Systems and methods for filtration

Abstract

Systems for filtration are disclosed. A feed mixture including at least one liquid component and at least one solid component and a flow of gas may be directed to a filter element and filtrate and gas may be passed through a filter medium from a feed fluid side to a filtrate side.

1 . A system for filtration comprising a filter assembly including a feed inlet for introducing a liquid-solid feed mixture, a gas inlet for introducing a gas, and a filter element having a feed fluid side communicating with the feed and gas inlets and a filtrate side, the filter element including a filter medium positioned across a flow path for gas and filtrate through the filter element from the feed fluid side to the filtrate side, wherein filtrate passes through the filter medium and wherein the gas inlet supplies a sweep of gas along at least 50% of the feed fluid side of the filter element, at least 50% of the introduced gas passing with the filtrate through the filter medium to the filtrate side of the filter element. 
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1  further comprising a separator communicating with the filtrate side of the filter element for separating gas and filtrate. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1  further comprising a gas distributor communicating with the source of gas and distributing gas to the filter element. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1  further comprising a valve arrangement coupled to the filter assembly to introduce gas along with feed mixture. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 4  wherein the valve arrangement includes a controller coupled to a feed inlet valve and a gas valve.