High-efficiency, self-supporting filter element made from fibers
First Claim
1. A self-supporting filter element comprising an assembly of fibers, said fibers having an average size smaller than 6 denier and said assembly having an average density greater than 225 kg/m3 and less than 500 kg/m3 when measured under a pressure of 10 kPa (1.45 psi), said assembly including a proportion of heat-shrunk fibers, which, having been heated, have shrunk to rigidity and densify said assembly to provide it with said average density, whereby said self-supporting filter element will not collapse or buckle by a pressure gradient arising in a fluid being filtered during a filtration process.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A self-supporting filter element is produced from a precursor fiber web according to one of several methods. The precursor fiber web contains heat-shrinkable fibers or binder fibers or both. The web is exposed to temperatures sufficiently elevated to cause shrinkage of the fibers or melting of the binder. After cooling the web, the filter elements produced are self-supporting, and may have densities up to 500 kg/m3 to improve filtration while retaining good functional characteristics for operating pressure drop and air permeability. The self-supporting filter elements can be constructed of one material, and thus may be suitable for recycling.
28 Citations
14 Claims
- 1. A self-supporting filter element comprising an assembly of fibers, said fibers having an average size smaller than 6 denier and said assembly having an average density greater than 225 kg/m3 and less than 500 kg/m3 when measured under a pressure of 10 kPa (1.45 psi), said assembly including a proportion of heat-shrunk fibers, which, having been heated, have shrunk to rigidity and densify said assembly to provide it with said average density, whereby said self-supporting filter element will not collapse or buckle by a pressure gradient arising in a fluid being filtered during a filtration process.
Specification