Filter element and methods

Details Filter element and methods Filter element and methods

1999-02-26

2001-04-24

Simmons, David A. (Department: 1724)

Gas separation

With means securing or retaining separating media

Unit or cohesive sheet-like media in flow line or frame

C055S385300, C055S502000, C055S510000, C055S511000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06221122

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This disclosure relates to filters, filter constructions, and methods of filtering and servicing filters. In particular, this disclosure concerns filters for removing particulate materials from engine air intake streams.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In general, air cleaner arrangements are utilized to filter combustion air intake streams for various engine applications, including for example, for vehicles and stationary engines. One typical approach has been to utilize a primary element to remove the bulk of particulates, and a secondary element, downstream of the primary element. The secondary element is used to catch larger particulate matter that may have, for one reason or another, made it past the primary filter element. For example, if the primary filter element fails, or becomes unsealed, the secondary element is oriented to protect the engine from any large particles and debris.
Further, in many types of systems, the primary filter element becomes loaded with particulates, and needs to be replaced. During the replacement process, particulate material and debris can fall off of the primary element and into the air intake duct of the engine. It is desirable to have a secondary element positioned to catch any of the particulates and debris that fall off of the primary element when it is being serviced and replaced.
A variety of air filter or gas filter arrangements have been developed for particulate removal. In general, however, continued improvements are sought.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The disclosure describes a filter element including a frame construction and a region of media held by the frame construction. The region of media is oriented within the frame construction to remove at least some particulates from a gas stream passing therethrough. Preferably, the region of media includes a skirted portion. The skirted portion is preferably constructed and arranged to be sufficiently compressible to be foldable over an outer periphery of the frame construction.
Preferably, the region of media comprises noncylindrical, nonpleated media. For example, the region of media can comprise fibrous, nonwoven media.
In preferred applications, the filter element according to the disclosure can be used in systems including an engine with an air intake duct and an air filter arrangement for cleaning air being taken into the engine. The air filter arrangement can include a first, or primary filter element and a removable and replaceable second, or safety filter element mounted in the air intake duct downstream of the first filter element. Preferably, the second filter element includes a region of filter media having a skirted portion. The skirted portion is positioned between and against the air intake duct and a frame construction of the second filter element.
Methods of using and servicing a filter element according to the disclosure are described. For example, one method of servicing includes positioning a filter element according to constructions described herein into a duct, such that a skirted portion will be positioned between an outer periphery of the frame and an inner wall of the duct.


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