WO2018022812A1

WO2018022812A1 - Filter adapter

Info

Publication number: WO2018022812A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/044044
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Kyle FULLERTON; Sean E. CUTTING
Original assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
Current assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
Priority date: 2016-07-27
Filing date: 2017-07-26
Publication date: 2018-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 2019-01-27

Abstract

A filter adapter for coupling a fire protection device to a firefighting fluid supply pipe to distribute the fluid. The adapter filters out scale and/or other debris to protect the fire protection device. The filter adapter includes a tubular body with a portion for securing the adapter to the fluid supply pipe and another portion for receiving and retaining the fire protection device. The adapter includes a filter portion for locating within the fluid supply pipe to filter out debris from the water delivered along the internal flow-through bore of the adapter to the fire protection device. The structure of the adapter defines fluid discharge characteristics to deliver the fluid with a flow and a pressure sufficient for operation of the fire protection device and fluid distribution.

Description

FILTER ADAPTER

Inventors: Robert K. Fullerton & Sean Cutting

Priority

[0001] The present application is an international application claiming the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/367,495 filed on July 27, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background of the Invention

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 1,563,490 is directed to a sprinkler installation in which nozzles are connected to a fluid supply pipe. U.S. Patent No. 1,563,490 recognized the problem of "scale" which forms in the pipes and can be carried by the fluid flow to the nozzles and is liable to obstruct them. Pipe systems used in a brackish environment or otherwise exposed to saltwater are generally more susceptible to developing scale. To obviate the possibility of nozzle obstruction, the U.S. Patent No. 1,563,490 discloses a strainer or filter member positioned to a supply side of the nozzle to filter out debris in the fluid feed to the sprinkler. The strainer is described as being disposed within the inlet of the sprinkler head by a push-in fit and held in place by a solder. Because the strainer is sized to fit within the sprinkler head inlet, the strainer' s outer and internal dimensions are smaller than that of the sprinkler inlet.

[0003] PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2015/150836 is directed to another filter that is connected to a fluid supply pipeline for filtering out debris and positioned on the supply side of a nozzle in the pipeline of, for example, a firefighting sprinkler system. The disclosed filter includes a tube with an inlet through which fluid is filtered and flows to an outlet in which a nozzle can be disposed. In the disclosed filter, the cross-sectional area of the inlet is less than the cross-sectional area of the outlet. According to WO 2015/150836, debris small enough to enter the inlet will tend not to block the outlet. Although, the arrangements of U.S. Patent No. 1,563,490 and WO 2015/150386 provide the benefit of filtration, it is believed that the smaller dimensioned filter can alter or interfere with the desired fluid flow through the nozzle. It is desirable to have a simplified tubular filter and nozzle arrangement that can provide the nozzle with a filtered fluid supply flow with minimal disruption to the fluid flow.

Disclosure of the Invention

[0004] Preferred embodiments of a filter adapter are provided for coupling a fire protection device to a fluid supply line of a fire protection system. The preferred adapter filters out scale and/or other debris to protect the fire protection device. The preferred adapter includes a tubular body with a portion for securing the adapter to the fluid supply pipe and another portion for receiving and retaining the fire protection device. The adapter includes a filter portion to be located with the fluid supply pipe to filter out pipe scale and other debris from the water delivered to the device. The delivered water flows through an internal passageway formed in the adapter and out the retention portion. The structure of the adapter defines fluid discharge characteristics to deliver the fluid with a flow and a pressure sufficient for operation of the fire protection device to spray the fluid in a desired and expected manner.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment of a filter adapter, a tubular body has a nozzle retention portion, a filter portion, with a securement portion disposed between the filter and the nozzle retention portions. An internal passageway extends through the body along a longitudinal axis. The internal passageway, through the nozzle retention portion, includes an internal diameter of a nominal pipe size. The internal passageway also includes a flow-through bore extending through each of the filter and securement portions and defines a minimum internal bore diameter through the securement portion. The minimum internal bore diameter is preferably greater than the nominal pipe size at the nozzle retention portion.

[0006] In another preferred embodiment of a filter adapter, a tubular body includes a nozzle retention portion, a filter portion, with a securement portion disposed between the filter and the nozzle retention portions. An internal passageway extends through the body along a longitudinal axis. The internal passageway includes an internal thread through the nozzle retention portion defining an internal thread diameter of a nominal internal thread size. The internal passageway includes a flow-through bore extending through each of the filter and securement portions defining a minimum internal bore diameter through the securement portion. The minimum internal bore diameter is preferably greater than the nominal internal thread size of the nozzle retention portion.

[0007] In yet another preferred embodiment of a filter adapter, a tubular body has a nozzle retention portion, a filter portion, with a securement portion disposed between the filter and the nozzle retention portions. An internal passageway extends through the body along a longitudinal axis to define a flow-through bore extending through each of the filter and securement portions with a minimum internal bore diameter through the securement portion. The filter portion of the body preferably defines a cylindrical peripheral surface defining an outer diameter and a wall thickness with the minimum internal bore diameter such that a ratio of the outer diameter-to-wall thickness of the filter portion ranges from 12: 1- 18: 1.

[0008] In another aspect, a preferred nozzle assembly includes a preferred filter adapter disposed within a fluid supply pipe with the securement portion of the adapter secured to the pipe. A nozzle having a nozzle inlet, a nozzle outlet and a nominal rated K-factor defines an expected flow of fluid in gallons per minute from the nozzle outlet divided by the square root of a pressure of flow of fluid delivered to the nozzle inlet in pounds per square inch gauge. The nozzle is retained in the nozzle retention portion of the adapter. Wherein a delivery of fluid filtered by the filter portion is delivered to the assembly, the nozzle discharges a fluid flow from the outlet within at least 80% of the rated K-factor multiplied by the square root of the pressure of the delivered flow of fluid.

Brief Descriptions of the Drawings

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention.

[0010] FIGS. 1 and 1A is a schematic installed exploded view of a preferred filter adapter.

[0011] FIG. IB is a perspective view of the filter adapter of FIGS. 1 and 1 A.

[0012] FIG. 1C is an end view of the filter adapter of FIGS. 1 and 1 A.

[0013] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the filter adapter of FIG. 1 along line IIA-IIA in FIG. 1C.

[0014] FIG. 2B is a side view of the filter adapter of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 2C is a side view of another preferred embodiment of a filter adapter.

[0016] FIGS. 3-7 are perspective views of alternate preferred embodiments of a filter adapter.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0017] Shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A are schematic exploded installed views of a preferred embodiment of a filter adapter 10 coupling a fire protection device to a supply pipe of firefighting fluid such as, for example, a fluid supply pipe of sea water. In a preferred installation, the adapter 10 is secured to a pipe or pipe fitting such as, for example, a tee fitting 100 that can be located along the fluid supply pipe. Although the adapter 10 is shown secured to a Tee-fitting, the adapter 10 can be secured to any fitting along the fluid supply pipe or at its ends. For example, the adapter can be installed in an elbow, a pipe union or in a reducer fitting. The adapter 10 includes a first portion 10a disposed within the fluid flow path of the fitting 100 and an opposite second portion 10b engaged with a fire protection device 200 for distribution of the firefighting fluid. The filter adapter 10 filters the fluid flowing through the fluid supply piping for delivery to the device 200 at an operational or working pressure and/or flow for the device 200 to distribute a spray of fluid to preferably wet and/or cool surfaces to minimize or prevent the absorption of heat from a fire. As described herein, the preferred embodiments of the adapter 10 provide a structure that effectively filters the water to protect the operational components of the device 200 from debris and elements such as, for example, pipe scale in the supply line while providing a sufficient flow and/or pressure of fluid to the fire protection device 200 for generation of an effective spray pattern.

[0018] Preferably, the fire protection device is embodied as fire protection nozzle 200. Referring to each of FIGS. 1, IB and 2 A, the adapter 10 is preferably generally embodied as a tubular body 12 having a nozzle retention portion 12a, a filter portion 12b, with a securement portion 12c disposed between the filter and the nozzle retention portions 12a, 12b. An internal passageway 14 extends through the body 12 along a longitudinal axis A- A. The internal passageway 14 provides and defines a flow-through bore 14a extending through each of the filter and securement portions 12b, 12c preferably defining a minimum internal bore diameter ID through the securement portion of the adapter 10. The passageway 14 is preferably formed to provide for an internal conical inner surface centered on the longitudinal axis. [0019] The external surface of the nozzle retention portion 12a includes a tool engagement surface for securing the adapter 10 about the nozzle 200. Preferably, the external surface includes a plurality of flats 11 forming a hexagonal surface about the longitudinal axis A-A. Opposed flats define a maximum outer width WW, as seen in FIG. 1C of the nozzle retention portion 12a and the adapter 10. In preferred embodiments of the adapter, the outer width WW preferably ranges between 1-1.75 inch. Other tool engagement geometries can be provided such as, for example, octagonal. Accordingly, the outer width of the nozzle retention portion 12a can be dimensioned to any size necessary for engaging a tool for installation. Internally, the nozzle retention portion 12a preferably includes an internal thread 16 formed along the internal passageway 14 through the nozzle retention portion 12a for a preferred threaded engagement with the nozzle 200. The internal thread 16 is preferably of a nominal internal thread size. As is known in the art, thread size designations include a "nominal pipe size" or a "nominal pipe diameter size" which is a standard diameter incremental value having a corresponding actual and larger outside pipe diameter value. The following list are examples of common nominal pipe diameter sizes accompanied by the corresponding actual outside pipe diameter shown in parentheses: 1/8 inch (in.) (0.405 in.); 1/4 in. (0.540 in.); 3/8 in. (0.675 in.); 1/2 in. (0.840 in.); 3/4 in. (1.050 in.); 1 in. (1.315 in.); 1-1/4 in. (1.660 in.); 1-1/2 in. (1.900 in.); and 2 in. (2.375 in.). As used herein, "nominal internal thread size" or "nominal internal thread diameter" refers to the nominal pipe diameter size over which the internal thread is engaged; and as used herein, "nominal external thread size" or "nominal external thread diameter" refers to the nominal pipe diameter on which the external thread is to be formed.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the adapter 10, the minimum internal bore diameter ID is preferably greater than the nominal internal thread size of the internal thread 16. The internal thread 16 is preferably of a standard thread form, for example, American National Standard Taper Pipe Thread (NPT) (ANSI/ASME B 1.20.1-1983) or American National Standard Straight Pipe Thread (ANSI/ASME B l.20.1-1983). The nominal pipe diameter size can alternatively be designated in metric units for alternate metric standard thread forms such as, for example, British Standard Pipe Thread Tapered (BSPT) or British Standard Pipe Thread Parallel (BSPP). In a particular preferred embodiment of the adapter 10, the internal thread 16 is a nominal 1/2 inch (in.) -14 NPT thread, the minimum internal bore diameter ID is 0.625 in., and the width WW of the nozzle retention portion 12a is 1.25 in. In another preferred embodiment of the adapter 10, the internal thread 16 is a nominal 1 inch (in.)-11.5 NPT thread, the minimum internal bore diameter ID is 0.875 in., and the width WW of the nozzle retention portion 12a is 1.63 in.

[0021] In FIGS. 1 and 1A, a preferred nozzle 200 is shown within the nozzle retention portion 12a. A preferred nozzle 200 for use with the adapter 10 includes a nozzle frame 202 defining an nozzle inlet 202a for receipt of the firefighting fluid, preferably at an operational flow and pressure of the nozzle 200. The nozzle frame 202 includes a coupling portion 204 for engaging the nozzle retention portion 12a of the nozzle such as, for example, an external thread 204 for engaging the preferred internal thread 16 of the nozzle retention portion 12a. Alternatively, the coupling portion can be configured with any other appropriately corresponding surface and geometry for forming a fastened or mechanical connection between the nozzle 200 and the retention portion 12a of the adapter 10 including a welded connection, interference fit connection or a grooved coupling connection. The nozzle frame 202 includes a nozzle outlet 202b for discharge of the fluid with desired discharge characteristics. The nozzle outlet 202b alone or in combination with an internal orifice insert, disc or ring (not shown) define an internal orifice diameter and more preferably define a nominal rated K-factor of the nozzle 200, which characterizes an expected flow of fluid in gallons per minute from the outlet divided by the square root of the pressure of the flow of fluid fed into the nozzle inlet 202a in pounds per square inch gauge. The internal passageway 14 of the adapter 10 and its minimum internal bore diameter ID are dimensioned such that a nozzle 200 coupled to the retention portion of the adapter 10 experiences a fluid flow through the nozzle outlet 202b within an acceptable percentage of the expected flow, i.e., the nominal rated K-factor multiplied by the square root of the operational pressure in pounds per square inch gauge of the fluid flow supplied or delivered to the assembled nozzle and adapter. For example, when the assembled adapter 10 and nozzle 200 are coupled to a fluid supply pipe of clean water, e.g. , water substantially free of scale or debris, or preferably potable water, the nozzle 200 experiences a fluid flow through the nozzle outlet 202b within 80% of the expected flow of the nozzle. Even more preferably, the fluid flow is at least within 85%, preferably within 90%, and yet more preferably within 95% or more, such as for example, within 99% or more of the nominal rated K-factor of the nozzle 200 multiplied by the square root of the pressure in pounds per square inch gauge of the fluid flow delivered to the assembly.

[0022] Accordingly, it is desirable for the adapter 10 to provide effective filtration of fluid delivered to the nozzle 200 while minimizing the effect on the flow or discharge characteristics of the nozzle 200. In one preferred aspect, the internal passageway 14 of the adapter 10 and the nozzle outlet 202b of the nozzle define a preferred geometrical relationship to produce the desired flow. For example, the nozzle outlet 202b of the nozzle 200 defines a first area Al through which fluid flow, the minimum internal diameter of the flow-through bore defines a second area A2 through which fluid flows, the ratio of first area- to-second area (A1:A2) is preferably at least 3:5 and is even more preferably no more than 2:3.

[0023] The nozzle 200 includes a deflector, dispersing member or other structure for distributing the fluid discharged from the nozzle outlet 202b in a desired spray pattern. As shown, a preferred deflecting structure 206 is spaced from the outlet. However, other deflecting structures may be located proximate or within the passageway for generating the desired spray pattern. The nozzle 200 is preferably an "open" device such that any water delivered to the nozzle inlet 202a is internally unimpeded and therefore immediately discharged from the nozzle outlet 202b. Alternatively, the nozzle 200 can include a plug such as, for example, a thermally responsive sealing assembly for an automatic controlled fluid release and actuation response to a fire.

[0024] FIGS. 1 and 1A show, for illustrative purposes, a representative nozzle 200 coupled to the adapter 10 without a strainer. The nozzle frame 202 and deflecting structure 204 shown in FIG. 1 and 1A are those of a Type D3 Protectospray Directional Spray Nozzle from Tyco Fire Products LP shown and described in the data sheet TFP802: Type D3 PROTECTOSPRAY Directional Spray Nozzles, Open, Medium Velocity (April 2016). Preferred embodiments of the filter adapter 10 are installed and used in combination with a nozzle without a strainer on the supply side of the nozzle. Alternatively, the adapter 10 can be used with a nozzle and a strainer disposed in the nozzle frame, for example, as used in certain sized Type MV Directional Spray Nozzle from Tyco Fire Products LP shown and described in the data sheet TFP807: Type MV Directional Spray Nozzles, Open Medium Velocity (Jul. 2014). Other fire protection nozzles and devices can be used with the adapter 10 for generating a desired spray pattern provided the device can be retained by the adapter 10 in a manner as described herein. For example, the adapter 10 can be used to filter fluid supplied to commercially known water mist nozzle heads for high pressure water mist systems.

[0025] The securement portion 12c is preferably configured for connecting and securing the body 12 to the pipe fitting 100. As shown in FIG. 1 and IB, the securement portion 12c preferably includes an external thread 18 having a nominal external thread diameter for a preferably threaded engagement with a coupling component such as, for example, a bushing 100a disposed within an outlet of the pipe fitting 100. In preferred embodiments, the nominal external thread diameter of the external thread 18 is preferably different and more preferably greater than the nominal internal thread diameter of nominally sized National Pipe Thread Taper (NPT) for threaded engagement with a correspondingly threaded opening in the pipe 100. In the particular preferred embodiment of the adapter 10, the internal thread 16 is a nominal 1/2 inch (in.) -14 NPT thread and the minimum internal bore diameter ID is 0.625 in., the external thread 18 is preferably a nominal 3/4 in. - 14 NPT thread. In another preferred embodiment, the internal thread 16 is a nominal 1 inch (in.)-11.5 NPT thread and the minimum internal bore diameter ID is 0.875 in., the external thread 18 is preferably a nominal 1 in. - 11.5 NPT thread.

[0026] Shown in FIG. 3 is an alternate embodiment of the filter adaptor in which the securement portion is alternatively configured. The securement portion 12c can include a surface for welding the adapter to a weldolet or other pipe fitting for forming a welded connection. Further in the alternative, the securement portion 12c can be shaped to form an interference fit with a pipe fitting to secure the adapter the fluid supply line. Again, further in the alternative, the securement portion 12c can be configured to function with other fasteners to form the preferred secure attachment to the fluid supply line.

[0027] As shown, the filter portion 12b preferably defines the narrowest portion of the body 12. By sizing the filter portion 12b to be more narrow than the securement portion, the filter portion 12b forms a preferred annular gap G with the internal wall of the bushing 100a which facilitates the engagement between the securement 12c and the bushing 100a. The filter portion 12b of the body 12 is preferably formed cylindrically with a preferably circular cylindrical peripheral surface defining an outer diameter OD. The peripheral surface of the filter portion can define alternative geometries such as, for example, a rectangular, square or hexagonal cylinder defining an outer width. Accordingly in the preferred adapter 10, the outer diameter OD is preferably less than the diameter of the securement portion 12c. The differential in diameters defines a preferred ledge 13 between the filter portion 12b and the securement portion 12c having an annular thickness at least equal to the gap G.

[0028] Together, the minimum internal bore diameter ID and the outer diameter OD of the filter portion 12b define a preferred wall thickness THl of the filter portion 12b. For preferred embodiments of the adapter 10, the flow-through bore 14a through the filter portion 12b defines a maximum internal diameter equal to the minimum internal bore diameter ID of the flow-through bore 14a through the securement portion 12c. The difference between the outer diameter OD and the internal diameter ID of the filter portion define the wall thickness THl of the filter portion 12b. With the filter portion outer diameter OD being the narrowest portion of the adapter and the internal diameter of the passageway 14 through the filter portion maximized, the wall thickness of the filter portion can be the thinnest portion of the adapter. The wall thickness THl of the filter portion 12b is preferably configured to provide sufficient rigidity to the adapter particularly given that the filter portion is exposed to the fluid flow stream within a pipe fitting 100. For preferred embodiments of the adapter, the wall thickness THl is at a preferred minimum wall thickness of at least 0.05 in., preferably 0.0538 in and is even more preferably 0.0625 in.

[0029] In another characterization of the wall thickness THl of filter portion 12b, the adapter 10 defines a ratio of the outer diameter of the filter portion- to- wall thickness (OD:THl) of 18: 1 or less, more preferably ranging from 18: 1-12: 1 with a preferred minimum ratio of 12: 1. In a preferred embodiment of the adapter 10 with an outer diameter OD of the filter portion being 0.75 inch and a minimum internal bore diameter ID. of 0.625 inch to provide for the preferred minimum wall thickness THl of the filter portion 12b being 0.0625, the preferred ratio outer-diameter-to-wall thickness OD:THl is preferably 12. In an alternate embodiment of the adapter 10 with an outer diameter OD of the filter portion being 1 inch and a minimum internal bore diameter ID. of 0.875 inch to provide for a preferred wall thickness TH1 of the filter portion 12b being 0.0625 inch, the preferred ratio outer-diameter- to-wall thickness OD:THl is preferably 16.

[0030] The outer and internal diameters OD, ID of the adapter 10 can define alternative or additional, preferred wall thicknesses over the axial length of the adapter 10 and/or portions thereof. For example, the body 12 can have a wall thickness TH1 along the filter portion 12b that ranges from about 0.05-0.08 inch, and preferably ranges from 0.05-0.075 and is more preferably the preferred minimum of 0.0625 inch. The wall thickness of the body 12, over the securement and nozzle retention portions 12a, 12c can range from 0.0625 - 0.375 inch so long as these portions can provide internal and external features as previously discussed such as, for example, the external thread 18 over the securement portion 12c and the tool engagement flats 11 of the nozzle retention portion 12a.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the filter portion 12b is located within the fluid stream to deliver and filter the firefighting fluid to the nozzle 200. Accordingly, the filter portion 12b includes a fluid inlet 22 sized and dimensioned to both deliver the fluid to the nozzle and filter out the debris, including pipe scale, from the fluid stream. More preferably, the filter portion 12b includes a fluid inlet 22 defined by a plurality of openings formed about the filter portion 12b and the one or more regions of the filter portion 12b described herein. The one or more openings can define any geometry including symmetric openings, asymmetric openings, or closed formed openings formed with straight edges, arcuate edges or a combination thereof. Moreover, the openings can be elongate or alternatively, equilateral about the center of each opening. Accordingly, the filter portion 12b can be formed with one or more openings that are substantially rectilinear or circular. The inlet 22 can be configured in any manner provided the adapter provides the delivered fluid and filtered characteristics described herein.

[0032] In preferred embodiments of the adapter 10 shown and described herein, the inlet 22 is preferably defined by a plurality of elongate slots 22a formed about the central longitudinal axis A-A. The plurality of slots 22a are preferably equiangularly spaced about axis A— A. In a preferred embodiment of the device 10, the plurality of slots 22a define an angle spacing a of ranging from 12-16° degrees to provide a prefer number of slots totaling 20-30 slots. In a preferred embodiment of the adapter 10 having an internal thread 16 of nominal 1/2 inch thread size, a total of 22 slots are equiangularly formed about the central longitudinal axis A— A. In a preferred embodiment of the adapter 10 having an internal thread 16 of nominal one inch (1 in.) thread size, a total 28 slots are equiangularly formed about the central longitudinal axis A— A.

[0033] Each of the slots 22a are preferably rectilinear defining a preferably constant slot width SW and a preferably common effective slot length SL as preferably determined by the total span of the slot over a distance parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A. Moreover from the peripheral surface of the filter portion 12b, each of the slots extend radially inward toward the preferably planar end face 20 to define a preferably common slot depth SD. Accordingly, the planar end face 20 is preferably circular in shape.

[0034] Additionally, each of the slot width and the effective slot length SL and any other inlet opening define an inlet opening area. Collectively, the opening areas define a total inlet opening area of the filter portion 12b. Given the area of the flow-through bore 14a defined by the minimal internal bore diameter ID, a preferred ratio of total inlet opening area-to-flow- through bore area can be defined. For the preferred embodiments of the adapter 10 and depending upon the total number of slots, the preferred ratio preferably ranges from as low as 3: 1 up to a maximum of 8: 1. For example, for embodiments having a preferred minimum internal bore diameter of 0.875 inch defining a flow-through bore area of 0.6 square inches (sq. in.) and a preferred slot configuration of twenty-eight (28) slots, each at 0.04 inch width SW and effective slot length SL of 1.8 inch defining a total inlet area of two square inches (2 sq. in.), the ratio of total inlet area-to-flow-through bore area is 3.33: 1. In another example, a preferred embodiment having a preferred minimum internal bore diameter of 0.625 inch defining a flow-through bore area of 0.3 square inches (sq. in.) and a preferred slot configuration of twenty-two (22) slots, each at 0.04 inch width SW and effective slot length SL of 1.3 inch defining a total inlet area of 1.1 square inches (1.1 sq. in.), the ratio of total inlet area-to-flow-through bore area is 3.8: 1.

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the filter portion 12b and the adapter 10 includes different regions formed about the preferred slots 22. With reference to FIG. 2B, the preferred portion 12b includes a neck region 24 and a face region 26. The preferred neck region 24 is formed between the slots 22 and the securement portion 12c. The neck region 24 provides a preferably solid outer surface and is preferably of a constant length NL. The face region 26 includes the terminal end of the filter portion 12b and preferably includes a radiused portion of the filter portion 12b profile. More specifically, the face region 26 includes a radiused portion defining a radius of curvature R. The preferred radiused portion extends from the peripheral surface of the filter portion, parallel to the longitudinal axis A— A, and extends toward the longitudinal axis A-A. The radius of curvature R can range from 0.05 inch to 0.5 inch and preferably is any one of 0.04 inch, 0.06 inch and 0.45 inch. Accordingly, the face region 26 can present a convex surface to the fluid stream and in preferred embodiments provide a partially spherical surface. Alternatively or additionally, the face region 26 can include a planar surface 20 that extends perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis A— A. [0036] In preferred embodiments of the filter portion 12b, the inlet 22 or portions thereof can be formed along the face region 26. As seen in the preferred embodiments, the plurality of elongate slots 22a previously described extend into the face region 26. From the peripheral surface of the filter portion 12b, each of the slots extend radially inward toward the longitudinal axis to define a preferably common slot depth SD. Accordingly, the preferably planar end face 20 is preferably circular in shape. Additionally as seen in FIGS. IB, 2A and 2B, each of the slots 22a extend axially along the peripheral surface of the filter portion at a preferably common length SL. In alternate embodiments of the adapter 10, the face region 26 can additionally include multiple openings, preferably circular openings, for the influx of fluid at the terminal end of the filter portion 12b.

[0037] Shown in FIGS. 2C-7, are alternate embodiments of the filter adapter in which features of the adapter are varied and combined. Referring to FIGS. 1-lC, 2 A and 2B, shown are dimensional parameters of the filter adapter which are varied and alternately combined in the embodiments 2A-7. Summarized in Table A below are the various combination of dimensional parameters in inches. As is depicted in the drawings, a differential over 0.5 inch between the length of the filter portion and the slot length results in a larger neck region.

[0038] Table A

[0039] Individually, the various numerical dimensions described above are illustrative of corresponding parameters that define the preferred embodiments of the filter adapter. However collectively or in combination, the described numerical ranges and their dimensional and proportional relationships indicate and present effects and/or properties of the preferred filter adapters which the inventors have discovered were not previously known and which address the construction, performance and/or installation limitations of prior filters.

[0040] While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is Claimed Is:

1. A filter adapter comprising:

a tubular body having a nozzle retention portion, a filter portion, with a securement portion disposed between the filter portion and the nozzle retention portions; and

an internal passageway extending through the body along a longitudinal axis, the internal passageway including an internal thread through the nozzle retention portion defining an internal thread diameter of a nominal internal thread size, the internal passageway including a flow-through bore extending through each of the filter and securement portions defining a minimum internal bore diameter through the securement portion,

wherein the minimum internal bore diameter is greater than the nominal internal thread size.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the filter portion of the body defines a cylindrical peripheral surface defining an outer diameter and a wall thickness with the minimum internal bore diameter such that a ratio of the outer diameter of the filter portion-to-wall thickness ranges from 12:1 to 18: 1 .

3. The adapter of claim 2, wherein the outer diameter of the filter portion is 0.75 inch.

4. The adapter of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the securement portion includes an external thread of a nominal external thread size greater than the nominal internal thread size.

5. The adapter of claim 4, wherein the nominal internal thread size is 1/2 inch NPT thread; the nominal external thread size is a nominal 3/4 inch NPT thread.

6. The adapter of any one of the above claims, wherein the flow-through bore through the filter portion defines a maximum internal diameter equal to the minimum internal bore diameter through the securement portion.

7. The adapter of any one of the above claims, wherein the minimum internal bore diameter through the securement portion is 0.625 inch.

8. The adapter of any one of the above claims, wherein the body has a wall thickness along the filter portion of at least 0.05 inch.

9. The adapter of claim 8, wherein the wall thickness of the filter portion ranges from 0.0625 - 0.075 inch.

10. The adapter of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the nominal internal thread size is 1/2 inch NPT thread.

11. The adapter of any one of the above claims, wherein the body includes a planar end face along the filter portion centered and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the filter portion including a fluid inlet defined by a plurality of slots formed about the end face.

12. The adapter of claim 11, wherein the plurality of slots are equiangularly spaced about the planar end face.

13. The adapter of claim 12, wherein the plurality of slots define an angle spacing ranging from 12°-16° degrees.

14. The adapter of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of slots are rectilinear slots defining a constant slot width, the filter portion defining a peripheral surface, each of the slots extending from the peripheral surface toward the planar end face to define a common slot depth, each of the slots extending axially along the peripheral surface of the filter portion at a common length.

15. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the filter portion includes a fluid inlet defined by a plurality of slots formed about the longitudinal axis, each of the plurality of slots are rectilinear slots defining a constant slot width, the filter portion defining a peripheral surface, each of the slots extending from the peripheral surface toward the planar end face to define a common slot depth, each of the slots extending axially along the peripheral surface of the filter portion at a common length.

16. The adapter of any one of claims 14-15, wherein the slot width is 0.04 inch, the slot depth is about 0.1 inch and the slot length ranges from 1-3 inches.

17. The adapter of any one of the above claims, wherein the filter portion includes an internal conical inner surface centered on the longitudinal axis.

18. The adapter of claim 16, wherein the adapter defines a total axial length ranging from of 2-5.5 inches, the filter portion defines an axial length ranging from 1-4 inches.

19. A filter adapter comprising:

an internal passageway extending through the body along a longitudinal axis defining a flow-through bore extending through each of the filter and securement portions with a minimum internal bore diameter through the securement portion,

wherein the filter portion of the body defines a cylindrical peripheral surface defining an outer diameter and a wall thickness with the minimum internal bore diameter such that a ratio of the outer diameter-to-wall thickness of the filter portion ranges from 12:1-18:1.

20. The adapter of claim 19, wherein the outer diameter of the filter portion is 0.75 inch.

21. The adapter of claim 19, wherein the nozzle retention portion includes an internal thread of a nominal internal thread size, the securement portion includes an external thread of a nominal external thread size greater than the nominal internal thread size.

22. The adapter of claim 18, wherein the nominal internal thread size is 1/2 inch NPT thread and the nominal external thread size is a nominal 3/4 inch NPT thread.

23. The adapter of any one of claims 20-21, wherein the minimum internal bore diameter is greater than the nominal internal thread size.

24. The adapter of any one of claims 19-23, wherein the flow-through bore through the filter portion defines a maximum internal diameter equal to the minimum internal bore diameter through the securement portion.

25. The adapter of any one of claims 19-24, wherein the minimum internal bore diameter through the securement portion is 0.625 inch.

26. The adapter of any one of claims 19-25, wherein the body has a wall thickness along the filter portion of at least 0.05 inch.

27. The adapter of claim 26, wherein the wall thickness of the filter portion ranges from 0.0625 - 0.075 inch.

28. The adapter of any one of claims 19-27, wherein the nominal internal thread size is 1/2 inch NPT thread.

29. The adapter of any one of claims 19-28, wherein the body includes a face region along the filter portion, the filter portion including a fluid inlet defined by a plurality of slots formed about the face region.

30. The adapter of claim 29, wherein the plurality of slots are equiangularly spaced about the face region.

31. The adapter of claim 30, wherein the plurality of slots define an angle spacing ranging from about 12° - 16° degrees.

32. The adapter of claim 31, wherein each of the plurality of slots are rectilinear slots defining a constant slot width, the filter portion defining a peripheral surface, each of the slots extending from the peripheral surface toward the longitudinal axis into the face region to define a common slot depth, each of the slots extending axially along the peripheral surface of the filter portion at a common length.

33. The adapter of any one of claims 29-32, wherein the face region includes a planar end face, each of the slots extending from the peripheral surface toward the planar end face to define the common slot depth.

34. The adapter of any one of claims 32-33, wherein the slot width is 1 mm, the slot depth is about 0.1 inch and the slot length ranges from 1-3 inches.

35. The adapter of claim 16, wherein the adapter defines a total axial length ranging from of 2-4.5 inches, the filter portion defines an axial length ranging from 1-4 inches.

36. A filter adapter comprising:

a tubular body having a nozzle retention portion, a filter portion, with a securement portion disposed between the filter and the nozzle retention portions; and an internal passageway extending through the body along a longitudinal axis, the internal passageway through the nozzle retention portion defining an internal diameter of a nominal pipe size, the internal passageway including a flow-through bore extending through each of the filter and securement portions defining a minimum internal bore diameter through the securement portion,

wherein the minimum internal bore diameter is greater than the nominal pipe size.

37. The filter adapter of claim 36, wherein the nozzle retention portion is internally threaded.

38. The filter adapter of any one of the above claims, wherein the minimum internal bore diameter defines a first area of the flow-through bore perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; the nominal pipe size being configured for threadably engaging a fire protection nozzle having a nozzle outlet defining a second area through which fluid is discharged, the ratio of the second area to the first area being no greater than 2:3.

39. The filter adapter of any one of the above claims, wherein the minimum internal bore diameter defines a flow-through bore area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the filter portion defines a total inlet opening area, the ratio of the total inlet opening area to flow- through area ranges from as low as 3:1 up to 8:1.

40. A fire protection nozzle assembly comprising,

an adapter of any one of the above claims disposed within a fluid supply pipe with the securement portion secured to the pipe; and

a fire protection nozzle having a nozzle inlet, a nozzle outlet and a nominal rated K- factor defined by an expected flow of fluid in gallons per minute from the outlet divided by the square root of a pressure of flow of fluid delivered to the nozzle inlet in pounds per square inch gauge, the nozzle being retained in the nozzle retention portion,

wherein when the supply of fluid is delivered to the assembly, the nozzle discharges a fluid flow from the nozzle outlet within at least 80% of the nominal rated K-factor multiplied by the square root of the pressure in pounds per square inch gauge of the supplied fluid to the assembly.

41. The assembly of claim 40, wherein the fluid flow from the outlet is within 85% or more.

42. The assembly of claim 41, wherein the fluid flow from the outlet is within 95% or greater.

43. The assembly of claim 42, wherein the fluid flow from the outlet is within 99%.

44. The assembly of claim 40, wherein the nozzle outlet defines a first area, the minimum internal diameter of the flow-through bore defines a second area, the ratio of first area-to- second area is at least 1:5.

45. The assembly of claim 44, wherein the ratio of first area-to-second area is no more than 2:3.

46. The assembly of any one of claims 40-45, wherein the nozzle outlet includes an orifice insert disposed in the nozzle outlet.