, 202b, 202c and 202e are shown to be in a filtering mode. It is to be understood that this is merely shown by way of illustration and not limitation, and that any other number of filtering assemblies can be simultaneously in a cleaning mode or a filtering mode.
IL 286882/ id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223" id="p-223"
id="p-223"
[0223]In the illustrated example, while the filtering assembly 202d is in the cleaning mode, its channels or medium apertures 252 are non-filtration apertures 256, and as long as all other four filtering assemblies 202a, 202b, 202c and 202e, are in a filtering mode, all of their medium apertures 252 are filtration apertures 254, the total sum of their aperture open areas Aa constituting the effective area of filtration Ae. id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224" id="p-224"
id="p-224"
[0224]In the illustrated configuration, the plurality of filtering assemblies 202 are preferably positioned side-by-side in a substantially lateral arrangement, and not above each other in a vertical arrangement, such that when any of the filtering assemblies 202 is backwashed, any filtride disposed and washed away therefrom, will tend to sink downward without interacting with any of the other filtering assemblies 202. If, alternatively, the filtering assemblies 202 would have been positioned above each other, particles dislodged from upper filtering assemblies 202 could sink downward and land on medium outer surfaces 246 of lower filtering assemblies 202. id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225" id="p-225"
id="p-225"
[0225]While five filtering assemblies 202 are illustrated in Fig. 13, it is to be understood that a filtration system 200 can include any other number of filtering assemblies 202, such as more or less than five filtering assemblies 202, and in some implementations, even a single filtering assembly 202. id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226" id="p-226"
id="p-226"
[0226]In some implementations, flush pipe 270 is designed to deliver liquid, such as cleaning water, to backwash the filtering assemblies 202. The cross-sectional area of such flush pipes 270, for example at the regions of the flush manifold 272 and its branches 276 can be relatively similar to the cross-sectional area of the intake pipe 260, as shown for example in Fig. 12. In some implementations, flush pipe 270 is designed to deliver compressed air (or other gas) instead of liquid. As shown in Figs. 16A-B, the cross-sectional area of such a flush pipe 270, for example at the regions of the flush manifold 272 and its branches 276, can be substantially smaller than that of intake pipe 260, and similarly smaller than the liquid-delivering version of the flush pipe exemplified in Fig. 13. id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227" id="p-227"
id="p-227"
[0227]In some examples, as shown in Figs. 13-15B, each filtering assembly 202 comprises a single stack of discs 244 disposed over a single spine 222, defining a corresponding single internal space 250 which can be in fluid communication, via the respective opening of base 242, with a port of a three-way valve 80 (or any other suitable valve, or directly with a port of any of an intake pipe or a flush pipe).
IL 286882/ id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228" id="p-228"
id="p-228"
[0228]In some examples, each filtering assembly 202 comprises a plurality of stacks of discs 244, each stack 244 disposed over its own spine 222 and defines its own internal space 250, wherein all stacks 244 and spines 222 of a specific filtering assembly 202 are connected to an integration chamber 210. The integration chamber 210 defines a chamber inner space 212 and includes a chamber first opening 214 on one side, and a plurality of chamber second opening 216 on the opposite side, the second opening 216 corresponding in number to the number of stacks 244. id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229" id="p-229"
id="p-229"
[0229]Figs. 16A-B show one example of a filtering assemblies 202 that include, each, three stacks of discs 244, each stack 244 disposed around a corresponding spine 222. The discs 2of filtering assembly 202d are removed from view in Figs. 16A-B to expose the corresponding spines 222. Fig. 16B shows filtering medium 202e with three stacks of discs 244ea, 244eb and 244ec. A cutting plane across filtering medium 202d shows two stacks of discs 244da and 204db, out of a total of three stacks 244d. The internal spaces 250 defined between all three stacks 244 and spines 222 are in fluid communications, via the respective chamber first openings 214 (such as openings 214da and 214db shown in Fig. 16B), with the chamber inner space 212, which is in turn, in fluid communication, via the opposite chamber first opening 214, with a port of three way valve 76. id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230" id="p-230"
id="p-230"
[0230]While each filtering assembly 202 can be separately set to operate in the filtering or cleaning mode, irrespective of other filtering assemblies 202, it is to be understood that all of a plurality of stacks of discs 244 of any single filtering assembly 202 will be either in the filtering mode or the cleaning mode, simultaneously. For example, Fig. 16A shows all three stacks of discs 244c of filtering assembly 202c being in a cleaning mode, while all other filtering assemblies 202, including filtering assembly 202d shown in Fig. 16B, are in a filtering mode, such that filtrate can pass from all of the internal spaces 250 bound between all three stacks 244 and spines 222 of the same filtering assembly 202, to the chamber inner space 212, such as inner space 212d in Fig. 16B, and flow therefrom, through first opening 214d into three-way valve 76d, and through the open port in the illustrated filtering mode, forward toward intake branch 266d of intake pipe 260. id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231" id="p-231"
id="p-231"
[0231]While designed to minimize filtride accumulation over or in the filter mediums 244, filtration system 200 may still include self-cleaning mechanisms, such as a flush pipe 270 for backwashing the mediums 244, which can be utilized as safety measures, or as additional measures that can be utilized in implementations in which the aperture size D is not greater IL 286882/ than 350 microns (including being optionally not greater than 200 microns, not greater than 100 microns, not greater than 40 microns, not greater than 10 microns, not greater than microns and/or not greater than 1 micron), which can still require certain self-cleaning measured to be employed for such fine filtering densities. id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232" id="p-232"
id="p-232"
[0232]In some implementations, the flush tube 270 can extend from a source of water or compressed air onshore. In other implementations, the flush tube 270 can be adapted to pump water from the surrounding water source 20 and into the filtering assemblies 202. id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233" id="p-233"
id="p-233"
[0233]In some implementations, the filtration system 200 also includes at least one float which can be implemented according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 3-9. The same examples of float(s) 50, including adjustable float(s) 50, can be adapted for use with filtration system 200, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234" id="p-234"
id="p-234"
[0234]In some implementations, filtration system 200 comprises an offshore platform connection assembly 44 for coupling one or more filtering assemblies 202 to an offshore platform 40 according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 10A-B. The same examples of offshore platform connection assembly 44 can be adapted for use with filtration system 200, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235" id="p-235"
id="p-235"
[0235]In some implementations, the filtration system 200 can further include an additional vibration motor 70, that can be coupled to a component of the filtration system 200 and configured to vibrate, and more specifically, apply vibrational movement to the filter medium 244, which will serve to dislodge filtride accumulated thereon according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 4-5. The same examples of watertight vibration motor 70 can be adapted for use with filtration system 200, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. The controller 76 can include a control sub-unit to control the operation of the vibration motor 70, as well as one or more control sub-units for controlling the operation of three-way valve 76. id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236" id="p-236"
id="p-236"
[0236]In some examples, filtration system 200 can include one or more ultrasonic transducer(s) 80, positioned to apply ultrasonic energy directed at the filter medium(s) 244, similar to the manner described above for filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 10A-B.
IL 286882/ The ultrasonic transducer(s) 80 can apply ultrasonic energy that can disintegrate and/or create ultrasonic waves that will impact against the filter medium(s) 244 in a manner that will dislodge filtride therefrom. Advantageously, the desire ultrasonic waves, directed at the filter medium(s), do not require high energy, enabling utilization of the ultrasonic transducer as low-energy long-term self-cleaning mechanism. id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237" id="p-237"
id="p-237"
[0237]In some examples, the intake pipe 260 further comprises an expansion chamber 2(not illustrated separately for filtration system 200), similar to the manner described above for filtration system 100 with respect to Fig. 9. An expansion chamber 264 is disposed upstream from the filtering assemblies 202, and is formed as a portion of the intake pipe which expands to an expansion chamber diameter Dc which is at least twice as great as the minimal pipe diameter Dp, and in some example, at least three times as great as the minimal pipe diameter Dp. The minimal pipe diameter Dp is the diameter of intake pipe 260 at its minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area Ap, which can be measured, in the illustrated examples, across any of the intake branches 266 coupled to the three-way valves 76. id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238" id="p-238"
id="p-238"
[0238]In some examples, the intake pipe 260 extends from the filtering assembly 202 (or lowermost filtering assembly 202 if more than one are included) downward, toward water source bed 24, such that the pipe outflow opening 266 is positioned lower than the rotatable filtering assemblies 202. id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239" id="p-239"
id="p-239"
[0239]In some examples, the filtration system 200 is equipped with one or more weight(s) which can be implemented according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 3-9. The same examples of weight(s) 30 can be adapted for use with filtration system 200, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240" id="p-240"
id="p-240"
[0240]In some implementations, the discs 232 comprise copper, for example by being completely made of copper or coated by a copper layer. Embedding copper into the discs 232, or forming them from copper, can significantly reduce the likelihood of algae and other microorganisms from clinging to the discs 232 and clogging channels 252 when immersed in a natural water source 20. id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241" id="p-241"
id="p-241"
[0241]In some examples, the filtration system 200 is equipped with a bubble generator 90 that can be implemented according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 27A-30, with or without a guiding chamber (60).
IL 286882/ The same examples of bubble generator 90, with or without a guiding chamber (60), can be adapted for use with filtration system 200, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242" id="p-242"
id="p-242"
[0242]As mentioned, the minimal ratio Ra and/or maximal flow velocity across the filtration apertures Ve depend on the effective area of filtration Ae, such that for a given maximal flow rate Qm, a minimal effective area of filtration Ae is required to result in the minimal desired Ra and/or maximal desire Ve. Furthermore, as also mentioned above, the filtration apertures 254, which in some cases can constitute only a subset of the channels 252 of some of the filtering assemblies 202, contribute to the effective area of filtration Ae. A filtration system 200 configured to have at least one of its filtering assemblies 202 in a filtering mode, while at least one other filtering assembly 202 is in a cleaning mode, can be designed such that the minimal number of filtering assemblies 202 that continue to operate in a filtering mode at all times, including when one or more filtering assemblies 202 are in a cleaning mode, provides a sufficient minimal effective area of filtration Ae. id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243" id="p-243"
id="p-243"
[0243]In the example illustrated in Figs. 13-16B, one filtering assembly 202 (filtering assembly 202d in the example illustrated in Figs. 13-15B, or filtering assembly 202c in the example illustrated in Fig. 16A-B), is shown to be in a cleaning mode, while the remaining four filtering assemblies 202 are in a filtering mode. Thus, while in some instances, all five filtering assemblies 202 can operate in a filtering mode, if no more than a single filtering assembly 202 is in a cleaning mode at any single moment, the minimal number of filtration apertures 254 includes all medium apertures 252 of at least four filtering assemblies 202. The minimal effective area of filtration Ae, based on the filtration apertures of four filtering assemblies 202 in such examples, can be designed to result in the minimally desired Rq and/or Ra. id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244" id="p-244"
id="p-244"
[0244]Another possible implementation of a filtration system, referred to as coiled thread-type filtration system 300, provided with at least one coiled thread-type filtering assembly 302, will now be described in detail with reference to Figs. 17A-21 of the accompanying drawings. Figs. 17A and 17D show views in perspectives of an example of a coiled thread unit 332. Fig. 17B shows the support blank 334 of the coiled thread unit 332 of Fig. 17A. Fig. 17C shows a partial view in perspective of the coiled thread unit 332 of Fig. 17D, with a single layer of threads 345. Fig. 18A shows a view in perspective of a coiled thread-type filtering assembly 202. Fig. 18B shows a sectional view of the coiled thread-type filtering assembly 202 of Fig. 18A. Fig. 19 IL 286882/ shows one example of a coiled thread-type filtration system 300. Fig. 20A shows a sectional view in perspective a coiled thread-type filtering assembly 302 in a filtering mode. Fig. 20B shows a sectional view in perspective a coiled thread-type filtering assembly 302 in a cleaning mode. Fig. 21 shows a view in perspective of an example of a coiled thread-type filtration system 300 with a compressed-air flush pipe 370. Figs. 17A-21 are described herein together. id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245" id="p-245"
id="p-245"
[0245]A coiled thread-type filtration system 300 comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality of, coiled thread-type non-rotatable filter assemblies 302. Each filtering assembly 2includes a filter medium 344, implemented as threads 345 coiled or wound around support blanks 334. id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246" id="p-246"
id="p-246"
[0246]Figs. 17A-D show various views of a coiled thread-unit 332, that includes threads 3coiled around a support blank 334. An example of a support blank 334 is shown in isolation in Fig. 17B, comprising a blank first end 336 with a blank outlet 338, a blank second end 3which is a closed end opposite to the blank first end 336, and one or more blank arms 3extending between the blank first end 336 and blank second end 340, around which one or more threads 345 are wound, as shown in Figs. 17A and 17D, such that an internal space 3(see Fig. 18B, for example) is formed between the resulting coiled threads 345, the blank arms 342, and both blank ends 336, 340. In some examples, the thread(s) 345 are wound around the blank arms 342 in a manner that forms several threaded layers, together forming the filter medium 344. Fig. 17C shows a view of a single thread 345 looped around the blank arms 342, and Fig. 17D shows a final configuration of a multi-layered filter-medium 344 with several layers of threads 345 looped or coiled around support blank 334. id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247" id="p-247"
id="p-247"
[0247]As shown, the support blank 334 may have an overall trapezoid shape, with blank second end 340 being generally wider than blank first end 336, such that blank arms 342, such as the two arms illustrated in the example of Fig. 17B, extend diagonally on both sides from the shorter blank first end 336 to the wider second end 340, defining a trapezoidal internal space 350 there-between. The filter medium 344, defined by the plurality of coiled threads 345, has a medium outer surface 346, also termed the coiled threads outer surface 346, and a medium inner surface 348 (hidden from view), also termed the coiled threads outer surface 346. id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248" id="p-248"
id="p-248"
[0248]The term "threads 345" can relate to any kind of strings, yarns, fabric stripes, etc., and may be made of any suitable rigid or flexible material, such as metal, plastic, fabric and the like. The threads 345 are tightly wound around the blanks 334, wherein the support blank 334 IL 286882/ retains an internal space defined between both opposing sides of the looped threads. The spacing between adjacent portions of coiled threads, for example along one full circumferential loop of the threads 345, is defined as the medium aperture 352, further defining the aperture size D. The aperture size D can be controlled as a function of a combination between: the number of wound layers, the winding tension, and the properties of the thread material, such as thread size and thread surface properties. The aperture open area Aa is defined as the cross-sectional area across one full loop between outermost adjacent coiled thread 345, defined at the coiled threads outer surface 346. id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249" id="p-249"
id="p-249"
[0249]During a filtering mode, raw water pass from the coiled threads outer surface 346, through the spacings between the threads 345 along various layers thereof and into internal space 350. The spacings between adjacent threads are adapted to trap particles contaminating the water during flow there-through, as well as restrict entry of relatively larger particles (i.e., larger than aperture open area Aa) into these spacings to begin with. Since the blank second end 340 is a closed end, the only available flow path for the filtrate, after passing through the filter medium 344 into the internal space 350, is toward and through the blank outlet 338. id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250" id="p-250"
id="p-250"
[0250]Figs. 18A-B show an example of a coiled thread-type filtering assembly 302, which includes a plurality of coiled-thread units 332 mounted on a hollow hub 322. Hollow hub 3can be a tubular structure that includes an open ended hub outlet end 324, and an opposite hub closed end 326, and defining a hub lumen 330, with a plurality of hub openings 328 disposed around its circumference, corresponding to in number to the number of coiled-thread units 4of the filtering sub assembly 320. Each blank outlet 338 is coupled in a hermetically sealed manner to a corresponding hub opening 328, so as to maintain fluid communication between the internal space 350 of the corresponding coiled-thread unit 332 and the hub lumen 330. id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251" id="p-251"
id="p-251"
[0251]In the illustrated example, a ring-like arrangement is shown with several coiled-thread units 332 disposed around the circumference of the hollow hub 322 at each specific distance from the hub outlet end 324, in a manner that forms a ring-like arrangement at this specific position, with a plurality of ring-like arrangements disposed along the length of the hollow hub 322. It is to be understood that other arrangements may be provided for the coiled-thread units 332 along a hollow hub 322. id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252" id="p-252"
id="p-252"
[0252]As shown throughout Figs. 19-21, a coiled thread-type filtration system 300 includes one or more coiled thread-type filtering assemblies 302 (five are shown in the drawings).
IL 286882/ Coiled thread-type filtration system 300 further comprises an intake pipe 360 with at least one inflow opening 364 configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one filtering assembly 302, at least during the filtering mode. In some examples, the coiled thread-type filtration system 300 further comprises a flush pipe 370 with at least one flush opening 3configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one filtering assembly 302, at least during the cleaning mode. In some examples, the filtering system 300 further comprises one or more valves, such as a three-way valve 76, such that the at least one filtering assembly 302 is coupled to the intake pipe 360, and optionally also to the flush pipe 370, via the at least one valve. id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253" id="p-253"
id="p-253"
[0253]In some examples, particularly for filtration systems 300 that include a plurality of filtering assemblies 302, the intake pipe 360 can include an intake manifold 362 branched into several intake branches 366, corresponding in number to the number of filtering assemblies 302, wherein each intake branch 366 has at least one inflow opening 364 which is in fluid communication with medium apertures 352 of a respective filtering assembly 302, at least during a filtering mode thereof. id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254" id="p-254"
id="p-254"
[0254]In some examples, the filtration system 300 comprises a backwash self-cleaning mechanism, for flushing a cleaning fluid (e.g., cleaning water or compressed air) in the opposite direction to that of the flow during the filtering mode, in order to remove accumulated filtride from the filter medium(s) 344. In such examples, the flush pipe 370 can further include an flush manifold 372 branched into several flush branches 376, corresponding in number to the number of filtering assemblies 302, wherein each flush branch 376 has at least one flush opening 3which is in fluid communication with medium apertures 352 of a respective filtering assembly 302, at least during a cleaning mode thereof. In some examples, the filtration system 300 further comprises a plurality of three-way valves 76, such that each filtering assembly 302 is coupled to an intake branch 366 of the intake pipe 360, and to a flush branch 376 of the flush pipe 370, via a corresponding three-way valve 76. id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255" id="p-255"
id="p-255"
[0255]Coiled thread-type filters, including such that implement backwash self-cleaning mechanisms, are conventionally known to be adapted for inland utilization, wherein coiled-thread units are placed within a pressure vessel that is sealed from the surrounding environment, except for a dedicate inlet for unfiltered liquid entering the enclosed housing that defined the pressure vessel. This liquid flows through an intermediary passageway defined between the walls of the vessel's housing and the coiled-thread units, toward and through the IL 286882/ layers of coiled threads, into the internal spaces defined within these units, and toward a dedicated outlet of the resulting filtrate. Such vessels can further include dedicated inlets and outlets for backwash In contrast, the coiled thread-type filtration system 300 disclosed herein includes filtering assemblies 302 which are devoid of such a pressure vessel. Specifically, the coiled threads 344 of the coiled-thread units 332 are configured to be directly exposed to the environment such that raw water 10 of the environment is in direct contact with the coiled threads outer surface 346, without passing through an intermediary passageway. Thus, the disclosed coiled thread-type filtration system 300 implements utilization of filter mediums in the form of coiled threads 345 wound around support blanks 334, with optional backwash-type self-cleaning mechanisms, in an unconventional manner which is devoid of pressure vessels enclosed around the coiled-thread units 332. id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256" id="p-256"
id="p-256"
[0256]The terms "coiled thread-type filtration system 300" and "filtration system 300" are interchangeable, and the terms "coiled thread-type filtering assembly 302" and "filtering assembly 302" are interchangeable, for system and assembly numerals 300 and 302, respectively, throughout the specification, and particularly with respect to Figs. 18A-21, unless otherwise stated. id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257" id="p-257"
id="p-257"
[0257]For a filtration system 300 that includes one or more coiled thread-type filtering assembly 302, the terms "filter medium 344" and "coiled threads 344" are interchangeable, and refer to a filter medium which is implemented as threads 345 coiled around a plurality of support blanks 334. id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258" id="p-258"
id="p-258"
[0258]A three-way valve 76 can include, in some examples, one port attached in a sealed manner to the filtering assembly 302 and in fluid communication with the blank outlet 338, another port attached in a sealed manner to an intake branch 366, configured to be in fluid communication with the inflow opening 364 during the filtering mode, and another port attached in a sealed manner to a flush branch 376, configured to be in fluid communication with the flush opening 372 during the cleaning mode. id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259" id="p-259"
id="p-259"
[0259]The intake pipe 360 can be an independent component of a suction line, attached thereto and in fluid communication therewith, or can be formed as an integral part or extension of the suction line. The intake pipe 360 and suction line together define a fluid-communication line between the inflow openings 364 and a suction line outlet which can be placed onshore. This fluid-communication line is intended to direct filtrate from filtering assemblies 302 to a target IL 286882/ location, which can be onshore, for example by applying suction force at the inflow openings 364. This may be accomplished by creating a negative pressure difference between the inflow openings 364 and the suction line outlet. The negative pressure difference can be created by gravitational forces or a pump, in the same manner described above. This pressure difference facilitates flow from the water source 20, through the filter medium(s) 344, via internal spaces 350 and hub lumen 330, optionally via three-way valve(s) 76, toward the inflow opening(s) 364 and into the intake pipe 360. It is appreciated that rather than a three-way valve 76, other valve arrangements can be used for flow control between each filtering assembly 302 and the pipes 360, 370, such as a two-way valve disposed between the filtering assembly 302 and a corresponding intake branch 366, and another two-way valve disposed between the filtering assembly 302 and a corresponding flush branch 376. id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260" id="p-260"
id="p-260"
[0260]In some examples, the filtration system 300 can be submerged such that all of the filtering assemblies 302 are immersed in the water source 20, wherein any filtering assembly 302 can optionally transition between filtering and cleaning modes, as will be elaborated below. id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261" id="p-261"
id="p-261"
[0261]As mentioned above, the internal space 350 of each coiled-thread unit 332 is in fluid communication with the hub lumen 430, which in turn is in fluid communication with a in fluid communication, in some examples, with the three-way valve 76. id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262" id="p-262"
id="p-262"
[0262]Fig. 19 shows an example of a filtration system 300 comprising five filtering assemblies 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d and 302e, each of which is coupled, via a corresponding three-way valve 76, to an intake branch 366 of an intake manifold 362 and to a flush branch 376 of a flush manifold 372. The three-way valve 76 is configured to open fluid communication between the filter medium(s) 344, via internal space(s) 350 and hub lumen 330, and the intake pipe 360 via inflow opening 364, while blocking access to the flush pipe 370 (for example, blocking access to the corresponding flush opening 374), in the filtering mode. The three-way valve 76 is further configured to open fluid communication between the flush pipe 370, for example via flush opening 374 of a corresponding flush branch 376, and the filter medium(s) 344, via internal space(s) 350 and hub lumen 330, while blocking access to the intake pipe 360 (for example, blocking access to the corresponding inflow opening 364), in the cleaning mode. id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263" id="p-263"
id="p-263"
[0263]Fig. 20A shows a sectional view with a cutting plane passing through a filtering assembly 302d which is in a filtering mode. During filtering mode, raw water 10 which is in direct contact with the coiled threads outer surface 346, flow through the coiled threads 344 IL 286882/ into the internal space 350, becoming filtrate that flows therefrom, through the internal space(s) 350 and hub lumen 330, into three-way valve 76, and therefrom, through the inflow openings 364 of intake branch 366, into intake pipe 360. As further shown in Fig. 20A, access from the same internal space(s) 350 and hub lumen 330 to the flush pipe 370 is blocked in the filtering mode shown for filtering assembly 302d, for example by blocking access through the flush opening 374 of the corresponding flush branch 376d. id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264" id="p-264"
id="p-264"
[0264]Fig. 20B shows a sectional view with a cutting plane passing through a filtering assembly 302c which is in a cleaning mode. During cleaning mode, washing fluid such as water (or any other liquid or gas), supplied from the flush pipe inlet 378 of flush pipe 370, into the corresponding flush branch 376 (such as branch 376c in the illustrated example of Fig. 20B), through the flush opening 374, into three-way valve 76, and therefrom into the hub lumen 3and internal space(s) 350. The washing fluid is introduced at a relatively high pressure, flowing in a "reverse" direction from the internal space 350 toward the coiled threads inner surface 348, substantially displacing any particles trapped within the medium apertures 352. As further shown in Fig. 20B, access from the same internal space(s) 350 and hub lumen 330 to the intake pipe 360 is blocked in the cleaning mode shown for filtering assembly 302c, for example by blocking access through the inflow opening 364 of the corresponding flush branch 366d. Once backwash is no longer required, cleaning fluid flow terminates and the three-way valve 76 can transition back to the filtering mode (as described above with respect to Fig. 20A). id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265" id="p-265"
id="p-265"
[0265]As mentioned above, the filtration system 300 can further include at least one controller (not shown in Figs. 19-21), that can include one or more control sub-units for controlling any of the three-way valves 76, thereby controlling the transition of any filtering assembly 3between filtering and cleaning modes. The controller 76 can include a dedicated processor and/or other component of a control circuitry, including a wireless receiver or transmitter, which, for the same reasons described above, should be also sealed in a watertight manner to prevent any damage to such components when immersed or otherwise contacted by water from the water source 20. Thus, the controller 76 should be also a watertight controller 76. This can be achieved, for example, by placing the controller 76 in a watertight housing. id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266" id="p-266"
id="p-266"
[0266]In the example illustrated in Figs. 19-20B, one filtering assembly 302c is shown to be in a cleaning mode, and another filtering assembly 302d is shown to be in a filtering mode. Any of the other filtering assemblies 302a, 202b and 202e can be in a filtering or a cleaning mode. Moreover, it is to be understood that this arrangement is merely shown by way of IL 286882/ illustration and not limitation, and that any other number of filtering assemblies can be simultaneously in a cleaning mode or a filtering mode. id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267" id="p-267"
id="p-267"
[0267]For example, if the filtering assembly 302c is in the only assembly which is in a cleaning mode at a specific moment of time, while all other assemblies are in the filtering mode, the medium apertures 352 of filtering assembly 302c are non-filtration apertures 356, and as long as all other four filtering assemblies 302a, 302b, 302d and 302e, are in a filtering mode, all of their medium apertures 352 are filtration apertures 354, the total sum of their aperture open areas Aa constituting the effective area of filtration Ae. id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268" id="p-268"
id="p-268"
[0268]In the illustrated configuration, the plurality of filtering assemblies 302 are preferably positioned side-by-side in a substantially lateral arrangement, and not above each other in a vertical arrangement, such that when any of the filtering assemblies 302 is backwashed, any filtride disposed and washed away therefrom, will tend to sink downward with minimal or no interaction with any of the other filtering assemblies 302. If, alternatively, the filtering assemblies 302 would have been positioned above each other, particles dislodged from upper filtering assemblies 302 could sink downward and land on medium outer surfaces 346 of lower filtering assemblies 302. id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269" id="p-269"
id="p-269"
[0269]While five filtering assemblies 302 are illustrated in Fig. 19, it is to be understood that a filtration system 300 can include any other number of filtering assemblies 302, such as more or less than five filtering assemblies 302, and in some implementations, even a single filtering assembly 302. id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270" id="p-270"
id="p-270"
[0270]In some implementations, flush pipe 370 is designed to deliver liquid, such as cleaning water, to backwash the filtering assemblies 302. The cross-sectional area of such flush pipes 370, for example at the regions of the flush manifold 372 and its branches 376 can be relatively similar to the cross-sectional area of the intake pipe 360, as shown for example in Fig. 19. In some implementations, flush pipe 370 is designed to deliver compressed air (or other gas) instead of liquid. As shown in Fig. 21, the cross-sectional area of such a flush pipe 370, for example at the regions of the flush manifold 372 and its branches 376, can be substantially smaller than that of intake pipe 360, and similarly smaller than the liquid-delivering version of the flush pipe exemplified in Fig. 19. id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271" id="p-271"
id="p-271"
[0271]While designed to minimize filtride accumulation over or in the filter mediums 344, filtration system 300 may still include self-cleaning mechanisms, such as a flush pipe 370 for IL 286882/ backwashing the mediums 344, which can be utilized as safety measures, or as additional measures that can be utilized in implementations in which the aperture size D is not greater than 350 microns (including being optionally not greater than 300 microns, not greater than 200 microns, not greater than 100 microns, not greater than 40 microns, not greater than microns, not greater than 5 microns, and/or not greater than 1 micron), which can still require certain self-cleaning measured to be employed for such fine filtering densities. id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272" id="p-272"
id="p-272"
[0272]In some implementations, the flush tube 370 can extend from a source of water or compressed air onshore. In other implementations, the flush tube 370 can be adapted to pump water from the surrounding water source 20 and into the filtering assemblies 302. id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273" id="p-273"
id="p-273"
[0273]In some implementations, the filtration system 300 also includes at least one float which can be implemented according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 3-9. The same examples of float(s) 50, including adjustable float(s) 50, can be adapted for use with filtration system 300, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274" id="p-274"
id="p-274"
[0274]In some implementations, filtration system 300 comprises an offshore platform connection assembly 44 for coupling one or more filtering assemblies 302 to an offshore platform 40 according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 10A-B. The same examples of offshore platform connection assembly 44 can be adapted for use with filtration system 300, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275" id="p-275"
id="p-275"
[0275]In some implementations, the filtration system 300 can further include an additional vibration motor 70, that can be coupled to a component of the filtration system 300 and configured to vibrate, and more specifically, apply vibrational movement to the filter medium 344, which will serve to dislodge filtride accumulated thereon according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 4-5. The same examples of watertight vibration motor 70 can be adapted for use with filtration system 300, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. The controller 76 can include a control sub-unit to control the operation of the vibration motor 70, as well as one or more control sub-units for controlling the operation of three-way valve 76.
IL 286882/ id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276" id="p-276"
id="p-276"
[0276]In some examples, filtration system 300 can include one or more ultrasonic transducer(s) 80, positioned to apply ultrasonic energy directed at the filter medium(s) 344, similar to the manner described above for filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 10A-B. The ultrasonic transducer(s) 80 can apply ultrasonic energy that can disintegrate and/or create ultrasonic waves that will impact against the filter medium(s) 344 in a manner that will dislodge filtride therefrom. Advantageously, the desire ultrasonic waves, directed at the filter medium(s), do not require high energy, enabling utilization of the ultrasonic transducer as low-energy long-term self-cleaning mechanism. id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277" id="p-277"
id="p-277"
[0277]In some examples, the intake pipe 360 further comprises an expansion chamber 3(not illustrated separately for filtration system 300), similar to the manner described above for filtration system 100 with respect to Fig. 9. An expansion chamber 364 is disposed upstream from the filtering assemblies 302, and is formed as a portion of the intake pipe which expands to an expansion chamber diameter Dc which is at least twice as great as the minimal pipe diameter Dp, and in some example, at least three times as great as the minimal pipe diameter Dp. The minimal pipe diameter Dp is the diameter of intake pipe 360 at its minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area Ap, which can be measured, in the illustrated examples, across any of the intake branches 366 coupled to the three-way valves 76. id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278" id="p-278"
id="p-278"
[0278]In some examples, the intake pipe 360 extends from the filtering assembly 302 (or lowermost filtering assembly 302 if more than one are included) downward, toward water source bed 24, such that the pipe outflow opening 366 is positioned lower than the rotatable filtering assemblies 302. id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279" id="p-279"
id="p-279"
[0279]In some examples, the filtration system 300 is equipped with one or more weight(s) which can be implemented according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 3-9. The same examples of weight(s) 30 can be adapted for use with filtration system 300, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280" id="p-280"
id="p-280"
[0280]In some implementations, the threads 345 forming filter medium 344 comprise copper, for example by being completely made of copper or coated by a copper layer. Embedding copper into the threads 345, or forming them from copper, can significantly reduce the likelihood of algae and other microorganisms from clinging to the filter medium 344 and clogging medium apertures 352 when immersed in a natural water source 20.
IL 286882/ id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281" id="p-281"
id="p-281"
[0281]In some examples, the filtration system 300 is equipped with a bubble generator 90 that can be implemented according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 27A-30, with or without a guiding chamber (60). The same examples of bubble generator 90, with or without a guiding chamber (60), can be adapted for use with filtration system 300, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282" id="p-282"
id="p-282"
[0282]As mentioned, minimal ratio Ra and/or maximal flow velocity across the filtration apertures Ve depend on the effective area of filtration Ae, such that for a given maximal flow rate Qm, a minimal effective area of filtration Ae is required to result in the minimal desired Ra and/or maximal desire Ve. Furthermore, as also mentioned above, the filtration apertures 354, which in some cases can constitute only a subset of the medium apertures 352 of some of the filtering assemblies 302, contribute to the effective area of filtration Ae. A filtration system 300 configured to have at least one of its filtering assemblies 302 in a filtering mode, while at least one other filtering assembly 302 is in a cleaning mode, can be designed such that the minimal number of filtering assemblies 302 that continue to operate in a filtering mode at all times, including when one or more filtering assemblies 302 are in a cleaning mode, provides a sufficient minimal effective area of filtration Ae. id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283" id="p-283"
id="p-283"
[0283]In one of the above-described examples, one filtering assembly 302, such as filtering assembly 302c illustrated in Fig. 20B, can be in a cleaning mode, while the remaining four filtering assemblies 302 can remain in a filtering mode. Thus, while in some instances, all five filtering assemblies 302 can operate in a filtering mode, if no more than a single filtering assembly 302 is in a cleaning mode at any single moment, the minimal number of filtration apertures 354 includes all medium apertures 352 of at least four filtering assemblies 302. The minimal effective area of filtration Ae, based on the filtration apertures of four filtering assemblies 302 in such examples, can be designed to result in the minimally desired Rq and/or Ra. id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284" id="p-284"
id="p-284"
[0284]Another possible implementation of a filtration system, referred to as sheaf-type filtration system 500, provided with at least one sheaf-type filtering assembly 402, will now be described in detail with reference to Figs. 22A-26 of the accompanying drawings. Fig. 22A shows a view in perspective an example of a sheaf-like unit 432. Fig. 22B shows a sectional view in perspective of the sheaf-like unit 432 of Fig. 22A. Fig. 23A shows a view in perspective of a sheaf-type filtering sub-assembly 420. Fig. 23B shows a sectional view of sheaf-type IL 286882/ filtering sub-assembly 420 of Fig. 23A. Fig. 24 shows one example of a sheaf-type filtration system 400. Fig. 25A shows a sectional view in perspective a sheaf-type filtering assembly 4in a filtering mode. Fig. 25B shows a sectional view in perspective a sheaf-type filtering assembly 402 in a cleaning mode. Fig. 26 shows a view in perspective of an example of a sheaf-type filtration system 400 with a compressed-air flush pipe 370. Figs. 22A-26 are described herein together. id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285" id="p-285"
id="p-285"
[0285]A sheaf-type filtration system 400 comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality of, sheaf-type filter assemblies 402, that includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, revolvable filtering sub-assemblies 402. Each sheaf-type filter assembly 402 includes a filter medium 444, implemented as longitudinally extending threads 445 arranged in a sheaf-like configuration within support blanks 434. id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286" id="p-286"
id="p-286"
[0286]Figs. 22A-B show views of a sheaf-like unit 432, that includes threads 445 extending substantially in parallel to each other in a sheaf-like configuration within a support blank 434. An example of a support blank 434 can include a blank base 436 with a blank outlet 438, a blank inflow end 442 which is an open end opposite to the blank base 436, and a blank tubular housing 440 extending between the blank base 436 and blank inflow end 442, within which multiple threads 545 extend, such as in a sheaf-like configuration. The blank tubular housing 440 is shown with partial transparency to expose the threads 445 contained therein. The threads 445 are attached on one end to the sheaf base 435, and terminate on their opposite free ends at the blank inflow end 442. All threads 445 contained within each support blank 434 together form the filter medium 444, defining a medium outer surface 446 at their free ends, at the level of the blank inflow end 442. id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287" id="p-287"
id="p-287"
[0287]The term "threads 445" can relate to any kind of strings, yarns, fabric stripes, etc., and may be made of any suitable rigid or flexible material, such as metal, plastic, fabric and the like. The threads 445 are arranged tightly lengthwise between blank base 436 and blank inflow end 442, surrounded by blank tubular housing 440 in a manner that allows water flow along their lengths, at spacings formed between adjacent threads 445. The blank tubular housing 4can have a uniform cross-sectional area along its length, or can be tapering from the blank base 436 to the blank inflow end 442. The lateral spacing between adjacent threads 445 is defined as the medium aperture 452, further defining the aperture size D. The aperture open area Aa is defined as the cross-sectional area of a medium aperture 452 at the medium outer surface 4(i.e., at the surface defined by the free ends of the threads 445).
IL 286882/ id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288" id="p-288"
id="p-288"
[0288]During a filtering mode, raw water flow from blank inflow end 442, lengthwise along the spacings between the threads 545 (i.e., through medium apertures 452 of filter medium 444), toward blank outlet 438. The spacings between adjacent threads are adapted to trap particles contaminating the water during flow there-through, as well as restrict entry of relatively larger particles (i.e., larger than aperture open area Aa) into these spacings to begin with. id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289" id="p-289"
id="p-289"
[0289]Figs. 23A-B show an example of a sheaf-type filtering assembly 402, which includes a plurality of sheaf-like units 432 mounted on a hollow hub 422. Hollow hub 422 can be a tubular structure that includes an open ended hub outlet end 424, and an opposite hub closed end 426, and defining a hub lumen 430, with a plurality of hub openings 428 disposed around its circumference, corresponding to in number to the number of sheaf-like units 432 of the filtering sub assembly 420. Each blank outlet 438 is coupled in a sealed manner to a corresponding hub opening 428, so as to maintain fluid communication between filter medium 444 of the corresponding sheaf-like unit 432 and the hub lumen 430. id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290" id="p-290"
id="p-290"
[0290]In the illustrated example, a ring-like arrangement is shown with several sheaf-like units 432 disposed around the circumference of the hollow hub 542 at each specific distance from the hub outlet end 424, in a manner that forms a ring-like arrangement at this specific position, with a plurality of ring-like arrangements disposed along the length of the hollow hub 422. It is to be understood that other arrangements may be provided for the sheaf-like units 432 along a hollow hub 422. id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291" id="p-291"
id="p-291"
[0291]As shown throughout Figs. 24-26, a sheaf-type filtration system 400 includes one or more sheaf-type non-rotatable filtering assemblies 402 (five are shown in the drawings). Sheaf-type filtration system 400 further comprises an intake pipe 460 with at least one inflow opening 464 configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one filtering assembly 402, at least during the filtering mode. In some examples, the sheaf-type filtration system 400 further comprises a flush pipe 470 with at least one flush opening 474 configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one filtering assembly 402, at least during the cleaning mode. In some examples, the filtering system 400 further comprises one or more valves, such as a three-way valve 76, such that the at least one filtering assembly 402 is coupled to the intake pipe 460, and optionally also to the flush pipe 470, via the at least one valve.
IL 286882/ id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292" id="p-292"
id="p-292"
[0292]In some examples, particularly for filtration systems 400 that include a plurality of filtering assemblies 402, the intake pipe 460 can include an intake manifold 462 branched into several intake branches 466, corresponding in number to the number of filtering assemblies 402, wherein each intake branch 466 has at least one inflow opening 464 which is in fluid communication with medium apertures 452 of a respective filtering assembly 402, at least during a filtering mode thereof. id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293" id="p-293"
id="p-293"
[0293]In some examples, the filtration system 400 comprises a backwash self-cleaning mechanism, for flushing a cleaning fluid (e.g., cleaning water or compressed air) in the opposite direction to that of the flow during the filtering mode, in order to remove accumulated filtride from the filter medium(s) 444. In such examples, the flush pipe 470 can further include an flush manifold 472 branched into several flush branches 476, corresponding in number to the number of filtering assemblies 402, wherein each flush branch 476 has at least one flush opening 4which is in fluid communication with medium apertures 452 of a respective filtering assembly 402, at least during a cleaning mode thereof. In some examples, the filtration system 400 further comprises a plurality of three-way valves 76, such that each filtering assembly 402 is coupled to an intake branch 466 of the intake pipe 460, and to a flush branch 476 of the flush pipe 470, via a corresponding three-way valve 76. id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294" id="p-294"
id="p-294"
[0294]Sheaf-type filters, including such that implement backwash self-cleaning mechanisms, are conventionally known to be adapted for inland utilization, wherein sheaf-like units are placed within a pressure vessel that is sealed from the surrounding environment, except for a dedicate inlet for unfiltered liquid entering the enclosed housing that defined the pressure vessel. This liquid flows through an intermediary passageway defined between the walls of the vessel's housing and the coiled-thread units, toward and through the layers of coiled threads, into the internal spaces defined within these units, and toward a dedicated outlet of the resulting filtrate. Such vessels can further include dedicated inlets and outlets for backwash. In contrast, the sheaf-type filtration system 400 disclosed herein includes filtering assemblies 402 which are devoid of such a pressure vessels. Specifically, the filter mediums 444 of the sheaf-like units 432, and more specifically, the free ends of threads 445 defining medium outer surfaces 446, are configured to be directly exposed to the environment such that raw water 10 of the environment is in direct contact with the medium outer surface 446, without passing through an intermediary passageway. Thus, the disclosed sheaf-type filtration system 400 implements utilization of filter mediums in the form of threads 445 arranged lengthwise side-by-side within IL 286882/ blanks 434, with optional backwash-type self-cleaning mechanisms, in an unconventional manner which is devoid of pressure vessels enclosed around the sheath-like units 432. id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295" id="p-295"
id="p-295"
[0295]The terms "sheaf-type filtration system 400" and "filtration system 400" are interchangeable, and the terms "sheaf-type filtering assembly 402" and "filtering assembly 402" are interchangeable, for system and assembly numerals 400 and 402, respectively, throughout the specification, and particularly with respect to Figs. 23A-26, unless otherwise stated. id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296" id="p-296"
id="p-296"
[0296]For a filtration system 400 that includes one or more filtering assembly 402, the terms "filter medium 444" and "elongated threads 444" are interchangeable, and refer to a filter medium which is implemented as a multitude of threads 445 arranged lengthwise, side by side, within support blanks 434. id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297" id="p-297"
id="p-297"
[0297]A three-way valve 76 can include, in some examples, one port attached in a sealed manner to the filtering assembly 402 and in fluid communication with the blank outlet 438, another port attached in a sealed manner to an intake branch 466, configured to be in fluid communication with the inflow opening 464 during the filtering mode, and another port attached in a sealed manner to a flush branch 476, configured to be in fluid communication with the flush opening 472 during the cleaning mode. id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298" id="p-298"
id="p-298"
[0298]The intake pipe 460 can be an independent component of a suction line, attached thereto and in fluid communication therewith, or can be formed as an integral part or extension of the suction line. The intake pipe 460 and suction line together define a fluid-communication line between the inflow openings 464 and a suction line outlet which can be placed onshore. This fluid-communication line is intended to direct filtrate from filtering assemblies 402 to a target location, which can be onshore, for example by applying suction force at the inflow openings 464. This may be accomplished by creating a negative pressure difference between the inflow openings 464 and the suction line outlet. The negative pressure difference can be created by gravitational forces or a pump, in the same manner described above. This pressure difference facilitates flow from the water source 20, through the filter medium(s) 444, via hub lumen 430, optionally via three-way valve(s) 76, toward the inflow opening(s) 464 and into the intake pipe 460. It is appreciated that rather than a three-way valve 76, other valve arrangements can be used for flow control between each filtering assembly 402 and the pipes 460, 470, such as a two-way valve disposed between the filtering assembly 402 and a corresponding intake branch IL 286882/ 466, and another two-way valve disposed between the filtering assembly 402 and a corresponding flush branch 4 id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299" id="p-299"
id="p-299"
[0299]In some examples, the filtration system 400 can be submerged such that all of the filtering assemblies 402 are immersed in the water source 20, wherein any filtering assembly 402 can optionally transition between filtering and cleaning modes, as will be elaborated below. id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300" id="p-300"
id="p-300"
[0300]As mentioned above, blank outlet 438 of each sheaf-like unit 432 is in fluid communication with the hub lumen 430, which in turn is in fluid communication with a in fluid communication, in some examples, with the three-way valve 76. id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301" id="p-301"
id="p-301"
[0301]Fig. 24 shows an example of a filtration system 400 comprising five filtering assemblies 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d and 402e, each of which is coupled, via a corresponding three-way valve 76, to an intake branch 466 of an intake manifold 462 and to a flush branch 476 of a flush manifold 472. The three-way valve 76 is configured to open fluid communication between the filter medium(s) 444, via hub lumen 430, and the intake pipe 460 via inflow opening 464, while blocking access to the flush pipe 470 (for example, blocking access to the corresponding flush opening 474), in the filtering mode. The three-way valve 76 is further configured to open fluid communication between the flush pipe 470, for example via flush opening 474 of a corresponding flush branch 476, and the filter medium(s) 444, via hub lumen 430 and blank outlet 438, while blocking access to the intake pipe 460 (for example, blocking access to the corresponding inflow opening 464), in the cleaning mode. id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302" id="p-302"
id="p-302"
[0302]Fig. 25A shows a sectional view with a cutting plane passing through a filtering assembly 402d which is in a filtering mode. During filtering mode, raw water 10 which is in direct contact with the medium outer surface 446, flow through the filter medium 4(lengthwise along threads 445) into blank outlet 438, becoming filtrate that flows therefrom, through hub lumen 430, into three-way valve 76, and further, through the inflow openings 4of intake branch 466, into intake pipe 460. As further shown in Fig. 25A, access from the same hub lumen 430 to the flush pipe 470 is blocked in the filtering mode shown for filtering assembly 402d, for example by blocking access through the flush opening 474 of the corresponding flush branch 476d. id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303" id="p-303"
id="p-303"
[0303]Fig. 25B shows a sectional view with a cutting plane passing through a filtering assembly 402c which is in a cleaning mode. During cleaning mode, washing fluid such as water (or any other liquid or gas), supplied from the flush pipe inlet 478 of flush pipe 470, into the IL 286882/ corresponding flush branch 476 (such as branch 476c in the illustrated example of Fig. 25B), through the flush opening 474, into three-way valve 76, and therefrom into the hub lumen 430. The washing fluid is introduced at a relatively high pressure, flowing in a "reverse" direction from the hub lumen 430 and blank outlet(s) 438 toward the medium outer surface 446, substantially displacing any particles trapped within the medium apertures 452. As further shown in Fig. 25B, access from the same hub lumen 430 to the intake pipe 460 is blocked in the cleaning mode shown for filtering assembly 402c, for example by blocking access through the inflow opening 464 of the corresponding intake branch 466c. Once backwash is no longer required, cleaning fluid flow terminates and the three-way valve 76 can transition back to the filtering mode (as described above with respect to Fig. 25A). id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304" id="p-304"
id="p-304"
[0304]As mentioned above, the filtration system 400 can further include at least one controller (not shown in Figs. 24-26), that can include one or more control sub-units for controlling any of the three-way valves 76, thereby controlling the transition of any filtering assembly 4between filtering and cleaning modes. The controller 76 can include a dedicated processor and/or other component of a control circuitry, including a wireless receiver or transmitter, which, for the same reasons described above, should be also sealed in a watertight manner to prevent any damage to such components when immersed or otherwise contacted by water from the water source 20. Thus, the controller 76 should be also a watertight controller 76. This can be achieved, for example, by placing the controller 76 in a watertight housing. id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305" id="p-305"
id="p-305"
[0305]In the example illustrated in Figs. 24-25B, one filtering assembly 402c is shown to be in a cleaning mode, and another filtering assembly 402d is shown to be in a filtering mode. Any of the other filtering assemblies 402a, 402b and 402e can be in a filtering or a cleaning mode. Moreover, it is to be understood that this arrangement is merely shown by way of illustration and not limitation, and that any other number of filtering assemblies can be simultaneously in a cleaning mode or a filtering mode. id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306" id="p-306"
id="p-306"
[0306]For example, if the filtering assembly 402c is in the only assembly which is in a cleaning mode at a specific moment of time, while all other assemblies are in the filtering mode, the medium apertures 452 of filtering assembly 402c are non-filtration apertures 456, and as long as all other four filtering assemblies 402a, 402b, 402d and 402e, are in a filtering mode, all of their medium apertures 452 are filtration apertures 454, the total sum of their aperture open areas Aa constituting the effective area of filtration Ae.
IL 286882/ id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307" id="p-307"
id="p-307"
[0307]In the illustrated configuration, the plurality of filtering assemblies 402 are preferably positioned side-by-side in a substantially lateral arrangement, and not above each other in a vertical arrangement, such that when any of the filtering assemblies 402 is backwashed, any filtride disposed and washed away therefrom, will tend to sink downward with minimal or no interaction with any of the other filtering assemblies 402. If, alternatively, the filtering assemblies 402 would have been positioned above each other, particles dislodged from upper filtering assemblies 402 could sink downward and land on medium outer surfaces 446 of lower filtering assemblies 402. id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308" id="p-308"
id="p-308"
[0308]While five filtering assemblies 402 are illustrated in Fig. 24, it is to be understood that a filtration system 400 can include any other number of filtering assemblies 402, such as more or less than five filtering assemblies 402, and in some implementations, even a single filtering assembly 402. id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309" id="p-309"
id="p-309"
[0309]In some implementations, flush pipe 470 is designed to deliver liquid, such as cleaning water, to backwash the filtering assemblies 402. The cross-sectional area of such flush pipes 470, for example at the regions of the flush manifold 472 and its branches 476 can be relatively similar to the cross-sectional area of the intake pipe 460, as shown for example in Fig. 24. In some implementations, flush pipe 470 is designed to deliver compressed air (or other gas) instead of liquid. As shown in Fig. 26, the cross-sectional area of such a flush pipe 470, for example at the regions of the flush manifold 472 and its branches 476, can be substantially smaller than that of intake pipe 460, and similarly smaller than the liquid-delivering version of the flush pipe exemplified in Fig. 24. id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310" id="p-310"
id="p-310"
[0310]While designed to minimize filtride accumulation over or in the filter mediums 444, filtration system 400 may still include self-cleaning mechanisms, such as a flush pipe 470 for backwashing the mediums 444, which can be utilized as safety measures, or as additional measures that can be utilized in implementations in which the aperture size D is not greater than 350 microns (including being optionally not greater than 300 microns, not greater than 200 microns, not greater than 100 microns, not greater than 40 microns, not greater than microns, not greater than 5 microns, and/or not greater than 1 micron), which can still require certain self-cleaning measured to be employed for such fine filtering densities.
IL 286882/ id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311" id="p-311"
id="p-311"
[0311]In some implementations, the flush tube 470 can extend from a source of water or compressed air onshore. In other implementations, the flush tube 470 can be adapted to pump water from the surrounding water source 20 and into the filtering assemblies 402. id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312" id="p-312"
id="p-312"
[0312]In some implementations, the filtration system 400 also includes at least one float which can be implemented according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 3-9. The same examples of float(s) 50, including adjustable float(s) 50, can be adapted for use with filtration system 400, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313" id="p-313"
id="p-313"
[0313]In some implementations, filtration system 400 comprises an offshore platform connection assembly 44 for coupling one or more filtering assemblies 402 to an offshore platform 40 according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 10A-B. The same examples of offshore platform connection assembly 44 can be adapted for use with filtration system 400, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314" id="p-314"
id="p-314"
[0314]In some implementations, the filtration system 400 can further include an additional vibration motor 70, that can be coupled to a component of the filtration system 400 and configured to vibrate, and more specifically, apply vibrational movement to the filter medium 444, which will serve to dislodge filtride accumulated thereon according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 4-5. The same examples of watertight vibration motor 70 can be adapted for use with filtration system 400, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. The controller 76 can include a control sub-unit to control the operation of the vibration motor 70, as well as one or more control sub-units for controlling the operation of three-way valve 76. id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315" id="p-315"
id="p-315"
[0315]In some examples, filtration system 400 can include one or more ultrasonic transducer(s) 80, positioned to apply ultrasonic energy directed at the filter medium(s) 444, similar to the manner described above for filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 10A-B. The ultrasonic transducer(s) 80 can apply ultrasonic energy that can disintegrate and/or create ultrasonic waves that will impact against the filter medium(s) 444 in a manner that will dislodge filtride therefrom. Advantageously, the desire ultrasonic waves, directed at the filter IL 286882/ medium(s), do not require high energy, enabling utilization of the ultrasonic transducer as low-energy long-term self-cleaning mechanism. id="p-316" id="p-316" id="p-316" id="p-316" id="p-316" id="p-316" id="p-316" id="p-316" id="p-316" id="p-316" id="p-316" id="p-316" id="p-316"
id="p-316"
[0316]In some examples, the intake pipe 460 further comprises an expansion chamber 4(not illustrated separately for filtration system 400), similar to the manner described above for filtration system 100 with respect to Fig. 9. An expansion chamber 464 is disposed upstream from the filtering assemblies 402, and is formed as a portion of the intake pipe which expands to an expansion chamber diameter Dc which is at least twice as great as the minimal pipe diameter Dp, and in some example, at least three times as great as the minimal pipe diameter Dp. The minimal pipe diameter Dp is the diameter of intake pipe 460 at its minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area Ap, which can be measured, in the illustrated examples, across any of the intake branches 466 coupled to the three-way valves 76. id="p-317" id="p-317" id="p-317" id="p-317" id="p-317" id="p-317" id="p-317" id="p-317" id="p-317" id="p-317" id="p-317" id="p-317" id="p-317"
id="p-317"
[0317]In some examples, the intake pipe 460 extends from the filtering assembly 402 (or lowermost filtering assembly 402 if more than one are included) downward, toward water source bed 24, such that the pipe outflow opening 466 is positioned lower than the rotatable filtering assemblies 402. id="p-318" id="p-318" id="p-318" id="p-318" id="p-318" id="p-318" id="p-318" id="p-318" id="p-318" id="p-318" id="p-318" id="p-318" id="p-318"
id="p-318"
[0318]In some examples, the filtration system 400 is equipped with one or more weight(s) which can be implemented according to any of the examples described above in combination with filtration system 100 with respect to Figs. 3-9. The same examples of weight(s) 30 can be adapted for use with filtration system 400, mutatis mutandis, and in the interest of brevity will not be separately illustrated or further described. id="p-319" id="p-319" id="p-319" id="p-319" id="p-319" id="p-319" id="p-319" id="p-319" id="p-319" id="p-319" id="p-319" id="p-319" id="p-319"
id="p-319"
[0319]In some implementations, the threads 445 forming filter medium 444 comprise copper, for example by being completely made of copper or coated by a copper layer. Embedding copper into the threads 445, or forming them from copper, can significantly reduce the likelihood of algae and other microorganisms from clinging to the filter medium 444 and clogging medium apertures 452 when immersed in a natural water source 20. id="p-320" id="p-320" id="p-320" id="p-320" id="p-320" id="p-320" id="p-320" id="p-320" id="p-320" id="p-320" id="p-320" id="p-320" id="p-320"
id="p-320"
[0320]As mentioned, minimal ratio Ra and/or maximal flow velocity across the filtration apertures Ve depend on the effective area of filtration Ae, such that for a given maximal flow rate Qm, a minimal effective area of filtration Ae is required to result in the minimal desired Ra and/or maximal desire Ve. Furthermore, as also mentioned above, the filtration apertures 454, which in some cases can constitute only a subset of the medium apertures 452 of some of the filtering assemblies 402, contribute to the effective area of filtration Ae. A filtration system IL 286882/ 400 configured to have at least one of its filtering assemblies 402 in a filtering mode, while at least one other filtering assembly 402 is in a cleaning mode, can be designed such that the minimal number of filtering assemblies 402 that continue to operate in a filtering mode at all times, including when one or more filtering assemblies 402 are in a cleaning mode, provides a sufficient minimal effective area of filtration Ae. id="p-321" id="p-321" id="p-321" id="p-321" id="p-321" id="p-321" id="p-321" id="p-321" id="p-321" id="p-321" id="p-321" id="p-321" id="p-321"
id="p-321"
[0321]In one of the above-described examples, one filtering assembly 402, such as filtering assembly 402c illustrated in Fig. 25B, can be in a cleaning mode, while the remaining four filtering assemblies 402 can remain in a filtering mode. Thus, while in some instances, all five filtering assemblies 402 can operate in a filtering mode, if no more than a single filtering assembly 402 is in a cleaning mode at any single moment, the minimal number of filtration apertures 454 includes all medium apertures 452 of at least four filtering assemblies 402. The minimal effective area of filtration Ae, based on the filtration apertures of four filtering assemblies 302 in such examples, can be designed to result in the minimally desired Rq and/or Ra. id="p-322" id="p-322" id="p-322" id="p-322" id="p-322" id="p-322" id="p-322" id="p-322" id="p-322" id="p-322" id="p-322" id="p-322" id="p-322"
id="p-322"
[0322]In some examples, any of the filtration systems disclosed herein, including any of filtration systems 100, 200, 300 or 400 can be utilized as relatively passive filtration systems, meaning that when placed in a body of water 20, active suction force applied thereto is minimal, and depends only by the rate of filtered water being withdrawn at the opposite end of the intake pipe. This will result in a relatively low flow rate passing at a relative modest pressure through the filter mediums, so as to avoid, as much as possible, any flow disturbances in the vicinity of the filter mediums, thus reducing the likelihood of debris or other particulates being drawn toward the medium apertures and clogging them. id="p-323" id="p-323" id="p-323" id="p-323" id="p-323" id="p-323" id="p-323" id="p-323" id="p-323" id="p-323" id="p-323" id="p-323" id="p-323"
id="p-323"
[0323]As mentioned above, all filtration systems 100, 200, 300 or 400 are configured to be placed in a body of water such that their filter mediums are directly exposed to the unfiltered water, without being housed or contained in any housing or vessel therearound. This is in contrast to filters which are operable within pressure vessels, which include inlet pipes or ports configured to drive a fluid to be filtered toward the filter medium at a relatively high pressure. Specifically, conventional filters designed to operate inside pressure vessels will usually be fed, through an inflow pipe or an inflow port, by unfiltered fluid at high pressures that will usually exceed 10 atmospheres. This presents a first drawback by which the filter medium needs to be made of a rigid durable material to withstand such high pressures over time.
IL 286882/ id="p-324" id="p-324" id="p-324" id="p-324" id="p-324" id="p-324" id="p-324" id="p-324" id="p-324" id="p-324" id="p-324" id="p-324" id="p-324"
id="p-324"
[0324]Another major consideration influencing the design of pressurized filters is the frequency of maintenance and costs associated therewith. Specifically, when unfiltered fluid is directed at such high pressures toward the filter medium (which can be a strainer medium made of a rigid mesh, sieve or net, for example), debris carried by the fluid will tend to frequently adhere to the outer surface of the filter medium and clog a substantial portion of the apertures. In order to address this challenge, conventional filters, such as strainers and the like, will include a larger number of apertures, resulting in a total area of the filtration apertures significantly greater than the cross-section area of the inflow tube directing the fluid thereto, such that even when some of the apertures are obstructed by debris clinging thereto or accumulated thereon, a sufficient portion of the apertures will remain unclogged to allow the fluid to pass therethrough. id="p-325" id="p-325" id="p-325" id="p-325" id="p-325" id="p-325" id="p-325" id="p-325" id="p-325" id="p-325" id="p-325" id="p-325" id="p-325"
id="p-325"
[0325]This type of solution utilized in pressurized filters will usually involve a tradeoff between the size of the apertures and the number of the apertures, as significant reduction of the aperture size will still increase the likelihood of clogging and debris adherence to the apertures. Moreover, even when provided with larger apertures or a greater amount of apertures that results in the total sum of the aperture area being greater than that of the inflow pipe, such solution usually avoid immediate and short term clogging of the filter mediums, but cannot prevent the buildup of accumulated layers of slime or cake over the filter medium in the intermediate term, which will still require frequent maintenance for periodical removal of the filter mediums or utilization of other conventional washout mechanisms, that will increase the over costs of the system and procedure. id="p-326" id="p-326" id="p-326" id="p-326" id="p-326" id="p-326" id="p-326" id="p-326" id="p-326" id="p-326" id="p-326" id="p-326" id="p-326"
id="p-326"
[0326]In contrast to such pressurized filters, all currently disclosed filtration systems are not intended to be fed at high pressures through inflow pipes of any type, and are not enclosed by any housing or pressure vessels that include such inflow pipes or ports. The currently disclosed filtration system are designed to be immersed in a body of water, include only an intake pipe, and are designed to operate under a maximal pressure gradient of 1 atmosphere or between the filter medium and the intake pipe. A high ratio between the sum of apertures of filter mediums disclosed herein and the intake pipe is designed to achieve a different purpose, mainly to reduce the flow velocities in the vicinity of the filter mediums to reduce the likelihood of clogging, which is in contrast to the ration of pressurized filters between their aperture areas and inflow pipe (wherein the outer surface of the filter medium is exposed to the inflow pipe, in contrast to the inner surface of the filter medium being exposed to the intake pipe), configured only to IL 286882/ leave a portion of the apertures viable, assuming that a larger portion of the apertures will be rapidly clogged by the highly pressurized fluid directed thereto. id="p-327" id="p-327" id="p-327" id="p-327" id="p-327" id="p-327" id="p-327" id="p-327" id="p-327" id="p-327" id="p-327" id="p-327" id="p-327"
id="p-327"
[0327]Conventional filters which are not intended for use in pressurized vessels and are not fed by highly pressurized unfiltered fluid, do not include a high ratio between the total aperture areas and the cross-sectional area of any of an inflow pipe or intake pipe, since they are not subject to the same rapid clogging phenomenon associated with raw fluid fed at high pressures. However, the aperture size in such filters will be still limited, since smaller apertures will still result in the need for frequent maintenance associated with increased operational costs. In contrast, all currently disclosed filtration systems are designed to have a high ratio between the aperture areas and the cross-sectional area of the intake pipe, designed to operate at low pressure of no more than 1 atmosphere, wherein such ratios can significantly reduce maintenance costs by reducing flow velocities in the vicinity of the apertures, which will in turn reduce the likelihood of clogging, while allowing the filter medium to include much smaller apertures.
Additional Examples of the Disclosed Technology id="p-328" id="p-328" id="p-328" id="p-328" id="p-328" id="p-328" id="p-328" id="p-328" id="p-328" id="p-328" id="p-328" id="p-328" id="p-328"
id="p-328"
[0328]In view of the above described implementations of the disclosed subject matter, this application discloses the additional examples enumerated below. It should be noted that one feature of an example in isolation or more than one feature of the example taken in combination and, optionally, in combination with one or more features of one or more further examples are further examples also falling within the disclosure of this application. id="p-329" id="p-329" id="p-329" id="p-329" id="p-329" id="p-329" id="p-329" id="p-329" id="p-329" id="p-329" id="p-329" id="p-329" id="p-329"
id="p-329"
[0329]Example A1. A non-rotatable filtration system, comprising: at least one filtering assembly comprising a filter medium, the filter medium comprising a plurality of medium apertures, the plurality of medium apertures comprising a plurality of filtration apertures, wherein each filtration aperture defines an aperture area and has an aperture size that is not greater than 3microns; and an intake pipe defining a minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area, wherein the intake pipe comprises at least one inflow opening, wherein the at least one inflow opening being in fluid communication with the filter medium when the filtering assembly is in a filtering mode, and wherein a screen inner surface of the filter medium is exposed to the inflow opening; IL 286882/ wherein the filtration system is devoid of a pressure vessel disposed around any of the at least one filter medium, and is devoid of an inflow pipe configured to direct unfiltered fluid toward the filter medium; and wherein a ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 4. id="p-330" id="p-330" id="p-330" id="p-330" id="p-330" id="p-330" id="p-330" id="p-330" id="p-330" id="p-330" id="p-330" id="p-330" id="p-330"
id="p-330"
[0330]Example A2. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A1, wherein the aperture size in not greater than 200 microns. id="p-331" id="p-331" id="p-331" id="p-331" id="p-331" id="p-331" id="p-331" id="p-331" id="p-331" id="p-331" id="p-331" id="p-331" id="p-331"
id="p-331"
[0331]Example A3. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A1, wherein the aperture size in not greater than 100 microns. id="p-332" id="p-332" id="p-332" id="p-332" id="p-332" id="p-332" id="p-332" id="p-332" id="p-332" id="p-332" id="p-332" id="p-332" id="p-332"
id="p-332"
[0332]Example A4. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A1, wherein the aperture size in not greater than 40 microns. id="p-333" id="p-333" id="p-333" id="p-333" id="p-333" id="p-333" id="p-333" id="p-333" id="p-333" id="p-333" id="p-333" id="p-333" id="p-333"
id="p-333"
[0333]Example A5. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A1, wherein the aperture size in not greater than 5 microns. id="p-334" id="p-334" id="p-334" id="p-334" id="p-334" id="p-334" id="p-334" id="p-334" id="p-334" id="p-334" id="p-334" id="p-334" id="p-334"
id="p-334"
[0334]Example A6. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A1, wherein the aperture size in not greater than 1 micron. id="p-335" id="p-335" id="p-335" id="p-335" id="p-335" id="p-335" id="p-335" id="p-335" id="p-335" id="p-335" id="p-335" id="p-335" id="p-335"
id="p-335"
[0335]Example A7. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A6, wherein the ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 7. id="p-336" id="p-336" id="p-336" id="p-336" id="p-336" id="p-336" id="p-336" id="p-336" id="p-336" id="p-336" id="p-336" id="p-336" id="p-336"
id="p-336"
[0336]Example A8. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A6, wherein the ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 8. id="p-337" id="p-337" id="p-337" id="p-337" id="p-337" id="p-337" id="p-337" id="p-337" id="p-337" id="p-337" id="p-337" id="p-337" id="p-337"
id="p-337"
[0337]Example A9. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A6, wherein the ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 10. id="p-338" id="p-338" id="p-338" id="p-338" id="p-338" id="p-338" id="p-338" id="p-338" id="p-338" id="p-338" id="p-338" id="p-338" id="p-338"
id="p-338"
[0338]Example A10. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A9, wherein at least 50% of the medium apertures are filtration apertures.
IL 286882/ id="p-339" id="p-339" id="p-339" id="p-339" id="p-339" id="p-339" id="p-339" id="p-339" id="p-339" id="p-339" id="p-339" id="p-339" id="p-339"
id="p-339"
[0339]Example A11. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A9, wherein at least 70% of the medium apertures are filtration apertures. id="p-340" id="p-340" id="p-340" id="p-340" id="p-340" id="p-340" id="p-340" id="p-340" id="p-340" id="p-340" id="p-340" id="p-340" id="p-340"
id="p-340"
[0340]Example A12. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A9, wherein all of the medium apertures are filtration apertures. id="p-341" id="p-341" id="p-341" id="p-341" id="p-341" id="p-341" id="p-341" id="p-341" id="p-341" id="p-341" id="p-341" id="p-341" id="p-341"
id="p-341"
[0341]Example A13. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A12, further comprising at least one float. id="p-342" id="p-342" id="p-342" id="p-342" id="p-342" id="p-342" id="p-342" id="p-342" id="p-342" id="p-342" id="p-342" id="p-342" id="p-342"
id="p-342"
[0342]Example A14. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A13, wherein each float is an adjustable float. id="p-343" id="p-343" id="p-343" id="p-343" id="p-343" id="p-343" id="p-343" id="p-343" id="p-343" id="p-343" id="p-343" id="p-343" id="p-343"
id="p-343"
[0343]Example A15. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A14, wherein each adjustable float comprises a float liquid port and a float gas port. id="p-344" id="p-344" id="p-344" id="p-344" id="p-344" id="p-344" id="p-344" id="p-344" id="p-344" id="p-344" id="p-344" id="p-344" id="p-344"
id="p-344"
[0344]Example A16. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A14, wherein each adjustable float comprises a float water port and a float air port. id="p-345" id="p-345" id="p-345" id="p-345" id="p-345" id="p-345" id="p-345" id="p-345" id="p-345" id="p-345" id="p-345" id="p-345" id="p-345"
id="p-345"
[0345]Example A17. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A13 to A16, wherein the float defines a plane which is orthogonal to a central axis passing from the lower end to the upper end of at least one of the filtering assemblies. id="p-346" id="p-346" id="p-346" id="p-346" id="p-346" id="p-346" id="p-346" id="p-346" id="p-346" id="p-346" id="p-346" id="p-346" id="p-346"
id="p-346"
[0346]Example A18. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A12, further comprising an offshore platform connection assembly comprising: at least one winch; and at least one elongated flexible member coupled to the at least one filtering assembly or the intake pipe, and rotatable around the at least one winch. id="p-347" id="p-347" id="p-347" id="p-347" id="p-347" id="p-347" id="p-347" id="p-347" id="p-347" id="p-347" id="p-347" id="p-347" id="p-347"
id="p-347"
[0347]Example A19. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A18, further comprising at least one weight coupled to the at least one filtering assembly or the intake pipe.
IL 286882/ id="p-348" id="p-348" id="p-348" id="p-348" id="p-348" id="p-348" id="p-348" id="p-348" id="p-348" id="p-348" id="p-348" id="p-348" id="p-348"
id="p-348"
[0348]Example A20. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A19, further comprising a watertight vibration motor. id="p-349" id="p-349" id="p-349" id="p-349" id="p-349" id="p-349" id="p-349" id="p-349" id="p-349" id="p-349" id="p-349" id="p-349" id="p-349"
id="p-349"
[0349]Example A21. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A20, further comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer. id="p-350" id="p-350" id="p-350" id="p-350" id="p-350" id="p-350" id="p-350" id="p-350" id="p-350" id="p-350" id="p-350" id="p-350" id="p-350"
id="p-350"
[0350]Example A22. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A21, wherein the filter medium comprises copper. id="p-351" id="p-351" id="p-351" id="p-351" id="p-351" id="p-351" id="p-351" id="p-351" id="p-351" id="p-351" id="p-351" id="p-351" id="p-351"
id="p-351"
[0351]Example A23. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A22, wherein the intake pipe comprises an expansion chamber having an expansion chamber diameter that is at least twice as great as a minimal diameter of the intake pipe. id="p-352" id="p-352" id="p-352" id="p-352" id="p-352" id="p-352" id="p-352" id="p-352" id="p-352" id="p-352" id="p-352" id="p-352" id="p-352"
id="p-352"
[0352]Example A24. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A23, wherein the expansion chamber diameter is at least three times as great as the minimal diameter of the intake pipe. id="p-353" id="p-353" id="p-353" id="p-353" id="p-353" id="p-353" id="p-353" id="p-353" id="p-353" id="p-353" id="p-353" id="p-353" id="p-353"
id="p-353"
[0353]Example A25. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A24, further comprising a flush pipe that comprises at least one flush opening being in fluid communication with the filter medium when the filtering assembly is in a cleaning mode. id="p-354" id="p-354" id="p-354" id="p-354" id="p-354" id="p-354" id="p-354" id="p-354" id="p-354" id="p-354" id="p-354" id="p-354" id="p-354"
id="p-354"
[0354]Example A26. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A25, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a plurality of filtering assemblies. id="p-355" id="p-355" id="p-355" id="p-355" id="p-355" id="p-355" id="p-355" id="p-355" id="p-355" id="p-355" id="p-355" id="p-355" id="p-355"
id="p-355"
[0355]Example A27. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A26, wherein the intake pipe comprises an intake manifold that comprises a plurality of intake branches, wherein each intake branch is in fluid communication, via a respective inflow opening thereof, with a respective filter medium of a respective filtering assembly, when the respective filtering assembly is in the filtering mode.. id="p-356" id="p-356" id="p-356" id="p-356" id="p-356" id="p-356" id="p-356" id="p-356" id="p-356" id="p-356" id="p-356" id="p-356" id="p-356"
id="p-356"
[0356]Example A28. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A27, wherein, when depending on example A25, the flush pipe comprises a flush manifold that comprises a plurality of flush branches, wherein each flush branch is in fluid IL 286882/ communication, via a respective flush opening thereof, with a respective filter medium of a respective filtering assembly, when the respective filtering assembly is in the cleaning mode. id="p-357" id="p-357" id="p-357" id="p-357" id="p-357" id="p-357" id="p-357" id="p-357" id="p-357" id="p-357" id="p-357" id="p-357" id="p-357"
id="p-357"
[0357]Example A29. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A28, further comprising a plurality of three-way valves, wherein each three-way valve is configured is attached via one port thereof to a respective filtering assembly, via another port thereof to a respective intake branch, and via another port thereof to a respective flush branch. id="p-358" id="p-358" id="p-358" id="p-358" id="p-358" id="p-358" id="p-358" id="p-358" id="p-358" id="p-358" id="p-358" id="p-358" id="p-358"
id="p-358"
[0358]Example A30. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A29, wherein the filtration system is a screen-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow body, and wherein the filter medium comprises a screen mesh attached to an open end of the hollow body. id="p-359" id="p-359" id="p-359" id="p-359" id="p-359" id="p-359" id="p-359" id="p-359" id="p-359" id="p-359" id="p-359" id="p-359" id="p-359"
id="p-359"
[0359]Example A31. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A30, wherein the hollow body has an upper end which is narrower than a lower end thereof, and wherein the screen mesh is attached to the lower end. id="p-360" id="p-360" id="p-360" id="p-360" id="p-360" id="p-360" id="p-360" id="p-360" id="p-360" id="p-360" id="p-360" id="p-360" id="p-360"
id="p-360"
[0360]Example A32. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A31, wherein the hollow body is tapering from the lower end to the upper end. id="p-361" id="p-361" id="p-361" id="p-361" id="p-361" id="p-361" id="p-361" id="p-361" id="p-361" id="p-361" id="p-361" id="p-361" id="p-361"
id="p-361"
[0361]Example A33. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A29, wherein the filtration system is a disc-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises at least one stack of discs, wherein the filter medium is formed by the stacks of discs, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by channels formed between adjacent discs. id="p-362" id="p-362" id="p-362" id="p-362" id="p-362" id="p-362" id="p-362" id="p-362" id="p-362" id="p-362" id="p-362" id="p-362" id="p-362"
id="p-362"
[0362]Example A34. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example A33, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises an integration chamber, and wherein the at least one stack of discs comprises a plurality stacks of discs, each stack of discs attached to the integration chamber. id="p-363" id="p-363" id="p-363" id="p-363" id="p-363" id="p-363" id="p-363" id="p-363" id="p-363" id="p-363" id="p-363" id="p-363" id="p-363"
id="p-363"
[0363]Example A35. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A29, wherein the filtration system is a coiled thread-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow hub defining a hub lumen and fluidly connected to a plurality of coiled-thread units, wherein the filter medium is IL 286882/ formed by coiled threads of the plurality of coiled-thread units, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by spacings formed between adjacent threads. id="p-364" id="p-364" id="p-364" id="p-364" id="p-364" id="p-364" id="p-364" id="p-364" id="p-364" id="p-364" id="p-364" id="p-364" id="p-364"
id="p-364"
[0364]Example A36. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A29, wherein the filtration system is a sheaf-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow hub defining a hub lumen and fluidly connected to a plurality of sheaf-like units, wherein the filter medium is formed by longitudinally extending threads arranged in a sheaf-like configuration within the plurality of sheaf-like units, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by spacings formed between adjacent threads. id="p-365" id="p-365" id="p-365" id="p-365" id="p-365" id="p-365" id="p-365" id="p-365" id="p-365" id="p-365" id="p-365" id="p-365" id="p-365"
id="p-365"
[0365]Example A37. A method comprising: submerging a non-rotatable filtration system within a water source, the non-rotatable filtration system comprising: at least one filtering assembly comprising a filter medium, the filter medium comprising a plurality of medium apertures, the plurality of medium apertures comprising a plurality of filtration apertures, wherein each filtration aperture defines an aperture area and has an aperture size that is not greater than 3microns; and an intake pipe defining a minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area, wherein the intake pipe comprises at least one inflow opening, wherein the at least one inflow opening being in fluid communication with the filter medium when the filtering assembly is in a filtering mode, and wherein a screen inner surface of the filter medium is exposed to the inflow opening; wherein a ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 4; and applying a suction force through the intake pipe at a pressure that does not exceed atmosphere. id="p-366" id="p-366" id="p-366" id="p-366" id="p-366" id="p-366" id="p-366" id="p-366" id="p-366" id="p-366" id="p-366" id="p-366" id="p-366"
id="p-366"
[0366]Example A38. The method of any example herein, particularly example A37, wherein the ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 7.
IL 286882/ id="p-367" id="p-367" id="p-367" id="p-367" id="p-367" id="p-367" id="p-367" id="p-367" id="p-367" id="p-367" id="p-367" id="p-367" id="p-367"
id="p-367"
[0367]Example A39. The method of any example herein, particularly example A37, wherein the ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 10. id="p-368" id="p-368" id="p-368" id="p-368" id="p-368" id="p-368" id="p-368" id="p-368" id="p-368" id="p-368" id="p-368" id="p-368" id="p-368"
id="p-368"
[0368]Example A40. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A39, wherein at least 50% of the medium apertures are filtration apertures. id="p-369" id="p-369" id="p-369" id="p-369" id="p-369" id="p-369" id="p-369" id="p-369" id="p-369" id="p-369" id="p-369" id="p-369" id="p-369"
id="p-369"
[0369]Example A41. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A39, wherein all of the medium apertures are filtration apertures. id="p-370" id="p-370" id="p-370" id="p-370" id="p-370" id="p-370" id="p-370" id="p-370" id="p-370" id="p-370" id="p-370" id="p-370" id="p-370"
id="p-370"
[0370]Example A42. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A41, wherein the intake pipe comprises an expansion chamber having an expansion chamber diameter that is at least twice as great as a minimal diameter of the intake pipe. id="p-371" id="p-371" id="p-371" id="p-371" id="p-371" id="p-371" id="p-371" id="p-371" id="p-371" id="p-371" id="p-371" id="p-371" id="p-371"
id="p-371"
[0371]Example A43. The method of any example herein, particularly example A42, wherein the expansion chamber diameter is at least three times as great as the minimal diameter of the intake pipe id="p-372" id="p-372" id="p-372" id="p-372" id="p-372" id="p-372" id="p-372" id="p-372" id="p-372" id="p-372" id="p-372" id="p-372" id="p-372"
id="p-372"
[0372]Example A44. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A43, wherein the filtration system is a screen-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow body, and wherein the filter medium comprises a screen mesh attached to an open end of the hollow body. id="p-373" id="p-373" id="p-373" id="p-373" id="p-373" id="p-373" id="p-373" id="p-373" id="p-373" id="p-373" id="p-373" id="p-373" id="p-373"
id="p-373"
[0373]Example A45. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A43, wherein the filtration system is a disc-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises at least one stack of discs, wherein the filter medium is formed by the stacks of discs, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by channels formed between adjacent discs. id="p-374" id="p-374" id="p-374" id="p-374" id="p-374" id="p-374" id="p-374" id="p-374" id="p-374" id="p-374" id="p-374" id="p-374" id="p-374"
id="p-374"
[0374]Example A46. The method of any example herein, particularly example A45, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises an integration chamber, and wherein the at least one stack of discs comprises a plurality stacks of discs, each stack of discs attached to the integration chamber. id="p-375" id="p-375" id="p-375" id="p-375" id="p-375" id="p-375" id="p-375" id="p-375" id="p-375" id="p-375" id="p-375" id="p-375" id="p-375"
id="p-375"
[0375]Example A47. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A43, wherein the filtration system is a coiled thread-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow hub defining a hub lumen and fluidly IL 286882/ connected to a plurality of coiled-thread units, wherein the filter medium is formed by coiled threads of the plurality of coiled-thread units, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by spacings formed between adjacent threads. id="p-376" id="p-376" id="p-376" id="p-376" id="p-376" id="p-376" id="p-376" id="p-376" id="p-376" id="p-376" id="p-376" id="p-376" id="p-376"
id="p-376"
[0376]Example A48. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A37 to A43, wherein the filtration system is a sheaf-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow hub defining a hub lumen and fluidly connected to a plurality of sheaf-like units, wherein the filter medium is formed by longitudinally extending threads arranged in a sheaf-like configuration within the plurality of sheaf-like units, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by spacings formed between adjacent threads. id="p-377" id="p-377" id="p-377" id="p-377" id="p-377" id="p-377" id="p-377" id="p-377" id="p-377" id="p-377" id="p-377" id="p-377" id="p-377"
id="p-377"
[0377]Example B1. A non-rotatable filtration system, comprising: a plurality of filtering assemblies, each filtering assembly comprising: a hollow body exhibiting an upper end and a lower end, the lower end defining an opening; a flat screen mesh attached to the opening of the lower end of the hollow body, the screen mesh comprising a plurality of medium apertures; an intake pipe comprising a plurality of inflow openings, wherein the medium apertures of each filtering assembly are in fluid communication with at least one of the inflow openings during a filtering mode of the corresponding filtering assembly. id="p-378" id="p-378" id="p-378" id="p-378" id="p-378" id="p-378" id="p-378" id="p-378" id="p-378" id="p-378" id="p-378" id="p-378" id="p-378"
id="p-378"
[0378]Example B2. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example B1, wherein each hollow body comprises an upper wall, opposite to the screen mesh. id="p-379" id="p-379" id="p-379" id="p-379" id="p-379" id="p-379" id="p-379" id="p-379" id="p-379" id="p-379" id="p-379" id="p-379" id="p-379"
id="p-379"
[0379]Example B3. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example B2, wherein the upper wall of at least one of the filtering assemblies comprises a body sealed opening along which the intake pipe is coupled to the hollow body. id="p-380" id="p-380" id="p-380" id="p-380" id="p-380" id="p-380" id="p-380" id="p-380" id="p-380" id="p-380" id="p-380" id="p-380" id="p-380"
id="p-380"
[0380]Example B4. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B3, wherein the screen mesh of at least one of the filtering assemblies comprises a screen sealed opening, through which a portion of the intake pipe extends.
IL 286882/ id="p-381" id="p-381" id="p-381" id="p-381" id="p-381" id="p-381" id="p-381" id="p-381" id="p-381" id="p-381" id="p-381" id="p-381" id="p-381"
id="p-381"
[0381]Example B5. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B4, wherein the upper end of each hollow body is narrower than its lower end. id="p-382" id="p-382" id="p-382" id="p-382" id="p-382" id="p-382" id="p-382" id="p-382" id="p-382" id="p-382" id="p-382" id="p-382" id="p-382"
id="p-382"
[0382]Example B6. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example B5, wherein the hollow body is dome-shaped. id="p-383" id="p-383" id="p-383" id="p-383" id="p-383" id="p-383" id="p-383" id="p-383" id="p-383" id="p-383" id="p-383" id="p-383" id="p-383"
id="p-383"
[0383]Example B7. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example B5, wherein the hollow body is pyramid-shaped. id="p-384" id="p-384" id="p-384" id="p-384" id="p-384" id="p-384" id="p-384" id="p-384" id="p-384" id="p-384" id="p-384" id="p-384" id="p-384"
id="p-384"
[0384]Example B8. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B7, wherein the filter medium of at least one of the filtering assemblies is facing the upper end of the hollow body of another one of the filtering assemblies. id="p-385" id="p-385" id="p-385" id="p-385" id="p-385" id="p-385" id="p-385" id="p-385" id="p-385" id="p-385" id="p-385" id="p-385" id="p-385"
id="p-385"
[0385]Example B9. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B8, wherein the intake pipe comprises an intake manifold which is split into a plurality of intake manifold branches, wherein each intake manifold branch comprises one of the inflow openings. id="p-386" id="p-386" id="p-386" id="p-386" id="p-386" id="p-386" id="p-386" id="p-386" id="p-386" id="p-386" id="p-386" id="p-386" id="p-386"
id="p-386"
[0386]Example B10. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B9, further comprising a flush pipe that comprises a plurality of flush openings, wherein the medium apertures of each filtering assembly are in fluid communication with at least one of the inflow openings during a cleaning mode of the corresponding filtering assembly. id="p-387" id="p-387" id="p-387" id="p-387" id="p-387" id="p-387" id="p-387" id="p-387" id="p-387" id="p-387" id="p-387" id="p-387" id="p-387"
id="p-387"
[0387]Example B11. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example B10, wherein the flush pipe comprises a flush manifold which is split into a plurality of flush manifold branches, wherein each flush manifold branch comprises one of the flush openings. id="p-388" id="p-388" id="p-388" id="p-388" id="p-388" id="p-388" id="p-388" id="p-388" id="p-388" id="p-388" id="p-388" id="p-388" id="p-388"
id="p-388"
[0388]Example B12. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B11, wherein at least one of the filtering assemblies further comprises an inner flange formed around an edge of one of the inflow openings, wherein the flange defines a tapering inner edge that extends radially inward to a narrower diameter of the corresponding inflow opening.
IL 286882/ id="p-389" id="p-389" id="p-389" id="p-389" id="p-389" id="p-389" id="p-389" id="p-389" id="p-389" id="p-389" id="p-389" id="p-389" id="p-389"
id="p-389"
[0389]Example B13. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B12, wherein the intake pipe is made of a flexible material that can bend in response to water currents there-around. id="p-390" id="p-390" id="p-390" id="p-390" id="p-390" id="p-390" id="p-390" id="p-390" id="p-390" id="p-390" id="p-390" id="p-390" id="p-390"
id="p-390"
[0390]Example B14. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B13, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 200 microns. id="p-391" id="p-391" id="p-391" id="p-391" id="p-391" id="p-391" id="p-391" id="p-391" id="p-391" id="p-391" id="p-391" id="p-391" id="p-391"
id="p-391"
[0391]Example B15. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B13, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 100 microns. id="p-392" id="p-392" id="p-392" id="p-392" id="p-392" id="p-392" id="p-392" id="p-392" id="p-392" id="p-392" id="p-392" id="p-392" id="p-392"
id="p-392"
[0392]Example B16. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B13, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 40 microns. id="p-393" id="p-393" id="p-393" id="p-393" id="p-393" id="p-393" id="p-393" id="p-393" id="p-393" id="p-393" id="p-393" id="p-393" id="p-393"
id="p-393"
[0393]Example B17. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B13, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 5 microns. id="p-394" id="p-394" id="p-394" id="p-394" id="p-394" id="p-394" id="p-394" id="p-394" id="p-394" id="p-394" id="p-394" id="p-394" id="p-394"
id="p-394"
[0394]Example B18. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B13, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 1 micron. id="p-395" id="p-395" id="p-395" id="p-395" id="p-395" id="p-395" id="p-395" id="p-395" id="p-395" id="p-395" id="p-395" id="p-395" id="p-395"
id="p-395"
[0395]Example B19. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B18, further comprising at least one float. id="p-396" id="p-396" id="p-396" id="p-396" id="p-396" id="p-396" id="p-396" id="p-396" id="p-396" id="p-396" id="p-396" id="p-396" id="p-396"
id="p-396"
[0396]Example B20. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example B19, wherein each float is an adjustable float. id="p-397" id="p-397" id="p-397" id="p-397" id="p-397" id="p-397" id="p-397" id="p-397" id="p-397" id="p-397" id="p-397" id="p-397" id="p-397"
id="p-397"
[0397]Example B21. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example B20, wherein each adjustable float comprises a float liquid port and a float gas port. id="p-398" id="p-398" id="p-398" id="p-398" id="p-398" id="p-398" id="p-398" id="p-398" id="p-398" id="p-398" id="p-398" id="p-398" id="p-398"
id="p-398"
[0398]Example B22. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example B20, wherein each adjustable float comprises a float water port and a float air port. id="p-399" id="p-399" id="p-399" id="p-399" id="p-399" id="p-399" id="p-399" id="p-399" id="p-399" id="p-399" id="p-399" id="p-399" id="p-399"
id="p-399"
[0399]Example B23. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B19 to B22, wherein the float defines a plane which is orthogonal to a IL 286882/ central axis passing from the lower end to the upper end of at least one of the filtering assemblies. id="p-400" id="p-400" id="p-400" id="p-400" id="p-400" id="p-400" id="p-400" id="p-400" id="p-400" id="p-400" id="p-400" id="p-400" id="p-400"
id="p-400"
[0400]Example B24. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B23, further comprising at least one weight coupled to the at least one filtering assembly or the intake pipe. id="p-401" id="p-401" id="p-401" id="p-401" id="p-401" id="p-401" id="p-401" id="p-401" id="p-401" id="p-401" id="p-401" id="p-401" id="p-401"
id="p-401"
[0401]Example B25. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B24, further comprising a vibration motor. id="p-402" id="p-402" id="p-402" id="p-402" id="p-402" id="p-402" id="p-402" id="p-402" id="p-402" id="p-402" id="p-402" id="p-402" id="p-402"
id="p-402"
[0402]Example B26. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example B25, wherein the vibration motor is a watertight vibration motor. id="p-403" id="p-403" id="p-403" id="p-403" id="p-403" id="p-403" id="p-403" id="p-403" id="p-403" id="p-403" id="p-403" id="p-403" id="p-403"
id="p-403"
[0403]Example B27. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B26, further comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer. id="p-404" id="p-404" id="p-404" id="p-404" id="p-404" id="p-404" id="p-404" id="p-404" id="p-404" id="p-404" id="p-404" id="p-404" id="p-404"
id="p-404"
[0404]Example B28. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B27, wherein the screen mesh of each of the plurality of filtering assemblies comprises copper. id="p-405" id="p-405" id="p-405" id="p-405" id="p-405" id="p-405" id="p-405" id="p-405" id="p-405" id="p-405" id="p-405" id="p-405" id="p-405"
id="p-405"
[0405]Example B29. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B28, wherein the intake pipe comprises an expansion chamber having an expansion chamber diameter that is at least twice as great as a minimal diameter of the intake pipe. id="p-406" id="p-406" id="p-406" id="p-406" id="p-406" id="p-406" id="p-406" id="p-406" id="p-406" id="p-406" id="p-406" id="p-406" id="p-406"
id="p-406"
[0406]Example B30. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example B29, wherein the expansion chamber diameter is at least three times as great as the minimal diameter of the intake pipe. id="p-407" id="p-407" id="p-407" id="p-407" id="p-407" id="p-407" id="p-407" id="p-407" id="p-407" id="p-407" id="p-407" id="p-407" id="p-407"
id="p-407"
[0407]Example B31. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples B1 to B29, wherein the filtration system is devoid of a pressure vessel disposed around any of the filtering assemblies. id="p-408" id="p-408" id="p-408" id="p-408" id="p-408" id="p-408" id="p-408" id="p-408" id="p-408" id="p-408" id="p-408" id="p-408" id="p-408"
id="p-408"
[0408]Example C1. A non-rotatable filtration system, comprising: a plurality of filtering assemblies, each filtering assembly comprising: at least one spine; IL 286882/ at least one stack of discs disposed along the length of the at least one spine and defining an internal space between the stack of discs and the corresponding spine, wherein each stack of discs defines a plurality of channels formed between adjacent discs; wherein the filtering assembly is configured to transition between a filtering mode, during which the discs are tightly pressed against each other, and a cleaning mode, during which the discs are spaced away from each other; and wherein the stack of discs is devoid of a pressure vessel enclosing it; an intake pipe comprising an intake manifold split into a plurality of intake branches, corresponding in number to the number of the filtering assemblies, wherein each intake branch comprises an inflow opening that is in fluid communication with the internal space of a corresponding one of the filtering assemblies during a filtering mode of the corresponding filtering assembly; and a flush pipe comprising a flush manifold split into a plurality of flush branches, corresponding in number to the number of the filtering assemblies, wherein each flush branch comprises a flush opening that is in fluid communication with the internal space of a corresponding one of the filtering assemblies during a cleaning mode of the corresponding filtering assembly. id="p-409" id="p-409" id="p-409" id="p-409" id="p-409" id="p-409" id="p-409" id="p-409" id="p-409" id="p-409" id="p-409" id="p-409" id="p-409"
id="p-409"
[0409]Example C2. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly examples C1, wherein each filtering assembly further comprises a base that defines at least one opening aligned with the corresponding spine. id="p-410" id="p-410" id="p-410" id="p-410" id="p-410" id="p-410" id="p-410" id="p-410" id="p-410" id="p-410" id="p-410" id="p-410" id="p-410"
id="p-410"
[0410]Example C3. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example C2, further comprising a flanged rim around the opening of each base. id="p-411" id="p-411" id="p-411" id="p-411" id="p-411" id="p-411" id="p-411" id="p-411" id="p-411" id="p-411" id="p-411" id="p-411" id="p-411"
id="p-411"
[0411]Example C4. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C2 or C3, wherein each filtering assembly further comprises a compression plate mounted on the spine, opposite to the base.
IL 286882/ id="p-412" id="p-412" id="p-412" id="p-412" id="p-412" id="p-412" id="p-412" id="p-412" id="p-412" id="p-412" id="p-412" id="p-412" id="p-412"
id="p-412"
[0412]Example C5. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example C4, wherein each filtering assembly further comprises at least one stem extending from the compression plate and terminating with a flanged head portion, and at least one spring disposed around the at least one stem. id="p-413" id="p-413" id="p-413" id="p-413" id="p-413" id="p-413" id="p-413" id="p-413" id="p-413" id="p-413" id="p-413" id="p-413" id="p-413"
id="p-413"
[0413]Example C6. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C2 to C5, further comprising a plurality of three-way valves, corresponding in number to the number of the filtering assemblies, wherein each three-way valve comprises a port attached to a corresponding one of the intake branches, another port attached to a corresponding one of the flush branches, and another port attached to the base of a corresponding one of the filtering assemblies. id="p-414" id="p-414" id="p-414" id="p-414" id="p-414" id="p-414" id="p-414" id="p-414" id="p-414" id="p-414" id="p-414" id="p-414" id="p-414"
id="p-414"
[0414]Example C7. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C2 to C6, wherein each filtering assembly comprises a plurality of spines and a corresponding plurality of stacks of discs. id="p-415" id="p-415" id="p-415" id="p-415" id="p-415" id="p-415" id="p-415" id="p-415" id="p-415" id="p-415" id="p-415" id="p-415" id="p-415"
id="p-415"
[0415]Example C8. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C1 to C7, wherein each channel has a maximal aperture size that is not greater than 200 microns. id="p-416" id="p-416" id="p-416" id="p-416" id="p-416" id="p-416" id="p-416" id="p-416" id="p-416" id="p-416" id="p-416" id="p-416" id="p-416"
id="p-416"
[0416]Example C9. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C1 to C7, wherein each channel has a maximal aperture size that is not greater than 100 microns. id="p-417" id="p-417" id="p-417" id="p-417" id="p-417" id="p-417" id="p-417" id="p-417" id="p-417" id="p-417" id="p-417" id="p-417" id="p-417"
id="p-417"
[0417]Example C10. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C1 to C7, wherein each channel has a maximal aperture size that is not greater than 40 microns. id="p-418" id="p-418" id="p-418" id="p-418" id="p-418" id="p-418" id="p-418" id="p-418" id="p-418" id="p-418" id="p-418" id="p-418" id="p-418"
id="p-418"
[0418]Example C11. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C1 to C7, wherein each channel has a maximal aperture size that is not greater than 5 microns. id="p-419" id="p-419" id="p-419" id="p-419" id="p-419" id="p-419" id="p-419" id="p-419" id="p-419" id="p-419" id="p-419" id="p-419" id="p-419"
id="p-419"
[0419]Example C12. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C1 to C7, wherein each channel has a maximal aperture size that is not greater than 1 micron.
IL 286882/ id="p-420" id="p-420" id="p-420" id="p-420" id="p-420" id="p-420" id="p-420" id="p-420" id="p-420" id="p-420" id="p-420" id="p-420" id="p-420"
id="p-420"
[0420]Example C13. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C1 to C12, further comprising at least one float. id="p-421" id="p-421" id="p-421" id="p-421" id="p-421" id="p-421" id="p-421" id="p-421" id="p-421" id="p-421" id="p-421" id="p-421" id="p-421"
id="p-421"
[0421]Example C14. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example C13, wherein each float is an adjustable float. id="p-422" id="p-422" id="p-422" id="p-422" id="p-422" id="p-422" id="p-422" id="p-422" id="p-422" id="p-422" id="p-422" id="p-422" id="p-422"
id="p-422"
[0422]Example C15. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example C14, wherein each adjustable float comprises a float liquid port and a float gas port. id="p-423" id="p-423" id="p-423" id="p-423" id="p-423" id="p-423" id="p-423" id="p-423" id="p-423" id="p-423" id="p-423" id="p-423" id="p-423"
id="p-423"
[0423]Example C16. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example C14, wherein each adjustable float comprises a float water port and a float air port. id="p-424" id="p-424" id="p-424" id="p-424" id="p-424" id="p-424" id="p-424" id="p-424" id="p-424" id="p-424" id="p-424" id="p-424" id="p-424"
id="p-424"
[0424]Example C17. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C1 to C16, further comprising at least one weight coupled to the at least one filtering assembly or the intake pipe. id="p-425" id="p-425" id="p-425" id="p-425" id="p-425" id="p-425" id="p-425" id="p-425" id="p-425" id="p-425" id="p-425" id="p-425" id="p-425"
id="p-425"
[0425]Example C18. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C1 to C17, further comprising a vibration motor. id="p-426" id="p-426" id="p-426" id="p-426" id="p-426" id="p-426" id="p-426" id="p-426" id="p-426" id="p-426" id="p-426" id="p-426" id="p-426"
id="p-426"
[0426]Example C19. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example C18, wherein the vibration motor is a watertight vibration motor. id="p-427" id="p-427" id="p-427" id="p-427" id="p-427" id="p-427" id="p-427" id="p-427" id="p-427" id="p-427" id="p-427" id="p-427" id="p-427"
id="p-427"
[0427]Example C20. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C1 to C19, further comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer. id="p-428" id="p-428" id="p-428" id="p-428" id="p-428" id="p-428" id="p-428" id="p-428" id="p-428" id="p-428" id="p-428" id="p-428" id="p-428"
id="p-428"
[0428]Example C21. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C1 to C20, wherein the discs comprise copper. id="p-429" id="p-429" id="p-429" id="p-429" id="p-429" id="p-429" id="p-429" id="p-429" id="p-429" id="p-429" id="p-429" id="p-429" id="p-429"
id="p-429"
[0429]Example C22. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples C1 to C21, wherein the intake pipe comprises an expansion chamber having an expansion chamber diameter that is at least twice as great as a minimal diameter of the intake pipe. id="p-430" id="p-430" id="p-430" id="p-430" id="p-430" id="p-430" id="p-430" id="p-430" id="p-430" id="p-430" id="p-430" id="p-430" id="p-430"
id="p-430"
[0430]Example C23. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example C22, wherein the expansion chamber diameter is at least three times as great as the minimal diameter of the intake pipe. id="p-431" id="p-431" id="p-431" id="p-431" id="p-431" id="p-431" id="p-431" id="p-431" id="p-431" id="p-431" id="p-431" id="p-431" id="p-431"
id="p-431"
[0431]Example D1. A non-rotatable filtration system, comprising: IL 286882/ a plurality of filtering assemblies, each filtering assembly comprising: a hollow hub defining a hub lumen, a hub outlet, a closed end opposite to the hub outlet, and a plurality of hub openings disposed around a circumference of the hollow hub; a plurality of support blanks mounted on the hollow hub, each support blank comprising a blank outlet attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of hub openings, and threads attached to each of the support blanks and defining medium apertures in fluid communication with the blank outlet, the medium apertures defining an aperture size; wherein the filtering assembly is devoid of a pressure vessel enclosing it; an intake pipe comprising an intake manifold split into a plurality of intake branches, corresponding in number to the number of the filtering assemblies, wherein each intake branch comprises an inflow opening that is in fluid communication with the hub lumen of a corresponding one of the filtering assemblies during a filtering mode of the corresponding filtering assembly; and a flush pipe comprising a flush manifold split into a plurality of flush branches, corresponding in number to the number of the filtering assemblies, wherein each flush branch comprises a flush opening that is in fluid communication with the hub lumen of a corresponding one of the filtering assemblies during a cleaning mode of the corresponding filtering assembly. id="p-432" id="p-432" id="p-432" id="p-432" id="p-432" id="p-432" id="p-432" id="p-432" id="p-432" id="p-432" id="p-432" id="p-432" id="p-432"
id="p-432"
[0432]Example D2. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example D1, wherein the threads attached to each support blank are coiled around the support blank. id="p-433" id="p-433" id="p-433" id="p-433" id="p-433" id="p-433" id="p-433" id="p-433" id="p-433" id="p-433" id="p-433" id="p-433" id="p-433"
id="p-433"
[0433]Example D3. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example D2, wherein each support blank comprises: a blank first end comprising the blank outlet; a closed blank second opposite to the blank first end; and IL 286882/ one or more blank arms extending between the blank first end and the blank second end; wherein the threads are coiled around the one or more blank arms. id="p-434" id="p-434" id="p-434" id="p-434" id="p-434" id="p-434" id="p-434" id="p-434" id="p-434" id="p-434" id="p-434" id="p-434" id="p-434"
id="p-434"
[0434]Example D4. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example D3, wherein one or more blank arms comprises two blank arms. id="p-435" id="p-435" id="p-435" id="p-435" id="p-435" id="p-435" id="p-435" id="p-435" id="p-435" id="p-435" id="p-435" id="p-435" id="p-435"
id="p-435"
[0435]Example D5. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example D4, wherein the blank arms extend diagonally from the blank first end to the blank second end, in a manner that defines a trapezoidal internal space between the threads and the blank arms. id="p-436" id="p-436" id="p-436" id="p-436" id="p-436" id="p-436" id="p-436" id="p-436" id="p-436" id="p-436" id="p-436" id="p-436" id="p-436"
id="p-436"
[0436]Example D6. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example D1, wherein the threads attached to each support blank are longitudinally extending threads arranged in a sheaf-like configuration within the support blank. id="p-437" id="p-437" id="p-437" id="p-437" id="p-437" id="p-437" id="p-437" id="p-437" id="p-437" id="p-437" id="p-437" id="p-437" id="p-437"
id="p-437"
[0437]Example D7. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example D6, wherein each support blank comprises: a blank base comprising the blank outlet; a blank inflow end defining an open end opposite to the blank base; and a blank tubular housing; wherein the threads are attached to the blank base, and terminate on opposite free ends thereof at the blank inflow end. id="p-438" id="p-438" id="p-438" id="p-438" id="p-438" id="p-438" id="p-438" id="p-438" id="p-438" id="p-438" id="p-438" id="p-438" id="p-438"
id="p-438"
[0438]Example D8. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D7, wherein the support blanks are arranged in a plurality of ring-like arrangements disposed along the length of the corresponding hollow hub. id="p-439" id="p-439" id="p-439" id="p-439" id="p-439" id="p-439" id="p-439" id="p-439" id="p-439" id="p-439" id="p-439" id="p-439" id="p-439"
id="p-439"
[0439]Example D9. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D8, wherein each channel has a maximal aperture size that is not greater than 200 microns.
IL 286882/ id="p-440" id="p-440" id="p-440" id="p-440" id="p-440" id="p-440" id="p-440" id="p-440" id="p-440" id="p-440" id="p-440" id="p-440" id="p-440"
id="p-440"
[0440]Example D10. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D8, wherein each channel has a maximal aperture size that is not greater than 100 microns. id="p-441" id="p-441" id="p-441" id="p-441" id="p-441" id="p-441" id="p-441" id="p-441" id="p-441" id="p-441" id="p-441" id="p-441" id="p-441"
id="p-441"
[0441]Example D11. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D8, wherein each channel has a maximal aperture size that is not greater than 40 microns. id="p-442" id="p-442" id="p-442" id="p-442" id="p-442" id="p-442" id="p-442" id="p-442" id="p-442" id="p-442" id="p-442" id="p-442" id="p-442"
id="p-442"
[0442]Example D12. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D8, wherein each channel has a maximal aperture size that is not greater than 5 microns. id="p-443" id="p-443" id="p-443" id="p-443" id="p-443" id="p-443" id="p-443" id="p-443" id="p-443" id="p-443" id="p-443" id="p-443" id="p-443"
id="p-443"
[0443]Example D13. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D8, wherein each channel has a maximal aperture size that is not greater than 1 micron. id="p-444" id="p-444" id="p-444" id="p-444" id="p-444" id="p-444" id="p-444" id="p-444" id="p-444" id="p-444" id="p-444" id="p-444" id="p-444"
id="p-444"
[0444]Example D14. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D13, further comprising at least one float. id="p-445" id="p-445" id="p-445" id="p-445" id="p-445" id="p-445" id="p-445" id="p-445" id="p-445" id="p-445" id="p-445" id="p-445" id="p-445"
id="p-445"
[0445]Example D15. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example D14, wherein each float is an adjustable float. id="p-446" id="p-446" id="p-446" id="p-446" id="p-446" id="p-446" id="p-446" id="p-446" id="p-446" id="p-446" id="p-446" id="p-446" id="p-446"
id="p-446"
[0446]Example D16. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example D15, wherein each adjustable float comprises a float liquid port and a float gas port. id="p-447" id="p-447" id="p-447" id="p-447" id="p-447" id="p-447" id="p-447" id="p-447" id="p-447" id="p-447" id="p-447" id="p-447" id="p-447"
id="p-447"
[0447]Example D17. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example D15, wherein each adjustable float comprises a float water port and a float air port. id="p-448" id="p-448" id="p-448" id="p-448" id="p-448" id="p-448" id="p-448" id="p-448" id="p-448" id="p-448" id="p-448" id="p-448" id="p-448"
id="p-448"
[0448]Example D18. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D17, further comprising at least one weight coupled to the at least one filtering assembly or the intake pipe. id="p-449" id="p-449" id="p-449" id="p-449" id="p-449" id="p-449" id="p-449" id="p-449" id="p-449" id="p-449" id="p-449" id="p-449" id="p-449"
id="p-449"
[0449]Example D19. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D18, further comprising a vibration motor. id="p-450" id="p-450" id="p-450" id="p-450" id="p-450" id="p-450" id="p-450" id="p-450" id="p-450" id="p-450" id="p-450" id="p-450" id="p-450"
id="p-450"
[0450]Example D20. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example D19, wherein the vibration motor is a watertight vibration motor.
IL 286882/ id="p-451" id="p-451" id="p-451" id="p-451" id="p-451" id="p-451" id="p-451" id="p-451" id="p-451" id="p-451" id="p-451" id="p-451" id="p-451"
id="p-451"
[0451]Example D21. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D20, further comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer. id="p-452" id="p-452" id="p-452" id="p-452" id="p-452" id="p-452" id="p-452" id="p-452" id="p-452" id="p-452" id="p-452" id="p-452" id="p-452"
id="p-452"
[0452]Example D22. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D21, wherein the support hubs comprise copper. id="p-453" id="p-453" id="p-453" id="p-453" id="p-453" id="p-453" id="p-453" id="p-453" id="p-453" id="p-453" id="p-453" id="p-453" id="p-453"
id="p-453"
[0453]Example D23. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D22, wherein the threads comprise copper. id="p-454" id="p-454" id="p-454" id="p-454" id="p-454" id="p-454" id="p-454" id="p-454" id="p-454" id="p-454" id="p-454" id="p-454" id="p-454"
id="p-454"
[0454]Example D24. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples D1 to D23, wherein the intake pipe comprises an expansion chamber having an expansion chamber diameter that is at least twice as great as a minimal diameter of the intake pipe. id="p-455" id="p-455" id="p-455" id="p-455" id="p-455" id="p-455" id="p-455" id="p-455" id="p-455" id="p-455" id="p-455" id="p-455" id="p-455"
id="p-455"
[0455]Example D25. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example D24, wherein the expansion chamber diameter is at least three times as great as the minimal diameter of the intake pipe. id="p-456" id="p-456" id="p-456" id="p-456" id="p-456" id="p-456" id="p-456" id="p-456" id="p-456" id="p-456" id="p-456" id="p-456" id="p-456"
id="p-456"
[0456]Example E1. A non-rotatable filtration system, comprising: at least one filtering assembly comprising a filter medium, the filter medium comprising a plurality of medium apertures.
An intake pipe comprising at least one inflow openings, wherein the at least one inflow opening being in fluid communication with the filter medium when the filtering assembly is in a filtering mode; and a bubble generator comprising: a hollow enclosure defining a lumen and a plurality of bubble apertures in fluid communication with the lumen; and a hose in fluid communication with the lumen; wherein the plurality of bubble apertures laterally offset from outermost edges of the at least one filter medium. id="p-457" id="p-457" id="p-457" id="p-457" id="p-457" id="p-457" id="p-457" id="p-457" id="p-457" id="p-457" id="p-457" id="p-457" id="p-457"
id="p-457"
[0457]Example E2. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E1, wherein the hose is flexible.
IL 286882/ id="p-458" id="p-458" id="p-458" id="p-458" id="p-458" id="p-458" id="p-458" id="p-458" id="p-458" id="p-458" id="p-458" id="p-458" id="p-458"
id="p-458"
[0458]Example E3. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 or E2, wherein the hollow enclosure is ring-shaped. id="p-459" id="p-459" id="p-459" id="p-459" id="p-459" id="p-459" id="p-459" id="p-459" id="p-459" id="p-459" id="p-459" id="p-459" id="p-459"
id="p-459"
[0459]Example E4. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E3, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow body exhibiting an upper end and a lower end, the lower end defining an opening, and wherein the filter medium comprises a flat screen mesh attached to the opening of the lower end of the hollow body. id="p-460" id="p-460" id="p-460" id="p-460" id="p-460" id="p-460" id="p-460" id="p-460" id="p-460" id="p-460" id="p-460" id="p-460" id="p-460"
id="p-460"
[0460]Example E5. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E4, wherein the hollow body comprises an upper wall, opposite to the screen mesh. id="p-461" id="p-461" id="p-461" id="p-461" id="p-461" id="p-461" id="p-461" id="p-461" id="p-461" id="p-461" id="p-461" id="p-461" id="p-461"
id="p-461"
[0461]Example E6. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E5, wherein the upper end of each hollow body is narrower than its lower end. id="p-462" id="p-462" id="p-462" id="p-462" id="p-462" id="p-462" id="p-462" id="p-462" id="p-462" id="p-462" id="p-462" id="p-462" id="p-462"
id="p-462"
[0462]Example E7. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E6, wherein the hollow body is dome-shaped. id="p-463" id="p-463" id="p-463" id="p-463" id="p-463" id="p-463" id="p-463" id="p-463" id="p-463" id="p-463" id="p-463" id="p-463" id="p-463"
id="p-463"
[0463]Example E8. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E6, wherein the hollow body is pyramid-shaped. id="p-464" id="p-464" id="p-464" id="p-464" id="p-464" id="p-464" id="p-464" id="p-464" id="p-464" id="p-464" id="p-464" id="p-464" id="p-464"
id="p-464"
[0464]Example E9. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E4 to E8, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a plurality of filtering assemblies. id="p-465" id="p-465" id="p-465" id="p-465" id="p-465" id="p-465" id="p-465" id="p-465" id="p-465" id="p-465" id="p-465" id="p-465" id="p-465"
id="p-465"
[0465]Example E10. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E9, wherein the filter medium of at least one of the filtering assemblies is facing the upper end of the hollow body of another one of the filtering assemblies. id="p-466" id="p-466" id="p-466" id="p-466" id="p-466" id="p-466" id="p-466" id="p-466" id="p-466" id="p-466" id="p-466" id="p-466" id="p-466"
id="p-466"
[0466]Example E11. The filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E10, wherein the intake pipe is made of a flexible material that can bend in response to water currents there-around. id="p-467" id="p-467" id="p-467" id="p-467" id="p-467" id="p-467" id="p-467" id="p-467" id="p-467" id="p-467" id="p-467" id="p-467" id="p-467"
id="p-467"
[0467]Example E12. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 350 microns.
IL 286882/ id="p-468" id="p-468" id="p-468" id="p-468" id="p-468" id="p-468" id="p-468" id="p-468" id="p-468" id="p-468" id="p-468" id="p-468" id="p-468"
id="p-468"
[0468]Example E13. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 300 microns. id="p-469" id="p-469" id="p-469" id="p-469" id="p-469" id="p-469" id="p-469" id="p-469" id="p-469" id="p-469" id="p-469" id="p-469" id="p-469"
id="p-469"
[0469]Example E14. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 200 microns. id="p-470" id="p-470" id="p-470" id="p-470" id="p-470" id="p-470" id="p-470" id="p-470" id="p-470" id="p-470" id="p-470" id="p-470" id="p-470"
id="p-470"
[0470]Example E15. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 100 microns. id="p-471" id="p-471" id="p-471" id="p-471" id="p-471" id="p-471" id="p-471" id="p-471" id="p-471" id="p-471" id="p-471" id="p-471" id="p-471"
id="p-471"
[0471]Example E16. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 40 microns. id="p-472" id="p-472" id="p-472" id="p-472" id="p-472" id="p-472" id="p-472" id="p-472" id="p-472" id="p-472" id="p-472" id="p-472" id="p-472"
id="p-472"
[0472]Example E17. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 5 microns. id="p-473" id="p-473" id="p-473" id="p-473" id="p-473" id="p-473" id="p-473" id="p-473" id="p-473" id="p-473" id="p-473" id="p-473" id="p-473"
id="p-473"
[0473]Example E18. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein each medium aperture has an aperture size that is not greater than 1 micron. id="p-474" id="p-474" id="p-474" id="p-474" id="p-474" id="p-474" id="p-474" id="p-474" id="p-474" id="p-474" id="p-474" id="p-474" id="p-474"
id="p-474"
[0474]Example E19. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein a minimal lateral offset between any of the bubble apertures and the outermost border of the at least one filter medium is at least 10 times as great as an aperture size of the medium apertures. id="p-475" id="p-475" id="p-475" id="p-475" id="p-475" id="p-475" id="p-475" id="p-475" id="p-475" id="p-475" id="p-475" id="p-475" id="p-475"
id="p-475"
[0475]Example E20. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein a minimal lateral offset between any of the bubble apertures and the outermost border of the at least one filter medium is at least 50 times as great as an aperture size of the medium apertures. id="p-476" id="p-476" id="p-476" id="p-476" id="p-476" id="p-476" id="p-476" id="p-476" id="p-476" id="p-476" id="p-476" id="p-476" id="p-476"
id="p-476"
[0476]Example E21. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein a minimal lateral offset between any of the bubble IL 286882/ apertures and the outermost border of the at least one filter medium is at least 100 times as great as an aperture size of the medium apertures. id="p-477" id="p-477" id="p-477" id="p-477" id="p-477" id="p-477" id="p-477" id="p-477" id="p-477" id="p-477" id="p-477" id="p-477" id="p-477"
id="p-477"
[0477]Example E22. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein a minimal lateral offset between any of the bubble apertures and the outermost border of the at least one filter medium is at least 500 times as great as an aperture size of the medium apertures. id="p-478" id="p-478" id="p-478" id="p-478" id="p-478" id="p-478" id="p-478" id="p-478" id="p-478" id="p-478" id="p-478" id="p-478" id="p-478"
id="p-478"
[0478]Example E23. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E11, wherein a minimal lateral offset between any of the bubble apertures and the outermost border of the at least one filter medium is at least 1000 times as great as an aperture size of the medium apertures. id="p-479" id="p-479" id="p-479" id="p-479" id="p-479" id="p-479" id="p-479" id="p-479" id="p-479" id="p-479" id="p-479" id="p-479" id="p-479"
id="p-479"
[0479]Example E24. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E23, further comprising at least one float. id="p-480" id="p-480" id="p-480" id="p-480" id="p-480" id="p-480" id="p-480" id="p-480" id="p-480" id="p-480" id="p-480" id="p-480" id="p-480"
id="p-480"
[0480]Example E25. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E24, wherein each float is an adjustable float. id="p-481" id="p-481" id="p-481" id="p-481" id="p-481" id="p-481" id="p-481" id="p-481" id="p-481" id="p-481" id="p-481" id="p-481" id="p-481"
id="p-481"
[0481]Example E26. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E25, wherein each adjustable float comprises a float liquid port and a float gas port. id="p-482" id="p-482" id="p-482" id="p-482" id="p-482" id="p-482" id="p-482" id="p-482" id="p-482" id="p-482" id="p-482" id="p-482" id="p-482"
id="p-482"
[0482]Example E27. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E25, wherein each adjustable float comprises a float water port and a float air port. id="p-483" id="p-483" id="p-483" id="p-483" id="p-483" id="p-483" id="p-483" id="p-483" id="p-483" id="p-483" id="p-483" id="p-483" id="p-483"
id="p-483"
[0483]Example E28. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E27, further comprising a vibration motor. id="p-484" id="p-484" id="p-484" id="p-484" id="p-484" id="p-484" id="p-484" id="p-484" id="p-484" id="p-484" id="p-484" id="p-484" id="p-484"
id="p-484"
[0484]Example E29. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E28, wherein the vibration motor is a watertight vibration motor. id="p-485" id="p-485" id="p-485" id="p-485" id="p-485" id="p-485" id="p-485" id="p-485" id="p-485" id="p-485" id="p-485" id="p-485" id="p-485"
id="p-485"
[0485]Example E30. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E29, further comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer. id="p-486" id="p-486" id="p-486" id="p-486" id="p-486" id="p-486" id="p-486" id="p-486" id="p-486" id="p-486" id="p-486" id="p-486" id="p-486"
id="p-486"
[0486]Example E31. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E30, wherein the at least one filter medium comprises copper.
IL 286882/ id="p-487" id="p-487" id="p-487" id="p-487" id="p-487" id="p-487" id="p-487" id="p-487" id="p-487" id="p-487" id="p-487" id="p-487" id="p-487"
id="p-487"
[0487]Example E32. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E31, wherein the hollow enclosure comprises copper. id="p-488" id="p-488" id="p-488" id="p-488" id="p-488" id="p-488" id="p-488" id="p-488" id="p-488" id="p-488" id="p-488" id="p-488" id="p-488"
id="p-488"
[0488]Example E33. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to K32, further comprising a guiding chamber having a chamber wall disposed around the at least one filtering assembly and extending upward from a chamber lower end to a chamber upper end. id="p-489" id="p-489" id="p-489" id="p-489" id="p-489" id="p-489" id="p-489" id="p-489" id="p-489" id="p-489" id="p-489" id="p-489" id="p-489"
id="p-489"
[0489]Example E34. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E33, wherein the chamber lower end is attached to the bubble generator. id="p-490" id="p-490" id="p-490" id="p-490" id="p-490" id="p-490" id="p-490" id="p-490" id="p-490" id="p-490" id="p-490" id="p-490" id="p-490"
id="p-490"
[0490]Example E35. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E33 or E34, wherein the chamber wall defines a rectangular cross sectional shape. id="p-491" id="p-491" id="p-491" id="p-491" id="p-491" id="p-491" id="p-491" id="p-491" id="p-491" id="p-491" id="p-491" id="p-491" id="p-491"
id="p-491"
[0491]Example E36. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly example E33 or E34, wherein the chamber wall defines a circular cross sectional shape. id="p-492" id="p-492" id="p-492" id="p-492" id="p-492" id="p-492" id="p-492" id="p-492" id="p-492" id="p-492" id="p-492" id="p-492" id="p-492"
id="p-492"
[0492]Example E38. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E33 to E36, wherein the guiding chamber has a wider cross-sectional area at the chamber lower end, and a narrower cross-sectional area at the chamber upper end. id="p-493" id="p-493" id="p-493" id="p-493" id="p-493" id="p-493" id="p-493" id="p-493" id="p-493" id="p-493" id="p-493" id="p-493" id="p-493"
id="p-493"
[0493]Example E39. The non-rotatable filtration system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E1 to E38, wherein the filtration system is devoid of a pressure vessel disposed around any of the at least one filtering assemblies. id="p-494" id="p-494" id="p-494" id="p-494" id="p-494" id="p-494" id="p-494" id="p-494" id="p-494" id="p-494" id="p-494" id="p-494" id="p-494"
id="p-494"
[0494]It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. No feature described in the context of an embodiment is to be considered an essential feature of that embodiment, unless explicitly specified as such.
Claims (47)
1. A non-rotatable filtration system, comprising: at least one filtering assembly comprising a filter medium, the filter medium comprising a plurality of medium apertures, the plurality of medium apertures comprising a plurality of filtration apertures, wherein each filtration aperture defines an aperture area and has an aperture size that is not greater than 350 microns; and an intake pipe defining a minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area, wherein the intake pipe comprises at least one inflow opening, wherein the at least one inflow opening being in fluid communication with the filter medium when the filtering assembly is in a filtering mode, and wherein a screen inner surface of the filter medium is exposed to the inflow opening; wherein the filtration system is devoid of a pressure vessel disposed around any of the at least one filter medium, and is devoid of an inflow pipe configured to direct unfiltered fluid toward the filter medium; and wherein a ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 4.
2. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 1, wherein the aperture size in not greater than 200 microns.
3. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 1, wherein the aperture size in not greater than 100 microns.
4. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 1, wherein the aperture size in not greater than 40 microns.
5. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 1, wherein the aperture size in not greater than 5 microns.
6. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 1, wherein the aperture size in not greater than 1 microns.
7. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 7. IL 286882/ - 101 -
8. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 8.
9. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 10.
10. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least 50% of the medium apertures are filtration apertures.
11. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least 70% of the medium apertures are filtration apertures.
12. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein all of the medium apertures are filtration apertures.
13. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising at least one float coupled to the at least one filtering assembly or the intake pipe.
14. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 13, wherein each float is an adjustable float.
15. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 14, wherein each adjustable float comprises a float liquid port and a float gas port.
16. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the float defines a plane which is orthogonal to a central axis passing from the lower end to the upper end of at least one of the filtering assemblies.
17. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an offshore platform connection assembly comprising: at least one winch; and at least one elongated flexible member coupled to the at least one filtering assembly or the intake pipe, and rotatable around the at least one winch. IL 286882/ - 102 -
18. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising at least one weight coupled to the at least one filtering assembly or the intake pipe.
19. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a watertight vibration motor.
20. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer.
21. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the filter medium comprises copper.
22. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the intake pipe comprises an expansion chamber having an expansion chamber diameter that is at least twice as great as a minimal diameter of the intake pipe.
23. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 22, wherein the expansion chamber diameter is at least three times as great as the minimal diameter of the intake pipe.
24. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising a flush pipe that comprises at least one flush opening being in fluid communication with the filter medium when the filtering assembly is in a cleaning mode.
25. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a plurality of filtering assemblies.
26. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 25, wherein the intake pipe comprises an intake manifold that comprises a plurality of intake branches, wherein each intake branch is in fluid communication, via a respective inflow opening thereof, with a respective filter medium of a respective filtering assembly, when the respective filtering assembly is in the filtering mode.
27. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 26, wherein, when depending on claim 24, the flush pipe comprises a flush manifold that comprises a plurality of flush branches, wherein each flush branch is in fluid communication, via a respective flush opening thereof, with a respective filter medium of a respective IL 286882/ - 103 - filtering assembly, when the respective filtering assembly is in the cleaning mode.
28. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 27, further comprising a plurality of three-way valves, wherein each three-way valve is configured is attached via one port thereof to a respective filtering assembly, via another port thereof to a respective intake branch, and via another port thereof to a respective flush branch.
29. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the filtration system is a screen-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow body, and wherein the filter medium comprises a screen mesh attached to an open end of the hollow body.
30. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 29, wherein the hollow body has an upper end which is narrower than a lower end thereof, and wherein the screen mesh is attached to the lower end.
31. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 30, wherein the hollow body is tapering from the lower end to the upper end.
32. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the filtration system is a disc-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises at least one stack of discs, wherein the filter medium is formed by the stacks of discs, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by channels formed between adjacent discs.
33. The non-rotatable filtration system of claim 32, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises an integration chamber, and wherein the at least one stack of discs comprises a plurality stacks of discs, each stack of discs attached to the integration chamber.
34. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the filtration system is a coiled thread-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow hub defining a hub lumen and fluidly connected to a plurality of coiled-thread units, wherein the filter medium is formed by coiled threads of the plurality of coiled-thread units, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by spacings formed between adjacent threads. IL 286882/ - 104 -
35. The non-rotatable filtration system of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the filtration system is a sheaf-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow hub defining a hub lumen and fluidly connected to a plurality of sheaf-like units, wherein the filter medium is formed by longitudinally extending threads arranged in a sheaf-like configuration within the plurality of sheaf-like units, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by spacings formed between adjacent threads.
36. A method comprising: submerging a non-rotatable filtration system within a water source, the non-rotatable filtration system comprising: at least one filtering assembly comprising a filter medium, the filter medium comprising a plurality of medium apertures, the plurality of medium apertures comprising a plurality of filtration apertures, wherein each filtration aperture defines an aperture area and has an aperture size that is not greater than 350 microns; and an intake pipe defining a minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area, wherein the intake pipe comprises at least one inflow opening, wherein the at least one inflow opening being in fluid communication with the filter medium when the filtering assembly is in a filtering mode, and wherein a screen inner surface of the filter medium is exposed to the inflow opening; wherein a ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 4; and applying a suction force through the intake pipe at a pressure that does not exceed 1 atmosphere.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 7. IL 286882/ - 105 -
38. The method of claim 36, wherein the ratio between a sum of the aperture areas of all of the filtration apertures to the minimal intake pipe cross-sectional area is greater than 10.
39. The method of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein at least 50% of the medium apertures are filtration apertures.
40. The method of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein all of the medium apertures are filtration apertures.
41. The method of any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein the intake pipe comprises an expansion chamber having an expansion chamber diameter that is at least twice as great as a minimal diameter of the intake pipe.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the expansion chamber diameter is at least three times as great as the minimal diameter of the intake pipe.
43. The method of any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the filtration system is a screen-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow body, and wherein the filter medium comprises a screen mesh attached to an open end of the hollow body.
44. The method of any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the filtration system is a disc-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises at least one stack of discs, wherein the filter medium is formed by the stacks of discs, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by channels formed between adjacent discs.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises an integration chamber, and wherein the at least one stack of discs comprises a plurality stacks of discs, each stack of discs attached to the integration chamber.
46. The method of any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the filtration system is a coiled thread-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow hub defining a hub lumen and fluidly connected to a plurality of coiled-thread units, wherein the filter medium is formed by coiled threads of the plurality of coiled-thread units, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by spacings formed between adjacent threads. IL 286882/ - 106 -
47. The method of any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the filtration system is a sheaf-type filtration system, wherein the at least one filtering assembly comprises a hollow hub defining a hub lumen and fluidly connected to a plurality of sheaf-like units, wherein the filter medium is formed by longitudinally extending threads arranged in a sheaf-like configuration within the plurality of sheaf-like units, and wherein the medium apertures are defined by spacings formed between adjacent threads. Webb+Co. Patent Attorneys
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL286882A IL286882B2 (en) | 2021-09-30 | 2021-09-30 | Non- rotatable submersible filtration systems |
| PCT/IL2022/051025 WO2023053114A1 (en) | 2021-09-30 | 2022-09-28 | Non- rotatable submersible filtration systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL286882A IL286882B2 (en) | 2021-09-30 | 2021-09-30 | Non- rotatable submersible filtration systems |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| IL286882A IL286882A (en) | 2022-12-01 |
| IL286882B2 true IL286882B2 (en) | 2023-04-01 |
Family
ID=84272336
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL286882A IL286882B2 (en) | 2021-09-30 | 2021-09-30 | Non- rotatable submersible filtration systems |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| IL (1) | IL286882B2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2023053114A1 (en) |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20180071667A1 (en) * | 2015-12-11 | 2018-03-15 | Mohammad Hossein Baniassadi | Vacuum filter system for solid-liquid separation and process for filtering solid particles |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2002056996A1 (en) * | 2001-01-18 | 2002-07-25 | Nicholas Jackson | Filter |
| US7513993B2 (en) * | 2004-09-20 | 2009-04-07 | Pentair Water Pool And Spa, Inc. | Filter devices including a porous body |
| US7575677B1 (en) * | 2006-05-23 | 2009-08-18 | William Roy Barnes | Environmentally friendly water extraction device |
| EP2967007B1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2018-11-14 | Stephen D. Roche | Self-cleaning pre-pump filter system for a water circulation pump |
| US11311826B2 (en) * | 2019-11-01 | 2022-04-26 | Mehaffey Woodlands, LLLP | Pre-filter system |
-
2021
- 2021-09-30 IL IL286882A patent/IL286882B2/en unknown
-
2022
- 2022-09-28 WO PCT/IL2022/051025 patent/WO2023053114A1/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20180071667A1 (en) * | 2015-12-11 | 2018-03-15 | Mohammad Hossein Baniassadi | Vacuum filter system for solid-liquid separation and process for filtering solid particles |
Non-Patent Citations (4)
| Title |
|---|
| GFSA LTD., SCREEN MANUFACTURE, 17 April 2021 (2021-04-17) * |
| HTTP://WWW.PHYS.UFL.EDU/~LIZ/WATER.HTML, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, DEPERTMENT OF PHYSICS, WATER SUPPLY, 1 November 2019 (2019-11-01) * |
| ROTORFLUSH FILTERS LTD, RF200A SELF CLEANING INTAKE FILTER, 4 May 2021 (2021-05-04) * |
| WATER POWERED TECHNOLOGIES, SERADISC FILTER, 8 August 2020 (2020-08-08) * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2023053114A1 (en) | 2023-04-06 |
| IL286882A (en) | 2022-12-01 |
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