WO2019038466A1

WO2019038466A1 - Liquid filtration apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2019038466A1
Application number: PCT/FI2017/050590
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernd Böhnke; Kari VÄNTTINEN; Saku ERONEN
Original assignee: Outotec Finland Oy
Current assignee: Outotec Finland Oy
Priority date: 2017-08-23
Filing date: 2017-08-23
Publication date: 2019-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2020-02-23
Also published as: BR112020003280B1; BR112020003280A2; BR112020003280A8; ZA202001440B

Abstract

Described is a liquid filtration apparatus comprising a series of upright filter plates (1) forming a filter plate pack in which filtering spaces (2) are formed. Each of the filtering spaces (2) has an elongate bottom discharge opening (5) limited by two first opposite side walls (38) and provided with a first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7). The first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) is configured to selectively open and close the elongate bottom discharge opening (5). The liquid filtration apparatus furthermore comprises an inflating and deflating system (17) configured to inflate and deflate the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7). The inflating and deflating system (17) comprises a top tank (20) which is arranged at a level above the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) and configured to fill the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) by gravity with fluid.

Description

LIQUID FILTRATION APPARATUS

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a liquid filtration apparatus as defined in the preamble of independent claim 1.

More precisely, the invention relates to a liquid filtration apparatus comprising a series of upright vertical filter plates forming a filter plate pack. Filtering spaces is formed in the filter plate pack and the liquid filtration apparatus comprises in at least one filtering space a filter chamber that is limited laterally by a filter media. Said at least one filtering space has an elongate bottom discharge opening that can be closed and opened by means of a first inflatable and deflatable hose seal.

The liquid filtration apparatus can be configured to perform at least:

1. A filling stage, during which the elongate bottom discharge opening of said at least one filtering space is closed by means of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals and material is fed into the filter chamber.

2. A filtration stage, during which the elongate bottom discharge opening of said at least one filtering space is closed by means of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal, and pressure is by means of a pressure arrangements exerted to the material in the filter chamber to cause liquid of the material to flow through the filter media and to form filter cake of the material in the filter chamber.

3. A discharge stage, during which the elongate bottom discharge opening is opened by means of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal to allow filter cake to fall by means of gravity out of the filter chamber. Objective of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a liquid filtration apparatus that on one hand provides for tight closing of the elongate bottom discharge opening of the filtering spaces but that on the other hand enables for effective flow of filter cake through the bottom discharge openings.

Short description of the invention

The liquid filtration apparatus of the invention is characterized by the definitions of independent claim 1.

Preferred embodiments of the liquid filtration apparatus are defined in the dependent claims 2 to 31.

The invention relates also to the use of the liquid filtration apparatus for filtering material in the form of tailings from mining, or in the form of products of bulk mining such as products containing iron, phosphate, or apatite, as defined in claim 32. The volume of such material is normally big and such material contains a lot of water that can be recycled for re-use in the mining operation.

List of figures

In the following the invention will described in more detail by referring to the figures, of which

Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals are deflated,

Figure 2 is a side view of a first embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals are inflated,

Figure 3 is a side view of a first embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals are inflated and pressure is exerted on material in the filter chambers by means of the pressure arrangements to form filter cake,

Figure 4 is a side view of a second embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals and the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals are deflated,

Figure 5 is a side view of a second embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals and the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals are inflated,

Figure 6 is a side view of a seacon embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals and the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals are inflated and pressure is exerted on material in the filter chambers by means of the pressure arrangements to form filter cake,

Figure 7 is a side view of a third embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals and the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seals are deflated,

Figure 8 is a side view of a third embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals and the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seals are inflated,

Figure 9 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals and the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seals are deflated,

Figure 10 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals and the optional third inflatable and deflatable hose seals are deflated,

Figure 11 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals and the optional second and third inflatable and deflatable hose seals are deflated, Figure 12 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals are deflated,

Figure 13 shows the elongate bottom discharge opening in an embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the elongate bottom discharge opening is open, because the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal is deflated,

Figure 14 shows the elongate bottom discharge opening in an embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the elongate bottom discharge opening is closed, because the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal is inflated,

Figure 15 shows the elongate bottom discharge opening in an embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the elongate bottom discharge opening is open, because the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal is deflated,

Figure 16 shows the elongate bottom discharge opening in an embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the elongate bottom discharge opening is closed, because the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal is inflated,

Figure 17 shows the elongate bottom discharge opening in an embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the elongate bottom discharge opening is open, because the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal is deflated,

Figure 18 shows the elongate bottom discharge opening in an embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the elongate bottom discharge opening is closed, because the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal is inflated,

Figure 19 shows the elongate bottom discharge opening in an embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the elongate bottom discharge opening is open, because the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal is deflated,

Figure 20 shows the elongate bottom discharge opening in an embodiment of the liquid filtration apparatus in a situation, where the elongate bottom discharge opening is closed, because the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal is inflated,

Figure 21 is a side view of a deflatable and inflatable hose seal,

Figure 22 is a cut view of a deflatable and inflatable hose seal,

Figure 23 is a side view of a support member, and

Figure 24 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an inflating and deflating arrangement for a liquid filtration apparatus.

Detailed description of the invention

The liquid filtration apparatus comprises a series of upright filter plates 1 forming a filter plate pack (not marked with a reference numeral). The number of filter plates can for example be between 10 and 500.

The upright filter plates 1 can, as shown in the figures, be arranged aligned and vertically in the filter plate pack. The filter plates 1 can be arranged horizontally immovable in contact with each other in the filter plate pack, when the filter plates 1 forms the filter pack. Individual filter plates can however be removed from the filter plate pack for example for maintenance of filter plates 1, when the liquid filtration apparatus is not performing filtration of material.

Filtering spaces 2 is formed in the filter plate pack.

The filtering spaces 2 can be provided within the upright filter plates 1 of the filter plate pack and/or between two adjacent upright filter plates 1 of the filter plate pack.

The liquid filtration apparatus comprises in at least one filtering space 2 a filter chamber 3 that is at least partly limited laterally by a filter media 4. The liquid filtration apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a filter media 4 in each filtering space 2 of the filter plate pack.

The filtering space(s) 2 of the filter plate pack has an elongate bottom discharge opening 5 limited by two opposite first side walls 38 and optionally by two opposite first end walls.

The liquid filtration apparatus comprises preferably a filter media 4 in each filtering space 2 of the filter plate pack and an elongated bottom discharge opening 5 below each filter chamber 3 of the filter plate pack.

The liquid filtration apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, additionally a material feeding arrangement 9 configured to feed material 31 to be filtered into filtering space(s) 2 of the filter plate pack.

The liquid filtration apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, additionally a pressure arrangement 10 configured to exert pressure on material 31 fed into filtering space(s) 2 of the filter plate pack so as to remove liquid (not shown in the figures) from the material 31 and to form filter cake 30 of the material 31, as shown in figures 3 and 6. The pressure arrangement 10 can comprise a flexible and waterproof diaphragm provided in each filtering space 2 of the filter plate pack. Alternatively or additionally can the material feeding arrangement 9 function as the/a pressure arrangement 10. In such case material 31 is fed into filter chambers 3 of the filter plate pack so that pressure is built-up in filter chambers 3 of the filter plate pack causing liquid of the material to be separated from the material and to pass through the filter media 4 so that filter cake is formed in the filter chambers 3 of the filter plate pack.

The liquid filtration apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, additionally a filter cake receiving arrangement 11 configured to receive filter cake 30 from filtering space(s) 2 of the filter plate pack through the elongate bottom discharge opening(s) 5 of the filtering space(s) 2.

At least one elongate bottom discharge opening 5 of one filtering space 2 of the filter plate pack is provided with a first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 extending across said at least one elongate bottom discharge opening 5 and configured to selectively open and close said at least one elongate bottom discharge opening 5 at the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7. More preferable, each elongate bottom discharge opening 5 of the filtering spaces 2 of the filter plate pack is provided with a first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 extending across the elongate bottom discharge opening 5 and configured to selectively open and close the elongate bottom discharge opening 5 at the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7.

The first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7, when inflated, are configured to exert pressure against the first opposite side walls 38 of the elongated bottom discharge opening 5. The pressure causes friction between the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 and the first opposite side walls 38 of the elongated bottom discharge opening 5, and the friction facilitates closing the elongated bottom discharge opening 5.

The first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 are preferably, but not necessarily, made of inflatable and deflatable hose seals having a circular cross-section having an outer diameter D that is 120 to 400 %, such as 150 to 250 %, of the distance d between the two first opposite side walls 38. This to ensure a contact area between the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 and the two first opposite side walls 38 that have a sufficient height h as shown in figure 13 so as to provide sufficient friction between the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 and the first opposite side walls 38 of the elongated bottom discharge opening 5.

At least one filtering space 2 of the filter plate pack can be provided with an elongate top opening 6 that is limited by two second opposite side walls 39 and optionally two second end walls. More preferably, each filtering space 2 of the filter plate pack is provided with an elongate top opening 6 that is limited by two second opposite side walls 39 and optionally two second end walls. Such elongate top opening 6 can, as shown in the embodiments illustrated in figures 4 to 9, be provided with a second inflatable and deflatable hose seal 8 extending across the elongate top opening 6 and configured to selectively open and close the elongate top opening 6 at the second inflatable and deflatable hose seal 8.

The liquid filtration apparatus can be configured to perform at least:

1. A filling stage, during which the elongate bottom discharge opening 5 of the filtering spaces 2 are closed by means of first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and material is fed from the material feeding arrangement 9 into the filter chambers 3.

2. A filtration stage, during which the elongate bottom discharge openings 5 of the filtering spaces 2 are closed by means of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, and pressure is by means of the pressure arrangements 10 exerted to the material 31 in the filter chambers 3 to cause liquid 32 of the material 31 to flow through the filter media 4 and to form filter cake 30 of the material 31 in the filter chambers 3.

3. A discharge stage, during which the elongate bottom discharge openings 5 are opened by means of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 to allow filter cake 30 to fall by means of gravity out of the filter chambers 3.

The first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 are in the elongate bottom discharge opening(s) 5 fastened at one of the first opposite side walls 38 of the elongate bottom discharge opening 5 so that the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 is in a deflated state configured to be at the said one of the first opposite side walls 38 of the elongate bottom discharge opening 5 and so the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 is in an inflated state configured to extend between the first opposite side walls 38 of the elongate bottom discharge opening 5,

The first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7 can be fastened in the elongate bottom discharge opening(s) 5 from the opposite ends of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7 to the filter plate pack such as to at least one filter plate of the filter plate pack.

The first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 can in the elongate bottom discharge opening 5 be arranged at least partly in a first recess 41 that preferably, but not necessarily, has an elongated configuration, in said one of the first opposite side walls 38 of the elongate bottom discharge opening 5. The first recess 41 provides for protection for the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 and provides for more space for discharging of filter cake from the filtering space 2 when the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 is deflated.

The elongate bottom discharge opening(s) 5 of the filtering spaces 2 can additionally, as shown in figures 10 and 11, be provided with a third inflatable and deflatable hose seal 43 extending across the elongate bottom discharge opening(s) 5 and configured to selectively open and close the elongate bottom discharge opening(s) 5 at the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal 43, wherein the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal 43 is arranged below the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 in the elongate bottom discharge opening(s) 5. The third inflatable and deflatable hose seal 43 can in the elongate bottom discharge opening 5 be fastened at one of the first opposite side walls 38 of the elongate bottom discharge opening 5 so that the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal 43 is in a deflated state configured to be at the said one of the first opposite side walls 38 of the elongate bottom discharge opening 5 and so the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal 43 is in an inflated state configured to extend between the first opposite side walls 38 of the elongate bottom discharge opening 5.

The optional third inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 43 can comprise a hose member comprising an inner rubber lining 33 and an outer rubber lining 34 and a textile or similar reinforcement 35. The optional third inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 43 can have construction similar to fire hoses. The third inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 43 are preferably, but not necessarily, made of inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) having a circular cross-section having an outer diameter D that is 120 to 400 %, such as 150 to 250 %, of the distance d between the two first opposite side walls 38. This to ensure a contact area between the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal 43 and the two first opposite side walls 38 that have a sufficient height h as shown in figure 13 so as to provide sufficient friction between the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal 43 and the first opposite side walls 38 of the elongated bottom discharge opening 5.

The optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8 can in the optional elongate top opening 6 be fastened at one of the two second opposite side walls 39 of the elongate top opening 6 so that the second inflatable and deflatable hose seal 8 is in a deflated state configured to be at the said one of the second opposite side walls 39 of the elongate top opening 6 and so the second inflatable and deflatable hose seal 8 is in an inflated state configured to extend between the second opposite side walls 39 of the elongate top opening 6.

The optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8 can be fastened in the elongate top opening(s) 6 from the opposite ends of the second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8 to the filter plate pack such as to at least one filter plate of the filter plate pack.

The optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal (8) can be in the elongate top opening (6) arranged at least partly in a second recess 42 in said one of the second opposite side walls 39 of the elongate top opening 6.

A lower end of the filter media 4 is preferably, but not necessarily, at a level above the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7.

A lower end of the filter media 4 is preferably, but not necessarily, at a level below the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7, as shown in figure 9.

The first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 closes the filter media 4 to prevent material 31 from leaking out through the lower end of the filter media 4.

An upper end of the filter media 4 is preferably, but not necessarily, at a level above the second inflatable and deflatable hose seal 8, as shown in figure 9, provided that the liquid filtration apparatus is provided with such second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8.

The optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 closes the filter media 4 to prevent material 31 from leaking out through the upper end of the filter media 4.

A first support member 12 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided for supporting the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7. Such first support member 12 extend at least partly, preferably fully, across the elongated bottom discharge opening 5. Such first support member 12 extend preferably, but not necessarily, in the same direction as the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7.

The first support member 12 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided in or at the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7. The optional first support member(s) 12 prevents sacking of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7.

The optional first support member(s) 12 can, as shown in figure 20, be spring loaded by a first spring arrangement 36 so that the first support member 12 is configured to force the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7 into a flat state to open the elongate bottom discharge opening 5 more when the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7 is/are deflated. This provides for faster deflating of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7.

A second support member 13 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided for supporting the second inflatable and deflatable hose seal 8. Such second support member 13 extend at least partly, preferably fully, across the elongated top opening 6. Such second support member 13 extend preferably, but not necessarily, in the same direction as the second inflatable and deflatable hose seal 8. The second support member 13 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided in or at the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8.

The optional second support member 13 prevents sacking of the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8.

The optional second support member(s) 13 can, as shown in figure 20, be spring loaded by a second spring arrangement 37 so that the second support member(s) 13 is/are configured to force the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8 into a flat state to open the elongate top feed opening 6 more when the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8 is/are deflated.

The first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7 can, as illustrated in figures 14 and 15 be covered by a first outer flexible cover 14 that is fastened above and optionally also below the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 to the same filter plate 1 at which the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 is arranged.

The first outer flexible covers 14 forms protection for the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7.

The first outer flexible cover 14 can be spring loaded by a spring (not shown in the figures) that is configured to facilitate deflating or flattening of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7. This provides for faster opening of the elongated bottom discharge opening(s) 5.

End plugs 16 can be provided at opposite ends of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, as shown in figure 18. The end plugs 16 forms fastening means for the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and supporting elements for the optional first support member 12.

The first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7 can comprise a hose member comprising an inner rubber lining 33 and an outer rubber lining 34 and a textile or similar reinforcement 35. The first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7 can have construction similar to fire hoses.

The optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8 can, as illustrated in figures

14 and 15, be covered by a second outer flexible cover 15 that is fastened above and optionally also below the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal 8 to the same filter plate 1 as the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal 8 is fastened to.

The second outer flexible covers 15 forms protection for the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8.

The second outer flexible cover 15 can be spring loaded by a spring (not shown in the figures) that is configured to facilitate deflating or flattening of the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal 8.

End plugs 16 can be provided at opposite ends of the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8, as shown in figure 18. The end plugs 16 forms fastening means for the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8 and supporting elements for the optional second support member 13.

The optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8 can comprise a hose member comprising an inner rubber lining 33 and an outer rubber lining 34 and a textile or similar reinforcement 35. The optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 8 can have construction similar to fire hoses.

The liquid filtration apparatus comprises an inflating and deflating system 17 configured to inflate and deflate the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7.

The inflating and deflating system 17 can comprise valve means (not shown in the figures) configured to initiate inflating and deflating of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7.

The inflating and deflating system 17 is configured to inflate the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7 with fluid such as dense fluid, preferably with liquid such as with water. Using dense fluid such as liquid provides for precise adjustment of pressures and pressure gradients. Dense fluid refers to fluid having a density over 0.5 kg/m³.

The inflating and deflating system 17 comprises a top tank 20 at a level above the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7.

The top tank 20 is arranged at a level above the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 and is in fluid communication with the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 and is configured to inflate (fill) the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 by gravity with fluid. It is possible that fluid is in addition fed from other sources than the top tank 20 into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7.

The inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a pressurizing arrangement (not marked with a reference numeral) configured to press fluid into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7. The pressurizing system can comprise a pressurizing pump 40 may be provided downstream of the top tank 20 to force liquid into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7 so as to increase the pressure in the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal(s) 7. It is possible that the pump 29 is additionally configured to function as a part of the pressurizing arrangement and is configured to press fluid from the lower tank 19 into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, as shown in figures 12 and 24.

The first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7 is preferably, but not necessarily, in fluid communication with the lower tank 19 through a barometric leg 18 that is in fluid communication with the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and that is in fluid communication with the lower tank 19. The lower tank 19 is preferably, but not necessarily, positioned 5 to 10 meters below the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7. Such barometric leg 18 provides for complete and fast deflating (draining) of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7. It is possible that fluid is in addition fed to other sources than to the lower tank 19 from the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal 7.

The inflating and deflating system 17 comprises a pump 29 configured to pump liquid from lower tank 19 to the top tank.

If the liquid filtration apparatus comprises both first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, as presented, the liquid filtration apparatus can, as illustrated in figures 4 to 6, comprise an inflating and deflating system 17 configured to inflate and deflate both the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8.

If the inflating and deflating system 17 is configured to inflate and deflate both the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, the inflating and deflating system 17 can comprise valve means (not shown in the figures) configured to initiate inflating and deflating of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and of the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8.

If the inflating and deflating system 17 is configured to inflate and deflate both the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, the inflating and deflating system 17 is preferably, but not necessarily, configured to inflate the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8 with fluid such as dense fluid, preferably with liquid such as with water. Using dense fluid such as liquid provides for precise adjustment of pressures and pressure gradients.

If the inflating and deflating system 17 is configured to inflate and deflate both the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, the inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, as shown in figures 4 to 6, a barometric leg 18 in fluid communication with the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8 and in fluid communication with a lower tank 19 at a level below both the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8. Such barometric leg 18 provides for complete and fast deflating (draining) of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and of the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8.

If the inflating and deflating system 17 is configured to inflate and deflate both the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, the inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, as shown in figures 4 to 6, a top tank 20 at a level above both the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8. The top tank 20 is configured to inflate (fill) the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8 by gravity with liquid. A pressurizing pump 40 may be provided downstream of the top tank 20 to force liquid into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and into the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8 so as to increase the pressure in the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and in the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8.

If the inflating and deflating system 17 is configured to inflate and deflate both the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the optional second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8 and if the inflating and deflating system 17 comprises a lower tank 19 and a top tank 20, as presented, the optional inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, as shown in figures 4 to 6, a pump 29 configured to pump liquid from lower tank 19 to the top tank.

If the liquid filtration apparatus comprises both first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43, as presented, the liquid filtering apparatus can, as shown in figure 10, comprise an inflating and deflating system 17 configured to inflate and deflate the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and configured to inflate and deflate the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43. Such inflating and deflating system 17 is preferably, but not necessarily, configured to inflate the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and to inflate the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43 with fluid such as with dense fluid, preferably with liquid such as with water. Such inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, barometric legs 18 in communication with the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and with the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43 and in communication with a lower tank 19 at a level below the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43. Such barometric legs 18 provides for complete and fast deflating (draining) of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and of the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43. Such inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a top tank 20 at a level above the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43 and configured to fill the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43 by gravity with liquid.

If the inflating and deflating system 17 comprises a pressurizing arrangement as presented earlier, the pressurizing arrangement is preferably, but not necessarily, additionally configured to press fluid into the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43. The pressurizing arrangement can for example comprise a pressurizing pump 40 that is provided downstream of the top tank 20, wherein the pressurizing pump 40 is configured to press fluid into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and into the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43. It is possible that the pump 29 is additionally configured to function as a part of the pressurizing arrangement and is configured to press fluid from the lower tank 19 into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and into the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43.

If the liquid filtration apparatus comprises both first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, and third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43, as presented, the liquid filtering apparatus can, as shown in figure 11, comprise an inflating and deflating system 17 configured to inflate and deflate the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, configured to inflate and deflate the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, and configured to inflate and deflate the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43. Such inflating and deflating system 17 is preferably, but not necessarily, configured to inflate the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, to inflate the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, and to inflate the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43 with fluid such as with dense fluid, preferably with liquid such as with water. Such inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, barometric legs 18 in communication with the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, with the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, and with the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43 and in communication with a lower tank 19 at a level below the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, and the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43. Such barometric legs 18 provides for complete and fast deflating (draining) of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, of the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, and of the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43. Such inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a top tank 20 at a level above the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, and the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43 and configured to fill the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, and the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals 43 by gravity with liquid.

If the inflating and deflating system 17 comprises a pressurizing arrangement as presented earlier, the pressurizing arrangement is preferably, but not necessarily, additionally configured to press fluid into the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8. The pressurizing arrangement can for example comprise a pressurizing pump 40 that is provided downstream of the top tank 20, wherein the pressurizing pump 40 is configured to press fluid into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and into the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8. It is possible that the pump 29 is additionally configured to function as a part of the pressurizing arrangement and is configured to press fluid from the lower tank 19 into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and into the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8.

If the liquid filtration apparatus comprises both first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, as presented, and if the liquid filtration apparatus comprise an inflating and deflating system 17 configured to inflate and deflate both the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, as presented, the inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, as shown in figures 7 and 8, a first barometric leg 21 in communication with the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and in communication with a first lower tank 22 at a level below the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, and a second barometric leg 25 in communication with the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8 and in communication with a second lower tank 26 at a level below the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8.

The first lower tank 22 is preferably, but not necessarily, positioned 5 to 10 meters below the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7. Such first barometric leg 21 provides for complete and fast deflating (draining) of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7. The second lower tank is preferably, but not necessarily, positioned 5 to 10 meters below the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8. Such barometric leg provides for complete and fast deflating (draining) of the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8. If the liquid filtration apparatus comprises both first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, as presented, and if the liquid filtration apparatus comprise an inflating and deflating system 17 configured to inflate and deflate both the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8, as presented, the inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, as shown in figures 3 and 4, a first top tank 23 at a level above the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7, and a second top tank 27 at a level above the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8. The first top tank 23 is configured to inflate (fill) the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 by gravity with liquid and the second the top tank 27 is configured to inflate (fill) the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8 by gravity with liquid. A pressurizing pump 40 may be provided downstream of the first top tank 23 to force liquid into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 so as to increase the pressure in the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals 7 and a pressurizing pump 40 may be provided downstream of the second top tank 27 to force liquid into the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8 so as to increase the pressure in the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals 8.

If the inflating and deflating system 17 comprises a first lower tank 22 and a first top tank 23, as presented, the optional inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a first pump 24 configured to pump liquid from the first lower tank 22 to the first top tank 23.

If the inflating and deflating system 17 comprises a second lower tank 26 and a second top tank 27, as presented, the optional inflating and deflating system 17 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a second pump 28 configured to pump liquid from the second lower tank 26 to the second top tank 27.

It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that as technology advanced, the basic idea of the invention can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are therefore not restricted to the above examples, but they may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid filtration apparatus,

wherein the liquid filtration apparatus comprising a series of upright filter plates (1) forming a filter plate pack,

wherein filtering spaces (2) is formed in the filter plate pack,

wherein the liquid filtration apparatus comprising in at least one filtering space (2) a filter chamber (3) that is at least partly limited laterally by a filter media (4),

wherein the filtering spaces (2) having an elongate bottom discharge opening (5) limited by two first opposite side walls (38), and

wherein the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) of the filtering spaces (2) being provided with a first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) extending across the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) and configured to selectively open and close the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) at the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7),

characterized

by an inflating and deflating system (17) configured to inflate and deflate the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7),

by the inflating and deflating system (17) comprising a top tank (20),

by the top tank (20) being arranged at a level above the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) and being in fluid communication with the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) and being configured to fill the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) by gravity with fluid, by the inflating and deflating system (17) comprising a lower tank (19)

by the lower tank (17) being arranged at a level below the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) and being in fluid communication with the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) and being configured to receive fluid from the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) by gravity, and

by a pump (29) configured to pump fluid from the lower tank (19) to the top tank (20).

2. The liquid filtration apparatus according to claim 1, characterized

by the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) being in the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) fastened at one of the first opposite side walls (38) of the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) so that the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) is in a deflated state configured to be at the said one of the first opposite side walls (38) of the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) and so the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) is in an inflated state configured to extend between the first opposite side walls (38) of the elongate bottom discharge opening (5).

3. The liquid filtration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized

by end plugs (16) at opposite ends of the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals (7).

4. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized

by the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals (7) comprise a hose member comprising an inner rubber lining (33) and an outer rubber lining (34) and a textile reinforcement (35).

5. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterized

by the inflating and deflating system (17) being configured to inflate the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals (7) with fluid in the form of dense fluid, preferably liquid such as water.

6. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterized

by the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) being in fluid communication with the lower tank (19) through a barometric leg (18) that is in fluid communication with the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals (7) and that is in fluid communication with the lower tank (19).

7. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterized

by the inflating and deflating system (17) comprising a pressurizing arrangement configured to press fluid into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals (7).

8. The liquid filtration apparatus according to claim 7, characterized

by the pressurizing arrangement comprising a pressurizing pump (40) downstream of the top tank (20), and

by the pressurizing pump (40) being configured to press fluid from the top tank (20) into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals (7).

9. The liquid filtration apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized

by the pump (29) being configured to additionally function as a part of the pressurizing arrangement and configured to press fluid from the lower tank (19) into the first inflatable and deflatable hose seals (7).

10. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 9, characterized

by the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7) being made of an inflatable and deflatable hose seal having a circular cross-section having an outer diameter D that is 120 to 400 % of the distance d between the two first opposite side walls (38) the elongate bottom discharge opening (5).

11. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 10, characterized by the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) of the filtering spaces (2) being addtionally provided with a third inflatable and deflatable hose seal (43) extending across the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) and configured to selectively open and close the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) at the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal (43), and

by the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal (43) being arranged below the first inflatable and deflatable hose seal (7).

12. The liquid filtration apparatus according to claim 11, characterized

by the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal (43) being in the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) fastened at one of the first opposite side walls (38) of the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) so that the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal (43) is in a deflated state configured to be at the said one of the first opposite side walls (38) of the elongate bottom discharge opening (5) and so the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal (43) is in an inflated state configured to extend between the first opposite side walls (38) of the elongate bottom discharge opening (5).

13. The liquid filtration apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized

by end plugs (16) at opposite ends of the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal (43).

14. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 11 to 13, characterized by the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal (43) comprise a hose member comprising an inner rubber lining (33) and an outer rubber lining (34) and a textile reinforcement (35).

15. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 11 to 14, characterized by the inflating and deflating system (17) being additionally configured to inflate and deflate the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals (43).

16. The liquid filtration apparatus according to claim 7 and 15, characterized

by the pressurizing arrangement of the inflating and deflating system (17) being additionally configured to press fluid into the third inflatable and deflatable hose seals (43).

17. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 11 to 16, characterized by the third inflatable and deflatable hose seal (43) being made of an inflatable and deflatable hose seal having a circular cross-section having an outer diameter D that is 120 to 400 % of the distance d between the two first opposite side walls (38) the elongate bottom discharge opening (5).

18. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 17, characterized by the filtering space comprising an elongate top opening (6) limited by two second opposite side walls (39).

19. The liquid filtration apparatus according to claim 18, characterized

by the elongate top opening (6) being provided with a second inflatable and deflatable hose seal (8) extending across the elongate top opening (6) and configured to selectively open and close the elongate top opening (6) at the second inflatable and deflatable hose seal (8), and by the second inflatable and deflatable hose seal being in the elongate top opening (6) fastened at one of the two second opposite side walls (39) of the elongate top opening (6) so that the second inflatable and deflatable hose seal (8) is in a deflated state configured to be at the said one of the second opposite side walls (39) of the elongate top opening (6) and so the second inflatable and deflatable hose seal (8) is in an inflated state configured to extend between the second opposite side walls (39) of the elongate top opening (6).

20. The liquid filtration apparatus according to claim 19, characterized

by end plugs (16) at opposite ends of the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals (8).

21. The liquid filtration apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, characterized

by the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals (8) comprise a hose member comprising an inner rubber lining (33) and an outer rubber lining (34) and a textile reinforcement (35).

22. The liquid filtration apparatus according any of the claims 19 to 21, characterized

by the inflating and deflating system (17) being additionally configured to inflate and deflate the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals (8).

23. The liquid filtration apparatus according to claim 7 and 22, characterized

by the pressurizing arrangement of the inflating and deflating system (17) being additionally configured to press fluid into the second inflatable and deflatable hose seals (8).

24. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 23, characterized

by the upright filter plates (1) being arranged aligned and in parallel in the filter plate pack.

25. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 24, characterized

by the upright filter plates (1) being arranged vertically in the filter plate pack.

26. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 25, characterized by the upright filter plates (1) being arranged immovable in contact with each other in the filter plate pack.

27. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 26, characterized

by the filtering spaces (2) being provided within the upright filter plates (1) of the filter plate pack.

28. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 27, characterized

by the filtering spaces (2) being provided between two adjacent upright filter plates (1) of the filter plate pack.

29. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 28, characterized

by a material feeding arrangement (9) configured to feed material (31) to be filtered into filtering spaces (2) of the filter plate pack.

30. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 29, characterized

by a pressure arrangement (10) configured to exert pressure on material (31) fed into filtering spaces (2) of the filter plate pack.

31. The liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 30, characterized

by a filter cake receiving arrangement (11) configured to receive filter cake (30) from filtering space (2) of the filter plate pack through the elongate bottom discharge openings (5) of the filtering spaces (2).

32. Use of a liquid filtration apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 31 for filtering material in the form of tailings from mining, or in the form of products of bulk mining such as products containing iron, phosphate, or apatite.