Method and apparatus for v-bank filter bed scanning

• US 7,739,926 B2
• Filed: 05/01/2007
• Issued: 06/22/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Camfil Farr, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Camfil Farr, Inc.
• Inventors: Devine, Steven T., Huza, Mark, Morse, Thomas C.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOLAND, THOMAS
• Application Number:
  US11/742,922
• Publication Number:
  US 20070214870A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,148 Days
• Field of Search: 73/38, 73/40, 73/407, 738/633.1, 7386353-86354, 738/635.8, 738/636.1, 738/633.4, 738/647.3, 738/665
• US Class Current: 73/865.9
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2273/18 Testing of filters, filter elements, sealings
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/0086 Filter condition indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/121 V-type arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/20 using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/08 Investigating permeability, pore-volume, or surface area of porous materials
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/0806 Details, e.g. sample holders, mounting samples for testing
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/2291 Movable probes, e.g. swivelling, swinging
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2015/084 Testing filters

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention generally related to a method and apparatus for scanning a v-bank filter. In one embodiment, a method for testing a v-bank filter includes providing an aerosol challenge to an upstream side of a v-bank filter, scanning a downstream side of the v-bank filter with a probe having one or more rectangular sample ports, and providing samples taken through the probe during scanning to a test instrument. In yet another embodiment, a probe for scanning a v-bank filter is provided that includes a body having a plurality of rectangular sample ports. Each sample port is tapered to a port configured to connect to a sample tube. The long sides of the rectangular sample ports are arranged in a stacked parallel orientation.

Claims

1. A method for testing a v-bank filter, comprising:

providing an aerosol challenge to an upstream side of a v-bank filter;

scanning a downstream side of the v-bank filter with a probe having one or more rectangular sample ports; and

providing samples taken through the probe during scanning to a test instrument.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein scanning further comprises:

moving the probe primarily in a direction perpendicular to a short side of the sample port.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein scanning further comprises:

moving the probe at a speed of about 1-2 inches per second (25.4-50.8 millimeters per second) across the filter while scanning.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

sampling two facing media banks simultaneously.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

sampling Vees of the filter simultaneously.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

challenging the filter with an aerosol having a concentration of at least about 12 μ

g/l.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

determining if the filter has a pin-hole leak from the samples.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

determining an efficiency of the filter from the samples.

9. A method for testing a v-bank filter, comprising:

providing a challenge to a v-bank filter having at least four adjacent banks of filter media arranged in a Vee configuration;

scanning an opening defined between at least one pair of adjacent banks of filter media with a probe having a plurality of rectangular sample ports, wherein the probe is moved in a direction predominantly perpendicular to a short side of one of sample ports of the probe;

sampling air passing through the banks of filter media and into the probe; and

determining if a sample taken through on of the sample ports is indicative of a leak through the filter.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising:

simultaneously scanning openings defined between adjacent banks of filter media.