Method of filtering air through an air passageway

• US 6,923,911 B1
• Filed: 05/27/2003
• Issued: 08/02/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/20/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Rex A. Adams, Scott B. Beier
• Original Assignee: Rex A. Adams, Scott B. Beier
• Inventors: Beier, Scott B., Adams, Rex A.
• Primary Examiner(s): MENON, KRISHNAN S
• Application Number:
  US10/445,546
• Time in Patent Office: 798 Days
• Field of Search: 553/07, 553/091, 554/82, 554/87, 554/89, 554/95, 952/73, 210/323.1, 210/335, 210/767
• US Class Current: 210/273
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2201/184 Special form, dimension of the openings, pores of the filtering elements
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2279/50 for air conditioning air-conditioning systems comprising filters F24F8/10
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 29/012 Making filtering elements making bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements B01D29/111
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 29/05 supported
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 29/096 Construction of filtering bands or supporting belts, e.g. devices for centering, mounting or sealing the filtering bands or the supporting belts
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 29/52 in parallel connection
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 29/56 in series connection
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 29/94 for discharging the filter cake, e.g. chutes
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 39/1623 of synthetic origin
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/12 in multiple arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/62 connected in series

Abstract

The filter system for filtering particulate material from a generally unidirectional fluid stream comprising a first filter removably positioned in the fluid stream and a second filter removably positioned in the fluid stream downstream of the first filter. The first filter comprises a pre-filter and includes a layer of fluid-permeable material having a plurality of spaced-apart openings extending completely therethrough. The method of utilizing the fluid filter system of this invention is also disclosed and comprises the steps of: (1) removably positioning a first filter in the fluid stream; and (2) removably positioning a fluid-permeable second filter in the fluid stream downstream of the first filter. The first filter may be removed from the fluid when it becomes restrictive to air flow. The system may be operated so that the air may be passed through the second filter until the second filter becomes clogged or restrictive to air flow. The filters may be positioned in an air discharge passageway associated with a paint spray booth or may be positioned in an air intake passageway extending into a heating system, a ventilating system or an air conditioning system.

Claims

1. The method of filtering air passing through an air discharge passageway, comprising the steps of:

removably positioning a pre-filter in the air discharge passageway;

removably positioning a second filter in the air discharge passageway downstream of said pre-filter;

removing said pre-filter from said air discharge passageway upon said pre-filter becoming clogged with material in the air passing therethrough; and

passing air through said second filter.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said pre-filter comprises a layer of fluid-permeable material having an intake side and a discharge side and wherein said layer has a plurality of spaced-apart openings extending completely therethrough.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said air discharge passageway is associated with a paint spray booth.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said pre-filter and said second filter are replaced upon said second filter becoming clogged with material in the air passing therethrough.

4. The method of filtering air passing through an air intake passageway, comprising the steps of:

removably positioning a pre-filter in the air intake passageway;

removably positioning a second filter in the air intake passageway downstream of said pre-filter;

removing said pre-filter from said air intake passageway upon said pre-filter becoming clogged with material in the air passing therethrough; and

passing air through said second filter.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said pre-filter comprises a layer of fluid-permeable material having an intake side and a discharge side and wherein said layer has a plurality of spaced-apart openings extending completely therethrough.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein said air passageway extends into a heating system.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein said air passageway extends into a ventilating system.

8. The method of claim 4 wherein said air passageway extends into a air conditioning system.

10. The method of claim 4 wherein said pre-filter and said second filter are replaced upon said second filter becoming clogged with material in the air passing therethrough.