Air filter cartridges, air filters and filter configurations

Abstract

This disclosure provides an air filter cartridge, an air filter, and a filter configuration. The air filter cartridge extends along its length between a first end and a second end, the length direction relating to a predetermined airflow direction from the first end to the second end during use. The air filter cartridge includes filter material disposed between an outer boundary surface and an inner boundary surface. The air filter cartridge has an internal open space surrounded by the inner boundary surface and the filter material, and has an opening at one end of the open space and is closed at the other end. The average distance between the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface at the second end is greater than the average distance between the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface at the first end. The average distance between the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface is the average of all distances between the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface at selected locations along the length of the air filter cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the length direction. This disclosure allows for more efficient use of the filter material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air filter cartridge, an air filter, and a filter configuration suitable for removing contaminants from an airflow. Background Technology

[0002] In many industrial applications, it is necessary to remove contaminants in the form of molecules, gases, vapors, or particles from airflows in order to provide clean air to industrial facilities and workspaces, or to remove contaminants from air leaving such locations. Contaminant removal is typically achieved by passing airflow through a filter that incorporates filter media with properties selected according to the required contaminant characteristics. Such a filter may contain multiple tubular filter units attached to a vertical wall, wherein these filter units comprise double-walled tubes containing filter media. Document US7708795B2 illustrates an example of such an air filter. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this disclosure is to provide an air filter cartridge that achieves efficient utilization of filter material and increases its service life.

[0004] Therefore, according to this disclosure, an air filter cartridge is provided that extends along a length direction between a first end and a second end, the length direction being related to a predetermined airflow direction from the first end to the second end during use. The air filter cartridge includes filter material disposed between an outer boundary surface and an inner boundary surface, and has an internal open space surrounded by the inner boundary surface and the filter material, and has an opening at one end of the open space and is closed at the other end of the open space.

[0005] The average distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces at the second end of the cartridge is greater than the average distance between the inner and outer boundaries at the first end of the cartridge. The terms "first end" and "second end" refer to locations at or near the outermost portion, preferably within 10% of the total length of the air filter cartridge closest to the first and second ends, respectively. Therefore, the maximum average distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces is preferably located at the outermost portion of the second end of the air filter cartridge, and similarly, the minimum distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces is preferably located at the outermost portion of the first end of the air filter cartridge. It is also possible to consider that the distance between the boundary surfaces varies at one or both of the outermost portions of the first and second ends of the air filter cartridge, such that the distance decreases beyond the maximum distance between the boundary surfaces and / or increases beyond the minimum distance.

[0006] The average distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces is the average of all distances between the inner and outer boundary surfaces at any selected location along the length of the air filter cartridge in a direction perpendicular to its length. By making the distance between the boundary surfaces at the second end of the cartridge larger than at the first end, the thickness of the filter material disposed between the boundary surfaces can be greater at the second end, which allows for improved filtration efficiency.

[0007] The average distance between the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface may be suitably and continuously varied along the length direction between the first and second ends of the air filter cartridge, or alternatively, this average distance may be gradually varied along the length direction between the first and second ends; or a combination thereof.

[0008] The inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface may suitably have the same cross-sectional shape at each cross-section along the length direction, the cross-section being perpendicular to the length direction.

[0009] Advantageously, at least one of the outer boundary surface and the inner boundary surface may have the shape of a cone, a pyramid, or a truncated pyramid, or may include a number of continuous segments having the shape of a cone, a pyramid, or a truncated pyramid, or the shape of a cylinder or a parallelepiped.

[0010] The outer boundary surface may preferably define a conical or pyramidal shape or a truncated cone, and preferably has an inclination angle of 1° to 10° relative to the longitudinal central axis of the air filter cartridge, and the inner boundary surface may preferably define a conical or pyramidal shape or a truncated cone, and preferably has an inclination angle of 1° to 10° relative to the longitudinal central axis of the air filter cartridge.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, both the outer boundary surface and the inner boundary surface define a conical shape, a pyramidal shape, or a truncated pyramid, and the inner boundary surface tapers further towards the second end than the outer boundary surface. The average distance between the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface at the second end may be at least 10% greater than the average distance between the inner boundary and the outer boundary at the first end.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment, both the outer boundary surface and the inner boundary surface define a conical shape, a pyramidal shape, or a truncated pyramid, and the outer boundary surface of the inner boundary surface tapers less towards the first end. The average distance between the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface at the second end may be at least 10% greater than the average distance between the inner boundary and the outer boundary at the first end.

[0013] The inner and outer boundary surfaces may be suitably constructed of breathable structures, preferably made of mesh or grid material, and suitably of plastic or metal.

[0014] The filter material may suitably be the matrix of an air filter medium, which is preferably in the form of particles, spheres or pellets, and is preferably an adsorbent material for removing gaseous or vaporous pollutants.

[0015] The maximum diameter of the outer boundary surface can be suitably 80 mm to 200 mm, more preferably 130 mm to 160 mm, and the length of the air filter box from the first end to the second end is preferably 150 mm to 800 mm, more preferably 230 mm to 650 mm.

[0016] This disclosure also relates to an air filter comprising a base plate and one or more air filter cartridges as described above, wherein the base plate has one or more openings and one or more air filter cartridges are mounted to the base plate such that the opening of each air filter cartridge corresponds to an opening in the base plate. The air filter may suitably comprise a plurality of air filter cartridges arranged adjacent to each other in rows, preferably in 3 to 6 rows, wherein each row preferably contains 3 to 6 air filter cartridges.

[0017] This disclosure also relates to a filter configuration including one or more air filters as described above, wherein these air filters are mounted such that air filter cartridges extend in a substantially horizontal direction. The filter configuration may further include a filter housing with openings to accommodate a base plate for receiving one or more air filters, wherein the filter configuration is arranged within the filter housing such that the air filter cartridges are located within the housing. Additional openings are provided in the housing on a side opposite to the openings in the base plate for receiving the filters, allowing airflow through the filters when mounted in the housing. Doors may be provided to make the filters and air filter cartridges accessible and removable or replaceable as needed.

[0018] This disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of this disclosure by way of illustration only. Changes and modifications can be made within the scope of this disclosure by those skilled in the art through understanding the guidance in the detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above-mentioned objectives, as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of this disclosure, will be more fully understood by taking into account the accompanying drawings and by the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air filter cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2a and Figure 2b They are along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of lines AA and BB;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air filter cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4a and Figure 4b They are along Figure 3 A schematic diagram of lines CC and DD;

[0024] Figure 5 It is based on Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a variant air filter cartridge of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the figure.

[0025] Figure 6a and Figure 6b They are along Figure 5 A schematic diagram of lines AA and BB;

[0026] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a variant air filter cartridge of the second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the figure.

[0027] Figure 8a and Figure 8b They are along Figure 7 A schematic diagram of lines CC and DD;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the air filter cartridge according to the first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a filter including an air filter cartridge according to the first embodiment;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a filter configuration including filters according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Therefore, according to this disclosure, an air filter cartridge is provided that extends along a length direction between a first end and a second end, the length direction being related to a predetermined airflow direction from the first end to the second end during use.

[0032] The air filter cartridge includes filter material disposed between an outer boundary surface and an inner boundary surface. Therefore, a tubular filter material volume is formed between the outer and inner boundary surfaces, and this filter material volume is preferably closed at its end sections at a first and a second end of the air filter cartridge by means of a cap. An internal open space is surrounded by the inner boundary surface and the filter material and has an opening disposed at one end of the open space and is closed at the other end of the open space. Therefore, the air filter cartridge can be described as having an open end at the opening of the internal open space and closed ends at opposite ends in the longitudinal direction. The closed end of the internal open space can be sealed by an end cap. The end cap sealing the closed end of the internal open space can be configured to seal the end of the air filter cartridge, such that it also closes the end portion of the filter material volume.

[0033] In use, the air filter cartridge is advantageously installed within the filter, such that airflow through the air filter cartridge is forced through the filter material due to the closed ends of the internal open space and, optionally, the closed ends of the filter material volume. This can be achieved by mounting the air filter cartridge to a base plate or wall that prevents airflow from bypassing the air filter cartridge. A mounting plate can be attached to the open end of the air filter cartridge, and may include a sealing gasket if necessary. The air filter cartridge is preferably releasably mounted to the base plate of the filter by, for example, an attachment configuration that may be in the form of a protruding element configured to match a corresponding receiving opening on the base plate.

[0034] In a first embodiment of this disclosure, the air to be filtered is intended to flow in a direction from the opening of the internal open space toward the closed end of the air filter cartridge and out through the filter material.

[0035] In a second embodiment of this disclosure, the air to be filtered is intended to flow in the direction of exiting from the closed end of the air filter cartridge and through the filter material toward the opening of the internal open space.

[0036] As will be described in more detail below, an air filter configuration is provided in which a plurality of air filter cartridges are attachable to a base plate having airflow openings corresponding to openings at one end of an open space inside the air filter cartridges. The base plate will allow airflow only through the openings. The air filter cartridges will extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate and will be arranged in a row adjacent to each other. The air filter configuration will be open at opposite ends and there will be some free space between adjacent air filter cartridges.

[0037] The average distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces at the second end of the air filter cartridge is greater than the average distance between the inner and outer boundaries at the first end of the air filter cartridge. The average distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces is the average of all distances between them at a specific location along the length of the air filter cartridge in the radial direction perpendicular to its length. This means that the distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces can be the same everywhere around the circumference if both have the same cross-sectional shape, for example, circular or elliptical; or if the boundary surfaces have the same cross-sectional shape and form corners with different cross-sectional shapes from each other, etc. The cross-sectional shapes of the inner and outer boundary surfaces can vary along the outer boundary surface, and the cross-sectional shape of the inner boundary surface can differ from the cross-sectional shape of the outer boundary surface at certain cross-sectional locations along the length of the air filter cartridge. Therefore, the distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces is expressed as the average distance between the outer and inner boundary surfaces. In the following text, for simplicity, the term "distance" will be used to refer to "average distance" unless otherwise indicated.

[0038] The distance between the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface decreases from the first end to the second end of the air filter cartridge, that is, the distance increases in a given airflow direction, so that the filter material has a greater thickness at the air outlet end of the air filter cartridge.

[0039] Therefore, the distance between the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary indicates the space available between the inner and outer boundary surfaces of the filter material to be disposed in the air filter cartridge, and thus corresponds to the thickness of the filter material at a specific cross-section of the air filter cartridge. By providing a greater distance between the boundary surfaces at the second end of the cartridge than at the first end, the thickness of the filter material disposed between the boundary surfaces can be greater at the second end than at the first end.

[0040] Increasing the thickness of the filter media typically increases the pressure drop and reduces the air velocity through the filter media, thus increasing the contact time between the air and the filter media. This mitigates uneven air velocity across the filter media, which can often be a problem in air filter cartridges with a cylindrical outer surface. Therefore, by increasing the filter media thickness at the air outlet, the air filter cartridge can be sized to allow for a more uniform contact time with the filter media throughout the cartridge. This results in a more even consumption of the filter media's filtration capacity within the air filter cartridge, leading to more efficient use of the filter media. This increases the effective lifespan of the air filter cartridge, or allows for the use of less filter media due to a longer lifespan.

[0041] The maximum diameter of the outer boundary surface can suitably range from 50 mm to 200 mm, preferably from 130 mm to 160 mm. The maximum diameter refers to the diameter of the air filter cartridge at its maximum point. In cases where the outer boundary surface has a varying diameter along its circumference, the average maximum diameter will replace the mentioned maximum diameter. The average diameter of the outer boundary surface is the average of all diameters in a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the air filter cartridge. The minimum diameter of the outer boundary surface (i.e., the minimum diameter of the air filter cartridge) can suitably be from 40 mm to 150 mm. The length of the air filter cartridge from the first end to the second end is preferably from 150 mm to 800 mm, more preferably from 230 mm to 650 mm.

[0042] The inner and outer boundary surfaces may suitably include breathable structures, preferably made of mesh or grid material, suitably made of plastic materials such as PP or metals such as aluminum or steel. In cases using filter media with extremely fine particles, woven or non-woven linings may be used to prevent filter media from falling out.

[0043] The distance between the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface changes continuously between the first end and the second end along the length of the air filter cartridge; or changes gradually between the first end and the second end along the length of the air filter cartridge; or a combination thereof.

[0044] The cross-sectional shape of the volume formed between the outer and inner boundary surfaces depends on the cross-sectional shapes of the inner and outer boundary surfaces at a specific cross-section. The inner and outer boundary surfaces can have any cross-sectional shape and are preferably symmetrical about at least one plane, such as circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal shapes. The inner boundary surface can preferably have the same cross-sectional shape as the outer boundary surface at each cross-section along its length. In this way, the distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces will be substantially the same as the actual distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces at every radial position around the circumference of both surfaces, resulting in uniform thickness of the filter material along a predetermined section of the length of the air filter cartridge in the radial direction, and thus uniform airflow through the filter material in the radial direction.

[0045] The filter material may suitably be a matrix of an air filter medium, preferably in the form of particles, spheres, or pellets having a size of 1 mm to 6 mm (particles), 1 mm to 6 mm (pellets), or 1 mm to 6 mm (sphere diameter). The air filter medium is preferably an adsorbent material for removing gaseous or vaporous contaminants, such as activated carbon or activated alumina. The filter material may also be a particulate filter material. The air filter cartridge may include filter media ranging from 0.6 cubic decimeters to 6 cubic decimeters.

[0046] The filter material can be a sintered body of particles, spheres, or pellets, and if so, the air-permeable structure mentioned above is not required because the filter material will be self-supporting.

[0047] The inner and outer boundary surfaces can suitably have the same cross-sectional shape at each cross-section along the length direction, which can facilitate the manufacture and assembly of the air filter cartridge.

[0048] At least one of the outer and inner boundary surfaces may preferably have a conical, pyramidal, or truncated pyramidal shape, thereby facilitating a larger distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces at the second end of the air filter cartridge. Alternatively, the inner and outer boundary surfaces may comprise a plurality of consecutive segments, which may have a conical, pyramidal, or truncated pyramidal shape, or a cylindrical or parallelepiped shape, wherein all segments may have conical / pyramidal segments, or one or more cylindrical or parallelepiped segments may be combined with one or more conical / pyramidal segments.

[0049] The outer boundary surface may advantageously have a shape that tapers towards the closed ends of the air filter cartridge, i.e., the air outlet end in the first embodiment and the air inlet end in the second embodiment. The tapered outer surface of the cartridge provides increased space for air passage on the outside of the air filter cartridge, which can further reduce the pressure drop across the filter material. The tapered outer boundary shape may be adapted to be obtained by providing the outer boundary surface in a conical, pyramidal, or truncated cone shape. An inclination angle of 1° to 10° relative to the longitudinal central axis of the air filter cartridge is suitable for obtaining optimal pressure drop reduction. The inner boundary surface may preferably define a conical, pyramidal, or truncated cone shape to allow the filter material thickness to vary along the length of the air filter cartridge, thereby providing a more uniform contact time throughout the air filter cartridge. The inclination angle relative to the longitudinal central axis of the air filter cartridge may preferably be 1° to 10°.

[0050] In the first embodiment, both the inner and outer boundary surfaces preferably define a conical, pyramidal, or truncated cone shape, and in this case, the inner boundary surface tapers more towards the second end (air outlet end) than the outer boundary surface. Therefore, the thickness of the filter material disposed between the inner and outer boundary surfaces is greater at the air outlet end than at the air inlet end. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the air inlet end is the open end of the air filter cartridge. The distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces at the second end (air outlet end) is preferably at least 10% greater than the distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces at the first end (air inlet end) to achieve a uniform contact time between the airflow and the filter material, regardless of where a particular portion of the airflow passes along the length of the air filter cartridge. In this embodiment, the distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces at the air outlet end can be up to three times greater than the distance at the air inlet end.

[0051] In the second embodiment, both the inner and outer boundary surfaces preferably define a conical, pyramidal, or truncated cone shape, and in this case, the inner boundary surface tapers less towards the first end (air inlet end) than the outer boundary surface. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the air inlet end is the closed end of the air filter cartridge. Therefore, in this embodiment, the thickness of the filter material disposed between the inner and outer boundary surfaces is greater at the air outlet end than at the air inlet end. The distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces at the second end (air outlet end) is preferably at least 10% greater than the distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces at the first end (air inlet end) to obtain a uniform contact time between the airflow and the filter material, regardless of where a particular portion of the airflow passes along the length of the air filter cartridge. In this embodiment, the distance between the inner and outer boundary surfaces at the air inlet end can be up to three times greater than the distance at the air outlet end.

[0052] As mentioned above, this disclosure also relates to an air filter comprising a base plate and one or more air filter cartridges. The base plate may be made of plastic or metal and has one or more openings. One or more air filter cartridges are mounted to the base plate such that the opening of each air filter cartridge corresponds to an opening in the base plate. The air filter may suitably comprise a plurality of air filter cartridges arranged adjacent to each other in rows, preferably arranged in 3 to 6 rows, each row preferably containing 3 to 6 air filter cartridges. For example, the air filter may comprise 16 air filter cartridges arranged in a 4x4 configuration and may have a size of approximately 600x600 mm. The base plate is preferably designed to fit into an opening in the filter configuration. The air filter cartridges are preferably releasably attached to the base plate such that the base plate can be recycled when the absorbent material is depleted.

[0053] This disclosure also relates to a filter configuration comprising one or more air filters as described above, wherein the air filters are mounted such that air filter cartridges extend in a substantially horizontal direction and are preferably positioned in columns and rows to cover the cross-sectional area of ​​any ventilation duct. The filter configuration may also include a filter housing with openings adapted to receive a base plate of one or more air filters, wherein the filter configuration is arranged within the filter housing such that the air filter cartridges are located within the housing.

[0054] This disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of this disclosure by way of illustration only. Changes and modifications can be made within the scope of this disclosure by those skilled in the art through understanding the guidance in the detailed description.

[0055] Exemplary embodiments

[0056] This disclosure will now be set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. However, this disclosure may be implemented in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2a and Figure 2b They are along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of lines AA and BB. In this embodiment, the air filter cartridge 10 extends along the length direction L between the first end 17 and the second end 18, wherein the predetermined airflow direction during use is from the first end to the second end, as shown by... Figure 1 As indicated by the white arrow in the diagram. Therefore, air flows through the air filter cartridge in the direction of exiting from the open end through the opening 19 of the internal open space 15 and through the filter material 12. The filter material 12 is disposed between the outer boundary surface 13 and the inner boundary surface 14, and the internal open space 15 is surrounded by the inner boundary surface and the filter material. The opening 19 is located at one end 11 of the internal open space, and the internal open space is closed at its other end 16. The end of the air filter cartridge can be sealed by end caps (not shown) covering both the end of the internal open space and the end portion of the filter material. In this variation of the first embodiment, both the inner and outer boundary surfaces have the shape of a truncated pyramid 41 with a square base, and the cross-sectional shape is the same throughout the length of the air filter cartridge. As shown, the distance D2 between the inner boundary surface 14 and the outer boundary surface 13 at the second (air outlet) end 18 of the air filter cartridge is greater than the distance D1 between the inner and outer boundaries at the first (air inlet) end 17, and the inner boundary surface 14 tapers further towards the second end 18 than the outer boundary surface 13.

[0058] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4a and Figure 4b They are along Figure 3 A schematic diagram of lines CC and DD. In this embodiment, the air filter cartridge 20 extends along the length direction L between the first end 27 and the second end 28, wherein the predetermined airflow direction during use is from the first end to the second end, as shown by... Figure 3 As indicated by the white arrow in the diagram. Therefore, air flows through the air filter cartridge in the direction of passing through the filter material 22 at the self-sealing end and exiting through the opening 29 of the internal open space 25. The filter material 22 is disposed between the outer boundary surface 23 and the inner boundary surface 24, and the internal open space 25 is surrounded by the inner boundary surface and the filter material. The opening 29 is located at one end 21 of the internal open space, and the internal open space is closed at its other end 26. The end of the air filter cartridge can be sealed by an end cap (not shown) covering both the end of the internal open space and the end portion of the filter material. In this variation of the second embodiment, both the inner and outer boundary surfaces have the shape of a truncated cone 42, and the cross-sectional shape is the same throughout the length of the air filter cartridge. As shown, the distance D between the inner boundary surface 24 and the outer boundary surface 23 at the second (air outlet) end 28 of the air filter cartridge... 20 The distance D between the inner and outer boundaries at the first (air inlet) end 27 is greater than the distance D between the inner and outer boundaries. 10 Furthermore, the inner boundary surface 24 tapers less toward the first end 27 than the outer boundary surface 23.

[0059] exist Figures 1 to 4a , Figure 4b In the variations of the first and second embodiments shown, the distances D2 and D3 between the inner boundary surfaces 14 and 24 and the outer boundary surfaces 13 and 23 are... 20 The shape of the air filter cartridge changes continuously along its length (L) between the first ends 17, 27 and the second ends 18, 28, such that the inner and outer boundary surfaces have a conical or pyramidal shape. Figures 5 to 8a , Figure 8b In the variations of the first and second embodiments shown, the distances D2 and D3 between the inner boundary surfaces 14 and 24 and the outer boundary surfaces 13 and 23 are... 20 Along the length direction (L) of the air filter cartridge, the shape gradually changes between the first end 17, 27 and the second end 18, 28, such that the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface include both segments with a conical or pyramidal shape and segments with a cylindrical shape.

[0060] Figure 6a and Figure 6b They are along Figure 5A schematic diagram of lines AA and BB; Figure 5 It is based on Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the first embodiment of the present disclosure shown herein, and Figure 6a and Figure 6b They are along Figure 5 A schematic diagram of lines AA and BB. In this embodiment, the air filter cartridge 10 extends along the length direction L between the first end 17 and the second end 18, wherein the predetermined airflow direction during use is from the first end to the second end, as shown by... Figure 5 As indicated by the white arrow in the diagram. Therefore, air flows through the air filter cartridge in a direction from the open end through the opening 19 of the internal open space 15 and out through the filter material 12. The filter material 12 is disposed between the outer boundary surface 13 and the inner boundary surface 14, and the internal open space 15 is surrounded by the inner boundary surface and the filter material. The opening 19 is located at one end 11 of the internal open space, and the internal open space is closed at its other end 16. The end of the air filter cartridge may be sealed by an end cap (not shown) covering the end of the internal open space and the end portion of the filter material. In this variation of the first embodiment, the inner boundary surface has the same cross-sectional shape as the outer boundary surface along the length of the air filter cartridge, and both boundary surfaces include three segments along the length of the air filter cartridge: a first segment 43a having a truncated cone shape; a second segment 43b having a cylindrical shape; and a third segment 43c having a truncated cone shape. As shown, the distance D2 between the inner boundary surface 14 and the outer boundary surface 13 at the second (air outlet) end 18 of the air filter cartridge is greater than the distance D1 between the inner boundary and the outer boundary at the first (air inlet) end 17, and the inner boundary surface 14 tapers more towards the second end 18 than the outer boundary surface 13.

[0061] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 3 The schematic cross-sectional view of a variant air filter cartridge of the second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in the figure, and Figure 8a and Figure 8b They are along Figure 3 A schematic diagram of lines CC and DD. In this embodiment, the air filter cartridge 20 extends along the length direction L between the first end 27 and the second end 28, wherein the predetermined airflow direction during use is from the first end to the second end, as shown by... Figure 7As indicated by the white arrow in the diagram. Therefore, air flows through the air filter cartridge in the direction of passing through the filter material 22 at the self-sealing end and exiting through the opening 29 of the internal open space 25. The filter material 22 is disposed between the outer boundary surface 23 and the inner boundary surface 24, and the internal open space 25 is surrounded by the inner boundary surface and the filter material. The opening 29 is located at one end 21 of the internal open space, and the internal open space is closed at its other end 26. The end of the air filter cartridge may be sealed by an end cap (not shown) covering the end of the internal open space and the end portion of the filter material. In this variation of the first embodiment, the inner boundary surface has the same cross-sectional shape as the outer boundary surface along the length of the air filter cartridge, and both boundary surfaces include three segments along the length of the air filter cartridge: a first segment 44a having the shape of a rectangular truncated pyramid; a second segment 44b having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped; and a third segment 44c having the shape of a rectangular truncated pyramid. As shown, the distance D between the inner boundary surface 24 and the outer boundary surface 23 at the second (air outlet) end 28 of the air filter cartridge is... 20 The distance D between the inner and outer boundaries at the first (air inlet) end 27 is greater than the distance D between the inner and outer boundaries. 10 Furthermore, the inner boundary surface 24 tapers less toward the first end 27 than the outer boundary surface 23.

[0062] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of an air filter cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein air is intended to flow from the opening 19 at the inlet end 17 toward the closed end 18. In this example, the inner boundary surface and the outer boundary surface have a circular cross-sectional shape along the entire length of the air filter cartridge. The outer boundary surface 13 and the inner boundary surface 14 are made of a grid material, which may be made of plastic or metal. Of course, the air filter cartridge of the second embodiment ( Figure 3 (Illustrated in the image) It may also have an inner boundary surface and an outer boundary surface made of a grid material with this appearance. Figure 9 This demonstrates how an end section of the air filter cartridge, at its open end, is closed and sealed by means of an end cap 33, between the outer boundary surface 13 and the inner boundary surface 14. The end cap 33 includes an attachment member 35 for releasably attaching the air filter cartridge to a base plate 31. The end cap 34 seals the volume of the filter material and the internal open space at the closed end of the air filter cartridge.

[0063] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a filter 30, which includes a base plate 31 and a plurality of air filter cartridges 10 mounted to the base plate, such that an opening 19 of each air filter cartridge 10 corresponds to an opening 32 in the base plate. Figure 10 An air filter cartridge according to the first embodiment is shown, but an air filter cartridge of the second embodiment can be installed in the same manner, wherein the opening of the internal open space is aligned with the opening of the base plate.

[0064] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a filter configuration 33 according to the present disclosure, which includes a filter 30 comprising air filter cartridges 10 and 20. The air filter is mounted in the filter configuration such that the air filter cartridges extend in a substantially horizontal direction. The filter configuration includes a filter housing 36 having an opening 37 adapted to receive a base plate 31 of the filter on its inner side and to be attached on its outer side to a vent duct for delivering air into the housing. Furthermore, the filter is configured within the filter housing such that the air filter cartridges 10 and 20 are located inside the housing. The housing has other openings (not shown) on opposite sides allowing filtered air to exit from the housing. A door 38 is provided to make the filter and air filter cartridges accessible and removable or replaceable as needed.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. They will further recognize that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, through a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed disclosure.

[0066] Symbol Explanation

[0067] 10: Air filter cartridge

[0068] 11: One end

[0069] 12: Filter material

[0070] 13: Outer boundary surface

[0071] 14: Inner boundary surface

[0072] 15: Internal open space

[0073] 16: The other end

[0074] 17: First end / First (air inlet) end / Inlet end

[0075] 18: Second end / Second (air outlet) end / Closed end

[0076] 19: Opening

[0077] 20: Air filter cartridge

[0078] 21: One end

[0079] 22: Filter material

[0080] 23: Outer boundary surface

[0081] 24: Inner boundary surface

[0082] 25: Internal Open Space

[0083] 26: The other end

[0084] 27: First end / First (air inlet) end

[0085] 28: Second end / Second (air outlet) end

[0086] 29: Opening

[0087] 30: Filter / Air Filter

[0088] 31: Base Plate

[0089] 32: Opening

[0090] 33: End Cap / Filter Configuration

[0091] 34: Hat

[0092] 35: Attachment components

[0093] 36: Filter housing

[0094] 37: Opening

[0095] 38: Door

[0096] 41: Square-bottomed truncated pyramid

[0097] 42: Conical truncated cone

[0098] 43a: First section

[0099] 43b: Second section

[0100] 43c: Third section

[0101] 44a: First section

[0102] 44b: Second section

[0103] 44c: Third segment

[0104] AA: Line

[0105] BB: Line

[0106] CC: Line

[0107] DD: line

[0108] D1: Distance / Average Distance

[0109] D2: Distance / Average Distance

[0110] D 10 Distance / Average Distance

[0111] D 20 Distance / Average Distance

[0112] L: Length direction

Claims

1. An air filter cartridge (10) extending in a lengthwise direction (L) between a first end (17) and a second end (18), the lengthwise direction being associated with an intended air flow direction from the first end to the second end during use, the air filter cartridge comprising a filter material (12) disposed between an outer boundary surface (13) and an inner boundary surface (14), the air filter cartridge having an interior open space (15) surrounded by the inner boundary surface and the filter material, and the air filter cartridge having an opening (19) configured at one end (11) of the open space and being closed at the other end (16) of the open space, and wherein, The filter material is the matrix of an air filter medium, which is disposed between the air-permeable structures forming the outer boundary surface and the inner boundary surface, or the filter material is a sintered body of particles, spheres, or pellets; and wherein the average distance (D2) between the inner boundary surface (14) and the outer boundary surface (13) at the second end (18) is greater than the average distance (D1) between the inner boundary and the outer boundary at the first end (17), and the average distance between the inner boundary surface (14) and the outer boundary surface (13) is the distance between the inner boundary surface (14) and the outer boundary surface (13) at a selected position along the length of the air filter cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the length direction. The average of all distances between the outer boundary surfaces (13), characterized in that at least one of the outer boundary surfaces (13) and the inner boundary surfaces (14) has a cone, a pyramid, or a truncated pyramid shape, or at least one of the outer boundary surfaces and the inner boundary surfaces comprises a plurality of consecutive segments having a cone, a pyramid, or a truncated pyramid shape or having a cylinder or a parallelepiped shape, wherein both the outer boundary surfaces (13) and the inner boundary surfaces (14) define a cone shape, a pyramid shape, or a truncated pyramid, and the inner boundary surface (14) tapers more toward the second end (18) than the outer boundary surface (13).

2. The air filter cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The average distance (D2) between the inner boundary surface (14) and the outer boundary surface (13) changes continuously between the first end (17) and the second end (18) along the length direction (L) of the air filter cartridge; or changes gradually between the first end (17) and the second end (18) along the length direction (L) of the air filter cartridge. Or a combination thereof.

3. The air filter cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner boundary surface (14) and the outer boundary surface (13) have the same cross-sectional shape at each cross-section along the length direction.

4. The air filter cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer boundary surface (13) defines a conical or pyramidal shape or a truncated cone, and the outer boundary surface has an inclination angle of 1° to 10° relative to the longitudinal central axis of the air filter cartridge.

5. The air filter cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner boundary surface (14) defines a conical or pyramidal shape or a truncated cone, and the inner boundary surface has an inclination angle of 1° to 10° relative to the longitudinal central axis of the air filter cartridge.

6. The air filter cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The average distance (D2) between the inner boundary surface (14) and the outer boundary surface (13) at the second end (18) is at least 10% greater than the average distance (D1) between the inner boundary and the outer boundary at the first end (17).

7. The air filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The inner boundary surface (14) and the outer boundary surface (13) include breathable structures made of mesh or grid material, suitably made of plastic or metal.

8. The air filter cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The air filter medium, whose matrix is ​​the filter material, is an adsorbent material used to remove gaseous or vaporous pollutants.

9. The air filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The maximum diameter of the outer boundary surface (13) is 50 mm to 200 mm; and the length of the air filter box from the first end to the second end is 150 mm to 800 mm, and the volume between the outer boundary surface and the inner boundary surface is 0.6 cubic decimeters to 6 cubic decimeters.

10. An air filter (30), characterized in that, The air filter includes a base plate (31) and one or more air filter cartridges (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base plate has one or more openings (32) and one or more of the air filter cartridges are mounted to the base plate such that the opening (19) of each air filter cartridge (10) corresponds to the opening (32) of the base plate.

11. The air filter according to claim 10, characterized in that, The air filter includes multiple air filter cartridges arranged in a row adjacent to each other.

12. A filter configuration (33), characterized in that, The filter configuration includes one or more air filters according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the air filters are installed such that the air filter cartridges extend in a horizontal or vertical direction.

13. The filter configuration according to claim 12, characterized in that, The filter configuration also includes a filter housing (36) having an opening (37) adapted to receive the base plate (31) of one or more of the air filters, wherein the filter configuration is arranged in the filter housing such that the air filter cartridges (10) are located within the housing.

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