Importance

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Abstract

The filter assembly includes a filter unit disposed in a vertical tank and includes a first end plate or drain head having an opening in fluid communication with a filtrate port in the tank, a longitudinally movable second end plate or compression head spaced in generally parallel relationship to the drain head and an elongated sleeve of flexible filter material, such as a woven fabric, connected to and extending between the drain and compression heads to define a filtrate chamber. When the filter tube is in an expanded or extended condition (filtering position), a portion of the fluid, such as a wash water from a vehicle washing facility, entering the tank passes through the filter tube into the filter chamber and the thus-filtered water exits therefrom through the filtrate port. Excess wash water in the tank overflows through an overflow outlet. When it is desired to remove materials collected on the outer surface of the filter, the compression head is moved toward the drain head to compress the filter tube (purge position), a portion of the filtered water in the filter chamber is forced back through the filter tube for back flushing and at least a substantial portion of the material dislodged from the filter tube is carried from the tank with the overflowing waste water. The compression head is periodically cycled between the filtering and purge positions at predetermined time intervals by a timer-controlled, fluid-actuated cylinder.

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First Claim