Filter Element for Water Loaded with Solid Particles and Dissolved Toxic Substances and Purification System Equipped with Said Filter Element Test System for Portable Analyzer

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter element consisting of a molded body of porous concrete, which element is arranged in the water stream of a purification system. In particular, the filter element ( 10 ) is a molded pervious concrete layer arranged as a partition between a lower compartment ( 9 ) and an upper compartment ( 11 ) of a treatment chamber ( 8 ), wherein the water inlet ( 12 ) opens into the lower compartment ( 9 ) and a water outlet ( 17 ) issues from the upper compartment ( 11 ). The pervious concrete filter layer may contain one or more additives to enhance adsorption of pollutants, such as heavy metal ions, phosphorous, hydrocarbons or other target soluble pollutants.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method for cleaning a filter element, comprising the steps of:
 receiving water in a chamber housing the filter element; and   directing water flow to create a swirling flow adjacent to the filter element.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the filter element has a modular design and rests horizontally in the chamber housing. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein a water inlet pipe opens tangentially causing the swirling flow adjacent to the filter element. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising the step of receiving materials cleaned off of the filter element within a funnel-shaped element. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the funnel-shaped element and a tangential inlet create a cyclonic filter for the filter element. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the filter element lies beneath a water line. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising the step of scrubbing the filter element with the swirling flow. 
     
     
         33 . A method for self-cleaning a filter element, comprising the steps of:
 receiving water within a treatment chamber housing the filter element;   diverting the water to create a circulating flow promoting non-floatable debris to settle into a sump; and   scrubbing a portion of the filter element with the circulating flow to remove particles from the portion of the filter element.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the filter element is made of a porous concrete material. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the filter element is below a water level. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein a funnel-shaped element receives the water and assists in creating the circulating flow. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the funnel-shaped element is located below the filter element. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein a water inlet allowing water into the treatment chamber is located between the filter element and the funnel-shaped element. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein a bottom of the funnel-shaped element can act as the sump to retain settled particles. 
     
     
         40 . A filter cleaning apparatus, comprising:
 a chamber housing a filter element;   a water inlet located on the chamber housing;   a diverter coupled to the water inlet; and   a funnel-shaped element located at a base of the chamber housing.   
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the water inlet allows water to flow into the chamber housing below the filter element. 
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the diverter creates circulating water flow promoting non-floatable debris to settle into a sump. 
     
     
         43 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the filter element is made of a porous concrete. 
     
     
         44 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the diverter is a 90 degree elbow coupled to the end of the water inlet. 
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 42 , wherein the circulating water provides a scrubbing action which removes solid particles and oils from the undersurface of the filter element.