U.S. patent application number 13/397113 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-15 for filter with shaped flow path combinations.
This patent application is currently assigned to CUMMINS FILTRATION IP INC.. Invention is credited to Michael J. Connor, Peter K. Herman, Christopher E. Holm, Scott W. Schwartz.
Application Number | 20120285902 13/397113 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47139488 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120285902 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holm; Christopher E. ; et
al. |
November 15, 2012 |
Filter with Shaped Flow Path Combinations
Abstract
A filter includes a plurality of annular filter elements
arranged in axially staggered relation. An axial flow path includes
a plurality of flow path segments, some being filtered by a
respective filter element, and others bypassing a respective filter
element. Various combinations are provided.
Inventors: |
Holm; Christopher E.;
(Madison, WI) ; Connor; Michael J.; (Stoughton,
WI) ; Herman; Peter K.; (Stoughton, WI) ;
Schwartz; Scott W.; (Cottage Grove, WI) |
Assignee: |
CUMMINS FILTRATION IP INC.
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
47139488 |
Appl. No.: |
13/397113 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61484533 |
May 10, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/790 ;
210/335; 55/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 46/0021 20130101;
B01D 29/216 20130101; B01D 46/0012 20130101; B01D 46/2411 20130101;
B01D 29/073 20130101; B01D 29/54 20130101; B01D 2275/206 20130101;
B01D 46/528 20130101; B01D 35/02 20130101; B01D 2275/207 20130101;
B01D 2275/208 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/790 ;
210/335; 55/484 |
International
Class: |
B01D 29/54 20060101
B01D029/54; B01D 46/00 20060101 B01D046/00; B01D 37/00 20060101
B01D037/00 |
Claims
1. A filter for filtering fluid flowing along an axial flow path in
an axial direction from upstream to downstream, comprising first
and second axially staggered filter elements, said flow path having
a first flow path segment flowing axially through said first filter
element and filtered thereby, a second flow path segment flowing
axially along a path laterally adjacent said first filter element
and unfiltered thereby, said second flow path segment being
laterally adjacent said first flow path segment, a third flow path
segment flowing axially through said second filter element and
filtered thereby, a fourth flow path segment flowing axially along
a path laterally adjacent said second filter element and unfiltered
thereby, said fourth flow path segment being laterally adjacent
said third flow path segment, said third and fourth flow path
segments being axially downstream of said first and second flow
path segments, said first flow path segment flowing serially into
said fourth flow path segment, said second flow path segment
flowing serially into said third flow path segment, wherein one of
said second and fourth flow path segments has an eccentric shape in
lateral cross-section relative to a respective one of said first
and third flow path segments.
2. The filter according to claim 1 wherein said eccentric shape is
a crescent.
3. The filter according to claim 1 wherein said second flow path
segment has said eccentric shape relative to said first flow path
segment.
4. The filter according to claim 3 wherein in combination: said
third flow path segment concentrically surrounds said fourth flow
path segment; and said second flow path segment partially surrounds
said first flow path segment.
5. The filter according to claim 1 wherein said fourth flow path
segment has said eccentric shape relative to said third flow path
segment.
6. The filter according to claim 5 wherein in combination: said
first flow path segment concentrically surrounds said second flow
path segment; and said fourth flow path segment partially surrounds
said third flow path segment.
7. The filter according to claim 1 wherein one of said filter
elements is eccentrically offset relative to the other of said
filter elements.
8. The filter according to claim 7 wherein said first filter
element is a first annular filter element having a first centerline
extending axially along a first axis along said axial direction,
said second filter element is a second annular filter element
having a second centerline extending axially along a second axis
along said axial direction, wherein said first and second axes are
laterally spaced from each other such that said first and second
centerlines are laterally offset from each other and axially
nonaligned.
9. The filter according to claim 1 comprising a transfer duct
extending between said first and second filter elements and
separating and isolating said first and fourth flow path segments
from said second and third flow path segments.
10. The filter according to claim 9 wherein said transfer duct has
a transition section between said first and second filter elements,
wherein said transition section is an eccentric frustocone.
11. The filter according to claim 9 wherein said transfer duct has
a first flow port at said first filter element, and a second flow
port at said second filter element, one of said flow ports having a
centerline extending axially along a given axis, the other of said
flow ports being eccentrically disposed about said given axis.
12. The filter according to claim 11 wherein said other flow port
has a circumference defined along a varying radius from said given
axis.
13. The filter according to claim 12 wherein said other flow port
has a first diameter, said one flow port has a second diameter, and
said second diameter is smaller than said first diameter.
14. The filter according to claim 1 wherein said first and second
filter elements are positioned in a housing having laterally
distally opposite first and second lateral sides, and having an
elbow downstream of said second filter element, said elbow having
an inner curve and an outer curve, said outer curve having a larger
radius of curvature than said inner curve, said outer curve being
at said first lateral side of said housing, said eccentric shape of
said one of said second and fourth flow path segments providing a
lateral cross-sectional flow area with a first portion larger than
a second portion, and wherein said first portion is at said first
lateral side of said housing.
15. The filter according to claim 14 wherein said first portion and
said outer curve are axially aligned along said first lateral
side.
16. The filter according to claim 14 wherein said eccentric shape
is a crescent having a largest cross-sectional flow area at said
first portion.
17. A method for reducing pressure drop in a filter for a housing
extending axially along an axial direction and having a downstream
elbow, said filter filtering fluid flowing along an axial path in
the axial direction from upstream to downstream, comprising
providing and second axially staggered filter elements, providing
said flow path having a first flow path segment flowing axially
through said first filter element and filtered thereby, a second
flow path flowing axially along a path laterally adjacent said
first filter element and unfiltered thereby, said second flow path
segment being laterally adjacent said first flow path segment, a
third flow path segment flowing axially through said second filter
element and filtered thereby, and a fourth flow path segment
flowing axially along a path laterally adjacent said second filter
element and unfiltered thereby, said fourth flow path segment being
laterally adjacent said third flow path segment, providing said
third and fourth flow path segments axially downstream of said
first and second flow path segments, flowing said first flow path
segment serially into said fourth flow path segment, flowing said
second flow path segment serially into said third flow path
segment, providing one of said second and fourth flow path segments
with an eccentric shape in lateral cross-section relative to a
respective one of said first and third flow path segments,
positioning said first and second filter elements in said housing,
providing said housing with laterally distally opposite first and
second lateral sides, providing an elbow downstream of said second
filter element, providing said elbow with an inner curve and an
outer curve, said outer curve having a larger radius of curvature
than said inner curve, providing said outer curve at said first
lateral side of said housing, providing said eccentric shape of
said one of said second and fourth flow path segments with a
lateral cross-sectional flow area with a first portion larger than
a second portion, providing said first portion at said first
lateral side of said housing.
18. The method according to claim 17 comprising axially aligning
said first portion and said outer curve along said first lateral
side.
19. The method according to claim 17 comprising providing said
eccentric shape as a crescent having a largest cross-sectional flow
area at said first portion.
20. A filter for filtering fluid flowing along an axial flow path
in an axial direction from upstream to downstream, comprising first
and second axially staggered filter elements, said flow path having
a first flow path segment flowing axially through said first filter
element and filtered thereby, a second flow path segment flowing
axially along a path laterally adjacent said first filter element
and unfiltered thereby, said second flow path segment being
laterally adjacent said first flow path segment, a third flow path
segment flowing axially through said second filter element and
filtered thereby, a fourth flow path segment flowing axially along
a path laterally adjacent said second filter element and unfiltered
thereby, said fourth flow path segment being laterally adjacent
said third flow path segment, said third and fourth flow path
segments being axially downstream of said first and second flow
path segments, said first flow path segment flowing serially into
said fourth flow path segment, said second flow path segment
flowing serially into said third flow path segment, wherein one of
said flow path segments has a crescent shape in lateral
cross-section.
21. The filter according to claim 20 wherein said crescent shaped
flow path segment is one of said second and fourth flow path
segments.
22. The filter according to claim 21 wherein in combination: said
third flow path segment concentrically surrounds said fourth flow
path segment; and said crescent shaped flow path segment is said
second flow path segment and partially surrounds said first flow
path segment.
23. The filter according to claim 21 wherein: said first flow path
segment concentrically surrounds said second path segment; and said
crescent shaped flow path segment is said fourth flow path segment
and partially surrounds said third flow path segment.
24. A filter for filtering fluid flowing along an axial flow path
in an axial direction from upstream to downstream, comprising first
and second axially staggered filter elements, said flow path having
a first flow path segment flowing axially through said first filter
element and filtered thereby, a second flow path segment flowing
axially along a path laterally adjacent said first filter element
and unfiltered thereby, said second flow path segment being
laterally adjacent said first flow path segment, a third flow path
segment flowing axially through said second filter element and
filtered thereby, a fourth flow path segment flowing axially along
a path laterally adjacent said second filter element and unfiltered
thereby, said fourth flow path segment being laterally adjacent
said third flow path segment, said third and fourth flow path
segments being axially downstream of said first and second flow
path segments, said first flow path segment flowing serially into
said fourth flow path segment, said second flow path segment
flowing serially into said third flow path segment, wherein said
first filter element is a first annular filter element having a
first centerline extending axially along a first axis along said
axial direction, said second filter element is a second annular
filter element having a second centerline extending axially along
said second axis along said axial direction, said first and second
axes are laterally spaced from each other such that said first and
second centerlines are laterally offset from each other and axially
nonaligned.
25. The filter according to claim 24 comprising a transfer duct
extending between said first and second filter elements and
separating and isolating said first and fourth flow path segments
from said second and third flow path segments.
26. The filter according to claim 25 wherein said transfer duct has
a transition section between said first and second filter elements,
wherein said transition section is an eccentric frustocone.
27. The filter according to claim 25 wherein said transfer duct has
a first flow port at said first filter element, and a second flow
port at said second filter element, one of said flow ports having a
centerline extending axially along a given axis, the other of said
flow ports being eccentrically disposed about said given axis.
28. The filter according to claim 27 wherein said other flow port
has a circumference defined along a varying radius from said given
axis.
29. The filter according to claim 24 wherein one of said filter
elements has a hollow interior.
30. The filter according to claim 24 wherein one of said filter
elements has a non-hollow interior.
31. The filter according to claim 24 wherein one of said filter
elements has a hollow interior, and the other of said filter
elements has a non-hollow interior.
32. The filter element according to claim 24 wherein said fluid is
air.
33. The filter according to claim 24 wherein said fluid is
liquid.
34. The filter according to claim 24 wherein the annulus of said
annular filter elements has a shape selected from a circle, an
oval, a racetrack, an oblong, a kidney, a triangle, a pear, a
rectangle, or other closed-loop shape.
35. The filter according to claim 24 wherein said annular filter
elements are selected from the group of corrugated, fluted,
radially pleated, and circumferentially pleated filter media, with
or without embossment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority from
Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/484,533, filed May 10,
2011, incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0002] The invention relates to filters for filtering fluid,
including air, liquid, and other fluids.
[0003] Filter arrangements with high packaging effectiveness and
flexibility in layout remain a continuing need and challenge,
including maintaining performance while maximizing space
utilization.
[0004] The present invention arose during continuing development
efforts in the above technology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a filter in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the filter of
FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a separated perspective view of the components of
FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 4 is an assembled view of the components of FIG. 3.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a top view of one embodiment of the filter of FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 6 is like FIG. 5 and shows another embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 7 is like FIG. 1 and shows another embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 8 is like FIG. 7 and shows another embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 9 is like FIG. 1 and shows another embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 10 is like FIG. 1 and shows another embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 11 is like FIG. 10 and shows a further embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Reference is made to commonly owned co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket 4191-008818 and Ser.
No. ______, Attorney Docket 4191-00835, filed on even date
herewith, and having a common specification herewith.
[0017] FIGS. 1-4 show a filter 20 for a housing 22 extending
axially along an axial direction 24 and directing fluid along an
axial flow path therethrough from upstream to downstream, e.g.
downwardly in FIG. 1. The filter includes a plurality of annular
filter elements such as 26, 28 for positioning in the housing. The
annular filter elements may have an open center, as shown for
annular filter element 28, or may have a closed center, with filter
media extending all the way thereacross, as shown at annular filter
element 26. The axis of the annulus of each annular filter element
extends axially along axial direction 24. The annular filter
elements are arranged in axially staggered relation in housing 22.
The plurality of annular filter elements include at least a first
annular filter element 26, and a second annular filter element 28
axially downstream of first annular filter element 26. Each of the
filter elements filters fluid by passing the fluid axially
therethrough, namely by passing the fluid through alternately
sealed upstream ends of axially extending flow channels, then
laterally through a filter media wall segment, then axially through
alternately sealed downstream ends of the axial flow channels, as
is known, for example as shown in the following U.S. patents,
incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,482,247;
6,511,599; 6,776,814; 6,860,917; 6,887,343; 6,946,012; 7,211,226;
7,258,719; 7,323,105. The filter element may be provided by coiled,
corrugated, fluted, radially pleated, or circumferentially pleated
filter media, with or without embossment.
[0018] The fluid flow path has a plurality of flow path segments,
including: a first flow path segment 30 flowing axially through
first annular filter element 26 and filtered thereby; a second flow
path segment 32 flowing axially along a path laterally adjacent
first annular filter element 26 and unfiltered thereby, with the
second flow path segment 32 being parallel to and laterally
adjacent first flow path segment 30; a third flow path segment 34
flowing axially through second annular filter element 28 and
filtered thereby; and a fourth flow path segment 26 flowing axially
along a path laterally adjacent second annular filter element 28
and unfiltered thereby, with the fourth flow path segment 36 being
parallel to and laterally adjacent third flow path segment 34.
Third and fourth flow path segments 34 and 36 are axially
downstream of first and second flow path segments 30 and 32. First
flow path segment 30 flows serially into fourth flow path segment
36. Second flow path segment 32 flows serially into third flow path
segment 34. Inner duct 38 separates and isolates flow path segments
30 and 36 from flow path segments 32 and 34. First flow path
segment 30 has a first subsegment 30a and a second subsegment 30b.
Third flow path segment 34 has a third subsegment 34a and a fourth
subsegment 34b. Fluid flows rectilinearly between first subsegment
30a and fourth flow path segment 36. Fluid flows rectilinearly
between second flow path segment 32 and third subsegment 34a. Fluid
flows curvilinearly as shown as arrow 31 between second subsegment
30b and fourth flow path segment 36. Fluids flows curvilinearly as
shown at arrow 33 between second flow path segment 32 and fourth
subsegment 34b.
[0019] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, fluid flows rectilinearly from
second flow path segment 32 to third subsegment 34a, and fluid
flows rectilinearly from first subsegment 30a to fourth flow path
segment 36. First subsegment 30a and second flow path segment 32
are parallel to each other. Third subsegment 34a and fourth flow
path segment 36 are parallel to each other. Second subsegment 30b
concentrically surrounds first subsegment 30a. Third subsegment 34a
concentrically surrounds fourth subsegment 34b.
[0020] Inner duct 38 provides a transition flow duct guiding flow
from a first stage at first annular filter element 26 to a second
stage at second annular filter element 28. The transition flow duct
38 has an axial extension portion 40 mounting and supporting one of
the first and second annular filter elements, e.g. annular filter
element 28, in the housing. Axial extension portion 40 of
transition flow duct 38 extends axially into the noted one annular
filter element, e.g. 28, and is circumscribed thereby and provides
mounting support therefor. Transition flow duct 38 has another
axial extension portion 42 extending in the opposite direction and
circumscribing and mounting and supporting the other of the annular
filter elements, e.g. annular filter element 26. In one embodiment,
axial extension portion 40 of transition flow duct 38 is a support
core around which annular filter element 28 is coiled, and axial
extension portion 42 of transition flow duct 38 is a support shell
within which annular filter element 26 is coiled. Axial extension
portion 42 extends axially along and circumscribes annular filter
element 26 and provides mounting support therefor. The transition
flow duct has a first diameter section at 44 and a second diameter
section at 46, with the second diameter section 46 having a smaller
diameter than first diameter section 44. First diameter section 44
interfaces with annular filter element 26 and guides flow
therethrough which is filtered by annular filter element 26.
Annular filter element 28 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 has a hollow
interior at 47. The noted second diameter section 40 interfaces
with annular filter element 28 at hollow interior 47 and guides
flow therethrough which is unfiltered by annular filter element 28.
Transition flow duct 38 has an intermediate section as shown at 48
extending between first and second diameter sections 44 and 46 and
guiding flow therebetween to transition from the noted first stage
to the noted second stage. Intermediate section 48 is tapered along
a frustoconical taper between the first and second diameter
sections 44 and 46. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, fluid flows from
upstream to downstream from first diameter section 44 to second
diameter section 46. For performance data, reference is made to the
incorporated '533 provisional application, page 14, including FIGS.
14, 15. In another embodiment, to be described in conjunction with
FIG. 9, fluid flows from upstream to downstream from the second
diameter section to the first diameter section. The fluid may be
air or liquid. The annulus of the annular filter elements may have
various shapes, including a circle, FIG. 5, an oval or racetrack,
FIG. 6, and other shapes including an oblong, a kidney, a triangle,
a pear, a rectangle, or other closed-loop shapes, and, as used
herein, the term annular and annular includes the noted and other
closed-loop shapes.
[0021] Fluid flow through second flow path segment 32 bypasses
first annular filter element 26 and instead is filtered by second
annular filter element 28 at third flow path segment 34 downstream
of second flow path segment 32 and receiving unfiltered fluid flow
serially therefrom. First annular filter element 26 may, if
spirally wound tightly with no interior, include filter media
across the entire lateral width thereof Alternatively, annular
filter element 26 may be spirally wound with a hollow interior
which is then capped with an upstream cap, e.g. 49, FIGS. 3, 4,
blocking fluid flow axially into such hollow interior. Second
annular filter element 28 is spirally wound around a mandrel or the
like, as is known, to include a hollow interior 47 through which
fluid flows axially along the noted fourth flow path segment 36.
Second annular filter element 28 extends laterally outwardly all
the way to the wall of housing 22. First annular filter element 26
does not extend laterally outwardly all the way to the wall of
housing 22, but rather is laterally spaced inwardly thereof by an
annular concentric gap 50 through which fluid flows axially along
the noted second flow path segment 32. An upstream spacer ring or
cage 51 may be used to maintain such spacing at gap 50.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment for a filter 52 having a
housing 53 extending axially along an axial direction 54 and
directing fluid along an axial flow path from upstream to
downstream, e.g. downwardly in FIG. 7. A plurality of annular
filter elements such as 56, 58, 60 are provided in the housing. The
axis of the annulus of each annular filter element extends axially
along axial direction 54. The annular filter elements 56, 58, 60
are arranged in axially staggered relation in housing 53. The
plurality of annular filter elements include at least a first
annular filter element 56, and a second annular filter element 58
axially downstream of first annular filter element 56. Housing 53
has a plurality of flow path segments therethrough, including: a
first flow path segment 62 flowing axially through first annular
filter element 56 and filtered thereby; a second flow path segment
64 flowing axially along a path laterally adjacent first annular
filter element 56 and unfiltered thereby, with the second flow path
segment 64 being parallel to and laterally adjacent the first flow
path segment 62; a third flow path segment 66 flowing axially
through second annular filter element 58 and filtered thereby; a
fourth flow path segment 68 flowing axially along a path laterally
adjacent second annular filter element 58 and unfiltered thereby,
with the fourth flow path segment 68 being parallel to and
laterally adjacent the third flow path segment 66. Third and fourth
flow path segments 66 and 68 are axially downstream of first and
second flow path segments 62 and 64. First flow path segment 62
flows serially into fourth flow path segment 68. Second flow path
segment 64 flows serially into third flow path segment 66. A fifth
flow path segment 70 flows axially along a path laterally adjacent
second annular filter element 58 and is unfiltered thereby. Fifth
flow path segment 70 is parallel to and laterally adjacent third
flow path segment 66. Third flow path segment 66 is laterally
between fourth and fifth flow path segments 68 and 70. A third
annular filter element 60 is axially downstream of second annular
filter element 58. A sixth flow path segment 72 flows axially
through third annular filter element 60 and is filtered thereby. A
seventh flow path segment 74 flows axially along a path laterally
adjacent third annular filter element 60 and is unfiltered thereby.
Seventh flow path segment 74 is parallel to and laterally adjacent
sixth flow path segment 72. Sixth and seventh flow path segments 72
and 74 are axially downstream of third, fourth and fifth flow path
segments 66, 68 and 70. Fourth flow path segment 68 flows serially
into seventh flow path segment 74. Third flow path segment 66 flows
serially into seventh flow path segment 74. Fifth flow path segment
70 flows serially into sixth flow path segment 72. Sixth and
seventh flow path segments 72 and 74 join at a common duct 76
downstream of third annular filter element 60 to discharge clean
fluid therefrom. Inner duct 78 separates and isolates flow path
segments 62 and 68 from flow path segments 64, 66 and 70. Timer
duct 80 separates and isolates flow path segments 66, 68 and 74
from flow path segments 70 and 72.
[0023] Fluid flow through second flow path segment 64 bypasses
first annular filter element 56 and instead some of such flow is
filtered by second annular element 58 at third flow path segment 66
downstream of second flow path segment 64 and receiving unfiltered
fluid flow serially therefrom. Fluid flow through fourth flow path
segment 68 bypasses second annular filter element 58 and instead is
filtered by first annular element 56 at first flow path segment 62
upstream of fourth flow path segment 68 and supplying filtered
fluid serially thereto. Fluid flow through fifth flow path segment
70 bypasses second annular filter element 58 and instead is
filtered by third annular filter element 60 at sixth flow path
segment 72 downstream of fifth flow path segment 70 and receiving
unfiltered fluid flow serially therefrom. Fluid flow through
seventh flow path segment 74 bypasses third annular filter element
60 and instead is filtered by first annular filter element 56 at
flow path segment 62 upstream of seventh and fourth flow path
segments 74 and 68 and supplying filtered fluid flow serially
thereto. Furthermore, fluid flow through seventh flow path segment
74 bypasses third annular filter element 60 and instead some of
such flow is filtered by second annular filter element 58 at third
flow path segment 66 upstream of seventh flow path segment 74 and
supplying filtered fluid flow serially thereto. Second flow path
segment 64 concentrically surrounds first flow path segment 62.
Third flow path segment 66 concentrically surrounds fourth flow
path segment 68. Fifth flow path segment 70 concentrically
surrounds third flow path segment 66. Sixth flow path segment 72
concentrically surrounds seventh flow path segment 74.
[0024] The tri-flow path combination of FIG. 7 includes a first
flow path provided by a filtered-bypass-bypass flow path 62-68-74
provided by a first portion 62 filtered by first filter element 56,
a second portion 68 bypassing second filter element 58 and
unfiltered thereby, and a third portion 74 bypassing third filter
element 60 and unfiltered thereby. Fluid flows serially through
first portion 62 then through second portion 68 then through third
portion 74. The tri-flow path combination includes a second flow
path provided by a bypass-filtered-bypass flow path 64-66-74
provided by a fourth portion bypassing first filter element 56 and
unfiltered thereby, a fifth portion 66 filtered by second filter
element 58, and a sixth portion 74 bypassing third filter element
60 and unfiltered thereby. Fluid flows serially through fourth
portion 64 then through fifth portion 66 then through sixth portion
74. The tri-flow path combination includes a third flow path
provided by a bypass-bypass-filtered flow path 64-70-72 provided by
a seventh portion 64 bypassing first filter element 56 and
unfiltered thereby, an eighth portion 70 bypassing second filter
element 58 and unfiltered thereby, and a ninth portion 72 filtered
by third filter element 60. Fluid flows serially through seventh
portion 64 then through eighth portion 70 then through ninth
portion 72. The noted third and sixth portions are common with each
other, as shown at 74. The noted fourth and seventh portions are
common with each other, as shown at 64.
[0025] In FIG. 7, the noted axial direction through the housing is
rectilinear. In an alternate embodiment, such axial direction may
be curvilinear, e.g. including a curved connection duct or inner
tube 82 as shown in FIG. 8 which uses like reference numerals from
above where appropriate to facilitate understanding. Likewise in
FIG. 1, an alternate embodiment may include a curvilinear axial
direction through the housing. The axial direction 24, 54 may be
curvilinear, e.g. axial direction 54 may include a curve 54c
between first and second axial directions 54a and 54b meeting at a
junction at an obtuse angle at curve 54c, with the axis of at least
one of the plurality of annular filter elements being along the
first axial direction 54a, and the axis of at least another of the
plurality of filter elements being along the second axial direction
54b.
[0026] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment including a filter 90 for
a housing 92 extending axially along an axial direction 94 and
directing fluid along an axial flow path therethrough from upstream
to downstream, e.g. downwardly in FIG. 9. The filter includes a
plurality of annular filter elements such as 96, 98 for positioning
in the housing, with the axis of the annulus of each annular filter
element extending axially along axial direction 94. The annular
filter elements 96, 98 are arranged in axially staggered relation
in the housing. The plurality of annular filter elements includes
at least a first annular filter element 96, and a second annular
filter element 98 axially downstream of first annular filter
element 96. The fluid flow path has a plurality of flow path
segments, including: a first flow path segment 100 flowing axially
through first annular filter element 96 and filtered thereby; a
second flow path segment 102 flowing axially along a path laterally
adjacent first annular filter element 96 and unfiltered thereby,
the second flow path segment 102 being laterally adjacent the first
flow path segment 100; a third flow path segment 104 flowing
axially through second annular filter element 98 and filtered
thereby; and a fourth flow path segment 106 flowing axially along a
path laterally adjacent the second annular filter element 98 and
unfiltered thereby, with the fourth flow path segment 106 being
laterally adjacent the third flow path segment 104. Third and
fourth flow path segments 104 and 106 are axially downstream of
first and second flow path segments 100 and 102. First flow path
segment 100 flows serially into fourth flow path segment 106.
Second flow path segment 102 flows serially into third flow path
segment 104. In one embodiment, at least one of the following
conditions is satisfied: a) the first flow path segment 100
concentrically surrounds the second flow path segment 102; and b)
the fourth flow path segment 106 concentrically surrounds the third
flow path segment 104. In the embodiment in FIG. 9, first flow path
segment 100 concentrically surrounds second flow path segment 102,
and fourth flow path segment 106 concentrically surrounds third
flow path segment 104. In an alternate embodiment of FIG. 9, an
additional outer annular filter element 108 may optionally be
provided, concentrically surrounding the above described filter
and, for example, receiving fluid directed radially or laterally
thereinto as shown at arrows 110, for additional filtration
capacity and performance, e.g. providing further filtration
capacity in addition to first and second annular filter elements 96
and 98.
[0027] The system provides a method for filtering fluid including
passing the fluid through a filter 90 in a housing 92 extending
axially along an axial direction 94. The method includes directing
fluid along an axial flow path from upstream to downstream,
providing a plurality of annular filter elements such as 96, 98 for
positioning in the housing, the axis of the annulus of each annular
filter element extending axially along the noted axial direction
94, arranging the annular filter elements 96, 98 in axially
staggered relation in the housing, providing a plurality of annular
filter elements by providing at least a first annular filter
element 96, and providing a second annular filter element 98
axially downstream of the first annular filter element. The method
further includes providing a plurality of flow path segments
including a first flow path segment 100 flowing axially through the
first annular filter element 96 and filtered thereby, a second flow
path segment 102 flowing axially along a path laterally adjacent
the first annular filter element 96 and unfiltered thereby, the
second flow path segment 102 being laterally adjacent the first
flow path segment 100, a third flow path segment 104 flowing
axially through the second annular filter element 98 and filtered
thereby, and a fourth flow path segment 106 flowing axially along a
path laterally adjacent the second annular filter element 98 and
unfiltered thereby, the fourth flow path segment 106 being
laterally adjacent the third flow path segment 104. The method
includes providing the third and fourth flow path segments 104 and
106 axially downstream of the first and second flow path segments
100 and 102, and flowing the first flow path segment 100 serially
into the fourth flow path segment 106, and flowing the second flow
path segment 102 serially into the third flow path segment 104. The
method further includes arranging the flow path segments to satisfy
at least one of the following conditions: a) concentrically
surrounding the second flow path segment 102 with the first flow
path segment 100; and b) concentrically surrounding the third flow
path segment 104 with the fourth flow path segment 106. In one
embodiment, the method includes concentrically surrounding the
second flow path segment 102 with the first flow path segment 100,
and concentrically surrounding the third flow path segment 104 with
the fourth flow path segment 106.
[0028] In one embodiment there is an apparatus comprising a housing
22 and a two-stage filter. The filter has a first stage 26 with a
first inlet face and a second stage 28 with a second inlet face.
The first and second inlet faces are defined by corresponding first
and second axially staggered coiled media. The first stage of the
filter includes a filter flow path defined by the first inlet face
and through the first coiled media and out toward an exhaust duct
that extends into the second stage and serves as a support around
which is the second stage coiled media. The housing and the first
coiled media define a bypass flow path that includes a clearance
gap between an internal surface of the housing and an external
perimeter of the first coiled media that is fluidly connected to
the second inlet face. The housing and the two-stage filter are
configured to optimize for initial pressure drop.
[0029] In one refinement the housing and two-stage filter are
configured so that a ratio of the clearance gap divided by an inner
diameter of the housing is in the range of 0.03 to 0.2.
[0030] In another refinement the housing and two-stage filter are
configured so that the ratio is in the range of 0.07 to 0.09.
[0031] In another refinement the second stage includes a partially
hollow core having a core diameter, and wherein the housing and
two-stage filter are configured so that a ratio of the core
diameter divided by an inner diameter of the housing is in the
range of 0.25 to 0.8.
[0032] In another refinement the housing and two-stage filter are
configured so that the ratio is in the range of 0.5 to 0.65.
[0033] In another refinement the filter flow path and the bypass
flow path are concentric.
[0034] In another refinement each of the filter flow path and the
bypass flow path are symmetrical.
[0035] In another refinement the apparatus further includes a
perimeter seal preventing the passage of unfiltered fluid
positioned substantially adjacent the second inlet end of the
second stage and contacting both the housing and the second
stage.
[0036] In another refinement the exhaust duct fluidly connects
filtered flow from the first stage to filtered flow from the second
stage, and the exhaust duct includes a bend.
[0037] In another refinement a cross-sectional area of the inlet
face of at least one stage is greater than a cross-sectional area
of an outlet of the at least one stage.
[0038] In another embodiment there is an apparatus comprising a
housing and a two-stage filter. The two-stage filter has a first
stage with a first inlet face and a second stage with a second
inlet face. The first and second inlet faces are defined by
corresponding first and second axially staggered coiled media. The
first stage of the filter includes a filter flow path defined by
the first inlet face and through the first coiled media and out
toward an exhaust duct that extends into the second stage and
serves as a support around which is the second stage coiled media.
The housing and the first coiled media define a bypass flow path
that includes a clearance gap between an internal surface of the
housing and an external perimeter of the first coiled media that is
fluidly connected to the second inlet face. The housing and the
two-stage filter are configured to optimize for dust capacity.
[0039] In one refinement the housing and two-stage filter are
configured so that a ratio of the clearance gap divided by an inner
diameter of the housing is in the range of 0.01 to 0.1.
[0040] In another refinement the housing and two-stage filter are
configured so that the ratio is in the range of 0.02 to 0.05.
[0041] In another refinement the second stage includes a partially
hollow core having a core diameter. The housing and two-stage
filter are configured so that the ratio of the core diameter
divided by an inner diameter of the housing is in the range of
0.125 to 0.7.
[0042] In another refinement the housing and two-stage filter are
configured so that a ratio is in the range of 0.25 to 0.4.
[0043] In another refinement the filter flow path and the bypass
flow path are concentric.
[0044] In another refinement each of the filter flow path and the
bypass flow path are symmetrical.
[0045] In another refinement the apparatus further includes a
perimeter seal preventing the passage of unfiltered fluid
positioned substantially adjacent the second inlet end of the
second stage and contacting both the housing and the second
stage.
[0046] In another refinement the exhaust duct fluidly connects
filtered flow from the first stage to filtered flow from the second
stage, and the exhaust duct includes a bend.
[0047] In another refinement a cross-sectional area of the inlet
face of at least one stage is greater than a cross-sectional area
of an outlet of the at least one stage.
[0048] In another embodiment there is an apparatus comprising a
first straight through flow module and a second straight through
flow module. The first straight through flow module has a first
media including a first inlet end defining a first axial flow face.
The first axial flow face receiving a first portion of an
unfiltered fluid that passes through the first inlet face and the
first media into a first exhaust chamber defined by and within the
first filter media. The second straight through flow module has a
second media having a second inlet end and defining a second axial
flow face. The second axial flow face receiving a second portion of
the unfiltered fluid that passes through the second inlet face and
the second media. The first module and the second module are
connected and the first inlet face is axially staggered from the
second inlet face. An outlet of the first exhaust chamber is
fluidly connected to the filtered second portion of the fluid
exiting the second media by an exhaust duct that includes a
bend.
[0049] In one refinement the exhaust duct bend includes an elbow
joint.
[0050] In another refinement the exhaust duct bend has a flow
redirecting angle of about 45 degrees.
[0051] In another refinement the apparatus further includes a
housing wherein the second portion of unfiltered fluid flows
between the housing and the first flow module, and wherein the
housing and the first straight through flow module are configured
to optimize for initial pressure drop.
[0052] In another refinement the housing and first module are
configured so that a ratio of a clearance gap between an internal
surface of the housing and an external surface of the first module
divided by an inner diameter of the housing is in the range of 0.07
to 0.09.
[0053] In another refinement the second stage includes a partially
hollow core having a core diameter, and wherein the housing and
second module are configured so that the ratio of the core diameter
divided by an inner diameter of the housing is in the range of 0.5
to 0.65.
[0054] In another refinement the filter flow through the flow
module and the flow of the second portion of unfiltered fluid are
concentric.
[0055] In another refinement the apparatus further comprises a
housing wherein the second portion of unfiltered fluid flows
between the housing and the first flow module, and wherein the
housing and the first straight through flow module are configured
to optimize for dust capacity.
[0056] In another refinement the housing and first module are
configured so that a ratio of a clearance gap between an internal
surface of the housing and an external surface of the first module
divided by an inner diameter of the housing is in the range of 0.02
to 0.05.
[0057] In another refinement the second stage includes a partially
hollow core having a core diameter, and wherein the housing and
second module are configured so that the ratio of the core diameter
divided by an inner diameter of the housing is in the range of 0.25
to 0.4.
[0058] In another embodiment there is a method of filtering a gas.
The method includes filtering an unfiltered gas through a flow
filter including at least two axially spaced apart inlet flow faces
by passing a first portion of the unfiltered gas through a first
inlet flow face of a first filter element portion and passing a
second portion of the unfiltered gas into a second inlet flow face
of a second filter element portion after circumventing the first
inlet flow face. The first portion of unfiltered gas is filtered by
passing through a first media defining the first inlet flow face
and then passing into a filtered exhaust flow chamber that is
fluidly connected via an exhaust duct to a volume wherein the
filtered first portion of gas recombines with the filtered second
portion of gas that has passed through a second media defining the
second inlet flow face, and wherein the exhaust duct includes a
bend to change the direction of flow.
[0059] In one refinement the bend is an elbow joint and the exhaust
duct changes the direction of flow by about 90 degrees.
[0060] In another refinement the bend is an elbow joint and the
exhaust duct changes the direction of flow by about 45 degrees.
[0061] In another embodiment there is an apparatus comprising an
inner filter structure including an upstream filter module and a
downstream filter module. The upstream filter module includes a
first media having an upstream inlet face. The downstream filter
module includes a second media having a downstream inlet face. The
downstream filter module has a downstream outlet fluidly connected
to an upstream outlet of the upstream filter module. The apparatus
also includes an outer pleated filter element that surrounds the
inner filter structure and is sealingly connected to only one of
the filter modules substantially adjacent to the inlet face of the
one of the filter modules. The inner filter structure and the outer
pleated filter element are configured such that a filter flow path
and a bypass flow path are available to an unfiltered fluid flowing
downstream from upstream of the upstream filter module. The filter
flow path is through the upstream inlet face into the first media
and is not directly fluidly connected to the downstream inlet face
and the bypass flow path. The filter flow path is directly fluidly
connected to the downstream inlet face.
[0062] FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment including a filter 120
for a housing 122 and filtering fluid flowing along an axial flow
path in an axial direction 124 from upstream to downstream, e.g.
downwardly in FIG. 10. The filter includes first and second axially
staggered filter elements 126 and 128. Filter element 126 is an
annular filter element which has a closed center, e.g. with filter
media extending all the way thereacross, or closed by a central
plug such as 138. Filter element 128 is an annular filter element
with an open center, e.g. at hollow interior 140. The flow path has
a plurality of flow path segments, including: a first flow path
segment 130 flowing axially through first filter element 126 and
filtered thereby; a second flow path segment 132 flowing axially
along a path laterally adjacent first filter element 126 and
unfiltered thereby, with the second flow path segment 132 being
laterally adjacent the first flow path segment 130; a third flow
path segment 134 flowing axially through the second filter element
128 and filtered thereby; and a fourth flow path segment 136
flowing axially along a path laterally adjacent the second filter
element 128 and unfiltered thereby, with the fourth flow path
segment 136 being laterally adjacent the third flow path segment
134. Third and fourth flow path segments 134 and 136 are axially
downstream of first and second flow path segments 130 and 132.
First flow path segment 130 flows serially into fourth flow path
segment 136. Second flow path segment 132 flows serially into third
flow path segment 134. One of the second and fourth flow path
segments 132 and 136, e.g. second flow path segment 132, has an
eccentric shape in lateral cross-section, e.g. see FIG. 10,
relative to a respective one of the first and third flow path
segments 130 and 134, e.g. first flow path segment 130. In one
embodiment, the noted eccentric shape is a crescent. In the
embodiment of FIG. 10, the second flow path segment 132 has the
eccentric shape relative to the first flow path segment 130. Third
flow path segment 134 concentrically surrounds fourth flow path
segment 136. Second flow path segment 132 partially surrounds first
flow path segment 130. In an alternate embodiment, with fluid
flowing in the reverse direction to that shown in FIG. 10, e.g.
flowing upwardly in FIG. 10, the now fourth flow path segment 132
has the eccentric shape relative to the now third flow path segment
130, and the now first flow path segment 134 concentrically
surrounds the now second flow path segment 136, and the now fourth
flow path segment 132 partially surrounds the now third flow path
segment 130.
[0063] In FIG. 10, one of the filter elements, e.g. filter element
126, is eccentrically offset relative to the other of the filter
elements, e.g. filter element 128. In one embodiment, first filter
element 126 is a first annular filter element having a first
centerline 142 extending axially along a first axis 144 along the
noted axial direction. Second filter element 128 is a second
annular filter element having a second centerline 146 extending
axially along a second axis 148 along the noted axial direction.
First and second axes 144 and 148 are laterally spaced from each
other as shown at 150 such that first and second centerlines 142
and 146 are laterally offset from each other and axially
nonaligned. A transfer duct 152 extends between the first and
second filter elements 126 and 128 and separates and isolates the
first and fourth flow path segments 130 and 136 from the second and
third flow path segments 132 and 134. The transfer duct has a
transition section 154 between first and second filter elements 126
and 128. Transition section 154 is an eccentric frustocone.
Transfer duct 152 has a first flow port 156 at the first filter
element 126, and a second flow port 158 at the second filter
element 128. One of the flow ports, e.g. flow port 158, has a
centerline 146 extending axially along a given axis 148, and the
other of the flow ports, e.g. flow port 156, is eccentrically
disposed about the noted give axis 148. The noted other flow port,
e.g. flow port 156, has a circumference 160 defined along a varying
radius from the noted given axis 148. The noted other flow port 156
has a first diameter, and the noted one flow port 158 has a second
diameter, with the noted second diameter being smaller than the
noted first diameter.
[0064] FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment and uses like reference
numerals from FIG. 10 where appropriate to facilitate
understanding. First and second filter elements 126 and 128 are
positioned in a housing 122 having an elbow 170 downstream of
second filter element 128. The elbow has an inner curve 172 and an
outer curve 174. The outer curve has a larger radius of curvature
than the inner curve. Housing 122 has laterally distally opposite
first and second lateral sides 176 and 178. Outer curve 174 of the
elbow is at first lateral side 176 of the housing. The noted
eccentric shape of second flow path segment 132 provides a lateral
cross-sectional flow area with a first portion 180 larger than a
second portion 182. First portion 180 is at first lateral side 176
of the housing. First portion 180 and outer curve 174 are axially
aligned along first lateral side 176. In one embodiment, the
eccentric shape is a crescent having a largest cross-sectional flow
area at the noted first portion 180. The offset, eccentric
configuration of FIGS. 10, 11 biases the outlet velocity profile of
the filter towards the large gap side 176 at portion 180, in turn
reducing pressure drop and providing a reduced dP advantage in the
configuration of FIG. 11 having a turning elbow on the downstream
end, with the noted large gap at 180 and outer curve 174 of the
elbow axially aligned along the noted first lateral side 176 of the
housing. FIG. 11 shows a configuration biasing velocity to the
outer side of the discharge elbow, i.e. providing both the larger
gap at first portion 180 and the outer curve 174 of the elbow along
the same lateral side 176 of the housing. This biasing of flow
velocity to the outer side of the elbow is predicted by CFD
(Computational Fluid Dynamics) modeling software to show a 26%
improvement in reduced pressure drop (for elbow pressure drop
contribution taken by itself; not overall pressure drop) as
compared to no bias with uniform entrance velocity provided by a
concentric arrangement, e.g. FIG. 1, having a downstream exit
elbow. The system provides a method for reducing pressure drop in a
configuration having a downstream elbow.
[0065] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed. The different
configurations, systems, and method steps described herein may be
used alone or in combination with other configurations, systems and
method steps. It is to be expected that various equivalents,
alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the
appended claims. Each limitation in the appended claims is intended
to invoke interpretation under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth
paragraph, only if the terms "means for" or "step for" are
explicitly recited in the respective limitation.
* * * * *