BR112012019483B1 - filter cartridge in filter for separating fuel water - Google Patents

Abstract

Cartridges, Including in Thermoplastic Filter, and Filter Element, Fuel-Water Separation System and Dispersed Water Removal Method in Hydrocarbon Fuel Modular filters are described in element filters, that is, an external filter element and a filter element that can be mounted to form a filter cartridge for use in separation methods and systems. The external filter element typically functions as a coalescing element and the internal particles. The filter cartridges described can be structured to separate water from a liquid hydrocarbon fuel based on how the fuel moves through the cartridge from the outside to the inside.

Description

BACKGROUND

[001] The field of the invention refers to filters such as filter cartridges in filters useful for the separation of fuel-water. In particular, the field refers to a filter-fuel-water separator in the filter and the particulate filters, preferably comprising thermoplastic material.

[002] The subject matter of this application relates to United States Order No. 12 / 820,791, filed on June 22, 2010, and entitled “Modular Filter Elements For Use in A Filter-in-filter Cartridge”, and Order of United States No. 12 / 820,784, filed on June 22, 2010, and entitled “Two Stage Water Separator and Particulate Filter”, to which this application claims the benefit of the priority and whose contents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[003] Coalescers are widely used to remove immiscible droplets from a continuous gas or liquid phase, such as in crankcase ventilation (CV) filtration, fuel-water separation (FWS), and oil-water separation. Coalescer designs of the prior art incorporate the principles of improved droplet capture and coalescence using graduated capture (ie, decreasing fiber diameter, pore size and / or porosity in the coalescence vehicle) or using thick-deep coalescers. Wetting is also recognized as affecting the coalescer's performance. (See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,767,459 and U.S. Patent Application published 2007-013 1235 and 2007-0,062,887). U.S. Patent No. 5,443,724 describes that vehicles must have a higher surface energy than water in order to improve the performance of the coalescer (ie, that vehicles should preferably be moistened by both coalescence droplets and phases) continuous). U.S. Patent No. 4,081, 373 describes that coalescing vehicles must be hydrophobic in order to remove water from the fuel. U.S. Patent Application published 2006-0242933 describes an oil mist coalescer in which the filtration vehicle is oleophobic, thereby allowing the fluid mist to coalesce into droplets and drain from the filtration vehicles.

[004] With regard to the removal of water from the fuel, there is a need to increase the removal efficiency and remove smaller droplets than in the past. This challenge is further compounded by the introduction of new fuels with lower interfacial stresses and different additive packages, than fuels in the past. In particular, diesel fuel with ultra-low sulfur content (ULSD) and biodiesel tend to have lower interfacial stresses (IFT) and therefore have smaller droplet sizes and more stable emulsions than previous diesel fuel. In fuels with lower interfacial tension, the size of the dispersed droplets is reduced, making the droplets more difficult to remove. Enhanced coalescence is therefore needed to meet these challenges. Enhanced coalescers that include improved coalescence vehicles are also desirable because they allow the use of a smaller media package in view of the improved coalescence efficiency. In fuels with lower interfacial tension, the droplet size is reduced, making the droplets more difficult to remove.

[005] Traditional fuel-water separators (FWS) tend to be single-stage devices intended for use upstream of the fuel pump. In traditional FWS, the filter vehicle is phobic with respect to the dispersed water phase and acts as a barrier. However, traditional FWS tend not to provide adequate water removal for ULSD fuel and biodiesel with low SITFs (<15 dynes / cm) and low separability (<50%) because their pore size tends to be too large for effectively capture the small droplets. As such, a large droplet size is necessary for effective capture. This large droplet size is also a necessary requirement due to the need to maintain the pressure drop across the FWS well below 1 pressure atmosphere available when FWS is in use upstream of the fuel pump. Furthermore, even when the average pore size is small enough, FWS media and fibrous filter media, in general, have a maximum pore size so large that excessive amounts of water pass through these large pores. In modern high pressure common rail fuel systems where it is important to remove almost all undissolved water from the fuel through the injectors, the amount of water that passes through these large pores is unacceptable. In addition, in modern HPCR fuel systems it is often desirable for the fuel-water separator to be located on the pressure side of the pump, where the filter is exposed to higher pressures and the size of the water droplets is much smaller. Traditional two-phase fuel-water (FWC) coalescers are designed to be used downstream of the fuel pump and tend to be two-stage devices for the fuel in which the first stage captures the droplets, maintains them so that the coalescence can occur, then releases the larger droplets which are removed by sedimentation / decantation, typically after being blocked by the second separator stage (where the second separator stage acts as an FWS). Traditional two-stage FWC tends to provide greater removal efficiency than FWS, however, it tends to have insufficient life due to clogging by solids or semi-solids. To varying degrees, both FWS and FWC are adversely affected by the presence of surfactants in fuels that reduce the interfacial tension, reduce the size of the drops, decrease the rate of coalescence, stabilize the emulsions and can adsorb into media and make it less effective. As such, there is a need for better fuel-water separators that exhibit high efficiency, low pressure drop, and are minimally affected by low interfacial tension and in the presence of surfactants.

SUMMARY

[006] Modular filter elements are described, that is, an external filter element and an internal filter element that can be assembled to form a filter cartridge for use in separation systems and methods. The outer filter element typically functions as a coalescence element and the inner element typically functions as a particulate filter element and for separating coalesced water droplets from the fuel. The filter cartridges described can be structured to separate water from a hydrocarbon-based liquid fuel when the fuel moves through the cartridge from the outside to the inside.

[007] In the cartridges described, the internal filter element is located inside the external filter element. The external filter element includes: (i) an external folded filter material where the external folded filter material is preferably of polymeric material (e.g., thermoplastic material) and has a substantially cylindrical or oval shape, (ii) optionally, an inner unfolded filter material in direct or indirect contact with the inner folded filter material at the inner folded ends of the folded outer filter material, the inner unfolded filter material being preferably polymeric material (for example, thermoplastic material) and has a substantially cylindrical shape, and (iii) end covers attached to the opposite ends of the external folded filter material and the internal unfolded filter material. The internal filter element includes: (i) an external non-fold filter material, where the external non-fold filter material is preferably polymeric material (e.g., thermoplastic material), hydrophobic material preferably, and has a substantially cylindrical shape, (ii ) an internal folded filter material in direct or indirect contact with the external folded filter material, wherein the internal folded filter material is preferably polymeric material (e.g. thermoplastic material) and has a substantially cylindrical shape, and (iii) end covers attached to the opposite ends of the unfolded external filter material and the folded internal filter material. The outer filter element and the inner filter element can share one or both end caps. For example, one or both ends of the filter material of the outer element and one or both ends of the filter material of the inner element can be connected to the same end cover.

[008] The external filter element of the filter cartridges described optionally can include: (iv) an optional support structure, which is typically a perforated or canvas material. In some embodiments of the described filter cartridges, the support structure is located on the outside of the filter material without internal folds of the external filter element. For example, the internal unfolded filter material may be in indirect contact with the external filter material with folds of the external filter element at the ends of internal folds through the support structure. In other embodiments, the support structure is located on the inner side of the inner unfolded filter material of the outer filter element and the inner unfolded filter material is in direct contact with the outer folded filter material. Suitable support structures may include, but are not limited to, a tube, a screen, a cage-like structure, and a spring.

[009] The external filter element comprises external folded filter material which may include one or more layers of vehicle material referred to as a “nanofiber layer”, which has preferable characteristics for coalescing droplets of water present in the hydrocarbon fuel when the fuel passes through the externally folded filter material. Typically, the nanofiber layer has a medium pore size, M, where 0.2 μm <M <12.0 μm (preferably 0.2 μm <M <10.0 μm and, more preferably, 0.2 μm <M <8.0 μm, for example, 0.2, 0.8, 1 0.2, 1 0.6, 2.0, 2.4, 2.8, 3.2, 3.6, 4 , 0, 4.4, 4.8, 5.2, 5.6, 6.0, 6.4, 6.8, 7.2, 7.6 or 8.0 μm). The vehicle material of the nanofiber layer typically has a maximum pore size of MM and typically 1 <MM / M <3, preferably 1 <MM / M <2 (for example, maximum MM pore sizes can include 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36 mm). The vehicle material of the nanofiber layer typically includes fibers where the fibers have an average diameter of less than about 1 μm and in some embodiments between 0.07 μm and 1 μm (preferably between 0.15 μm and 1 μm, for example example, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 0.0 or 1 μm). The carrier material of the nanofiber layer typically includes non-woven polymeric material (e.g., polyamide material), which can be formed by electrospray. The vehicle material has adequate permeability. A suitable permeability may include a permeability less than about 40 cfm (preferably less than about 30 cfm, more preferably less than about 20 cfm, for example, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14 , 13, 12, 11 or 10 cfm). The nanofiber layer of vehicle material has a desirable thickness when measured upstream downstream in relation to the flow through the cartridge (i.e., as measured from the outside to the inside). Suitable thicknesses include thicknesses between 0.05 and 0.4 mm (preferably between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, for example, 0.10, 0.12, 0.14, 0.16, 0.18, 0, 20, 0.22, 0.24, 0.26, 0.28, and 0.30 mm). The nanofiber layer of the vehicle material preferably has a basis weight of at least about 10 gsm (or at least 20 gsm or 30 gsm).

[0010] In addition to the nanofiber layer of the vehicle material of the external filter material with folds of the external filter element, as described above, the external filter material with folds can include additional layers of vehicle material having the same or different characteristics as the nanofiber layer of the vehicle material described above. For example, the folded outer filter material of the outer filter element may include one or more additional layers of the vehicle material upstream or downstream of the vehicle material layer described above. In some embodiments, the folded outer filter material of the outer filter element includes an additional layer of vehicle material that is upstream of the vehicle material layer described above, that is, a first layer upstream of the vehicle material and a second layer downstream of the vehicle material as described above. The first layer and the second layer of vehicle material have average pore sizes M1 and M2, respectively, and preferably M1> M2. For example, M1 can be at least about 2.5x, 5X or 10x greater than M2 (for example, Mi> 10 μm, Mi> 20 μm or Mi> 30 μm). The additional layer of upstream vehicle material may include fibers, where the fibers have an average fiber diameter of i-i00 μm, 3-i00 μm, i0-i00 μm, 20-i00 μm or 40- i00 μm. The additional layer of upstream vehicle material has adequate permeability. A suitable permeability for upstream vehicle material may include a permeability of between about 20-500 cfm (preferably between about 30-400 cfm, more preferably between about 40-300 cfm, for example 50, 75 , i00, i25, i50, i75, 200, 225, 250, 275 or 300 cfm).

[0011] In other embodiments, the external filter material with folds of the external filter element includes an additional layer of vehicle material that is downstream of the nanofiber layer of vehicle material described above, that is, a first layer upstream of vehicle material as described above and a second layer downstream of the vehicle material. The first layer and the second layer have average pore sizes Mi and M2, respectively, and preferably Mi <M2. For example, M2 can be at least about 2.5x, 5x or 10x greater than Mi (for example, M2> 10 μm, M2> 20 μm or M2> 30 μm). The additional layer of downstream vehicle material may include fibers, where the fibers have an average fiber diameter of 1-100 μm, 3-100 μm, 10-100 μm, 20-100 μm or 40-100 μm. The additional layer of vehicle material downstream has adequate permeability. A suitable permeability for the downstream vehicle material can include a permeability of between about 20-500 cfm (preferably between about 30-400 cfm, more preferably between about 40-300 cfm).

[0012] In other embodiments, the external filter material with folds of the external filter element may include an additional layer upstream of at least one layer of the vehicle material described above and an additional layer of vehicle material downstream of the nanofiber layer of the vehicle material described above, i.e., a first layer upstream of the vehicle material, a second inner layer of vehicle material, as described above, and a third layer downstream of the vehicle material. The first layer, second layer, (ie, a middle layer or “the nanofiber layer”, as described above), and third layer have average pore sizes M1, M2, and M3, respectively and, preferably, M1> M2 and M3> M2. For example, MI can be at least about 2.5x, 5X or 10x greater than M2 and / or M3 can be at least about 2.5X, 5X or 10x greater than M2 (for example, M1 and / or M3> 10 μm; M1 and / or M3> 20 μm; or M1 and / or M3> 30 mm). Additional layers of upstream and downstream vehicle material may include fibers, which may be the same or different, where the fibers have an average fiber diameter of 1-100 μm (preferably 10-100 μm, more preferably 20- 100 μm). The additional layers of upstream vehicle material and downstream vehicle material have suitable permeabilities, which can be the same or different. A suitable permeability for upstream vehicle material and downstream vehicle material may include a permeability of between about 20-500 cfm (preferably between about 30-400 cfm, more preferably between about 40-300 cfm) .

[0013] Where the folded outer filter material of the outer filter element is a composite material (for example, comprising multiple layers), the average pore size, M, for the composite material can be determined. Preferably, the composite material has a medium pore size, M, where 0.2 μm <M <12.0 μm (more preferably, 0.2 μm <M <10.0 μm and even more preferably, 0 , 2 μm <M <8.0 μm). In addition, the composite material has a maximum pore size MM and typically 1 <MM / M <5, preferably 1 <MM / M <3, more preferably 1 <MM / M <2 (e.g., pore sizes maximum MM can include 3, 6, 9, 1 2, 1 5, 1 8, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36 μm). Preferably, the composite material has a permeability of less than about 40 cfm (more preferably, less than about 30 cfm, even more preferably, less than about 20 cfm).

[0014] The folded outer filter material of the outer filter element typically works to coalesce the water droplets present in the hydrocarbon fuel when the fuel passes through the folded outer filter material. Optionally, the folded external filter material can comprise cracks or holes (for example, about 30-300 μm in size) that are present in the fold depressions and act as release points for coalesced drops of water.

[0015] In another embodiment, the outer filter element optionally includes an inner fold-free filter material downstream of the outer-fold filter material which preferably functions as a release layer for coalesced drops of water when the coalesced drops drain from the filter material external with folds. In some embodiments, the internal unfolded filter material has a medium pore size, M, where 20 μm <M <100 μm (preferably 25 μm <M <50 μme, more preferably 30 μm <M <40 μm ). The internal unfolded filter material typically includes fibers, and preferably the fibers have an average diameter between 10-100 μm (more preferably between 20-100 μm). The internal unfolded filter material typically includes non-woven polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate material). The internal fold-free filter material has adequate permeability. A suitable permeability can include a permeability of between about 100-400 cfm (preferably between about 150-250 cfm). The internal unfolded filter material has a desirable thickness when measured from upstream to downstream in relation to the flow through the cartridge (i.e., when measured from the outside to the inside). Suitable thicknesses include thicknesses between about 0.6 and 2 mm (preferably between about 0.8 and 1.2 mm).

[0016] Referring now to the internal filter element, this element includes an external bent filter material and an internal bent filter material (for example, where the external bent filter material contacts the internal bent filter material , either directly or indirectly). Preferably, the unfolded outer filter material of the inner filter element is hydrophobic (for example, where a drop of water in the hydrocarbon fuel has a contact angle on the unfolded outer filter material of the inner filter element which is no less than 90 ° (preferably not less than 120 °, more preferably not less than 135 °). Preferably, the unfolded outer filter material of the inner filter element includes a thermoplastic fabric or mesh (for example, a mesh or screen having an aperture less than 100 μm, and preferably less than 50 μm. The non-creased external filter material has adequate permeability (for example, between about 300-700 cfm, and preferably between about 400 -600 cfm).

[0017] The internal filter element comprises filter material with internal fold. Typically, the folded inner filter material of the inner filter element includes one or more layers of vehicle material and at least one layer of the vehicle material has an average pore size, M, which is less than any average pore size of any layer of the filter material with external fold of the external filter element (for example, where 0.2 μm <M <6.0 μm, preferably 0.2 μn <M <5.0 μm, more preferably 0, 2 μm <M <4.0 μm, eg 0.2, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.6, 2.2, 2.8, 3.4 or 4.0 μm) . The vehicle material has a maximum pore size MM and typically 1 <MM / M <3, preferably 1 <MM / M <2. Preferably, the vehicle material of at least one layer includes fibers having a mean diameter smaller than than about 1 μm (for example, 1, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4 or 0.2 μm) and preferably the fibers are non-woven polymeric materials (for example, polyamide material). The vehicle material has adequate permeability. A suitable permeability may include a permeability less than about 40 cfm (preferably less than about 20 cfm, more preferably, less than about 15 cfm, even more preferably, less than about 109 cfm, for example example, 9.8, 7, 6, 5 or 4 cfm). The at least one layer of the vehicle material has a desirable thickness when measured from upstream to downstream relative to the flow through the cartridge (i.e., when measured from the outside in). Suitable thickness includes thicknesses between about 0.05 and 0.4 mm (preferably between about 0.1 and 0.3 mm, for example, 0.10, 0.12, 0.14, 0.16, 0 , 18, 0.20, 0.22, 0.24, 0.26, 0.28, and 0.30 mm). The at least one layer of vehicle material is preferably a nanofiber material having a preferable base weight (for example, at least about 10 gsm, 20 gsm or 30 gsm).

[0018] In addition to at least one layer of vehicle material from the folded inner filter material of the inner filter element, as described above, the folded inner filter material may include additional layers of vehicle material having the same or different characteristics as at least one layer of vehicle material described above. For example, the folded inner filter material of the inner filter element may include one or more additional layers of vehicle material upstream or downstream of the vehicle material layer described above. In some embodiments, the folded inner filter material of the inner filter element includes an additional layer of vehicle material that is upstream of the vehicle material layer described above, that is, a first layer upstream of vehicle material and a second layer downstream of vehicle material as described above. The first layer and the second layer of vehicle material have average pore sizes M1 and M2, respectively, and preferably M1> M2. For example, M1 can be at least about 2.5x, 5X or 10x larger than M2 (for example, Mi> 10 μm, Mi> 20 μm or Mi> 30 μm). The additional layer of upstream vehicle material may include fibers, where the fibers have an average fiber diameter of 1-100 μm, 3-100 μm, 10-100 μm, 20-100 μm or 40- 100 μm). The additional layer of upstream vehicle material has adequate permeability. A suitable permeability for the upstream vehicle material can include a permeability of between about 20-300 cfm (preferably between about 40-300 cfm, more preferably between about 60-300 cfm).

[0019] In other embodiments, the internal filter material with folds of the internal filter element includes an additional layer of vehicle material that is downstream of at least one layer of the vehicle materials described above, that is, a first layer upstream of vehicle material as described above and a second layer downstream of the vehicle material. The first layer and the second layer have average pore sizes M1 and M2, respectively, and preferably M1 <M2. For example, M2 can be at least about 2.5x, 5x or 10x greater than Mi (for example, M2> 10 μm, M2> 20 μm or M2> 30 μm). The additional layer of downstream vehicle material may include fibers, where the fibers have an average fiber diameter of 10-100 μm, 20-100 μm or 40-100 μm. The additional layer of vehicle material downstream has adequate permeability. A suitable permeability for the downstream vehicle material can include a permeability of between about 20-300 cfm (preferably between about 40-300 cfm, more preferably between about 60-300 cfm).

[0020] In other embodiments, the internal filter material with folds of the internal filter element may include an additional layer upstream of at least one layer of vehicle material described above and an additional layer of vehicle material downstream of at least one vehicle material layer described above, i.e., a first layer upstream of the vehicle material, a second inner layer of the vehicle material, as described above, and a third layer downstream of the vehicle material. The first layer, second layer, (i.e., a middle layer or "at least one layer", as described above), and third layer have average pore sizes M1, M2, and M3, respectively, and preferably M1> M2 and M3> M2. For example, M 1 can be at least about 2.5x, 5x or 10x greater than M2 and / or M3 can be at least about 2.5X, 5X or 10x greater than M2 (for example, Mi and / or M3> 10 μm; Mi and / or M3> 20 μm; or M1 and / or M3> at 30 μm). Additional layers of upstream and downstream vehicle material may include fibers, which may be the same or different, where the fibers have an average fiber diameter of 1-100 μm, 10-100 μm, 20-100 μm or 40- 100 μm. The additional layers of upstream vehicle material and downstream vehicle material have suitable permeabilities, which can be the same or different. A suitable permeability for the upstream vehicle material and the downstream vehicle material can include a permeability of between about 20-500 cfm (preferably between about 30-400 cfm, more preferably between about 40-300 cfm ).

[0021] Where the internal filter material with folds of the internal filter element is a composite material (for example, comprising multiple layers), the average pore size, M, for the composite material can be determined. Preferably, the composite material has an average pore size, M, where 0.2 μm <M <6.0 μm (more preferably, 0.2 μm <M <5.0 μm, even more preferably 0, 2 μm <M <4.0 μm.). M for the composite material of the internal material with folds of the internal filter element is typically less than M for the composite material of the external material with folds of the external filter element. The composite material of the internal folded filter material can have a maximum pore size of MM and typically 1 <MM / M <5, preferably 1 <MM / M <3, more preferably 1 <MM / M <2. Preferably, the composite material of the internal folded filter material has a permeability of less than about 40 cfm (preferably less than about 20 cfm, more preferably, less than about 15 cfm, even more preferably , less than about 109 cfm, for example, 8, 7, 6, 5 or 4 cfm).

[0022] The external filter element and the internal filter element of the cartridges described typically include pairs of end caps, which are optionally shared. Typically, the folded outer material and the optional unfolded inner material of the outer filter element are attached to the end covers of the outer filter element at the respective ends of the folded outer material and the optional unfolded inner material of the outer filter element. Typically, the unfolded outer material and the folded inner material of the inner filter element are attached to the end covers of the inner filter element at the respective ends of the unfolded outer material and the folded inner material of the inner filter element. In some embodiments, the outer filter element and the inner filter element may share a top or bottom end cover (i.e., where the filter material of the external filter element and the filter material of the internal filter element, both are incorporated. on the same end cover that can be at the top or bottom of the filter material). The end covers of the outer filter element and / or the inner filter element can be attached to the respective ends of the filter material in any suitable manner, including ways that prevent the flow of unfiltered fluid around the vehicle. Suitable attachments include filling in an adhesive (for example, polyurethane) or incorporating the ends of the filter media into thermoplastic end covers. Preferably, the end covers of the outer filter element and / or the inner filter element comprise polymeric material (for example, polyurethane material). In some embodiments, the end covers comprise metal end covers that contain polyurethane or other filler adhesive for the filter material.

[0023] In some embodiments, the entire filter cartridge is polymeric material such as thermoplastic material. Therefore, the entire cartridge can be recycled or incinerated, the layers of vehicle material can be linked together more easily, where consecutive layers are both thermoplastic, chemical resistance and compatibility with the thermoplastic material is typically better than other options, as cellulose material and, even more, the properties of vehicles such as medium pore size and distribution, can be more easily controlled.

[0024] The external filter element and the internal filter element can be mounted to form a filter cartridge, as contemplated here. The described cartridges can be placed between a containment structure, such as boxes known in the art. Suitable housings typically include one or more inlets for receiving filter fluid and one or more outlets or drains for the discharge of filtered fluid (eg liquid hydrocarbon) and / or coalesced drops from a dispersed phase (eg water ).

[0025] The filter cartridges described can be used in systems and methods for separating a dispersed phase from a continuous phase. In some embodiments, the filter cartridges described can be used in systems and methods for separating fuel-water, including systems and methods for removing water dispersed in hydrocarbon fuel. Systems and methods may also include or use hydrophobic means or an additional device positioned downstream of the described cartridges for removing additional water from the filtered fuel. Additional devices may include, but are not limited to, a gravity separator, centrifuge, impactor, coverslip separator, tilted stacked plates, screen, water absorbent, (for example, a superabsorbent polymer or hydrogel) and the quiescent chamber. Preferably, the cartridges described can be used in systems and methods that are effective in removing at least about 93%, 95%, 97% or 99% of water dispersed in hydrocarbon fuel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a filter cartridge, as contemplated herein.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1, along 3-3.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an external element, as contemplated herein.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an internal element embodiment, as contemplated herein.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a fuel-water separator embodiment, as contemplated herein having an outer element and an inner element.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an external element of a water-fuel separator, as contemplated herein.

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an internal element of a water-fuel separator, as contemplated herein.

[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a profile view of modalities of an external element of a water-fuel separator as contemplated here showing vehicle layers and configuration. A. Mode without tube or central support screen. B. Mode with tube or central support screen (7) inside the cylinder without folding the vehicle (6). C. Mode with tube or central support screen (7) between vehicles with folds (1 -5) and vehicle cylinders without folds (6).

[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a profile view of modalities of an internal element of a water-fuel separator as contemplated here showing vehicle configuration and layers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Described are modular filter elements in filter, that is, an external filter element and an internal filter element that can be assembled to form a filter cartridge for use in separation systems and methods. The modular filter elements in the filter and the filter cartridges mounted on them can further be described as follows.

[0037] The external filter element and internal filter element include or use a vehicle comprising one or more layers of vehicle material to filter a mixture of a continuous phase and a dispersed phase and coalescence of the dispersed phase. Such means can be referred to herein as "coalescing vehicle material". As contemplated herein, the one or more layers may have a desired pore size, porosity and fiber diameter. The one or more layers may be homogeneous (that is, comprising a single type of material) or heterogeneous (that is, comprising mixed materials). The terms "pores", "porosity" and "fiber diameter" can refer to the "average" or "average" values for these terms (for example, where the layer is heterogeneous or gradual and "pores", "porosity" and “fiber diameter”, are reported as average pore size, average porosity or average fiber diameter for the heterogeneous layer).

[0038] The cartridges described can be used in separation methods or systems for the removal of a dispersed phase from a continuous phase. In some embodiments, the cartridges described are used to separate an aqueous liquid (e.g., water) from a mixture of the aqueous liquid dispersed in hydrocarbon liquid. As contemplated herein, a hydrocarbon liquid mainly includes hydrocarbon material, however, it can still include non-hydrocarbon material (for example, up to about 1%, 5%, 10% or 20% of non-hydrocarbon material). The hydrocarbon liquid can include hydrocarbon fuel.

[0039] The external filter element and internal filter element may include a vehicle that is woven or non-woven. In addition, the outer filter element and inner filter element may include media that are polymeric or non-polymeric. Suitable polymeric material may include, but is not limited to, polyamide material, polyalkylene terephthalate material (eg polyethylene terephthalate material or polybutylene terephthalate material), polyester material, halocarbon material (eg chlorotrifluoroethylene de Halar® brand ethylene (ECTFE) and polyurethane material.The polymeric materials may include thermoplastic materials.

[0040] The external filter element and internal filter element may include or use multilayer means. Such media may be formed by blowing a fusion of two different layers of the medium, one above the other, by a process of wet deposition, electrospinning, electrospraying, melting spinning, ultrasonic bonding, chemical bonding, physical bonding, co-folding or other means or combination.

[0041] The external filter element, the internal filter element and the filter cartridges assembled therefrom can be used in filtration and coalescence systems and methods as known in the art (See, for example, US Patent Nos. 7,527,739; 7,416,657; 7,326,266; 7,297,279; 7235, 177; 7,198,718; 6,907,997; 6,884,349; 6,81 1, 693; 6,740,358; 6,730,236; 6,605,224; 6,517,615 ; 6,422,396; 6,419,721; 6,332,987; 6,302,932; 6,149,408; 6,083,380; 6056, 128; 5,874,008; 5861, 087; 5,800,597; 5,762,810; 5,750,024; 5656 , 173; 5,643.43 1; 5,616,244; 5,575,896; 5,565,078; 5,500,132; 5,480,547; 5,480,547; 5,468,385; 5,454,945; 5,454,937; 5,439,588; 5,417. 848; 5401, 404; 5,242,604; 5, 174,907; 5, 1 56745; 5, 1 12498; 5,080,802; 5,068,035; 5,037,454; 5,006,260; 4,888,117; 4,790,947; 4,759. 782; 4,643,834; 4,640,781; 4,304,671; 4251,369; 4,213,863; 4,199,447; 4,083,778; 4,078,965; 4,052,316; 4,039,441; 3,960,719; 3951,814; and Published Orders of USA Nos. 2009-0020465; 2009-0134097; 200 7-0289915; 2007-0107399; 2007-0062887; 2007-0062886; and 2007- 0039865 ;. the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). The coalescence vehicles described herein can be manufactured using methods known in the art and may include additional features described in the art. (See, for example, Published Patents and Order References above and U.S. Patent Nos. 6,767,459; 5,443,724; and 4,081,373 and U.S. Published Patent Nos. 2007-0131235; 2,007-0,062,887; and 2,006-0,242,933; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

[0042] The described filter cartridges assembled therefrom can be used for the removal of a dispersed phase (eg water) from a continuous phase (eg hydrocarbon fuel). For example, assembled filter cartridges can be used to remove a dispersed phase from a continuous phase in which at least about 93, 95, 97 or 99% of the dispersed phase is removed from the continuous phase after the phases are passed through the cartridges.

[0043] The described coalescing vehicle may include material having distinct hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity or distinct oleophilicity or oleophobicity. In some embodiments, coalescence vehicles comprise a layer of material that comprises relatively hydrophobic material, relative to the dispersed phase of the mixture. In some embodiments, the outer filter element and the inner filter element comprise one or more layers of carrier material that are hydrophobic. The hydrophobicity property of a vehicle material can be accessed by measuring a contact angle (θ) of a dispersed phase (eg water) in a continuous phase (eg hydrocarbon fuel) on the vehicle material .

[0044] Referring now to Figures 1-5, there is shown an embodiment of an external filter element 4, an internal filter element 6 and a filter cartridge 2 assembled therefrom. The outer element 4 includes folded filter means 4a in a cylindrical shape in direct or indirect contact with an unfolded cylinder of means 4b at the ends of the inner fold of the folded cylinder. Folded and unfolded cylinders are connected, placed in pots, inlaid or otherwise attached at their ends to the end covers (4C, top end cover, and 4e, bottom end cover) located at the opposite ends of the cylinders. The upper end cover 4c optionally includes a gasket 4d. Unfolded cylinders 4b can be directly or indirectly in contact with the inner fold ends of the folded cylinder 4. Typically, the distance between the inner ends of the folded section and the unfolded cylinder is such that there is no opening or separation between the tips and the cylinder. The internal element 6 includes filter media without external folds 6a in a cylindrical shape in direct or indirect contact with a cylinder with internal folds of the vehicle 6b. As such, the configuration of the inner element (ie, the external unfolded filter vehicle and the internal folded filter vehicle) is in contrast to the configuration of the external filter element (that is, the outer folded filter vehicle and the internal fold-free filter). The folds and folds of the inner element cylinders are attached, potted, incorporated or otherwise attached at their ends to the end covers (6c, top end cover, and 6d, bottom end cover) located at opposite ends of the cylinders.

[0045] Referring now to Figures 6-8, a modality of a fuel-water separator filter in thermoplastic filter (FWS) and particulate filter as shown here is shown. Figure 9 shows modalities of a profile view of the external element of the fuel-water separator filter currently described in filter (FWS) and particulate filter. Figure 9A shows a modality without a central tube, screen or other support structure for the vehicle of the external element. Figure 9B shows a modality with a central tube, screen or other support structure for the vehicle located downstream of and adjacent to the vehicle cylinder without fold. Figure 9C shows a modality with a central tube, screen or other support structure for the vehicle located between adjacent to, and touching both the upstream folded vehicle cylinder and the downstream folded vehicle cylinder. In Figure 9, numerals 1-5 indicate, in the order from upstream to downstream, the different vehicle layers of the folded vehicle cylinder. The numeral 6 indicates the vehicle without folding and 7 indicates the structure, for example, central tube, screen, spring, etc., which supports the vehicle of the external element. As shown, the folded cylinder comprises three layers of a thermoplastic fibrous filter vehicle (Layers 1-3), a layer of a thermoplastic nanofiber vehicle (Layer 4) and a final layer of a thermoplastic fibrous vehicle (Layer 5). The foldless cylinder comprises a layer of fibrous thermoplastic vehicle (Layer 6) formed as a tube and placed inside the folded vehicle cylinder with its upstream side in direct contact with the folded vehicle cylinder or in indirect contact with the cylinder folded vehicle through the intermediate support structure (7), as shown. The optional support structure (7) can work to prevent the flat cylinder from collapsing under flow and pressure drop when the cartridge is used in a fuel-water separation system. However, preferably folded and unfolded cylinders together provide sufficient strength and stiffness making the support structure optional. In Figure 9C, the support structure provides support to the folded cylinder, the ends of the inner fold of which are in direct contact with the support structure, while the non-folded cylinder is located inside, downstream and in direct contact with the support structure. In some embodiments, the cylinder without bending can be thermally welded to or injection molded with the central thermoplastic tube to fix it to the support structure. Typically, the axial lengths of all 7 layers are the same. Both ends of each of the cylinders are either embedded in end covers or placed in an adhesive, for example, polyurethane, to attach the ends of the cylinders to the end covers and prevent the leakage of unfiltered fluid around the vehicle during use in a fuel-water separation system (Figures 1 -8).

[0046] The outer element of Figures 9B and 9C includes 6 layers of vehicle material and a support structure. However, the outer element may include few or additional layers depending on the requirements of the system in which the filter cartridge is used. For illustrative purposes only, three coalescers referred to as X, Y, and Z are described in Table 1 including the typical properties of each layer of the vehicle of these coalescers.

[0047] The vehicle combinations of these three coalescers reflect design choices based on the observation that in low interfacial tension systems, such as ULSD and biodiesel, there is relatively little thermodynamic direction for coalescence and the kinetics of coalescence tend to be slow. These coalescers are designed to physically slow the passage of droplets from a dispersed phase into a continuous phase (for example, dispersed droplets of water in hydrocarbon fuel) through the vehicle and to increase the concentration of the droplets locally in the coalescer to facilitate coalescence and drop size growth.

[0048] In Coalescedor X, at least 6 layers of the vehicle with an optional support structure are used. Coalescedor X can be referred to as a “gear shift coalescer” (see PCT Publication No. WO 2010/042706, which is incorporated by reference here in its entirety) having a filter-on-filter configuration (see, USPTO Nos. US 2009/0065419; US 2009/0250402; and US 2010/0101993, which are incorporated by reference here in their entirety). Layer 1 works as a pre-filter and to reduce the pressure drop through the outer element. Layer 1 is more “open” (that is, having higher porosity, larger pore size, larger average fiber diameter, higher Frasier permeability, and / or less contaminant removal efficiency) than Layer 2. A Layer 2 works to capture fine emulsified droplets, for example, water droplets in ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. Layer 2 is “narrower” (ie, having lower porosity, smaller pore size, smaller average fiber diameter, lower Frasier permeability and / or higher contaminant removal efficiency) than Layer 3. A Layer 3 works to reduce the speed of the fluid in the vehicle and provides a space for droplets captured in Layer 2 to drain, accumulate and coalescer. The physical properties of Layer 3 are such that the fluid velocity in this layer is less than the fluid velocity in Layer 4. Layer 3 is more "open" (that is, having a higher porosity, larger pore size, mean fiber diameter, greater Frasier permeability, and / or less contaminant removal efficiency) than Layer 4. Layer 4 works to capture droplets that were not captured by the previous layers, especially the finer droplets, and to serve as a semipermeable barrier for the passage of captured droplets. The function of the Layer 4 semipermeable barrier causes the droplets to concentrate and accumulate in Layer 3, giving the droplets more time and greater likelihood for coalescence to occur. The function of the Layer 4 semipermeable barrier also results in increased localized fluid velocity and a transient increase in the surface area of the droplet, which also increases coalescence. The physical properties of Layer 4 are such that the speed of the fluid in this layer is greater than the speed of the fluid in Layer 5. Layer 4 is "narrower" (that is, having a smaller porosity, smaller pore size, diameter smaller fiber average, lower Frasier permeability and / or greater contaminant removal efficiency) than Layer 5. Layer 4 is typically a temoplastic nanofiber filter vehicle with a diameter of less than 1 μm (for example, to obtain the very high water removal efficiency requirements and to accommodate the small droplet size for modern high pressure common rail diesel fuel systems running on ULSD or biodiesel). Layer 5 works to create a lower speed environment in which the coalesced droplets formed in the previous layers can collect and drain through prior to release. Layer 5 is more “open” (that is, having higher porosity, larger pore size, larger average fiber diameter, higher Frasier permeability and / or lower contaminant removal efficiency) than Layer 4. A Layer 6 works to provide release sites for coalesced drops in a low-energy environment. Layer 6 is more "open" (higher porosity, larger pore size, larger average fiber diameter, higher Frasier permeability, and / or less contaminant removal efficiency) than Layer 5.

[0049] In Coalescedor Y, two or three layers of the vehicle are used with or without an optional support structure. Coalescer Y can be referred to as a “single layer surface coalescer” (see, USPTO Order No. 61 / 178,738, filed May 15, 2009 and USPTO Order No. 12 / 780,392, filed 14 May 2010, and published as Publication USPTO No. 2010 /, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) having a filter-on-filter configuration (see, USPTO Publications No. US 2009/0065419; US 2009/0250402; and US 2010/0101993, which are incorporated by reference here in their entirety). In Coalescedor Y, Layer 4 works to provide a semi-permeable barrier to the passage of fine emulsified droplets, forcing them to concentrate on their upstream surface. As such, the droplets have sufficient time and a suitable environment for coalescence and drop growth to occur. Layer 4 is a relatively “narrow” layer with characteristics comparable to Layer 4 in Coalescent X or even narrower. This layer uses “sieving” to prevent the passage of fine droplets and typically comprises a temoplastic nanofiber filter vehicle with an average pore size, M, less than the average influential droplet size and a maximum to medium pore size ratio less than 3 (ie MM / MS 3. In some embodiments, a water drain is present on the upstream side of the outer element through which the drops coalesced on the surface upstream of the Layer 4 drain, at the same time in whereas in other modalities, there may be a water drain present on the downstream side of the outer element to collect the coalesced water that was forced through the vehicle at release sites by pressure drop through the coalescent element. Coalescer Y has a Layer 5 optional to provide structural support for Layer 4, if required, and to serve as a drainage path for any forced coalesced drops through Layer 4. Layer 5 connects to Layer 4 to Release Layer 6. Layer 5 also works to create a slower, lower energy environment in which coalesced droplets formed in the previous layers can collect and drain through prior to release. Layer 5 is more "open" than Layer 4 and is structurally stronger, to provide support for Layer 4 and to facilitate vehicle processing. Coalescedor Y has a Layer 6 without additional fold downstream of the previously described Layer 4 and Layer 5. Layer 6 works to provide release sites for coalesced goras in a low energy environment. As such, Layer 6 is more "open" than Layer 5.

[0050] In Coalescedor Z, three or more vehicle layers with an optional support structure are used (see, USPTO Order No. 61 / 179.170, filed on May 18, 2009; USPTO Order No. 61 / 179,939, filed on May 20, 2009; and USPTO Order No. Serial 12 / 780,392, filed on May 14, 2010, and published as USPTO Publication No. 2010 /, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Coalescedor Z is a more complex surface coalescer than Coalescedor Y and has a filter-on-filter configuration (see, USPTO Publication Nos. US 2009/0065419; US 2009/0250402; and US 2010/0101993, which are incorporated by reference here in its totalities). Layer 3 works to reduce the pressure drop across the coalescer and, secondarily, to serve as a particulate pre-filter for the coalescer and to extend its life. Layer 3 is more "open" than Layer 4 and has a higher capillary pressure (ie, a more positive capillary pressure) than Layer 4. The function and properties of Layer 4, 5 (optional) and Layer 6 are as described for Coalescer Y.

[0051] In all three coalescers X, Y, and Z, the nature of the transition from Layer 5 to Layer 6 is important. Layers 1-5 are typically folded. As such, the fluid flow profile in the fold or obstacle in the captured drops causes it to accumulate in the ditches (downstream direction) of the folds. This results in droplets concentrated in this localized region, increasing the coalescence providing increased time for the drops to coalesce before they are released. It has been observed by the present inventors that coalesced droplets tend to be released from the same areas or regions active on the downstream side of the coalescers, while a small drop droplet occurs elsewhere. This suggests that once a drainage path through the vehicle is extended, it is used repeatedly. In the currently described filter cartridges, the preferred drainage routes ending in larger pores are created by direct contact of the inner fold tips of Layer 4 (for Coalescers Y and Z) or Layer 5 (for Coalescer X, as well as, Y and Z if this layer is included) with the surface upstream of Layer 6 without fold. At the point of contact between the folded and unfolded layers, a localized breakdown of the vehicle's pore structure exists which gives rise to these preferred drainage pathways. This results in larger drops being released. In addition, these drainage pathways occur at the bases of the fold ditches where the coalesced droplets are concentrated and the effect is greatest. Direct contact between Layers 4 or 5, and Layer 6 is not required to achieve this result. For example, the inner fold ends of the layer further down the folded section can directly contact the porous support structure 7, which is successively in direct contact with Layer 6 on its downstream side, as shown in Figure 9C.

[0052] In an additional modality (not shown), the folded coalescing vehicle can be as described in Coalescers X, Y or Z, except that Layer 6, the unfolded release layer, would be omitted. This configuration uses the same fluid flow profile in the fold and obstacle in the captured drops affects as Coalescers X, Y or Z, to cause the coalesced droplets and drops to concentrate in the fold ditches to increase the coalescence. Instead of the coalesced droplets draining into a release layer, Layer 6, however, the droplets are released from small cracks or holes in the ends of the inner fold. These cracks or holes can be produced by needle drilling or other means and can be in the order of 30-300 μm in size. These slits or holes in the internal folding tips serve as release points for the coalesced drops.

[0053] The internal element of the filter cartridge currently described works to separate coalesced water droplets from the fuel and to remove fine solid contaminants from the fluid. The inner element comprises a cylinder without external bending in direct contact with a cylinder with internal bending. Typically, the axial lengths of cylinders both without bending and bending are the same. Both ends of each of the cylinders are either embedded in the end covers or placed in pots in an adhesive, for example, polyurethane, to attach the ends of the cylinders to the end covers and prevent unfiltered fluid from drifting around the vehicle during use in a fuel-water separation system (Figures 1 -8).

[0054] The inner element typically includes at least 4 layers of vehicle material (Figure 10). The purpose of the first layer. Layer A is to separate the coalesced drops (water) from the continuous phase (fuel). This layer preferably comprises a thermoplastic mesh woven in the form of a tube that repels the drops and allows them to drain freely from the surface. Layer A is on the outside and in direct contact with the cylinder with internal folds. The mesh opening of this layer is typically less than 100 μm and preferably less than 50 μm. The function of the folded layers is to capture the solid contaminants and droplets not removed by the layers upstream of the external filter element. The first two of these folded layers, Layers B and C in Figure 10 and Table 2, are transient layers that work to reduce pressure drop, to provide additional droplet and droplet removal, and to reduce collection solids in the following layer of nanofiber filtration. Layer D. Layer B also facilitates the manufacture and processing of the composite material. Table 2 Exemplary Vehicle Properties and Layers of Internal Stage Layer Material Diameter Size Size Permeability Thickness Weight of

[0055] These layers have properties similar to Layers 1 and 2 on the outer element. The next fold layer, Layer D in Figure 10 and Table 2, acts as a high-efficiency filter for fine particles (for example, particles having a diameter of 4 μm or smaller). For common high-pressure rail applications, very high removal efficiencies for particles as small as 4 μm are typically required to protect fuel injectors. The layers upstream of Layer D work primarily to remove and separate the droplets. Layer D works to protect the downstream system from being contaminated by fine solids. Layer D also works to remove droplets that may have passed through the previous layers. Preferably, Layer D is "narrower" than any of the other layers of the outer or inner element and includes a temoplastic nanofiber filter vehicle with a diameter of less than 1 µm. At the very least, Layer D of the inner element is as “narrow” as Layer 4 of the outer element. The final layer, Layer E, works to provide support for the preceding layers without significantly increasing the pressure drop. Layer E is a relatively “open” vehicle having sufficient strength and stiffness to support the upstream layers in conditions of use and to facilitate the processing of the vehicle's internal element.

[0056] In the description above, certain terms were used for brevity, clarity and understanding. No unnecessary limitations should be involved in it beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be widely considered. The different configurations, systems, and method steps described here can be used alone or in combination with other configurations, systems, and method steps. It should be expected that several equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible. Published Orders and Patents cited above are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims (5)

1. Filter Cartridge in Filter for Separation of Water from Fuel, structured to coalesce a dispersed phase of a mixture of the dispersed phase in a continuous phase, when the mixture moves through the cartridge from the outside in, characterized by the fact that the cartridge comprises: (a) an external filter element (4), the external filter element (4) comprising: (i) an external folded filter material (4a) where the external folded filter material (4a) has a cylindrical shape; wherein the folded outer filter material (4a) comprises a composite material including at least the following layers: (1) a layer (L1-3) with greater porosity, greater pore size, greater average fiber diameter, greater permeability Frasier and less efficient removal of contaminants than a layer immediately downstream of the layer (L1-3); (2) a layer of nanofibers (L4) with an average fiber diameter of less than 1.0 μm; (3) a structural support layer (L5) with a larger pore size, larger average fiber diameter, greater Frasier permeability and less contaminant removal efficiency than a layer immediately upstream of the structural support layer (L5); (ii) end covers (4c, 4e) attached to the opposite ends of the folded outer filter material (4a); and (b) an internal filter element (6) located inside the external filter element (4); the internal filter element (6) comprising: (i) an external non-folded filter material (6a), where the external non-folded filter material (6a) has a cylindrical shape; (ii) an internal folded filter material (6b) in direct or indirect contact with the external folded filter material (6a), wherein the internal folded filter material (6b) has a cylindrical shape; wherein the internal folded filter material (6b) comprises a composite material including at least the following layers: (1) a layer (L1) with greater porosity, greater pore size, greater average fiber diameter, greater Frasier permeability and less contaminant removal efficiency than a layer immediately downstream of the layer (L1); (2) a layer of nanofibers (L4) with an average fiber diameter of less than 1.0 μm; (3) a structural support layer (L5) with a larger pore size, larger average fiber diameter, greater Frasier permeability and less contaminant removal efficiency than a layer immediately upstream of the structural support layer (L5); and (iii) end covers (6c, 6d) attached to the opposite ends of the unfolded outer filter material (6a) and the folded inner filter material (6b). 2. Filter Cartridge in Filter for Separating Water from Fuel, according to Claim 1, characterized in that the external filter element (4) further comprises: (iii) an internal filter material without folds (4b) in direct contact or indirectly with the folded outer filter material (4a) at the ends of the inner fold material of the folded external filter material (4a), where the folded inner filter material (4b) has a cylindrical shape and the end covers (4c, 4e) are attached to the opposite ends of the inner filter material without folds (4b); and / or why the folded outer filter material (4a) of the outer filter element (4) has slits or holes in the troughs of the folded outer filter material (4a); and / or why the folded outer filter material (4a) of the outer filter element (4) comprises polymeric material; and / or why the polymeric material is thermoplastic material; and / or because the internal, unfolded filter material (4b) of the external filter element (4) comprises polymeric material; and / or why the polymeric material is thermoplastic material; and / or because the unfolded external filter material (6a) of the internal filter element (6) comprises polymeric material; and / or why the polymeric material is thermoplastic material; and / or because the folded inner filter material (6b) of the inner filter element (6) comprises polymeric material; and / or why the polymeric material is a thermoplastic material; and / or why the entire cartridge is a polymeric material; and / or why the polymeric material is a thermoplastic material; and / or why the entire cartridge is a polymeric material; and / or why the polymeric material is a thermoplastic material; and / or why the external filter element (4) further comprises: (iv) a support structure (L6) optionally selected from a group consisting of a permeable tube, a screen, a spring, a cage-like structure, in that the support structure (L6) contacts the fold-free inner filter material (4b) of the outer filter element (4); and / or why the support structure (L6) is located on the inner side of the inner unfiltered filter material (4b) of the outer filter element (4) and the inner unfolded filter material (4b) directly contacts the material of folded outer filter (4a) of the outer filter element (4) at the inner fold ends of the folded outer filter material (4a); and / or why the support structure (L6) is located on the outer side of the inner unfiltered filter material (4b) of the outer filter element (4) and the inner unfolded filter material (4b) indirectly contacts the material of folded outer filter (4a) of the outer filter element (4) on the inner fold ends of the folded outer filter material (4a) through the support structure (L6). 3. Filter Cartridge in Filter for Separation of Water from Fuel, according to Claim 1, characterized in that the folded external filter material (4a) of the external filter element (4) comprises a composite material having a lower permeability than that 40 cfm; and / or why the folded external filter material (4a) has a medium pore size, M, where 0.2 μm <M <12.0 μm and the folded external filter material (4a) has a size maximum pore MM, where 1 <MM / M <5; and / or why the folded external filter material (4a) has a maximum pore size MM, where 1 <MM / M <3; and / or why the folded external filter material (4a) has a maximum pore size MM, where 1 <MM / M <2; and / or why at least one layer of the folded outer filter material (4a) has an average pore size, M and 12:02 <M <12.0 μm; and / or why at least one layer has a maximum pore size MM and I <MM / M <3; and / or why at least one layer has a maximum pore size MM and I <MM / M <2; and / or why the vehicle material of at least one layer comprises fibers with an average diameter between 0.07 μm and 1 μm; and / or why the fibers comprise polymeric material; and / or why the polymeric material is a thermoplastic material; and / or why the polymeric material is a polyamide material; and / or why at least one layer has a permeability of less than 40 cfm; and / or why at least one layer is nanofiber material having a base weight of at least 10 gsm; and / or because at least one layer has a thickness as measured from upstream to downstream of between 0.05 and 0.4 mm; and / or why the folded external filter material (4a) is formed by obtaining a first vehicle material and a second vehicle material and physically or chemically coupling the first vehicle material and the second layered vehicle material; and / or why the folded external filter material (4a) is formed by electrospray of a vehicle material and combining the electro-appropriated vehicle material and another layered vehicle material 4. Filter Cartridge in Filter for Separating Water from Fuel, according to Claim 3, characterized in that a first upstream layer (L1) of the vehicle material of the folded external filter material (4a) and a second layer downstream (L2) of the vehicle material from the folded external filter material (4a) has medium pore sizes MI and M2, respectively, and MI> M2; and / or why MI is at least 2.5 times greater than M2; and / or why 0.2 μm <M2 <12.0 μm; and / or why MI> 15 μm; and / or why 30 μm> MI> 15 μm; and / or why the first layer (L1) comprises vehicles having an average fiber diameter of 1-100 μm; and / or why the first layer (L1) comprises vehicles having a permeability between 40 and 120 cfm; and / or because it comprises a first upstream layer (L1) of the vehicle material of the folded external filter material (4a), a second middle layer (L2) of vehicle material of the folded external filter material (4a) ) and a third downstream layer (L3) of vehicle material from the folded outer filter material (4a) and the first layer (L1), the second layer (L2) and the third layer (L3) have average pore sizes , M1, M2 and M3, respectively, where M1> M2 and M3> M2; and / or why M3> 15 μm; and / or why 60 μm> M3> 15 μm; and / or why the third layer (L3) comprises vehicles with an average fiber diameter greater than 20 μm; and / or because the third layer (L3) comprises vehicles with a permeability between 40 and 200 cfm; and / or why the folded external filter material (4a) is formed by obtaining a first vehicle material and a second vehicle material and physically or chemically coupling the first vehicle material and the second layered vehicle material; and / or why the folded external filter material (4a) is formed by electrospray of a vehicle material and combining the electrosprayed vehicle material and another layered vehicle material. 5. Filter Cartridge in Filter for Separating Water from Fuel, according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge is configured to coalesce water dispersed in a continuous phase of hydrocarbon fuel; and / or why the unfolded external filter material (6a) of the internal filter element (6) is hydrophobic; and / or why a drop of water in the hydrocarbon fuel has an angle of contact over the outer, unfolded filter material (6a) of the internal filter element (6) that is greater than or equal to 90 °; and / or why the unfolded external filter material (6a) of the internal filter element (6) comprises a thermoplastic woven mesh having a mesh opening less than 100 μm; and / or because the folded inner filter material (6b) of the inner filter element (6) comprises composite material having a permeability of less than 20 cfm; and / or why the folded internal filter material (6b) has a medium pore size, M, where 0.2 μm <M <6.0 μm, and the folded internal filter material (6b) has a maximum pore size MM, where 1 <MM / M <5; and / or why the folded internal filter material (6b) has a maximum pore size MM, where 1 <MM / M <3; and / or why the folded internal filter material (6b) has a maximum pore size MM, where 1 <MM / M <2; and / or because at least one layer of the internal folded filter material (6b) has a medium pore size, M, which is smaller than any average pore size of any layer of the external folded filter material (4a ) of the external filter element (4); and / or why 0.2 μm <μm <6.0 μm; and / or because the fibers of the folded internal filter element (6) comprise polymeric material; and / or why the polymeric material is a thermoplastic material; and / or why the polymeric material is a polyamide material; and / or why the carrier material of at least one layer of the internal folded filter material (6b) is nanofiber material having a base weight of at least 10 gsm; and / or why the vehicle material of at least one layer of the folded internal filter material (6b) has a thickness as measured from upstream to downstream of between 0.05 and 0.4 mm; and / or why a first upstream layer (L1) of the vehicle material of the folded inner filter material (6b) and a second downstream layer (L2) of vehicle material of the folded inner filter material (6b) it has average pore sizes MI and M2, respectively, and MI> M2; and / or why MI is at least 2.5 times greater than M2; and / or why 0.2 μm <M2 <6.0 μm; and / or why 5.0 μm <MI <15.0 μm; and / or why the second downstream layer (L2) of vehicle material has a permeability between 3.0 and 20.0 cfm; and / or why the first upstream layer (L1) of vehicle material has a permeability between 25 and 65 cfm; and / or why a first upstream layer (L1) of vehicle material from the folded inner filter material (6b), a second middle layer (L2) of the vehicle material from the folded inner filter material (6b) , and a third downstream layer (L3) of vehicle material from the folded inner filter material (6b) have average pore sizes, MI, MI, and M3, respectively, where MI> M2 and M3> M2; and / or why M3> 15 μm; and / or why 75 μm> M3> 15 μm; and / or why the third layer (L3) comprises vehicles with an average fiber diameter greater than 40 μm; and / or why the third layer (L3) of vehicle material has a permeability between 40 and 80 cfm; and / or why the outer filter element (4) and the inner filter element (6) share one or both end caps (4c, 4e, 6c, 6d); and / or why the end covers (4c, 4e, 6c, 6d) comprise polymeric material; and / or why the polymeric material is a thermoplastic material; and / or why the polymeric material is a polyurethane material.

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