×

Method and apparatus for testing the integrity of filter elements

  • US 5,417,101 A
  • Filed: 06/09/1992
  • Issued: 05/23/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/10/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of testing the integrity of filter elements in a filter assembly comprising a plurality of filter elements which are subdivided into a plurality of sections, said method comprising the steps:

  • a) wetting a filter material of said plurality of filter elements;

    b) subjecting the filter elements with wetted filter material to a gas pressure;

    c) measuring a bulk gas flow rate through the wetted filter material of all of said plurality of filter elements;

    d) determining whether the measured bulk gas flow rate deviates from a first desired flow rate by an amount within a first preset range, wherein a deviation within said preset range indicates that all filter elements are intact;

    e) closing gas passage through at least one section of filter elements containing a portion of said plurality of filter elements;

    f) measuring a bulk gas flow rate through the wetted filter material of filter elements disposed in remaining sections open to gas passage;

    g) determining whether the measured bulk gas flow rate of step f) deviates from a second desired flow rate corresponding to the number of filter elements disposed in remaining sections open to gas passage by an amount within a second preset range, wherein a deviation of the measured bulk gas flow rate of step f) from a second desired flow rate within the second preset range indicates that one or more of the filter elements in said at least one section of step e) is not intact.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×