Gas separation – Two or more separators – Three or more serially spaced
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-17
2001-02-13
Simmons, David A. (Department: 1724)
Gas separation
Two or more separators
Three or more serially spaced
C055S318000, C055S323000, C055S350100, C055S385300, C055S327000, C055S502000, C123S19800E
Reexamination Certificate
active
06187073
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to systems and methods for cleaning air and separating hydrophobic fluids (such as oils), that are entrained as aerosols, from gas streams (for example, air streams). Preferred arrangements also provide for filtration of other fine contaminants, for example carbon material, from the gas streams. Methods for conducting the separations are also provided.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Certain gas streams, such as blow-by gases from diesel engines, carry substantial amounts of entrained oils therein, as aerosol. The majority of the oil droplets within the aerosol are generally within the size of 0.1-10.0 microns.
In addition, such gas streams also carry substantial amounts of fine contaminant, such as carbon contaminants. Such contaminants generally have an average particle size of about 0.1-1 microns.
In some systems, it is desirable to vent such gases to the atmosphere. In general, it is preferred that before the gases are vented to the atmosphere, the gases be cleaned of a substantial portion of the aerosol and/or organic particulate contaminants therein.
In other instances, it is desirable to direct the air or gas stream into equipment. When such is the case, it may be desirable to separate aerosol and/or particulates from the stream during the circulation in order to provide such benefits as: reduced negative effects on the downstream equipment; improved efficiency; recapture of otherwise lost oils; and/or to address environmental concerns.
A variety of efforts have been directed to the above types of concerns. The variables toward which improvements are desired generally concern the following: (a) size/efficiency concerns; that is, a desire for good efficiency of separation while at the same time avoidance of a requirement for a large separator system; (b) cost/efficiency; that is, a desire for good or high efficiency without the requirement of substantially expensive systems; (c) versatility; that is, development of systems that can be adapted for a wide variety of applications and uses without significant re-engineering; and, (d) cleanability/regeneratability; that is, development of systems that can be readily cleaned (or regenerated) if such becomes desired after prolonged use.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
A filter arrangement includes an air cleaner and an aerosol separator construction. The aerosol separator construction includes a coalescer filter, a housing construction, a second stage filter element, and a liquid collection arrangement. Preferably, a gaseous stream (for example, crankcase blow-by gas flow) is directed through the coalescer filter. The coalescer filter will act as a prefilter to remove carbon materials from the blow-by gas, and separate the gaseous stream into a liquid phase and a gas phase. Preferably, the gas phase is directed downstream through the second stage element and then into an airflow tube. In preferred constructions, the air cleaner is oriented for filtering air being taken in (for example, into a turbo) through the airflow tube.
In preferred embodiments, the filter arrangement, when operably assembled, will include a seal between the air cleaner and the second stage element; and a seal between the second stage element and the housing construction.
In one embodiment, the air cleaner includes a centering construction having a neck circumscribed by the airflow tube; and a lip circumscribing an outer periphery of the housing construction.
Preferably, the coalescer filter, the second stage element, and the air cleaner are removable and replaceable from the overall assembly.
Methods of filtering and servicing are described and will include constructions as described above.
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Dushek Robert Allen
Gieseke Steven Scott
Donaldson & Company, Inc.
Merchant & Gould P.C.
Pham Minh-Chau T.
Simmons David A.
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