EP3769013A1 - Systèmes et procédés permettant d'indiquer la durée de vie d'un filtre - Google Patents

Systèmes et procédés permettant d'indiquer la durée de vie d'un filtre

Info

Publication number
EP3769013A1
EP3769013A1 EP19714023.9A EP19714023A EP3769013A1 EP 3769013 A1 EP3769013 A1 EP 3769013A1 EP 19714023 A EP19714023 A EP 19714023A EP 3769013 A1 EP3769013 A1 EP 3769013A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filter
perforated
insert
filter assembly
assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP19714023.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jordan SALPIETRA
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BROOKS EQUIPMENT COMPANY LLC
Original Assignee
Restaurant Technology Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/927,245 external-priority patent/US20180207569A1/en
Application filed by Restaurant Technology Inc filed Critical Restaurant Technology Inc
Publication of EP3769013A1 publication Critical patent/EP3769013A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F24C15/00—Details
    • F24C15/20—Removing cooking fumes
    • F24C15/2035—Arrangement or mounting of filters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
    • B01D46/0084—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours provided with safety means
    • B01D46/0086—Filter condition indicators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to filters for use in exhaust hoods and, more particularly, to indicating filter life of filters for use in exhaust hoods.
  • a plurality of cooking units are lined up side by side in a row under common exhaust hoods.
  • the cooking units may include, for example, ranges, griddles, fryers, and broilers.
  • the cooking processes performed on such equipment all produce air laden with grease, smoke, fumes, moisture, heat, and other particles in varying amounts and temperatures.
  • the air is drawn in to the exhaust hood, where it is filtered.
  • One known filtration system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,539 B2 to Aviles at ah, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the filter pad comprises a material configured to absorb airborne particulates.
  • the at least one insert is configured to support the filter pad in a generally flat configuration and the at least one insert comprises one or more perforations and one or more non- perforated portions, wherein the one or more perforated portions permit air to flow therethrough and the one or more non-perforated portions restrict the air from flowing therethrough and wherein the at least one insert is configured to cooperate with the filter pad such that the filter pad absorbs the airborne particulates in a manner that reveals a visual indicator relating to a usable life of the filter pad.
  • Technical advantages of certain embodiments may include presenting a visual indicator of usable life of filter material disposed in a filter assembly. Being able to determine the usable life of filter material may, in some cases, reduce waste of filter material that still has usable life. In other cases, determining the usable life of filter material may signal an operator to dispose of/replace filter material that has no usable life left. This may be advantageous given that continued use of a filter material having no usable life may increase fire risk and/or air flow resistance.
  • Another technical advantage of embodiments disclosed herein is the increased percent openness of perforated metal sheets as compared to standard, unmodified perforated metal.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of filter assemblies mounted in an exhaust hood above a cooking apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a filter assemblies being lifted by a mounting tool into an opening in the exhaust hood, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is perspective view of the components of the filter assembly with the external support structure removed and the filter material folded back inside of the opening within the second filter, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of the filter assembly, according to the embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a back isometric view of the filter assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged front view of the first filter, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 is perspective view of the bottom of the filter assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the filter assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the filter assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 11A is an exploded view of a filter assembly that includes filter material, according to certain embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the filter assembly of FIG. 11 A, according to certain embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates the filter material of FIG. 11 A at various stages of its life cycle, according to certain embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of a decal assembly, according to certain embodiments of the invention.
  • Example embodiments of this disclosure include a multi-staged grease filtration system designed to completely fit inside of a standard two inch wide baffle filter channel in a ventilation hood including a first filter with high efficiency grease filtration capabilities, and at least one second filter located downstream (with respect to the direction of air flow through the filter and hood) of the first filter.
  • the first filter includes filter material attached to an external support structure that is made of relatively more rigid material.
  • the second filter is preferably effective at preventing the spread of fire from the upstream face of the filtration system to an area downstream of the system.
  • the second filter may be any filter that drains grease out of the filter, and is preferably also an effective fire barrier.
  • a filter for a ventilation hood that drains grease to a grease drain and is an effective fire barrier is a baffle-type filter, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,782 to Struble et al, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • a baffle filter is very effective at preventing fire from traveling downstream as required by UL Standard 1046.
  • the baffle filter is satisfactory at filtering out grease with a particle size of greater than about 10 micrometers (pm), but it is less effective with smaller particles. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention further include a first disposable or permanent filter, located upstream of the second filter in the airflow direction, the second filter being separate to the first filter.
  • baffle filters are difficult to clean and re-use so it is beneficial to have a disposable filter upstream from the baffle filter.
  • the filter material is made, in whole or in part, of fibers, such as natural, synthetic, and/or hybrid fibers, with or without a stabilizer frame, such as, for example and without limitation, the filter disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,277,530 B2 to Alexander et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the filter material is made, in whole or in part, of wool fiber, such as, for example and without limitation, the filter disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,293,983 to More, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure thus provide a filtration system with both a first filter and a second filter, in which the second filter is a very effective fire barrier, and the first filter is very effective at entrapping particulates.
  • the resulting combination provides superior performance in both respects, while simplifying the installation procedure and reducing the renewable costs associated with disposable filter material.
  • the first filter is made, in part, of metal mesh or fibers, such as natural, synthetic, and/or hybrid fibers, such as, for example and without limitation, wool fibers, wood-based viscose fibers, and cellulose-based synthetic fibers.
  • the blend of fibers may include blending wool fibers with flame resistant viscose fibers; carding the blend into a fiber web; spraying the fiber web with a binder; needle punching the fiber web into a non-woven blanket; and applying a bonding emulsion to the wool fibers.
  • Particular embodiments may further comprise applying a vacuum to the non- woven blanket and/or passing the non-woven blanket through an oven at over 280 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • the first filter is made of organic material, such as natural organic material.
  • the second filter is made of animal-derived organic material, such as wool.
  • the material of the first filter may be disposed adjacent to or attached to an external support structure made of relatively more rigid material. While fiber filters are advantageous for their particle filtration abilities, their rigidity is similar to that of paper towels if an internal frame, or an external housing that sandwiches the filter material between two surfaces, is not present. Internal frame options result in expensive manufacturing costs, while a sandwiching external housing that sandwiches the filter material between two surfaces compresses the filter material resulting in less grease loading capabilities while increasing airflow resistance. For this reason, their use is limited despite their filtration properties.
  • the drawbacks caused by the fiber material’s lack of rigidity may be rectified.
  • the external support structure may contain fastening elements that grip the filter material to hold it in place. In this way, the material may gain rigidity for easier installation and removal, while mounting its original loft, density, grease loading abilities and minimal airflow resistance.
  • the first filter may be installed upstream of the second filters in an exhaust hood canopy according to a particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1.
  • the first filter may be positioned with the filter material on the downstream side of the external support structure in an airflow direction, similar to those depicted in FIG. 8.
  • the first filter may be positioned with the filter material on the upstream side of the external support structure similar to those depicted in FIG. 9.
  • the additional benefit when the external support structure is positioned on the upstream side of the filter material would be that the external support structure would provide better aesthetics over the appearance of a soiled filter material.
  • the external support structure is configured on the downstream side of the filter material, the external support structure would remain cleaner for longer periods of time which results in reduced labor and associated cleaning costs.
  • the filter assemblies 200 mounted within a hood 102 over cooking equipment 100.
  • a fryer 101 is illustrated for exemplary purposes.
  • the cooking equipment may include, for example, ranges, griddles, fryers, broilers, or the like.
  • FIGS. 2 depicts a filter assembly 200 being lifted by sliding the head 501 of a mounting tool 502 under the top lip 401 of the filter assembly 200, and maneuvering the filter assembly up into the an opening 105 and top channel 103 within the hood 200 where it will rest down into the bottom channel 104.
  • FIG. 3 shows the exterior support structure 300 removed from the housing 400, while the filter material 303 has been inserted behind the top lip 401 and bottom lip 402 of the second filter 202.
  • the filter material 303 has been folded back to reveal the downstream perforated air diffuser 409.
  • FIG. 4 shows a front isometric view of the filter assembly 200 and a reference line used to indicate a cross-sectional view as depicted in FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates one of the cross-section views of the filter assembly 200 that was referenced in FIG. 4, wherein the filter assembly 200 may include the following components: a first filter 201 and a second filter 202.
  • the first filter 201 may include an exterior support structure 300 and filter material 303.
  • the second filter 202 may include middle divider tabs 408 (optional), a perforated air diffuser 409, and a baffle assembly 404 all enclosed within the housing 400.
  • the baffle assembly 404 by comprise of an upstream row of vertical baffle ribs 405 and a downstream row of vertical baffle ribs 406, each being offset from the other to define an airflow spacing 407.
  • Optional vertical bail handles 410 may be added to the housing 400.
  • the filter assembly 200 may define tortuous paths“P” 106 that may enter the filter assembly 200 via the first filter 201, then through the perforated air diffuser 409, then through the airflow spacing 407 provided by the baffle assembly 404.
  • baffles assembly 404 may function as a channel, or gutter, and direct the accumulation of grease under the force of gravity to the bottom of the filter assembly 200 as further described in FIG.8
  • FIG. 6 shows the back side of the second filter 202 revealing a baffle filter assembly 404 comprising of a upstream row of vertical ribs 405, a downstream row of vertical ribs 406 and airflow openings 407.
  • FIGURES 4-6 may be configured such that the baffle assembly 404 and the perforated air diffuser 409 are fixed within housing 400, and the exterior support structure 300 and filter material 303 are removable from housing 400. This allows the filter material to be replaced periodically, without having to remove the entire housing from the kitchen hood.
  • the filter material 303 may simply be placed against the exterior support structure 300 and then the exterior support structure inserted within the housing 400. Upper lip 400a and lower lip 400b of housing 400 hold exterior support structure 300 in place within housing 400.
  • upper lip 400a is approximately 2” but may be between 1” and 3” in order to secure the exterior support structure in place.
  • lower lip 400b is approximately 1” but could be between .05” and 1.5” in order to secure the exterior support structure in place. Since the overall height of the housing is approximately 15.5” and the overall height of the exterior support structure is approximately 14.5”, the exterior support structure easily fits within the housing and lips 400a and 400b hold it in place.
  • the thickness of the exterior support is approximately 0.25” but could be within a range of 0.15” to 0.5”.
  • the filter material e.g., filter pad
  • the filter material is approximately 0.125” thick but could be within a range of 0.1” to 0.4” within the teachings of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of this invention where the filter material 303 is attached the exterior support structure 300 with the use of independent fastening elements 301 which can be located on any one or more sides of the external support structure 300, and are designed like velcro or hooks to adhere or penetrate directly to the filter materials 303 woven or nonwoven surface.
  • the fastening elements 301 can be any size or shape, and attached to external support structures 300 using either adhesive, welding, riveting, sewing, screwing or any combination thereof.
  • the filter material may be attached to the external support structure using clasps, hook and loop fasteners, clamps, adhesive, stick tacks, hooks or other similar means.
  • FIG. 8 shows the bottom of the housing 400 of the filter assembly 200 which may comprise of a series of drainage apertures 411 and 412, for the first filter and second filter respectively, through which the grease may travel on its way to a ventilation hoods holding reservoir (not shown).
  • FIGS. 9-10 show two configuration options in which the first filter 201 is placed in the upstream of a second filter 202.
  • FIG. 9 shows that within the first filter 201, the external support structure 201 is oriented downstream of the filter material 303. This may be done so that the filter material 303 filters the air before it come into contact with the external support structure 300, reducing the need for the external support structure 300 to be cleaned nightly and still giving rigidity to the filter material 303.
  • FIG. 10 shows that within the first filter 201, the external support structure 201 is oriented upstream of the filter material 303. This may be done so that the external support structure 300 offers better aesthetics while maintaining rigidity to the filter material 303. This configuration is further illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5.
  • components of the filter assembly may be made from stainless steel.
  • re-usable components of the system including the baffle assembly, air diffuser, housing and exterior support structure may be made of stainless steel.
  • the filter material that comprises the disposable filter may be made from a variety of different materials, including a combination of wool and viscose materials.
  • wool may account for 60% to 90%, or 70% to 80% of the blend.
  • viscose may be the only other material in the blend and account for the balance of the material.
  • viscose material in the blend.
  • viscose may comprise 60% to 90%, or 70% to 80% of the blend.
  • wool may be the only other material in the blend and account for the balance of the material.
  • the thickness of the housing and in some embodiments the entire filter assembly may be within the range of one and one-half to two inches thick. In certain embodiments, in order to allow the best“fit” within the hood, the total thickness would be within a range of 1.65” to 1.95”. In certain illustrated embodiment herein, a 1.75” thick assembly is illustrated.
  • the filter assembly of Figures 4-6 may be a square configuration with sides of a length within a range of 14” to 16”. This would allow the multi-stage filter to replace a standard baffle filter in a standard hood. In the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the filter are approximately 15.5” long.
  • the exterior support structure is configured to be a square or rectangular configuration that is slightly smaller than the filter assembly.
  • the exterior support structure is approximately 14.5” by 15”.
  • The“short” side corresponds to the side that will engage the top and bottom lips of the housing.
  • the sides of the exterior support structure may be from 13.5” to 15.5” with the“short” side being approximately 1/2 inch shorter than the long side.
  • the baffle filter takes up greater than 50% of the thickness of the filter assembly.
  • the baffle filter may comprise 55% to 75% of such thickness.
  • the exterior support structure and filter material together comprise less than 1/3 of the thickness.
  • the exterior support structure may comprise 15% to 40% of the thickness.
  • the filter material e.g., filter pad
  • the filter material may be slightly longer than the exterior support structure in at least one dimension to allow for the filter assembly to lap over the exterior support structure on at least two sides of the exterior support structure, and in some embodiments on all four sides.
  • the rigidity provided by the exterior support structure may be advantageous for more easily handling the filter material during the installation and removal of the filter material, thereby shortening the time and effort required for installation and removal.
  • the first filter may be orientated with the external support element either on the upstream or downstream side of the filter material for aesthetics and maintenance purposes benefits.
  • the external support structure may not require any additional support on the opposite side of the filter material.
  • the first filter may be attached, such as removably attached, to the second filter.
  • the filter material of the first filter may be natural fibers, hybrid fibers, synthetic fibers or any combination thereof.
  • the second filters elements may cooperate to define an opening for the first filter.
  • the second filter may comprise: a housing, top lip, bottom lip, hanging clips, flame barrier, drain holes, middle divider tabs and a perforated air diffuser.
  • the flame barrier within the second filter may be one or more baffle filters, metal mesh filters or any other known flame barrier.
  • the ventilation hood may include a track, and the second filter may be configured to be inserted and possibly clipped onto the hood with the use of the filter assembly’s hanging clips and be moved along the track.
  • the first filter may also be configured to be inserted the second filter and into the hood by being moved along the track.
  • a filter assembly may be configured to provide a visual indicator for the useable life of an installed filter.
  • a filter assembly 1100 comprises one or more perforated inserts.
  • filter assembly 1100 includes a first perforated insert 1110 and a second perforated insert 1120.
  • filter assembly 1100 further includes a baffle assembly 1130.
  • filter assembly 1100 includes a filter pad comprising filter material.
  • the first perforated insert 1110 and the second perforated insert 1120 may cooperate to hold a disposable filter (e.g., filter material 1140) in a generally flat configuration.
  • a disposable filter e.g., filter material 1140
  • FIG. 11A may be configured within a housing 1170 (also referred to herein as an“external frame assembly”).
  • Filter assembly 1100 may be configured to be disposed within a ventilation hood within a kitchen. In some embodiments, filter assembly 1100 is installed in the ventilation hood such that perforated insert 1110 is upstream of baffle assembly 1130.
  • filter assembly 1000 is installed in the ventilation hood such that perforated insert 1110 is downstream of baffle assembly 1130.
  • Housing 1170 may include one or more drain holes (apertures) 1185 along a bottom side of housing 1170. In some embodiments, housing 1170 includes one or more rows of drain holes 1185.
  • baffle assembly 1130 may comprise one or more baffles. Some embodiments include an upstream row of vertical baffle ribs and a downstream row of vertical baffle ribs. In such embodiments, the upstream row of vertical baffle ribs may be offset from the downstream row of vertical baffle ribs in a way that defines an airflow spacing (see e.g., FIG. 4). Baffle assembly 1130 may be compliant with the UL Standard 1046. The thickness of baffle assembly may be between approximately 0.25” to approximately 1.5.” In some embodiments, the thickness of baffle assembly may be between approximately 0.5” and 1.25” or between a narrower range between approximately 0.6” and 1.1”. As an example, the thickness of baffle assembly may be approximately 0.75”.
  • Baffle assembly 1130 may comprise any suitable material such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and/or galvanized metal.
  • the thickness of such material may vary but may be between approximately 14-gauge to approximately 28- gauge or between a narrower range between approximately 18-gauge to 25-gauge. As an example, the thickness of the material may be 20-gauge.
  • baffle assembly 1130 may include any suitable thicknesses and metals. This disclosure also recognizes that baffle assembly 1130 may be substituted for one or more metal mesh filters (not depicted) in filter assembly 1100.
  • perforated inserts e.g., perforated insert 1110 and 1120
  • filter assembly 1100 may be removably coupled to filter assembly 1100 to permit access to other components of filter assembly 1100.
  • perforated insert 1110 may be configured to be slidably removed from filter assembly 1100.
  • perforated insert 1110 may be coupled to filter assembly 1100 by one or more hinges 1180.
  • perforated insert 1110 may lock shut when hinged.
  • perforated insert 1110 is locked shut using a compressible button 1175 positioned along housing 1170.
  • perforated insert 1110 remains locked shut unless and/or until unlocked through compression by a user (e.g., without the use of a key or tool).
  • one or more perforated inserts (e.g., perforated insert 1110 and 1120) of filter assembly 1100 include one or more handles 1190.
  • perforated insert 1110 includes handles 1190. This disclosure recognizes that handles 1190 may assist operators in the removal of perforated inserts (e.g., perforated insert 1110 and 1120).
  • Perforated inserts 1120, 1130 may be made of any suitable material.
  • perforated inserts 1120, 1130 are made of a non-flammable material such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and/or galvanized metal.
  • perforated inserts 1120, 1130 comprise the same material (e.g., stainless steel).
  • perforated inserts 1120, 1130 comprise different materials (e.g., perforated insert 1120 comprises stainless steel and perforated insert 1130 comprises carbon steel).
  • perforated inserts 1120, 1130 have a thickness between approximately 14-gauge and 28-gauge. Perforated inserts 1120, 1130 may have the same and/or different thicknesses.
  • perforated inserts 1120, 1130 may both have a thickness of 19-gauge.
  • perforated insert 1120 may have a thickness of l9-gauge and perforated insert 1130 may have a thickness of 20-gauge.
  • this disclosure describes perforated inserts 1120, 1130 having particular thicknesses, this disclosure recognizes that perforated inserts 1120, 1130 may have any suitable thickness.
  • perforated inserts 1120, 1130 are only as thick as necessary given that a thicker piece of metal tends to weigh more than a thinner piece of metal.
  • perforated inserts 1120, 1130 may comprise one or more perforations 1115.
  • Perforations 1115 may permit airflow therethrough. As indicated by the arrow 1150 of FIG. 11, air may first flow through perforated insert 1110 (via perforations 1115), and thereafter flow through filter material 1140, perforated insert 1120 (via perforations 1115), and baffle assembly 1130 (via airflow spacing 407 of FIG. 5). As recognized herein, air may continue to flow through a ventilation duct after traveling through filter assembly 1100.
  • the shape of perforations 1115 are one or more of: round, square, ovular, slotted, lattice, hanover square, moire, and/or honeycomb.
  • perforations 1115 are round.
  • perforations 1115 of one perforated insert e.g., perforated insert 1120
  • perforations 1115 of another perforated insert e.g., perforated insert 1130
  • the size of perforations 1115 of perforated inserts may also vary. In some embodiments, perforation size may range between approximately 0.02” and approximately 1”. In other embodiments, the size of perforations 1115 may be between a narrower range of approximately 0.2” and approximately 0.5”. As an example, perforations 1115 may be 0.25”. Although this disclosure describes and depicts particular configurations of perforations 1115, this disclosure recognizes that perforations 1115 may be of any suitable size and shape that may, in some embodiments, be stamped out of the grating.
  • Perforated inserts may have defined spacing between perforations 1115.
  • perforations 1115 of one or more of perforated inserts 1120, 1130 are spaced between 7 / 64 ” (0.109375 inches) and 1 Vx” (1.375 inches) apart.
  • Other embodiments may space perforations between a narrower range of 5 / 3 2” and 1 ⁇ 2”.
  • spacing between perforations may be 5 /ie”.
  • Perforations 1115 of perforated inserts may also have a particular alignment. For example, as depicted in FIG.
  • perforations 1115 in each row may be aligned in a straight pattern. As another example, perforations 1115 in each row may be aligned in a staggered pattern.
  • perforated inserts (e.g., perforated insert 1110 and 1120) having a staggered pattern are staggered at a 60° angle from a center perforation. In other embodiments, perforated inserts (e.g., perforated insert 1110 and 1120) having a staggered pattern are staggered at a 45° angle from a center perforation.
  • perforated insert e.g., perforated insert 1110 and 1120
  • perforated insert 1110 and 1120 may have a closed hem edge such that edges of perforated insert are smooth (see e.g., exterior support structure 300 of FIG. 9).
  • Other embodiments may have perforations extending to the edges for extra rigidity (i.e., u-shaped perimeter frame) (see e.g., perforated inserts 1110 and 1120 of FIG. 11).
  • Perforated inserts may vary in percent openness.
  • percent openness refers to the percentage of open area of perforated insert.
  • a perforated insert having 0.250” hole diameter, 5/16” from a center perforation, and staggered at 60° may have a percent openness of 58%.
  • a having 0.188” hole diameter, 7/32” from a center perforation, and staggered at 60° may have a percent openness of 66%.
  • perforated insert e.g., perforated insert 1110 and 1120
  • perforated insert 1110 and 1120 may have any suitable percent openness.
  • perforated inserts may have one or more perforations 1160 of any suitable size and shape and these perforations 1160 may affect the percent openness.
  • Perforated inserts of a filter assembly e.g., filter assembly 1100
  • perforated insert 1110 may have a percent openness between approximately 58% to approximately 90% or between a narrower range between approximately 65% and approximately 80%.
  • perforated insert 1110 may have a percent openness of approximately 70%.
  • perforated insert 1120 may have a percent openness between approximately 40% to approximately 66% or between a narrower range between approximately 45% to approximately 55%.
  • perforated inert 1120 may have a percent openness of 52%.
  • standard, unmodified perforated metal maintaining a generally rigid construction and having round perforations has a maximum percent openness of approximately 66% due to size, spacing and alignment options of the perforations.
  • percent openness of standard perforated metal may be sufficient when used in some applications, such standard perforated metal is insufficient in other applications.
  • percent openness of standard perforated metal is insufficient in applications where it is a necessity to reduce as much airflow resistance as possible.
  • An advantage of the perforated inserts e.g., perforated inserts 1110, 1120, and 1310) disclosed herein is that they are uniquely configured to increase the percent openness of standard, unmodified perforated metal by approximately 30%.
  • this disclosure recognizes increasing the percent opening of a standard, unmodified perforated metal maintaining a rigid construction and having round perforations by manufacturing a perforated insert to include at least one larger perforation (e.g., perforation l l l5b of perforated insert 1110 and/or perforation l l l5c of perforated insert 11120) in addition to the plurality of standard perforations (e.g., perforations 1115 a) which are commonly present in standard, unmodified perforated metal.
  • at least one larger perforation e.g., perforation l l l5b of perforated insert 1110 and/or perforation l l l5c of perforated insert 11120
  • the plurality of standard perforations e.g., perforations 1115 a
  • Including such larger perforation(s) may increase the percent openness of standard, unmodified perforated metal maintaining a rigid construction and having round perforations from approximately 66% to approximately 85%, without modifying the size, spacing and/or alignment of the standard perforations (e.g., perforations l l l5a). As described in more detail below, these larger perforations may, in some cases, permit more air to flow therethrough and/or provide a viewport permitting an unobstructed view of a portion of filter material 1140.
  • the viewport is established by a perforation 1115 of perforated insert 1110.
  • perforation 1115b may provide a viewport allowing the viewing of a visual indicator (e.g., check mark of FIGURE 12) that appears on one or more surfaces of filter material 1140 as filter material 1140 collects airborne particulates.
  • perforated inserts may include perforations 1115.
  • perforations 1115 may be the same size throughout (see e.g., downstream perforated air diffuser 409 and/or exterior support structure 300 of FIG. 9).
  • one or more perforations 1115 may be one size and one or more perforations 1115 may be a different size.
  • perforated insert 1110 includes perforations l l l5a and l l l5b.
  • perforated insert 1120 includes perforations l l l5a and l l l5c.
  • Perforation l l l5b and/or l l l5c may be of any suitable shape and size and may be positioned at any suitable location on perforated insert 1110 and/or 1120.
  • Perforation l l l5b of perforated insert 1110 may be considered a viewport because, in some embodiments, it provides an unobstructed view to filter material 1140.
  • Perforated inserts 1110 and 1120 also include non-perforated portions 1160.
  • Non-perf orated portions 1160 may, in some embodiments, include all portions of perforated inserts 1110 and 1120 without perforations 1115.
  • perforated insert 1110 includes non-perforated portions H60a and perforated insert 1120 includes non-perforated portions H60a and non-perforated portions H60b.
  • non-perforated portions 1160 can vary in size and shape. For example, the area of non-perforated portion 1160b is larger and shaped differently than non-perforated portions 1160a. As a result, non-perforated portion 1160b provides a higher airflow resistance than that provided by non-perforated portion 1 l60a.
  • perforated inserts 1110 and 1120 are configured to cooperate with filter pad 1140 such that air containing airborne particulates flows through perforated inserts 1110, 1120 in a manner that reveals a visual indicator.
  • visual indicator may be any suitable size and shape. As illustrated in FIGURE 12, the visual indicator is a check mark. A visual indicator may be reveal itself over time due to the manner in which filter pad 1140 collects (also referred to herein as“loads”) airborne particulates (e.g., grease). This may be possible because, as explained in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/304,765 (incorporated by reference herein), airflow takes the path of least resistance.
  • air flow 1150 is able to flow through perforations 1115 and air flow 1150 is restricted from flowing through non- perforated portions 1160.
  • filter material 1140 may generally accumulate airborne particulates first in areas having little to no resistance before accumulating in areas having restricted airflow.
  • FIG. 11A airflow 1150 freely flows through perforations l l l5a-c of perforated inserts 1110 and 1120 but airflow 1150 is generally restricted due to non-perforated portions 1160.
  • filter material 1140 will generally load airborne particulates in the pattern formed by perforations 1115 and non-perforated portions 1160.
  • the pattern formed by perforations 1115 and non-perforated portions 1160 of perforated inserts 1110 and 1120 causes filter material 1140 to load particulates in a manner that reveals a check mark.
  • non-perforated portions 1160 may affect the loading of filter material 1140.
  • the area of non- perforated portions 1 l60a of perforated inserts 1110 and 1120 may not be large enough to delay grease from loading on the portion of filter material 1140 directly abutting non- perforated portions 1160a.
  • the area of non-perforated portion 1160b of non-perforated insert 1120 may be large enough to delay grease from loading on the portion of filter material 1140 directly abutting non-perforated portions 1 l60b.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a life cycle 1200 of filter material 1140 when disposed between perforated inserts 1110 and 1120 of filter assembly 1100.
  • Filter material 1140 may progress through a series of stages from about 0% loaded (not depicted) to about 100% loaded (not depicted). The filter life stages between about 0% loaded to about 100% loaded are depicted in FIG. 12. Airborne particulate collection is indicated in FIG. 12 using black shading.
  • filter material H40a is exemplary of filter material 1140 shortly after it has begun collecting airborne particulates.
  • Filter material 1 l40b is exemplary of filter material 1140 that is about 25% loaded (or stated differently, filter material 1140 having about 75% life left).
  • Filter material H40c is exemplary of filter material 1140 that is about 50% loaded (or stated differently, filter material 1140 having about 50% life left).
  • Filter material H40d is exemplary of filter material 1140 that is about 75% loaded (or stated differently, filter material 1140 having about 25% life left).
  • filter material H40e is exemplary of filter material that is about 98% loaded (or stated differently, filter material 1140 having about 2% life left). The percentages provided in the above paragraph are exemplary and not meant to be an exact representation of the loading level of filter material 1140.
  • filter material 1140 generally loads airborne particulates (e.g., grease) first in areas of little to no airflow restriction and, as the density of airborne particulates increases in these areas over time, filter material 1140 begins to load airborne particulates in areas having more restricted airflow.
  • restriction of airflow 1150 may be caused by the non-perforated portions 1160 of one or more perforated inserts (e.g., perforated insert 1110 and/or perforated insert 1120).
  • filter life is able to be visually indicated. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a visual indicator (e.g., check mark) is revealed during the life cycle of filter material 1140.
  • a person responsible for changing filter material 1140 may identify, by the presence of absence of the visual indicator, when filter material 1140 should be discarded and/or replaced. For example, an operator may know that it is close to time (or time) to discard/replace filter material 1140 when visual indicator has disappeared (see e.g., filter material 1 l40e).
  • the visual indicator may indicate the particulate collection level within filter pad 1140 by a change in a contrasting pattern and density of particulate collection on a surface of filter pad 1140 during the life cycle of filter pad 1140.
  • filter pad 1140 may have a uniform color density across the entire surface of filter pad 1140 at the end of its life cycle.
  • visual indicator may be any suitable contrasting pattern such as shapes, text (e.g., alphanumeric characters), and/or symbols.
  • visual indicator may be one or more vertical and/or horizontal strips. Visual indicators, irrespective of the pattern, serve to visually indicate the filter life of filter material 1140.
  • a decal 1320 may be positioned on perforated insert 1310 to form a decal assembly 1330.
  • perforated insert 1310 may be perforated insert 1110 or perforated insert 1120 of filter assembly 1100.
  • Decal 1320 may include one or more solid portions 1322 and one or more perforations 1324. As depicted in FIG.
  • decal 1320 includes one perforation 1324 in the shape of a check mark surrounded by solid portion 1322.
  • Decal 1320 may be positioned at any suitable location on perforated insert 1310.
  • decal 1320 may be coupled to perforated insert 1310.
  • Decal 1320 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to paper, plastic, metal.
  • decal 1320 is coupled to perforated insert 1310 by adhesive.
  • decal 1320 is coupled to perforated insert 1310 by welding.
  • Decal assembly 1330 may be used in substitution of one or more perforated inserts of filter assembly 1100.
  • perforated insert 1120 may be substituted for decal assembly 1330 in filter assembly 1100.
  • the solid portions 1322 of decal 1320 restrict air flow such that filter material 1140 loads in a similar manner to that described in reference to FIG. 12.
  • decal 1320 may be positioned on a surface of filter material 1140 (e.g., upstream or downstream surface). In some embodiments, decal 1320 is coupled to filter material 1140 using adhesive or other suitable alternative. In other embodiments, decal 1320 is not coupled to filter material 1140 but is instead held substantially in place by the compression of perforated inserts (e.g., perforated inserts 1110 and 1120) of filter assembly 1100.
  • perforated inserts e.g., perforated inserts 1110 and 1120
  • perforated inserts e.g., perforated inserts 1110, 1120, 1310
  • perforated inserts 1110, 1120, 1310 used in conjunction with decals 1320 may be any suitable size and shape and include perforations 1115 and non-perforated portions 1160 of any suitable size and shape.
  • This disclosure also recognizes certain benefits of perforated inserts having perforations 1115 of particular sizes and shapes in embodiments having decals 1320.
  • this disclosure recognizes airflow benefits of embodiments having perforated inserts with perforations 1115 of substantially the same size and shape of decals 1320 and positioned such that perforations 1115 and decals 1320 substantially line up. In such case, air flows freely through perforations 1115 of perforated insert (e.g., perforated insert 1110, 1120, 1310) and is only restricted generally at solid portions 1322 of decal 1320.
  • filter material 1140 may be disposed between first perforated insert 1110 and second perforated insert 1120.
  • filter material 1140 comprises fibers.
  • Filter material may comprise one or more of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and/or hybrid fibers.
  • Natural fibers may include one or more of plant fibers and/or animal fibers such as kapok, luffa, abaca, coir, cotton, flax, hemp, jute, ramie, sisal, alpaca, angora, camel, cashmere, mohair, silk, linen, manila, wool.
  • Synthetic fibers may one or more of nylon, acrylic, polyethylene, cellulose, rubber, lyocell, triacetate, rayon, acetate, acrylic, polyester, polypropylene, and polyolefin.
  • Hybrid fibers may include those fibers that are derived from nature but are materially modified by man.
  • An example of a hybrid fiber may be viscose, rayon, PLA, PLA flame resistant polymers, biodegradable flame-resistant polymers, flame resistant rayon, synthetic fiber derived from a natural source, and fibers that are derived from com starch.
  • filter material 1140 comprises approximately equal percentages of two types of fibers.
  • filter material 1140 may comprise approximately 50% natural fibers (e.g., wool fibers) and 50% hybrid fibers (e.g., viscose fibers).
  • filter material 1140 comprises approximately equal percentages of natural, synthetic, and hybrid fibers (e.g., 33.33% natural fibers, 33.33% hybrid fibers, and 33.33% synthetic fibers).
  • fiber material 1140 comprises fibers of only a single type (e.g., 100% natural fibers, 100% synthetic fibers, 100% hybrid fibers).
  • filter material 1140 may have particular fiber blend compositions.
  • filter material 1140 may include approximately 0.1% - 45% natural and/or synthetic fibers and approximately 55% - 99.9% hybrid fibers.
  • filter material 1140 may comprise approximately 55% viscose fibers and approximately 45% wool fibers.
  • filter material 1140 may comprise approximately 65% viscose fibers and approximately 35% wool fibers.
  • filter material 1140 may include approximately 0.1% - 45% hybrid and/or synthetic fibers and approximately 55% - 99% natural fibers.
  • filter material 1140 may comprise 20% viscose fibers and 80% wool fibers.
  • filter material 1140 may comprise 5% viscose fibers and 95% wool fibers.
  • filter material 1140 may include approximately 0.1% - 45% natural and/or hybrid fibers and approximately 55% - 95% synthetic fibers.
  • filter material 1140 may comprise approximately 40% wool fibers, 5% viscose fibers, and 55% nylon fibers.
  • filter material 1140 may comprise approximately 35% wool fibers, 10% viscose fibers, and 55% polyester fibers.
  • Fiber material 1140 may preferably comprise at least some oleophilic fibers such as wool, kapok, and/or luffa. Oleophilic fibers may be desirable because of their oil affinity characteristic. This disclosure recognizes that oleophilic fibers may be more effective at capturing and/or removing grease from grease-laden vapor or air emanating from kitchen equipment relative to non-oleophilic fibers.
  • fibers of fiber material 1140 may have a linear density between approximately 2-9 denier.
  • fiber material 1140 may include one or more viscose fibers having a linear density between approximately 2-9 denier.
  • one or more viscose fibers are provided within a narrower range of approximately 4-8 denier.
  • the linear density of one or more viscose fibers may be 5 denier.
  • at least some of the fibers of fiber material 1140 are treated with a fire resistant and/or a fire-retardant solution.
  • filter assembly 1100 including one or more perforated inserts (e.g., perforated insert 1110 and 1120)
  • perforated inserts of filter assembly 1100 may be substituted with other materials as well.
  • any grade of stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, galvanized metal or any other non-flammable material may be suitable alternatives for perforated inserts.
  • Expanded metal e.g., flattened, standard, architectural, custom fabricated
  • a suitable alternative is preferably non-flammable and able to support filter material 1140.
  • the alternative material may include a closed hem edge or a u-shaped perimeter frame.
  • the hole size in the alternative material is between about Vs” and 1 V 2 ” or between a narrower range of 1 ⁇ 4” to 3 ⁇ 4”.
  • the hole size in alternative material may be 1 ⁇ 2”.
  • the overall thickness of the alternative material may be between approximately 14-gauge and approximately 28-gauge or a between a narrower range of approximately 18-gauge to 25-gauge.
  • the thickness of the alternative material may be 20 gauge.
  • the percent openness of the alternative material may be between approximately 36% and approximately 90% in some embodiments.
  • the percent openness of the alternative material is between a narrower range of approximately 50% to 80%.
  • alternative material substituting perforated sheet 1110 may have a percent openness of 70%.
  • the alternative material may still include perforations allowing air to flow therethrough (e.g., perforations 1115b and 1115c of FIG. 11 A).
  • filter assembly 1100 may include one or more perforated inserts (e.g., perforated inserts 1110 and 1120) and baffle assembly 1130.
  • filter assembly 1100 may comprise at least one perforated inserts (e.g., perforated inserts 1110 and 1120) and filter material 1140.
  • the at least one perforated insert is configured to support filter material 1140 in a generally flat configuration.
  • filter material 1140 may be coupled to the at least one perforated insert (e.g., with adhesive).
  • filter material may load airborne particulates in a manner that reveals a visual indicator.
  • the visual indicator is revealed due to the configuration of perforations 1115 and non- perforated portions 1160 of the perforated insert. In other embodiments, the visual indicator is revealed due to the configuration of perforations 1324 and solid portions 1322 of decal 1322. As explained above, decal 1322 may be positioned and/or coupled to either the perforated insert or the filter material 1140.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ventilation (AREA)
  • Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un ensemble filtre destiné à être installé à l'intérieur d'une ouverture d'une hotte d'évacuation recouvrant un équipement de cuisine, ledit ensemble comprenant un tampon de filtre et un ou plusieurs inserts. Le tampon de filtre comprend un matériau conçu pour absorber des particules en suspension dans l'air. Le ou les inserts sont conçus pour supporter le tampon de filtre dans une configuration généralement plate, le ou les inserts comprenant une ou plusieurs perforations et une ou plusieurs parties non perforées, la ou les parties perforées permettant à l'air de s'écouler à travers et la ou les parties non perforées limitant l'écoulement de l'air à travers et le ou les inserts étant conçus pour coopérer avec le tampon de filtre, de telle sorte que le tampon de filtre absorbe les particules en suspension dans l'air d'une manière qui révèle un indicateur visuel relatif à une durée de vie utile du tampon de filtre.
EP19714023.9A 2018-03-21 2019-03-15 Systèmes et procédés permettant d'indiquer la durée de vie d'un filtre Pending EP3769013A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/927,245 US20180207569A1 (en) 2013-06-14 2018-03-21 Systems and methods of indicating filter life
PCT/US2019/022388 WO2019182877A1 (fr) 2018-03-21 2019-03-15 Systèmes et procédés permettant d'indiquer la durée de vie d'un filtre

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EP3769013A1 true EP3769013A1 (fr) 2021-01-27

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WO2021250551A1 (fr) * 2020-06-10 2021-12-16 3M Innovative Properties Company Système de filtration comprenant un milieu filtrant

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3910782A (en) 1973-09-27 1975-10-07 Buildex Inc Baffle type grease filter
US4955995A (en) * 1989-07-28 1990-09-11 Columbus Industries, Inc. Range hood filter pad
GB2340053B (en) 1997-04-04 2001-07-11 Ronald More A filter and filter assembly
US6110260A (en) * 1998-07-14 2000-08-29 3M Innovative Properties Company Filter having a change indicator
US6979361B2 (en) * 2002-07-17 2005-12-27 Gueorgui Milev Mihayiov End of service life indicator for fluid filter
US7581539B2 (en) 2008-01-31 2009-09-01 Franklin Machine Products Baffle-type grease filters for kitchen ventilators
US8277530B2 (en) 2008-09-24 2012-10-02 Ellis Fibre Usa Grease removal apparatus, systems and methods
US20120192534A1 (en) * 2011-01-31 2012-08-02 Streivor Air Systems, Inc. Multi-stage hood filter system
BR112015031270B1 (pt) * 2013-06-14 2021-03-23 Jordan Salpietra Filtro de gordura para instalação dentro de uma abertura de um equipamento de cozinha comercial de coifa de exaustão
JP2018519145A (ja) * 2015-03-16 2018-07-19 サルピエトラ， ジョーダン 多段フードフィルタ

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