WO2008142428A2 - Filter unit - Google Patents

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Publication number
WO2008142428A2
WO2008142428A2 PCT/GB2008/001782 GB2008001782W WO2008142428A2 WO 2008142428 A2 WO2008142428 A2 WO 2008142428A2 GB 2008001782 W GB2008001782 W GB 2008001782W WO 2008142428 A2 WO2008142428 A2 WO 2008142428A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
end cap
filter element
producing
filter unit
electrically conductive
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2008/001782
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008142428A3 (en
Inventor
Brian Walker
Alan Hodgson
Original Assignee
Walker Filtration Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0709907A external-priority patent/GB0709907D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0719470A external-priority patent/GB0719470D0/en
Application filed by Walker Filtration Ltd. filed Critical Walker Filtration Ltd.
Priority to EP08750696.0A priority Critical patent/EP2152384B1/en
Priority to GB0920671.5A priority patent/GB2462396B/en
Priority to US12/601,356 priority patent/US9009975B2/en
Publication of WO2008142428A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008142428A2/en
Publication of WO2008142428A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008142428A3/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
    • B01D46/0027—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours with additional separating or treating functions
    • B01D46/003—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours with additional separating or treating functions including coalescing means for the separation of liquid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
    • B01D46/24—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using rigid hollow filter bodies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
    • B01D46/0001—Making filtering elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
    • B01D46/24—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using rigid hollow filter bodies
    • B01D46/2403—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using rigid hollow filter bodies characterised by the physical shape or structure of the filtering element
    • B01D46/2411—Filter cartridges
    • B01D46/2414—End caps including additional functions or special forms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
    • B01D46/42—Auxiliary equipment or operation thereof
    • B01D46/4209—Prevention of static charge, e.g. by grounding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
    • B01D46/42—Auxiliary equipment or operation thereof
    • B01D46/50—Means for discharging electrostatic potential
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
    • B29C65/1403—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the type of electromagnetic or particle radiation
    • B29C65/1412—Infrared [IR] radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
    • B29C65/1429—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface
    • B29C65/1432—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface direct heating of the surfaces to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/56—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits
    • B29C65/64—Joining a non-plastics element to a plastics element, e.g. by force
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/124—Tongue and groove joints
    • B29C66/1244—Tongue and groove joints characterised by the male part, i.e. the part comprising the tongue
    • B29C66/12441—Tongue and groove joints characterised by the male part, i.e. the part comprising the tongue being a single wall
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/124—Tongue and groove joints
    • B29C66/1246—Tongue and groove joints characterised by the female part, i.e. the part comprising the groove
    • B29C66/12469—Tongue and groove joints characterised by the female part, i.e. the part comprising the groove being asymmetric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
    • B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
    • B29C66/5344—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially annular, i.e. of finite length, e.g. joining flanges to tube ends
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/54—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/54—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
    • B29C66/542—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles joining hollow covers or hollow bottoms to open ends of container bodies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/54—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
    • B29C66/543—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles joining more than two hollow-preforms to form said hollow articles
    • B29C66/5432—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles joining more than two hollow-preforms to form said hollow articles joining hollow covers and hollow bottoms to open ends of container bodies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/61—Joining from or joining on the inside
    • B29C66/612—Making circumferential joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/68—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers, e.g. foam blocks
    • B29C70/74—Moulding material on a relatively small portion of the preformed part, e.g. outsert moulding
    • B29C70/76—Moulding on edges or extremities of the preformed part
    • B29C70/766—Moulding on edges or extremities of the preformed part on the end part of a tubular article
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2265/00—Casings, housings or mounting for filters specially adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
    • B01D2265/04—Permanent measures for connecting different parts of the filter, e.g. welding, glueing or moulding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C35/00—Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C35/02—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
    • B29C35/08—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation
    • B29C35/0805—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation
    • B29C2035/0822—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation using IR radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C57/00—Shaping of tube ends, e.g. flanging, belling or closing; Apparatus therefor, e.g. collapsible mandrels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
    • B29C65/1403—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the type of electromagnetic or particle radiation
    • B29C65/1425—Microwave radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B29C65/20—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools with direct contact, e.g. using "mirror"
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
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    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
    • B29C65/36—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction
    • B29C65/3604—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the type of elements heated by induction which remain in the joint
    • B29C65/3608—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the type of elements heated by induction which remain in the joint comprising single particles, e.g. fillers or discontinuous fibre-reinforcements
    • B29C65/3616—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the type of elements heated by induction which remain in the joint comprising single particles, e.g. fillers or discontinuous fibre-reinforcements comprising discontinuous fibre-reinforcements
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    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
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    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
    • B29C65/36—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction
    • B29C65/3672—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the composition of the elements heated by induction which remain in the joint
    • B29C65/3676—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the composition of the elements heated by induction which remain in the joint being metallic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
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    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
    • B29C65/36—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction
    • B29C65/3672—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the composition of the elements heated by induction which remain in the joint
    • B29C65/3684—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the composition of the elements heated by induction which remain in the joint being non-metallic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/03—After-treatments in the joint area
    • B29C66/032—Mechanical after-treatments
    • B29C66/0324—Reforming or reshaping the joint, e.g. folding over
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2059/00—Use of polyacetals, e.g. POM, i.e. polyoxymethylene or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2067/00—Use of polyesters or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
    • B29K2067/006—PBT, i.e. polybutylene terephthalate
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2077/00—Use of PA, i.e. polyamides, e.g. polyesteramides or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2101/00—Use of unspecified macromolecular compounds as moulding material
    • B29K2101/12—Thermoplastic materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
    • B29K2105/06—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts
    • B29K2105/16—Fillers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2305/00—Use of metals, their alloys or their compounds, as reinforcement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
    • B29K2995/0003—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds having particular electrical or magnetic properties, e.g. piezoelectric
    • B29K2995/0005—Conductive
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/14—Filters
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S29/00—Metal working
    • Y10S29/902—Filter making
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/496—Multiperforated metal article making
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/496—Multiperforated metal article making
    • Y10T29/49604—Filter
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/4998—Combined manufacture including applying or shaping of fluent material

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a filter unit and a method of producing a filter unit.
  • the filter unit is an oil/air separator.
  • a typical air/oil separator comprises a tubular filter element bonded at each end to a gas-impervious plastic or metal end cap.
  • the filter element may be formed from the following coaxial components: (i) a tube of filter medium, (ii) a first foraminous support sleeve located on the downstream side of the filter medium tube, and optionally a second foraminous support sleeve located on the upstream side of the filter medium tube, and (iii) a highly porous drainage sleeve located on the downstream side of the first support cylinder.
  • the integrity of, particularly, the bond between the filter medium and the end caps is important for the safe and effective use of the separator.
  • High efficiency separators that are used in oil lubricated compressors and vacuum pumps can operate at temperatures of well over 80 0 C and can reduce high inlet oil aerosol concentrations of typically 500 to 2000 mg/m 3 to less than 5 mg/m 3 outlet.
  • separators have metal or plastic support sleeves which prevent collapse or rupture of the separator due to high pressure drops.
  • they typically have metal or plastic end caps resin bonded to a filter element, which may utilise a deep bed filter medium containing borosilicate glass micro-fibres.
  • a potting resin such as a two part epoxy resin, is often used.
  • a resin bond if incorrectly established, can compromise the integrity of the bond between the filter medium and the end cap and result in a complete or partial failure (air bypass and excessive oil carryover) of the separator.
  • the use of resin systems can provide manufacturing problems. For example, it can be difficult to ensure that the correct volume of resin is dispensed within the end cap. Further, ensuring that the resin mix ratio and/or heat cure cycle is maintained to provide the optimum cure strength can be problematic. Also, two part resins which are dispensed through static mixers can be susceptible to trapped air pockets or bubbles. Additionally, a weak joint can be produced if surface cleanliness and surface texture are not strictly controlled.
  • a further problem associated with most potting resins is that they are not electrically conductive. Static electricity can build up as gas passes through the filter element, and if this electricity is not safely discharged, sparks can be generated, which in turn may lead to fire or explosion. The problem is particularly acute in the oil-saturated conditions in which separators operate.
  • a conductive assembly can still be achieved by forcing the conductive components together and holding them under pressure until the resin sets to complete an electrical circuit.
  • poor surface contact in the presence of an electrically insulating potting resin can prevent or inhibit static electricity on the filter element from discharging via the end caps.
  • the present invention provides a method of producing a filter unit (such as an oil/air separator) having a tubular filter element bonded at one end to an end cap, the method comprising: providing a tubular filter element and an end cap (e.g. an end cap formed of a thermoplastic) ; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
  • an end cap e.g. an end cap formed of a thermoplastic
  • a filter unit produced according to this method.
  • a filter unit may have a tubular filter element bonded at one end to an end cap, and the bond being achieved by embedment of the end of the filter element into a melted and re-solidified portion of the end cap.
  • a first aspect of the invention provides a method of producing an oil/air separator having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and a thermoplastic end cap (which may be electrically conductive by virtue of an electrically conductive filler contained in the thermoplastic) ; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
  • a thermoplastic end cap which may be electrically conductive by virtue of an electrically conductive filler contained in the thermoplastic
  • a second aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a filter unit such as an oil/air separator having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and an electrically conductive end cap, the end cap being formed of a thermoplastic containing an electrically conductive filler; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
  • the method of either aspect allows an intimate and reliable bond between the filter element and the end cap to be formed without recourse to a resin. Such a bond can form a complete seal. It can be strong, air tight, durable and can also provide a pathway for the discharge of static electricity from the filter element to an electrically conductive end cap.
  • Eliminating the resin bond between the filter element and the end cap can also reduce production costs and increase manufacturing efficiency. For example, relative to a resin bonded end cap, precautions for ensuring that the end cap is grease and oil free prior to bonding can be relaxed as melt bonding is much less sensitive to surface contamination.
  • the end cap can be manufactured using mould release agents that do not compromise melt bonding but would compromise resin bonding. Also melt bonding operations typically take seconds to complete, whereas resin bonding operations can take minutes. Exact and precise bonding volume can be ensured by appropriate mould design.
  • the or each thermoplastic has a melting point of at least 180 0 C, allowing the filter unit to be used in high temperature operating environments such as can be found in compressor and vacuum pump applications .
  • a third aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a filter unit such as an oil/air separator having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and an end cap, the end cap being formed of a thermoplastic having a melting point of at least 180 0 C; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
  • the method further comprises providing a second end cap formed of a thermoplastic having a melting point of at least 180 0 C, the melting and embedding steps being performed in respect of both end caps to bond each end of the filter element to one of the end caps .
  • the method of any one of the above aspects may include a step, after the embedding step, of forcing melted thermoplastic from said melted portion radially against a side wall of the tubular filter element.
  • the melted thermoplastic can be forced through the holes of a foraminous side wall, formed by e.g. a coaxial drainage sleeve or support sleeve of the tubular filter element, such that when the thermoplastic solidifies it keys into the holes to effect a stronger more intimate bond.
  • the outer side wall of the tubular filter element is more accessible than the inner side wall, so preferably, the melted thermoplastic is forced radially inwardly against the outer sidewall.
  • a fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a filter unit such as an oil/air separator having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and a thermoplastic end cap; melting a portion of the end cap; embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; and forcing melted thermoplastic from said melted portion radially against a (preferably foraminous) side wall of the tubular filter element; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
  • the melted thermoplastic is forced radially inwardly against the outer sidewall .
  • the melting step may involve melting a portion of the end cap corresponding in shape to the shape of the end of the tubular filter element (i.e. typically annular), but being of greater radial extent than the radial extent of the end of the tubular filter element.
  • the melted portion may be an annulus having an outer diameter larger then the outer diameter of the end of the tubular filter element, and preferably also an inner diameter which is smaller then the inner diameter of the end of the tubular filter element.
  • the method further comprises providing a second end cap formed of a thermoplastic, which optionally contains an electrically conductive filler, and optionally has a melting point of at least 180 0 C, wherein the melting and embedding steps and optionally the forcing step are performed in respect of both end caps to bond each end of the filter element to one of the end caps .
  • the filter element may comprise a tube of filter medium and a foraminous coaxial support sleeve supporting said tube at a downstream side thereof.
  • the tube of filter medium may be electrically conductive.
  • the filter medium may comprise a mixture of non-electrically conductive fibres and electrically conductive fibres.
  • the filter medium may comprise a body of non-electrically conductive fibres coated with an electrically conductive film.
  • the support sleeve is electrically conductive.
  • the foraminous coaxial support sleeve is preferably electrically conductive and in intimate contact with the tube of filter medium.
  • the tube may have inner and outer foraminous coaxial support sleeves. In this case, preferably at least the downstream sleeve is electrically conductive, although more preferably both sleeves are electrically conductive.
  • the filter element may also have a foraminous drainage sleeve.
  • the portion of the end cap can be melted using infra-red heating.
  • infra-red heating typically, a contacting hot plate, microwaves, or surface induction.
  • the embedding step involves embedding the end of the tubular filter element into the melted portion of the end cap to a depth of at least 1 mm.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a filter unit produced according to the method of any one of the previous aspects.
  • the filter unit may be used as a compressed air filter, a vacuum pump filter or as an oil/air separator.
  • a first example of such a filter unit is an oil/air separator having a tubular filter element bonded at one end to a thermoplastic end cap, the bond between the tubular filter element and the end cap being a melt bond in which the end of the filter element is embedded in a melted, and subsequently resolidified, portion of the end cap.
  • a second example is a filter unit having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an electrically conductive end cap, the end cap being formed of a thermoplastic containing an electrically conductive filler, and the bond between the tubular filter element and the end cap being a melt bond in which the end of the filter element is embedded in a melted, and subsequently resolidified, portion of the end cap.
  • a third example is a filter unit having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to thermoplastic end cap, the end cap being formed of a thermoplastic having a melting point of at least 180 0 C, and the bond between the tubular filter element and the end cap being a melt bond in which the end of the filter element is embedded in a melted, and subsequently resolidified, portion of the end cap.
  • a fourth example is a filter unit having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to thermoplastic end cap, the bond between the tubular filter element and the end cap being a melt bond in which the end of the filter element is embedded in a melted portion of the end cap, and thermoplastic from said melted portion is forced radially against a side wall of the filter element, the melted portion subsequently resolidifying .
  • the first to fourth example filter units respectively correspond to the methods of the first to fourth aspects above.
  • optional features of those aspects provide corresponding optional features for the respective example filter units.
  • Figure 1 shows a longitudinal cross-section through an air/oil separator according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the separator has a tubular filter element 1 bonded at both ends to respective gas-impervious, thermoplastic end caps 2, 3.
  • End cap 2 has a central hole for in-coming air, which is then filtered by filter element 1. Filtered air exits from the external surface of filter element 1.
  • Filter element 1 has a tube 4 containing high efficiency, glass microfibres, such as borosilicate microfibres, which may be held together by binder and which separate out the oil carried by the incoming air.
  • the downstream and upstream sides of tube 4 are supported by respective coaxial support sleeves 5, 6.
  • the support sleeves are foraminous (typically providing an open area of greater than 40%) to allow the passage of air, and can be made, for example of metal (e.g. perforated or expanded zinc plated carbon steel) or from plastic. However, if they are of plastic, then at least downstream support sleeve 6 can contain a filler, such as carbon or metal fibres, to render the sleeve electrically conductive.
  • At least downstream support sleeve 6 is in intimate contact with tube 4.
  • One of the support sleeves can be metallic and the other can be plastic.
  • the filter element is bonded at each end to the end caps by melting a 360 degree, circular portion 8 of the respective end cap which corresponds to the end surface of the filter element, although preferably having slightly larger inner and outer diameters than the end surface of the filter element.
  • the end of the filter element is rapidly plunged into the melted portion, and the filter element is held in position while the melted plastic cools and hardens.
  • a slight oversize of circular portion 8 relative to the end surface of the filter element ensures that the filter element is fully embedded in the plastic.
  • infra-red radiation which can be precisely controlled to heat and melt the desired portion of the end cap, is used.
  • the melt bonding approach allows all the components of the filter element (i.e. tube 4, and sleeves 5, 6, 7) to be intimately and durably connected to the end caps via strong and dense direct bonds.
  • a separator constructed in this way can have an oil carry-over efficiency in excess of 99%, and can avoid the problems associated with resin bonded end caps.
  • the filter element can be bonded to each end cap in less than about 20 seconds. This is at least ten times quicker than can be achieved with conventional resin bonding approaches.
  • Figure 2a shows in close-up the bottom right hand corner of the longitudinal cross-section of Figure 1 just before the end of filter element 1 is plunged into melted portion 8 of the end cap 3, melted portion 8 being formed from a raised annulus of thermoplastic.
  • Figure 2b is a view corresponding to Figure 2a for an alternative embodiment of filter element 1 in which tube 4 extends axially a short distance beyond sleeves 5, 6, 7.
  • the end caps are formed from a thermoplastic which is resistant and compatible with synthetic and mineral oils at high temperatures (up to 130 0 C) .
  • Suitable materials include PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) , nylon, acetal or other thermoplastics which have melting points of at least 180 0 C, and thus are suitable for use in high temperature operating environments .
  • the separator can be adapted to reduce the risk of sparking produced by static electricity.
  • the thermoplastic of the end caps can contain a filler, such as carbon or metal fibres, which renders the end caps electrically conductive. At least about 5% by volume of conductive filler in the thermoplastic is generally required.
  • the end caps may contain a metal fibre filler (e.g stainless steel or aluminium fibres) in an amount from 5% to 20% (preferably from 5% to 10%) by volume.
  • the end caps may contain carbon filler in an amount from 20% to 40% (preferably from 25% to 35%) by volume.
  • Tube 4 containing the high efficiency, glass microfibres may be formed from a mixture of non-conducting fibres (e.g. the glass fibres) and conducting fibres (e.g. metal fibres).
  • the glass microfibres may be coated with an electrically conductive film (e.g. produced during the manufacturing process of the filter media containing the fibres, or added as a post treatment of the media by submersion in or spraying on of suitable surface treatments) .
  • an electrically conductive film e.g. produced during the manufacturing process of the filter media containing the fibres, or added as a post treatment of the media by submersion in or spraying on of suitable surface treatments.
  • static electricity generated on the microfibres by the passage of air or gas can be transferred to the end caps, either directly through the ends of tube 4 or via a conductive support sleeve, the melt bonds between the end caps and tube 4 and sleeves 5, 6 providing a conductive joint.
  • end cap 2 with the central hole will typically be in a sealed relationship with a compressor or vacuum pump casing, the sealing mechanism normally being a non-conductive gasket or "O" ring.
  • the sealing mechanism normally being a non-conductive gasket or "O" ring.
  • an earth circuit can be achieved by using conductive gasket materials 0-rings or earth bond.
  • an earth bond such as a metal foil conductor can be extended between end cap 2 and the compressor or vacuum pump casing.
  • end cap 3 can be electrically earthed by other mechanical means to safely discharge the static electricity.
  • the air/oil separator can be used in hazardous explosive atmosphere environments .
  • the microfibres of tube 4 may be provided in the form of filter paper, the micro-fibres being held together in the paper e.g. by acrylic binder.
  • Typically such paper is less than 1 mm thick and can be spiral wrapped into a tubular multi layer construction of between 5 and 20 layers to form tube 4.
  • such papers can have chemical treatments, nano- fibre additions and polymer fibre additions, e.g. to enhance oil aerosol removal efficiency, reduce operating pressure loss, and/or improve the physical strength.
  • tube 4 can be formed by vacuum or pressure moulding the microfibres.
  • the microfibres are mixed in an (typically acidic) aqueous solution and then drawn on to a porous mandrel by means of a vacuum until the desired thickness is reached.
  • the pressure moulding process the same fibre solution is pumped under pressure through a porous annular mould until the mould is full. In both cases the resultant tube is oven dried, resin impregnated, and heat cured to form a rigid self- supporting filter tube.
  • Drainage sleeve 7 can be conductive or non-conductive.
  • the sleeve can formed from e.g. reticulated foam, or polyester fibre felt.
  • a felt sleeve can be woven, but non-wovenfelt is preferred.
  • Such felts can have thicknesses in excess of 3 mm, and can have chemical treatments to provide oliophobic and hydrophobic qualities to enhance oil drainage and reduce oil carryover .
  • the downstream side of filter element 1 is its radially outer side.
  • the downstream side of the filter element is its radially inner side. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment of the invention set forth above is considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Geometry (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Filtering Materials (AREA)
  • Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A method of producing a filter unit, such as an air/oil separator, having a tubular filter element bonded at one end to an end cap, is proposed. The method comprises: providing a tubular filter element and an end cap; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap. The melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap. The end cap can be formed of thermoplastic containing an electrically conductive filler. The end cap can be formed of a thermoplastic having a melting point of at least 180 °C. The method may further comprise, after the embedding step, a step of forcing melted thermoplastic from the melted portion radially against a side wall of the tubular filter element.

Description

FILTER UNIT
The present invention relates to a filter unit and a method of producing a filter unit. Preferably, but not necessarily, the filter unit is an oil/air separator.
A typical air/oil separator comprises a tubular filter element bonded at each end to a gas-impervious plastic or metal end cap. The filter element may be formed from the following coaxial components: (i) a tube of filter medium, (ii) a first foraminous support sleeve located on the downstream side of the filter medium tube, and optionally a second foraminous support sleeve located on the upstream side of the filter medium tube, and (iii) a highly porous drainage sleeve located on the downstream side of the first support cylinder. The integrity of, particularly, the bond between the filter medium and the end caps is important for the safe and effective use of the separator.
High efficiency separators that are used in oil lubricated compressors and vacuum pumps can operate at temperatures of well over 800C and can reduce high inlet oil aerosol concentrations of typically 500 to 2000 mg/m3 to less than 5 mg/m3 outlet. Conventionally, such separators have metal or plastic support sleeves which prevent collapse or rupture of the separator due to high pressure drops. Further, they typically have metal or plastic end caps resin bonded to a filter element, which may utilise a deep bed filter medium containing borosilicate glass micro-fibres. A potting resin, such as a two part epoxy resin, is often used. However, a resin bond, if incorrectly established, can compromise the integrity of the bond between the filter medium and the end cap and result in a complete or partial failure (air bypass and excessive oil carryover) of the separator. The use of resin systems can provide manufacturing problems. For example, it can be difficult to ensure that the correct volume of resin is dispensed within the end cap. Further, ensuring that the resin mix ratio and/or heat cure cycle is maintained to provide the optimum cure strength can be problematic. Also, two part resins which are dispensed through static mixers can be susceptible to trapped air pockets or bubbles. Additionally, a weak joint can be produced if surface cleanliness and surface texture are not strictly controlled.
A further problem associated with most potting resins is that they are not electrically conductive. Static electricity can build up as gas passes through the filter element, and if this electricity is not safely discharged, sparks can be generated, which in turn may lead to fire or explosion. The problem is particularly acute in the oil-saturated conditions in which separators operate.
Where conductive end caps and support sleeves are used with a non conductive resin, a conductive assembly can still be achieved by forcing the conductive components together and holding them under pressure until the resin sets to complete an electrical circuit. However, poor surface contact in the presence of an electrically insulating potting resin can prevent or inhibit static electricity on the filter element from discharging via the end caps.
One proposal, described e.g. in GB A 2300367, is to use a conductive resin in the construction of the filter to conduct static electricity away.
In general terms, the present invention provides a method of producing a filter unit (such as an oil/air separator) having a tubular filter element bonded at one end to an end cap, the method comprising: providing a tubular filter element and an end cap (e.g. an end cap formed of a thermoplastic) ; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
In general terms, the present invention also provides a filter unit produced according to this method. For example, a filter unit may have a tubular filter element bonded at one end to an end cap, and the bond being achieved by embedment of the end of the filter element into a melted and re-solidified portion of the end cap.
More particularly, a first aspect of the invention provides a method of producing an oil/air separator having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and a thermoplastic end cap (which may be electrically conductive by virtue of an electrically conductive filler contained in the thermoplastic) ; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
A second aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a filter unit such as an oil/air separator having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and an electrically conductive end cap, the end cap being formed of a thermoplastic containing an electrically conductive filler; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
The method of either aspect allows an intimate and reliable bond between the filter element and the end cap to be formed without recourse to a resin. Such a bond can form a complete seal. It can be strong, air tight, durable and can also provide a pathway for the discharge of static electricity from the filter element to an electrically conductive end cap.
Eliminating the resin bond between the filter element and the end cap can also reduce production costs and increase manufacturing efficiency. For example, relative to a resin bonded end cap, precautions for ensuring that the end cap is grease and oil free prior to bonding can be relaxed as melt bonding is much less sensitive to surface contamination. The end cap can be manufactured using mould release agents that do not compromise melt bonding but would compromise resin bonding. Also melt bonding operations typically take seconds to complete, whereas resin bonding operations can take minutes. Exact and precise bonding volume can be ensured by appropriate mould design.
Preferably, in the method of either aspect, the or each thermoplastic has a melting point of at least 1800C, allowing the filter unit to be used in high temperature operating environments such as can be found in compressor and vacuum pump applications .
Indeed, a third aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a filter unit such as an oil/air separator having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and an end cap, the end cap being formed of a thermoplastic having a melting point of at least 1800C; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap. Typically the method further comprises providing a second end cap formed of a thermoplastic having a melting point of at least 1800C, the melting and embedding steps being performed in respect of both end caps to bond each end of the filter element to one of the end caps .
The method of any one of the above aspects may include a step, after the embedding step, of forcing melted thermoplastic from said melted portion radially against a side wall of the tubular filter element. In this way, the melted thermoplastic can be forced through the holes of a foraminous side wall, formed by e.g. a coaxial drainage sleeve or support sleeve of the tubular filter element, such that when the thermoplastic solidifies it keys into the holes to effect a stronger more intimate bond. Generally, the outer side wall of the tubular filter element is more accessible than the inner side wall, so preferably, the melted thermoplastic is forced radially inwardly against the outer sidewall.
Indeed, a fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a filter unit such as an oil/air separator having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and a thermoplastic end cap; melting a portion of the end cap; embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; and forcing melted thermoplastic from said melted portion radially against a (preferably foraminous) side wall of the tubular filter element; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
Preferably, the melted thermoplastic is forced radially inwardly against the outer sidewall .
The following optional features relate to any one of the above aspects .
To ensure there is sufficient melted thermoplastic available for the forcing operation and/or to ensure complete embedment of the filter element in the end cap, the melting step may involve melting a portion of the end cap corresponding in shape to the shape of the end of the tubular filter element (i.e. typically annular), but being of greater radial extent than the radial extent of the end of the tubular filter element. For example, the melted portion may be an annulus having an outer diameter larger then the outer diameter of the end of the tubular filter element, and preferably also an inner diameter which is smaller then the inner diameter of the end of the tubular filter element.
Typically, the method further comprises providing a second end cap formed of a thermoplastic, which optionally contains an electrically conductive filler, and optionally has a melting point of at least 1800C, wherein the melting and embedding steps and optionally the forcing step are performed in respect of both end caps to bond each end of the filter element to one of the end caps .
The filter element may comprise a tube of filter medium and a foraminous coaxial support sleeve supporting said tube at a downstream side thereof. The tube of filter medium may be electrically conductive. For example, the filter medium may comprise a mixture of non-electrically conductive fibres and electrically conductive fibres. Alternatively, the filter medium may comprise a body of non-electrically conductive fibres coated with an electrically conductive film. Preferably, the support sleeve is electrically conductive. The foraminous coaxial support sleeve is preferably electrically conductive and in intimate contact with the tube of filter medium. The tube may have inner and outer foraminous coaxial support sleeves. In this case, preferably at least the downstream sleeve is electrically conductive, although more preferably both sleeves are electrically conductive. The filter element may also have a foraminous drainage sleeve.
Typically, the portion of the end cap can be melted using infra-red heating. However other surface heating techniques could be employed such as a contacting hot plate, microwaves, or surface induction.
Preferably, the embedding step involves embedding the end of the tubular filter element into the melted portion of the end cap to a depth of at least 1 mm.
A further aspect of the invention provides a filter unit produced according to the method of any one of the previous aspects. The filter unit may be used as a compressed air filter, a vacuum pump filter or as an oil/air separator.
A first example of such a filter unit is an oil/air separator having a tubular filter element bonded at one end to a thermoplastic end cap, the bond between the tubular filter element and the end cap being a melt bond in which the end of the filter element is embedded in a melted, and subsequently resolidified, portion of the end cap. A second example, is a filter unit having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an electrically conductive end cap, the end cap being formed of a thermoplastic containing an electrically conductive filler, and the bond between the tubular filter element and the end cap being a melt bond in which the end of the filter element is embedded in a melted, and subsequently resolidified, portion of the end cap.
A third example, is a filter unit having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to thermoplastic end cap, the end cap being formed of a thermoplastic having a melting point of at least 1800C, and the bond between the tubular filter element and the end cap being a melt bond in which the end of the filter element is embedded in a melted, and subsequently resolidified, portion of the end cap.
A fourth example, is a filter unit having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to thermoplastic end cap, the bond between the tubular filter element and the end cap being a melt bond in which the end of the filter element is embedded in a melted portion of the end cap, and thermoplastic from said melted portion is forced radially against a side wall of the filter element, the melted portion subsequently resolidifying .
The first to fourth example filter units respectively correspond to the methods of the first to fourth aspects above. Thus optional features of those aspects provide corresponding optional features for the respective example filter units.
Figure 1 shows a longitudinal cross-section through an air/oil separator according to an embodiment of the invention.
The separator has a tubular filter element 1 bonded at both ends to respective gas-impervious, thermoplastic end caps 2, 3. End cap 2 has a central hole for in-coming air, which is then filtered by filter element 1. Filtered air exits from the external surface of filter element 1.
Filter element 1 has a tube 4 containing high efficiency, glass microfibres, such as borosilicate microfibres, which may be held together by binder and which separate out the oil carried by the incoming air. The downstream and upstream sides of tube 4 are supported by respective coaxial support sleeves 5, 6. The support sleeves are foraminous (typically providing an open area of greater than 40%) to allow the passage of air, and can be made, for example of metal (e.g. perforated or expanded zinc plated carbon steel) or from plastic. However, if they are of plastic, then at least downstream support sleeve 6 can contain a filler, such as carbon or metal fibres, to render the sleeve electrically conductive. At least downstream support sleeve 6 is in intimate contact with tube 4. One of the support sleeves can be metallic and the other can be plastic. A highly porous drainage sleeve 7, which may be electrically conductive, is located on the downstream side of support sleeve 6.
The filter element is bonded at each end to the end caps by melting a 360 degree, circular portion 8 of the respective end cap which corresponds to the end surface of the filter element, although preferably having slightly larger inner and outer diameters than the end surface of the filter element. The end of the filter element is rapidly plunged into the melted portion, and the filter element is held in position while the melted plastic cools and hardens. A slight oversize of circular portion 8 relative to the end surface of the filter element ensures that the filter element is fully embedded in the plastic. Preferably, infra-red radiation, which can be precisely controlled to heat and melt the desired portion of the end cap, is used. The melt bonding approach allows all the components of the filter element (i.e. tube 4, and sleeves 5, 6, 7) to be intimately and durably connected to the end caps via strong and dense direct bonds. A separator constructed in this way can have an oil carry-over efficiency in excess of 99%, and can avoid the problems associated with resin bonded end caps.
Using this approach, the filter element can be bonded to each end cap in less than about 20 seconds. This is at least ten times quicker than can be achieved with conventional resin bonding approaches.
Figure 2a shows in close-up the bottom right hand corner of the longitudinal cross-section of Figure 1 just before the end of filter element 1 is plunged into melted portion 8 of the end cap 3, melted portion 8 being formed from a raised annulus of thermoplastic.
Figure 2b is a view corresponding to Figure 2a for an alternative embodiment of filter element 1 in which tube 4 extends axially a short distance beyond sleeves 5, 6, 7.
Optionally, before the melted plastic cools and hardens, excess melted plastic at the radially outer side wall of the filter element 1 is pressed through the holes in drainage sleeve 7 and support sleeve 6 to effect a stronger, more intimate, bond between the filter element and the end cap.
Preferably, the end caps are formed from a thermoplastic which is resistant and compatible with synthetic and mineral oils at high temperatures (up to 1300C) . Suitable materials include PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) , nylon, acetal or other thermoplastics which have melting points of at least 1800C, and thus are suitable for use in high temperature operating environments . The separator can be adapted to reduce the risk of sparking produced by static electricity. For example, the thermoplastic of the end caps can contain a filler, such as carbon or metal fibres, which renders the end caps electrically conductive. At least about 5% by volume of conductive filler in the thermoplastic is generally required. For example, in some embodiments, the end caps may contain a metal fibre filler (e.g stainless steel or aluminium fibres) in an amount from 5% to 20% (preferably from 5% to 10%) by volume. In other embodiments, the end caps may contain carbon filler in an amount from 20% to 40% (preferably from 25% to 35%) by volume.
Tube 4 containing the high efficiency, glass microfibres may be formed from a mixture of non-conducting fibres (e.g. the glass fibres) and conducting fibres (e.g. metal fibres). Alternatively, the glass microfibres may be coated with an electrically conductive film (e.g. produced during the manufacturing process of the filter media containing the fibres, or added as a post treatment of the media by submersion in or spraying on of suitable surface treatments) . Either way, static electricity generated on the microfibres by the passage of air or gas can be transferred to the end caps, either directly through the ends of tube 4 or via a conductive support sleeve, the melt bonds between the end caps and tube 4 and sleeves 5, 6 providing a conductive joint.
In use, end cap 2 with the central hole will typically be in a sealed relationship with a compressor or vacuum pump casing, the sealing mechanism normally being a non-conductive gasket or "O" ring. However where a conductive cap is used an earth circuit can be achieved by using conductive gasket materials 0-rings or earth bond. Alternatively, an earth bond such as a metal foil conductor can be extended between end cap 2 and the compressor or vacuum pump casing. Alternatively or additionally, end cap 3 can be electrically earthed by other mechanical means to safely discharge the static electricity.
With safe discharge of static electricity, the air/oil separator can be used in hazardous explosive atmosphere environments .
The microfibres of tube 4 may be provided in the form of filter paper, the micro-fibres being held together in the paper e.g. by acrylic binder. Typically such paper is less than 1 mm thick and can be spiral wrapped into a tubular multi layer construction of between 5 and 20 layers to form tube 4. Furthermore, such papers can have chemical treatments, nano- fibre additions and polymer fibre additions, e.g. to enhance oil aerosol removal efficiency, reduce operating pressure loss, and/or improve the physical strength.
Alternatively, tube 4 can be formed by vacuum or pressure moulding the microfibres. In the vacuum process the microfibres are mixed in an (typically acidic) aqueous solution and then drawn on to a porous mandrel by means of a vacuum until the desired thickness is reached. In the pressure moulding process the same fibre solution is pumped under pressure through a porous annular mould until the mould is full. In both cases the resultant tube is oven dried, resin impregnated, and heat cured to form a rigid self- supporting filter tube.
Drainage sleeve 7 can be conductive or non-conductive. The sleeve can formed from e.g. reticulated foam, or polyester fibre felt. A felt sleeve can be woven, but non-wovenfelt is preferred. Such felts can have thicknesses in excess of 3 mm, and can have chemical treatments to provide oliophobic and hydrophobic qualities to enhance oil drainage and reduce oil carryover . While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiment described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. For example, in the separator shown in Figure 1, the downstream side of filter element 1 is its radially outer side. However, in other embodiments, which draw in-coming air through the external surface of the filter element, and discharge filtered air from the central hole of the filter element, the downstream side of the filter element is its radially inner side. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment of the invention set forth above is considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method of producing a filter unit which is an oil/air separator and has a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and a thermoplastic end cap; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
2. A method of producing a filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the end cap is electrically conductive, the thermoplastic containing an electrically conductive filler.
3. A method of producing a filter unit having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and an electrically conductive end cap, the end cap being formed of a thermoplastic containing an electrically conductive filler; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
4. A method of producing a filter unit according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the thermoplastic has a melting point of at least 1800C.
5. A method of producing a filter unit having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and an end cap, the end cap being formed of a thermoplastic having a melting point of at least 1800C; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
6. A method of producing a filter unit according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising, after the embedding step, a step of forcing melted thermoplastic from said melted portion radially against a side wall of the tubular filter element.
7. A method of producing a filter unit having a tubular filter element bonded at at least one end to an end cap, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and a thermoplastic end cap; melting a portion of the end cap; embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap; and forcing melted thermoplastic from said melted portion radially against a side wall of the tubular filter element; whereby said melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap.
8. A method of producing a filter unit according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising providing a second end cap, the melting and embedding steps being performed in respect of both end caps to bond each end of the filter element to one of the end caps.
9. A method of producing a filter unit according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the filter element comprises a tube of filter medium and a foraminous coaxial support sleeve supporting said tube at a downstream side thereof.
10. A method of producing a filter unit according to claim 9, wherein the tube of filter medium is electrically conductive.
11. A method of producing a filter unit according to claim 10, wherein the filter medium comprises a mixture of non- electrically conductive fibres and electrically conductive fibres .
12. A method of producing a filter unit according to claim 10, wherein the filter medium comprises a body of non-electrically conductive fibres coated with an electrically conductive film.
13. A method of producing a filter unit according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the support sleeve is electrically conductive .
14. A method of producing a filter unit according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said portion of the end cap is melted using non contact surface heating such as infra-red, microwave or induction heating.
15. A method of producing a filter unit according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said portion of the end cap is melted using direct contact surface heating such as hot plate heating.
16. A filter unit produced according to the method of any one of the previous claims.
17. Use of the filter unit of claim 16 as a compressed air filter or air/oil separator.
18. Use of the filter unit of claim 16 as a vacuum pump filter or air/oil separator.
PCT/GB2008/001782 2007-05-23 2008-05-23 Filter unit WO2008142428A2 (en)

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EP08750696.0A EP2152384B1 (en) 2007-05-23 2008-05-23 Filter unit
GB0920671.5A GB2462396B (en) 2007-05-23 2008-05-23 Filter unit
US12/601,356 US9009975B2 (en) 2007-05-23 2008-05-23 Filter unit

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GB0719470A GB0719470D0 (en) 2007-10-04 2007-10-04 Filter unit
GB0719470.7 2007-10-04

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EP2152384A2 (en) 2010-02-17
US9009975B2 (en) 2015-04-21
WO2008142428A3 (en) 2009-03-12
GB2462396A (en) 2010-02-10
US20100205798A1 (en) 2010-08-19
GB2462396B (en) 2012-06-20
EP2152384B1 (en) 2015-10-28
GB0920671D0 (en) 2010-01-13

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