Filter apparatus

Abstract

A filter apparatus is provided for the filtering of substances from a fluid having a filter housing ( 2 ) which bounds a filter space ( 6 ) and which has an inlet ( 3 ) and an outlet ( 4 ) for the fluid to be filtered and having a filter element ( 5 ) which is provided in the filter space ( 6 ) and which is designed and arranged so that the filtering fluid can only flow through the filter element ( 5 ) from the inlet ( 3 ) to the outlet ( 4 ) of the filter housing ( 2 ) in operation, wherein a heating device ( 10 ) is provided for the heating of the fluid which includes a microwave source ( 11 ) in order to act on the fluid by microwaves.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . A filter apparatus for the filtering of substances from a fluid having a filter housing ( 2 ) which bounds a filter space ( 6 ) and which has an inlet ( 3 ) and an outlet ( 4 ) for the fluid to be filtered and having a filter element ( 5 ) which is provided in the filter space ( 6 ) and which is designed and arranged such that the filtering fluid can only flow through the filter element ( 5 ) from the inlet ( 3 ) to the outlet ( 4 ) of the filter housing ( 2 ) in operation, wherein a heating device ( 10 ) is provided for the heating of the fluid which includes a microwave source ( 11 ) in order to act on the fluid by microwaves, the filter element ( 5 ) has an inner space ( 52 ) which is surrounded by a filter membrane ( 51 ), and the microwaves are brought into the filter space ( 6 ) from the inner space of the filter element ( 5 ). 
   
   
       13 . A filter apparatus for the filtering of substances from a fluid having a filter housing ( 2 ) which bounds a filter space ( 6 ) and which has an inlet ( 3 ) and an outlet ( 4 ) for the fluid to be filtered and having a filter element ( 5 ) which is provided in the filter space ( 6 ) and which is designed and arranged such that the filtering fluid can only flow through the filter element ( 5 ) from the inlet ( 3 ) to the outlet ( 4 ) of the filter housing ( 2 ) in operation, wherein a heating device ( 10 ) is provided for the heating of the fluid which includes a microwave source ( 11 ) in order to act on the fluid by microwaves, a monitoring which prevents microwaves from acting on the filter space ( 6 ) if the filter space ( 6 ) is not completely filled with fluid, and a pump device ( 40 ) for the conveying of the fluid from the inlet ( 3 ) to the outlet ( 4 ). 
   
   
       14 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 13  wherein the pump device ( 40 ) includes a rotary pump ( 60 ) which has an integral rotor ( 61 ) and which comprises a bearing-free motor. 
   
   
       15 . A filter apparatus for filtering substances from a fluid comprising a filter for the fluid, a housing for the filter including an inlet and an outlet for flowing the fluid from the inlet past the filter to the outlet, a microwave energy source for subjecting the fluid to microwaves, a fluid-impervious wall interposed between the microwave source and the filter and constructed of a material that has at most a low absorption capacity for the microwave, a casing surrounding the housing, and a waveguide associated with the casing for directing the microwave from the microwave source to the fluid flowing between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the wall has an outer side and an inner side, and wherein the filter is disposed on the outer side of the housing. 
   
   
       16 . A filter apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the wall has an inner side and an outer side, and wherein the filter is arranged adjacent an outer side of the wall. 
   
   
       17 . A filter apparatus for the filtering of substances from a fluid comprising a filter housing which is transparent to microwaves, bounds a filter space and has an inlet and an outlet for the fluid to be filtered, a filter element in the filter space and which is configured and arranged such that the filtering fluid can only flow through the filter element from the inlet to the outlet of the filter housing, the filter element forming a central recess into which the fluid cannot flow, and a heating device for heating the fluid which includes a microwave source disposed in the central recess in order for microwaves to act on the fluid. 
   
   
       18 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 17  wherein the filter element includes a filter membrane which extends about the central recess. 
   
   
       19 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 17  including sensors for determining a temperature of the fluid at the inlet and a temperature of the fluid at the outlet. 
   
   
       20 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 17  including a fluid level sensor for the monitoring of a fluid level in the filter space. 
   
   
       21 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 17  including a monitor which prevents microwaves from acting on the filter space if the filter space is not completely filled with fluid. 
   
   
       22 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 17  including a pump device for the conveying of the fluid from the inlet to the outlet. 
   
   
       23 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 22  wherein the pump device includes a rotary pump with an integral rotor, and wherein the rotor is part of a bearing-free motor. 
   
   
       24 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 17  wherein the filter element comprises a replaceable filter cartridge. 
   
   
       25 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 17  including a control device which includes means for determining a fluid flow rate through the filter element on the basis of a difference between a temperature of the fluid at the outlet and a temperature of the fluid at the inlet. 
   
   
       26 . A filter apparatus for the filtering of substances from a fluid comprising a filter housing which bounds a filter space and which has an inlet and an outlet for the fluid to be filtered, a filter element in the filter space configured and arranged such that the fluid can only flow through the filter element from the inlet to the outlet of the filter housing, and a pumping device for flowing the fluid through the filter element comprising a rotary pump having a bearing-free, magnetically journaled rotor causing a flow of the fluid through the filter element. 
   
   
       27 . Apparatus according to  claim 26  wherein the pumping device is releasably attached to the filter housing. 
   
   
       28 . Apparatus according to  claim 26  wherein the bearing-free rotor includes a blade affixed to the rotor for causing the flow of the fluid through the filter element. 
   
   
       29 . A filter apparatus according to  claim 28  wherein the rotor includes a permanent magnet, and including a stator winding disposed about the permanent magnet for rotating the rotor and thereby causing the blade to flow the fluid. 
   
   
       30 . Apparatus according to  claim 26  including a source of microwaves operatively coupled with the filter element for subjecting the fluid to microwaves generated by the microwave source.