Water separation and filtration structure
First Claim
1. A fuel conditioning structure for removing particulates and separating water entrained in a fuel flow, said fuel conditioning structure comprising, in the direction of fuel flow:
- a filtration media comprising cellulose fibers;
a coalescing media adjacent said filtration media, said coalescing media comprising hydrophilic synthetic fibers having average diameters that increase in the direction of fuel flow; and
a water barrier spaced apart from said coalescing media in the direction of fuel flow, wherein said fuel conditioning structure routes fuel through said filtration media, said coalescing media and said water barrier.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fuel conditioning structure filters fuel prior to the water separation mechanism. A coalescing media employs hydrophilic synthetic fibers that coalesce water even with the low surface tension present in fuels treated with additives/surfactants. The coalescing media employs a gradient structure of fine fibers/small voids to larger fibers/larger voids in the direction of fuel flow. This structure promotes water adhesion on the fine fibers and coalescence into large whole water droplets that are easily rejected by a water barrier. Pre-filtration extends the life of the coalescing media and water barrier by keeping these structures free of particulates, oxidized fuel and asphaltenes. This configuration helps prevent degradation in the ability of these layers to separate water over the life of the filter.
73 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A fuel conditioning structure for removing particulates and separating water
entrained in a fuel flow, said fuel conditioning structure comprising, in the direction of fuel flow: -
a filtration media comprising cellulose fibers;
a coalescing media adjacent said filtration media, said coalescing media comprising hydrophilic synthetic fibers having average diameters that increase in the direction of fuel flow; and
a water barrier spaced apart from said coalescing media in the direction of fuel flow, wherein said fuel conditioning structure routes fuel through said filtration media, said coalescing media and said water barrier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A fuel filter cartridge incorporating a fuel conditioning structure, said fuel filter cartridge comprising:
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a housing defining an axial opening for fluid communication with an interior of said housing;
structures defining a fluid flow path within said housing extending from an inlet to an outlet;
said fuel conditioning structure comprising and in a direction of fuel flow;
a filtration media comprising cellulose fibers;
a coalescing media adjacent said filtration media, said coalescing media comprising hydrophilic synthetic fibers with average diameters that increase in the direction of fuel flow; and
a water barrier, wherein said filtration media, coalescing media and water barrier are connected to said structures across said fluid flow path such that said fuel must flow through each of said filtration media, said coalescing media and said water barrier in sequence before exiting said filter cartridge. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification