Air filter assembly and filter cartridges for removing particulate and chemical contaminates from air

Abstract

An air cleaner assembly may include: (a) an air cleaner housing comprising an air inlet end, an opposite air outlet end, and an air cleaner interior located between the air inlet end and the opposite air outlet end, wherein the air cleaner housing further comprises: (i) an access opening for accessing the air cleaner interior; and (ii) a housing radial seal surface located generally facing toward an air cleaner axis extending from the air inlet end to the opposite air outlet end; (b) a chemical filter cartridge configured to pass through the air cleaner housing access opening, the chemical filter cartridge comprising: a chemical filter housing, a chemical filter media, a seal member having a radially directed seal surface and configured to engage the housing radial seal surface when operably installed in the air cleaner interior, and a particulate filter housing axial seal surface; (c) a particulate filter cartridge configured to pass through the air cleaner housing access opening, the particulate filter cartridge comprising: a particulate filter housing, a particulate filter media, and a seal member having an axially directed seal surface and configured to engage the particulate filter housing axial seal surface on the chemical filter cartridge when the particulate filter cartridge is operably installed in the air cleaner interior. A combination of filter cartridges is provided.

Description

[0001]Attorney Docket No. 00758.3063WOU1 AIR FILTER ASSEMBLY AND FILTER CARTRIDGES FOR REMOVING PARTICULATE AND CHEMICAL CONTAMINATES FROM AIR RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority, to the extent appropriate, to United States provisional patent application Serial No.63 / 654,505, filed on May 31, 2024. The entire disclosure of United States provisional patent application Serial No.63 / 654,505 is incorporated by reference herein. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates an air filtering system for removing particulate and chemical contaminates from air. In particular, the disclosure is directed to air cleaners and air filters for cleaning air for use with fuel cell apparatus. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Atmospheric air typically contains contaminants that are advantageously removed when the air is intended to be used in applications that require cleaned or filtered air. Exemplary contaminants include particulate contaminants and chemical contaminants. Examples of particulate contaminants include dust, tree pollen, smog, smoke particulates, etc. Exemplary chemical contaminants may include man-made chemical pollution and naturally occurring chemical pollution. Exemplary chemical contaminants include volatile organic compounds such as methane, butane, propane, and other hydrocarbons, also ammonia, oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, etc. In typical internal combustion engines, fine contaminants such as dust are removed by an air filter present in an air cleaner assembly. In the case of many automobiles and internal combustion machines (such as lawn mowers, snowblowers, snowmobiles, etc.), chemical contaminants pose very little, if any, problems to the functioning of the machine, because the machine and the process by which it produces power, are capable of withstanding the presence of chemical contaminants in the intake air. There are some machines and systems that have not yet been optimized for operating using air containing various chemical contaminants. This may be because the importance of clean intake air has not been recognized as a requirement for efficient and / or optimal operation, or because those contaminants in the air that may degrade the performance of the machine have not yet been adequately recognized or defined. The fuel cell is a rapidly emerging source of power for both residential and commercial purposes, and is an example of a power generating system that is not yet fully developed. Typically, a fuel cell is a device that includes two electrodes (an anode and a cathode) and an electrolyte therebetween. Depending on the size, shape and design of the cell, the fuel cell is capable of providing enough energy to run a cell phone, a computer, a motor vehicle (such as, an automobile or a truck), a residential house, or even a power plant. Fuel cells typically operate with a fuel source, such as hydrogen, being supplied to the anodic side of the cell, and an oxidant, such as air, being supplied to the cathodic side of the cell. Typically, in a hydrogen fuel cell, a catalyst at the anode separates hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons, which take different paths to the cathode. The electrons go through an external circuit, creating a flow of electricity. Fuel cells are typically not designed to operate efficiently in the presence of large amounts of particulate and chemical contaminants which may be present in the intake air that is necessary for the functioning of the fuel cell. One reasons for this is that the types and amounts of particulates and chemicals may vary from one location to another and may vary from one season to another. In addition, it may be advantageous to adjust the relative amounts of particulate filtration and chemical filtration based on the a given environment in order to maximize efficiency of filtration. SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to an air cleaner assembly for filtering the intake air used in various applications including, for example, fuel cells. The assembly provides either particulate filtration, chemical filtration, or both, to the incoming air stream to provide a purified oxidant to the cathodic side of a catalytic reactor, such as a fuel cell. Furthermore, the air cleaner assembly can be adjusted depending on the types and amounts of particulate and chemical filter media to address the contaminants at a particular situs of use. The air cleaner assembly is able to capture and retain particulate and / or chemical contaminants that can harm the catalytic process. An air cleaner assembly according to the disclosure may include: (a) an air cleaner housing comprising an air inlet end, an opposite air outlet end, and an air cleaner interior located between the air inlet end and the opposite air outlet end, wherein the air cleaner housing further comprises: (i) an access opening for accessing the air cleaner interior; and (ii) a housing radial seal surface located generally facing toward an air cleaner axis extending from the air inlet end to the opposite air outlet end; (b) a chemical filter cartridge configured to pass through the air cleaner housing access opening, the chemical filter cartridge comprising: a chemical filter housing, a chemical filter media, a seal member having a radially directed seal surface and configured to engage the housing radial seal surface when operably installed in the air cleaner interior, and a particulate filter housing axial seal surface; (c) a particulate filter cartridge configured to pass through the air cleaner housing access opening, the particulate filter cartridge comprising: a particulate filter housing, a particulate filter media, and a seal member having an axially directed seal surface and configured to engage the particulate filter housing axial seal surface on the chemical filter cartridge when the particulate filter cartridge is operably installed in the air cleaner interior. A combination of filter cartridges according to the disclosure may include: (a) a chemical filter cartridge comprising: a chemical filter cartridge housing, a chemical filter media configured to absorb volatile organic compounds, a seal member having a radially directed seal surface and configured to engage a housing radial seal surface when operably installed in an air cleaner interior, and a particulate filter housing axial seal surface; and (b) a particulate filter cartridge comprising: a particulate cartridge filter housing, a particulate filter media, and a seal member having an axially directed seal surface and configured to engage the particulate filter housing axial seal surface on the chemical filter cartridge when the particulate filter cartridge is operably installed adjacent the chemical filter cartridge. A combination of filter cartridges according to the disclosure may include: (a) a chemical filter cartridge comprising: a chemical filter media configured to absorb volatile organic compounds, a seal member having a radially directed seal surface and configured to engage a housing radial seal surface when operably installed in an air cleaner interior; and (b) a particulate filter cartridge comprising: a particulate filter media, and a seal member having an axially directed seal surface and configured to engage a particulate filter housing axial seal surface on the chemical filter cartridge when the particulate filter cartridge is operably installed adjacent the chemical filter cartridge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic depiction of a power production system including the filter assembly of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an air cleaner assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a front side view of the air cleaner assembly according to Figure 2. Figure 4 is a back side view of the air cleaner assembly according to Figure 2. Figure 5 is an outlet air end view of the air cleaner assembly according to Figure 2. Figure 6 is an inlet air end view of the air cleaner assembly according to Figure 2. Figure 7 is a top view of the air cleaner assembly according to Figure 2. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the air cleaner assembly according to Figure 2. Figure 9 is a first perspective view of the air cleaner housing of the air cleaner assembly of Figure 2. Figure 10 is a second perspective view of the air cleaner housing of the air cleaner assembly of Figure 2. Figure 11 is a perspective, exploded view showing the assembly of the chemical filter cartridge and the particulate filter cartridge through the access opening of the air cleaner housing of the air cleaner assembly of Figure 2. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the chemical filter housing. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the chemical filter housing. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the particulate filter housing. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the particulate filter housing. Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating the interaction of the chemical filter cartridge and the particulate filter cartridge. Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating the interaction of the chemical filter cartridge and the particulate filter cartridge. Figure 18 is a sectional view of the air cleaner assembly. Figure 19 is a sectional view of the air cleaner assembly. Figure 20 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment showing a track with sensors therein. Figures 21-23 are perspective views showing an alternative embodiment illustrating the introduction of the chemical filter cartridge into the air cleaner housing utilizing a hinge connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figure 1, an application for the air cleaner assembly 10 of the disclosure is for the removal of particulate and chemical contaminants from air to provide cleaned air, and the cleaned air can be used in a catalytic process 100 such as a fuel cell 102. As depicted in Figure 1, a schematic depiction of a power production system is illustrated at reference number 8, and includes an air cleaner assembly 10 where inlet air 50 enters the air cleaner assembly 10 via an inlet 12. The inlet air 50 may be atmospheric or ambient air and can be referred to as dirty air 52 having physical contaminants (e.g., particulates) and / or chemical contaminants therein, or the inlet air 50 may be clean air or previously cleaned air where, for example, relatively large particulates have been removed therefrom by, for example, a centrifugal separator, or the inlet air 50 may be air that has been subject to cleaning in an upstream process. That is, there is no requirement that the air entering the air cleaner assembly 10 is actually dirty air. Instead, the inlet air 50 entering the air cleaner assembly 10 may be clean air, but it should be appreciated that processing the air 50 through the air cleaner assembly 10 helps to ensure that the air being subsequently fed to the equipment 100 is sufficiently clean. The filter cartridges 15 and 16 filter the inlet air which may be dirty air 52 to provide filtered or clean air 54 that exits from filter assembly 10 via outlet 14. The filtered or clean air 54 becomes the intake air 56 for equipment 100. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the equipment 100 can be exemplified as a fuel cell 102. The equipment 100 operates utilizing intake air 56, and exhaust air 60 exits from the equipment 100. Referring still to Figure 1, the air cleaner assembly 10 includes an air inlet 12 for receiving air and bringing the air to the various filter elements of the air cleaner assembly 10. The air cleaner assembly 10 includes a particulate filter cartridge 15 and a chemical filter cartridge 16, and wherein the combination of the particulate filter cartridge 15 and the chemical filter cartridge 16 has a dirty air side 13 and a clean air side 17. In most embodiments, filter cartridges 15 and 16 engage the air cleaner housing 11. The air cleaner assembly 10 also includes a clean air outlet 14 for removing clean air from the air cleaner assembly 10 and passing it to the other equipment 100 such as the fuel cell 102. Inlet air 50 enters air cleaner assembly 10 through the inlet 12 in the housing 11 and then passes through the dirty air side 13 where it then passes through the particulate filter cartridge 15 and the chemical filter cartridge 16, the air then passes out through the clean air side 17 and clean air outlet 14. As illustrated, the inlet air 50 flows in an axial direction (A) from the inlet 12 to the outlet 14 where it leaves the air cleaner assembly 10 as filtered air 54. The filtered air 54 is then used by the equipment 100. Now referring to Figures 2-8, an air cleaner assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted at reference number 200. The air cleaner assembly 200 includes an air cleaner housing 210 including an air inlet end 212 and an air outlet end 214. The air cleaner assembly 200 includes an air inlet assembly 216 and an air outlet assembly 218. The air inlet assembly 216 attaches to the inlet end 212 of the air cleaner housing 210. Similarly, the air outlet assembly 218 attaches to the air outlet end 214 of the air cleaner housing 210. In general, the attachment of the inlet assembly 216 to the air inlet end 212 can be via a snap fit arrangement and / or with fasteners, and similarly the attachment of the air outlet assembly 218 to the air outlet end 214 of the air cleaner housing 210 can be via a snap fit arrangement and / or with fasteners. The air inlet assembly 216 and the air outlet assembly 218 can be characterized as ductwork for directing air into and out of the air cleaner assembly 200. The air cleaner housing 210 can be referred to as a bracket assembly and includes an air cleaner housing interior 220 wherein a couple of filter cartridges are arranged for filtration of the air flowing from the air inlet assembly 216, through the air inlet end 212, then out through the air outlet end 214, and then through the air outlet assembly 218. The air flow through the air cleaner housing 210 can be referred as axial flow because it flows along an axial direction (A) along an axis (X) from the air inlet end 212 to the air outlet end 214. That is, the axial direction (A) refers to the direction that the air travels as it is being cleaned by the air cleaner assembly 200. The air can flow in the same or other directions when flowing upstream or downstream of when it is being cleaned in the air cleaner assembly 200. For example, the air inlet assembly 216 and the air outlet assembly 218 can direct air flow in directions that are along the axial direction (A) or in some other direction. As illustrated, the air outlet assembly 218 directs air, in general, along the axial direction (A), and air inlet assembly 216 directs air, in general, in a direction different from the axial direction (A). The direction shown by the air inlet assembly 216 is generally perpendicular to the axial direction (A), although other directions are possible including along the axial direction (A). It should be appreciated, however, that alternatives are possible and may depend, for example, on the direction the inlet air is coming from and the direction the outlet air is heading for further downstream application. The air cleaner housing 210 includes an access opening 222 wherein a chemical filter cartridge 230 and a particulate filter cartridge 232 can be removed from the air cleaner interior 220 through the access opening 222. The chemical filter cartridge 230 can include a recessed handle arrangement 234 that can be used for pulling the chemical filter cartridge 230 in a radial direction. Similarly, the particulate filter cartridge 232 can include recessed handle arrangements 236 and 238 that can help for removing the particulate filter 232 in a radial direction through the access opening 222. It is pointed out that the reference to a radial direction is in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (A). It is also pointed out, and it will be explained in more detail below, that the particulate filter cartridge 232 can be removed from the air cleaner housing 210 by moving the particulate filter cartridge in the radial direction (R) which is generally perpendicular to the axial direction and extends around or about the axis. The chemical filter 232, however, is engaged with the air outlet end 214 of the air cleaner housing 210 as a result of a radial seal. As a result, the chemical filter cartridge 230 is removed after the particulate filter cartridge 232 is removed. The chemical filter cartridge 230 can be backed out of the radial seal arrangement with the air cleaner housing 210 by moving the chemical filter cartridge in an axial direction, for example, toward the air inlet end 212, and then pulling the chemical filter cartridge 230 in a radial direction through the access opening 222. In the illustration of the air cleaner assembly 200, the inlet air assembly 216 includes an air inlet opening 240 that faces in a downward direction. It should be appreciated that the air intake 240 can be provided in any configuration including, for example, the axial direction (A). Similarly, the air outlet assembly 218 includes an air outlet 242 facing in the axial direction (A). Similarly, the air outlet opening 242 can be arranged in any direction that is desired. The air inlet opening 240 can be arranged for receiving upstream inlet air, and the air outlet opening 242 can be arranged for delivering filtered air for downstream applications. The arrangement or location of the inlet opening 240 and the outlet opening 242 can be provided based on how air is available for flowing into and out of the air cleaner assembly 200. The air cleaner housing 210 includes a mounting bracket configuration 250 and 252 that provides for mounting the air cleaner assembly onto a structure to hold it in place. The mounting brackets 250 and 252 are shown including portions 254 that optionally extend away from the remainder of the air cleaner housing 210 to facilitate attachment to another structure that holds the air cleaner assembly 200 in place. By extending away, it is more convenient to provide fastener attachment. Openings 256 can be provided to facilitate attachment via fasteners. It should be appreciated that the mounting brackets can be provided anywhere on the air cleaner assembly as desired to help hold the air cleaner assembly in place. In a preferred application of the air cleaner assembly 200, the air cleaner housing 210 is formed of a metallic material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or other sustainable material. This helps provide a structure that resists breakage and wherein the air cleaner housing 210 is recyclable. Furthermore, the other components including the air inlet assembly 216, the air outlet assembly 218, the chemical filter cartridge 230, and the particulate filter cartridge 232 can be replaced as desired in the event of breakage, the need for a different configuration in terms of air flow to and from the air cleaner assembly 200, and possible new or different arrangement between the chemical filter cartridge 230 and the particulate filter cartridge 232. Now referring to Figures 9 and 10, the air cleaner assembly 200 is illustrated with the chemical filter cartridge 230 and the particulate filter cartridge 232 removed from the air cleaner interior 220, thereby illustrating the air cleaner interior 220. The air cleaner housing 210 is illustrated showing the access opening 222 through which the chemical filter cartridge 230 and the particulate filter cartridge 232 are introduced into and removed from the air cleaner interior 220. The air cleaner housing 210 includes a radial seal surface 260 along a flange 262 extending around an opening 264 that directs clean air having passed through the filter cartridges 230 and 232 and toward the outlet end 214 that engages the outlet assembly 218. Interior support members or struts 270 and exterior support members or struts 272 can be provided to help support the flange 262 and the radial seal surface 260. The radial seal surface 260 is directed around an axis (X) which extends in an axial direction between the air inlet end 212 and the air outlet end 214. In general, a radial seal surface on a housing is the surface that engages a radial seal member of a filter cartridge to provide a seal. In this case, the radial seal member that engages the radial seal surface 260 can be characterized as an outwardly directed radial seal member because the forces are primarily directed by the seal member on the radial seal surface 260 in a radial direction away from the axis (X). Alternatively, the seal surface can be located on the opposite side of the flange 262 so that the seal member on the filter cartridge would engage the flange and would be characterized as an inwardly directed radial seal since the forces acting on the flange by seal member would be in a radial direction inwardly toward the axis (X). In order to provide an inwardly directed radial seal surface, the exterior support members or struts 272 could be recessed from the end 275 of the flange 262 to provide space for forming the seal surface in a manner similar to the way the interior support members or struts 270 are recessed from the end 275 of the flange 262 to provide the radial seal surface 260. On the air inlet end 212 of the air cleaner housing 210 is provided a flange 280 that is supported by exterior supports or struts 282. During operation, inlet air flows along the flange 280 through the volume defined by the flange interior surface 284. The flange 280 includes an end surface or projection 286 that can be characterized as a guide surface or ramp surface 288. During installation of the filter cartridges through the access opening 222, and as explained in more detail below, the particulate filter cartridge 232 generally slides along the end surface 286 so that the particulate filter cartridge 232, when it reaches its final position of installation, engages the chemical filter cartridge 230 to form an axial seal between the particulate filter cartridge 232 and the chemical filter cartridge 230, wherein the chemical filter cartridge 230 is engaged in the air cleaner housing 210 thereby forming a radial seal with the air cleaner housing 210. While the air cleaner housing 210 is described with the supports 270, 272, and 282, it should be appreciated that the supports are optional and can be omitted if the remaining structure is sufficiently secure without the supports. Furthermore, the remaining portion of the air cleaner housing 210 between the flange 262 and the flange 280 is provided to fix the relative location of the flange 262 and the flange 280, and also to provide for the mounting members 250 and 252. As a result, portions of the air cleaner housing 210 can be omitted or left out to reduce weight and material. For example, the air cleaner housing 210 can include openings 290 and 292 on each side of the air cleaner housing 210. The openings 290 and 292 also help illustrate the relative sizes of the chemical filter cartridge 230 and the particulate filter cartridge 232. That is, the relative sizes of the chemical filter cartridge 230 and the particulate filter cartridge 232 can be seen by simply viewing the opening 290 when the chemical filter cartridge 230 and the particulate filter cartridge 232 are installed. Now referring to Figure 11, the chemical filter cartridge 230 is shown installed in the air cleaner housing 210 where the chemical filter cartridge 230 has engaged the radial seal surface 260 to form a radially directed seal. The particulate filter cartridge 232 is introduced through the access opening 222. Although not shown with filter media or an axial seal member, the particulate filter cartridge 232 engages the end surface 286 or ramp surface 288 and causes the axial seal member to engage the chemical filter cartridge 230 when installed in the air cleaner interior 220. As explained in more detail below, as the particulate filter cartridge 232 is introduced into the air cleaner housing 210, an axial seal forms at or near the end of the movement of the particulate filter cartridge 232 so that the axial seal member does not slide along the length of the chemical filter cartridge 230 thereby minimizing potential damage to the axial seal member as a result of sliding along a surface. Thus, when the seal member engages the chemical filter cartridge 230 to form a seal, it is expected that the particulate filter cartridge 232 will be in place or almost in place in terms of moving in a radial direction into the air cleaner interior 220. Now referring to Figures 12 and 13, the chemical cartridge housing 300 is illustrated. The chemical cartridge housing 300 includes a chemical cartridge housing shell 302 and a chemical housing interior 304. The chemical housing interior 304 is constructed to receive one or more chemical filters therein for providing chemical filtration to air flowing therethrough. The chemical cartridge housing shell 302 is provided for extending around the one or more chemical filters located in the chemical housing interior 304. The chemical cartridge housing 300 additionally includes a peripheral wall 306 for extending around and containing the at least one chemical filter and also for supporting the radial seal member of the at least one chemical filters. The peripheral wall 306 attaches to the chemical cartridge housing shell 302 by supports 308, and the peripheral wall 306 includes a seal support surface 310, on an exterior of the peripheral wall 306, that supports the radial seal member of the at least one chemical filters, and that extends in a periphery around the chemical housing interior 304 that receives the at least one chemical filters. The chemical cartridge housing shell 302 additionally includes the recessed handle arrangement 234. The chemical cartridge housing 300 additionally includes a filter support 312 extending from the interior surface 314 of the peripheral wall 306 although it could extend instead from the chemical cartridge housing shell 302. The filter support 312 is provided near the inlet end 316 of the chemical filter cartridge 230 for supporting the particulate filter within the particulate filter cartridge 232 to reduce the possibility of the particulate filter from deforming by, for example, telescoping. In general, the purpose of the filter support 312 is to prevent the particulate filter inside the particulate filter cartridge 232 from deforming as a result of air flow therethrough and interfering with the operation of the at least one chemical filter in the chemical filter cartridge 230. The chemical cartridge housing 300 additionally includes an axial seal surface 318 located peripherally around an air flow channel 311 through the chemical filter cartridge 230. The axial seal member on the particulate filter cartridge 232 engages the axial seal surface 318 to form an axially directed seal between the chemical filter cartridge 230 and the particulate filter cartridge 232. Now referring to Figures 14 and 15, the particulate cartridge housing 320 is illustrated. The particulate cartridge housing 320 includes a particulate housing shell 322 and a particulate housing interior 324. The particulate housing interior 324 is constructed to receive a particulate filter therein for providing particulate filtration to air flowing therethrough. The particulate cartridge housing shell 322 is provided for extending around the particulate filter located in the particulate housing interior 324. The particulate cartridge housing 320 additionally includes a peripheral wall 326 for extending around and containing the particulate filter and also for supporting the axial seal member of the particulate filter. The peripheral wall 326 attaches to the particulate cartridge housing shell 322 by supports 328, and the peripheral wall 326 includes a seal support surface or edge 330 that supports the axial seal member of the particulate filter, and that extends in a periphery around the particulate housing interior 324 that receives the particulate chemical filter. The particulate housing shell 322 additionally includes the recessed handle arrangements 236 and 238. The particulate cartridge housing 320 additionally includes a filter support 332 extending from the interior surface 334 of the peripheral wall 326 although it could extend instead from the particulate cartridge housing shell 322. The filter support 332 is provided near the inlet end 336 of the particulate filter cartridge 232. The particulate cartridge housing 320 additionally includes an axial slide surface 338 located peripherally around an air flow channel through the particulate filter cartridge 232. The axial slide surface 338 engages the end surface 286 or ramp surface 288 on the air cleaner housing 210 as the particulate filter cartridge 232 slides into place in the air cleaner interior 220. Now referring to Figures 16 and 17, exploded views of the chemical filter cartridge 230 and the particulate filter cartridge 232 are provided. The chemical filter cartridge 230 includes at least one chemical filter 350 and a radial seal member 352 located extending from the at least one chemical filter 350 and including a portion located on the seal support surface 310 on the peripheral wall 306. The radial seal member 352 includes a radially directed seal surface 354 opposite the seal support surface 310, and wherein the radially directed seal surface 354 is configured to engage the radial seal surface 260 on the air cleaner housing 210. The particulate filter cartridge 232 includes a particulate filter 370 and an axial seal member 372 located extending from the particulate filter 370 and including a portion located on the seal support surface or edge 330 on the peripheral wall 326. The axial seal member 372 includes an axially directed seal surface 374 opposite the seal support surface or edge 330, and wherein the axially directed seal surface 374 is configured to engage the axial seal surface 318 on the chemical filter cartridge 230 to provide an axial seal when operably installed. Figures 18 and 19 provide sections views showing the interaction between the air cleaner housing 210, the chemical filter cartridge 230, and the particulate filter cartridge when installed in the air cleaner assembly 200. As illustrated, the chemical filter cartridge 230 includes the at least one chemical filter media 350 and the radial seal member 352 extending therefrom, and where the radial seal member 352 forms a radially directed seal with the radial seal surface 260 when the chemical filter cartridge 230 is operably installed. Furthermore, the chemical filter cartridge 230 includes the filter support 312 for supporting the particulate filter media 370, and the chemical filter cartridge 230 includes the axial seal surface 318. The particulate filter cartridge 232 includes particulate filter media 370 and the axial seal member 372 that engages the axial seal surface 318 on the chemical filter cartridge 230. In addition, the peripheral wall 326 engages the flange 280 along the end surface 286. As illustrated in Figure 18, the end surface 286 is provided at a slant relative to vertical so that it can be referred to as a ramp surface 288. As the particulate filter cartridge 232 moves into the air cleaner interior 230, and as the particulate filter cartridge 232 slides along the ramp surface 288, the particulate filter cartridge 232 gradually moves toward the chemical filter cartridge 230 until the axial seal is formed when the particulate filter cartridge 232 is in its final, operable position. An additional and optional embodiment is depicted in Figure 20 showing a portion of an air cleaner housing 410 having a rail 412 with a plurality of sensors 414 for measuring conditions withing the air cleaner assembly at that location. One type of condition includes air quality such as types of contaminants and amounts of contaminants. Having a plurality of sensors 414 located along a length of the air cleaner housing 410 can provide information that helps determine the types and relative sizes of particulate and chemical filter elements for using the air cleaner in a particular location or environment. For example, it may be found that it is advantageous to increase the size of an acid capturing chemical filter cartridge relative to a particulate filter cartridge for a given application. An advantage of the combination of chemical filter cartridge and particulate filter cartridge is that the relative sizes of the two can be adjusted to accommodate local conditions of use so as to match the useful life of both cartridges and thereby provide enhance efficiency so that both cartridges can be serviced at the same time. An additional optional embodiment is depicted in Figures 21-23 showing an advantageous introduction and removal technique between the chemical filter cartridge 500 and the air cleaner housing 502. A hinge construction 504 can be located on both the chemical filter cartridge 500 and the air cleaner housing 502. The hinge 504 includes a receiver 506 and a projection 508 configured to be received within the receiver 506 to permit rotation. As illustrated, the air cleaner housing 502 includes the receiver 506 and the chemical filter cartridge 500 includes a projection 508 wherein the projection 508 is configured to extend into the receiver 506 and rotate when received within the receiver 506. Of course, the components can be reversed and the receiver 506 can be located on the chemical filter cartridge 500 and the projection 508 can be located on the air cleaner housing 502. As illustrated, once the projection 508 engages the receiver 506, the chemical filter cartridge 500 can be rotated into position thereby forming a radially directed seal with the air cleaner housing 502. When removing the chemical filter cartridge 500 for servicing the air cleaner, for example, the chemical filter cartridge 500 can simply be rotated out of the radial seal interaction with the air cleaner housing 502. It is pointed out that this type of interaction provides for more convenient removal and installation of the chemical filter cartridge compared to otherwise having to direct or force the chemical filter cartridge in the axial direction installing or removing the chemical filter cartridge. For example, it is expected that it would be more difficult to force the chemical filter cartridge toward the air outlet end when installing the chemical filter cartridge, and it is expected that it would be more difficult to force the chemical filter cartridge toward the air inlet end when removing the chemical filter cartridge, as opposed to using leverage as a result of rotation the chemical filter cartridge because of the benefit of having the hinge construction 504. It is also pointed out that the air cleaner configuration described in the context of Figures 2-8 can be referred to as a side entry air cleaner since the filter cartridges can be installed and removed by movement transverse to the axial direction (A) and also at a location between the air inlet and the air outlet. It should be appreciated that while refence is made to an “axial seal” or an “axially directed seal,” seal configurations depicted in W02023 / 205790 can be used herein for the type of seal arrangement described. The entire disclosure of WO 2023 / 205790 is incorporated herein in its entirety. The Filter Media The filter media described herein is preferably arranged as straight through filter media having opposite inlet and outlet ends. Inlet air can flow in an axial direction through the air cleaner into an inlet end of the filter media, and then flow through an opposite outlet end of the filter media. This applies to both the particulate filter media and the chemical filter media which are typically arranged one after the other where the chemical filter media is typically downstream of the particulate filter media. Furthermore, the relative sizes or capacities of the particulate filter media and the chemical filter media can be adjusted depending on factors including, for example, the types and relative amounts of contaminants at the situs of use. For example, if an analysis of the filter media after usage, or of an analysis of the environment in which it is to be used, indicates that a certain type of contaminant(s) is prevalent in a particular area of use, then the filter media and possibly the filter cartridges, can be adjusted or replaced with alternative filter media and / or filter cartridges that are more favorable for that contaminant(s). For example, if the environment is heavy in a particular type of dust and with little chemical contaminant, then the size of the particulate filter cartridge can be increased in length from the inlet to the outlet to thereby accommodate a amount of larger particulate filter media, and the chemical filter cartridge can be decreased in length from the inlet to the outlet so that the combination of particulate filter cartridge and chemical filter cartridge remains the same but the relative sizes of the particulate filter media and the chemical filter media can be adjusted. In another embodiment, the environment may experience a greater need for chemical filtration, and the size of the chemical filter cartridge can be increased relative to the size of the particulate filter cartridge. It should be appreciated that the chemical filter cartridge can include multiple types of filter media to accommodate removal of alternative types of chemical contaminants including, for example, acidic contaminants, basic contaminants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For example, the chemical filter cartridge may include one, two, or three separate chemical filters that may include, for example, an acid filter, a base filter, and / or a VOC filter. Furthermore, the relative sizes of the particular chemical filter medias can be adjusted to accommodate the relative amounts of contaminants expected to be encountered in the environment of use. The adjustment can be provided within a single chemical filter cartridge, or the adjustment can be provided as a result of providing two or more, for example three, chemical filter cartridges. By way of example, the chemical filter cartridge can be provided so that the chemical filter cartridge housing includes at least two different, and perhaps three different, chemical filter medias arranged, for example, in series, within the chemical filter cartridge. As a result, the air for filtration would flow from though the multiple chemical filter medias for filtration of the various chemical contaminants therefrom. Alternatively, multiple chemical filter cartridges can be provided wherein each chemical filter cartridge contains one or more different chemical filter media. In such a circumstance, the multiple chemical filter cartridges may be provided so that they provide a seal to prevent leakage of unfiltered air. For example, a chemical filter cartridge may include a seal member that seals to a on a downstream filter cartridge, and also provides a surface for sealing to a seal member on an upstream filter cartridge. In the arrangement described, the chemical filter cartridge that is furthest downstream may include a seal member, such as a radial seal member, that engages the air cleaner housing, and the chemical filter cartridge housing includes a seal surface that may be an axial seal surface or a radial seal surface for sealing to an upstream filter cartridge. When that most immediate upstream filter cartridge is another chemical filter cartridge, that filter cartridge may include a seal member that seals to the most immediate downstream filter cartridge and also includes a housing with a seal surface for engaging another filter cartridge that is immediately upstream thereof. That upstream filter cartridge may be another chemical filter cartridge or a particulate filter cartridge. The filter cartridges can be characterized as modular because the relative sizes of the filter housings and the filter media can be adjusted to accommodate the expected contaminants in the environment or situs of use. In addition, it should be appreciated that the modular system can be adjusted, if desired, so that there is no chemical filter media. It is expected that there might be situations where chemical filtration is unnecessary. In such situations, the chemical filter cartridge can be provided with a seal member that provides a radially directed seal with the air cleaner housing and may or may not include particulate filter media and without any chemical filter media. The particulate filter media can be arranged as fluted media, pleated media, and / or depth media. The filter media, such as a fibrous mat or web, including paper, may remove particles down to about 0.01 mm in size. Examples of particulates removed by a particulate filter include dust, dirt, pollen, insects, wood chips and saw dust, metal shavings, and the like. The filter media can be treated in any number of ways to improve its efficiency in removing minute particulates; for example, electrostatically treated media can be used, as can cellulose media having one or more layers of fine fiber, or other types of media known to those skilled in the art. A sub-micron filter portion, such as a HEPA (high efficiency particle air) filter can be included in the filter assembly. Sub-micron filters are typically intended to remove microscopic particulate, such as aerosols produced by combustion, bacteria, viruses, and the like. The particulate filter portion can be designed to remove liquid contaminants, such as rain and sleet from the incoming air. To remove liquids from the air, the air stream is preferably passed through a filter portion that utilizes materials with a high surface energy, so that the liquid coalesces and can be removed. Media having a hydrophobic surface, such as coated glass fibers, is an example of a media that can be used to remove liquid contaminants. Another example of a media for removing liquid contaminants is a media of treated glass fibers combined with foamed hot melt beads. These exemplary media can be incorporated into extensions of filter media, such as pleated paper extensions. In some embodiments, the preferred technique for removing liquid contaminants is to use an inertial separator; this, however, can be dependent on the space available within the fuel cell apparatus. An expanded PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane can also be used to remove liquid from the air. Expanded PTFE is a microporous membrane that, because of the pore size, allows the passage of moisture (vapor) through but not liquid. It is understood that any number of particulate filter portions having any combination of particulate removal efficiency can be used. The desired particulate removal system will depend on the type of contaminants present in the atmosphere (for example, leaves, cottonwood blossoms, lint, snow, etc.) and the desired cleanliness level of the resulting filtered air. The chemical filter media can include a portion designed to remove contaminants from the atmosphere by either adsorption or absorption. As used herein, the terms “adsorb,” “adsorption,” “adsorbent,” and the like, are intended to also include the mechanisms of absorption and adsorption. The chemical filter media typically includes a physisorbent or chemisorbent material, such as, for example, desiccants (i.e., materials that adsorb or absorb water or water vapor) or materials that adsorb or absorb volatile organic compounds and / or acid gases and / or basic gases. Suitable adsorbent materials include, for example, activated carbon, activated carbon fibers, impregnated carbon, activated alumina, molecular sieves, ion-exchange resins, ion- exchange fibers, silica gel, alumina, and silica. Any of these materials can be combined with or impregnated with materials such as potassium permanganate, calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, calcium sulfate, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the adsorbent material can be combined or impregnated with a second material. For some designs, it may be desired to have a bed of activated carbon upstream of a bed of impregnated carbon. The adsorbent materials are typically particulates or granulated material and can be present as granules, beads, fibers, fine powders, nanostructures, nanotubes, aerogels, or can be present as a coating on a base material such as a ceramic bead, monolithic structures, paper media, or metallic surface. Typically, the adsorbent materials, especially particulate or granulated materials, are provided as a bed of material. Alternately, the adsorbent material can be shaped into a monolithic or unitary form, such as a large tablet, granule, bead, or pleatable or honeycomb structure that optionally can be further shaped. In at least some instances, the shaped adsorbent material substantially retains its shape during the normal or expected lifetime of the filter assembly. The shaped adsorbent material can be formed from a free-flowing particulate material combined with a solid or liquid binder that is then shaped into a non-free-flowing article. The shaped adsorbent material can be formed by, for example, a molding, a compression molding, or an extrusion process. The binder used can be dry, that is, in powdered and / or granular form, or the binder can be a liquid, solvated, or dispersed binder. Certain binders, such as moisture curable urethanes and materials typically referred to as “hot melts,” can be applied directly to the adsorbent material by a spray process. In some embodiments, a temporary liquid binder, including a solvent or dispersant which can be removed during the molding process, is used. Suitable binders include, for example, latex, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, starch, carboxyl methyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, and sodium silicate. Preferably the composition of a shaped material includes at least about 70%, by weight, and typically not more than about 98%, by weight, adsorbent material. In some instances, the shaped adsorbent includes 85 to 95%, preferably, approximately 90%, by weight, adsorbent material. The shaped adsorbent typically includes not less than about 2%, by weight, binder and not more than about 30%, by weight, binder. Further information regarding mold release, other additives, and molding techniques are discussed in U.S. Pat. No.5,876,487, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Another embodiment of a suitable adsorbent material for use in the chemical filter portion is an adsorbent material that includes a carrier. For example, a mesh or scrim can be used to hold the adsorbent material and binder. Polyester and other suitable materials can be used as the mesh or scrim. Typically, any carrier is not more than about 50% of the weight of the adsorbent material, and is more often about 20 to 40% of the total adsorbent weight. The amount of binder in the shaped adsorbed article with the carrier typically ranges about 10 to 50% of the total adsorbent weight and the amount of adsorbent material typically ranges about 20 to 60% of the total adsorbent weight. The chemical filter portion can have strongly basic materials for the removal of acid contaminants from the air, or strongly acidic materials for the removal of basic contaminants from the air, or both. Preferably, the basic materials and acidic materials are removed from each other so that they do not cancel each other. Examples of acidic compounds that are often present in atmospheric air include sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, and volatile organic acids and nonvolatile organic acids. Examples of basic compounds that are often present in atmospheric air include ammonia, amines, amides, sodium hydroxides, lithium hydroxides, potassium hydroxides, volatile organic bases and nonvolatile organic bases. In general, the acidic and basic materials of the chemical filter portion remove contaminants from the air by trapping the contaminants on their surfaces; typically, the acidic and basic surfaces react with the contaminants, thus adsorbing the contaminants at least on the surfaces. In some embodiments, the composition itself of the carrier may be the strongly acidic or strong basic material. Examples of such materials include materials such as polymer particulates, activated carbon media, zeolites, clays, silica gels, and metal oxides. In other embodiments, the strongly acidic materials and the strongly basic materials can be provided as surface coatings on carriers such as granular particulate, beads, fibers, fine powders, nanotubes, and aerogels. Alternately or additionally, the acidic and basic material that forms the acidic and basic surfaces may be present throughout at least a portion of the carrier; this can be done, for example, by impregnating the carrier material with the acidic or basic material. An example of a preferred material for removing basic contaminants, such as ammonia, is a bed of activated carbon granules impregnated with citric acid. An example of a preferred material for removing acidic contaminants is a bed of impregnated activated carbon granules that are commercially available from C*Chem, a division of IONEX Research Corp. of Lafayette, CO, under the trade designation “Chemsorb 1202”. Both basic and acidic materials may be present in the chemical filter portion of the filter element. The chemical filter portion can include other materials that are tailored to the removal of certain contaminants. As one example, a strong oxidizing material can be included to remove carbon monoxide from the air. Examples of strong oxidizing materials include: catalytic material, such as that available from available from MSA of Pittsburgh, Pa. under the trade designation “Hopcalite” (a mixture of porous manganese oxide and copper oxide), precious metals, transition metals, and combinations thereof; chemisorptive materials, such as materials similar to “Hopcalite”, precious metals, transition metals, inorganic and organic oxides, salts, and metals; hydrogen peroxide; permangantes; and chromates. A strong oxidizing material can be included to remove nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the air. The chemical filter portion may capture and permanently retain chemical contaminants from the dirty air stream, or the chemical filter portion may release the chemical contaminants at a later time. For example, the chemical filter portion removes chemical contaminants from the dirty air stream so that the filtered clean air has a contaminant concentration that is below, or at least at, an acceptable threshold before passing the air into the input of the equipment, such as the fuel cell. When the contaminant level in the dirty air stream is below the threshold level, it is not necessary for the filter element to remove contaminants; rather, in some embodiments the chemical filter portion may release some of the collected contaminants, up to the threshold level. This is generally caused by the contaminate concentration differential between the dirty air stream and the chemical filter portion. In this way, the chemical portion may be partially regenerated, thereby extending the useful life of the chemical filter portion. Such a design may be desired when an acceptable threshold level of contaminants into the fuel cell is known. A particulate filter portion and chemical filter portion can be combined to provide a single filter element that removes both physical and chemical contaminants. In one example, the filter media of a particulate filter portion can be made with fibers that have a surface treatment capable of chemisorbing or otherwise reacting or interacting with acidic or basic contaminants, thus providing a chemical filter portion. In another example, a bed of activated carbon granules can also remove physical contaminants from the air if the spacing between the granules is sufficiently small. It is also pointed out that the seal member on both of the chemical filter cartridge and the particulate filter cartridge can be formed in place on the filter media or it can be adhered or otherwise fixed to the filter media so as to avoid leakage of unfiltered air or otherwise allowing unfiltered air from bypassing the filter media. Furthermore, the chemical filter cartridge and / or the particulate filter cartridge can be provided where the cartridges, either with or without the respective filter cartridge housing (for example, the chemical filter cartridge housing and the particulate filter cartridge housing). In addition, the chemical filter media and the chemical filter cartridge housing can be separable without damage to the chemical filter media, and the particulate filter media and the particulate filter cartridge housing can be separable without damage to the particulate filter media, if it is desirable for them to be separable. Furthermore, the respective seal member can be adhered to or molded onto the filter media or filter cartridge housing for the chemical filter cartridge and / or the particulate filter cartridge. Alternatively, the chemical filter media can be attached to the chemical filter cartridge housing and / or the particulate filter media can be attached to the particulate filter cartridge housing so that the media are not separable without damage to the respective filter media. In such a circumstance, it can be the filter cartridges (including both the filter media and the filter cartridge housing) that are replaceable. In other embodiments, it can be the filter media, and optionally the seal member attached thereto, that is replaceable within the filter cartridge housing. Furthermore, as indicated previously, the air cleaner assembly permits an adjustment of the sizes of the chemical filter cartridge and the particulate filter cartridge relative to each other depending on the particular environment of use, while still fitting within the air cleaner interior, in order to maximize the useful life of both the chemical filter media and the particulate filter media so that they each have about the same useful life thereby providing an advantage that both can be replaced at the same time during a particular servicing thereof. The relative size of each can be expressed in terms of a linear length of each, i.e., depth of media, extending between an inlet and an outlet of each filter cartridge or each filter media. For example, the chemical filter cartridge and the particulate filter cartridge, or respective filter medias, can range in depth, from inlet to outlet, relative to one another of a ratio of 1:8 to 8:1, alternatively 1:4 to 4:1, and further alternatively 1:2 to 2:1. In embodiment depicted in embodiment depicted in Figure 18, the depth of the chemical filter media is slightly greater than the depth of the particulate filter media, but it is close to a depth ratio of 1:1. It is pointed out that the relative depths of the chemical filter media and the particulate filter media can be different than the depth of the chemical filter cartridge and the particulate filter cartridge wherein the cartridge depth is measured by the cartridge housing depth. In any event, the filter media depth and / or the filter cartridge depth can be adjusted to take advantage of the local particulate and / or chemical contaminants as described. Furthermore, as described above, the chemical filter cartridge can be provided so that it includes multiple types of chemical filter media or so that it includes multiple chemical filter media cartridges. These multiple chemical filter medias and / or multiple chemical filter cartridges can be sized so that have different depts, and the ratio of the depths can similarly be provided within exemplary ratios, for any two, of 1:8 to 8:1, 1:4 to 4:1, 1:2 to 2:1, or 1:1. Fuel Cell Operations Generally In Figure 1, equipment 100 is depicted as a fuel cell 102. Fuel cells are devices that include two electrodes (an anode and a cathode) and an electrolyte therebetween. A fuel containing hydrogen flows to the anode, where the hydrogen electrons are freed, leaving positively charged ions. The electrons travel through an external circuit and the ions diffuse through the electrolyte toward the cathode. At the cathode, the electrons combine with the hydrogen ions and oxygen in air to form water and carbon dioxide which are by-products. To speed the reaction, a catalyst is often used. Examples of catalysts often used in the fuel cell reaction include nickel, platinum, palladium, cobalt, cesium, neodymium, and other rare earth metals. The reactants in the fuel cell are the hydrogen fuel and an oxidizer such as oxygen. The fuel cell may be a “low temperature fuel cell” when it operates a temperature of about 70 to 90° C. High temperature fuel cells are also known, however, these are typically not as sensitive to chemical contamination due to their higher operating temperature. High temperature fuel cells are, nevertheless, sensitive to particulate contamination, and some forms of chemical contamination, and may benefit from the type of filtration system described herein. One type of low temperature fuel cell is commonly referred to as a “PEM” and is named for its use of a proton exchange membrane. PEM fuel cells may benefit from being used in conjunction with a filter assembly according to the present disclosure. Examples of other various types of fuel cells that can be used in combination with the filter assembly of the present invention include, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,110,611; 6,117,579; 6,103,415; and 6,083,637, the disclosures of which are incorporated here by reference. It will be recognized by one skilled in the art of fuel cells that the air cleaner assembly will benefit the operation of generally any fuel cell. The threshold levels of contaminants that are acceptable by various fuel cells is dependent on the design of the fuel cell. For example, hydrocarbons (methane and heavier), ammonia, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, silicones, and the like, are known to occupy space on the catalyst and inactivate the sites to reaction. Thus, these contaminants need to be removed prior to their entering the reactive area of the fuel cell. The exact level of contamination and the types contaminants that are acceptable may vary depending on the catalyst used, the operating conditions, and the catalytic process efficiency requirements. The air cleaner assembly of the present disclosure removes particulate and chemical contaminants from the atmospheric air before the air is used in the fuel cell operation. It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the disclosure, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An air cleaner assembly comprising: (a) an air cleaner housing comprising an air inlet end, an opposite air outlet end, and an air cleaner interior located between the air inlet end and the opposite air outlet end, wherein the air cleaner housing further comprises: (i) an access opening for accessing the air cleaner interior; and (ii) a housing radial seal surface located generally facing toward an air cleaner axis extending from the air inlet end to the opposite air outlet end; (b) a chemical filter cartridge configured to pass through the air cleaner housing access opening, the chemical filter cartridge comprising: a chemical filter cartridge housing, a chemical filter media, a seal member having a radially directed seal surface and configured to engage the housing radial seal surface when operably installed in the air cleaner interior, and a particulate filter housing axial seal surface; and (c) a particulate filter cartridge configured to pass through the air cleaner housing access opening, the particulate filter cartridge comprising: a particulate cartridge filter housing, a particulate filter media, and a seal member having an axially directed seal surface and configured to engage the particulate filter housing axial seal surface on the chemical filter cartridge when the particulate filter cartridge is operably installed in the air cleaner interior.

2. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the particulate filter housing axial seal surface faces in a direction toward the air inlet end when the chemical filter cartridge is operably installed in the air cleaner interior.

3. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the chemical filter cartridge comprises a cross-brace arrangement for supporting the particulate filter media.

4. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: (a) an air inlet assembly extends from the air cleaner housing air inlet end.

5. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: (a) an air outlet assembly extends from the air cleaner housing outlet end.

6. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the chemical filter housing comprises a handle configured for pulling the chemical filter cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the air cleaner axis.

7. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 6, wherein: (a) the handle of the chemical filter housing comprises a recess.

8. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the particulate filter housing comprises a handle configured for pulling the particulate filter cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the air cleaner axis.

9. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the handle of the particulate filter housing comprises a recess.

10. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the housing radial seal surface is configured to face toward an axis extending from the air inlet end to the air outlet end.

11. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the housing radial seal surface is configured to face away from an axis extending from the air inlet end to the air outlet end.

12. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the air cleaner housing further comprises a ramp for biasing the particulate filter cartridge in an axial direction toward the chemical filter cartridge as the particulate filter cartridge is installed through the access opening.

13. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the air cleaner interior is configured to receive the chemical filter cartridge and the particulate filter cartridge wherein the chemical filter cartridge and the particulate filter cartridge can range in depth, from inlet to outlet, relative to one another of a ratio of 1:8 to 8:1.

14. A combination of filter cartridges comprising: (a) a chemical filter cartridge comprising: a chemical filter cartridge housing, a chemical filter media configured to absorb volatile organic compounds, a seal member having a radially directed seal surface and configured to engage a housing radial seal surface when operably installed in an air cleaner interior, and a particulate filter housing axial seal surface; and (b) a particulate filter cartridge comprising: a particulate cartridge filter housing, a particulate filter media, and a seal member having an axially directed seal surface and configured to engage the particulate filter housing axial seal surface on the chemical filter cartridge when the particulate filter cartridge is operably installed adjacent the chemical filter cartridge.

15. A combination of filter cartridges according to claim 14, wherein: (a) the chemical filter cartridge comprises a cross-brace arrangement for supporting the particulate filter media when the particulate filter cartridge is operably installed adjacent the chemical filter cartridge.

16. A combination of filter cartridges according to claim 14, wherein: (a) the chemical filter housing comprises a handle configured for pulling the chemical filter cartridge.

17. A combination of filter cartridges according to claim 16, wherein: (a) the handle of the chemical filter housing comprises a recess.

18. A combination of filter cartridges according to claim 14, (a) the particulate filter housing comprises a handle configured for pulling the particulate filter cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the air cleaner axis.

19. A combination of filter cartridges according to claim 18, wherein: (a) the handle of the particulate filter housing comprises a recess.

20. A combination of filter cartridges comprising:(a) a chemical filter cartridge comprising: a chemical filter media configured to absorb volatile organic compounds, a seal member having a radially directed seal surface and configured to engage a housing radial seal surface when operably installed in an air cleaner interior, and a particulate filter housing axial seal surface; and (b) a particulate filter cartridge comprising: a particulate filter media, and a seal member having an axially directed seal surface and configured to engage a particulate filter housing axial seal surface on the chemical filter cartridge when the particulate filter cartridge is operably installed adjacent the chemical filter cartridge.

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