RU2796217C2 - Filter assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: filtration.

SUBSTANCE: invention is intended for air and liquid filtration. Technology described in the present document relates, in general, to corrugated filter assemblies, wherein corrugations formed in filter packing pass from the first surface for a filter assembly flow to the second surface for a filer assembly flow, wherein one surface for the flow is an inlet surface, and the other surface for the flow is an outlet surface. Options of filters are described, in which the distance of the first corrugation length between the first surface for the flow and the second surface for the flow differs from the distance of the second corrugation length between the first surface for the flow and the second surface for the flow for more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, at least one of the first surface for the flow and the second surface for the flow is not flat, although, in other embodiments, both the first surface for the flow and the second surface for the flow are flat and non-parallel.

EFFECT: increase in the purification quality.

103 cl, 29 dwg

Description

Priority Claim

The present application claims priority under U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/562,917, filed September 25, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The technical field to which the invention belongs

The technology described in this document relates generally to filters. More specifically, the technology described herein relates to filter assemblies.

Prerequisites for the creation of the invention

Jets of fluid, such as air and liquid, carry the contaminant. In many cases, it is desirable to filter some or all of the contaminants from the fluid stream. For example, air jets for engines for motorized vehicles or for power generation equipment, air and gas jets for gas turbine systems, air and gas jets for various combustion furnaces, and air and gas jets for heat exchangers (e.g. heating and air conditioning) carry the contaminants they contain in the form of particles that must be filtered out. Fluid jets into engine lubrication systems, hydraulic systems, cooling systems, and fuel systems can also carry contaminants that should be filtered out. For such systems, it is preferable that the selected contaminant is removed from the fluid (or its level in the fluid is reduced). Various fluid filters (gas or liquid filters) have been developed to reduce contamination. However, in general, the search for improvements continues.

The essence of the invention

In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a filter assembly having a filter pack in a configuration that is coiled around the z-axis. The filter pack defines a first flow surface, a second flow surface, and a plurality of corrugations extending from the first flow surface to the second flow surface. Each of the plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation region and a closed corrugation region. The plurality of corrugations has a first corrugation defining a distance of extension of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and a second flow surface, and a second corrugation defining a distance of extending the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, wherein the distance of extension of the first corrugation differs from the distance the extension of the second corrugation is more than 2 mm.

In some embodiments, the second flow surface is not parallel to the first flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface is non-planar and the second flow surface is planar. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface is non-planar and the second flow surface is non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly has a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet adjacent to the first filter packing sheet, wherein the first sheet and second sheet define a coiled configuration around the z-axis, and the first sheet and second sheet jointly define a plurality of corrugations . Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet and the second sheet are discontinuous. Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet and the second sheet are continuous and separated by a fold that defines a second flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet has a first width defined by the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the second filter packing sheet has a second width defined by the first flow surface and the second flow surface, wherein the first width differs from the second width by more than than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet is a corrugated sheet and the second filter packing sheet is a facing sheet.

Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by 3-20 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 15 mm.

In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a panel filter assembly having a plurality of filter pack sheets in a stacked configuration that collectively define a first flow surface, a second flow surface, and a plurality of serrations extending from the first flow surface. to the second flow surface. The plurality of filter packing sheets define a pattern with regular alternation of first layers of corrugations and second layers of corrugations, each of the first layers defining the extension distance of the first layer between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and each of the second layers defining the extension distance of the second layer between the first a flow surface and a second flow surface. The extension distance of the first layer and the extension distance of the second layer differ from each other by more than 2 mm.

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of serrations defines an open serration region and a closed serration region. Additionally or alternatively, each of the first layers and second layers is defined by a corrugated sheet and an adjacent facing sheet. Additionally or alternatively, each corrugated sheet and facing sheet in each layer of corrugations defines substantially equal distances between the first flow surface and the second flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, each corrugated sheet and facing sheet in at least one layer of corrugations defines distances between the first flow surface and the second flow surface that differ from each other by more than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, each of the first layers and the second layers is defined by two adjacent corrugated filter packing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets are discontinuous. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets are continuous and separated by a first set of folds defining a first flow surface and a second set of folds forming a second flow surface.

Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets further define a pattern with a regular alternation of third layers of corrugations, each third layer of corrugations having a third layer extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, the third layer extension distance being different from the first layer extension distance and the extension distance of the second layer is greater than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets further define a pattern with a regular alternation of fourth layers of corrugations, each fourth layer of corrugations having a fourth layer extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, the fourth layer extension distance being different from the first layer extension distance, the extension distance of the second layer and the extension distance of the third layer are greater than 2 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the second flow surface is planar. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by 3-20 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by at least 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by at least 14 mm.

In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a filter assembly having a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet collectively defining a first plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface. Each of the first set of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the first set of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the second flow surface. At least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is non-planar.

In some such embodiments, the first sheet is a corrugated filter pack sheet and the second sheet is a filter pack liner sheet. Alternatively, both the first sheet and the second sheet are corrugated filter packing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, the closed corrugation portion is located adjacent to the second flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly has a third filter packing sheet, wherein the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet collectively define a second plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface. Each of the second set of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the second set of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the second flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the first flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the first plurality of corrugations has a first corrugation that defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and a second corrugation that defines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface. The second set of corrugations has a third corrugation defining a third corrugation extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and each of the first corrugation extension distance, the second corrugation extension distance, and the third corrugation extension distance differs from the others by more than 2 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly is a panel filter. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet define a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet are continuous and separated by a fold that defines a second flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the first corrugation of the first plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the second corrugation of the first plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, wherein the distance the length of the first corrugation differs from the distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward. Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet and the second sheet are discontinuous. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface is located on the opposite side of the second flow surface relative to the filter assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of corrugations are parallel.

In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a filter assembly having a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet collectively defining a first plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface at a first end of the filter assembly, and a second flow surface at the opposite second end of the filter assembly. Each of the first set of corrugations defines a distance from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the first set of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the second flow surface. The first corrugation of the first set of corrugations determines the extension distance of the first corrugation, and the second corrugation of the first set of corrugations determines the extension distance of the second corrugation, and the extension distance of the first corrugation and the extension distance of the second corrugation differ from each other by more than 2 mm.

In some such embodiments, the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet are discontinuous, and in other embodiments, the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet are continuous and separated by a fold. Additionally or alternatively, the closed corrugation portion is located adjacent to the second flow surface.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly has a third filter packing sheet, wherein the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet collectively define a second plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface. Each of the second set of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the second set of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the second flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the first flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the second plurality of corrugations has a third corrugation defining the distance of the third corrugation from the first surface for flow to the second surface for the flow, and the distance of the third corrugation differs from the distance of the first corrugation and the distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the first plurality of corrugations has a third corrugation defining the extension distance of the third corrugation, wherein the extension distance of the third corrugation differs from the extension distance of the first corrugation and the extension distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by 3-20 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 15 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-parallel. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is planar. Additionally or alternatively, both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet is a corrugated filter packing sheet and the second sheet is a filter packing facing sheet. Additionally or alternatively, both the first sheet and the second sheet are corrugated filter packing sheets.

In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a panel filter assembly having a plurality of stacked filter media sheets, each having a width extending in a direction parallel to the x-axis and a length extending in a direction parallel to the z-axis. . A plurality of filter packing sheets are stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis. The plurality of filter packing sheets define a plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface and a second flow surface, and each of the plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the second flow surface. The first corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, the second corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the third corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the distance extending a third corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, wherein the second corrugation is located adjacent to the first corrugation in the x direction and the third corrugation is located relative to the first corrugation in the y direction. The extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm, and the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the third corrugation by more than 2 mm.

In some such embodiments, the plurality of stacked filter packing sheets are discontinuous. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of stacked sheets of filter packing are continuous and separated by folds. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation, the extension distance of the second corrugation, and the extension distance of the third corrugation differ from each other by more than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-parallel.

Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by 3-20 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by at least 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by at least 15 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of stacked filter packing sheets have alternating corrugated filter packing sheets and filter packing facing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of stacked filter packing sheets is a corrugated filter packing sheet.

Some embodiments relate to a filter assembly having a filter pack defining a plurality of serrations, a first edge defining a first flow surface, and a second flow surface located opposite the first flow surface from the filter assembly. Each of the plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the second flow surface. The plurality of corrugations has at least one corrugation defining an open area of the corrugation that is non-planar.

In some such embodiments, the filter pack is a plurality of filter pack sheets in a stacked configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets have alternating corrugated filter packing sheets and filter packing facing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets are corrugated filter packing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, the filter pack has a first filter pack sheet and a second filter pack sheet in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet is a corrugated sheet and the second filter packing sheet is a liner sheet. Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly is a panel filter.

Additionally or alternatively, the first corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the second corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by 3-20 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 15 mm. Additionally or alternatively, both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward. Additionally or alternatively, the closed corrugation portion is located adjacent to the second flow surface.

Some embodiments of the technology described herein relate to a filter assembly having a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet collectively defining a first plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface. Each of the first plurality of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface. Each of the first plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the second flow surface. The first flow surface and the second flow surface are planar, and the first flow surface is not parallel to the second flow surface.

In some such embodiments, the first sheet is a corrugated filter pack sheet and the second sheet is a filter pack liner sheet. Additionally or alternatively, both the first sheet and the second sheet are corrugated filter packing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, the closed corrugation portion is located adjacent to the second flow surface.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly has a third filter packing sheet, wherein the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet jointly define a second plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface, each of the second plurality of corrugations extending from the first flow surface. to the second flow surface. Each of the second plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation area on the second flow surface and a closed corrugation area in the vicinity of the first flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the first plurality of corrugations has a first corrugation defining a first corrugation extension distance between the first flow surface and a second flow surface, and a second corrugation defining a second corrugation extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface. The second set of corrugations has a third corrugation defining a third corrugation extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and each of the first corrugation extension distance, the second corrugation extension distance, and the third corrugation extension distance differs from the others by more than 2 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly is a panel filter. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet define a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Additionally or alternatively, the first corrugation of the first plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the second corrugation of the first plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, wherein the distance the length of the first corrugation differs from the distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet and the second sheet are discontinuous. Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet and the second sheet are continuous and separated by a fold. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface is located on the opposite side of the second flow surface relative to the filter assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the first plurality of corrugations are parallel.

Brief description of graphic materials

In FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 2a is a perspective view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 2b shows a detailed view of A' according to FIG. 2a.

In FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 4a shows an exemplary filter pack according to some embodiments.

In FIG. 4b shows another exemplary filter pack in accordance with some embodiments.

In FIG. 4c shows another exemplary filter pack in accordance with some embodiments.

In FIG. 4d shows an exemplary filter pack in accordance with some embodiments.

In FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 6a is a perspective view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 6b is an end view of the first surface of the filter assembly shown in FIG. 6a.

In FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 11A is a side view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 11B is an end view of the filter pack according to FIG. 11A.

In FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 12B is an end view of the filter pack according to FIG. 12A.

In FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 13B is an end view of the filter pack according to FIG. 13A.

In FIG. 14A is a perspective view of another exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 14B is an end view of the filter pack according to FIG. 14A.

In FIG. 15 shows a sectional side view of a filter assembly in accordance with the technology described in this document.

In FIG. 16 shows another sectional side view of a filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 17 shows another sectional side view of a filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a filter pack according to various embodiments.

In FIG. 19 is a schematic end view of the flow surface of an exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

In FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view of a filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein.

The current technology can be better understood and appreciated by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments of the current technology in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Detailed description

The technology described herein generally relates to grooved filter assemblies wherein the grooves formed in the filter pack extend from a first flow surface of the filter assembly to a second flow surface of the filter assembly, with one flow surface being the inlet, and one surface for outlet flow. Some embodiments described herein may increase the amount of filter pack that can be accommodated in a particular space of a larger system, which may increase efficiency, filter life, and pressure drop, to name a few. Some embodiments described herein may increase fluid flow through a filter assembly, such as increasing fluid flow into a filter assembly. Some embodiments described herein can reduce particulate "deposit" on the flow surface that forms the inlet side of a filter assembly, which can increase fluid flow into the filter assembly over the life of the filter assembly. Other benefits may also be realized with current technology.

In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a filter assembly having a configurable filter pack coiled about the z-axis. The filter pack defines a first flow surface, a second flow surface, and a plurality of corrugations extending from the first flow surface to the second flow surface. Each of the plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation region and a closed corrugation region. The plurality of corrugations has a first corrugation defining a distance of extension of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and a second flow surface, and a second corrugation defining a distance of extending the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, the distance of extension of the first corrugation being different from the distance the extension of the second corrugation is more than 2 mm.

In some embodiments, the second flow surface is not parallel to the first flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface is non-planar and the second flow surface is planar. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface is non-planar and the second flow surface is non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly has a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet adjacent to the first filter packing sheet, wherein the first sheet and second sheet define a coiled configuration around the z-axis, and the first sheet and second sheet jointly define a plurality of corrugations . Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet and the second sheet are discontinuous. Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet and the second sheet are continuous and separated by a fold that defines a second flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet has a first width defined by the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the second filter packing sheet has a second width defined by the first flow surface and the second flow surface, wherein the first width differs from the second width by more than than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet is a corrugated sheet and the second filter packing sheet is a facing sheet.

Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by 3-20 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 15 mm.

In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a panel filter assembly having a plurality of filter pack sheets in a stacked configuration that collectively define a first flow surface, a second flow surface, and a plurality of corrugations extending from the first flow surface. to the second flow surface. A plurality of filter packing sheets define a pattern with regular alternation of first layers of corrugations and second layers of corrugations, each of the first layers defining the extension distance of the first layer between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and each of the second layers defining the extension distance of the second layer between the first a flow surface and a second flow surface. The extension distance of the first layer and the extension distance of the second layer differ from each other by more than 2 mm.

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of serrations defines an open serration region and a closed serration region. Additionally or alternatively, each of the first layers and second layers is defined by a corrugated sheet and an adjacent facing sheet. Additionally or alternatively, each corrugated sheet and facing sheet in each layer of corrugations defines substantially equal distances between the first flow surface and the second flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, each corrugated sheet and facing sheet in at least one layer of corrugations defines distances between the first flow surface and the second flow surface that differ from each other by more than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, each of the first layers and the second layers is defined by two adjacent corrugated filter packing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets are discontinuous. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets are continuous and separated by a first set of folds defining a first flow surface and a second set of folds forming a second flow surface.

Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets further define a pattern with a regular alternation of third layers of corrugations, each third layer of corrugations having a third layer extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, the third layer extension distance being different from the first layer extension distance and the extension distance of the second layer is greater than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets further define a pattern with a regular alternation of fourth layers of corrugations, each fourth layer of corrugations having a fourth layer extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, the fourth layer extension distance being different from the first layer extension distance, the extension distance of the second layer and the extension distance of the third layer are greater than 2 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the second flow surface is planar. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by 3-20 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by at least 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by at least 14 mm.

In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a filter assembly having a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet collectively defining a first plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface. Each of the first set of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the first set of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the second flow surface. At least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is non-planar.

In some such embodiments, the first sheet is a corrugated filter pack sheet and the second sheet is a filter pack liner sheet. Alternatively, both the first sheet and the second sheet are corrugated filter packing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, the closed corrugation portion is located adjacent to the second flow surface.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly has a third filter packing sheet, wherein the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet collectively define a second plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface. Each of the second set of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the second set of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the second flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the first flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the first plurality of corrugations has a first corrugation that defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and a second corrugation that defines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface. The second set of corrugations has a third corrugation defining a third corrugation extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and each of the first corrugation extension distance, the second corrugation extension distance, and the third corrugation extension distance differs from the others by more than 2 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly is a panel filter. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet define a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet are continuous and separated by a fold that defines a second flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the first corrugation of the first plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the second corrugation of the first plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, wherein the distance the length of the first corrugation differs from the distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward. Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet and the second sheet are discontinuous. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface is located on the opposite side of the second flow surface relative to the filter assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of corrugations are parallel.

In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a filter assembly having a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet collectively defining a first plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface at a first end of the filter assembly, and a second flow surface at the opposite second end of the filter assembly. Each of the first set of corrugations defines a distance from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the first set of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the second flow surface. The first corrugation of the first set of corrugations determines the extension distance of the first corrugation, and the second corrugation of the first set of corrugations determines the extension distance of the second corrugation, and the extension distance of the first corrugation and the extension distance of the second corrugation differ from each other by more than 2 mm.

In some such embodiments, the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet are discontinuous, and in other embodiments, the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet are continuous and separated by a fold. Additionally or alternatively, the closed corrugation portion is located adjacent to the second flow surface.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly has a third filter packing sheet, wherein the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet collectively define a second plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface. Each of the second set of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the second set of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the second flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the first flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the second set of corrugations has a third corrugation defining the distance of the third corrugation from the first surface for flow to the second surface for the flow, and the distance of the extension of the third corrugation differs from the distance of the extension of the first corrugation and the distance of the extension of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the first plurality of corrugations has a third corrugation defining the extension distance of the third corrugation, wherein the extension distance of the third corrugation differs from the extension distance of the first corrugation and the extension distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by 3-20 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 15 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-parallel. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is planar. Additionally or alternatively, both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet is a corrugated filter packing sheet and the second sheet is a filter packing facing sheet. Additionally or alternatively, both the first sheet and the second sheet are corrugated filter packing sheets.

In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a panel filter assembly having a plurality of stacked filter media sheets, each having a width extending in a direction parallel to the x-axis and a length extending in a direction parallel to the z-axis. . A plurality of filter packing sheets are stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis. The plurality of filter packing sheets define a plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface and a second flow surface, and each of the plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the second flow surface. The first corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, the second corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the third corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the distance extending a third corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, wherein the second corrugation is located adjacent to the first corrugation in the x direction and the third corrugation is located relative to the first corrugation in the y direction. The extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm, and the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the third corrugation by more than 2 mm.

In some such embodiments, the plurality of stacked filter packing sheets are discontinuous. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of stacked sheets of filter packing are continuous and separated by folds. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation, the extension distance of the second corrugation, and the extension distance of the third corrugation differ from each other by more than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward. Additionally or alternatively, both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-parallel.

Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by 3-20 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by at least 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by at least 15 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of stacked filter packing sheets have alternating corrugated filter packing sheets and filter packing facing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of stacked filter packing sheets is a corrugated filter packing sheet.

Some embodiments relate to a filter assembly having a filter pack defining a plurality of serrations, a first edge defining a first flow surface, and a second flow surface located opposite the first flow surface from the filter assembly. Each of the plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the second flow surface. The plurality of corrugations has at least one corrugation defining an open area of the corrugation that is non-planar.

In some such embodiments, the filter pack is a plurality of filter pack sheets in a stacked configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets have alternating corrugated filter packing sheets and filter packing facing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of filter packing sheets are corrugated filter packing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, the filter pack has a first filter pack sheet and a second filter pack sheet in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet is a corrugated sheet and the second filter packing sheet is a facing sheet. Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly is a panel filter.

Additionally or alternatively, the first corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the second corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by 3-20 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 15 mm. Additionally or alternatively, both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface protrudes outward. Additionally or alternatively, the closed corrugation portion is located adjacent to the second flow surface.

Some embodiments of the technology described herein relate to a filter assembly having a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet collectively defining a first plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface. Each of the first plurality of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface. Each of the first plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation area on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation area in the vicinity of the second flow surface. The first flow surface and the second flow surface are planar, and the first flow surface is not parallel to the second flow surface.

In some such embodiments, the first sheet is a corrugated filter pack sheet and the second sheet is a filter pack liner sheet. Additionally or alternatively, both the first sheet and the second sheet are corrugated filter packing sheets. Additionally or alternatively, the closed corrugation portion is located adjacent to the second flow surface.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly has a third filter packing sheet, wherein the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet jointly define a second plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface, each of the second plurality of corrugations extending from the first flow surface. to the second flow surface. Each of the second plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation area on the second flow surface and a closed corrugation area in the vicinity of the first flow surface. Additionally or alternatively, the first plurality of corrugations has a first corrugation defining a first corrugation extension distance between the first flow surface and a second flow surface, and a second corrugation defining a second corrugation extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface. The second set of corrugations has a third corrugation defining a third corrugation extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and each of the first corrugation extension distance, the second corrugation extension distance, and the third corrugation extension distance differs from the others by more than 2 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly is a panel filter. Additionally or alternatively, the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet define a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Additionally or alternatively, the first corrugation of the first plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the second corrugation of the first plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, wherein the distance the length of the first corrugation differs from the distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet and the second sheet are discontinuous. Additionally or alternatively, the first sheet and the second sheet are continuous and separated by a fold. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow surface is located on the opposite side of the second flow surface relative to the filter assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the first plurality of corrugations are parallel.

In FIG. 1 shows one exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein. The filter assembly 1 consists of a filter pack 10 defining a first flow surface 20, a second flow surface 30, and a plurality of corrugations 40 extending from the first flow surface 20 to the second flow surface 30. In the present example, the first flow surface is defined at the first end 12 of the filter assembly 1 and the second flow surface 30 is defined at the second opposite end 14 of the filter assembly 1. The term "flow surface" in the context of this document means the side of the filter assembly, through which fluid can enter or exit the filter assembly.

The filter packing 10 is a plurality of filter packing sheets, in particular the first filter packing sheet 50 and the second filter packing sheet 60 . The second filter packing sheet 60 is adjacent to the first filter packing sheet 50 . The first filter packing sheet 50 and the second filter packing sheet 60 together define a plurality of corrugations 40. The filter packing 10 defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Accordingly, each of the first filter packing sheet 50 and the second filter packing sheet 60 defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations 40 are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis.

The first filter packing sheet 50 and the second filter packing sheet 60 are generally oblong, allowing the first filter packing sheet 50 and the second filter packing sheet 60 to be coiled around the z-axis to form a filter assembly. In this example, the first filter packing sheet 50 and the second filter packing sheet 60 are continuous, which means that the first filter packing sheet 50 and the second filter packing sheet 60 are parts of a single integral filter packing sheet. The first filter packing sheet 50 and the second filter packing sheet 60 are separated by a fold 70. The fold 70 defines a second flow surface 30 of the filter assembly. The first filter packing sheet 50 defines the first edge 52 and the second filter packing sheet 60 defines the second edge 62. The first edge 52 and the second edge 62 together define the first flow surface 20 of the filter assembly 1. The “edge” of the filter sheet is defined herein as the outer border of the packing and differs from the fold 70.

In the examples according to the present embodiment, each of the first filter packing sheet 50 and the second filter packing sheet 60 is corrugated. The term "corrugated" in the context of this document is synonymous with the term "corrugated", which refers to a series of alternating elongated ridges/peaks and elongated grooves/troughs. The term "grooves" in the context of this document refers to elongated channels, jointly defined by adjacent parts of the packing. In the current embodiment, the plurality of corrugations are parallel, but in some other embodiments, the plurality of corrugations are not parallel.

The filter assembly 1 is generally configured to define a fluid path 16 between the first flow surface 20 and the second flow surface 30 through the filter pack 10, whereby the fluid is filtered by the filter pack 10. Specifically, a plurality of flutes 40 define a fluid path 16 either (1) into filter assembly 1 then into filter pack 10 ("inlet flutes"), or (2) out of filter pack 10 and out of filter assembly 1 ("outlet flutes"). corrugations"). While each of the figures presented herein shows fluid paths in a particular direction through the illustrated filter assemblies for clarity, it should be understood that fluid paths can also run in the opposite direction in various examples.

Each of the plurality of corrugations 40 defines an open corrugation section 42 and a closed corrugation section 70. The open portion 42 of the corrugation defines the outermost portion of the fluid path 16 along the corrugation to allow fluid flow into or out of the filter assembly 1. The closed section 70 of the corrugation prevents the flow of fluid along the corrugation, thereby forming part of the path 16 of the fluid through the packing 10 of the filter. In the present example, a plurality of inlet corrugations defines an open corrugation portion 42 on the first flow surface 20, and a closed corrugation portion 70 is defined in the vicinity of the second flow surface 30. In some embodiments, including the one shown, the closed corrugation portion 70 is adjacent to the second flow surface 30. More specifically, the closed corrugation portion 70 may abut the second flow surface 30. The closed corrugation section 70 may have many different configurations, but in the present embodiment, the closed corrugation section 70 is defined by the fold 70.

In the present embodiment, the volume defined between the outer surface 56 of the first filter packing sheet and the outer surface 66 of the second filter packing sheet defines an outlet path in the fluid path 16, which is not necessarily characterized as defined by a plurality of corrugations. The expression "outer surface" is defined as the surfaces of the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet that face away from each other when the filter packing 10 is arranged in a flat sheet (in the unfolded state). The outlet path extends from the blocking member 72 to an opening defined at the second end 14 of the filter assembly 1 between the coiled fold 70.

The blocking member 72 may be positioned within the helix and outside the plurality of corrugations 40 such that fluids passing through the first flow surface 20 and the second flow surface 30 of the filter assembly 1 must first pass through the filter packing 10. Additional blocking elements may also be located in any other gaps in the filter pack to prevent fluid flow through them, such as around the outer perimeter of the filter assembly 1 and in the central opening of the filter assembly 1. The blocking element may be formed by applying an adhesive, for example strips of glue, in the appropriate place.

Each of the plurality of corrugations 40 defines a distance to extend the corrugations between the first flow surface 20 and the second flow surface 30. The "groove extension distance", as defined herein, is the distance between the first end of a particular groove on the first flow surface of the filter assembly and the second end of the particular groove on the second flow surface of the filter assembly. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of corrugations 40 is straight, and thus the length of the corrugations is equal to the "distance to extend the corrugations" as defined herein. However, in some alternative embodiments, the "knurl extension distance" is not equal to the length of the knurl, such as in embodiments where the knurls are curved or otherwise do not form a single straight line. In addition, the "corrugation extension distance" is defined as the maximum distance between the ends of the corrugations in embodiments in which the ends of the corrugations are not at the same distance from each other.

In the present embodiment, the first corrugation 44 of the plurality of corrugations 40 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ between the first flow surface 20 and the second flow surface 30 and the second corrugation 46 of the plurality of corrugations 40 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ between the first surface 20 for flow and the second surface 30 for flow. In some examples, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ as shown in the figure. In some other examples, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . In certain embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or even at least 15 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by 3-20 mm, 10-20 mm, or 15-25 mm.

In some embodiments, the third corrugation 48 of the plurality of corrugations 40 defines the extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ between the first flow surface 20 and the second flow surface 30. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ generally differs from at least one of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the third rib D ₃ differs from both the extension distance of the first rib D ₁ and the extension distance of the second rib D ₂ by more than 2 mm. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ may differ from one or both of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by the same ranges described above. In the present example, the extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ is greater than the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . It should be understood that in some other examples, the third rib extension distance D ₃ is greater than one of the first rib extension distance D ₁ and the second rib extension distance D ₂ , and less than the other of the first rib extension distance D ₁ and the second rib extension distance D ₂ .

The differences in the distances of the corrugation extension between the first flow surface 20 of the filter assembly 1 and the second flow surface 30 of the filter assembly 1 are also confirmed by the shapes of the flow surfaces relative to each other. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 20 and the second flow surface 30 is non-planar. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 20 and the second flow surface 30 is substantially flat. A "flat" flow surface, as defined herein, means that the packing surface(s) defining the flow surface form an imaginary plane within a 2 mm error.

In some examples, in accordance with this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 20 is non-planar and the second flow surface 30 is planar. In some other examples, in accordance with this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 20 is non-planar and the second flow surface 30 is non-planar. In this case, the first flow surface 20 defines a helix around the z-axis that extends in the axial direction. Although the second flow surface 30 is obscured from view in this figure, it should be understood that the second flow surface 30 may be non-planar or planar. For example, in some embodiments, the second flow surface 30 may be recessed and extend inward relative to the filter assembly, similar to the flow surfaces shown in FIG. 15.

It should be understood that in some alternative embodiments, the first flow surface 20 may be planar and the second flow surface 30 may be non-planar. In some embodiments, at least one knurl in the plurality of knurls 40 defines an open section of the knurl that is non-planar, "non-planar" meaning that the open section of the knurl does not define a plane to within 2 mm.

In the examples according to the present embodiment, the blocking element 72 is located adjacent to the second edge 62 of the second filter packing sheet 60 along the length of the second filter packing sheet 60. Since the second edge 62 of the second filter packing sheet 60 is non-planar, the blocking member 72 is also non-planar. In some embodiments where the filter surface is non-planar, the blocking element adjacent to the filter surface is also non-planar. However, in other embodiments in which the filter surface is non-planar, the blocking element adjacent that filter surface is planar, such as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a.

In FIG. 2a shows another exemplary filter assembly 100 in accordance with the technology described herein. The filter assembly 100 consists of a filter pack 110 defining a first flow surface 120, a second flow surface 130, and a plurality of corrugations 140 extending from the first flow surface 120 to the second flow surface 130. In the present example, a first flow surface 120 is defined at a first end 102 of filter assembly 100, and a second flow surface 130 is defined at a second opposite end 104 of filter assembly 100.

The filter packing 110 is a plurality of filter packing sheets, in particular the first filter packing sheet 150 and the second filter packing sheet 160. The second filter packing sheet 160 is adjacent to the first filter packing sheet 150 . The first filter packing sheet 150 and the second filter packing sheet 160 collectively define a plurality of corrugations 140. The filter packing 110 defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Accordingly, each of the first filter packing sheet 150 and the second filter packing sheet 160 defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations 140 are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. To show components otherwise not visible, the end portion 101 of the filter pack 110 is shown in a sectional view that extends outward from the helix, but in general a substantial length of the filter pack 110 is in a coiled configuration. In this example, the plurality of corrugations 140 are generally parallel.

The first filter packing sheet 150 and the second filter packing sheet 160 are generally oblong. In this example, the first filter packing sheet 150 and the second filter packing sheet 160 are discontinuous, which means that the first filter packing sheet 150 and the second filter packing sheet 160 are separate filter packing sheets. In the examples according to the present embodiment, the first filter packing sheet 150 is a corrugated sheet and the second filter packing sheet 160 is a liner sheet, with "liner" generally defined as a flat sheet without ribs.

The first filter packing sheet 150 defines a first edge 152 and a second edge 154 that is located on the opposite side of the first edge 152. The first edge 152 defines the first flow surface 120 and the second edge 154 defines the second flow surface 130. The first filter packing sheet 150 has a first width W ₁ that is defined by a perpendicular distance from the first edge 152—or first flow surface 120—to the second edge 154—or second flow surface 130, the first width W ₁ being substantially constant along the length. the first sheet 150 of the filter packing. Similarly, the second filter packing sheet 160 defines a third edge 162 and a fourth edge 164 that is located on the opposite side of the third edge 162. The third edge 162 defines the first flow surface 120 and the fourth edge 164 defines the second flow surface 130. The second filter packing sheet 160 has a second width W ₂ that is defined by a perpendicular distance from the third edge 162 or first flow surface 120 to the fourth edge 164 or second flow surface 130, the width being substantially constant along the length of the second filter packing sheet 160 . In the present embodiment, the first width W ₁ differs from the second width W ₂ by more than 2 mm.

The filter assembly 100 is generally configured to define a fluid path 116 between the first flow surface 120 and the second flow surface 130 through the filter pack 110, whereby the fluid is filtered by the filter pack 110. Each of the plurality of corrugations 140 defines an open corrugation portion 142, which is more clearly visible in FIG. 2b showing a detailed view of FIG. 2a. Each of the plurality of corrugations 140 defines a closed corrugation portion 170 as seen in FIG. 2a, as part of the first filter pack sheet 150 has been cut off for clarity. In the present example, an open corrugation portion 142 is defined on the first flow surface 120, and a closed corrugation portion 170 is defined in the vicinity of the second flow surface 130. In some embodiments, including the one shown, the closed corrugation portion 170 is adjacent to the second flow surface 130. More specifically, the closed corrugation portion 170 may abut the second flow surface 130. The closed corrugation section 170 may have a number of different configurations, but in the present embodiment, the closed corrugation section 170 is a physical barrier, such as a bead of adhesive, located between the first filter packing sheet 150 and the second filter packing sheet 160 proximate the second flow surface.

The blocking member 172 may be positioned within the helix and outside the plurality of corrugations 140 such that fluids passing through the first flow surface 120 and the second flow surface 130 of the filter assembly 100 must first pass through the filter packing 110. Additional blocking elements may also be located in any other gaps in the filter pack to prevent fluid flow through them, such as around the outer perimeter of the filter assembly 100 and in the central opening of the filter assembly 100. The blocking element may be formed by applying an adhesive, for example strips of adhesive or other barrier, in the appropriate location.

In various embodiments, including the one shown, at least one of the first flow surface 120 and the second flow surface 130 is non-planar. In the examples according to this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 120 is non-planar and the second flow surface 130 is non-planar. In particular, the first edge 152 and the third edge 162 (shown in detail in FIG. 2B) that define the first flow surface 120 are non-planar even if the first edge 152 is flat and the third edge 162 is flat. The second edge 154 and the fourth edge 164, which define the second flow surface 130, are likewise non-planar even if the second edge 154 is planar and the fourth edge 164 is planar. In the present embodiment, the closed serration 170 is located adjacent the fourth edge 164 of the second filter pack sheet 160, and thus the closed serration 170 is generally flat, but in some alternative examples, the closed serration 170 is non-planar. Likewise, the blocking element 172 is adjacent to the third edge 162 of the second filter pack sheet 160, and therefore the blocking element 172 is also flat, but in some alternative examples, the blocking element 172 is non-planar.

In various embodiments, at least one corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines an open area that is non-planar, such as the first corrugation 144 (FIG. 2b), in this illustrative embodiment. In particular, in the present embodiment, all of the plurality of corrugations 140 define a non-planar open area, whereby the first edge 152 and third edge 162 define one open area of the corrugation, and the second edge 154 and fourth edge 164 define another open area of the corrugation.

In FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of yet another exemplary filter assembly 200 in accordance with the technology described herein. The filter assembly 200 consists of a filter pack 210 having a first elongated edge 212 defining a first flow surface 220, a second elongated edge 214 defining a second flow surface 230, and a plurality of corrugations 240 extending from the first flow surface 220 to the second surface. 230 for stream. In the present example, a first flow surface 220 is defined at a first end 202 of filter assembly 200, and a second flow surface 230 is defined at a second opposite end 204 of filter assembly 200. Similar to the embodiments shown in FIG. 1-2b, the filter assembly 200 is generally configured to define a fluid path 218 between the first flow surface 220 and the second flow surface 230 through the filter pack 210, whereby the fluid is filtered by the filter pack 210. Thus, each of the plurality of ribs 240 defines an open rib section and a closed rib section. Also similar to the embodiments shown in FIG. 1-2b, the filter assembly 200 consists of a filter pack 210 that is in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Exemplary configurations of filter pack 210 in accordance with FIG. 3 and other embodiments described herein will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4a-4d.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the plurality of ribs 240 defines a rib extension distance between the first flow surface 220 and the second flow surface 230. In the present embodiment, the first corrugation 244 of the plurality of corrugations 240 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ between the first flow surface 220 and the second flow surface 230 and the second corrugation 246 of the plurality of corrugations 240 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ between the first surface 220 for flow and the second surface 230 for flow. In the present embodiment, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ , but in other embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or even at least 15 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by 3-20 mm, 1020 mm, or 15-25 mm.

In some embodiments, the third corrugation 248 of the plurality of corrugations 240 defines a distance of extension of the third corrugation D ₃ between the first flow surface 220 and the second flow surface 230. In the present embodiment, the extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ is greater than the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ , but the extension distances of the corrugations may have other relationships as described above. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ generally differs from at least one of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the third rib D ₃ differs from both the extension distance of the first rib D ₁ and the extension distance of the second rib D ₂ by more than 2 mm. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ may differ from one or both of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by the same ranges described above.

In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 220 and the second flow surface 230 is planar. In the examples according to this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 220 is planar and the second flow surface 230 is planar, with the first flow surface 220 not being parallel to the second flow surface 230. In some embodiments, one or both of the first flow surface and the second flow surface may be non-planar. For example, one or both of the first flow surface and the second flow surface may be trimmed to be a three-dimensional surface.

Filter assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3 may be comprised of a number of filter pack 210 configurations, examples of which are shown and described in connection with FIG. 4a-4d, and are also described generally later in this document. As shown in FIG. 4a, an exemplary filter pack 210 is a plurality of filter pack sheets, specifically a first filter pack sheet 250 and a second filter pack sheet 260. The second filter packing sheet 260 is adjacent to the first filter packing sheet 250 . The first filter packing sheet 250 and the second filter packing sheet 260 collectively define a plurality of corrugations 240. Although shown in the unfolded state in this case, in accordance with FIG. 3, the filter pack 210 is arranged in a coiled configuration around the z-axis (FIG. 3). Accordingly, each of the first filter packing sheet 250 and the second filter packing sheet 260 is arranged to define a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations 240 are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. In this example, the plurality of corrugations 240 are generally parallel. In the examples according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a, the first filter packing sheet 250 is a corrugated sheet and the second filter packing sheet 260 is a corrugated sheet.

The first filter packing sheet 250 and the second filter packing sheet 260 are generally oblong. In this example, the first filter packing sheet 250 and the second filter packing sheet 260 are continuous and separated by a fold 270. The fold 270 defines a second flow surface 230 and a second oblong edge 214 of the filter assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3. The first filter packing sheet 250 defines the first edge 252, and the second filter packing sheet 260 defines the second edge 262. The first edge 252 and the second edge 262 are configured to jointly define the first flow surface 220 and thus the first oblong edge 212 of filter assembly 200 (FIG. 3).

In this exemplary filter pack 210, open corrugation portions 242 (visible in FIG. 4a) of a plurality of corrugations 240 are defined on the first flow surface 220 (visible in FIG. 3), and a closed corrugation portion 270 (visible in FIG. 4a) is defined in the vicinity of a second flow surface 230 (as seen in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, including the one shown, the closed corrugation portion 270 is adjacent to the second flow surface 230 (FIG. 3). More specifically, the closed corrugation portion 270 may abut the second flow surface 230. The closed corrugation portion 270 may have a number of different configurations, but in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a, the closed corrugation portion 270 is a fold 270 between the first filter packing sheet 250 and the second filter packing sheet 260.

The blocking member 272 may be located outside the plurality of corrugations 240 such that fluids passing through the first flow surface 220 and the second flow surface 230 of the filter assembly 200 (FIG. 3) must first pass through the filter packing 210. The blocking member may be positioned proximate the first elongated edge 212 of the filter pack 210 during construction of the filter assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3. As described, additional blocking elements may also be located in any other gaps in the filter packing 210 to prevent fluid flow through them, such as around the outer perimeter of the filter assembly 200 and in the center opening of the filter assembly 200. The blocking element may be formed by applying an adhesive, such as a bead of adhesive, at the appropriate location.

As mentioned, in order to create the filter assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3, the filter pack 210 shown in FIG. 4a is coiled around the z-axis and the blocking members 272 are placed in contact with the filter pack 210 at appropriate locations to establish the desired fluid flow through the pack. In various embodiments, after the filter pack 210 is coiled into a cylindrical shape, the filter pack 210 is cut to create the desired shape of the first flow surface 220. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first flow surface 220 may be cut with a cutting tool to form a plane that is not parallel to the second flow surface 230. In the examples according to the present embodiment, the second flow surface 230 is generally not cut due to the presence of a fold 270 which forms a blocking element directing fluid flow. The filter pack 210 can in some examples be cut using laser cutting, and in other examples the filter pack 210 can be cut using a sharp edge such as a saw or knife blade. In such embodiments, blocking elements 272 may be positioned in contact with filter pack 210 at locations that will not be cut and removed.

In some alternative embodiments, the first oblong edge 212 of the filter pack 210 is cut prior to coiling to form the target shape of the corresponding flow surface(s) after coiling of the filter pack 210.

In FIG. 4b shows another filter pack 210 in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 before coiling the filter pack and cutting it. The filter packing 210 is a plurality of filter packing sheets, specifically a first filter packing sheet 257 and a second filter packing sheet 267 . The second filter packing sheet 267 is adjacent to the first filter packing sheet 257 . The first filter packing sheet 257 and the second filter packing sheet 267 collectively define a plurality of corrugations 240 shown in FIG. 3.

The first filter packing sheet 257 and the second filter packing sheet 267 are generally oblong. In this example, the first filter packing sheet 257 and the second filter packing sheet 267 are discontinuous. The first filter packing sheet 257 defines the first edge 254 and the second filter packing sheet 267 defines the second edge 264. The first edge 254 and the second edge 264 are configured to jointly define the first flow surface 220 and thus the first oblong edge 212 filter assembly 200 (Fig. 3). The first filter packing sheet 257 defines the third edge 256 and the second filter packing sheet 267 defines the fourth edge 266. The third edge 256 and the fourth edge 266 are configured to jointly define the second flow surface 230 and thus the second oblong edge 214 filter assembly 200 (Fig. 3).

To create the filter assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3, the filter pack 210 is placed in a coiled configuration about the z-axis (FIG. 3). Accordingly, each of the first filter packing sheet 257 and the second filter packing sheet 267 is arranged to define a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations 240 are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. In this example, the plurality of corrugations 240 are generally parallel. In the examples according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4b, the first filter packing sheet 257 is a corrugated sheet and the second filter packing sheet 267 is also a corrugated sheet.

In this exemplary filter pack 210, an open serrated portion 245 (seen in FIG. 4b) is defined on the first flow surface 220 (seen in FIG. 3), and a closed serrated portion 275 (visible in the sectioned portion of FIG. 4b) is defined near from the second flow surface 230 (seen in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, including the one shown in FIG. 4b, the closed corrugation portion 275 is adjacent to the second flow surface 230 (FIG. 3). More specifically, the closed corrugation portion 275 may abut the second flow surface 230. The closed corrugation portion 275 may have a number of different configurations, but in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4b, the closed corrugation portion 275 is a physical blocking element, such as a bead of adhesive applied between the first filter packing sheet 257 and the second filter packing sheet 267.

The blocking member 273 may be located outside the plurality of corrugations 240 such that fluids passing through the first flow surface 220 and the second flow surface 230 of the filter assembly 200 (FIG. 3) must first pass through the filter packing 210. The blocking member may be positioned proximate the first elongated edge 212 of the filter pack 210 during construction of the filter assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3. As described, additional blocking elements may also be located in any other gaps in the filter pack 210 to prevent fluid flow through them, such as around the outer perimeter of the filter assembly 200 and in the center hole of the filter assembly 200.

The filter pack 210 shown in FIG. 4b may be cut to form a filter assembly 200, similar to the filter pack described in FIG. 4a above.

In FIG. 4c shows another filter pack 210 in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 before coiling the filter pack and cutting it. The filter packing 210 is a plurality of filter packing sheets, in particular the first filter packing sheet 251 and the second filter packing sheet 261. The second filter packing sheet 261 is adjacent to the first filter packing sheet 251 . The first filter packing sheet 251 and the second filter packing sheet 261 collectively define a plurality of corrugations 240.

The first filter packing sheet 251 and the second filter packing sheet 261 are generally oblong. In this example, the first filter packing sheet 251 and the second filter packing sheet 261 are discontinuous. The first filter packing sheet 251 defines the first edge 253 and the second filter packing sheet 261 defines the second edge 263. The first edge 253 and the second edge 263 are configured to jointly define the first flow surface 220 and thus the first oblong edge 212 filter assembly 200 (Fig. 3). The first filter packing sheet 251 defines the third edge 255 and the second filter packing sheet 261 defines the fourth edge 265. The third edge 255 and the fourth edge 265 are configured to jointly define the second flow surface 230 and thus the second oblong edge 214 filter assembly 200 (Fig. 3).

To create the filter assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3, the filter pack 210 is placed in a coiled configuration around the z-axis (FIG. 3). Accordingly, each of the first filter packing sheet 251 and the second filter packing sheet 261 is arranged to define a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations 240 are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. In this example, the plurality of corrugations 240 are generally parallel. In the examples according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4c, the first filter packing sheet 251 is a corrugated sheet and the second filter packing sheet 261 is a facing sheet.

In this exemplary filter pack 210, an open serration 243 (seen in FIG. 4c) is defined on the first flow surface 220 (seen in FIG. 3), and a closed serration 271 (visible in the cut section in FIG. 4b) is defined near from the second flow surface 230 (seen in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, including the one shown in FIG. 4c, the closed corrugation portion 271 is located adjacent to the second flow surface 230 (FIG. 3). More specifically, the closed corrugation portion 271 may abut the second flow surface 230. The closed corrugation portion 271 may have a number of different configurations, but in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4c, the closed corrugation portion 271 is a physical blocking element such as a bead of adhesive applied between the first filter packing sheet 251 and the second filter packing sheet 261.

The blocking member 273 may be positioned outside the plurality of corrugations 240 such that fluids passing through the first flow surface 220 and the second flow surface 230 of the filter assembly 200 (FIG. 3) must first pass through the filter packing 210. The blocking element may be positioned proximate the first elongated edge 212 of the filter pack 210 during construction of the filter assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3. As described, additional blocking elements may also be located in any other gaps in the filter pack 210 to prevent fluid flow through them, such as around the outer perimeter of the filter assembly 200 and in the center opening of the filter assembly 200.

The filter pack 210 shown in FIG. 4c may be cut to form a filter assembly 200, similar to the filter pack described in FIG. 4a above.

In FIG. 4d shows an end view of a relatively larger elongated segment of the filter pack 210 than those shown in FIG. 4a-4c to convey the general shape of the filter pack 210 in an unfolded configuration. Fig. 4d may generally correspond to the packings shown in each of FIGS. 4a-4c. In FIG. 4d shows that the filter pack 210 has a first oblong edge 280, a second oblong edge 282, a first end edge 284, and a second end edge 286. The first oblong edge 280 corresponds to the first edge of the first filter pack sheet and the second edge of the second filter pack sheet in FIG. 4a-4c described above. Thus, the first elongated edge 280 also defines the first flow surface 220 of the filter assembly (FIG. 3). The second oblong edge 282 may correspond to the fold 270 between the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet in FIG. 4a or the third edge of the first filter packing sheet and the fourth edge of the second filter packing sheet in FIG. 4b-4c.

The first elongated edge 280 generally forms a sine wave pattern with increasing or decreasing frequency along the length of the filter pack 210. The second elongated edge 282 extends in a generally straight line. Similarly, the first end edge 284 and the second end edge 286 extend in straight lines, and are each perpendicular to the second elongated edge 282. In the present example, the filter pack 210 does not form a trapezoidal shape, at least due to the wavy pattern of the first elongated edge 280.

In FIG. 5 shows another exemplary filter assembly 300 in accordance with the technology described herein. Filter assembly 300 is a panel filter assembly. The filter assembly 300 consists of a filter pack 310 defining a first flow surface 320, a second flow surface 330, and a plurality of corrugations 340 extending from the first flow surface 320 to the second flow surface 330. In the present example shown in FIG. 5, a first flow surface 320 is defined at a first end 302 of filter assembly 300, and a second flow surface 330 is defined at a second opposite end 304 of filter assembly 300. In the present example shown in FIG. 5, first flow surface 320 is non-planar and second flow surface 330 is substantially planar, but in some other embodiments, each of first flow surface 320 and second flow surface 330 may be non-planar.

The filter pack 310 is a plurality of filter pack sheets. In particular, the plurality of filter packing sheets have alternating corrugated filter packing sheets 352 and alternating filter packing facing sheets 354 . A plurality of filter packing sheets are in a stacked configuration. Each of the plurality of filter packing sheets is discontinuous. Each filter packing sheet has a first edge 312 defining a first flow surface 320 of the filter assembly 300. In the present embodiment, each filter packing sheet has a second edge 314 defining a second flow surface 330 of the filter assembly 300. The plurality of filter packing sheets collectively define a plurality of corrugations 340. Each of the plurality of corrugations 340 defines an open corrugation portion 342 and a closed corrugation portion 370, with an exemplary closed corrugation portion 370 visible where a portion of the facing sheet 354 is torn away from the corrugated sheet 352. Each of the plurality of corrugations 340 defines a distance to extend the corrugation, extending from the first flow surface 320 to the second flow surface 330. In this example, the plurality of corrugations 340 are generally parallel. The plurality of ribs 340 may be upstream ribs or downstream ribs.

A plurality of corrugations 340 defined by a plurality of filter packing sheets are arranged in a pattern with regular alternation of layers of corrugations. The first layer 350 corrugations has a regular alternation with the second layer 360 corrugations. Each of the first corrugation layers 350 has a first layer extension distance L ₁ between the first flow surface 320 and the second flow surface 330. Each of the second layers has a second layer extension distance L ₂ between the first flow surface 320 and the second flow surface 330. In the present example, the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ , but in other examples the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ . The extension distance of the first layer L ₁ and the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ generally differ from each other by more than 2 mm. In various embodiments, the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ by at least 5 mm. In some embodiments, the first layer L ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ by 3-20 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ by at least 8 mm. In some such embodiments, the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ by at least 14 mm.

Each individual corrugation in the first corrugation layers 350 is defined by a corrugated sheet 352 and an adjacent facing sheet 354. Similarly, each of the second layers 360 is defined by a corrugated sheet 362 and an adjacent facing sheet 364. In the example shown in FIG. 5, each corrugated sheet and facing sheet in each layer of corrugations define substantially equal distances between the first flow surface 320 and the second flow surface 330; however, in some embodiments, each corrugated sheet and facing sheet in at least one layer of corrugations define distances that differ from each other by more than 2 mm. Moreover, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each layer of corrugations defines a substantially constant distance between the first flow surface 320 and the second flow surface 330 in the depth direction d (represented by the arrow in FIG. 5); this means that the distance defined by each layer of corrugations between the first flow surface 320 and the second flow surface 330 is equal to the distance of the corrugation extension between the first flow surface 320 and the second flow surface 330 for each corrugation in the corrugation layer. However, in some embodiments, the distance defined between the first flow surface and the second flow surface for one or more filter packing sheets may vary in the depth direction, in which case the groove extension distances between the first flow surface and the second flow surface may be used. to describe the layers of corrugations.

In some embodiments, including the one shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of filter pack sheets further define third corrugation layers 380 that alternate regularly with first corrugation layers 350 and second corrugation layers 360. Each third layer 380 corrugations defines the distance of the extension of the third layer L ₃ between the first surface 320 for the flow and the second surface 330 for the flow. In the present embodiment, the extension distance of the third layer L ₃ is greater than the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ and the extension distance of the third layer L ₃ is less than the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ , although other relative relationships that have been described are possible. In this example shown, the extension distance of the third layer L ₃ differs from the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ and the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ by more than 2 mm.

Moreover, in the present example shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of filter packing sheets define a regular pattern of fourth layers of corrugations 390, with each fourth layer of corrugations defining a fourth layer extension distance of 1 liter between the first flow surface 320 and the second flow surface 330. The fourth layer extension distance L ₄ is less than each of the first layer extension distance L ₁ , the second layer extension distance L ₂ , and the third layer extension distance L ₃ , although other relative relationships are possible as described above. The extension distance of the fourth layer L ₄ differs from the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ , the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ and the extension distance of the third layer L ₃ by more than 2 mm. Like the first corrugation layers 350 and the second corrugation layers 360, the third corrugation layers 380 and the fourth corrugation layers 390 have a corrugated sheet 382, 392 and a facing sheet (not visible), respectively. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer layers of corrugations may be included in filter assemblies in accordance with the present technology. Although in the present example (and the example described with reference to FIG. 6a below) each interleaved layer defines a different distance between the first flow surface 320 and the second flow surface 330, in some examples two or more regularly interleaved layers may define the same distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface.

In FIG. 6a is a perspective view of another exemplary filter assembly 400 in accordance with the technology described herein, and FIG. 6b shows an end view of first flow surface 420 of an exemplary filter assembly 400. Filter assembly 400 is a panel filter assembly. The filter assembly 400 consists of a filter pack 410 defining a first flow surface 420, a second flow surface 430, and a plurality of corrugations 440 extending from the first flow surface 420 to the second flow surface 430. A first flow surface 420 is defined at a first end 402 of filter assembly 400, and a second flow surface 430 is defined at a second opposite end 404 of filter assembly 400. In the present example shown in FIG. 6 and the first flow surface 420 is non-planar and the second flow surface 430 is non-planar, but in some other embodiments, only one of the first flow surface 420 and the second flow surface 430 is non-planar and the other of the first flow surface 420 is flow and the second flow surface 430 is flat.

Filter packing 410 is a plurality of filter packing sheets. In particular, the plurality of filter packing sheets have corrugated filter packing sheets. A plurality of filter packing sheets are in a stacked configuration. The plurality of filter packing sheets are continuous with respect to each other. Each filter packing sheet has a first fold 412 defining a first flow surface 420 for the filter assembly 400. In the present embodiment, each filter packing sheet has a second fold 414 defining a second flow surface 430 for the filter assembly 400. The plurality of filter packing sheets 410 are collectively define a plurality of corrugations 440. Each of the plurality of corrugations 440 defines an open corrugation portion 442 and a closed corrugation portion 470, wherein the closed corrugation portions 470 are defined between pairs of first folds 412 on the first flow surface 420 and pairs of second folds 414 on the second flow surface 430. In some alternative embodiments, the closed serration may be defined by a single fold line that separates adjacent filter pack sheets. In this example, the plurality of corrugations 440 are generally parallel. The plurality of ribs 440 may be upstream ribs or downstream ribs.

A plurality of filter packing sheets define a pattern with regular alternation of first corrugation layers 450 and second corrugation layers 460. Each of the first corrugation layers 450 has a first layer extension distance L ₁ between the first flow surface 420 and the second flow surface 430. Each of the second corrugated layers 460 has a second layer extension distance L ₂ between the first flow surface 420 and the second flow surface 430. In the present example, the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ is less than the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ , although in some embodiments the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ is greater than the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ . The extension distance of the first layer L ₁ and the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ generally differ from each other by more than 2 mm. In various embodiments, the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ by at least 5 mm. In some embodiments, the first layer L ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ by 4-20 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ by at least 8 mm. In some such embodiments, the extension distance of the first layer L ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second layer L ₂ by at least 14 mm.

Each of the first corrugation layers 450 is defined by a first corrugated sheet 452 and an adjacent second corrugated sheet 454. Similarly, each of the second corrugation layers 460 is defined by a third corrugated sheet 462 and an adjacent fourth corrugated sheet 464. Similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 5, in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 6a, each layer of corrugations defines a substantially constant distance between the first flow surface 420 and the second flow surface 430 in the depth direction d2; this means that the distance defined by each layer of corrugations is equal to the distance that the corrugations extend between the first flow surface 420 and the second flow surface 430 of each corrugation in the corrugation layer. However, in some embodiments, the distance that one or more filter pack sheets define between the first flow surface 420 and the second flow surface 430 may vary in the direction of depth d ₂ .

Additional alternating layers of corrugations can be included in filter assemblies in accordance with the technology described herein, similar to the previous example shown in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary filter assembly 700 in accordance with the technology described herein. The filter assembly 700 is a panel filter that is constructed from a plurality of filter packing sheets 710 in a stacked configuration that collectively define a first plurality of corrugations 740, a first flow surface 720, and a second flow surface 730 opposite the first flow surface. flow relative to the filter assembly 700. The plurality of stacked filter packing sheets 710 are alternating corrugated filter packing sheets and filter packing facing sheets. The plurality of stacked sheets of filter packing 710 are discontinuous. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 720 and the second flow surface 730 is non-planar.

Each of the first set of corrugations 740 defines an open corrugation portion 742 on the first flow surface 720 and a closed corrugation portion 744 in the vicinity of the second flow surface 730. In some embodiments, at least one corrugation 745 of the plurality of corrugations 740 defines an open corrugation portion 742 that is non-planar. Each of the first plurality of corrugations 740 defines the distance of the corrugation from the first flow surface 720 to the second flow surface 730. Each filter pack sheet 710 can be characterized as having a width extending in a direction parallel to the x-axis and a length extending in a direction parallel to the z-axis. A plurality of filter packing sheets 710 are stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis.

In some embodiments, the filter assembly 700 at least has a first filter packing sheet 750 and a second filter packing sheet 760 collectively defining a first flow surface 720, a second flow surface 730, and a portion of a first plurality of corrugations 740. In this example, the first sheet 750 the filter packing is a corrugated sheet and the second filter packing sheet 760 is a facing sheet. The first corrugation 741 of the first plurality of corrugations 740 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ , and the second corrugation 743 of the first plurality of corrugations 740 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ . In the present example, the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ , although in some other examples the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ . The extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ differ from each other by at least 5 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ differ from each other by 3-20 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ differ from each other by at least 8 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ differ from each other by at least 15 mm.

The filter assembly 700 also has a third filter packing sheet 770, with the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet 760 collectively defining a second plurality of corrugations 780, a first flow surface 720, and a second flow surface 730. Each of the second plurality of corrugations 780 extends from the first flow surface 720 to the second flow surface 730. Each of the second set of corrugations 780 defines an open corrugation on the second flow surface 730 (which cannot be seen in this view) and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the first flow surface 720. The closed section of the corrugation may be a blocking element located between the second filter packing sheet 760 and the third filter packing sheet 770 proximate the first flow surface 720. The second set of corrugations 780 may have a third corrugation 747, which defines the distance of the extension of the third corrugation d ₃ between the first surface 720 for flow and the second surface 730 for flow. In the present example, the third rib extension distance d ₃ is greater than the first rib extension distance d ₁ and the second rib extension distance d ₂ , although alternative relative relationships between the rib extension distances as previously described are also contemplated. The extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ differs from the extension distance of the third corrugation d ₃ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, each of the first rib extension distance d ₁ , the second rib extension distance d ₂ , and the third rib extension distance d ₃ differ from the others by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the first rib extension distance d ₁ differs from the second rib extension distance d ₂ and the third rib extension distance d ₃ by the amounts and ranges previously described herein.

In the present example shown in FIG. 7, the second knurl 743 is located adjacent to the first knurl 741 in the x-direction, although in some other embodiments, the second knurl 743 is not adjacent to the first knurl 741. In some embodiments, the third knurl 747 is located relative to the first knurl 741 in the axial direction. y, but in other embodiments, the implementation of the third corrugation 747 is not located relative to the first corrugation 741 in the direction along the y-axis. In some alternative embodiments, the third rib 747 may be a rib in the first set of ribs 740.

In the present example, the first flow surface 720 is non-planar and the second flow surface 730 is flat. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. In some embodiments, the first flow surface and the second flow surface are planar and not parallel to each other. In various embodiments, the plurality of corrugations 740 are parallel, although in some embodiments, the plurality of corrugations 740 are not parallel.

Similar to the embodiments shown in FIG. 1-2b, the filter assembly 700 is generally configured to define a fluid path 718 between the first flow surface 720 and the second flow surface 730 through the filter pack 710, whereby the fluid is filtered by the filter pack 710.

In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 720 and the second flow surface 730 is planar. In the examples according to this particular embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the first flow surface 720 is planar and the second flow surface 730 is planar, with the first flow surface 720 not being parallel to the second flow surface 730. In alternative embodiments, one or both of the first flow surface and the second flow surface may be non-planar. For example, one or both of the first flow surface and the second flow surface may be trimmed to be a three-dimensional surface.

In FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary filter assembly 800 in accordance with the technology described herein. The filter assembly 800 is a panel filter that is constructed from a plurality of filter packing sheets 810 in a stacked configuration that define a first plurality of corrugations 840, a first flow surface 820, and a second flow surface 830 located on the opposite side of the first flow surface. with respect to the filter assembly 800. The plurality of stacked filter packing sheets 810 are corrugated filter packing sheets. The plurality of stacked sheets of filter packing 810 are discontinuous. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 820 and the second flow surface 830 is non-planar, and in the present embodiment, both the first flow surface 820 and the second flow surface 830 are non-planar.

The plurality of filter packing sheets 810 collectively define a plurality of corrugations 840. Each of the first plurality of corrugations 840 defines an open corrugation region 842 on the first flow surface 820 and a closed corrugation region (not shown) in the vicinity of the second flow surface 830, with the closed corrugation region being similar to those described. above and shown at least in FIG. 2a and 4b. In some embodiments, at least one corrugation 845 of the plurality of corrugations 840 defines an open area of the corrugation 842 that is non-planar. Each of the first plurality of corrugations 840 defines the distance of the corrugations from the first flow surface 820 to the second flow surface 830. Each filter pack sheet 810 can be characterized as having a width extending in a direction parallel to the x-axis and a length extending in a direction parallel to the z-axis. A plurality of filter packing sheets 810 are stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis.

In some embodiments, the filter assembly 800 has at least a first filter packing sheet 850 and a second filter packing sheet 860 collectively defining a first flow surface 820, a second flow surface 830, and a portion of a first plurality of corrugations 840. In this example, as the first sheet filter packings 850 and the second sheet of filter packing 860 are corrugated sheets. The first corrugation 841 of a portion of the first plurality of corrugations 840 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ , and the second corrugation 843 of the first plurality of corrugations 840 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ . In the present example, the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ , although in some other examples the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ . The extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm and may further differ by the previously described amounts and ranges.

The filter assembly 800 also has a third filter packing sheet 870, with the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet 860 collectively defining a second plurality of corrugations 880, a first flow surface 820, and a second flow surface 830. Each of the second plurality of corrugations 880 extends from the first flow surface 820 to the second flow surface 830. Each of the second set of corrugations 880 defines an open corrugation on the second flow surface 830 (which cannot be seen in this view) and a closed corrugation in the vicinity of the first flow surface 820. The closed section of the corrugation may be a blocking element located between the second filter packing sheet 860 and the third filter packing sheet 870 proximate the first flow surface 820.

The second plurality of corrugations 880 may have a third corrugation 847 that defines a distance of extension of the third corrugation d ₃ between the first flow surface 820 and the second flow surface 830. In the present example, the third rib extension distance d ₃ is greater than the first rib extension distance d ₁ and the second rib extension distance d ₂ , although alternative relative relationships between the rib extension distances are contemplated. The extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ differs from the extension distance of the third corrugation d ₃ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, each of the first rib extension distance d ₁ , the second rib extension distance d ₂ , and the third rib extension distance d ₃ differ from the others by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the first rib extension distance d ₁ differs from the second rib extension distance d ₂ and the third rib extension distance d ₃ by the amounts and ranges previously described herein.

In the present example, the second knurl 843 is adjacent to the first knurl 841 in the x-direction, although in some other embodiments, the second knurl 843 is not adjacent to the first knurl 841. In some embodiments, the third knurl 847 is located relative to the first knurl 841 in the x-direction. y-axis, but in other embodiments, the implementation of the third corrugation 847 is not located relative to the first corrugation 841 in the direction along the y-axis. In some alternative embodiments, the third rib 847 may be a rib in the first set of ribs 840.

In the present example, the first flow surface 820 is non-planar and the second flow surface 830 is non-planar. In particular, the first flow surface 820 is recessed relative to the filter assembly 800. Similarly, the second flow surface 830 is recessed relative to the filter assembly. In an alternative example, both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are planar and not parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the implementation of the first set of corrugations 840 are parallel, although in some embodiments, the implementation of the first set of corrugations 840 are not parallel.

Similar to the embodiments described above, the filter assembly 800 is generally configured to define a fluid path 818 between the first flow surface 820 and the second flow surface 830 through the filter pack 810, whereby the fluid is filtered by the filter pack 810.

The exemplary filter assemblies described and shown in FIG. 7 and 8 can be created through a number of different approaches. In at least one embodiment, blocking corrugations are applied between adjacent filter packing sheets at appropriate locations, and the filter packing sheets are stacked. The stacked packing is then cut with a cutting tool (examples of which were mentioned above with respect to FIG. 3) to give the first flow surface and/or the second flow surface the desired configuration. In an alternative embodiment, the edges of the filter pack sheets corresponding to the flow surfaces are cut into the desired configuration, and the cut pack sheets are then stacked to form a filter assembly. Blocking corrugations may be applied to the filter packing sheets before or after cutting the filter packing sheets.

In FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary filter assembly 900 in accordance with the technology described herein. The filter assembly 900 is a panel filter that is constructed from a plurality of filter packing sheets 910 in a stacked configuration that define a first plurality of corrugations 940, a first flow surface 920 of the filter assembly 900, and a second flow surface 930 located on the opposite side of the the first flow surface 920 relative to the filter assembly 900. The plurality of filter packing sheets 910 are corrugated filter packing sheets. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 920 and the second flow surface 930 is non-planar, and in the present embodiment, the first flow surface 920 is non-planar and the second flow surface 930 is planar.

The plurality of filter packing sheets 910 are continuous with respect to each other. Each filter packing sheet has a first fold 912 defining a first surface 920 for the flow of the filter assembly 900. Each filter packing sheet 910 has a second fold 914 (only a small portion of which is visible) defining a second surface 930 for the flow of the filter assembly 900. Each of The first set of corrugations 940 defines an open corrugation portion 942 on the first flow surface 920 and a closed corrugation portion 916 in the vicinity of the second flow surface 930. The closed corrugation portion 916 is defined by a filter pack on the second flow surface 930, where the filter pack extends between adjacent second folds 914 on the second flow surface 930.

In some embodiments, at least one corrugation 945 of the plurality of corrugations 940 defines an open portion of the corrugation 942 that is non-planar. Each of the first plurality of corrugations 940 defines the distance of the corrugations from the first flow surface 920 to the second flow surface 930. Each filter pack sheet 910 can be characterized as having a width extending in a direction parallel to the x-axis and a length extending in a direction parallel to the z-axis. A plurality of filter packing sheets 910 are stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis.

In some embodiments, the filter assembly 900 at least has a first filter packing sheet 950 and a second filter packing sheet 960 collectively defining a first flow surface 920, a second flow surface 930, and a portion of a first plurality of corrugations 940. In this example, as the first sheet filter packings 950 and the second sheet of filter packing 960 are corrugated sheets. The first corrugation 941 of a portion of the first plurality of corrugations 940 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ , and the second corrugation 943 of the first plurality of corrugations 940 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ . In the present example, the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ , although in some other examples the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ . The extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm and may further differ by the previously described amounts and ranges.

The filter assembly 900 also has a third filter packing sheet 970, with the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet 960 collectively defining a second plurality of corrugations 980, a first flow surface 920, and a second flow surface 930. Each of the second plurality of corrugations 980 extends from the first flow surface 920 to the second flow surface 930. Each of the second set of corrugations 980 defines an open corrugation area on the second flow surface 930 (which cannot be seen in this view) and a closed corrugation area 916 in the vicinity of the first flow surface 920. The closed section of the corrugation may be a blocking element located between the second filter packing sheet 960 and the third filter packing sheet 970 proximate the first flow surface 920. In the present embodiment, the closed serration portion 916 is a portion of the filter pack defined by one or more folds 912, similar to those described with respect to FIG. 6a and 6b. The second set of corrugations 980 may have a third corrugation 981, which defines the distance of the extension of the third corrugation d ₃ between the first surface 920 for flow and the second surface 930 for flow. In the present example, the third rib extension distance d ₃ is greater than the first rib extension distance d ₁ and the second rib extension distance d ₂ (although this is not apparent at this viewing angle), although alternative relative relationships between the rib extension distances are contemplated. The extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ differs from the extension distance of the third corrugation d ₃ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, each of the first rib extension distance d ₁ , the second rib extension distance d ₂ , and the third rib extension distance d ₃ differ from the others by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the first rib extension distance d ₁ differs from the second rib extension distance and the third rib extension distance d ₃ by the amounts and ranges previously described herein.

In the present example shown in FIG. 9, the second knurl 943 is located adjacent to the first knurl 941 in the x direction, although in some other embodiments, the second knurl 943 is not adjacent to the first knurl 941. In some embodiments, the third knurl 981 is located relative to the first knurl 941 in the axial direction. y, but in other embodiments, the implementation of the third corrugation 981 is not located relative to the first corrugation 941 in the direction along the y-axis. In some alternative embodiments, the third rib 981 may be a rib in the first set of ribs 940.

In the present example shown in FIG. 9, the first flow surface 920 is non-planar and the second flow surface 930 is planar. In an alternative illustrative embodiment, both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are planar and not parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the first set of corrugations 940 are parallel, although in some alternative embodiments, the first set of corrugations 940 are not parallel. Also, although in the present embodiment the filter pack is pleated, in some other embodiments the pack is not pleated.

Similar to the embodiments described above, the filter assembly 900 is generally configured to define a fluid path 918 between the first flow surface 920 and the second flow surface 930 through the filter pack 910, whereby the fluid is filtered by the filter pack 910.

In FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary filter assembly 1000 in accordance with the technology described herein. The filter assembly 1000 is a panel filter that is formed from a plurality of filter packing sheets 1010 in a stacked configuration that define a first plurality of corrugations 1040, a first flow surface 1020 of the filter assembly 1000, and a second flow surface 1030 located on the opposite side of the the first flow surface 1020 relative to the filter assembly 1000. The plurality of filter packing sheets 1010 are corrugated filter packing sheets. In the present embodiment, the first flow surface 1020 is flat and the second flow surface 1030 is flat, and the first flow surface 1020 is not parallel to the second flow surface 1030.

The plurality of filter packing sheets 1010 are continuous with respect to each other. Each filter packing sheet has a first fold 1012 defining a first surface 1020 for the filter assembly 1000 flow. Each filter packing sheet 1010 has a second fold 1014 (only a small portion of which is visible) defining a second surface 1030 for the filter assembly 1000 flow. The first set of corrugations 1040 defines an open corrugation portion 1042 on the first flow surface 1020 and a closed corrugation portion 1016 in the vicinity of the second flow surface 1030. The closed corrugation portion 1016 is defined by a filter pack on the second flow surface 1030, where the filter pack extends between adjacent second folds 1014 on the second flow surface 1030. The closed corrugation portion 1016 may be similar to that described with respect to FIG. 6a and 6b.

Each of the first set of corrugations 1040 defines the distance of the corrugations from the first surface 1020 for flow to the second surface 1030 for flow. Each filter pack sheet 1010 can be characterized as having a width extending in a direction parallel to the x-axis and a length extending in a direction parallel to the z-axis. A plurality of filter packing sheets 1010 are stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis.

In some embodiments, the filter assembly 1000 at least has a first filter packing sheet 1050 and a second filter packing sheet 1060 collectively defining a first flow surface 1020, a second flow surface 1030, and a portion of a first plurality of corrugations 1040. In this example, as the first sheet filter packings 1050 and the second sheet of filter packing 1060 are corrugated sheets. The first corrugation 1041 of a portion of the first plurality of corrugations 1040 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ , and the second corrugation 1043 of the first plurality of corrugations 1040 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ . In the present example, the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ , although in some other examples the extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ . The extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation d ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm and may further differ by the previously described amounts and ranges.

The filter assembly 1000 also has a third filter packing sheet 1070, with the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet 1060 collectively defining a second plurality of corrugations 1080, a first flow surface 1020 and a second flow surface 1030. Each of the second plurality of corrugations 1080 extends from the first flow surface 1020 to the second flow surface 1030. Each of the second set of corrugations 1080 defines an open corrugation area on the second flow surface 1030 (which cannot be seen in this view) and a closed corrugation area 1016 in the vicinity of the first flow surface 1020. The closed section of the corrugation may be a blocking element located between the second filter packing sheet 1060 and the third filter packing sheet 1070 proximate the first flow surface 1020. In the present embodiment, the closed corrugation portion 1016 is a portion of the filter pack defined by one or more folds 1012.

The second set of corrugations 1080 may have a third corrugation 1081, which defines the distance of the extension of the third corrugation d ₃ between the first surface 1020 for flow and the second surface 1030 for flow. In the present example, the third rib extension distance d ₃ is less than the first rib extension distance d ₁ and the second rib extension distance d ₁ , but in some embodiments, the third rib extension distance d ₃ is greater than one or both of the first rib extension distance d ₁ and the second rib extension distance corrugations d ₂ . The extension distance of the first corrugation d ₁ differs from the extension distance of the third corrugation d ₃ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, each of the first rib extension distance d ₁ , the second rib extension distance d ₁ , and the third rib extension distance d ₃ differ from the others by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the first rib extension distance d ₁ differs from the second rib extension distance d ₂ and the third rib extension distance d ₃ by the amounts and ranges previously described herein.

In the present example shown in FIG. 10, the second knurl 1043 is located adjacent to the first knurl 1041 in the x direction, although in some other embodiments the second knurl 1043 is not adjacent to the first knurl 1041. In some embodiments, the third knurl 1081 is located relative to the first knurl 1041 in the axial direction. y, but in other embodiments, the implementation of the third corrugation 1081 is not located relative to the first corrugation 1041 in the direction along the y-axis. In some alternative embodiments, the third rib 1081 may be a rib in the first set of ribs 1040.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the first set of corrugations 1040 are parallel, although in some embodiments, the implementation of the first set of corrugations 1040 are not parallel. Also, although in the present embodiment the filter packing is pleated, in some other embodiments the folded packing is not pleated and blocking elements are located between the filter packing sheets to cover the ends of the ribs.

Similar to the embodiments described above, the filter assembly 1000 is generally configured to define a fluid path 1018 between the first flow surface 1020 and the second flow surface 1030 through the filter pack 1010, whereby the fluid is filtered by the filter pack 1010.

In FIG. 11A shows one exemplary filter assembly in accordance with the technology described herein. The filter assembly 500 consists of a filter pack 510 defining a first flow surface 520, a second flow surface 530, and a plurality of corrugations 540 extending from the first flow surface 520 to the second flow surface 530. In the present example, a first flow surface 510 is defined at a first end 502 of filter assembly 500, and a second flow surface 530 is defined at a second opposite end 504 of filter assembly 500.

The filter packing 510 is a plurality of filter packing sheets, in particular the first filter packing sheet 512 and the second filter packing sheet 514. The second filter packing sheet 514 is visible in FIG. 11B, which shows a portion of the filter pack 510 in a flat, unfolded state that differs from the coiled filter pack 510 in the filter assembly 500 of FIG. 11A. In FIG. 11B shows an end view of the second filter packing sheet 514. The second filter packing sheet 514 is adjacent to the first filter packing sheet 512 . The first filter packing sheet 512 and the second filter packing sheet 514 collectively define a plurality of corrugations 540. The filter packing 510 defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Accordingly, each of the first filter packing sheet 512 and the second filter packing sheet 514 defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations 540 are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis.

As seen in FIG. 11B, the filter packing 510 (specifically, the first filter packing sheet 512 and the second filter packing sheet 514) is generally oblong, allowing the first filter packing sheet 512 and the second filter packing sheet 514 to be coiled around the z-axis to form a filter assembly. In this example, the first filter packing sheet 512 and the second filter packing sheet 514 are discontinuous. The first filter packing sheet 512 defines a first edge 511 and a second edge 513 (FIG. 11A). The second filter packing sheet 514 defines a third edge 515 and a fourth edge 517 (FIG. 11B). The first edge 511 and the third edge 515 together define the first flow surface 520 of the filter assembly 500. The second edge 513 and the fourth edge 517 together define the second flow surface 530 of the filter assembly 500. The first edge 511 and the third edge 515 each form an undulating or wavy line. The second edge 513 and the fourth edge 517 each individually form a straight line. The filter pack 510 in the examples according to the present embodiment has four edges. The shape of the filter pack 510 is generally neither rectangular nor trapezoidal due to the wavy/wavy edge. In particular, the first edge 511 and the third edge 515 together define a plurality of concave and convex shapes.

In the examples according to the present embodiment, the first filter packing sheet 512 is corrugated, and the second filter packing sheet 514 is a facing sheet. In the current embodiment, the plurality of corrugations are parallel, but in some other embodiments, the plurality of corrugations are not parallel.

The filter assembly 500 is generally configured to define a fluid path 506 between the first flow surface 520 and the second flow surface 530 through the filter pack 510, whereby the fluid is filtered by the filter pack 510. In particular, the plurality of corrugations 540 defines either inlet corrugations or outlet corrugations, similar to that described in FIG. 1.

Each of the plurality of ribs 540 defines an open rib portion 542 and a closed rib portion (not visible). The open portion 542 of the corrugations defines the outermost portion of the fluid path 506 along the corrugations to allow fluid flow into or out of the filter assembly 500. The closed portion of the corrugation prevents fluid flow along the corrugation, thereby forming part of the fluid path 506 through the filter packing 510. Thus, for example, a plurality of inlet corrugations may define an open corrugation portion 542 on the first flow surface 520, and a closed corrugation portion is defined on the plurality of inlet corrugations in the vicinity of the second flow surface 530. In some embodiments, the closed corrugation portion is adjacent to the second flow surface 530. More specifically, the closed corrugation portion may abut the second flow surface 530. The closed corrugation section may be similar to the closed corrugation sections described above.

In the present embodiment, the volume defined between the outer surface 516 of the first filter packing sheet 512 (FIG. 11A) and the outer surface 518 of the second filter packing sheet 514 (FIG. 11B) when the filter packing is coiled (FIG. 11A) determines the path 506 fluid, which is not necessarily characterized as defined by a plurality of corrugations.

The blocking element may be positioned within the helix and outside the plurality of corrugations 540 such that fluids passing through the first flow surface 520 and the second flow surface 530 of the filter assembly 500 must first pass through the filter packing 510. Additional blocking elements may also be located in any other gaps in the filter pack to prevent fluid flow through them, such as around the outer perimeter of the filter assembly 500 and in the central opening of the filter assembly 500. The blocking element may be formed by applying an adhesive, for example strips of glue, in the appropriate place.

Each of the plurality of corrugations 540 defines the distance of the corrugation between the first flow surface 520 and the second flow surface 530. In the present embodiment, the first corrugation 544 of the plurality of corrugations 540 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ between the first flow surface 520 and the second flow surface 530 and the second corrugation 546 of the plurality of corrugations 540 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ between the first surface 520 for flow and the second surface 530 for flow. In some examples, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₁ as shown in the figure. In some other examples, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . In certain embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or even at least 15 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by 3-520 mm, 510-520 mm, or 15-25 mm.

In some embodiments, the third corrugation 548 of the plurality of corrugations 540 defines a distance of extension of the third corrugation D ₃ between the first flow surface 520 and the second flow surface 530. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ generally differs from at least one of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the third rib D ₃ differs from both the extension distance of the first rib D ₁ and the extension distance of the second rib D ₂ by more than 2 mm. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ may differ from one or both of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by the same ranges described above. In the present example, the extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ is greater than the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and less than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ .

Differences in rib extension distances between the first flow surface 520 of the filter assembly 500 and the second flow surface 530 of the filter assembly 500 are also confirmed by the shapes of the flow surfaces relative to each other. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 520 and the second flow surface 530 is non-planar. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 520 and the second flow surface 530 is substantially planar. In the examples according to this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 520 is non-planar and the second flow surface 530 is planar. In addition, in this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 520 is configured to protrude outwardly from the filter assembly in the z direction. The shape of the first flow surface 520 is generally asymmetric about the z-axis.

It should be understood that in some alternative embodiments, the first flow surface 520 may be planar and the second flow surface 530 may be non-planar. In some embodiments, at least one corrugation in the plurality of corrugations 540 defines an open area of the corrugation that is non-planar.

In the examples according to the present embodiment, the blocking member 549 is located adjacent the fourth edge 517 of the second filter packing sheet 514 along the length of the second filter packing sheet 514. The fourth edge 515 of the second filter pack sheet 514 is generally flat when the filter pack 510 is in a coiled configuration. In this case, the blocking member 549 is also generally flat when the filter pack 510 is in a coiled configuration.

In FIG. 12A shows an exemplary filter assembly 550 in accordance with the technology described herein, and FIG. 12B shows an end view of a corresponding filter pack 560 that is in an unfolded or flat state. The filter assembly 550 consists of a filter pack 560 defining a first flow surface 570, a second flow surface 580, and a plurality of corrugations 590 extending from the first flow surface 570 to the second flow surface 580. In the present example, a first flow surface 560 is defined at a first end 552 of filter assembly 550, and a second flow surface 580 is defined at a second opposite end 554 of filter assembly 550.

The filter packing 560 is a plurality of filter packing sheets, specifically a first filter packing sheet 562 and a second filter packing sheet 564. The second filter packing sheet 564 is visible in FIG. 12B, which is a portion of the filter pack 560 in a flat, unfolded state, which differs from the coiled filter pack 560 forming the filter assembly 550 of FIG. 12A. In FIG. 12B shows an end view of the second filter pack sheet 564. The second filter packing sheet 564 is adjacent to the first filter packing sheet 562. The first filter packing sheet 562 and the second filter packing sheet 564 collectively define a plurality of corrugations 590. The filter packing 562 may have a number of configurations, some examples of which are described in connection with FIG. 4a-4d and also described below. In the current embodiment, the plurality of corrugations are parallel, but in some other embodiments, the plurality of corrugations are not parallel.

The filter pack 560 defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Accordingly, each of the first filter packing sheet 562 and the second filter packing sheet 564 defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations 590 are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis.

As seen in FIG. 12B, the filter packing 560 (specifically, the first filter packing sheet 562 and the second filter packing sheet 564) is generally oblong, allowing the first filter packing sheet 562 and the second filter packing sheet 564 to be coiled around the z-axis to form a filter assembly. In this example, the first filter packing sheet 562 and the second filter packing sheet 564 may be continuous or discontinuous. In embodiments where the sheets are discontinuous, the first filter packing sheet 562 defines a first edge 561 and a second edge 563 (FIG. 12A), and the second filter packing sheet 564 defines a third edge 565 and a fourth edge 567 (FIG. 12B). The first edge 561 and the third edge 565 together define the first flow surface 570 of the filter assembly 550. The second edge 563 and the fourth edge 567 together define the second flow surface 580 of the filter assembly 550. The second edge 593 and the fourth edge 567 each form a straight line a line that defines the edge of the filter pack 550.

The first edge 561 and the third edge 565 together and individually form a stepped line. The stepped line has horizontal segments 572 connected by vertical segments 574. The shape of the filter pack 550 is generally neither rectangular nor trapezoidal given the stepped edge.

The filter assembly 550 is generally configured to define a fluid path 556 between the first flow surface 570 and the second flow surface 580 through the filter pack 560, whereby the fluid is filtered by the filter pack 560. In particular, the plurality of corrugations 590 defines either inlet corrugations or outlet corrugations, in a manner similar to that described above.

Each of the plurality of ribs 590 defines an open rib portion 592 and a closed rib portion (not visible). The open portion 592 of the corrugations defines the outermost portion of the fluid path 556 along the corrugations to allow fluid flow into or out of the filter assembly 550. The closed section of the corrugation prevents the passage of fluid flow along the corrugation, thereby forming part of the path 556 of the fluid through the packing 560 of the filter. Thus, for example, a plurality of inlet corrugations may define an open corrugation portion 592 on the first flow surface 570, and a closed corrugation portion is defined on the plurality of inlet corrugations in the vicinity of the second flow surface 580. In some embodiments, the implementation of the closed section of the corrugation is located adjacent to the second surface 580 for flow. More specifically, the closed corrugation portion may abut the second flow surface 580. The closed corrugation section may be similar to the closed corrugation sections described above.

In the present embodiment, the volume defined between the outer surface 566 of the first filter packing sheet 562 (FIG. 12A) and the outer surface 568 of the second filter packing sheet 564 (FIG. 12B) when the filter packing is coiled (FIG. 12A) determines the path 556 fluid, which is not necessarily characterized as defined by a plurality of corrugations.

The blocking member may be located within the helix and outside the plurality of corrugations 590 such that fluids passing through the first flow surface 570 and the second flow surface 580 of the filter assembly 550 must first pass through the filter packing 560. Additional blocking elements may also be located in any other gaps in the filter pack to prevent fluid flow through them, such as around the outer perimeter of the filter assembly 550 and in the central opening of the filter assembly 550. The blocking element may be formed by applying an adhesive, for example strips of glue, in the appropriate place.

Each of the plurality of corrugations 590 defines a distance to extend the corrugations between the first flow surface 570 and the second flow surface 580. In the present embodiment, the first corrugation 594 of the plurality of corrugations 590 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ between the first flow surface 570 and the second flow surface 580 and the second corrugation 596 of the plurality of corrugations 590 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ between the first surface 570 for flow and the second surface 580 for flow. In some examples, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₁ as shown in the figure. In some other examples, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . In certain embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or even at least 15 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by 3-570 mm, 560-570 mm, or 15-25 mm.

In some embodiments, the third corrugation 598 of the plurality of corrugations 590 defines a distance of extension of the third corrugation D ₃ between the first flow surface 570 and the second flow surface 580. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ generally differs from at least one of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the third rib D ₃ differs from both the extension distance of the first rib D ₁ and the extension distance of the second rib D ₂ by more than 2 mm. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ may differ from one or both of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by the same ranges described above. In the present example, the extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ is greater than the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . It should be understood that in some other examples, the third rib extension distance D ₃ is greater than one of the first rib extension distance D ₁ and the second rib extension distance D ₂ , and less than the other of the first rib extension distance D ₁ and the second rib extension distance D ₂ .

Differences in corrugation extension distances between the first flow surface 570 of the filter assembly 550 and the second flow surface 580 of the filter assembly 550 are also confirmed by the shapes of the flow surfaces relative to each other. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 570 and the second flow surface 580 is non-planar. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 570 and the second flow surface 580 is substantially flat. In the examples according to this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 570 is non-planar and the second flow surface 580 is planar. In addition, in this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 570 has a stepped configuration, with the first flow surface 570 defining a plurality of planes 576. Each plane can be offset from the other planes to form the first flow surface 570 in the z direction. The overall shape of the first flow surface 520 may be radially symmetrical about the z-axis, although in some embodiments the overall shape of the first flow surface is asymmetric about the z-axis.

It should be understood that in some alternative embodiments, the first flow surface 570 may be planar and the second flow surface 580 may be non-planar. In some embodiments, at least one corrugation in the plurality of corrugations 590 defines an open area of the corrugation that is non-planar.

In the examples according to the present embodiment, the blocking element 599 is located adjacent to the fourth edge 567 of the second filter packing sheet 564 along the length of the second filter packing sheet 564. Since the fourth edge 565 of the second filter packing sheet 564 is generally flat when the filter packing 560 is in a coiled configuration, the blocking member 599 is also generally flat when the filter packing 560 is in a coiled configuration.

Similar to the previous two examples, in Fig. 13A shows one exemplary filter assembly 1800 in accordance with the technology described herein, wherein the filter assembly 1800 is a coiled filter pack 1810, and FIG. 13B shows an end view of the filter pack 1810 in an expanded state. The filter assembly 1800 consists of a filter pack 1810 defining a first flow surface 1820, a second flow surface 1830, and a plurality of corrugations 1840 extending from the first flow surface 1820 to the second flow surface 1830. In the present example, a first flow surface 1810 is defined at a first end 1802 of filter assembly 1800, and a second flow surface 1830 is defined at a second opposite end 1804 of filter assembly 1800.

Filter packing 1810 is a plurality of filter packing sheets, specifically a first filter packing sheet 1812 and a second filter packing sheet 1814. The second filter packing sheet 1814 is visible in FIG. 13B which is a portion of the filter pack 1810 in a flat unfolded state. In FIG. 13B shows an end view of the second filter pack sheet 1814. The second filter packing sheet 1814 is adjacent to the first filter packing sheet 1812. The first filter packing sheet 1812 and the second filter packing sheet 1814 collectively define a plurality of corrugations 1840. The filter packing 1810 may have a number of configurations, some examples of which are described in connection with FIG. 4a-4d and also described below.

The filter pack 1810 defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Accordingly, each of the first filter packing sheet 1812 and the second filter packing sheet 1814 defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations 1840 are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. In the current embodiment, the plurality of corrugations are parallel, but in some other embodiments, the plurality of corrugations are not parallel.

As seen in FIG. 13B, the filter packing 1810 (specifically the first filter packing sheet 1812 and the second filter packing sheet 1814) is generally oblong, allowing the first filter packing sheet 1812 and the second filter packing sheet 1814 to be coiled around the z-axis to form a filter assembly. In this example, the first filter packing sheet 1812 and the second filter packing sheet 1814 may be discontinuous. In such embodiments, the first filter packing sheet 1812 defines the first end 1811 and the second end 1813 (FIG. 13A), and the second filter packing sheet 1814 defines the third end 1815 and the fourth end 1817 (FIG. 13B). First edge 1811 and third edge 1815 collectively define a first flow surface 1820 for filter assembly 1800. Second edge 1813 and fourth edge 1817 collectively define second flow surface 1830 for filter assembly 1800. First edge 1811 and third edge 1815 collectively and individually form a curved line that has convex and concave parts. The second edge 1813 and the fourth edge 1817 together and individually form a straight line.

The filter pack 1810 in the examples of the present embodiment has four edges: a first oblong edge 1805 (corresponding to first edge 1811 and third edge 1815), a second oblong edge 1807 (corresponding to second edge 1811 and fourth edge 1815), a first end edge 1808, and second end edge 1809. The shape of the filter pack 1810 is generally neither rectangular nor trapezoidal, at least in terms of the curve defined by the first elongated edge 1805.

The filter assembly 1800 is generally configured to define a fluid path 1806 between the first flow surface 1820 and the second flow surface 1830 through the filter pack 1810, whereby the fluid is filtered by the filter pack 1810. In particular, the plurality of corrugations 1840 defines either inlet corrugations or outlet corrugations, similar to that described in FIG. 1.

Each of the plurality of corrugations 1840 defines an open corrugation section 1842 and a closed corrugation section (not visible). The open portion 1842 of the corrugations defines the outermost portion of the fluid path 1806 along the corrugations to allow fluid flow into or out of the filter assembly 1800. The closed section of the corrugation prevents the passage of fluid flow along the corrugation, thereby forming part of the path 1806 fluid through the packing 1810 filter. Thus, for example, a plurality of inlet corrugations may define an open corrugation portion 1842 on the first flow surface 1820, and a closed corrugation portion is defined on the plurality of inlet corrugations in the vicinity of the second flow surface 1830. In some embodiments, the implementation of the closed section of the corrugation is located adjacent to the second surface 1830 for flow. More specifically, the closed corrugation portion may abut the second flow surface 1830. The closed corrugation section may be similar to the closed corrugation sections described above.

In the present embodiment, the volume defined between the outer surface 1816 of the first filter packing sheet 1812 (FIG. 13A) and the outer surface 1818 of the second filter packing sheet 1814 (FIG. 13B) when the filter packing is coiled (FIG. 13A) determines the path 1806 fluid, which is not necessarily characterized as defined by a plurality of corrugations.

The blocking element may be positioned within the helix and outside the plurality of corrugations 1840 such that fluids passing through the first flow surface 1820 and the second flow surface 1830 of the filter assembly 1800 must first pass through the filter packing 1810. Additional blocking elements may also be located in any other gaps in the filter pack to prevent fluid flow through them, such as around the outer perimeter of the filter assembly 1800 and in the central opening of the filter assembly 1800. The blocking element may be formed by applying an adhesive, for example strips of glue, in the appropriate place.

Each of the plurality of corrugations 1840 defines a distance to extend the corrugation between the first flow surface 1820 and the second flow surface 1830. In the present embodiment, the first corrugation 1844 of the plurality of corrugations 1840 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ between the first flow surface 1820 and the second flow surface 1830 and the second corrugation 1846 of the plurality of corrugations 1840 defines the distance of the second corrugation D ₂ between the first surface 1820 for flow and the second surface 1830 for flow. In some examples, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ as shown in the figure. In some other examples, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . In certain embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by at least 10 mm, at least 8 mm, or even at least 15 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by 3-1020 mm, 1010-1020 mm, or 15-25 mm.

In some embodiments, the third corrugation 1848 of the plurality of corrugations 1840 defines a distance of extension of the third corrugation D ₃ between the first flow surface 1820 and the second flow surface 1830. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ generally differs from at least one of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the third rib D ₃ differs from both the extension distance of the first rib D ₁ and the extension distance of the second rib D ₂ by more than 2 mm. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ may differ from one or both of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by the same ranges described above. In the present example, the extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ is greater than the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . It should be understood that in some other examples, the third rib extension distance D ₃ is greater than one of the first rib extension distance D ₁ and the second rib extension distance D ₂ , and less than the other of the first rib extension distance D ₁ and the second rib extension distance D ₂ .

Differences in corrugation extension distances between the first flow surface 1820 of the filter assembly 1800 and the second flow surface 1830 of the filter assembly 1800 are also confirmed by the shapes of the flow surfaces relative to each other. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 1820 and the second flow surface 1830 is non-planar. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 1820 and the second flow surface 1830 is substantially flat. In the examples according to this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 1820 is non-planar and the second flow surface 1830 is planar. In addition, in this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 1820 is configured to protrude outwardly from the filter assembly in the z direction. The general shape of the first flow surface 1820 can be considered radially symmetrical about the z-axis.

It should be understood that in some alternative embodiments, the first flow surface 1820 may be planar and the second flow surface 1830 may be non-planar. In some embodiments, at least one corrugation in the plurality of corrugations 1840 defines an open area of the corrugation that is non-planar.

In the examples in accordance with the present embodiment, the blocking element 1849 is located adjacent to the fourth edge 1817 of the second filter packing sheet 1814 along the length of the second filter packing sheet 1814. Because the fourth edge 1815 of the second filter pack sheet 1814 is generally flat when the filter pack 1810 is in a coiled configuration, the blocking member 1849 is also generally flat when the filter pack 1810 is in a coiled configuration.

In FIG. 14A shows yet another illustrative filter assembly 1100 in accordance with the technology described herein, wherein the filter assembly 1100 is a coiled filter pack 1110, and FIG. 14B shows an end view of the filter pack 1110 in an expanded state. The filter assembly 1100 consists of a filter pack 1110 defining a first flow surface 1120, a second flow surface 1130, and a plurality of corrugations 1140 extending from the first flow surface 1120 to the second flow surface 1130. In the present example, a first flow surface 1110 is defined at a first end 1102 of filter assembly 1100, and a second flow surface 1130 is defined at a second opposite end 1104 of filter assembly 1100.

Filter packing 1110 is a plurality of filter packing sheets, specifically a first filter packing sheet 1112 and a second filter packing sheet 1114. The second filter packing sheet 1114 is visible in FIG. 14B, which is part of the filter pack 1110 in a flat state. In FIG. 14B shows an end view of the second filter packing sheet 1114. The second filter packing sheet 1114 is adjacent to the first filter packing sheet 1112. The first filter packing sheet 1112 and the second filter packing sheet 1114 collectively define a plurality of corrugations 1140. The filter packing 1110 may have a number of configurations, some examples of which are described in connection with FIG. 4a-4d and also described below.

It should be noted that the set of corrugations that would have been defined in an actual implementation of this design have been omitted from FIG. 14A to simplify the figure and provide a clear understanding of the complex shape of the first flow surface 1120.

The filter pack 1110 defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Accordingly, each of the first filter packing sheet 1112 and the second sheet

1114 filter packing defines a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations 1140 are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. In the current embodiment, the plurality of corrugations are parallel, but in some other embodiments, the plurality of corrugations are not parallel.

As seen in FIG. 14B, the filter pack 1110 (specifically, the first filter pack sheet 1112 and the second filter pack sheet 1114) is generally oblong, allowing the first filter pack sheet 1112 and the second filter pack sheet 1114 to be coiled around the z-axis to form a filter assembly. In this example, the first filter packing sheet 1112 and the second filter packing sheet 1114 are continuous or discontinuous. In embodiments where the sheets are discontinuous, the first filter packing sheet 1112 defines a first edge 1111 and a second edge 1113 (FIG. 14A), and the second filter packing sheet 1114 defines a third edge 1115 and a fourth edge 1117 (FIG. 14B). The first edge 1111 and the third edge 1115 together define the first flow surface 1120 of the filter assembly 1100. The second edge 1113 and the fourth edge 1117 together define the second flow surface 1130 of the filter assembly 1100. The first edge 1111 and the third edge 1115 each individually form a pattern a sine wave with a constant frequency along the length of the filter pack 1110. The second edge 1113 and the fourth edge 1117 each individually form a straight line.

The filter pack 1110 in the examples according to the present embodiment has four edges: a first oblong edge 1105 (corresponding to the first edge 1111 and the third edge 1115), a second oblong edge 1107 (corresponding to the second edge 1111 and the fourth edge 1115), the first end edge 1108, and second end edge 1109. The shape of the filter pack 1110 is generally neither rectangular nor trapezoidal, at least in view of the wavy pattern defined by the first elongated edge that defines a plurality of convex and concave portions.

The filter assembly 1100 is generally configured to define a fluid path 1106 between the first flow surface 1120 and the second flow surface 1130 through the filter pack 1110, whereby the fluid is filtered by the filter pack 1110. In particular, the plurality of corrugations 1140 defines either inlet corrugations or outlet corrugations, similar to that described in FIG. 1.

Each of the plurality of corrugations 1140 defines an open corrugation section 1142 and a closed corrugation section (not visible). The open portion 1142 of the corrugations defines the outermost portion of the fluid path 1106 along the corrugations to allow fluid flow into or out of the filter assembly 1100. The closed section of the corrugation prevents the passage of fluid flow along the corrugation, thereby forming part of the path 1106 fluid through the packing 1110 filter. Thus, for example, a plurality of inlet corrugations may define an open corrugation portion 1142 on the first flow surface 1120, and a closed corrugation portion is defined on the plurality of inlet corrugations in the vicinity of the second flow surface 1130. In some embodiments, the implementation of the closed section of the corrugation is located adjacent to the second surface 1130 for flow. More specifically, the closed section of the corrugation may be adjacent to the second surface 1130 for flow. The closed corrugation section may be similar to the closed corrugation sections described above.

In the present embodiment, the volume defined between the outer surface 1116 of the first filter packing sheet 1112 (FIG. 14A) and the outer surface 1118 of the second filter packing sheet 1114 (FIG. 14B) when the filter packing is coiled (FIG. 14A) determines the path 1106 fluid, which is not necessarily characterized as defined by a plurality of corrugations.

The blocking element may be located within the helix and outside the plurality of corrugations 1140 such that fluids passing through the first flow surface 1120 and the second flow surface 1130 of the filter assembly 1100 must first pass through the filter packing 1110. Additional blocking elements may also be located in any other gaps in the filter pack to prevent fluid flow through them, such as around the outer perimeter of the filter assembly 1100 and in the central opening of the filter assembly 1100. The blocking element may be formed by applying an adhesive, for example strips of glue, in the appropriate place.

Each of the plurality of corrugations 1140 defines a distance to extend the corrugations between the first flow surface 1120 and the second flow surface 1130. In the present embodiment, the first corrugation 1144 of the plurality of corrugations 1140 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ between the first flow surface 1120 and the second flow surface 1130 and the second corrugation 1146 of the plurality of corrugations 1140 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ between the first surface 1120 for flow and the second surface 1130 for flow. In some examples, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ as shown in the figure. In some other examples, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . In certain embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or even at least 15 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by 3-20 mm, 10-20 mm, or 15-25 mm.

In some embodiments, the third corrugation 1148 of the plurality of corrugations 1140 defines a distance of extension of the third corrugation D ₃ between the first flow surface 1120 and the second flow surface 1130. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ generally differs from at least one of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the third rib D ₃ differs from both the extension distance of the first rib D ₁ and the extension distance of the second rib D ₂ by more than 2 mm. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ may differ from one or both of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by the same ranges described above. In the present example, the extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ is greater than the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . It should be understood that in some other examples, the third rib extension distance D ₃ is greater than one of the first rib extension distance D ₁ and the second rib extension distance D ₂ , and less than the other of the first rib extension distance D ₁ and the second rib extension distance D ₂ .

Differences in corrugation extension distances between the first flow surface 1120 of the filter assembly 1100 and the second flow surface 1130 of the filter assembly 1100 are also confirmed by the shapes of the flow surfaces relative to each other. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 1120 and the second flow surface 1130 is non-planar. In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 1120 and the second flow surface 1130 is substantially flat. In the examples according to this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 1120 is non-planar and the second flow surface 1130 is planar. In addition, in this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 1120 is configured such that the first elongated edge of the filter pack 1110 undulates around the circumference around the z-axis.

It should be understood that in some alternative embodiments, the first flow surface 1120 may be planar and the second flow surface 1130 may be non-planar. In some embodiments, at least one corrugation in the plurality of corrugations 1140 defines an open area of the corrugation that is non-planar.

In the examples in accordance with the present embodiment, the blocking element 1149 is located adjacent to the fourth edge 1117 of the second filter packing sheet 1114 along the length of the second filter packing sheet 1114. Since the fourth edge 1115 of the second filter pack sheet 1114 is generally flat when the filter pack 1110 is in a coiled configuration, the blocking member 1149 is also generally flat when the filter pack 1110 is in a coiled configuration.

In FIG. 15 is a sectional side view of yet another exemplary filter assembly 1200 in accordance with the technology described herein. The filter assembly 1200 consists of a filter pack 1210 having a first elongated edge 1212 defining a first flow surface 1220, a second elongated edge 1214 defining a second flow surface 1230, and a plurality of corrugations 1240 extending from the first flow surface 1220 to the second surface. 1230 for stream. In the present example, a first flow surface 1220 is defined at a first end 1202 of filter assembly 1200, and a second flow surface 1230 is defined at a second opposite end 1204 of filter assembly 1200.

Similar to other embodiments described herein, the filter assembly 1200 is generally configured to define a fluid path 1218 between the first flow surface 1220 and the second flow surface 1230 through the filter pack 1210, whereby the fluid is filtered by the pack. 1210 filter. Thus, each of the plurality of serrations 1240 defines an open serration and a closed serration, as described with reference to the previous figures. Also similar to some other embodiments, the filter assembly 1200 consists of a filter pack 1210 that is in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. The first filter packing sheet 1250 and the second filter packing sheet 1260 jointly define a plurality of corrugations 1240. The filter packing 1210 has a first filter packing sheet 1250 that is grooved and a second filter packing sheet 1260 that is a facing sheet adjacent to the first packing sheet 1250 filter. Filter assembly 1200 shown in FIG. 15 may be comprised of a number of filter pack 1210 configurations, examples of which are shown in connection with FIG. 4a-4d and also described below.

The first filter packing sheet 1250 and the second filter packing sheet 1260 are generally oblong. In this example, the first filter packing sheet 1250 and the second filter packing sheet 1260 are discontinuous. The first filter packing sheet 1250 defines the first edge 1253, and the second filter packing sheet 1260 defines the second edge 1263. The first edge 1253 and the second edge 1263 are configured to jointly define the first flow surface 1220 and thus the first oblong edge 1212 filter assembly 1200. The first filter packing sheet 1250 defines a third edge 1255 and the second filter packing sheet 1260 defines a fourth edge 1265. , the second oblong edge 1214 of the filter assembly 1200.

Each of the first filter packing sheet 1250 and the second filter packing sheet 1260 is positioned to define a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations 1240 are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. In this example, the plurality of corrugations 1240 are generally parallel.

Each of the plurality of corrugations 1240 defines a distance to extend the corrugations between the first flow surface 1220 and the second flow surface 1230. In the present embodiment, the first corrugation 1244 of the plurality of corrugations 1240 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ between the first flow surface 1220 and the second flow surface 1230 and the second corrugation 1246 of the plurality of corrugations 1240 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ between the first surface 1220 for flow and the second surface 1230 for flow. In the present embodiment, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ , but in other embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or even at least 15 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by 3-20 mm, 10-20 mm, or 15-25 mm.

In some embodiments, the third corrugation 1248 of the plurality of corrugations 1240 defines a distance of extension of the third corrugation D ₃ between the first flow surface 1220 and the second flow surface 1230. In the present embodiment, the extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ is greater than the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ , but the extension distances of the corrugations may have other relationships as described above. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ generally differs from at least one of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the third rib D ₃ differs from both the extension distance of the first rib D ₁ and the extension distance of the second rib D ₂ by more than 2 mm. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ may differ from one or both of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by the same ranges described above.

In the examples according to this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 1220 is non-planar and the second flow surface 1230 is non-planar. One or both of the first flow surface and the second flow surface may be trimmed to be a three-dimensional surface. In the present example, at least one of the first flow surface 1220 and the second flow surface 1230 is recessed and thus defines a cavity that protrudes inward relative to the filter assembly 1200. In the present example, each of the first flow surface 1220 and the second flow surfaces 1230 define a recess, and each of them is recessed. In some other embodiments, one of the first flow surface 1220 and second flow surface 1230 is recessed relative to the filter assembly, and the other of the first flow surface 1220 and second flow surface 1230 is flat or raised. In the present example, the overall shape of the first flow surface 1220 and the second flow surface 1230 is symmetrical about the z-axis. In some other embodiments, the first flow surface 1220 and the second flow surface 1230 are asymmetrical about the z-axis. In some embodiments, first flow surface 1220 and second flow surface 1230 have similar shapes, and in other embodiments, first flow surface 1220 and second flow surface 1230 have different shapes.

In FIG. 16 is a sectional side view of yet another exemplary filter assembly 1300 in accordance with the technology described herein. The filter assembly 1300 consists of a filter pack 1310 having a first elongated edge 1312 defining a first flow surface 1320, a second elongated edge 1314 defining a second flow surface 1330, and a plurality of corrugations 1340 extending from the first flow surface 1320 to the second surface. 1330 for stream. In the present example, a first flow surface 1320 is defined at a first end 1302 of filter assembly 1300, and a second flow surface 1330 is defined at a second opposite end 1304 of filter assembly 1300.

Similar to other embodiments described herein, the filter assembly 1300 is generally configured to define a fluid path 1318 between the first flow surface 1320 and the second flow surface 1330 through the filter pack 1310, whereby the fluid is filtered by the pack. 1310 filter. Thus, each of the plurality of serrations 1340 defines an open serration and a closed serration, as described with reference to the previous figures. Also similar to some other embodiments, the filter assembly 1300 consists of a filter pack 1310 that is in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. The filter packing 1310 has a first filter packing sheet which is grooved and a second filter packing sheet adjacent to the first filter packing sheet (which cannot be distinguished from this view). The first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet together define a plurality of corrugations. Filter assembly 1300 shown in FIG. 16 may consist of a number of alternative filter pack 1310 configurations, examples of which are shown in connection with FIG. 4a-4d and also described below.

Each of the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet is positioned to define a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. In this example, the plurality of corrugations 1340 are generally parallel.

Each of the plurality of corrugations 1340 defines a distance to extend the corrugation between the first flow surface 1320 and the second flow surface 1330. In the present embodiment, the first corrugation 1344 of the plurality of corrugations 1340 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ between the first flow surface 1320 and the second flow surface 1330 and the second corrugation 1346 of the plurality of corrugations 1340 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ between the first surface 1320 for flow and the second surface 1330 for flow. In the present embodiment, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ , but in other embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ differ from each other by more than 13 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or even at least 15 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by 3-20 mm, 10-20 mm, or 15-25 mm.

In some embodiments, the third corrugation 1348 of the plurality of corrugations 1340 defines a distance of extension of the third corrugation D ₃ between the first flow surface 1320 and the second flow surface 1330. In the present embodiment, the extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ is greater than the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ , but the extension distances of the corrugations may have other relationships as described above. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ generally differs from at least one of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the third rib D ₃ differs from both the extension distance of the first rib D ₁ and the extension distance of the second rib D ₂ by more than 2 mm. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ may differ from one or both of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by the same ranges described above.

In various embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 1320 and the second flow surface 1330 is planar. In the examples according to this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 1320 is flat and the second flow surface 1330 is flat, with the first flow surface 1320 neither parallel nor perpendicular to the second flow surface 1330. Unlike the example shown in FIG. 3, in this case, each of the flow surfaces is not perpendicular to the corrugations.

In FIG. 17 is a sectional side view of yet another exemplary filter assembly 1400 in accordance with the technology described herein. The filter assembly 1400 consists of a filter pack 1410 having a first elongated edge 1412 defining a first flow surface 1420, a second elongated edge 1414 defining a second flow surface 1430, and a plurality of corrugations 1440 extending from the first flow surface 1420 to the second surface. 1430 for stream. In the present example, a first flow surface 1420 is defined at a first end 1402 of filter assembly 1400, and a second flow surface 1430 is defined at a second opposite end 1404 of filter assembly 1400.

Similar to other embodiments described herein, the filter assembly 1400 is generally configured to define a fluid path 1418 between the first flow surface 1420 and the second flow surface 1430 through the filter pack 1410, whereby the fluid is filtered by the pack. 1410 filter. Thus, each of the plurality of serrations 1440 defines an open serration and a closed serration, as described with reference to the previous figures. Also similar to some other embodiments, the filter assembly 1400 consists of a filter pack 1410 that is in a coiled configuration about the z-axis. The filter packing 1410 has a first filter packing sheet which is grooved and a second filter packing sheet adjacent to the first filter packing sheet (which cannot be recognized from this view). The first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet may be in accordance with the examples described in connection with FIG. 4a-4d as well as the examples described below.

Each of the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet is positioned to define a coiled configuration around the z-axis. Thus, the plurality of corrugations 1440 are also in a coiled configuration around the z-axis. In this example, the plurality of corrugations 1440 are generally parallel.

Each of the plurality of corrugations 1440 defines the distance of the corrugation between the first flow surface 1420 and the second flow surface 1430. In the present embodiment, the first corrugation 1444 of the plurality of corrugations 1440 defines the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ between the first flow surface 1420 and the second flow surface 1430 and the second corrugation 1446 of the plurality of corrugations 1440 defines the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ between the first surface 1420 for flow and the second surface 1430 for flow. In the present embodiment, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is less than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ , but in other embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ is greater than the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ . In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ differ from each other by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or even at least 15 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by 3-20 mm, 10-20 mm, or 15-25 mm.

In some embodiments, the third corrugation 1448 of the plurality of corrugations 1440 defines a distance of extension of the third corrugation D ₃ between the first flow surface 1420 and the second flow surface 1430. In the present embodiment, the extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ is greater than the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ , but the extension distances of the corrugations may have other relationships as described above. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ generally differs from at least one of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by more than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the third rib D ₃ differs from both the extension distance of the first rib D ₁ and the extension distance of the second rib D ₂ by more than 2 mm. The extension distance of the third corrugation D ₃ may differ from one or both of the extension distance of the first corrugation D ₁ and the extension distance of the second corrugation D ₂ by the same ranges described above.

In the examples according to this particular embodiment, the first flow surface 1420 is non-planar and the second flow surface 1430 is non-planar. One or both of the first flow surface and the second flow surface may be trimmed to be a three-dimensional surface. In the present example, at least one of the first flow surface 1420 and the second flow surface 1430 protrudes relative to the filter assembly 1400. In the present example, each of the first flow surface 1420 and the second flow surface 1430 protrudes outward from the filter assembly 1400 in direction z. In some alternative embodiments, at least one of the first flow surface 1420 and the second flow surface 1430 protrudes outward and the other of the first flow surface 1420 and the second flow surface 1430 is recessed or flat.

Additional packing configurations

The filter assemblies described herein may be comprised of filter media having a number of different configurations, including those already described herein. Various embodiments included in any of the exemplary filter assemblies described herein may include a filter pack consisting of a corrugated sheet and a facing sheet adjacent to the corrugated sheet, wherein a plurality of corrugations are defined that extend between the corrugated sheet and the facing sheet. In some of these embodiments, the corrugated sheet defines a plurality of protrusions that contact the facing sheet. Exemplary filter packs are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 9,623,362, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Also, in some of these embodiments, the corrugated sheet defines a ridge along at least a portion of the length of a portion of the corrugations, the ridge being a line of intersection between the differently slanted portions of the packing forming the particular corrugation. Also, in some of these embodiments, at least a portion of the corrugations may define peaks of the corrugations that are sharp, meaning that the peak of the corrugations is not curved. Also, in some of these embodiments, at least a portion of the corrugations may taper from the first flow surface of the packing assembly to the second flow surface of the packing assembly. Of course, the above and other corrugation configurations are contemplated, such as those described in US Pat. No. 7,959,702 and US Pat. No. 8,545,589, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Filter assemblies consisting of corrugated packing in accordance with the technology described in this document may contain different types of filter packing, located in parallel or in series, and the expression "different types of filter packing" means that the filter packing consists of different materials, or has flutes that exhibit differences in flute shape, flute size, flute height, fluted width, fluted length, fluted cross-sectional area, and/or filter packing. Such configurations are described in PCT Publication No. WO 2008/111923 and US Patent Application No. 62/683542, which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments where the filter pack consists of a corrugated sheet and a facing sheet that together define a plurality of corrugations, the plurality of corrugations has at least a first group of corrugations and a second group of corrugations, wherein the first and second group of corrugations exhibit differences in corrugation shape, size corrugations, corrugation height, corrugation width, corrugation length, corrugation cross-sectional area, and/or filter packing.

In FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary filter pack 1500 in accordance with various embodiments. The first filter packing sheet 1502 and the second filter packing sheet 1504 collectively define a plurality of ribs 1506. The filter assembly 1500 has two types of ribs: first ribs 1510 and second ribs 1520. The first ribs 1510 and the second ribs 1520 are arranged in a parallel flow pattern. Filter pack 1500 may be used to form coiled filter assemblies (as described) or filter pack 1500 may be stacked with the same or different filter pack to form panel filter assemblies in accordance with the embodiments presented herein. In exemplary designs containing two types of ribs as shown, the first and second ribs may be selected such that the first plurality of ribs represent 20-50% of the filter assembly volume, such as 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the filter assembly volume; the second 20 set of corrugations is 20-50% of the volume of the package, for example 20, 30, 40 or 50% of the volume of the filter assembly.

In an exemplary design having two types of corrugations, the first and second corrugations may be selected such that the first plurality of corrugations represent 20-50% of the surface area of the filter pack assembly, such as 20, 30, 40, or 50% of the surface area of the filter pack assembly. ; and the second plurality of corrugations constitutes 20-50% of the surface area of the filter pack assembly, such as 20, 30, 40, or 50% of the surface area of the filter pack assembly.

In an exemplary design having two types of corrugations, the first and second corrugations may be selected such that the first plurality of corrugations constitute 20-50% of the inlet area of the filter assembly, such as 20, 30, 40, or 50% of the inlet surface of the filter assembly; and the second plurality of corrugations constitutes 20-50% of the inlet area of the filter assembly, such as 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the inlet area of the filter assembly.

Although in FIG. 18 shows two different types of serrations, other embodiments may have additional different types of serrations included in the filter pack.

Filter assemblies having a stacked configuration as described herein may be comprised of many different types of stacked filter media. In FIG. 19 is a schematic end view of an exemplary filter assembly 1600 showing a stacked configuration with two types of filter pack. The two types of filter packing are the first packing 1610 and the second packing 1620. The filter packings are arranged in series. The packing is shown in a stacked configuration with two types of filter packing, not mixed, but separated by type of packing. In this exemplary embodiment, the ratio of filter pack surface areas 1610 to 820 to 830 is approximately 4:3, based on the inlet (or outlet) area of the filter assembly.

In some implementations, the first packing (having a first plurality of corrugations) defines 10-90% of the intake area of the packing assembly, such as 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the intake area of the filter assembly; and the second filter assembly (having a second plurality of corrugations) defines 90-10% of the inlet surface of the packing assembly, such as 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10% of the inlet surface of the packing assembly. Alternatively, the first plurality of corrugations constitutes 20-40% of the inlet surface of the packing assembly, and the second plurality of corrugations constitutes 60-80% of the inlet surface of the packing assembly. In other implementations, the first set of corrugations makes up 40-60% of the inlet surface of the packing assembly, and the second set of corrugations makes up 60-40% of the inlet surface of the packing assembly. In yet another implementation, the first set of corrugations makes up 60-90% of the inlet surface of the packing assembly, and the second set of corrugations makes up 40-10% of the inlet surface of the packing assembly. Packing assemblies having a coiled packing state in accordance with the present invention can also be formed from a plurality of filter packing types arranged in series. In FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary filter assembly 1700 showing a coiled configuration with two types of filter pack 1710 and 1720. The packing is coiled so that the first packing 1710 is on the inside and the second packing 1720 is on the outside. The first and second packings 1710, 1720 are spliced together. Although the corrugations are not shown in this figure, it should be understood that each of the first and second packings is generally a corrugated packing. The first 1710 and second 1720 packings may have ratios and parameters as described above with reference to FIG. 19.

It should also be noted that in the context of this specification and the appended claims, the phrase "capable" describes a system, apparatus, or other structure built to perform a specific task or to provide a specific structure for that purpose. The phrase "capable" can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as "situated", "situated and configured", "created and positioned", "designed", "manufactured and positioned", and the like.

All publications and patent applications in this technical specification reflect the state of the art to which this technology belongs. All publications and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and separately indicated by reference.

The present application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the subject matter of the present invention. It should be understood that the above description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (130)

1. Air and fluid filter assembly containing a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet collectively defining a first plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface at the first end of the filter assembly, and a second flow surface at the opposite second end of the filter assembly, wherein each of the first set of corrugations defines a distance from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the first set of corrugations defines an open corrugation area on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation area in the vicinity of the second flow surface, wherein the first corrugation of the first set of the corrugations defines the extension distance of the first corrugation and the second corrugation of the first plurality of corrugations determines the extension distance of the second corrugation, and the extension distance of the first corrugation and the extension distance of the second corrugation differ from each other by more than 2 mm. 2. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet are discontinuous. 3. The filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1, 2, characterized in that the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet are continuous and are separated by a fold. 4. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-3, characterized in that the closed section of the corrugation is located adjacent to the second flow surface. 5. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-4, characterized in that it further comprises a third filter packing sheet, wherein the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet jointly define a second plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface, each of the second plurality of corrugations extending from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the second plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation area on the second flow surface and a closed corrugation area proximate the first flow surface. 6. The filter assembly according to claim. 5, characterized in that the second set of corrugations contains a third corrugation, which determines the distance of the extension of the third corrugation from the first surface for flow to the second surface for flow, and the distance of extension of the third corrugation differs from the distance of the extension of the first corrugation and the distance the extension of the second corrugation is more than 2 mm. 7. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-6, characterized in that the first set of corrugations contains a third corrugation that determines the extension distance of the third corrugation, and the extension distance of the third corrugation differs from the extension distance of the first corrugation and the extension distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm. 8. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-7, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 5 mm. 9. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-8, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by 3-20 mm. 10. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-9, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 8 mm. 11. The filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-10, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 15 mm. 12. The filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-11, characterized in that the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-parallel. 13. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-12, characterized in that at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is non-planar. 14. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-13, characterized in that at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. 15. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-14, characterized in that at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is planar. 16. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-15, characterized in that both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. 17. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-16, characterized in that the first sheet is a corrugated sheet of filter packing, and the second sheet is a facing sheet of filter packing. 18. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 1-17, characterized in that both the first sheet and the second sheet are corrugated sheets of filter packing. 19. Air and fluid filter assembly, comprising: a filter packing defining a configuration coiled around the z-axis, wherein: the filter pack defines a first flow surface, a second flow surface, and a plurality of corrugations extending from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, each of the plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation region and a closed corrugation region, and the plurality of corrugations comprises a first corrugation defining the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and a second corrugation defining the second corrugation extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, wherein the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the distance the extension of the second corrugation is more than 2 mm. 20. Filter assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that the second flow surface is not parallel to the first flow surface. 21. The filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 19, 20, characterized in that the first flow surface is non-planar and the second flow surface is flat. 22. The filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 19-21, characterized in that the first flow surface is non-planar and the second flow surface is non-planar. 23. The filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 19-22, characterized in that one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. 24. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 19-23, characterized in that it comprises a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet adjacent to the first filter packing sheet, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet define a configuration wound into a spiral around the z-axis, and the first sheet and the second sheet jointly define many grooves. 25. The filter assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the first sheet and the second sheet are discontinuous. 26. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 24, 25, characterized in that the first sheet and the second sheet are continuous and are separated by a fold that defines the second flow surface. 27. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 24-26, characterized in that the first filter packing sheet has a first width defined by the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the second filter packing sheet has a second width defined by the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the first width differs from the second width by more than 2 mm. 28. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 24-27, characterized in that the first filter packing sheet is a corrugated sheet, and the second filter packing sheet is a facing sheet. 29. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 19-28, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 5 mm. 30. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 19-29, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by 3-20 mm. 31. The filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 19-30, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 8 mm. 32. The filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 19-31, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 15 mm. 33. Panel filter for cleaning air and fluid assembly, containing a plurality of filter packing sheets in a stacked configuration, collectively defining a first flow surface, a second flow surface, and a plurality of corrugations extending from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, wherein: a plurality of filter packing sheets define a pattern with regular alternation of first layers of corrugations and second layers of corrugations, each of the first layers defining the extension distance of the first layer between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and each of the second layers defining the extension distance of the second layer between the first a flow surface and a second flow surface, and the extension distance of the first layer and the extension distance of the second layer differ from each other by more than 2 mm. 34. The panel filter assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that each of the plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation area and a closed corrugation area. 35. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33, 34, characterized in that each of the first layers and the second layers is defined by a corrugated sheet and an adjacent facing sheet. 36. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-35, characterized in that each corrugated sheet and facing sheet in each layer of corrugations defines substantially equal distances between the first flow surface and the second flow surface. 37. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-36, characterized in that each corrugated sheet and facing sheet in at least one layer of corrugations defines distances between the first flow surface and the second flow surface that differ from each other by more than 2 mm. 38. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 35-37, characterized in that each of the first layers and the second layers is defined by two adjacent corrugated filter packing sheets. 39. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-38, characterized in that the plurality of filter packing sheets are discontinuous. 40. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-39, characterized in that the plurality of filter packing sheets are continuous and separated by a first set of folds forming a first flow surface and a second set of folds forming a second flow surface. 41. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-40, characterized in that the plurality of filter packing sheets additionally defines a pattern with a regular alternation of third layers of corrugations, each third layer of corrugations has a third layer extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the third layer extension distance differs from the extension distance of the first layer and the extension distance of the second layer are greater than 2 mm. 42. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-41, characterized in that the plurality of filter packing sheets additionally defines a pattern with regular alternation of fourth layers of corrugations, each fourth layer of corrugations has a fourth layer extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the fourth layer extension distance differs from the extension distance of the first layer, the extension distance of the second layer, and the extension distance of the third layer are greater than 2 mm. 43. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-42, characterized in that the second flow surface is flat. 44. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-43, characterized in that the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. 45. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-44, characterized in that the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by at least 5 mm. 46. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-45, characterized in that the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by 3-20 mm. 47. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-46, characterized in that the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by at least 8 mm. 48. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 33-47, characterized in that the extension distance of the first layer differs from the extension distance of the second layer by at least 14 mm. 49. Air and fluid filter assembly, containing a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet collectively defining a first plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface, wherein: each of the first plurality of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, each of the first plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation area on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation area in the vicinity of the second flow surface, wherein the corrugations are made with different extension distances between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. 50. Filter assembly according to claim 49, characterized in that the first sheet is a corrugated filter packing sheet and the second sheet is a filter packing facing sheet. 51. The filter assembly according to claim 49, characterized in that both the first sheet and the second sheet are corrugated sheets of filter packing. 52. The filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 49-51, characterized in that the closed section of the corrugation is located adjacent to the second flow surface. 53. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 49-52, characterized in that it further comprises a third filter packing sheet, wherein the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet jointly define a second plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface, wherein each of the second plurality of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the second plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation area on the second flow surface and a closed corrugation area proximate the first flow surface. 54. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 49-53, characterized in that the first set of corrugations has a first corrugation that defines the distance of the extension of the first corrugation between the first surface for flow and the second surface for flow, and the second corrugation that defines the distance of the extension of the second corrugation between the first surface for flow and the second surface for flow , and the second plurality of corrugations has a third corrugation defining a third corrugation extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and each of the first corrugation extension distance, the second corrugation extension distance, and the third corrugation extension distance differ from the others by more than 2 mm . 55. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 49-54, characterized in that the filter assembly is a panel filter. 56. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 49-55, characterized in that the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet define a coiled configuration around the z-axis. 57. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 49-56, characterized in that the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet are continuous and separated by a fold that defines a second flow surface. 58. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 49-57, characterized in that the first corrugation of the first set of corrugations determines the distance of the extension of the first corrugation between the first surface for flow and the second surface for flow, and the second corrugation of the first set of corrugations determines the distance of the extension of the second corrugation between the first surface for flow and the second surface for flow, wherein the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm. 59. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 49-58, characterized in that both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. 60. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 49-59, characterized in that the first sheet and the second sheet are discontinuous. 61. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 49-60, characterized in that the first flow surface is located on the opposite side of the second flow surface relative to the filter assembly. 62. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 49-61, characterized in that the plurality of corrugations are parallel. 63. Panel air and fluid filter assembly, comprising a plurality of stacked filter packing sheets, each of which has a width extending in a direction parallel to the x-axis and a length extending in a direction parallel to the z-axis, with: a plurality of filter packing sheets are stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis, a plurality of filter packing sheets define a plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface and a second flow surface, each of the plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation area on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation area in the vicinity of the second flow surface, the first corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, the second corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the third corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance a third corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, wherein the second corrugation is located adjacent to the first corrugation in the x-direction and the third corrugation is located relative to the first corrugation in the y-direction, and the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm, and the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the third corrugation by more than 2 mm. 64. The panel filter assembly according to claim 63, characterized in that the plurality of stacked filter packing sheets are discontinuous. 65. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 63, 64, characterized in that the plurality of stacked filter packing sheets are continuous and separated by folds. 66. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 63-65, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation, the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation differ from each other by more than 2 mm. 67. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 63-66, characterized in that at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is non-planar. 68. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 63-67, characterized in that at least one of the first flow surface and the second flow surface is recessed. 69. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 63-68, characterized in that both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. 70. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 63-69, characterized in that the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-parallel. 71. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 63-70, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by at least 5 mm. 72. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 63-71, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by 3-20 mm. 73. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 63-72, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by at least 8 mm. 74. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 63-73, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation and the extension distance of the third corrugation by at least 15 mm. 75. Panel filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 63-74, characterized in that the plurality of stacked filter packing sheets comprise alternating corrugated filter packing sheets and filter packing facing sheets. 76. The panel filter assembly according to claim 75, wherein each of the plurality of stacked filter packing sheets is a corrugated filter packing sheet. 77. Air and fluid filter assembly, containing a filter packing defining a plurality of corrugations, a first edge defining a first flow surface, and a second flow surface located on the opposite side of the first flow surface relative to the filter assembly, wherein: each of the plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation area on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation area in the vicinity of the second flow surface, wherein the corrugations are made with different extension distances between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the plurality of corrugations comprise at least one corrugation defining an open area of the corrugation that is not planar. 78. The filter assembly of claim 77, wherein the filter pack comprises a plurality of filter pack sheets in a stacked configuration. 79. The filter assembly according to claim 78, wherein the plurality of filter packing sheets comprises alternating corrugated filter packing sheets and filter packing facing sheets. 80. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 78, 79, characterized in that the plurality of filter packing sheets are corrugated filter packing sheets. 81. The filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 77-80, characterized in that the filter pack comprises a first filter pack sheet and a second filter pack sheet in a configuration coiled around the z-axis. 82. The filter assembly according to claim 81, characterized in that the first filter packing sheet is a corrugated sheet, and the second filter packing sheet is a facing sheet. 83. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 77-82, characterized in that the filter assembly is a panel filter. 84. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 77-83, characterized in that the first corrugation of the plurality of corrugations defines the extension distance of the first corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the second corrugation of the plurality of corrugations determines the extension distance of the second corrugation between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, moreover, the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm. 85. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 77-84, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 5 mm. 86. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 77-85, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by 3-20 mm. 87. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 77-86, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 8 mm. 88. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 77-87, characterized in that the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by at least 15 mm. 89. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 77-88, characterized in that both the first flow surface and the second flow surface are non-planar. 90. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 77-89, characterized in that the closed corrugation portion is adjacent to the second flow surface. 91. Air and fluid filter assembly, containing a first filter packing sheet and a second filter packing sheet collectively defining a first plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface, wherein: each of the first plurality of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, each of the first set of corrugations defines an open corrugation area on the first flow surface and a closed corrugation area in the vicinity of the second flow surface, the first flow surface and the second flow surface are planar, wherein the corrugations are formed with different extension distances between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and the first flow surface is not parallel to the second flow surface. 92. The filter assembly according to claim 91, characterized in that the first sheet is a corrugated sheet of filter packing, and the second sheet is a facing sheet of filter packing. 93. The filter assembly according to claim 92, characterized in that both the first sheet and the second sheet are corrugated sheets of filter packing. 94. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 91-93, characterized in that the closed section of the corrugation is located adjacent to the second flow surface. 95. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 91-94, characterized in that it further comprises a third filter packing sheet, wherein the third filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet jointly define a second plurality of corrugations, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface, wherein each of the second plurality of corrugations extends from the first flow surface to the second flow surface, and each of the second plurality of corrugations defines an open corrugation area on the second flow surface and a closed corrugation area proximate the first flow surface. 96. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 91-95, characterized in that the first set of corrugations has a first corrugation that defines the distance of the extension of the first corrugation between the first surface for flow and the second surface for flow, and the second corrugation that defines the distance of the extension of the second corrugation between the first surface for flow and the second surface for flow , and the second plurality of corrugations has a third corrugation defining a third corrugation extension distance between the first flow surface and the second flow surface, and each of the first corrugation extension distance, the second corrugation extension distance, and the third corrugation extension distance differ from the others by more than 2 mm . 97. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 91-96, characterized in that the filter assembly is a panel filter. 98. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 91-96, characterized in that the first filter packing sheet and the second filter packing sheet define a coiled configuration about the z-axis. 99. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 91-98, characterized in that the first corrugation of the first set of corrugations determines the distance of the extension of the first corrugation between the first surface for flow and the second surface for flow, and the second corrugation of the first set of corrugations determines the distance of the extension of the second corrugation between the first surface for flow and the second surface for flow, wherein the extension distance of the first corrugation differs from the extension distance of the second corrugation by more than 2 mm. 100. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 91-99, characterized in that the first sheet and the second sheet are discontinuous. 101. The filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 91-100, characterized in that the first sheet and the second sheet are continuous and separated by a fold. 102. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 91-101, characterized in that the first flow surface is located on the opposite side of the second flow surface relative to the filter assembly. 103. Filter assembly according to one of paragraphs. 91-102, characterized in that the first set of corrugations are parallel.

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