Air purifier with water separation

Abstract

The fluid filtration system includes a shell housing having a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being upstream of the second cavity. The fluid filtration system further includes a housing closure configured to form a sealing engagement with the shell housing. The fluid filtration system further includes a filtration element positioned within the second cavity and removably coupled to the shell housing. The filtration element includes a first end cap, a second end cap, a media pack extending between the first end cap and the second end cap and coupled to both the first end cap and the second end cap, and a hydrophobic mesh coupled to the second end cap. The hydrophobic mesh is configured to prevent moisture from flowing out of the filtration element and downstream of the filtration element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related patent applications) This application claims the benefit and priority of Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202041043381, filed on October 6, 2020, and Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202041054207, filed on December 14, 2020. The contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] (Background) The present disclosure generally relates to fluid filtration systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to air filtration systems operating in a wet environment.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] (Overview) At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filtration assembly. The filtration assembly includes a housing and a filtration element. The housing includes a housing body and an inspection cover. The housing body defines an internal volume, an inlet port, and an outlet port. The inspection cover is movable relative to the housing body to provide access to the internal volume. The inspection cover includes a water collection trough that is at least partially axially aligned with the inlet port when the inspection cover is disposed on the housing body. The filtration element is removably coupled to the housing body and disposed within the internal volume.

[0004] At least one embodiment relates to a fluid filtration system. The fluid filtration system includes a shell housing, a housing closure, and a filtration element. The housing closure is configured to form a sealing engagement with the shell housing. The housing closure includes a drainage opening extending through the housing closure and is configured to selectively facilitate the flow of liquid out of the shell housing. The filtration element is removably coupled to the shell housing and includes a first end cap, a second end cap downstream of the first end cap, a media pack, and a hydrophobic mesh. The media pack contains a filtration medium extending between both the first end cap and the second end cap. The hydrophobic mesh is coupled to one of the first and second end caps and is configured to prevent moisture from flowing out of the shell housing.

[0005] Another embodiment relates to a filtration element. The filtration element includes a media pack, a first end cap, a second end cap, and a hydrophobic mesh. The media pack defines a first end and a second end. The first end cap is coupled to the first end, and the second end cap is coupled to the second end such that the second end cap is downstream of the first end. The second end cap includes a sealing member configured to form a sealing engagement with a shell housing. The filtration element further includes a hydrophobic mesh extending across the second end and configured to prevent moisture from flowing downstream of the media pack.

[0006] This summary is merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) A filtration assembly, It is a casing, The enclosure body defines the internal volume, inlet port, and outlet port, An inspection cover is movable relative to the housing body to provide access to the internal volume, the inspection cover having a water collection tank that is at least partially axially aligned with the inlet port when the inspection cover is positioned on the housing body, and A housing equipped with, A filtration element placed within the aforementioned internal volume A filtration assembly equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The water collection tank includes a partition defining a concave area, and a portion of the partition defines a slope, as described in item 1. (Item 3) The filtration assembly according to item 2, wherein the partition separates the water collection tank from the area of ​​the inspection cover which is axially aligned with the filtration element. (Item 4) The filtration assembly according to item 2, wherein the water collection tank includes a plurality of baffles located within the concave area, the plurality of baffles extending substantially perpendicular to the lower wall and away from the lower wall of the inspection cover. (Item 5) The filtration assembly according to item 1, wherein the housing body comprises an inlet duct extending from the inlet port toward the inspection cover. (Item 6) The filtration assembly according to item 5, wherein the housing body further comprises a bell mouth located at the outlet end of the inlet duct. (Item 7) The filtration assembly according to item 5, wherein the inlet duct is a diffuser-shaped inlet duct having an inner diameter at the outlet end of the inlet duct that exceeds the inner diameter at the inlet end of the inlet duct. (Item 8) The filtration assembly according to item 5, wherein the water collection tank includes a partition defining a concave area, the partition extending at least partially laterally toward a second lateral end of the inspection cover and toward a first lateral end of the inspection cover, in a portion of the partition aligned with the inlet duct. (Item 9) The water collection tank is movable relative to the other parts of the inspection cover, as described in item 1 of the filtration assembly. (Item 10) The filtration assembly according to item 1, further comprising a drain valve located within the aforementioned water collection tank. (Item 11) The filtration assembly according to item 1, wherein the inspection cover further comprises a drainage floor, the drainage floor being axially aligned with the filtration element when the inspection cover is disposed on the housing body, and the filtration assembly further comprises a drainage valve located within the drainage floor. (Item 12) A fluid filtration system, Shell enclosure and A housing closure portion configured to form a sealing engagement with the shell housing, wherein the housing closure portion includes a drainage opening extending through the housing closure portion and configured to selectively facilitate the flow of liquid out of the shell housing, A filtration element that is removably coupled to the shell housing, wherein the filtration element is The first end cap and A second end cap located downstream of the first end cap, A media pack comprising a filtration medium, wherein the media pack extends between the first end cap and the second end cap and is coupled to both the first end cap and the second end cap, A hydrophobic mesh, configured to prevent moisture from flowing out of the shell housing, is coupled to one of the first end cap and the second end cap. A filtration element equipped with A fluid filtration system equipped with the following features. (Item 13) The shell housing includes a second cavity and a first cavity, The first cavity is located upstream of the second cavity. The drainage opening is in fluid communication with the second cavity. The fluid filtration system described in item 12. (Item 14) The fluid filtration system according to item 13, wherein the filtration element is located within the second cavity and the hydrophobic mesh is coupled to the second end cap. (Item 15) The fluid filtration system according to item 13, wherein the first cavity has a smaller volume than the second cavity. (Item 16) The fluid filtration system according to item 12, wherein the drainage opening is axially aligned with the inlet of the shell housing. (Item 17) The fluid filtration system according to item 12, wherein the housing closure is rotatably coupled to the shell housing, and the housing closure includes a partition that defines the concave area which is aligned with the filtration element when the filtration element is positioned within the shell housing. (Item 18) A filtration element, A media pack having a first end and a second end, The first end is coupled to the first end cap, A second end cap, positioned upstream of the first end and coupled to the second end, the second end cap comprises a sealing member configured to form a sealing engagement with the shell housing, A hydrophobic mesh extending across one of the first and second ends, wherein the hydrophobic mesh is configured to substantially prevent moisture from flowing downstream of the medium pack. A filtration element equipped with the following features. (Item 19) The filtration element according to item 18, further comprising a support structure extending across the first end and the second end, which is coupled to one of the first end cap and the second end cap, wherein the support structure is coupled to the hydrophobic mesh. (Item 20) The hydrophobic mesh is coupled to the second end cap, thereby substantially preventing water from entering the medium pack, as described in item 19. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] This disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description, which will be considered in relation to the accompanying figures in which similar reference numbers refer to similar elements.

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fluid filtration system.

[0009] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the fluid filtration system shown in Figure 1.

[0010] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a filtration element for use in a fluid filtration system, such as the fluid filtration system shown in Figure 1.

[0011] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the filtration element shown in Figure 3.

[0012] [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a top view of the filtration element in Figure 1.

[0013] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary filtration assembly.

[0014] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of the filtration assembly shown in Figure 6.

[0015] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a filtration assembly according to another embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a filtration assembly according to another embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of the inspection cover for the filtration assembly shown in Figure 9.

[0018] [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a filtration assembly according to another embodiment.

[0019] [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a filtration assembly according to another embodiment.

[0020] [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a top perspective view of an inspection cover relating to a filtration assembly according to another embodiment.

[0021] [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a top perspective view of an inspection cover relating to a filtration assembly according to yet another embodiment.

[0022] The accompanying drawings are referenced throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, unless otherwise determined by context, similar symbols typically identify similar components. The illustrative implementations described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other implementations may be used, and other modifications may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily apparent that the aspects of this disclosure described herein and illustrated in the figures may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly considered and form part of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] (Detailed explanation) The embodiments described herein generally relate to air filtration assemblies for internal combustion engine systems. Various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of numerous methods, since the concepts described are not limited to any particular form of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0024] An air filtration system is used to filter particulate matter (e.g., dust, oil, and / or contaminants) from the incoming airflow and supply filtered air to the internal combustion engine. The filtration system may include a filtration assembly (e.g., an air purifier) ​​containing removable filtration elements made from pleated and / or corrugated media. The filtration assembly may be located on or within the vehicle body (e.g., the chassis). In some embodiments, the filtration assembly may be located adjacent to a wheel well or in another location along the vehicle body that is susceptible to water ingress. In these cases, the filtration assembly may be exposed to water in rainy conditions or when the roadway is flooded, which can contaminate the outside airflow and increase the risk of water ingress into the engine. These problems are exacerbated in configurations that do not include a pre-purifier or water separator upstream of the filtration assembly (e.g., within other components of the air intake system). Pre-purifiers and water separators also impose limitations on the air filtration system, which can reduce engine performance.

[0025] This application relates, in general, to a system for water separation and removal within a filtration assembly. In particular, it relates to a filtration assembly including a water collection tank integrally formed within an inspection cover of the filtration assembly. The filtration assembly includes a two-part housing having a housing body and an inspection cover. The housing body defines the enclosed internal volume of the housing and an inlet port and an outlet port that are fluidly coupled to the internal volume. The part of the water collection tank is positioned directly below the inlet port (in axial alignment) when the inspection cover is mounted on the housing body. The outside air entering the inlet port is directed toward the water collection tank, which facilitates the removal of water from the incoming airflow via inertial separation. Among other benefits, the water collection tank enables the separation and removal of water from within the filtration assembly, which can substantially eliminate the need for other pre-separation devices upstream of the inlet port (e.g., vortex tubes, snorkels, and / or louver-type pre-purifiers).

[0026] Before looking at the figures illustrating an exemplary embodiment in detail, please understand that this disclosure is not limited to the details or methodologies described or illustrated in the description. Also, please understand that the technical terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary fluid filtration system, shown as system 100. System 100 may be used to filter the fluid supplied to an internal combustion engine. The fluid may be, for example, air or a similar gaseous substance. System 100 may be mounted on a vehicle chassis. In other embodiments, system 100 is configured to mount an engine.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 includes a shell housing (e.g., housing body) 200 and a housing closure (e.g., inspection cover) 202. The housing closure 202 is removably coupled to the shell housing 200 so that an operator can remove the housing closure 202 and inspect the inside of the shell housing 200. The housing closure 202 may be coupled to the shell housing 200 using one of the following: a latch, fasteners, adhesive, etc.

[0029] The shell housing 200 includes an inlet 204 and an outlet 206. The inlet 204 is located upstream of the outlet 206. The inlet 204 directly or indirectly transports the fluid flow to the engine. The outlet 206 discharges the filtered fluid flow.

[0030] Referring here to Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of system 100 is shown. System 100 includes a first cavity 210 and a second cavity 212, the second cavity 212 being in fluid communication with the first cavity 210. The first cavity 210 includes an inlet 204, and the second cavity 212 includes an outlet 206. In some embodiments, the outlet 206 directly or indirectly transports the filtered fluid to the engine. The second cavity 212 is located downstream of the first cavity 210. The shell housing 200 may be formed from a single body including both the first cavity 210 and the second cavity 212, and the shell housing 200 may be formed from casting, machining, die casting, additive manufacturing, etc. The housing closure 202 forms a sealing engagement with the shell housing 200 such that a substantially watertight and / or hermetically sealed seal is formed between the shell housing 200 and the housing closure 202. The housing closure 202 may include a drain opening 213 (e.g., an opening, a valve, etc.) extending through the housing closure 202, configured to facilitate the flow of fluid out of the shell housing 200. In some embodiments, the drain opening 213 is a one-way valve configured to prevent fluid flow from entering the shell housing 200 through the drain opening 213, but to facilitate the flow of fluid or liquid (e.g., moisture, condensate, water, steam, etc.) out of the shell housing 200. The drain opening 213 is in fluid communication with a second cavity 212. The housing closure 202 may further include a second drain opening 215 that is in fluid communication with a first cavity 210.

[0031] The second cavity 212 defines a second cavity inlet 214 and a second cavity outlet 216. The second cavity outlet 216 is in fluid communication with the outlet 206. The second cavity inlet 214 is upstream of the second cavity outlet 216. The second cavity 212 facilitates the flow of fluid from the second cavity inlet 214 to the second cavity outlet 216. The second cavity 212 may define a substantially cylindrical cross-section configured to receive a substantially cylindrical filtration element. In some embodiments, the second cavity 212 defines a racetrack cross-section (e.g., two semicircles separated by a straight line) and is configured to receive a filtration element having a racetrack cross-section. In some embodiments, the second cavity 212 defines a substantially oval cross-section and is configured to receive a filtration element having a substantially oval cross-section.

[0032] The filtration element 220 is removably positioned within the second cavity 212. In some embodiments, the filtration element 220 is removably coupled to the shell housing 200, for example, by fasteners, latches, or friction, so that the filtration element 220 can be removed from the shell housing 200 and replaced with a new filtration element.

[0033] The filtration element 220 is positioned within the second cavity 212 of the shell housing 200 such that the central longitudinal axis 224 of the second cavity 212 extends through the filtration element 220. The filtration element 220 may be cylindrical and may include a cylindrical media pack 226 wound around the element center 228. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the filtration element 220 may define a shape that is substantially circular, racetrack, oval (e.g., two curved ends joined by two straight ends), elliptical, etc. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the media pack 226 may define a shape that is substantially circular, racetrack, oval, elliptical, etc. The cross-sectional shape of the element center 228 may affect the cross-section of the media pack. For example, if the element center 228 defines an elliptical cross-section, the media pack 226 may define a similar elliptical cross-section. The medium pack 226 includes a filtration medium configured to filter particulate matter from a fluid flowing through it in order to produce a filtered fluid (e.g., a clean fluid). The filtration medium may be pleated or formed into another desired shape to increase the flow area through the medium pack 226 or otherwise modify the particle removal efficiency of the filtration element 220. According to one embodiment, the medium pack 226 may include various different types of filtration mediums, including pleated media, corrugated media, tetrahedral media, or variations thereof, such as any of the filtration media disclosed in PCT application PCT / US2019 / 065259 (the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference). U.S. Patent No. 8,397,920, “PLEATED FILTER ELEMENT WITH TAPERING BEND LINES” (Moy et al), filed on 14 October 2011, published on 19 March 2013, and assigned to Cummins Filtration IP Inc. (the entire patent is incorporated by reference for all purposes), describes a tetrahedral filtration medium that media pack 226 may comprise. Several configurations of the tetrahedral filtration medium may comprise multiple inlet tetrahedral flow channels and multiple outlet tetrahedral flow channels.The inlet tetrahedra converge at the central portion of the tetrahedral filter medium, thereby allowing axial cross-flow of air between the inlet tetrahedral channels prior to air passing through the tetrahedral filter medium. Such an arrangement provides additional dust loading on the upstream side of the medium, which increases the filtration capacity of the filter medium. In some embodiments, the filter medium includes porous materials having a predetermined pore size, paper-based filter mediums, fiber-based filter mediums, foam-based filter mediums, and the like. The filter element 220 may be arranged as an axially flowing filter element having a dirty side 230 and a clean side 232. The dirty side 230 is upstream of the clean side 232. Specifically, the filter element 220 is configured to filter a fluid flowing axially from the dirty side 230 to the clean side 232 through the filter element 220.

[0034] Referring to Figure 3, a perspective view of the filtration element 220 is shown. The filtration element 220 includes a first end 240 (e.g., a contaminated end) and a second end 242 (e.g., a clean end). A first end cap 245 is coupled to the first end 240, and a second end cap 249 is coupled to the second end 242. In some embodiments, both the first end cap 245 and the second end cap 249 are open end caps. In some embodiments, one of the first end cap 245 and the second end cap 249 is a closed end cap. A media pack 226 (shown in Figure 5) and the element center 228 extend between the first end 240 and the second end 242. In some embodiments, the media pack 226 is enclosed by a shell 227 (e.g., housing, casing, exoskeleton, etc.). The shell 227 extends between the first end 240 and the second end 242, protecting the media pack 226 from damage. In some embodiments, the shell 227 is potted to the first end cap 245 and the second end cap 249. A sealing member 244 is coupled to the filter element 220 adjacent to the second end 242. The sealing member 244 is configured to form a sealing engagement with the shell housing 200. The sealing member 244 extends around the periphery of the second end 242 (e.g., circumferentially around it), defining a generally annular body. In some embodiments, the sealing member 244 is coupled to the second end cap 249, which is coupled to the media pack 226 adjacent to the second end 242. In some embodiments, the sealing member 244 is positioned to form a radial seal against the inner surface of the shell housing 200. In some embodiments, the sealing member 244 is positioned to form an axial seal to the shell housing 200. For example, when the housing closure 202 is coupled to the shell housing 200, a portion of the housing closure 202 may interact with a portion of the filtering element 220, such as the first end cap 245.The interaction between the housing closure portion 202 and the filtration element 220 compresses the filtration element 220 through contact with internal features of the shell housing 200 (e.g., internal surfaces, stepped portions, etc.), and therefore compresses the sealing member 244, which can form either an axial seal or a radial seal.

[0035] The filtration element 220 further includes a hydrophobic mesh 246 positioned on (e.g., around, above, etc.) the second end 242. The hydrophobic mesh 246 is configured to resist or prevent moisture (e.g., water) and debris from passing through the medium pack 226, while allowing air and other gaseous elements to pass through. In other words, the hydrophobic mesh 246 prevents or resists the passage of moisture downstream of the filtration element 220. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is formed from a polymer woven mesh with an optional surface coating. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is a polymer mesh fabric. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is a woven fabric. For example, the hydrophobic mesh 246 may be a woven fabric in various weave patterns such as satin, dobby, and bidirectional weave. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is a nonwoven fabric. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is formed from woven materials such as cotton, wool, and nylon and treated with a hydrophobic surface treatment. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is formed from polymer yarns (e.g., high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, nylon, polyester, etc.) and woven into a fabric. The polymer yarns may be monofilament yarns. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is formed from a woven stainless steel mesh having a hydrophobic coating such as a polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., PTFE, Teflon®) coating. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is a mesh such as an extruded net or extruded mesh. The hydrophobic mesh 246 can be formed by perforating a material to form a desired pore structure. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 can be formed by perforating a material and then expanding (e.g., stretching) the material to form a desired pore size. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 covers the entire second end 242. The hydrophobic mesh 246 can be bonded to the sealing member 244.

[0036] In some embodiments, the filtration element 220 includes a support structure 248 (in the form of a grid in Figure 3) that extends across the second end 242 and is interposed between the hydrophobic mesh 246 and the media pack 226. The support structure 248 may be formed from plastic, metal, wood, polymer, or similar material. The support structure 248 is formed from thin structures extending perpendicularly to each other, forming a grid structure (e.g., an open framework formed from strips of material in a cross pattern). In some embodiments, the support structure 248 is formed from thin structures extending radially toward the periphery of the end cap 245, away from the central longitudinal axis 224. In some embodiments, the support structure 248 defines an intermittent rib pattern, thereby allowing lateral movement of fluid between the intermittent rib patterns. For example, the thin structures defining the support structure 248 may include openings that allow fluid to pass laterally (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 224). In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to a support structure 248, which is configured to allow fluid, air, and debris to pass through.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first end 240 includes a support structure 250 similar to a support structure 248 (and in certain embodiments, in the form of a grid). The first end 240 further includes a first end cap 245 similar to a second end cap 249. The support structure 250 may be bonded to the first end 240 using fasteners, adhesives, etc. In some embodiments, a hydrophobic mesh (e.g., hydrophobic mesh 246) is bonded to both the first end 240 and the second end 242. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is bonded to the first end 240 but not to the second end 242.

[0038] In some embodiments, system 100 includes a secondary filtration element located downstream of the filtration element 220. The secondary filtration element may include a hydrophobic mesh 246 on one or both of the contaminated and clean sides. In some embodiments, system 100 includes a tertiary filtration element located upstream of the filtration element 220. The tertiary filtration element may include a hydrophobic mesh 246 on one or both of the contaminated and clean sides. In some embodiments, such as inside-to-outside filtration and outside-to-inside filtration, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is wound around the medium pack 226 in an outer-circumferential direction and potted to a first end cap 245 and a second end cap 249.

[0039] Referring now to Figure 5, a top view of the second end 242 of the filtration element 220 is shown. The filtration element 220 is shown having a cross-section substantially that of a racetrack. Similarly, a hydrophobic mesh 246 defines a surface area substantially that of a racetrack. The periphery of the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to the sealing member 244. A support structure 248 is interposed between the hydrophobic mesh 246 and the media pack 226. The support structure 248 includes a slender support member extending from a first point on the sealing member 244 to a second point on the sealing member 244. The hydrophobic mesh 246 may be coupled to the support structure 248 and to a plurality of points 252 on the support structure 248. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to the media pack 226 and not to the sealing member 244. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is interposed between the media pack 226 and the support structure 248, and the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to the media pack 226. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to a shell 227 adjacent to a second end 242. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is separated from the filtration element 220 and positioned downstream of the filtration element 220 when the filtration element 220 is located within the shell housing 200. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic mesh 246 is coupled to the shell housing 200 downstream of the filtration element 220.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the media pack 226 differs from that of the sealing member 244. For example, the media pack 226 may define a cross-section having a racetrack shape, while the sealing member 244 may define a cross-section having an elliptical shape (as shown in Figure 3). Similarly, in some embodiments, the media pack 226 may define a cross-section having an egg-shaped shape, while the sealing member 244 may define a cross-section having a racetrack shape. Each of the sealing member 244, end cap 245, shell 227, media pack 226, hydrophobic mesh 246, and end cap 249 may define different cross-sectional shapes. In some embodiments, the second cavity 212 defines a different cross-sectional shape between the second cavity inlet 214 and the second cavity outlet 216. Similarly, the filtration element 220 may define a different cross-sectional shape between the first end 240 and the second end 242.

[0041] Referring here to Figures 6 and 7, a filtration assembly 300 according to another exemplary embodiment is shown. The filtration assembly 300 includes a housing 400 (e.g., a shell) which includes a housing body 402 and an inspection cover 404. The housing body 402 defines an internal volume 406 which is sized to receive a replaceable air filtration element 500 therein. The housing body 402 also defines an inlet port 408 and an outlet port 410 which are fluidly coupled to the internal volume 406 for directing airflow into and out of the internal volume 406, respectively. Both the inlet port 408 and the outlet port 410 are located on the upper end of the housing body 402 and are axially offset from each other. The inspection cover 404 is movable relative to the housing body 402 to provide access to the internal volume 406. In one embodiment, the inspection cover 404 is hinged (e.g., rotatably) attached to the housing body 402 and can rotate between an open position (allowing the user to access the internal volume 406 through an opening in the housing body 402) and a closed position that prevents access to the internal volume 406. In another embodiment, the inspection cover 404 is detachably (e.g., detachably) attached to the housing body 402 and can be separated from the housing body 402 to gain access to the internal volume 406. The inspection cover 404 may be secured to the housing body 402 in a closed (e.g., disposed) position using clips, latches, or other preferred fasteners.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the filtration element 500 is removably disposed within the housing body 402 adjacent to the outlet port 410. In one embodiment, the filtration element 500 is sealed-engaged with the housing body 402 adjacent to the outlet port 410. The filtration element 500 includes a media pack 502, a first (e.g., upper) end cap 504, and a second (e.g., lower) end cap 506. The first end cap 504 is coupled to the media pack 502 at its upper end. The second end cap 506 is coupled to the media pack 502 at its lower end (e.g., the axial end of the media pack 502 opposite to the first end cap 504). The first end cap 504 and the second end cap 506 may be a frame that supports the media pack 502 and ensures a seal between the filtration element 500 and the housing body 402. The first end cap 504 and the second end cap 506 may be formed from plastic (e.g., rigid polyurethane), metal, or another suitable material. The media pack 502 may contain any fibrous or porous medium used to remove solid particulate matter from the incoming airflow. The medium may include paper-based filter media, fiber-based filter media, foam-based filter media, and the like. In one embodiment, the media pack 502 contains a pleated filter medium. For example, the media pack 502 may be defined by a plurality of intertwined tetrahedral shapes extending from the upstream and downstream ends of the media pack 502. Examples of tetrahedral shapes are described in detail in International Patent Publication PCT / US2019 / 039876 filed June 28, 2019, and U.S. Patent No. 8,397,920 filed October 14, 2011 (their entire disclosures are incorporated herein by reference). In this embodiment, the media pack 502 may comprise a pleated medium or another form of pleated medium.

[0043] The inspection cover 404 is coupled to the opening at the lower end of the housing body 402, opposite the upper end. Together, the housing body 402 and the inspection cover 404 substantially enclose the internal volume 406. As shown in Figure 7, the inspection cover 404 defines a projection extending from the inner surface of the inspection cover 404 into the internal volume 406. The projection includes a slope 412 extending along the side wall of the projection toward the inner surface of the inspection cover 404. The slope 412 may be a fillet (e.g., a chamfer) along the lower edge of the projection. The radius of the fillet may be approximately equal to the height of the projection. In other embodiments, the radius of the fillet may differ. Among other benefits, the slope 412 facilitates the transition of airflow from the inlet port 408 into the internal volume 406 from the inlet port 408 to the internal volume 406 from the substantially axial direction (e.g., vertical direction as shown in Figure 7) in a horizontal direction across the internal volume 406 between the inlet port 408 and the outlet port 410. In some embodiments, the inclination 412 can reduce the pressure loss across the filtration assembly by approximately 8% or more. As shown in Figure 7, the inspection cover 404 also includes a plurality of support members extending upward from the inner surface of the inspection cover 404 toward the filtration element 500. When the inspection cover 404 is mounted on the housing body 402, the upper end of each support member contacts the lower end of the filtration element 500, supporting the filtration element in place within the housing 400 and ensuring that the filtration element remains sealed and engaged with the housing body 402.

[0044] Referring now to Figure 8, a filtration assembly 600 according to another exemplary embodiment is shown. The filtration assembly 600 is similar to the filtration assembly 300 in Figures 6 and 7. The difference between the filtration assembly 600 and the filtration assembly 300 is that the filtration assembly 600 includes a water collection tank 714 which is integrated into the inspection cover 704. In one embodiment, the inspection cover 704 is a two-part design, and the water collection tank 714 is a separate component that connects to a second cover component (e.g., a flat second cover component that connects to the housing body 702) to form the inspection cover 704. In another embodiment, the water collection tank 714 is a component that is separately accessible from the inspection cover 704. In yet another embodiment, the water collection tank 714 is formed integrally with the inspection cover 704 such that the water collection tank 714 is not separable from the inspection cover 704. In yet another embodiment, the water collection tank 714 is coupled to the housing body 702, which is separate from the inspection cover 704. The water collection tank 714 includes a partition 716 (e.g., a side wall, a peripheral wall, etc.) which extends upward from the lower side wall (e.g., the inner surface) of the inspection cover 704 and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the lower side wall. The partition 716 defines a concave area 718 which is at least partially axially aligned with the inlet port when the inspection cover 704 is mounted on the housing body 702. In other words, the inlet port defines a central axis, and the concave area 718 is intersected by this central axis when the inspection cover 704 is coupled to the housing body 702. As shown in Figure 8, the water collection tank 714 is located directly below the inlet port 708 and the duct (extending upward from the inlet port 708) so that incoming water from the inlet port 708 (and duct) falls inside the water collection tank 714, is separated from the main airflow, and reduces overall water ingress into the clean side of the filtration assembly 600. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the concave area 718 is substantially a rectangular cavity. In other embodiments, the shape and / or size of the concave area 718 may vary. The water collection tank 714 also includes drainage (e.g., ports, openings, etc.) located along the lower wall of the concave area 718, configured to allow separated water to exit the internal volume 706.The drainage may include a drain valve (e.g., a check valve, a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, etc.) for selectively fluidizing the internal volume to the environment surrounding the filtration assembly 600. As shown in Figure 8, a portion 720 of the partition 716 separates the collection tank 714 from the area of ​​the inspection cover 704, which is axially aligned with the filtration element 500. This portion 720 of the partition 716 may also define an incline 712, as described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, the air entering the internal volume 706 from the inlet port 708 moves downward axially (for example, vertically as shown in Figure 8) toward the water collection tank 714, and then transitions laterally toward the filtration element 500. The water is separated from the main airflow due to the higher inertia of water compared to air (inertial separation). The separated water is collected inside the water collection tank 714.

[0046] The design and arrangement of the components described with reference to Figure 8 should not be considered limiting. Many alternatives and combinations are possible without departing from the concept of the invention disclosed herein. For example, Figures 9–13 show embodiments of different structures that may be used for inspection covers (e.g., housing closure 202, inspection covers 404, 704) and housing bodies (e.g., shell housing 200, housing bodies 402, 702). Figures 9 and 10 show a housing body 902 having an inlet duct 922 extending axially from an inlet port 908 toward an inspection cover 904. The inlet duct 922 is located within the internal volume 706 of the housing body 902 and, in the inspection cover 904, axially directs the incoming air toward a water collection tank 914 to improve the separation of water from the incoming air. As shown in Figure 10, the partition 916 is contoured to match the profile (e.g., shape) of the inlet duct 922. In other words, partition 916 extends at least partially laterally (for example, horizontally as shown in Figure 9) toward the second (for example, opposite) lateral end of inspection cover 904 and toward the first lateral end of inspection cover 904, in the vicinity of inlet duct 922 (for example, along a portion of partition 916 aligned with inlet duct 922).

[0047] As shown in Figure 10, the water collection tank 914 includes a number of baffles 924 located within the concave area. The baffles 924 extend away from the lower wall 926 of the inspection cover 904, substantially perpendicular to the lower wall 926. Among other benefits, the baffles 924 reduce sloshing of any separated water within the concave area. The water accumulated within the concave area flows above the partition 916 towards a drain (e.g., a port, opening, etc.) located directly below the filtration element 500, along the drain floor 928 of the inspection cover 904. The drain may include a drain valve (e.g., a check valve, a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, etc.) configured to allow water to be discharged from the internal volume 706. In other embodiments, the drain may be located within the lower wall of the concave area. As shown in Figure 10, the inspection cover 904 also includes a plurality of angled ribs 930 extending upward from the drain floor 928 to further reduce the flow interaction between airflow and water along the drain floor 928. The arrangement of the baffles 924 and ribs 930 may vary in various embodiments.

[0048] Figure 11 shows a housing configuration in which the housing body 1002 includes a bell mouth 1032 located at the outlet end of the inlet duct 1022. Among other benefits, the bell mouth 1032 reduces pressure loss across the transition between the inlet duct 1022 and the internal volume 706. In other embodiments, the design of the inlet duct 1022 may differ. For example, Figure 12 shows a housing body 1102 having a diffuser-shaped inlet duct 1122 having an inner diameter at the outlet end of the inlet duct that is greater than the inner diameter at the inlet end of the inlet duct. The diameter of the inlet duct 1122 increases continuously from the inlet port 1108 toward the water collection tank 1114, further reducing pressure loss across the inlet duct 1122 and the filtration assemblies 300, 600.

[0049] The size and / or shape of the water collection tank may also vary in various embodiments. For example, Figure 13 shows an inspection cover 1204, and the volume of the water collection tank 1214 is increased by extending the partition 1216 along the outer circumferential portion of the drain bed 1228 (for example, along the outer edge of the drain bed within the area of ​​the drain bed 1228, in the inactive zone between the outer edge of the filtration element and the side wall of the housing body, where the main airflow is not affected by the presence of the partition 1216).

[0050] Figure 14 shows another exemplary inspection cover 1304 that includes multiple drains (e.g., drain openings, ports, holes, etc.), including a first drain 1319 located within the water collection tank 1314 along the lower wall of the concave area 1318, and a second drain 1321 located outside the water collection tank 1314 along the drain floor 1328 of the inspection cover 1304. As shown, the first drain 1319 and the second drain 1321 are centrally located along the concave area 1318 and the drain floor 1328, respectively. In other embodiments, the location, size, and / or number of drains may differ. One or both of the first drain 1319 and the second drain 1321 may also include drain valves for controlling the drainage of water from the filtration assemblies 300, 600.

[0051] Where used herein in reference to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean + / - 10% of the disclosed value, unless otherwise specified. Where used herein in reference to structural features (e.g., shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to cover minor variations in structure that may arise, for example, from manufacturing or assembly processes, and are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with usage common in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure relates and approved by those skilled in the art. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that minor or insignificant modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure as enumerated in the accompanying claims.

[0052] When used herein to describe various embodiments, the terms “exemplary” and their variations are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and not necessarily imply that such embodiments are special or superior examples).

[0053] The term “coupled” and its variations, as used herein, mean the joint of two members to each other, directly or indirectly. Such a joint may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or detachable). Such a joint may be achieved using two members directly coupled to each other, using two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate member coupled to each other, or using an intervening member integrally formed as a single, integrated body with one of the two members. Where “coupled” or its variations are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the general definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term, resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of “coupled” provided above (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joint of two members without any separate intervening member). Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or fluid.

[0054] References to the position of elements in this specification (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower”) are used solely to describe the orientation of various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ in other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A filtration assembly, It is a casing, The enclosure body defines the internal volume, the inlet port defining the central axis, and the outlet port, An inspection cover is movable relative to the housing body to provide access to the internal volume, wherein the housing body and the inspection cover substantially enclose the internal volume, and the inspection cover has an integrated water collection tank including a partition extending from the lower wall of the inspection cover, the partition defining a concave area which is at least partially aligned with the central axis of the inlet port when the inspection cover is positioned on the housing body, and A housing equipped with, A filtration element is positioned within the internal volume, aligned axially with the central vertical axis of the internal volume and adjacent to the outlet port, wherein a portion of the partition separates the water collection tank from the area of ​​the inspection cover, which is aligned axially with the central vertical axis and the filtration element, and A filtration assembly comprising:

2. The filtration assembly according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the partition defines an inclination that extends along the side wall of the partition toward the lower side wall of the inspection cover.

3. The filtration assembly according to claim 2, wherein the water collection tank includes a plurality of baffles located within the concave area, the plurality of baffles extending substantially perpendicular to the lower wall and away from the lower wall of the inspection cover.

4. The filtration assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing body comprises an inlet duct extending from the inlet port toward the inspection cover.

5. The filtration assembly according to claim 4, wherein the housing body further comprises a bell mouth located at the outlet end of the inlet duct.

6. The filtration assembly according to claim 4, wherein the inlet duct is a diffuser-shaped inlet duct, and the diffuser-shaped inlet duct has an inner diameter at its outlet end that exceeds the inner diameter at the inlet end of the diffuser-shaped inlet duct.

7. The filtration assembly according to claim 4, wherein the water collection tank includes a partition extending from the inner surface of the lower side wall of the inspection cover, the partition defining a concave area, and the partition extending at least partially laterally toward the second lateral end of the inspection cover and toward the first lateral end of the inspection cover, along a portion of the partition aligned with the inlet duct.

8. The filtration assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water collection tank is movable relative to other parts of the inspection cover.

9. The filtration assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a drain valve located in the water collection tank.

10. The filtration assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inspection cover further comprises a drain bed, the drain bed being axially aligned with the filtration element when the inspection cover is disposed on the housing body, and the filtration assembly further comprises a drain valve disposed within the drain bed.

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