A combined relief valve and drain mechanism that requires an inserted element to allow draining in a coalescing system

Abstract

A coalescing system for coalescing a liquid phase dispersed in a gas phase, the system (2) comprising: (a) a chamber (4) having an inlet (50), a gas outlet (60) and a discharge outlet (70), wherein a gaseous phase (A) comprising a dispersed liquid phase (B) enters the chamber (4) through the inlet (50) and leaves the chamber (4) through the gas outlet (60); (b) a filter element (100) for insertion in the chamber (4), the filter element (100) comprising: (i) filter media (6) for coalescing the dispersed liquid phase (B) as the gaseous phase (A) flows through the filter media (6), and (ii) end plates (8, 10), namely an inlet end plate (10) and an outlet end plate (8), the end plates (8, 10) each having nozzles (38) with openings (36) allowing flow of the gaseous phase (A) and the dispersed liquid phase (B) therethrough, namely an inlet nozzle (38) and an outlet nozzle (38); and (c) a valve element biased to a closed position; wherein: the drain port (38), when the filter element (100) is inserted in the chamber (4), moves the valve element to an open position and allows flow of the coalesced liquid phase (B) through the drain outlet (70) of the chamber (4); and the filter element (100), when the filter media (6) become clogged and / or under overpressure conditions, allows flow of the gaseous phase (A) through the discharge port (38) and through the gas outlet (60), thereby bypassing the filter media (6).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The field of the invention relates to coalescing systems for coalescing a mixture of two phases, namely a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. More particularly, the field relates to coalescing systems for coalescing droplets of a dispersed phase, a liquid phase, in a continuous gas phase to collect and remove the dispersed phase from the continuous gas phase.

[0002] Coalescing systems are widely used to remove immiscible droplets from a gaseous or liquid continuous phase, such as crankcase ventilation (CV) filtration, fuel water separation (FWS), and oil water separation. For CV applications, an oil mist removal efficiency of nearly 100% is required to protect the turbocharger in closed crankcase ventilation applications and the surrounding environment in open crankcase ventilation applications. Increasingly high efficiency, low pressure drop, and longer service life are desired. To achieve this, coalescing systems should be protected from clogging, submicroscopic droplets must be removed, and oil must be efficiently drained from the system.

[0003] DE 102 32 046 A1 discloses a filter device comprising a filter element arranged in a filter housing, which is closed by a housing cover with a sealing ring. The medium to be cleaned can be supplied to the filter element via an inlet opening in the filter housing. On the downstream side of the filter element, the cleaned medium is discharged via an outlet opening in the filter housing.

[0004] JP 2002-242645 A discloses an oil separator with a fibrous absorbent. SUMMARY

[0005] Coalescer systems for coalescing a dispersed phase from a continuous phase are disclosed. The disclosed systems can be used to collect and remove a liquid dispersed phase from a continuous gas phase. The disclosed systems include a filter element that coalesces the liquid dispersed phase and, when installed in the system, contacts a drain valve and moves it to an open or "set" position to allow draining of the coalesced liquid phase. When the filter element is removed from the system, the drain valve moves to a closed position, preventing the coalesced liquid phase from being drained from the system and into the environment.In the disclosed systems, the filter element and the drain valve are further configured so that under overpressure conditions, for example, when the filter media of the filter element is clogged and overpressure develops in the system, the continuous gas phase and the dispersed liquid phase can bypass the filter media of the filter element via the overpressure in the system, which moves the drain valve to the bypass position. In particular, the disclosed coalescer systems can be used in a CV system to remove oil mist from gas in the CV system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a prior art coalescer system with an inlet end (top) and a discharge end (bottom). Fig. Figure 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge end of the prior art coalescer system as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a coalescer system as contemplated herein having an inlet end and an opposite end acting as a discharge end. Fig. Figure 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge end of the coalescer system as shown in Fig. 3 under bypass conditions (A) and under non-bypass conditions with open drain (B). Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a two-dimensional cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a discharge end of a coalescer system as contemplated herein. Fig. 6 shows another view of the discharge end of the coalescer system, as in Fig. 5 shown. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a two-dimensional cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a discharge end of a coalescer system as contemplated herein. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an inlet end of a coalescer system as contemplated herein. Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a two-dimensional view of an embodiment of a filter element as contemplated herein with horizontal symmetry. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a two-dimensional cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a coalescer system as contemplated herein. Fig. Figure 11 is an enlarged two-dimensional cross-sectional view of the inlet end of the coalescer system of Fig. 10. Fig. Figure 12 is an enlarged two-dimensional cross-sectional view of the discharge end of the coalescer system of Fig. 10. Fig. 13 represents air flow under bypass conditions through the discharge outlet of the filter element of the coalescer system of Fig. 10. Fig. 14 provides indulgence through the coalescer system of Fig. 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] Coalescing systems for coalescing a dispersed phase from a continuous phase are disclosed. In particular, the disclosed systems can be used to collect and remove a liquid dispersed phase from a continuous gas phase. The disclosed systems include a filter element capable of coalescing a liquid dispersed phase, which, when installed in the system, contacts a drain valve and moves it to an open or set position to permit draining of the coalesced liquid phase. Thus, the term "open" is used herein to refer to a configuration of the system by which the filter element is deployed and has moved the drain valve to an open position to permit draining of the coalesced liquid phase.When the filter element is removed from the system, the drain valve moves to a closed position, preventing the coalesced liquid phase from draining from the system and allowing system maintenance without leaking coalesced liquid phase (e.g., oil) into the environment. In the disclosed systems, the filter element and drain valve are further configured so that under overpressure conditions, for example, when the filter media of the filter element is clogged, the continuous gas phase and the dispersed liquid phase can bypass the filter media of the filter element via the overpressure, which moves the drain valve to the bypass position. The continuous gas phase and the dispersed liquid phase can then exit the filter element through a drain outlet, flow around the exterior of the filter element, and through a gas outlet.Thus, the term “bypass” is used here to refer to flow of the continuous phase through a drain outlet of the filter element and not through the filter media.

[0007] Referring now to the figures, Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art coalescer system 2 having an inlet end and a discharge end (in Fig. 2 enlarged). The system includes an inlet end 50, a gas outlet 60 and a discharge outlet 70. Furthermore, the system 2 includes a chamber 4 and a filter or coalescing element 100 (see also Fig. 9 and Fig. 10) containing media 6 and an inlet end plate 10 and a discharge end plate 8. The system 2 further includes a valve having a poppet or ball 12 biased to a closed position by a mechanism such as a spring 14. When the filter element 100 is inserted into the system 2, a projection 8a of the discharge end plate 8 contacts the poppet or ball 12 and moves the poppet or ball 12 to an open discharge position. In the system 2, a gaseous phase A (e.g., air and / or another gas) containing a dispersed liquid phase B (e.g., hydrocarbon liquid (such as oil mist) and / or water) enters the inlet end 50. The gaseous phase A flows through the filter media 6 and leaves the system laterally through the gas outlet 60. The dispersed liquid phase B coalesces in the filter media 6 and flows vertically through the system.Arrows show the flow of gas A through the system, with the gas containing dispersed liquid B, such as oil (. Fig. 1). The dispersed liquid B coalesces in the media and drains from the system, also indicated by arrows. When the filter element 100 is inserted into the system 2 and the disc or ball 12 is in an open position, the coalesced liquid B is drained from the drain outlet 70.

[0008] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a coalescer system 2 as considered here, with an inlet end and a discharge end (in Fig. 4 enlarged). The system includes an inlet end 50, a gas outlet 60 and a discharge outlet 70. Furthermore, the system 2 includes a chamber 4 and a filter or coalescing element 100 (see also Fig. 9 and Fig. 10) containing media 6 and an inlet end plate 10 and a drain end plate 8. The system 2 further includes a valve having a poppet or ball 12 biased to a closed position by a mechanism such as a spring 14. When the filter element 100 is inserted into the system 2, a drain port 38 on the drain end plate 8 contacts the poppet or ball 12 and moves the poppet or ball 12 to an open drain position. In the system 2, a gaseous phase A (e.g., air and / or another gas) containing a dispersed liquid phase B (e.g., hydrocarbon liquid (such as oil mist) and / or water) enters the inlet end 50. The gaseous phase A flows through the filter media 6 and exits the system laterally through the gas outlet 60.The dispersed liquid phase B coalesces in the filter media 6 and drains vertically through the system as shown by the arrows. Arrows also show the flow of gas A through the system, with the gas containing dispersed liquid B, such as oil (. Fig. 3). When the filter element 100 is inserted into the system 2 and the disc or ball 12 is in an open position, the coalesced liquid B is drained from the drain outlet 70 ( Fig. 3A and Fig. 4A). Under bypass conditions ( Fig. 3B and Fig. 4B), for example, when the filter media 6 becomes clogged, gas A and dispersed liquid B flow through an opening 36 into the drain port 38. Air pressure pushes the poppet or ball 12 downward against the biasing spring 14, creating an exit gap through which gas A and dispersed liquid B can flow out of the filter element 100. Gas A and dispersed liquid B flow along the outside of the filter media 6 and through the gas outlet 60. Thus, the valve element acts as a relief valve for the flow of gas A and dispersed liquid B under overpressure conditions. Coalesced liquid B can also flow around the poppet or ball 12 and through the drain outlet 70.

[0009] Fig. Figure 5 shows a two-dimensional cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a discharge end of a coalescer system 2 as contemplated herein. The arrows in Fig. 5 show bypass flow through the system. The discharge end has a valve element that includes a poppet 12 biased to a closed position by a spring 14. The poppet 12 retains the spring 14 via a retaining ring 12a. As shown, the spring 14 fits around the outside of the retaining ring 12a. However, in other embodiments, the spring 14 may fit around the inside of the retaining ring 12a ( Fig. 10- Fig. 14). The poppet may be molded and includes a sealing element 18 on its upper surface, such as an over-molded silicone or plastic ring. Optionally, the poppet includes a media cap on a top surface (for example, a 1-2 mm media cap (not shown)). Furthermore, the valve element includes a sealing / retaining ring 20 that seals against the poppet 12 and holds the poppet 12 and spring 14 in position within the valve element. The discharge end plate 8 has a discharge port 38 with an opening 36 through which gas A and dispersed liquid B can flow under overpressure (i.e., bypass) conditions, for example, when the filter media 6 is clogged and does not allow sufficient gas flow therethrough.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the presentation in Fig. 5, when the filter element 100 is inserted into the chamber 4 of the system 2, the drain port 38 engages the poppet 12 and moves the poppet 12 into an open drain position. The system typically includes only a single drain (i.e., a center drain outlet 70 that is dependent upon the insertion of the filter element 100 for draining), however, the system may optionally include a center drain outlet 70 and a side drain (e.g., a side drain that is not dependent upon an inserted filter element 100 for draining). When the filter element 100 is not inserted into the chamber 4 of the system 2, the poppet 12 moves into a closed position, and the sealing element 18 contacts a bottom surface 20a of the sealing / retaining ring 20, preventing fluid flow through the drain port 38.Optionally, the filter element 100 may have an identical discharge end plate 8 and inlet end plate 10 and may be mounted in any orientation (i.e., either the end at the discharge end or the inlet end of the system (. Fig. 9)). The outlet nozzle 38 of the outlet end plate 8 (and / or the inlet nozzle 38 of the inlet end plate 10) may have an O-ring 22 around an outer surface (e.g., a neck of the nozzle) for sealing against an opening in the chamber 4.

[0011] As in Fig. 5, under overpressure conditions (i.e., bypass conditions), for example, when the filter media 6 becomes clogged, the gas A and dispersed liquid B flow through an opening 36 in the vent port 38. Air pressure pushes the poppet or ball 12 downward against the biasing spring 14, creating an exit gap through which gas A and dispersed liquid B can flow out of the filter element 100. Gas A and dispersed liquid B flow along the outside of the filter media 6 and through the gas outlet 60. Thus, the valve element acts as a relief valve for the flow of gas A and dispersed liquid B under overpressure conditions. Coalesced liquid B can also flow around the poppet or ball 12 and through the vent outlet 70.System 2 is configured such that filter element 100 contacts the valve element and moves the valve element to a predetermined position to create the desired valve opening or set pressure for the system. For example, in . Fig. 5, the system 2 is configured such that the filter element 100 moves the poppet 12 of the valve element to a predetermined position to produce the desired valve opening or set pressure for the system based on compression of the spring 14.

[0012] Fig. Figure 6 shows another view of the discharge end of the coalescer system of Fig. 5. The arrows show the fluid B draining through the system when the filter element 100 is installed (i.e., normal drain without bypass flow). The fluid B flows over a top surface 20b of the valve element retaining ring 20, around an edge of the poppet 12, and through the drain outlet 70. When the filter element 100 is removed, the poppet 12 moves to a closed position, and the sealing element 18 contacts a bottom surface 20a of the retaining ring 20, preventing fluid B from flowing through the system. Optionally, the filter element 100 may include drain holes at the end of the drain end plate (for example, at the end of a drain nozzle located at the end of the drain end plate) that allow a flow of coalesced liquid phase therethrough (see Fig. 13).

[0013] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a two-dimensional cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a discharge end of a coalescer system 2 as contemplated herein. The system 2 includes a central chamber portion 4a and a discharge chamber portion 4b sealed to the central chamber portion 4a by an O-ring 28. The discharge chamber portion 4b includes a valve element including a poppet 12 biased to a closed position by a spring 14. The poppet 12 and spring 14 are retained by a retaining ring 12a provided on the discharge chamber portion 4b. A sealing ring 220 is positioned on top of the retaining ring 20. The discharge end plate 8 includes a discharge port 38 having an opening 36 through which gas A and dispersed liquid media 6 can flow when the filter media 6 becomes clogged and does not allow sufficient gas flow therethrough.

[0014] As in Fig. 7, when the filter element 100 is inserted into the central chamber section 4a of the system 2, the drain port 38 contacts the poppet 12 and moves the poppet 12 to an open drain position. When the filter element 100 is not inserted into the central chamber section 4a of the system 2, the poppet 12 moves to a closed position, and the sealing element 18 contacts a bottom surface 220a of the sealing ring 220 and prevents fluid flow through the system. Optionally, the filter element 100 may have an identical drain end plate 8 and inlet end plate 10 (not shown) and may be installed in any orientation (i.e., with one end at the drain end or inlet end of the system (see Fig. 9)). The outlet nozzle 38 of the outlet end plate 8 (and / or the inlet nozzle 38 of the inlet end plate 10) may have a sealing collar 26 around the edge of its end 42 for axial sealing against the plate 12 and / or for radial sealing against a sealing ring 120 in the inlet chamber section 4c ( Fig. 8).

[0015] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an inlet end of a coalescer system as contemplated herein. The system 2 includes a central chamber portion 4a and an inlet chamber portion 4c sealed to the central chamber portion 4a by an O-ring 30. The inlet end plate 10 of Fig. 8 is connected to the discharge end plate 8 of Fig. 7. Gas A, containing dispersed liquid B, flows through the inlet entrance 50 in the inlet chamber section 4c and through the opening 36 in the inlet end plate 10. In this position, the sealing collar 26 seals radially 34 against an inner wall of a sealing ring 120 of the inlet entrance 50. The sealing collar 26 is overmolded and acts to seal the inlet port of the filter element 100 against the inlet chamber section 4c and to seal the outlet port of the filter element 100 against the outlet chamber section 4b. (See Fig. 7).

[0016] Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a two-dimensional view of one embodiment of a filter element 100, as contemplated herein, having horizontal symmetry. The outlet end plate 8 is identical to the inlet end plate 10 so that the filter element 100 can be used in any orientation in the coalescing systems contemplated herein. An inlet / outlet port 38 is shown having an opening 36. An O-ring 22 is positioned around the neck of the inlet / outlet port 38 to contact a sealing surface in a chamber for receiving the filter element. Preferably, the sealing surface is chamfered ( Fig. 11- Fig. 14).

[0017] Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a two-dimensional cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a coalescer system 2 as considered herein. A filter element 100 is shown inserted into a filter chamber having a central chamber portion 4a, a discharge chamber portion 4b, and an inlet chamber portion 4c. Fig. Figure 11 shows an enlarged two-dimensional cross-sectional view of the inlet end of the coalescer system of Fig. 10. The inlet chamber section 4c includes a retaining ring 120 with a beveled surface 120a for contacting an O-ring 22 positioned on the neck of an inlet port 38 of an inlet end plate 10 of a filter element 100. The beveled surface 120a of the retaining ring 120 axially secures the filter element to prevent vibration damage during use. The beveled surface 120a also ensures that the O-ring 22 is always compressed. Air and oil enter the system through the opening 36 in the inlet port 38.

[0018] Fig. Figure 12 is an enlarged two-dimensional cross-sectional view of the discharge end of the coalescer system of Fig. 10. The discharge end includes a valve element positioned in the discharge chamber section 4b. The valve element includes a poppet 12 biased to a closed position by a spring 14. The poppet 12 includes a retaining ring 12a for the spring 14, with the spring 14 fitting around the inside of the retaining ring 12a. The system 2 further includes a filter element 100 with media 6, a discharge end plate 8, and an inlet end plate 10 (not shown). The discharge end plate 8 includes a discharge port 38 with an opening 36 through which gas A and dispersed liquid B can flow under overpressure conditions (i.e., bypass conditions) when the filter media 6 is, for example, clogged and does not allow sufficient gas flow therethrough.

[0019] According to the presentation in Fig. 12, the system 2 further includes a retaining ring 20 for the poppet 12 and the spring 14 positioned in the discharge chamber section 4b. A sealing ring 220 is positioned on top of the retaining ring 20. The sealing ring 220 has a chamfered surface 220a for contacting an O-ring 22 positioned on the radially outer surface of the discharge port 38 (i.e., around the neck of the discharge port 38) of the discharge end plate 8 of the filter element 100. The contact point 110 of the chamfered surface 220a and the O-ring 22 provides a seal. The chamfered surface 220a of the sealing ring 220 axially secures the filter element 100 to prevent vibration damage during use. The beveled surface 220a further ensures that the O-ring 22 is always compressed.When the filter element 100 is inserted into chamber 4 of system 2, the drain port 38 contacts the disc 12 and moves the disc 12 to an open drain position. When the filter element 100 is not inserted into chamber 4 of system 2, the disc 12 moves to a closed position, and a top surface of the disc contacts a bottom surface 220b of the sealing ring 220, preventing fluid flow through the drain port 38.

[0020] Fig. 13 represents air flow under bypass conditions through the discharge outlet of the filter element 100 of the coalescer system of Fig. 10. As in Fig. 13, under overpressure conditions (i.e., bypass conditions), when the filter media 6 is, for example, clogged and does not allow sufficient gas flow therethrough, the gas A and the dispersed liquid B flow through the discharge port 38, push the plate 12 into a more open position, and flow below the lower end of the discharge port 38. Then, the gas A and the dispersed liquid B flow through an opening 220c in the sealing ring 220 to fill a gap 80 between the discharge end plate 8 and the inner surface of the central chamber portion 4a and to the gas outlet 60 (see Fig. 10), as shown by the arrows. Thus, the valve element functions as a relief valve for the flow of gas A and dispersed liquid B under overpressure conditions. In addition, coalesced liquid B can also flow around the poppet 12 and through the drain outlet 70. The system 2 is configured such that the filter element 100 contacts the valve element (for example, via the nozzle 38 of the filter element 100 contacting the poppet 12 of the valve element) and moves the valve element to a predetermined position to create the desired valve opening or set pressure for the system. For example, in Fig. 13, the system 2 is configured such that the filter element 100 moves the poppet 12 of the valve element to a predetermined position to produce the desired valve opening or response pressure for the system (for example, based on compression of the spring 14 of the valve element).

[0021] Fig. 14 represents discharge through the discharge end of the coalescer system of Fig. 10. When the filter element 100 is inserted into the system 2 and the disc or ball 12 is in an open position, coalesced liquid B is discharged from the discharge outlet 70. Arrows show the flow of the dispersed liquid B, such as oil, through the system. As in Fig.14, a dispersed liquid phase B (e.g., hydrocarbon liquid (such as oil mist) and / or water) coalesces in the filter media 6 and drains vertically through the system (e.g., along the outside of the filter media 6 through a gap 80 between the filter media 6 and the inner surface of the central chamber section 4a). The coalesced liquid flows along the top of the sealing ring 220 and through a hole 220c in the sealing ring 220. Then, the coalesced liquid B flows onto the surface of the poppet or ball 12 and through a gap 90 between the poppet or ball 12 and the retaining ring 20.A drain hole 38a is provided along the bottom of the drain port 38 to prevent coalesced liquid B from accumulating on top of the plate or ball 12 (i.e., to provide an exit through which coalesced liquid flows along the inner surface of the filter media 6 and through the outlet 36).

[0022] The coalescer systems disclosed herein may be adapted for use in coalescer systems and methods disclosed in the prior art. (See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,416,657; 7,326,266; 7,297,279; 7,235,177; 7,198,718; 6,907,997; 6,811,693; 6,740,358; 6,730,236; 6,605,224; 6,517,615; 6,422,396; 6,419,721; 6,332,987; 6,302,932; 6,149,408; 6,083,380; 6,056,128; 5,874,008; 5,861,087; 5,800,597; 5,762,810; 5,750,024; 5,656,173; 5,643,431; 5,616,244; 5,575,896; 5,565,078; 5,500,132; 5,480,547; 5,480,547; 5,468,385; 5,454,945; 5,454,937; 5,439,588; 5,417,848; 5,401,404; 5,242,604; 5,174,907; 5,156,745; 5,112,498; 5,080,802; 5,068,035; 5,037,454; 5,006,260; 4,888,117; 4,790,947; 4,759,782; 4,667,647; 4,643,834; 4,640,781; 4,304,671; 4,251,369; 4,213,863; 4,199,447; 4,083,778; 4,078,965; 4,052,316; 4,039,441; 3,960,719; 3,951,814 and published U.S. application Nos.2007-0289915; 2007-0107399; 2007-0062887; 2007-0062886 and 2007-0039865; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0023] In the above description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are intended to be inferred from such terms beyond the requirement of the prior art, since such terms are used for illustrative purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The various configurations, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other configurations, systems, and method steps. Various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are expected to be possible. Reference symbols: 2 coalescer system 4 chamber 4a Middle chamber section 4b Drain chamber section 4c Inlet chamber section 6 media 8 Drain end plate 8a Projection of the discharge end plate 10 Inlet end plate 12 plates or balls 12a retaining ring 14 Spring, preload spring 18 Sealing element 20, 120, 220 sealing / retaining ring 120a, 220a Beveled surface of the sealing / retaining ring 20a, 220b Underside of the sealing / retaining ring 20b Top of the sealing / retaining ring 220c opening / hole in the sealing ring 22, 30 O-ring 26 Sealing sleeve 36 Opening 38 inlet / drain nozzles 38a Drain hole of the drain nozzle 42 End of the drain nozzle 50 Inlet end, inlet entrance 60 Gas outlet 70 Drain outlet 80, 90 gap 100 filter elements 110 Contact point of the beveled surface sealing ring 220a Underside of the sealing ring A Gaseous phase B Dispersed liquid phase

Claims

[1] A coalescing system for coalescing a liquid phase dispersed in a gas phase, the system (2) comprising: (a) a chamber (4) having an inlet (50), a gas outlet (60) and a discharge outlet (70), wherein a gaseous phase (A) comprising a dispersed liquid phase (B) enters the chamber (4) through the inlet (50) and leaves the chamber (4) through the gas outlet (60); (b) a filter element (100) for insertion in the chamber (4), the filter element (100) comprising: (i) filter media (6) for coalescing the dispersed liquid phase (B) as the gaseous phase (A) flows through the filter media (6), and (ii) end plates (8, 10), namely an inlet end plate (10) and an outlet end plate (8), the end plates (8, 10) each having nozzles (38) with openings (36) allowing flow of the gaseous phase (A) and the dispersed liquid phase (B) therethrough, namely an inlet nozzle (38) and an outlet nozzle (38); and (c) a valve element biased to a closed position; wherein: the drain port (38), when the filter element (100) is inserted in the chamber (4), moves the valve element to an open position and allows flow of the coalesced liquid phase (B) through the drain outlet (70) of the chamber (4); and the filter element (100), when the filter media (6) become clogged and / or under overpressure conditions, allows flow of the gaseous phase (A) through the discharge port (38) and through the gas outlet (60), thereby bypassing the filter media (6). [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the filter element (100) and the valve element are designed such that under overpressure conditions the gaseous phase (A) and the dispersed liquid phase (B) bypass the filter media (6) via the overpressure in the system (2), which moves the valve element into a bypass position. [3] The system of claim 1, wherein the valve element closes the opening (36) of the drain port (38) when the filter element (100) is inserted in the chamber (4) and no overpressure conditions prevail, so that flow of the gaseous phase (A) and the coalesced liquid phase (B) through the drain port (38) is prevented. [4] System according to claim 1, wherein the valve element comprises a closing element (12) which is biased against the discharge nozzle (38) via a spring mechanism (14) when the filter element (100) is inserted in the system (2). [5] System according to claim 4, wherein the closing element (12) is a plate or a ball. [6] The system of claim 4, wherein the valve member comprises a retaining ring (20) containing the closure member (12) and the spring mechanism (14). [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the closing element (12) is a plate. [8] The system of claim 7, wherein the plate (12) has a media attachment on a top surface for contacting the drain port (38). [9] The system of claim 7, wherein the plate (12) comprises a sealing element on a top surface sealing against a bottom surface (20a) of the retaining ring (20) to prevent flow of the coalesced liquid phase (B) through the discharge outlet (70) of the chamber (4) when no filter element (100) is inserted in the system (2). [10] The system of claim 1, wherein the chamber (4) further comprises an auxiliary drain outlet allowing flow of the coalesced liquid phase (B) therethrough, and flow of the coalesced liquid phase (B) through the auxiliary drain is not dependent on a filter element (100) being inserted in the system (2). [11] The system of claim 1, wherein the vent port (38) moves the valve element to the open position by the vent port (38) contacting a poppet (12) in the valve element that is biased to a closed position and moving the poppet (12) to an open position. [12] The system of claim 11, wherein the drain port (38) includes an O-ring (22) around an outer surface. [13] The system of claim 11, wherein the drain port (38) includes a sealing collar (26) around an end edge axially contacting a top surface of the plate (12). [14] The system of claim 12, wherein the vent port (38) includes one or more notches in a surface contacting the valve element, thereby permitting flow of a coalesced liquid phase (B) therethrough. [15] A system according to claim 1, wherein the valve element is biased into the closed position by means of a spring mechanism (14); the vent port (38), when the filter element (100) is inserted in the chamber (4), moves the valve element into the open position by compressing the spring mechanism (14), the open position corresponding to a set pressure for the system (2); and when pressure in the system (2) exceeds the set pressure for the system (2), the valve element is moved into a bypass position by further compressing the spring mechanism (14), thereby allowing bypass flow of the gaseous phase (A) through the vent port (38) and through the gas outlet (60). [16] The system of claim 15, wherein the valve element comprises a plate (12) having a media attachment on a top surface. [17] The system of claim 15, wherein the valve element comprises a ring (12a) containing the spring mechanism (14). [18] A system according to claim 16, wherein the discharge end plate (8) moves the poppet (12) of the valve element to a height that produces a compression of the spring mechanism (14) corresponding to the set pressure for the system (2). [19] The system of claim 1, wherein the valve element comprises a closure element (12) biased into a closed position by a spring mechanism (14); the drain port (38), when the filter element (100) is inserted in the chamber (4), moves the closing element (12) into the open position by compressing the spring mechanism (14), thereby allowing flow of the coalesced liquid phase (B) through the drain outlet (70) of the chamber (4), the open position corresponding to a response pressure for the system (2); and the closing element (12), when pressure in the system (2) exceeds the response pressure for the system, is moved into a bypass position by further compressing the spring mechanism (14), thereby allowing bypass flow of the gaseous phase (A) through the discharge nozzle (38) and through the gas outlet (60). [20] A system according to claim 1 or 15 or 19, wherein the inlet end plate (10) and the outlet end plate (8) are identical.

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