(19)

(11)

EP 1 156 871 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 28.11.2001 Bulletin 2001/48 (21) Application number: 99945344.2 (22) Date of filing: 31.08.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B01F 3/04 (86) International application number: PCT/US9919/898 (87) International publication number: WO 0051/717 (08.09.2000 Gazette 2000/36)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 02.03.1999 WO PCT/US99/00046 (71) Applicant: United States Filter Corporation Palm Desert,CA 92211 (US)	(72) Inventor: DOWNS, Ernest, W. Cincinnati, OH 45255 (US) (74) Representative: Holmes, Matthew Peter et al MARKS & CLERK,Sussex House,83-85 Mosley Street Manchester M2 3LG Manchester M2 3LG (GB)