A filtration system is disclosed, which comprises a filtration-element within a filtration chamber, and a valving device located exteriorly to the filtration chamber, for reversing the direction of fluid-flow through the filtration-element for backwashing. The valving device thus functions as a common valve for handling both filtration and backwash. The common valve is based on a linearly-movable plug located inside a valve housing which is communicable with the filtration chamber, with a source of fluid to be filtered, and with evacuation port for backwash fluid, through three respective openings in the valve housing, and is characterized by an uninterrupted bend-free flow-channel extending at least from exteriorly to an inlet opening of the valve housing, to the body of the filtration-element whenever the common valve is in a filtration mode of operation.

A sea strainer can include multiple strainers in a configuration for operation to supply strained sea water to a vessel's engines and to perform backflushing of one of the strainers while another of the strainers continues to provide strained sea water to the vessel's engines. A flush pump can be provided to pump water through the strainer to be backflushed as part of the flushing operation.

Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.

Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.

Improved steamblow commissioning of a steam plant with continuous filtration of particle laden condensate through dual strainer filters with backflush means operatable in parallel to enable isolation of one and backflushing while the other is backflushed and venting backflushed particles to waste to enable an uninterrupted commissioning process recycling steam with significant particulate burden relived by continuous cycling in alteration through the dual filers and removal of particles to waste with backflush.

Improved steamblow commissioning of a steam plant with continuous filtration of particle laden condensate through dual strainer filters with backflush means operatable in parallel to enable isolation of one and backflushing while the other is backflushed and venting backflushed particles to waste to enable an uninterrupted commissioning process recycling steam with significant particulate burden relived by continuous cycling in alteration through the dual filers and removal of particles to waste with backflush.

A filtration system is disclosed, which comprises a filtration-element within a filtration chamber, and a valving device located exteriorly to the filtration chamber, for reversing the direction of fluid-flow through the filtration-element for backwashing. The valving device thus functions as a common valve for handling both filtration and backwash. The common valve is based on a linearly-movable plug located inside a valve housing which is communicable with the filtration chamber, with a source of fluid to be filtered, and with evacuation port for backwash fluid, through three respective openings in the valve housing, and is characterized by an uninterrupted bend-free flow-channel extending at least from exteriorly to an inlet opening of the valve housing, to the body of the filtration-element whenever the common valve is in a filtration mode of operation.

A filtration system is disclosed, which comprises a filtration-element within a filtration chamber, and a valving device located exteriorly to the filtration chamber, for reversing the direction of fluid-flow through the filtration-element for backwashing. The valving device thus functions as a common valve for handling both filtration and backwash. The common valve is based on a linearly-movable plug located inside a valve housing which is communicable with the filtration chamber, with a source of fluid to be filtered, and with evacuation port for backwash fluid, through three respective openings in the valve housing, and is characterized by an uninterrupted bend-free flow-channel extending at least from exteriorly to an inlet opening of the valve housing, to the body of the filtration-element whenever the common valve is in a filtration mode of operation.

A filter assembly has a one-piece cast metal pressure vessel with an inlet port communicating only with an inlet chamber and an integral offset bulkhead forming a separate filtrate chamber on the opposite side of the bulkhead having an upper exit port and lower exit port on opposite sides of the filtrate chamber. A filter assembly is disposed through an aperture in the bulkhead with the filter inlet side communicating only with the inlet chamber and the filter outlet side communicating only with the filtrate chamber. An access opening is provided in the top of the pressure vessel with a lid for changing filters. A closure member attached over the lower exit port configures the assembly for simplex operation. Relocating the closure member to cover the upper exit port on a pair of the pressure vessels with filters therein readily configures the pair for attachment to opposite sides of a central diverter valve for duplex filtering operation without rework of either of the pair of pressure vessels.

A filter assembly has a one-piece cast metal pressure vessel with an inlet port communicating only with an inlet chamber and an integral offset bulkhead forming a separate filtrate chamber on the opposite side of the bulkhead having an upper exit port and lower exit port on opposite sides of the filtrate chamber. A filter assembly is disposed through an aperture in the bulkhead with the filter inlet side communicating only with the inlet chamber and the filter outlet side communicating only with the filtrate chamber. An access opening is provided in the top of the pressure vessel with a lid for changing filters. A closure member attached over the lower exit port configures the assembly for simplex operation. Relocating the closure member to cover the upper exit port on a pair of the pressure vessels with filters therein readily configures the pair for attachment to opposite sides of a central diverter valve for duplex filtering operation without rework of either of the pair of pressure vessels.