Brian M Link

US Patent:

20120132597, May 31, 2012

Filed:

Nov 30, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/956315

Inventors:

Mikhail Byalskiy - Aurora CO, US
Brian Link - Boulder CO, US

Assignee:

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

B01D 29/62
B01D 29/00

US Classification:

210791, 210251

Abstract:

A filtration and monitoring system includes an online monitoring device and a filter block having a chamber therein. An inlet pipe provides fluid to the filter block chamber and has an inlet valve located therein configured to shut off the flow of the fluid through the inlet pipe. An outlet pipe removes fluid from the filter block chamber. A filtered fluid conduit fluidically connects the filter block with the monitoring device. The outlet axis of the outlet pipe is offset from the inlet axis of the inlet pipe such that the fluid undergoes a change of direction while passing through the filter block chamber thereby causing turbulent flow within the filter block chamber. The turbulent flow within the filter block sweeps off particles that accumulate on the filter block chamber-side of the filter element to reduce the buildup of filter cake on the filter element. Closing the inlet valve causes a relatively sharp stop to the flow of fluid through the filter block, resulting in a back-flushing flow of fluid through the filter element from a pressure accumulator located in the filtered fluid conduit to the filter block chamber. The back-flushing flow of fluid dislodges filter cake accumulated on the filter block chamber-side of the filter element.