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Title:
METHOD AND SYSTEMS OF DIFFERENT CIP CLEANING OF RIPBAC C STRAINER FOR WATER/ VISCOUS LIQUIDS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/067302
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An automated RIPBAC C Strainer with a Clean-In-Place cleaning mechanism, automatically managing various processes of a strainer for water / viscous fluids based on the characteristic viscosity of the fluid, thus doing away with the manual cleaning of the Strainers leading to lower downtime, higher efficiency, greener options, minimizing wear and tear of the Strainer; wherein different options for cleaning are used retaining the same body and the element without changing either; wherein the liquid flow is always from out-to-in with a cylindrical RIPBAC element which is used for straining, wherein the unfiltered solids gets deposited on the outer surface of the cylindrical screen during straining operation; the cleaning method being based on the liquid characteristic of the liquid to be filtered, the cleaning done by backwash, suction or scrappers; the entire cleaning process being manual, fully or semi automated; the upgradation costs being very economical from manual to fully automation as the element and the body are the same; resulting in a greener, more economical and efficient strainer assembly.

Inventors:
PUDDUKARAI SRINIVASAN RAMACHANDRAN (IN)
Application Number:
PCT/IN2015/000153
Publication Date:
May 06, 2016
Filing Date:
March 30, 2015
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
PUDDUKARAI SRINIVASAN RAMACHANDRAN (IN)
International Classes:
B01D33/00; B01D29/00; B01D29/11
Domestic Patent References:
WO2014147644A22014-09-25
Foreign References:
US5370791A1994-12-06
US4818402A1989-04-04
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
VIBHU, Sumitha (No. 5 Luz Avenue First Street,Mylapore, Chennai 4, Tamil Nadu, IN)
Download PDF:
Claims:
A clean in place surface filtration assembly strainer, comprising a modified element; the flow path of the liquid in an out-to-in direction; the said strainer being used for low to medium to high viscosity fluids; the cleaning process by backwash; suction or scrapper assembly depending upon the viscosity of the fluids; the cleaning process manual; fully or semi automated; the cleaning triggered by means of a timer or reaching the pre-set higher levels of ΔΡ levels; ; the said cleaning ceasing once the lower preset levels of ΔΡ levels are reached or the time for pre-set timer is completed; the upgradation to automation from manual being economical due to use of the same element and body; the entire cleaning operation lasting a few seconds; resulting in lower wear and tear of the Strainer element as there is no replacement or re-fitment of the Strainers; resulting in no contamination of the filtrate due to non-rupture of the element; directly resulting in a lower maintenance costs, lower inventory, a green technology as the cleaning process is clean in place; economically beneficial; efficient filtration due to the few seconds downtime; all contributing to a more efficient, economically viable, cost and time effective Strainer.

A clean in place strainer assembly as claimed in Claim 1 , comprising of inlet and outlets sizes, ranging from 20 NB (3/4") to 150 NB (6"); a body divided into two compartments; a bottom liquid compartment and a top filtrate compartment; the bottom compartment connected to an inlet nozzle; the top compartment through a transition port connected to the outlet nozzle; both the inlet nozzle and outlet nozzle are in line and diametrically opposite to each other in construction; the end fittings of the inlet and outlet nozzles with flange ends or screwed ends; the body provided with a drain port at the bottom; the top lid comprising of a back wash nozzle, an '0' ring and Allen bolt; for the said Ό' ring and Allen bolt fixing the top lid with the body of the strainer and preventing leakage of filtrate from compartment to outside; a screen element comprising of a cartridge element, bottom closure plate and top fixing flange welded to the element; the top fixing flange comprising an Ό' ring sealing the flow between the two compartments; the filter element and top lid connected with three tie rods that when the top lid is open, the filter element is removeable if required.

The clean in place manual scraper strainer as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the cleaning process is semi-automated; wherein the cleaning is done by scraper; the cleaning triggered when pre-set levels are reached; the filtration process being continuous; wherein both the inlet and outlet ports opened throughout the process resulting in continuous filtration; the drain nozzle opened manually by rotating the hand wheel once the ΔΡ levels are reached, the said hand wheel rotated to rotate the element against the fixed scraper arm; scraping the the solids deposited on the outer surface of the element dislodged by means of scraper arm; the inlet liquid flushing the dislodged solids through the drain port due to free passage path at the bottom of the Strainer in a slurry form; the said rotating handle stopped manually once the pre-set lower ΔΡ levels are reached.

The clean in place motorized scraper strainer as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the cleaning process is fully automated; the cleaning triggered when pre-set higher ΔΡ levels levels are reached; the filtration process being continuous; wherein both the inlet and outlet ports opened throughout the process; the said motor rotating continuously in such a manner that the element against the scraper arm moves constantly such that the deposited solids from the outer element surface are continuously dislodged; the incoming liquid on the outer compartment increasing in in concentration due to the solids present; the increasing solid levels triggering the differential pressure; the slurry draining through the drain nozzle due to free passage; resulting in continuous filtration; the entire operation of the scrapper being automated by means of the gear box; the . said gear box assembly comprising of a gear box motor, Motor Stool and shaft; a fixing nut to prevent the shaft from sliding out; the drain valve operating automatically depending upon the preset ΔΡ levels.

The clean in place suction strainer as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the automated cleaning process by suction is triggered when ΔΡ level reaches a preset threshold level; both the inlet and outlet ports remaining continuously open during the entire operation; the triggering of the ΔΡ level activating the gear box to rotate the element against the suction pipe and opening the drain nozzle attached to the suction pipe; the said drain nozzle sucking the filtrate liquid from inside the element, resulting in the dislodgement of the deposited solid from the element; the said slurry passing through the suction pipe to the bottom drain port; the suction pipe remaining stationary during the cleaning process; the said suction strainer method used in case of low viscosity fluids like water.

The modified element as claimed in Claim 1 of cylindrical construction comprising V-shaped profile wires and the V-shaped support rod welded at each intersecting point; resulting in the slot openings available at the entry point of the in feed as the triangular profile wire widens as it travels inwards; the profile wire flat surface perpendicular to the flow of liquid, producing a two point contact between slot openings; the deposited solids having a two point contact due to the flat surface of the screen; the said solids resting on the screen being easily cleaned due to the loose resting on the surface during the cleaning process.

The modified element as claimed in Claim 1 of flat construction comprising of the outer surface of the welded wedge wire element polished to remove the standard tilt resulting in a flat and vertical surface to the flow direction; resulting a surface filtration effect; resulting in repeatable precision in filtration.

The modified filter element as claimed in Claim 1, being a surface filter; wherein the solids deposited has only a two point contact for the solid at any given time; having a rigid construction and a precise slot opening with tapered profile wire; creating a Venturi effect during backwash; regaining 100% filtration area.

9. The filtration area of the screen of the modified element as claimed in Claim 1 being calculated for minimum slot opening of 200 microns for low viscosity liquids.

10. The filtration area of the screen of the modified element as claimed in Claim 1 being calculated for a minimum slot opening of 500 micron for medium viscosity liquids.

11. The filtration are of the screen of the modified element as claimed in Claim 1 being calculated for a minimum slot opening of 1000 micron for high viscosity liquies.

12. The total filtration area of the modified element as claimed in Claim 1 is Total surface area of the element in a strainer = Nozzle Area x Safety factor x % Open Area of the element.

13. The automated cleaning process as claimed in any of the pre-ceeding Claims being controlled by a computerized system; automatically managing various processes of a back-washable strainer for water / viscous fluids; the various entities of system communicate via various computer networks; the Strainer includes straining system; the Strainer controller includes a computing system that functions as a device driver of strainer; a device driver being a computer program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is attached to a computer; the Strainer controller implemented with various integrated circuits; communicating with a remote server; the remote server instructing the strainer controller which controls the strainer; the sensors in the strainer formatted for communication via the computer networks which in turn communicates with the strainer controller which in turn communicates to the remote server; the remote server in turn diagnosing the various states of the set strainer; providing instructions for cleaning operations of one or more strainers under its supervision.

14. The Remote server as claimed in Claim 13, being implemented in a cloud- computer platform; implements process including functionalities for communicating with a system administrator in a human-readable format.

15. The Strainer as claimed in any of the preceeding claims, being compatible for all fluids of varying viscosities; the three different cleaning operations being based on the liquid viscosity of the fluid using the same element and body. 16. The invention as substantially described herein with specific reference to the

accompanying drawings

Description:
METHOD AND SYSTEMS OF DIFFERENT CIP CLEANING OF RIPBAC C STRAINER FOR WATER/ VISCOUS LIQUIDS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention is a complete specification claiming priority from Application No. 3454/MUM/2014 titled 'BACKWASHABLE STRAINER FOR WATER/VISCOSE LIQUIDS' filed on 31.10.2014 and Application No.468/MUM/2015 tilted METHOD AND SYSTEMS OF DIFFERENT CIP CLEANING OF RIPBAC C STRAINER FOR WATER/ VISCOUS LIQUIDS' filed on 13.02.2015, relating to the cleaning of the RIPBAC C Strainer with a Clean-In-Place cleaning mechanism, managing various processes of a strainer for water / viscous fluids based on the characteristic viscosity of the fluid, thus doing away with the manual cleaning of the Basket Strainers leading to lower downtime, higher efficiency, greener options, minimizing wear and tear of the Strainer. Different options for cleaning are used retaining the body and the element without changing either. The function of a RIPBAC C Strainer of the present invention is same wherein the liquid flow is always from out-to-in with a cylindrical RIPBAC element which is used for straining wherein the unfiltered solids gets deposited on the outer surface of the cylindrical screen during straining operation. Based on the liquid characteristic of the liquid to be filtered in the RIPBAC C Strainer, the present invention relates to a fully CIP cleaning process which can be either fully automated, manual or automated with manual intervention in the case of a scrapper assembly. The present invention also seeks to provide for an upgradation i.e. full or semi automation at substantially lower costs as there is no need to replace either the body or the element. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

In any plant, Strainer is the first equipment used as suction strainer or delivery strainer either before or after the pump to protect the pump or process equipments. Even though by function and by construction it is a very simple equipment, care has to be taken in selecting the correct Strainer after considering all technical details relevant so that the Strainer gives trouble free operation. Unfortunately in practice more than 80% of the Strainers used are not selected properly / installed properly / sized properly and as a iesult do not give trouble free operation as expected. World over Basket Strainer construction is the design are in such a way the only way to clean the strainer element is to shut the system down, remove the strainer element physically, clean it manually and replace the same. Even though majority of all the process equipments and other types of filters have been modified to give efficient performance over the years, unfortunately Strainers have not seen any design changes. Furthermore, all existing Conventional Basket strainers are designed where the flow of liquid is from in-to-out due to which the strainer has to be manually removed and cleaned to remove the suspended solids from inside the basket. As a result during the manual cleaning operation which usually lasts for hours, the filtration process has to be stopped. Manual cleaning involves stoppage of the in feed flow; opening the filter unit and taking out the element; cleaning of the element; refitting/replacing the strainer element and then to restart the in feed flow, all leading to a down time of a few hours, impacting productivity, higher wear and tear of parts due to constant handling etc.

Furthermore, the present Basket strainers have disadvantages such as element migration and rupture; possibility of contaminating the finished product due to rupture of element with out the knowledge of the operator ; replacement of elements regularly leading to higher inventory of spare parts and higher costs of maintenance, regular shut downs/ maintenance; high manpower etc.

The present day Conventional Basket Strainers are not automated and in place cleaning options such as Backwash, Scrapping and Suction are not available. Traditional basket type strainers are constructed using wire mesh have to be physically removed, cleaned and put back, leading to high costs of wear and tear as well as maintenance. The wire mesh often needs replacement due to rupturing at high pressure. M anual labour is required in the present day systems to physically maintain the strainers, which once again contributes to the maintenance load and costs.

There is a need to provide a strainer which is capable of being backwash cleaned and cleaned in situ, even in cases where unusually large solid particles gets into the system, wherein manual intervention is necessary in the fully automated system. In order to achieve this, the present invention seeks to do away with this physical removal and refitment of the strainers, have a filtrate flow path from out-to-in facilitating backwash and other clean-in-place options such as suction or scrapping, substantially to lower contamination, to either manually, fully or semi automate the whole process to further minimize the maintenance load and to result in a more economical strainer, capable of being used for fluids of different viscosities, using the same body and element. PRIOR ART:

World over Basket Strainer design are in such a way the only way to clean the strainer element is to shut the system down, remove the strainer element physically, clean it manually and replace the same. Even though majority of all the process equipments and other types of filters have been modified to give efficient performance over the years, unfortunately Strainers have not seen any design changes. Furthermore, all existing Conventional Basket strainers are designed where the filtrate flow is from in-to-out. It is important to note this, since the filtrate flow is from in-to-out, the strainer has to be manually removed and cleaned to remove the suspended solids from inside the basket. As a result during the manual cleaning operation which usually lasts for hours, the filtration process has to be stopped. Manual cleaning involves stoppage of the in feed flow; opening the filter unit and taking out the element; cleaning of the element; refitting/replacing the strainer element and then to restart the in feed flow, all leading to a down time of a few hours, impacting productivity, higher wear and tear of parts due to constant handling etc.

Furthermore, the present basket strainers have disadvantages such as element migration and rupture; possibility of contaminating the finished product due to rupture of element with out the knowledge of the operator; replacement of elements regularly leading to higher inventory of spare parts and higher costs of maintenance, regular shut downs/ maintenance; high manpower etc.

The present day Conventional Basket Strainers are not CIP or fully or semi automated and in place cleaning options such as Backwash, Scrapping and Suction are not available. Traditional basket type strainers are constructed using wire mesh have to be physically removed, cleaned and put back, leading to high costs of wear and tear as well as maintenance. The direction of the liquid flow in the conventional strainers being in-to- out, the wire mesh often needs replacement due to rupturing at high pressure. Manual labour is required in the present day systems to physically maintain the strainers, which once again contributes to the maintenance load and costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The scope of the present invention is to provide a strainer which is capable of being self cleaned by different methods based on the characteristic of the liquid, CIP, the cleaning is either manual, fully or semi automated; except in cases where unusually large solid particles gets into the system, wherein manual intervention is necessary; cleaning methods being by backwash, suction or scrapping, all done in situ. The present invention seeks to do away with this physical removal and re-fitment of the strainers, has a filtrate flow path from out-to-in facilitating backwash and other clean-in-place options such as suction or scrapping, substantially lowers contamination due to the use of new element instead of wire mesh element, automating the whole process which further minimizes the maintenance load, resulting in a more economical strainer, capable of being used for fluids of different viscosities, making upgradation easier and more economical as the automation can be done using the same body and element. Furthermore, the same element can be used for viscosities ranging from low to medium to high.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention seeks to provide a clean-in-place RIPBAC C strainer which is capable of being used across various fluids of different viscosities, wherein the cleaning is either manual, fully or semi automated completely and results in direct reduction of manual labour as well as maintenance load and costs. The objects of this present invention consists of a strainer assembly comprising of rigid RIPBAC™ element wherein the wires are welded together to give the required reliable slot opening and the desired filtrate quality even under high pressure working conditions which eliminates the migration and rupture of the element; contamination of the finished product is completely eliminated as well the frequent element replacement; either fully or semi-automating the entire process, thereby doing away with manual intervention; resulting in not only lowering the downtime but also contributing to lower inventory, leading to higher efficiency, a greener technology, higher productivity and lower costs. The flow path of the in feed liquid of the present invention is from out-to-in, so that the RIPBAC™ element need not be manually removed for cleaning and can be cleaned by backwash, suction or scrapper arm assembly due to solids deposited on outer surface of the element. This also helps the entire cleaning to be done in situ, leading to lower cleaning of the surrounding areas as there is no physical removal of the strainer element and cleaning of the strainer element outside the strainer.

The present invention also seeks to provide three options for cleaning either manually, fully or semi automate the entire cleaning mechanism. The cleaning by manual process is once the higher preset ΔΡ levels are reached, then the inlet and outlet ports are closed and the backwash nozzle and drain nozzle are opened. Once the preset lower ΔΡ levels are reached, the said drain and backwash nozzle are closed and the inlet as well as outlet ports are opened. The cleaning process which is fully automated is commenced by triggering a .: series of commands once the preset ΔΡ levels are reached and the cleaning commences, automatically opening and closing of the inlet and outlet ports, the drain and backwash nozzles etc. In yet another embodiment the cleaning starts at set time intervals for the backwash and scrapper to start. In the case of low viscosity fluids such as water, two types of cleaning methods are provided which are automated. In yet another embodiment, the filtration is a continuous process wherein the inlet, outlet port is always open through out the process; the cleaning triggered on reaching the preset levels and drain nozzle opened and closed; the deposited solid emerging with the in feed and draining through the drain nozzle in a slurry form due to less resistance to flow. The cleaning mechanism is dependent on the viscosity of the fluid and is of three types namely cleaning by backwash, cleaning by suction or cleaning by means of a scrapper assembly. The semiautomatic embodiment is the option of providing for opening and closing the drain nozzle manually in the scrapper system, the other features being completely automated.

The invention aims at providing a rigid construction with RIPBAC™ screen wherein the wires are welded together to give the required reliable slot opening which is also suitable for operation under extreme operating conditions.

The provision for installing the RIPBAC™ screen inside the Strainer during installation and replacement period takes care of the cleaning and maintenance of the Strainer during abnormal working conditions wherein large sized particles enter the filter. Since the RIPBAC™ screen need not be regularly opened to clean and the liquid flow is from out- to-in, the element rests inside the filter body, providing for a leak proof design as against the existing Basket Strainer where the bypass of the solid particles into the filtrate is always a possibility.

The RIPBAC™ Screen filter media is a modified version of the welded wedge wire filter media available at present. The RIPBAC™ Screen filter media in the Strainer are cylindrical in shape, manufactured using metallic V shaped wire. The cylindrical screens are constructed using triangular profile wire and triangular support rod. The support rods extending in the axial direction are arranged cylindrically in such a way that the conical portion of the rods face the radially outward direction. A triangular shaped profile wire is wound spirally on the outer periphery of the support rods in a cross direction. The triangular profile wire is arranged such that its flat side with a tilt faces outward and the tip of the triangle faces inward in such a manner that the tip is in contact with the conical portion of the upwardly facing support rods. Because the profile wire is wound spirally on the support rods, a slot opening is formed between two adjacent profile wires which widens in a radially inward direction. As a result of this construction, any liquid entering the slot containing particles of size less than that of the slot opening passes easily through the filter element without clogging it. Because of the slight tilt of the profile wire flat surface slimy liquid containing particles often clog the filter element due to the tilted surface in the existing welded wedge wire filter element. Even though the welded wedge wire construction is in existence for more than 50/60 years in several countries, including USA, the triangular profile wire outer flat surface normally is not flat when it is manufactured anywhere in the world. It is always slightly tilted to the vertical surface. As a result of this tilt, especially when straining liquid with slimy characteristic a film formation is formed on the outer surface of the profile wire due to the tilt and it gets clogged very easily. As a result of the above drawback, normally the outer surface of the welded wedge wire element is polished to remove the tilt so that the surface will be flat and vertical to the flow direction, which gives a surface filtration effect and two point contact for the solids. This modified version of the welded wedge wire screen is the RIPB AC™ which is one of the features of the present invention.

As a result, the backwash efficiency of the RIPBAC™ screen is quite high and the RIPBAC™ screen can regain its full filtration area after every back wash. The triangular profile wire is welded to the projecting portion of the support rods at every crossing point. The profile wire after polishing is not tilted but is completely flat to the vertical surface as a result the bigger particles which gets deposited on the adjacent profile wires between the slot openings loosely have a 2 point contact. This design ensures that the cylindrical element has a sturdy construction with a reliable slot opening on the filter element to get consistently good quality final filtrate under stringent operating conditions. As a result, the unfiltered particles resting on the surface of the profile wire is always loosely held and it can get detached from the surface with the slightest back wash pressure. Due to the triangular shape of the profile wire during back wash cleaning the liquid flow from in-to- out gets a venturi effect during travel from in-to-out and as a result easily dislodges the loosely held resting particles from the surface of the profile wire. The cylindrical filter element is closed at one end and is provided with flange connection on the other end.

The said RIPBAC Screen element is housed in such a manner that the flow path is from outwards to inwards which lend itself to clean-in-place, automated cleaning options such as backwash, suction or scrapper assembly as described herein below:

Cleaning by means of backwash where in both the inlet and outlet valves are manually or automatically closed once the upper limit of the pre-set ΔΡ levels are reached, the backwash port and the drain port are opened for an equivalent time. Once differential pressure reaches the lower pre-set limit, closing the back wash and drain port and opening the inlet and outlet port.

Yet another embodiment is the use of the scrapper assembly method wherein the inlet, outlet nozzles are open continuously and only the drain nozzle is opened and shut depending upon the ΔΡ levels. Cleaning by suction method is yet another embodiment of the present invention in the case of low viscosity fluids and comprises a suction assembly. The cleaning gets activated once the pre-set ΔΡ levels are reached. The suction arm is activated to engage for a pre-set number of rotations and disengaged automatically once the numbers of rotations are completed. The drain port is opened and closed to coordinate the suction movements. Yet another embodiment is that the suction arm is programmed to rotate till the lower ΔΡ levels are reached. The drain port is opened and closed to co-ordinate with ΔΡ levels.

In case of medium to high viscous fluids cleaning of the strainer once the pre-set ΔΡ levels are reached, the cleaning is by means of a scraper. The scrapper in one embodiment can be manually operated in the case of cost constraint for a certain number of rotations in the semi-automated embodiment. The drain valve is opened for a period of time when the pressure reaches a certain pre-set value. The inlet liquid will push the slurry through the drain port. The outlet valve is open during the scrapping operation. Once the pressure levels reach a certain lower preset level, the manual scrapper is stopped, the drain port is closed. Yet another embodiment is when the scrapper has completed a pre-set number of rotations, the scrapper is stopped, either manually or by means of preset commands. Yet another embodiment in the case of medium to high viscous fluids is the use a gear box assembly for the scrapper. In this model the scraping operation will be continuously on and when the pressure reaches a preset ΔΡ level the drain port opens to discharge the concentrated liquid from inside till the ΔΡ level comes back to original level and the drain port is closed.

The automated system can be incorporated at any stage in a filter assembly as long as the RIPBAC C strainer is used. There is no need to change the strainer when automation is to be done. Furthermore, a single strainer has been designed and used for all viscosities of fluids and provides for a three in one cleaning system namely backwashable, a suction assembly as well as a scrapper assembly. Furthermore, the said RIPBAC C strainer can be operated manually once the pre-set ΔΡ levels are reached and the entire system can be automated at a fraction of the current costs as the body as well as the element need not be changed for automation. In the event the C strainer needs to be removed and cleaned, the same is also possible due to the unique assembly and fitting of the strainer in the body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to a different CIP cleaning of RIPBAC™ C strainer with maual, fully or semi automated cleaning process triggered, depending on reaching preset ΔΡ levels or as per timer settings. Furthermore, depending on the viscosity of the fluid various cleaning options such as Backwash, Suction or Scrapping is made available. All commands including opening and closing of valves, ports, activating the gear assembly can be automated. Messages to start the manual scrapper can also be issued. Once the ΔΡ levels in the chamber drops, the ports and valves are closed and filtration is continued.

The entire invention seeks to shut the system for a few seconds instead of the traditional shutting down for anything between thirty minutes to four hours in case of back wash cleaning and in case of suction or scrapping, the system works continuously without any shutdown even during cleaning operation.

The present invention seeks to use a single strainer for different applications. The present invention seeks to provide the following:

1) A clean-in-place system which is either manual, fully or semi automated.

2) Provides strainer which do not require to be physically removed but cleaned in situ.

3) In the event of using a RIPBAC™ C strainer, the cleaning method is modified without altering the body and element for liquids of various viscosities ranging from low to medium to high.

4) In the event of using a RIPBAC™ C strainer, the automating costs are very economical since the same element and the outer body are retained.

5) In the event of cost constraints, the manual operation of the scrapper assembly can be retained resulting in a semi automated version and the scrapper arm can be automated at any point when the fund constraints cease.

6) Cleaning is triggered when

1. The higher ΔΡ levels are reached and ceased once the lower ΔΡ levels are reached.

2. The cleaning is a timer driven activity irrespective of the ΔΡ levels.

3. The cleaning is continuous in respect of high viscosity liquids. 7) Cleaning of the strainer is by

1. Backwash, the said commands being set at pre-determined threshold levels in case of low viscosity liquids.

2. Yet another option for cleaning in case of low viscosity liquids is the use of a Suction strainer with suction gear box assembly.

3. In case of medium or high viscosity fluids scrapping method is used by automated commands by means of either a

1) Manual scrapper assembly

2) Gear motor box assembly

8) Depending upon the type of fluid, all operations can be controlled and automated.

9) Once the preset trigger is reached, be it ΔΡ levels or setting, the cleaning is set in motion.

10) This eliminates the replacement of the unit during up-gradation.

11) Eliminates modification of the original Strainer which can get damaged during modification.

12) This reduces the load on the green energy due to one time installation of RIPBAC ™ strainer and avoiding scraping of the original Strainer, when automation is sought.

13) Last but not least, for the first time the present invention has developed a Strainer which is for universal use irrespective of the characteristic of the liquid and solid which results in a 100% satisfactory performance and has a three in one cleaning option depending upon the viscosity of the fluids.

14) This present invention also helps the client to go for either a back washable cleaning method or suction method or a hand operated scraper cleaning method with or without automation to start with, if capital constrains are there. At a later date, once the capital constraints are removed, the same Strainer without any modification of the body or element can be motorized and automated, which is yet another unique feature of the said invention. This reduces the cost for the end user up-gradation.

A strainer with back wash system is provided. A back wash facility with minimum downtime to remove the suspended solids without opening the strainer for cleaning is provided. The design of the screen enables efficient back wash based on surface filtration principle with a flow from out-to-in direction, opposite to the current flow of in-to-out in the current Strainers. This eliminates the need to remove the filter element from the filtration assembly for cleaning, except in the instances wherein large solid particles clog the strainer. A rigid construction with screen is provided. The screen wires are welded together to give the required reliable slot opening. The slot open is also suitable for operations under extreme operating conditions.

In one preferred embodiment the provision for installing the screen inside the strainer during installation and /or replacement period takes care of the cleaning and/or maintenance of the strainer during abnormal working conditions wherein large sized particles enter the filter. Since the screen need not be regularly opened to clean and the flow is from out-to-in, the element rests inside the filter body, providing for a leak proof design as against the existing strainer where the bypass of the solid particles into the filtrates is always a possibility.

In the present invention the screen filter media is a modified welded wedge wire filter media. The screen filter media in the strainer are cylindrical in shape, manufactured using metallic V-shaped wire. The cylindrical screens are constructed using triangular profile wire and triangular support rod. The support rod extending in the axial direction are arranged cylindrically in such a way that the conical portion of the rods face the radially outward direction. A triangular shaped profile wire is wound spirally on the outer periphery of the support rods in a cross direction. The triangular profile wire is arranged such that its flat side with a tilt faces outward and the tip of the triangle faces inward in such a manner that the tip is in contact with the conical portion of the upwardly facing support rods. Due to the profile wire is wound spirally on the support rods, a slot opening is formed between two adjacent profile wires which widens in a radially inward direction. As a result of this construction, liquid entering the slot containing particles of size less than that of the slot opening passes easily through the filter element without clogging it. Because of the slight tilt of the profile wire flat surface slimy liquid containing particles often clog the filter element due to the tilted surface in the existing welded wedge wire filter element. As a result of this tilt, especially when straining liquid with slimy characteristic a film formation is formed on the outer surface of the profile wire due to the tilt and it gets clogged very easily. As a result of the above drawback, the modified wedge wire element comprises removal of the tilt. The outer surface of the welded wedge wire element is polished to remove the tilt so that the surface will be flat and vertical to the flow direction, which gives a surface filtration effect and two point contact for the solids. This modified version of the welded wedge wire screen is the RIPBAC™ Screen which is one of the features of the present invention. As a result, the backwash efficiency of the RIPBAC™ screen is quite high and the RIPBAC™ screen can regain its full filtration area after every back wash. This design ensures that the cylindrical element has a sturdy construction with a reliable slot opening on the filter element to get consistently good quality final filtrate under stringent operating conditions. As a result the unfiltered particles resting on the surface of the profile wire are loosely held and are detached from the surface with any method of cleaning mentioned above. Due to the triangular shape of the profile wire during back wash / suction cleaning, the liquid flow from in-to-out provides a Venturi effect during travel from in-to-out. As a result, this results in the dislodging of the loosely held resting particles from the surface of the profile wire. The cylindrical filter element is closed at one end and is provided with flange connection at the other end. The cylindrical filter element is fitted onto the body and can be easily removed if needed. Several salient features of screen are now provided. The profile wire flat surface being perpendicular to the flow of liquid and not tilted gives a two point contact between slot openings. Other screen features include, inter-alia : accurately defined openings - repeatable precision in filtration; Venturi effect due to V- Shape-Highly effective back washing; fully welded screens- no deformation due to pressure; rigid construction - no extra backing support required.

The filtration area of the screen is calculated for minimum slot opening of 200 micron for liquids like water and similar liquids. For viscous liquids the filtration area is calculated for a minimum slot opening of 500 micron and above. Operating details and functions are same for all the types of liquids.

The back-washable strainer of the present can be used for almost all liquids in number of plants including, inter alia: chemical; pharmaceuticals; chloro alkali; paper and pulp; cosmetics and oral care; food processing; sugar; starch; oil and fats; beverages; paints and polymers; iron and steel; power plants; agricultural and irrigation; petrochemical; nuclear; water and waste water treatment; oil and gas; desalination; municipal water; effluent treatment plants and sewage treatment plants; and/or dyes and pigments. The liquid to be strained in any plant can include various categories including, inter alia: water and similar liquids, light viscous liquids; medium viscous liquids; and/or high viscous liquids.

i

Since the strainers are used to remove unwanted suspended particles from damaging the pump and process equipment, the minimum slot opening of the element used in the strainer for the above categories can include, inter alia : water and similar liquids - 200 micron minimum or 70 mesh; light viscous liquids - 500 micron minimum or 35 mesh; medium viscous liquids - 750 micron minimum or 22 mesh; and/or high viscous liquids - 1000 micron minimum or 18 mesh. Even though the above standard is the normal practice, sometimes the process equipment designers use different standards of slot opening. The slot opening in a strainer is decided based on the viscosity and temperature of the liquid to be strained. The total filtration area of the strainer element can be calculated as follows: Total surface area of the element in a strainer = Nozzle Area x Safety factor x % Open Area of the element. The safety factor and the slot opening of the element can increase as the viscosity of the liquid to be strained increases.

When ΔΡ levels are reached in the case for water and similar liquids, the backwash cycle starts. Both inlet and outlet nozzles are closed and air or liquid is pumped under pressure through the backwash nozzle. The drain port is also opened to enable drainage of the slurry accumulated in the lower compartment of the body. The RIPBAC C strainer element of the present invention uses surface filtration principle in which the flow is always from out-to-in. As a result, the unwanted particles are deposited on the outer surface of the element and because of the profile wire construction of the element the deposited particles on the element has two point contact. During backwash due to the Venturi effect the particles are discharged easily from the outer surface of the element. This was not possible in conventional basket strainer since the flow was always from in- to-out, as a result solids always collected inside the basket and as a result the basket has to be taken out to discharge the unfiltered solids from inside the basket. RIPBAC Screen which is only a real surface filter element with a two point contact for the solid at any given time having a rigid construction and a precise slot opening with tapered profile wire to give Venturi effect during backwash to regain 100% filtration area even with difficult liquids and solids as against conventional wire mesh /perforated filter element which is not surface filtration element and on most occasions the suspended particles gets entrapped between the wire mesh. Furthermore, the construction of the woven mesh under current usage is of such a nature that the slots increase or decrease under pressure, as a result the woven mesh as well as get punctured. Description of Figures:

Figure 1 illustrates the design of the Back washable RIPBAC-C Strainer assembly suitable for inlet and outlet size according to some embodiments.

Figure 2 illustrates the design of the RIPBAC-C Strainer with manual scrapper assembly for the inlet and outlet size according to some embodiments.

Figure 3 illustrates the design of the RIPBAC-C Strainer with Gear box assembly for the inlet and outlet size according to some embodiments.

Figure 4 illustrates the design of the RIPBAC-C Strainer with suction Gear box assembly for the inlet and outlet size according to some embodiments.

Figure 5 illustrates the wire mesh element according to some embodiments.

Figure 6 illustrates the RIPBAC cylindrical and flat screen element according to some embodiments.

Figure 7 depicts in block diagram format a computerized system for automatically managing various processes of a back- washable strainer for water/viscous fluids, according to some embodiments.

Figure 8 depicts a computing system with a number of components that may be used to perform any of the processes described therein.

Figure 9 depicts in block diagram format a computerized process for automatically managing various processes of a back-washable strainer for water/viscous fluids, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Figure 1 illustrates the design of the strainer assembly suitable for inlet and outlet size, according to some embodiments. In one example the strainer assembly is suitable for various inlet and outlets sizes, such as, ranging from 20 NB (3/4") to 150 NB (6"). The strainer includes a body 1 in casting material and the body 1 is divided into two compartments namely a bottom liquid compartment marked as 1 1A and a top filtrate compartment marked as 1 IB. The bottom compartment 11A is connected to an inlet nozzle 2. The top compartment 1 IB through a transition port 12 is connected to the outlet nozzle 3. Both the inlet nozzle 2 and outlet nozzle 3 are in line and diametrically opposite to each other in construction. The end fittings of the inlet 2 and outlet 3 nozzles are for example, up to 65 NB, with flange ends or screwed ends. The connection above 65 NB to 150 NB is with flanged ends. The strainer is provided with a drain port 4 at the bottom of the body. The top lid 6 which also made out of casting can have a back wash nozzle 5. An '0' ring 15 and Allen bolt 14 for fixing the top lid 6 with the body of the strainer 1 and also to prevent leakage of filtrate from compartment 1 IB to outside.

The screen element 7 consists of a cartridge element 8, bottom closure plate 9 and top fixing flange 10 welded, to the element all in stainless steel construction. The top fixing flange has a '0' ring 13 for sealing the flow from compartment 11A to 11B. The filter element 7 and top lid 6 are connected with three tie rod no. 16 so that when the top lid is open, the filter element is removed for easy removal and refitting of the cylindrical element.

Figure 2 illustrates the design of the RIPBAC™ - C Strainer with manual scraper assembly suitable for inlet and outlet size, according to some embodiments. In one example the strainer assembly is suitable for various inlet and outlets sizes, such as, ranging from 50 NB (2) to 150 NB (6"). The strainer includes a body 1 in casting material and the body 1 is divided into two compartments namely a bottom liquid compartment marked as 11 A and a top filtrate compartment marked as 1 IB. The bottom compartment 11 A is connected to an inlet nozzle 2. The top compartment 1 IB through a transition port 12 is connected to the outlet nozzle 3. Both the inlet nozzle 2 and outlet nozzle 3 are in line and diametrically opposite to each other in construction. The end fittings of the inlet 2 and outlet 3 nozzles up to 150 NB are with flanged ends. The strainer is provided with a drain port 4 at the bottom of the body. The top lid 6 which also made out of casting will contain a stuffing box body. The gland packing 24 will be compressed by hexagonal nut 25 which prevent the filtrate liquid leaking out of the filtrate compartment 1 IB. The top lid 6 is bolted to the main body 1 through a Allen Bolt 14 and the leakage through this connection is prevented by the use of '0' Ring 15 provided on the top lid cover 6.

During normal operation of the Strainer the scraper will not be operated as a result during straining operation solids will be deposited on the outer surface of RIPBAC™ element 8. Once the differential pressure between inlet port & outlet port gets increased to the desired level, the cleaning operation will start.

The main advantage is that this Strainer is suitable for continuous operation. As a result even during operation without closing the inlet & outlet port, valve in drain port 4 is opened and with the help of the manual rotating handle 5, the deposited solids can be cleaned and discharged. This rotation of the handle will transmit the motion through the shaft 17 to RIPBAC™ element 7. The RIPBAC™ element 7 will rotate against adjustable scraper assembly 21. Two number of scraper assembly are fixed diametrically opposite to each other. During the rotation of the element the scraper will remove the suspended solids deposited on the element while the filtration operation will be still going on. Due to high density & free passage path at the bottom of the Strainer solid along with incoming liquid will drain through nozzle 4 in a slurry form.

The assembly of the scraper to make it stationary is done with the help of scraper tie rod mounting flange 10 & scraper shaft connector plate 19, scraper shaft & scraper shaft nut 20A & 20B and tie rod & tie rod nut 16A & 16B which gets fixed on top lid no.6. The leakage through the compartment 11 A to compartment 1 IB is prevented with the help of Ό' ring 13, The scraper tie rod mounting flange 10 is retained in position from rotation with the help of tie rod 16A & tie rod nut 16B. To give a smooth rotation movement for the filter element assembly the two bushes namely pin bush 18 & element resting bush 22 are provided so that the rotation of filter element is smooth.

Figures 3 RIPBAC™ -C Strainer with Gear box assembly, the difference between Figure 2 & Figure 3 is the replacement of the manual rotating handle 5 with gear box motor assembly consisting of gear box motor no. 5, Motor Stool No. 5, & shaft 17 are fixed with fixing nut 27 sot that shaft 17 do not slide out. All other construction of the Strainer body, element & scraper assembly will remain same. The cleaning arrangement in Fig. 2 & Fig. 3 is either with the help of scraper or a brush assembly based on the characteristic of the liquid & solid.

Figures 4 RIPBAC™ -C Suction strainer with suction, pipe gear box assembly. The difference between figure 3 & figure 4 is in the cleaning mechanism. All the other configuration of the strainer like body, element & drive mechanism for rotation of the element will be same. They differ only in the cleaning mechanism. Figure 3 the scraper cleans the deposited solids from outside the element. Whereas in figure 4 the suction pipe sucks the filtrate liquid from inside the element to outside whereby dislodging the filter cake from the surface of the element & dislodged cake in slurry form drains through the suction pipe. The cleaning operation takes about 15 to 20 seconds during which time the suction pipe is in a stationary position & element will rotate against the suction pipe to clean the element & to regain the filtration area. This is used for water like low viscosity liquids.

Figure 5 shows the wire mesh element according to some embodiments. The wire mesh element Figure 5, is a depth filter logically because of the round shape of the wire, wherein the solid particles can clog between two wires as shown in Fig. 5. During filtration process, due to the pressure exerted, the solid gets wedged between the wire. The flexibility of the wire mesh prevents back wash cleaning, resulting in the flow path being from in to out as in the present basket Strainers.

Figure 6 illustrates the RIPBAC™ screen element in two configurations namely flat & cylindrical construction according to some embodiments. The RIPBAC™ screen element in Figure 6 is a surface filter element logically because of the triangular profile wire shape due to which the solid particles gets only a two point contact where it is resting on the profile surface. The particle less than the slot opening between the profile wire easily passes through the gap to filtrate side and as a result clogging in a RIPBAC™ screen never takes place.

The figure of screen as shown in Figure 6, includes a V-shaped profile wire 20 and the V-shaped support rod 21 welded at each intersecting point. This is the surface filtration element. The slot opening is available at the entry point of the infeed, as the triangular profile wire gests widened as it travels inwards. Due to the flat surface of the screen the deposited solid particles on the profile wire can have a two point contact and will rest loosely on the surface. During back wash because of the V-Shaped profile wire the back wash fluid exhibits the Venturi effect and dislodges the solids from top surface of the profile wire very easily, making available the entire surface for further filtration.

The filtration area of the screen is calculated for minimum slot opening of 200 microns for liquid like water and similar liquids: For viscous liquids the filtration area is calculated for a minimum slot opening of 500 micron and above. Operating details and functions are same for all the types of liquids.

The back- washable strainer can be used for almost all liquids in number of plants including, inter alia: chemical; pharmaceuticals; chloro alkali; paper and pulp; cosmetics and oral care; food processing; sugar; starch; oil and fats; beverages; paints and polymers; iron and steel; power plants; agricultural and irrigation; petrochemical; nuclear; water and waste water treatment; oil and gas; desalination; municipal water; effluent treatment plants and sewage treatment plants; and/or dyes and pigments. The liquid to be strained in any plant can include various categories including, inter alia: water and similar liquids. Since the strainers are used to remove unwanted suspended particles from damaging the pump and process equipment the minimum slot opening of the element used in the strainer for the above categories can include, inter alia : water and similar liquids - 150 micron minimum or 100 mesh; light viscous liquids - 500 micron minimum or 35 mesh; medium viscous liquids - 750 micron minimum or 22 mesh; and/or high viscous liquids - 1000 micron minimum or 18 mesh. Even though the above standard is the normal practice sometimes the process equipment designers use different standards of slot opening. The slot opening in a strainer is decided based on the viscosity and temperature of the liquid to be strained. The total filtration area of the strainer element can be calculated as follows : Total surface area of the element in a strainer = Nozzle Area x Safety factor x % Open Area of the element. The safety factor and the slot opening of the element increases, as the viscosity of the liquid to be strained increases.

The RIPBAC™ C strainer element uses surface filtration principle in which the flow is always from out to in. As a result the unwanted particles are deposited on the outer surface of the element and because of the profile wire construction of the element the deposited particles on the element has two points of contact. During backwash due to the Venturi effect the particles are discharged easily from the outer surface of the element. This was not possible in conventional basket strainer since the flow was always from in to out as a result solids always collected inside the basket and as a result the basket has to be taken out to discharge the unfiltered solids from inside the basket. RIPBAC™ Screen which is a real surface filter element with only a two point contact for the solid at any given time having a rigid construction and a precise slot opening with tapered profile wire to give Venturi effect during backwash can regain 100% filtration area even with difficult liquids and solids as against conventional wiremesh /perforated filter element which is not surface filtration element and on most occasions the suspended particles gets entrapped between the wire mesh. Furthermore, the construction of the woven mesh under current usage is of such a nature that the slots can increase or decrease under pressure as a result bypass these solids as well as get punctured. By using the RIPBAC™screen with a the flow direction from out to in, results in making strainer suitable for a clean in place working model, doing away with the physical opening and removal of the strainer and cleaning the same without opening it. Some embodiments also seeks to minimize the downtime to a few seconds at a time instead of a few hours that is required to clean and put the strainer back. The systems and devices of Figures 1,2 and 3 can be used for (CIP) Clean in-place strainer, with minimized downtime, lower replacement of spare parts and enhances the productivity and efficiency of the filter, all resulting directly and distinctly in a greener, more efficient and cost effective filter creating an economic advantage.

Figure 7 depicts, in block diagram format, a computerized system 700 for automatically managing various processes of a back-washable strainer for water / viscous fluids, according to some embodiments. The entities of system 700 communicate via various computer networks such as computer network 702 (e.g. the Internet, Local area networks, Ethernet, PCIs, cellular networks, etc.). Strainer 704 includes any straining system provided supra in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Strainer controller 706 includes a computing system that functions a device driver of strainer 704. As used herein, a device driver is a computer program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is attached to a computer. Strainer controller 706 is implemented with various integrated circuits (e.g. a communication chip, a device driver chip etc.). In some examples, strainer controller 706 communicates with a remote server 708. Remote server 708 provides instructions to strainer controller 706 that operates the various operations of strainer 704. Various sensors are included in Strainer 704. Measurements of said sensors are collected by strainer controller 706. These sensor measurements are formatted for communication via computer networks 702 by strainer controller 706. Strainer controller 706 periodically communicates said sensor measurements to remote server 708. Remote server 708 collects sensor measurements of various strainers. Remote server 708 diagnoses various states of the set of strainers. For example, remote server 708 determines that various strainers have reached a state to be cleaned (e.g. whether the pre-set levels of differential pressure has been reached). Remote server 708 provides instructions for cleaning operations of one or more strainers under its supervision. Remote server 708 is implemented in a cloud-computer platform. Remote server 708 implements process 800. Remote server 708 is implemented by example computing system 700 infra. Remote server 708 includes functionalities for communicating with a system administrator in a human-readable format. For example, remote server 708 messages a system administrator (e.g. text message, micro-blog, email etc.) the state of strainer 704, including message to start manual rotation of the scrapper assembly etc.

Figure 8 depicts an example computing system 800 that is configured to perform any one of the processes provided herein. In this context, computing system 800 includes, for example, a processor and I/O devices (e.g. monitor, keyboard, disk drive, Internet connection etc.). However, computing system 800 includes circuitry or other specialized hardware for carrying out some or all aspects of the processes. In some operational settings, computing system 800 is configured as a system that includes one or more units, each of which is configured to carry out some aspects of the processes either in software, hardware, or some combination thereof.

The computing system 800 is with a number of components that are used to perform any of the processes described herein. The main system 802 includes a motherboard 804 having an I/O section 806, one or more central processing units (CPU) 808, and a memory section 810, which may have a flash memory card 812 related to it. The I/O section 806 is connected to a display 814, a keyboard and/or other user input (not shown), a disk storage unit 816, and a media drive unit 818. The media drive unit 818 reads / writes a computer-readable medium 820, which can contain programs 822 and/or date. Computing system 800 can include a web browser. Moreover, it is noted that computing system 800 is configured to include additional systems in order to fulfill various functionalities. Computing system 800 communicates with other computing devices based on various computer communication protocols such a Wi-Fi protocols, Bluetooth® (and/or other standards for exchanging data over short distances include those using short- wavelength ratio transmission), cellular data network protocols, short messaging system protocols, TCP/HTTP protocols, etc.

Figure 9 depicts, in block diagram format, a computerized process 900 for automatically managing various processes of a strainer for water/viscous fluids, according to some embodiments. In step 902 of process 900, the deposit of solid particles is detected on. the surface of the filtration element of a backwash strainer. The backwash strainer is the backwash strainer systems provided supra. Various sensors are utilized to detect the accumulation of solid particles on the surface of the filtration element (e.g. pressure sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors etc.). In step 904, it is determined if the particle deposition or differential pressure between the inlet and outlet exceeds a specified threshold. If no, the process 900 returns to step 902. If yes, then process 900 proceeds to step 906. In step 906, a backwash cycle or a suction cycle or a scrapper cycle (e.g. as provided supra) is initiated depending upon the viscosity of the fluid. In some embodiments, the cleaning cycle is implemented for a pre-defined time period. In other example embodiments, the cleaning cycle is terminated when the sensors detect that the deposited particles on the surface filtration element are below another specified threshold or the differential pressure is below a preset limit. Optionally, in step 908, a report that includes the information used by process 900 is automatically generated (e.g. by strainer controller 706) and communicate to a remote server (e.g. remote server 708) or other computing entity.

Disclosed are a system, method, and article for different method of cleaning a strainer for water/viscous fluids. The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make the use the various embodiments. Descriptions of specific devices, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the examples described herein can be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, machine learning techniques, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art can recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labelled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions therefore, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the methods and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types are employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instances, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. Although the present embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments. For example, the various devices, modules, etc. described herein can be enabled and operated using hardware circuitry, firmware, software or any combination of hardware, firmware, and software (e.g., embodied in a machine-readable medium).

In addition, it is to be appreciated that the various operations, processes, and methods disclosed herein are embodied in a machine-readable medium and/or a machine accessible medium compatible with a data processing system (e.g. a computer system), and performed in any other (e.g. including using means for achieving the various operations). Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. In some embodiments, the machine-readable medium can be a non-transitory form of machine-readable medium.