A hydrogen filter

Abstract

This utility model discloses a hydrogen filter, relating to the technical field of hydrogen filter technology. It includes a filter cover, a filter canister, and a filter element. The filter cover and filter canister are integrally formed by stainless steel investment casting, and are connected by a threaded structure to jointly form a filter cavity. The filter element is disposed within the filter cavity. The filter cover has an air inlet communicating with the inner cavity of the filter element and an air outlet communicating with the filter cavity. The filter canister has a drain channel communicating with the filter cavity. A first leak-proof sealing ring and a dirt-proof sealing ring are also provided between the filter cover and the filter canister, with the first leak-proof sealing ring and the dirt-proof sealing ring located on opposite sides of the threaded structure. The first leak-proof sealing ring seals the filter cavity, and the dirt-proof sealing ring seals the threaded structure. This utility model optimizes the structure of the hydrogen filter, improving its overall performance and enhancing its safety and reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen filter technology, and specifically to a hydrogen filter. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen, as a future emerging green energy source, is prone to premature combustion and hydrogen embrittlement due to its small molecular weight and strong escape ability. Therefore, it is necessary to use a special hydrogen filter to filter hydrogen. The housing of the hydrogen filter, as the main protective component of the hydrogen filter, needs to have high strength, good corrosion resistance, resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, and precise dimensional accuracy to ensure the stable and safe operation of the hydrogen filter.

[0003] The housings (including filter covers and filter canisters) of existing hydrogen filters are usually welded together. Welded housings have many drawbacks and risks for hydrogen filter applications: the risk of hydrogen embrittlement and leakage is increased. Hydrogen molecules are small and highly permeable, making them easy to escape through the weld seams and diffuse into the metal, leading to embrittlement and leakage. Furthermore, metallurgical defects, microstructural changes, residual stress, and unavoidable geometric discontinuities introduced during the welding process are amplified in the high-purity, high-pressure hydrogen environment, which may lead to catastrophic failure (brittle fracture of the housing, hydrogen leakage, and explosion), posing significant safety hazards.

[0004] Meanwhile, in order to facilitate filter replacement and after-sales maintenance, the filter cover and filter canister of the hydrogen filter housing are usually connected by threads. However, due to long-term exposure to harsh environments, existing hydrogen filters are prone to the accumulation of oil and impurities at the threads, causing the threads to be damaged and seized. Therefore, it is impossible to disassemble and replace the filter element. Moreover, after the threads are damaged, the locking force decreases, gaps appear in the seal, and there is a risk of leakage in the hydrogen filter. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects in the existing technology, the present invention aims to provide a hydrogen filter with optimized structure, which improves the overall performance of the hydrogen filter and enhances its safety and reliability.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A hydrogen filter includes a filter cover, a filter canister, and a filter element. The filter cover and the filter canister are integrally formed by stainless steel investment casting and are connected by a threaded structure to form a filter cavity. The filter element is disposed within the filter cavity. The filter cover has an air inlet communicating with the inner cavity of the filter element and an air outlet communicating with the filter cavity. The filter canister has a drain channel communicating with the filter cavity. A first leak-proof sealing ring and a dirt-proof sealing ring are also provided between the filter cover and the filter canister, with the first leak-proof sealing ring and the dirt-proof sealing ring located on opposite sides of the threaded structure. The first leak-proof sealing ring is used to seal the filter cavity, and the dirt-proof sealing ring is used to seal the threaded structure.

[0008] The threaded structure includes a first thread and a second thread. The filter cover has a mounting groove. The first thread is disposed on the inner side wall of the mounting groove, and the second thread is disposed on the outer side wall of the filter canister. The first leak-proof sealing ring is disposed between the top wall of the mounting groove and the top of the filter canister, and the anti-fouling sealing ring is disposed between the inner side wall of the mounting groove and the outer side wall of the filter canister.

[0009] The filter canister has an annular limiting baffle protruding from its outer side wall. The limiting baffle is used to axially limit the filter cover and the anti-fouling sealing ring.

[0010] The filter element includes a filter element body, an upper end cap disposed at the upper end of the filter element body, and a lower end cap disposed at the lower end of the filter element body. The upper end cap includes a pressing connection part, a sealing connection part, and a central hole penetrating the pressing connection part and the sealing connection part. The pressing connection part is connected to the filter element body, and the central hole is connected to the inner cavity of the filter element body. The filter cover and the filter canister together form a pressing groove, and the pressing connection part is pressed into the pressing groove. The filter cover has a mounting cavity communicating with the mounting groove and the air inlet. The sealing connection part is located in the mounting cavity, and a second leak-proof sealing ring is provided between the sealing connection part and the cavity wall of the mounting cavity. An air inlet guide pipe is also provided on the sealing connection part, and the air inlet guide pipe communicates with the air inlet and the central hole.

[0011] The sealing connection part is also fitted with a sealing gasket, which is pressed between the filter cover and the pressing connection part.

[0012] A positioning structure is provided between the upper end cover and the filter cover.

[0013] The positioning structure includes a positioning platform disposed on the pressing connection part and a positioning groove disposed on the filter cover.

[0014] An elastic support structure is provided between the lower end cover and the filter tank.

[0015] The elastic support structure includes multiple elastic support claws disposed on the lower end cover. All the elastic support claws are arranged in a circular array on the outer side wall of the lower end cover with the axis of the lower end cover as the central axis, and all the elastic support claws abut against the inner side wall of the filter tank.

[0016] The filter cover is equipped with a lifting structure; the lower end of the filter canister is equipped with a hexagonal screw head, the sewage discharge channel passes through the hexagonal screw head and is sealed with a sewage discharge plug inside the sewage discharge channel.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] The hydrogen filter provided by this utility model features a filter cover and filter canister integrally formed by stainless steel investment casting. This not only effectively improves the strength, safety, and reliability of the filter cover and canister, but also enables mass production, increasing production efficiency. Furthermore, it allows for a lightweight design, reducing unnecessary material usage, lowering costs, and enhancing product competitiveness. The detachable threaded connection between the filter cover and canister facilitates filter element replacement and maintenance, improving the sealing performance of the hydrogen filter. The addition of a dirt-resistant sealing ring between the filter cover and canister effectively prevents damage to the threaded structure from oil and dust, further enhancing the safety and reliability of the hydrogen filter. In summary, this utility model's hydrogen filter, through structural optimization, improves the overall performance of the hydrogen filter and enhances its safety and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hydrogen filter of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An explosion diagram;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle filter cover;

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Filter cover; 11. Air inlet; 12. Air outlet; 13. Mounting groove; 14. Positioning groove; 15. Lifting screw hole; 2. Filter canister; 21. Limiting stop; 22. Hexagonal screw head; 3. Filter element; 31. Filter element body; 32. Upper end cover; 321. Pressing connection; 322. Sealing connection; 323. Center hole; 324. Air inlet guide pipe; 325. Positioning platform; 33. Lower end cover; 331. Elastic support claw; 4. Filter chamber; 5. First leak-proof sealing ring; 6. Anti-fouling sealing ring; 7. Second leak-proof sealing ring; 8. Sealing gasket; 9. Drain plug; 10. Third leak-proof sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a hydrogen filter is disclosed, including a filter cover 1, a filter canister 2, and a filter element 3. The filter cover 1 and the filter canister 2 are integrally formed by stainless steel investment casting, and the two are connected by a threaded structure to form a filter cavity 4. The filter element 3 is disposed in the filter cavity 4. The filter cover 1 has an air inlet 11 that communicates with the inner cavity of the filter element 3 and an air outlet 12 that communicates with the filter cavity 4. The filter canister 2 has a sewage discharge channel that communicates with the filter cavity 4. A first leak-proof sealing ring 5 and a dirt-proof sealing ring 6 are also provided between the filter cover 1 and the filter canister 2. The first leak-proof sealing ring 5 and the dirt-proof sealing ring 6 are located on both sides of the threaded structure. The first leak-proof sealing ring 5 is used to seal the filter cavity 4, and the dirt-proof sealing ring 6 is used to seal the threaded structure.

[0026] In this embodiment, the hydrogen filter's filter cover 1 and filter canister 2 are integrally formed by stainless steel investment casting. This not only effectively improves the strength of the filter cover 1 and filter canister 2, enhancing their safety and reliability, but also enables mass production of the filter cover 1 and filter canister 2, improving production efficiency. Furthermore, it allows for a lightweight design of the filter cover 1 and filter canister 2, reducing unnecessary material usage, lowering costs, and enhancing product competitiveness. Connecting the filter cover 1 and filter canister 2 with a detachable threaded connection facilitates the replacement and maintenance of the filter element 3, improving the sealing performance of the hydrogen filter. Adding a dirt-resistant sealing ring 6 between the filter cover 1 and filter canister 2 effectively prevents damage to the threaded structure from oil and dust, further enhancing the safety and reliability of the hydrogen filter.

[0027] Specifically, the threaded structure includes a first thread and a second thread. The filter cover 1 has a mounting groove 13. The first thread is disposed on the inner side wall of the mounting groove 13, and the second thread is disposed on the outer side wall of the filter canister 2. The first leak-proof sealing ring 5 is disposed between the top wall of the mounting groove 13 and the top of the filter canister 2, and the anti-fouling sealing ring 6 is disposed between the inner side wall of the mounting groove 13 and the outer side wall of the filter canister 2.

[0028] Preferably, the top of the filter canister 2 is provided with a first sealing groove, the first leak-proof sealing ring 5 is disposed in the first sealing groove, the filter cover 1 and the filter canister 2 together form a dirt-proof sealing groove, and the dirt-proof sealing ring 6 is disposed in the dirt-proof sealing groove.

[0029] To prevent the filter cover 1 from being over-connected to the filter canister 2, and to prevent the anti-fouling sealing ring 6 from falling off and being lost, this embodiment provides an annular limiting baffle 21 protruding from the outer wall of the filter canister 2. The limiting baffle 21 is used to axially limit the filter cover 1 and the anti-fouling sealing ring 6.

[0030] The filter element 3 in this embodiment includes a filter element body 31, an upper end cap 32 disposed at the upper end of the filter element body 31, and a lower end cap 33 disposed at the lower end of the filter element body 31. The upper end cap 32 includes a pressing connection part 321, a sealing connection part 322, and a central hole 323 penetrating the pressing connection part 321 and the sealing connection part 322. The pressing connection part 321 is connected to the filter element body 31, and the central hole 323 is connected to the inner cavity of the filter element body 31. The filter cover 1 and the filter canister 2 together form a pressing groove, and the edge of the pressing connection part 321 is pressed into the pressing groove. The filter cover 1 has an installation cavity that connects the installation groove 13 and the air inlet 11. The sealing connection part 322 is located in the installation cavity, and a second leak-proof sealing ring 7 is provided between the sealing connection part 322 and the cavity wall of the installation cavity. An air inlet guide pipe 324 is also provided on the sealing connection part 322, and the air inlet guide pipe 324 connects the air inlet 11 and the central hole 323.

[0031] In this embodiment, the filter element 3 adopts an internal-inlet and external-outlet air intake method. This method applies gas pressure to the interior of the filter element body 31, "expanding" it and pressing it against the external support. This puts the filter element body 31 in a favorable pressure state, protecting the filter medium, preventing the filter element body 31 from collapsing, and improving its structural strength and stability. Simultaneously, the internal-inlet and external-outlet air intake method increases the effective filtration area of ​​the filter material. Due to the larger effective filtration area, the gas velocity per unit area is relatively low. Structurally, it avoids the additional resistance that might arise from the narrow channels inside the filter element 3. Therefore, under the same flow rate and filter element 3 specifications, the internal-inlet and external-outlet air intake method typically has a lower initial pressure drop, reducing the overall system energy consumption, extending the service life of the filter element 3, and improving the overall system reliability and efficiency.

[0032] By incorporating the inlet guide pipe 324, the distribution of hydrogen gas is improved. The inlet guide pipe 324 guides the hydrogen gas to rotate or diffuse evenly before entering the filter element body 31, making the hydrogen gas more evenly distributed on the windward surface of the entire filter element body 31. In this way, the filter material in all areas of the filter element body 31 can be fully utilized, and particulate matter is more evenly captured throughout the depth of the filter material, rather than concentrated near the air inlet 11. This significantly improves the overall filtration efficiency and dust holding capacity of the hydrogen filter. At the same time, the uniform airflow distribution also reduces local high-speed zones and low-speed dead zones, allowing the hydrogen gas to pass through the filter material more smoothly, significantly reducing the initial pressure drop of the filter element 3 and extending the service life of the filter element 3. Furthermore, the inlet guide pipe 324 can reduce the velocity and momentum of hydrogen gas directly impacting the filter material, acting as a buffer and reducing the risk of damage to the filter material at the air inlet 11 due to mechanical impact. This improves the mechanical strength and reliability of the filter element body 31. The inlet guide pipe 324 is particularly important for applications with fragile filter materials and hydrogen containing particles or oil and water.

[0033] To facilitate the installation of the second leak-proof sealing ring 7, a second sealing groove is provided on the sealing connection part 322 in this embodiment, and the second leak-proof sealing ring 7 is placed in the second sealing groove. The second leak-proof sealing ring 7 is used to seal the filter chamber 4 and the air inlet 11 to prevent air from leaking between them.

[0034] To further improve the sealing between the filter chamber 4 and the air inlet 11, a sealing gasket 8 is also fitted on the sealing connection 322 in this embodiment, and the sealing gasket 8 is pressed between the filter cover 1 and the pressing connection 321.

[0035] In this embodiment, a positioning structure is provided between the upper end cap 32 and the filter cover 1. The positioning structure enables rapid positioning and installation between the filter element 3 and the filter cover 1, greatly improving the installation accuracy and production efficiency, and shortening the production cycle.

[0036] Specifically, the positioning structure includes a positioning platform 325 disposed on the pressing connection part 321 and a positioning groove 14 disposed on the filter cover 1. Of course, other positioning structures in the prior art can also be used, and the selection should be made according to actual needs. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0037] In this embodiment, an elastic support structure is provided between the lower end cap 33 and the filter canister 2. The elastic support structure is an efficient, reliable, fast, and low-cost anti-loosening and shock-absorbing structure, which avoids the filter element 3 from shaking and breaking due to long-term vibration of the hydrogen filter, and improves the support strength and reliability of the filter element 3.

[0038] Specifically, the elastic support structure includes multiple elastic support claws 331 disposed on the lower end cover 33. All elastic support claws 331 are arranged in a circular array on the outer side wall of the lower end cover 33 with the axis of the lower end cover 33 as the central axis, and all elastic support claws 331 abut against the inner side wall of the filter tank 2. Preferably, the elastic support claws 331 are integrally formed with the lower end cover 33.

[0039] To facilitate installation, this embodiment includes a lifting structure on the filter cover 1. Specifically, the lifting structure includes multiple lifting screw holes 15.

[0040] To facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the filter cover 1 and the filter canister 2, this embodiment provides a hexagonal screw head 22 at the lower end of the filter canister 2. The sewage discharge channel passes through the hexagonal screw head 22 and is sealed with a sewage discharge plug 9 inside the sewage discharge channel.

[0041] Specifically, a third leak-proof sealing ring 10 is provided between the drain plug 9 and the side wall of the drain channel, and a third sealing groove is provided on the drain plug 9, with the third leak-proof sealing ring 10 located in the third sealing groove.

[0042] In this embodiment, the hydrogen filter is installed between the gas source and the application terminal. Hydrogen gas containing pollutants and impurities enters the inner cavity of the filter element 3 through the inlet 11 of the hydrogen filter. The pollutants and impurities in the hydrogen cannot pass through the filter element body 31 and are intercepted, remaining in the inner cavity of the filter element body 31. Small molecules of oil and water in the hydrogen pass through the filter element body 31 and are aggregated into large water droplets. Due to gravity, they fall into the filter canister 2 and are collected. When the oil and dirt reach a certain amount, the drain plug 9 can be manually unscrewed to discharge the oil. The filtered clean hydrogen gas flows out from the outer surface of the filter element body 31 and directly enters the filter cavity 4. Finally, it enters the application terminal through the outlet 12, completing the hydrogen filtration.

[0043] Because the filtered pollutants and impurities are collected in the inner cavity of the filter element body 31, while the filtered clean hydrogen flows directly into the filter chamber 4 from the outer surface of the filter element body 31, it does not flow through other areas where pollutants and impurities may accumulate. Therefore, the possibility of pollutants and impurities being carried away by the clean gas is greatly reduced. When the hydrogen filter is maintained in the later stage, the staff only needs to replace the entire filter element 3, without worrying about the residue of pollutants and impurities in the hydrogen filter, which greatly improves the convenience of filter element 3 maintenance.

[0044] The above describes a preferred embodiment of the hydrogen filter of this utility model in detail. There are many other embodiments, which will not be elaborated here. In summary, the hydrogen filter of this utility model, through optimized structure, improves the overall performance of the hydrogen filter, enhances its safety and reliability, and has good economic benefits and market prospects.

[0045] This utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Any modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above concept without creative effort shall fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A hydrogen filter, comprising a filter cover, a filter canister, and a filter element, characterized in that, The filter cover and the filter canister are integrally formed by stainless steel investment casting, and are connected by a threaded structure to form a filter cavity. The filter element is disposed in the filter cavity. The filter cover has an air inlet communicating with the inner cavity of the filter element and an air outlet communicating with the filter cavity. The filter canister has a sewage discharge channel communicating with the filter cavity. A first leak-proof sealing ring and a dirt-proof sealing ring are also provided between the filter cover and the filter canister. The first leak-proof sealing ring and the dirt-proof sealing ring are located on opposite sides of the threaded structure. The first leak-proof sealing ring is used to seal the filter cavity, and the dirt-proof sealing ring is used to seal the threaded structure.

2. The hydrogen gas filter according to claim 1, characterized by The threaded structure includes a first thread and a second thread. The filter cover has a mounting groove. The first thread is disposed on the inner side wall of the mounting groove, and the second thread is disposed on the outer side wall of the filter canister. The first leak-proof sealing ring is disposed between the top wall of the mounting groove and the top of the filter canister, and the anti-fouling sealing ring is disposed between the inner side wall of the mounting groove and the outer side wall of the filter canister.

3. The hydrogen filter according to claim 2, characterized in that, An annular limiting baffle protrudes from the outer wall of the filter tank, which is used to axially limit the filter cover and the anti-fouling sealing ring.

4. The hydrogen filter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter element includes a filter element body, an upper end cap disposed at the upper end of the filter element body, and a lower end cap disposed at the lower end of the filter element body; the upper end cap includes a pressing connection part, a sealing connection part, and a central hole penetrating the pressing connection part and the sealing connection part, the pressing connection part is connected to the filter element body, and the central hole is connected to the inner cavity of the filter element body; the filter cover and the filter canister together form a pressing groove, and the pressing connection part is pressed into the pressing groove; the filter cover has a mounting cavity communicating with the mounting groove and the air inlet, the sealing connection part is located in the mounting cavity, and a second leak-proof sealing ring is provided between the sealing connection part and the cavity wall of the mounting cavity; an air inlet guide pipe is also provided on the sealing connection part, and the air inlet guide pipe communicates with the air inlet and the central hole.

5. The hydrogen filter according to claim 4, characterized in that, A sealing gasket is also fitted onto the sealing connection part, and the sealing gasket is pressed between the filter cover and the pressing connection part.

6. The hydrogen filter according to claim 4, characterized in that, A positioning structure is provided between the upper end cap and the filter cap.

7. The hydrogen filter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning structure includes a positioning platform disposed on the pressing connection part and a positioning groove disposed on the filter cover.

8. The hydrogen filter according to claim 4, characterized in that, An elastic support structure is provided between the lower end cover and the filter tank.

9. The hydrogen filter according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic support structure includes a plurality of elastic support claws disposed on the lower end cover. All the elastic support claws are arranged in a circular array on the outer side wall of the lower end cover with the axis of the lower end cover as the central axis, and all the elastic support claws abut against the inner side wall of the filter canister.

10. The hydrogen filter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The filter cover is also equipped with a lifting structure; the lower end of the filter tank is also equipped with a hexagonal screw head, the sewage discharge channel passes through the hexagonal screw head and the sewage discharge channel is sealed with a sewage discharge plug.

Images