Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D50/00—Combinations of methods or devices for separating particles from gases or vapours
  • B01D50/20—Combinations of devices covered by groups B01D45/00 and B01D46/00
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
  • B01D45/04—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising inertia
• • 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
  • B01D46/0031—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 with collecting, draining means
• • 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
  • B01D46/0039—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours with flow guiding by feed or discharge devices
  • B01D46/0041—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours with flow guiding by feed or discharge devices for feeding
  • B01D46/0043—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours with flow guiding by feed or discharge devices for feeding containing fixed gas displacement elements or cores
• • 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
  • B01D46/10—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filter plates, sheets or pads having plane surfaces

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates generally to fluid filtration systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to air filtration systems operating in wet environments.
• the filter assembly includes a housing and a filter element.
• the housing includes a housing body and a service cover.
• the housing body defines an interior volume, an inlet port, and an outlet port.
• the service cover is movable with respect to the housing body so as to provide access to the interior volume.
• the service cover includes a water collection sump that is at least partially axially aligned with the inlet port when the service cover is installed onto the housing body.
• the filter element is removably coupled to the housing body and disposed within the interior volume.
• the fluid filtration system includes a shell housing, a housing closure, and a filter element.
• the housing closure is configured to form a sealing engagement with the shell housing.
• the housing closure includes a drain opening that extends through the housing closure and is configured to selectively facilitate a flow of liquid out of the shell housing.
• the filter element is removably coupled to the shell housing and includes a first endcap, a second endcap downstream of the first endcap, a media pack, and a hydrophobic mesh.
• the media pack includes filter media that extends between both the first endcap and the second endcap.
• the hydrophobic mesh is coupled to one of the first endcap and the second endcap and configured to prevent moisture from flowing out of the shell housing.
• the filter element includes a media pack, a first endcap, a second endcap, and a hydrophobic mesh.
• the media pack defines a first end and a second end.
• the first endcap is coupled to the first end and the second endcap is coupled to the second end such that the second endcap is downstream of the first end.
• the second endcap includes a sealing member configured to form a sealing engagement with a shell housing.
• the filter element further includes a hydrophobic mesh that extends across the second end and is configured to prevent moisture from flowing downstream of the media pack.
• FIG. l is a perspective view of an example fluid filtration system.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the fluid filtration system of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a filter element for use in a fluid filtration system, such as the fluid filtration system of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the filter element of FIG. 3.
• FIG. 5 is a top view of the filter element of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another example filter assembly.
• FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the filter assembly of FIG. 6.
• FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a service cover for the filter assembly of FIG. 9.
• FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a service cover for a filter assembly, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a service cover for a filter assembly, according to still another embodiment.
• Embodiments described herein relate generally to air filtration assemblies for internal combustion engine systems.
• the various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.
• Air filtration systems are used to filter particulate matter (e.g., dirt, oil, and or contaminants) from an incoming air stream and supplying the filtered air to an internal combustion engine.
• the filtration system may include a filter assembly (e.g., an air cleaner, etc.) that includes a removable filter element made from a pleated and/or corrugated media.
• the filter assembly may be disposed at various locations on or within a vehicle body (e.g., chassis). In some embodiments, the filter assembly may be positioned adjacent to a wheel well or in another position that is susceptible to water ingestion along the vehicle body.
• the filter assembly may be exposed to water in rainy environments or when the streets are flooded with water, which may contaminate the fresh air stream and increase the risk of water ingestion into the engine.
• Pre-cleaners and water separation devices also add restriction to the air filtration system, which can reduce engine performance.
• the present application generally relates to systems for water separation and removal within a filter assembly.
• a filter assembly that includes a water collection sump that is integrally formed into a service cover of the filter assembly.
• the filter assembly includes a two-piece housing having a housing body and the service cover.
• the housing body defines an enclosed interior volume of the housing and an inlet port and an outlet port that are fluidly coupled to the interior volume.
• a portion of the water collection sump is disposed beneath (in axial alignment) with the inlet port when the service cover is installed onto the housing body. Fresh air entering the inlet port is directed toward the water collection sump, which facilitates water removal via inertial separation from the incoming air stream.
• the water collection sump allows for separation and removal of water from within the filter assembly, which may substantially eliminate the need for other pre-separation devices upstream of the inlet port (e.g., such as vortex tube, snorkel, and/or louver-type pre-cleaners).
• pre-separation devices e.g., such as vortex tube, snorkel, and/or louver-type pre-cleaners.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example fluid filtration system, shown as system 100.
• the system 100 may be used to filter a fluid that is provided to an internal combustion engine.
• the fluid may be, for example, air or a similar gaseous substance.
• the system 100 may be mounted to a vehicle chassis. In other embodiments, the system 100 is configured for mounting to an engine.
• the system 100 includes a shell housing (e.g., housing body) 200 and a housing closure (e.g., service cover) 202.
• the housing closure 202 is removably coupled to the shell housing 200 such that an operator may remove the housing closure 202 to service an interior of the shell housing 200.
• the housing closure 202 may be coupled to the shell housing 200 using one of latches, fasteners, adhesives, or the like.
• the shell housing 200 includes an inlet 204 and an outlet 206.
• the inlet 204 is upstream of the outlet 206.
• the inlet 204 transfers a flow of fluid directly or indirectly to an engine.
• the outlet 206 expels the flow of fluid post-filtering.
• the system 100 includes a first cavity 210 and a second cavity 212, the second cavity 212 being in fluid communication with the first cavity 210.
• the first cavity 210 includes the inlet 204 and the second cavity 212 includes the outlet 206.
• the outlet 206 transfers the filtered fluid, directly or indirectly, to an engine.
• the second cavity 212 is positioned downstream of the first cavity 210.
• the shell housing 200 may be formed of a single body including both the first cavity 210 and the second cavity 212, the shell housing 200 being formed from casting, milling, die-casting, additive manufacturing, and the like.
• the housing closure 202 forms a sealing engagement with the shell housing 200 such that a substantially watertight and/or airtight seal is formed between the shell housing 200 and the housing closure 202.
• the housing closure 202 may include a drain opening 213 (e.g., opening, aperture, valve, etc.) extending through the housing closure 202 and configured to facilitate a flow of fluid out of the shell housing 200.
• the drain opening 213 is a one-way valve configured to prevent a flow of fluid from entering the shell housing 200 via the drain opening 213 but configured to facilitate a flow of fluid or liquid (e.g., moisture, condensate, water, water vapor, etc.) out of the shell housing 200.
• the drain opening 213 is in fluid communication with the second cavity 212.
• the housing closure 202 may further include a second drain opening 215 in fluid communication with the first cavity 210.
• the second cavity 212 defines a second cavity inlet 214 and a second cavity outlet 216.
• the second cavity outlet 216 is in fluid communication with the outlet 206.
• the second cavity inlet 214 is upstream of the second cavity outlet 216.
• the second cavity 212 facilitates a flow of fluid from the second cavity inlet 214 to the second cavity outlet 216.
• the second cavity 212 may define a substantially cylindrical cross-section configured to receive a substantially cylindrical filter element.
• the second cavity 212 defines a racetrack cross-section (e.g., two semicircles separated by straight lines) and is configured to receive a filter element having a racetrack cross-section.
• the second cavity 212 defines a substantially oval cross-section and is configured to receive a filter element having a substantially oval cross-section.
• a filter element 220 is removably positioned within the second cavity 212.
• the filter element 220 is removably coupled to the shell housing 200, for example by fasteners, latches, or friction, such that the filter element 220 may be removed from the shell housing 200 and replaced with a new filter element.
• the filter element 220 is disposed within the second cavity 212 of the shell housing 200 such that a central longitudinal axis 224 of the second cavity 212 extends through the filter element 220.
• the filter element 220 may be cylindrically-shaped and may include a cylindrically-shaped media pack 226 wound around an element core 228.
• a cross-section of the filter element 220 may define a shape being substantially circular, racetrack, obround (e.g., two curved ends joined by two straight ends), elliptical, and the like.
• a cross-section of the media pack 226 defines a shape being substantially circular, racetrack, obround, elliptical, and the like.
• the cross-sectional shape of the element core 228 may influence the cross-section of the media pack.
• the media pack 226 may define a similarly elliptical cross-section.
• the media pack 226 includes filter media configured to filter particulate matter from a fluid flowing therethrough so as to produce filtered fluid (e.g., clean fluid).
• the filter media may be pleated or formed into another desired shape to increase a flow area through the media pack 226, or to otherwise alter the particle removal efficiency of the filter element 220.
• the media pack 226 may include a variety of different types of filter media, including but not limited to pleated media, corrugated media, tetrahedral media, or variations thereof, such as any of the filter media disclosed in PCT Application No. PCT/US 2019/065259, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.
• U.S. Patent No. 8,397,920 entitled “PLEATED FILTER ELEMENT WITH TAPERING BEND LINES,” by Moy et al, filed on October 14, 2011, and issued on March 19, 2013, assigned to Cummins Filtration IP Inc., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes, describes a tetrahedral filter media that the media pack 226 may comprise.
• tetrahedral filter media may comprise a plurality of inlet tetrahedron flow channels and a plurality of outlet tetrahedron flow channels.
• the inlet tetrahedron merge in a central portion of the tetrahedral filter media thereby allowing axial cross-flow of air between the inlet tetrahedron channels prior to the air passing through the tetrahedral filter media.
• Such an arrangement provides for additional dust loading on the upstream side of the media, which increases a filter capacity of the filter media.
• the filter media includes a porous material having a predetermined pore size, a paper-based filter media, a fiber-based filter media, a foam-based filter media, or the like.
• the filter element 220 may be arranged as an axial-flow filter element having a dirty side 230 and a clean side 232.
• the dirty side 230 is upstream of the clean side 232.
• the filter element 220 is configured to filter fluid that flows axially through the filter element 220 from the dirty side 230 to the clean side 232.
• the filter element 220 includes a first end 240 (e.g., dirty end) and a second end 242 (e.g., clean end).
• a first endcap 245 is coupled to the first end 240 and a second endcap 249 is coupled to the second end 242.
• both the first endcap 245 and the second endcap 249 are open endcaps.
• one of the first endcap 245 and the second endcap 249 is a closed endcap.
• Extending between the first end 240 and the second end 242 are the media pack 226 (shown in FIG. 5) and the element core 228.
• the media pack 226 is surrounded by a shell 227 (e.g., housing, casing, exoskeleton, etc.).
• the shell 227 extends between the first end 240 and the second end 242 and protects the media pack 226 from damage.
• the shell 227 is potted into the first endcap 245 and the second endcap 249.
• Coupled to the filter element 220 proximate to the second end 242 is a sealing member 244.
• the sealing member 244 is configured to form a sealing engagement with the shell housing 200.
• the sealing member 244 extends about a perimeter of (e.g., circumferentially about) the second end 242 and defines a generally annular body.
• the sealing member 244 is coupled to the second endcap 249, and the second endcap 249 is coupled to the media pack 226 proximate to the second end 242. In some embodiments, the sealing member 244 is positioned to form a radial seal against the inner surface of the shell housing 200. In some embodiments, the sealing member 244 is positioned to form an axial seal against the shell housing 200. For example, when the housing closure 202 is coupled to the shell housing 200, a portion of the housing closure 202 may interface with a portion of the filter element 220, such as the first endcap 245.
• the interaction between the housing closure 202 and the filter element 220 may compress the filter element 220, and thus the sealing member 244, against an internal feature of the shell housing 200 (e.g., internal surface, ledge, etc.) to form one of an axial seal or a radial seal.
• an internal feature of the shell housing 200 e.g., internal surface, ledge, etc.
• the filter element 220 further includes a hydrophobic mesh 246 positioned on (e.g., about, over, etc.) the second end 242.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is configured to resist or prevent moisture (e.g., water) and debris from passing through the media pack 226 while allowing air and other gaseous elements to pass through the media pack 226. In other words, the hydrophobic mesh 246 prevents or resists passage of moisture downstream of the filter element 220.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is formed of a polymeric, woven mesh with an optional surface coating.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is a polymeric mesh fabric.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is a woven fabric.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 may be woven in a variety of weave patterns, such as a satin weave, sateen weave, dobby weave, and bi-directional weave.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is a non-woven fabric.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is formed of a textile, such as cotton, wool, and nylon, and treated with a hydrophobic surface treatment.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is formed of a polymeric thread (e.g., high-density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, nylon, polyester, etc.) and woven into a fabric.
• the polymeric thread may be a monofilament thread.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is formed of a woven stainless steel mesh having a hydrophobic coating, such as a Polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., PTFE, TeflonTM) coating.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is a screen, such as an extruded screen or an extruded mesh.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 may be formed by perforating a material to form a desired pore structure.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is formed by perforating a material and then expanding (e.g., stretching) that material to form a desired pore size.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 covers the entirety of the second end 242.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 may be coupled to the sealing member 244.
• the filter element 220 includes a support structure 248 (in the form of a grid in FIG. 3) that extends across the second end 242 and is interposed between the hydrophobic mesh 246 and the media pack 226.
• the support structure 248 may be formed of plastic, metal, wood, a polymer, or a similar material.
• the support structure 248 is formed of thin structures extending perpendicularly relative to one another, forming a lattice structure (e.g., an open framework formed of strips of material in a crisscross pattern).
• the support structure 248 is formed of thin structures extending radially away from the central longitudinal axis 224 and toward the perimeter of the endcap 245.
• the support structure 248 defines a broken rib pattern so that lateral movement of fluid between the broken rib pattern is allowed.
• the thin structures that define the support structure 248 may include apertures that allow fluid to pass through laterally (e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 224).
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to the support structure 248.
• the support structure 248 is configured to allow fluids, air, and debris to pass through.
• the first end 240 includes a support structure 250 (also in the form of a grid in particular embodiments) similar to the support structure 248.
• the first end 240 further includes the first endcap 245 similar to the second endcap 249.
• the support structure 250 may be coupled to the first end 240 with fasteners, adhesives, or the like.
• a hydrophobic mesh e.g., the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to both the first end 240 and the second end 242.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to the first end 240 and not coupled to the second end 242.
• the system 100 includes a secondary filter element that is downstream from the filter element 220.
• the secondary filter element may include the hydrophobic mesh 246 on one of or both of a dirty side and a clean side.
• the system 100 includes a tertiary filter element that is positioned upstream of the filter element 220.
• the tertiary filter element may include the hydrophobic mesh 246 on one of or both of a dirty side and a clean side.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is wrapped circumferentially about the media pack 226 and is potted into the first endcap 245 and the second endcap 249.
• FIG. 5 a top view of the second end 242 of the filter element 220 is shown.
• the filter element 220 is shown having a substantially racetrack cross-section.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 defines a substantially racetrack surface area.
• a perimeter of the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to the sealing member 244.
• Interposed between the hydrophobic mesh 246 and the media pack 226 is the support structure 248.
• the support structure 248 includes a narrow support member that extends from a first point of the sealing member 244 to a second point of the sealing member 244.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 may be coupled to the support structure 248 and to a plurality of points 252 about the support structure 248. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to the media pack 226 and is not coupled to the sealing member 244.
• the hydrophobic mesh 246 is interposed between the media pack 226 and the support structure 248 and the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to the media pack 226. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to the shell 227 proximate to the second end 242. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is separate from the filter element 220 and is positioned downstream of the filter element 220 when the filter element 220 is positioned within the shell housing 200. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to the shell housing 200 downstream of the filter element 220.
• the cross-sectional shape of the media pack 226 is different from the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 244.
• the media pack 226 may define a cross-section having a racetrack shape while the sealing member 244 defines a cross-section having an elliptical shape (as shown in FIG. 3).
• the media pack 226 may define a cross-section having an obround shape while the sealing member 244 may define a cross-section having a racetrack shape.
• Each of the sealing member 244, the endcap 245, the shell 227, the media pack 226, the hydrophobic mesh 246, and the endcap 249 may define different cross-sectional shapes.
• the second cavity 212 defines different cross-sectional shapes between the second cavity inlet 214 and the second cavity outlet 216.
• the filter element 220 may define different cross-sectional shapes between the first end 240 and the second end 242.
• the filter assembly 300 includes a housing 400 (e.g., shell, etc.) that includes a housing body 402 and a service cover 404.
• the housing body 402 defines an interior volume 406 sized to receive a replaceable air filter element 500 therein.
• the housing body 402 also defines an inlet port 408 and an outlet port 410 that are fluidly coupled to the interior volume 406 for directing air flow into and out of the interior volume 406, respectively.
• the inlet port 408 and the outlet port 410 are both disposed on an upper end of the housing body 402 and are axially offset from one another.
• the service cover 404 is movable with respect to the housing body 402 so as to provide access to the interior volume 406.
• the service cover 404 is hingedly (e.g., rotatably) coupled to the housing body 402 and can rotate between an open position (in which a user may access the interior volume 406 through an opening in the housing body 402) and a closed position that prevents access to the interior volume 406.
• the service cover 404 is removably (e.g., detachably) coupled to the housing body 402 and can be separated from the housing body 402 to gain access to the interior volume 406.
• the service cover 404 may be secured to the housing body 402 in a closed (e.g., installed) position using clips, latches, or another suitable fastener.
• the filter element 500 is removably installed into the housing body 402 proximate to the outlet port 410.
• the filter element 500 is sealingly engaged with the housing body 402 proximate to the outlet port 410.
• the filter element 500 includes a media pack 502, a first (e.g., upper) endcap 504, and a second (e.g., lower) endcap 506.
• the first endcap 504 is coupled to the media pack 502 at an upper end of the media pack 502.
• the second endcap 506 is coupled to the media pack 502 at a lower end of the media pack 502 (e.g., at an opposite axial end of the media pack 502 as the first endcap 504).
• the first endcap 504 and the second endcap 506 may be frames that support the media pack 502 and ensure sealing between the filter element 500 and the housing body 402.
• the first endcap 504 and the second endcap 506 may be formed from plastic (e.g., hard polyurethane, etc.), metal, or another suitable material.
• the media pack 502 may include any fibrous or porous media used to remove solid particulates from an incoming air stream.
• the media may include a paper-based filter media, a fiber-based filter media, a foam-based filter media, or the like.
• the media pack 502 includes a pleated filter media.
• the media pack 502 may be defined by a plurality of interdigitated tetrahedral forms extending from an upstream and a downstream end of the media pack 502. Examples of tetrahedral forms are described in detail in International Patent Publication No.
• the media pack 502 may comprise another form of pleated media or pleated media shape.
• the service cover 404 is coupled to an opening at a lower end of the housing body 402, opposite from the upper end. Together, the housing body 402 and the service cover 404 substantially enclose the interior volume 406. As shown in FIG. 7, the service cover 404 defines a protrusion extending from an interior surface of the service cover 404 into the interior volume 406.
• the protrusion includes a ramp 412 that extends along a sidewall of the protrusion toward the interior surface of the service cover 404.
• the ramp 412 may be a fillet (e.g., chamfer) along a lower edge of the protrusion.
• the radius of the fillet may be approximately equal to the height of the protrusion. In other embodiments, the radius of the fillet may be different.
• the ramp 412 facilitates the transition of air flow from a substantially axial direction (e.g., vertical direction as shown in FIG. 7) from the inlet port 408 into the interior volume 406 to a horizontal direction across the interior volume 406 between the inlet port 408 and the outlet port 410. In some embodiments, the ramp 412 may reduce the pressure loss across the filter assembly by approximately 8% or greater.
• the service cover 404 also includes a plurality of support members extending upwardly from the interior surface of the service cover 404 toward the filter element 500. When the service cover 404 is installed onto the housing body 402, an upper end of each support member contacts a lower end of the filter element 500 to support the filter element in position within the housing 400 and to ensure that the filter element remains sealingly engaged with the housing body 402.
• a filter assembly 600 is shown, according to another example embodiment.
• the filter assembly 600 is similar to the filter assembly 300 of FIGS. 6 and 7.
• a difference between the filter assembly 600 and the filter assembly 300 is that the filter assembly 600 includes a water collection sump 714 that is integrated into the service cover 704.
• the service cover 704 is a two-part design in which the water collection sump 714 is a separate part that connects to a second cover part (e.g., a flat second cover part that connects to the housing body 702) to form the service cover 704.
• the water collection sump 714 is a separately accessible component from the service cover 704.
• the water collection sump 714 is integrally formed with the service cover 704 so that the water collection sump 714 is not separable from the service cover 704.
• the water collection sump 714 is coupled to the housing body 702 separate from the service cover 704.
• the water collection sump 714 includes a partition 716 (e.g., a sidewall, perimeter wall, etc.) that extends upwardly from the lower wall (e.g., interior surface) of the service cover 704 and is in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the lower wall.
• the partition 716 defines a recessed area 718 that is at least partially axially aligned with the inlet port when the service cover 704 is installed onto the housing body 702.
• the inlet port defines a central axis
• the recessed area 718 is intersected by the central axis when the service cover 704 is coupled to the housing body 702.
• the water collection sump 714 is located directly below the inlet port 708 and the duct (extending upwardly from the inlet port 708) such that incoming water from the inlet port 708 (and duct) can fall inside the water collection sump 714 and separate from the main air flow to reduce the overall water intrusion into the clean side of the filter assembly 600.
• the recessed area 718 is a substantially rectangular cavity. In other embodiments, the shape and/or size of the recessed area 718 may be different.
• the water collection sump 714 also includes a drain (e.g., port, opening, etc.) disposed along a lower wall of the recessed area 718 and configured to allow separated water to exit the interior volume 706.
• the drain may include a drain valve (e.g., a check valve, one way valve, solenoid valve, etc.) to selectively fluidly couple the interior volume to an environment surrounding the filter assembly 600.
• a portion 720 of the partition 716 separates the water collection sump 714 from an area of the service cover 704 that is axially aligned with the filter element 500. This portion 720 of the partition 716 may also define the ramp 712 as described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
• air entering the interior volume 706 from the inlet port 708 moves axially (e.g., vertically as shown in FIG. 8) downward toward the water collection sump 714 and then transitions to a lateral direction toward the filter element 500.
• Water is separated from the main air flow due to the higher inertia of water compared to the air (inertial separation). The separated water is collected inside the water collection sump 714.
• FIGS. 9-13 show examples of different structures that can be used for the service cover (e.g., the housing closure 202; the service cover 404, 704) and housing body (e.g., the shell housing 200; the housing body 402, 702).
• FIGS. 9 and 10 show a housing body 902 that has an inlet duct 922 extending from the inlet port 908 and axially toward the service cover 904.
• the inlet duct 922 is disposed within the interior volume 706 of the housing body 902 and directs incoming air axially toward the water collection sump 914 in the service cover 904 to improve separation of the water from the incoming air.
• the partition 916 is contoured to match the profile (e.g., shape) of the inlet duct 922. In other words, the partition 916 extends at least partially laterally (e.g., horizontally as shown in FIG.
• the water collection sump 914 includes a plurality of baffles 924 disposed within the recessed area.
• the baffles 924 extend away from a lower wall 926 of the service cover 904 in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the lower wall 926.
• the baffles 924 reduce sloshing of any separated water within the recessed area. Water accumulated within the recessed area flows over the partition 916 toward a drain (e.g., port, opening, etc.) disposed along a drain floor 928 of the service cover 904, beneath the filter element 500.
• a drain e.g., port, opening, etc.
• the drain may include a drain valve (e.g., check valve, one way valve, solenoid valve, etc.) configured to allow water to be ejected from the interior volume 706.
• a drain may be disposed in the lower wall of the recessed area.
• the service cover 904 additionally includes a plurality of angled ribs 930 extending upwardly from the drain floor 928 to further reduce flow interaction between the air stream and the water along the drain floor 928.
• the arrangement of baffles 924 and ribs 930 may be different in various embodiments.
• FIG. 11 shows a housing configuration in which the housing body 1002 includes a bellmouth 1032 disposed at an outlet end of the inlet duct 1022.
• the bellmouth 1032 reduces the pressure loss across the transition between the inlet duct 1022 and the interior volume 706.
• the design of the inlet duct 1022 may be different.
• FIG. 12 shows a housing body 1102 having a diffuser-shaped inlet duct 1122 having an inner diameter at an outlet end of the inlet duct that is greater than an inner diameter at an inlet end of the inlet duct.
• the diameter of the inlet duct 1122 increases continuously from the inlet port 1108 toward the water collection sump 1114 to further reduce pressure loss across the inlet duct 1122 and filter assembly 300, 600.
• FIG. 13 shows a service cover 1204 in which the volume of the water collection sump 1214 is increased by extending the partition 1216 along a circumferential portion of the drain floor 1228 (e.g., along an outside edge of the drain floor in a region of the drain floor 1228, in a dead flow zones between the outer perimeter of the filter element and the sidewalls of the housing body where the main air flow is not affected by the presence of the partition 1216).
• a service cover 1204 in which the volume of the water collection sump 1214 is increased by extending the partition 1216 along a circumferential portion of the drain floor 1228 (e.g., along an outside edge of the drain floor in a region of the drain floor 1228, in a dead flow zones between the outer perimeter of the filter element and the sidewalls of the housing body where the main air flow is not affected by the presence of the partition 1216).
• FIG. 14 shows another example service cover 1304 that includes multiple drains (e.g., drain openings, ports, holes, etc.), including a first drain 1319 disposed in the water collection sump 1314, along a lower wall of the recessed area 1318, and a second drain 1321 disposed along a drain floor 1328 of the service cover 1304 outside of the water collection sump 1314.
• the first drain 1319 and the second drain 1321 are disposed at a central position along the recessed area 1318 and the drain floor 1328, respectively. In other embodiments, the position, size, and/or number of drains may be different.
• One or both of the first drain 1319 and the second drain 1321 may also include drain valves to control the draining of water from the filter assembly 300, 600.
• the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean +/- 10% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise.
• the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
• Coupled means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members.
• Coupled or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled)
• the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above.
• Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

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• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)
• Separating Particles In Gases By Inertia (AREA)
• Drying Of Gases (AREA)

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• 2021
  • 2021-10-05 JP JP2023520245A patent/JP2023544380A/ja active Pending
  • 2021-10-05 CN CN202180063975.7A patent/CN116234624A/zh active Pending
  • 2021-10-05 WO PCT/US2021/053576 patent/WO2022076416A1/en not_active Ceased

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