Abstract: The present invention is a method for modifying at least one property of a porous membrane. The method comprises the steps of providing a porous membrane. The method also includes exposing the membrane to a fluid at supercritical conditions. At least one property of the membrane is modified while the membrane is exposed to the fluid at supercritical conditions. The condition of the fluid is changed in such a manner that the porous membrane retains the modified property. The present invention is also sheet material that is water-resistant, moisture vapor transmissive and air permeable. The sheet material comprises a membrane having an open pore structure including surfaces defining a plurality of interconnecting pores extending through the membrane and between major sides of said membrane in which the pores have an average pore size. The membrane is made from a material tending to absorb oils and contaminating agents.

Abstract: A waterproof, vapor-permeable and gas-permeable sheet material and a method of making are provided. The sheet material includes a waterproof microporous layer and a thermoplastic layer attached to the microporous layer. The thermoplastic layer is vapor-permeable and air-permeable. The microporous layer is at least partially integrated with the thermoplastic layer to form a zone that prevents passage of water droplets, while permitting passage of water vapor and air, when a chemical is present on the sheet material that would otherwise cause the microporous layer to permit passage of water droplets. The Zone can be considered to be resistant to chemical interference with at least the waterproof property of the microporous layer and inhibits detachment of the layers.

Abstract: A method of replacing an existing threaded coupler on an existing tubular fixture secured to a baghouse is provided to couple a pulse jet device to a blowpipe of the baghouse via the existing tubular fixture. The method includes the steps of disconnecting the blowpipe from the existing tubular fixture by removing the threaded coupler therefrom. The method further includes the steps of providing a spacer sleeve arranged co-axially within the existing tubular fixture, and providing a transfer tube arranged co-axially within the spacer sleeve. The method further includes the steps of coupling the transfer tube to the spacer sleeve, coupling the spacer sleeve to the existing tubular fixture, arranging the blowpipe within the spacer sleeve, providing a supply tube coupled to the pulse jet device, and coupling the supply tube to the transfer tube. In one example, the supply tube is flexible.

Abstract: A baghouse and filter assembly are provided for at least partially removing particulate matter from a gas stream. The filter assembly includes first and second filter portions to be coupled together by a coupler for establishing fluid communication between the first and second filter portions when connected. The coupler includes a first coupling portion including a side wall defining an interior passage through which the gas stream can pass in an axial direction between the first and second filter portions, and one or more flanges projecting from said side wall, the one or more flanges supporting a plurality of male studs. The coupler further includes a second coupling portion including a plurality of female keyhole-shaped receivers spaced apart for receiving at least a portion of the male studs and coupling the first coupling portion to the second coupling portion.

Abstract: An inlet air filtration system for a gas turbine includes, in an exemplary embodiment, an air plenum, and a plurality of filter elements mounted inside the air plenum, with each filter element including a support structure. The inlet air filtration system also includes a plurality of electrodes positioned proximate the plurality of filter elements, where the electrodes are coupled to a power source which supplies a voltage to the electrodes. The voltage is sufficient to establish an electrostatic field between the electrodes and the filter elements, and at the same time, the voltage is sufficient to produce a corona discharge from the electrodes.

Abstract: A waterproof, insulated multi-layer fabric structure is described, including a first and second layer to bound an interior volume. A baffle layer is located in the bounded volume and undulates between the first layer and second layer. The baffle layer is directly attached to the first layer. Adhesive tape portions are attached to the second layer to eliminate the need of stitching through the second layer, improving the structure's waterproof qualities. The baffle layer is attached to the adhesive tape portions which extend from the second layer. A method for manufacturing the multi-layer structure is also described.

Abstract: A candle filter includes an end portion, elongate interior structure extending from the end portions and defining a space for a fluid, and a membrane fabric for filtering a substance from the fluid as the fluid passes through the membrane fabric and into the space defined by the interior structure. The membrane fabric extends around the interior structure and to the first end portion. The membrane fabric includes at least one extending tab segment for manipulating to move the membrane fabric relative to the elongate interior structure. An associated method provides an operational candle filter.

Abstract: A baghouse and filter assembly are provided for at least partially removing particulate matter from a gas stream. The filter assembly includes a first filter portion to be supported within the baghouse adjacent to an opening defined by a tube sheet, a first generally-tubular frame, and a first pleated filter media adjacent to the first generally-tubular frame. A second filter portion includes a second generally-tubular frame and a second pleated filter media disposed adjacent to the second generally-tubular frame. A coupler is provided for connecting the first filter portion to the second filter portion and establishing fluid communication between the first and second filter portions when connected. The coupling includes a first coupling portion including a side wall defining a receiver, as well as a lug clip disposed adjacent to the receiver. The lug clip us substantially-elastically displaced in a radial direction from an unbiased position during connection of the first and second filter portions.

Abstract: A composite article, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a porous membrane formed from a first material, a coating formed from a second material applied to at least a portion of the porous membrane, and a third material covering at least a portion of the porous membrane. The third material is substantially incompatible with the first material. The second material of the coating is compatible with the first material and the third material. The coating is positioned between the first material and the third material The third material is connected to the first material by the coating on the porous membrane.

Abstract: A method of making a composite membrane with ion exchange properties includes, in an exemplary embodiment, forming a porous membrane from a first material, dissolving a coating material in a fluid at supercritical conditions, and exposing the porous membrane to the coating material dissolved in the supercritical fluid. The method also includes precipitating a uniform coating of the coating material onto an exterior surface of the porous membrane by changing the supercritical conditions of the fluid to a non-supercritical condition, and applying an ion exchange material to the coated porous membrane so that the ion exchange material is in intimate contact with substantially all of the coated surfaces of the porous membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for modifying at least one property of a porous membrane. The method comprises the steps of providing a porous membrane. The method also includes exposing the membrane to a fluid at supercritical conditions. At least one property of the membrane is modified while the membrane is exposed to the fluid at supercritical conditions. The condition of the fluid is changed in such a manner that the porous membrane retains the modified property. The present invention is also sheet material that is water-resistant, moisture vapor transmissive and air permeable. The sheet material comprises a membrane having an open pore structure including surfaces defining a plurality of interconnecting pores extending through the membrane and between major sides of said membrane in which the pores have an average pore size. The membrane is made from a material tending to absorb oils and contaminating agents.

Abstract: An inlet air treatment system for a gas turbine includes, in an exemplary embodiment, an air plenum, and a moisture removal system, and an air filtration system located downstream from the moisture removal system. The moisture removal system includes a plurality of S-shaped vanes, and a mesh structure downstream from the plurality of S-shaped vanes. The air filtration system includes a plurality of filter elements, with each filter element including a support structure. The inlet air filtration system also includes a plurality of electrodes positioned proximate the plurality of filter elements, where the electrodes are coupled to a power source which supplies a voltage to the electrodes. The voltage is sufficient to establish an electrostatic field between the electrodes and the filter elements, and at the same time, the voltage is sufficient to produce a corona discharge from the electrodes.

Abstract: An air permeable composite article that in one embodiment includes a porous base membrane that includes a plurality of nodes and fibrils defining a plurality of interconnecting pores extending through the porous base membrane with each node and fibril having a surface. The composite article also includes a precipitated coating material deposited on the surfaces of the plurality of nodes and fibrils. The coating material includes a copolymer formed from a fluorinated acrylate or methacrylate, an n-alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, and an isocyanate crosslinker. The precipitated coating material provides oil and contaminating agent resistance of at least a number six measured in accordance with AATCC 118 test method.

Abstract: A filter medium for use in particulate filtering applications is disclosed. The filter medium is formed from a substrate capable of retaining the desired physical structure of the filter medium under the conditions of the filtering application, including temperature. A polyimide based stiffening agent adapted for treating the substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A high temperature filter medium for use in a filtering operation comprising, a nonwoven fabric substrate having a physical structure and comprising a plurality of polymeric fibers, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of polymeric fibers comprise a base polymer and at least a portion of the plurality of polymeric fibers comprise a secondary polymer, and wherein the base polymer, the secondary polymer, or both bond at least a portion of the polymeric fibers together, the nonwoven fabric substrate being capable of retaining the physical structure at a filtering temperature greater than 135° C. A method for making a filter medium being capable of retaining the physical structure at a filtering temperature greater than 135° C.

Abstract: A filter mounting system for use in a baghouse having a tubesheet with a plurality of openings. The filter mounting system includes filter media and a tubular mounting collar attached to the filter media to mount the filter media relative to the tubesheet. The filter mounting system also includes a gasket made of a flexible material. The gasket has a tubesheet receiving portion and a filter receiving portion extending from the tubesheet receiving portion. The mounting collar of the filter mounting system is adapted to be positioned within the filter receiving portion of the gasket and engaging the filter receiving portion to effect sealing engagement of the tubesheet receiving portion of the gasket against a portion of the tubesheet adjacent the opening. The filter receiving portion extends from the tubesheet receiving portion to force one portion of the gasket into sealing engagement with a surface of the tubesheet upon engagement with the mounting collar.

Abstract: A dry testing method for a glove (10) made with an air permeable, waterproof material (16). The stem (22) of a tee fitting (24) is connected to an air pump (20) source. A mouth (30) of the glove is tightly attached to one end (32) of the fitting so no air can escape through the mouth. An airflow meter (26) or air pressure gauge connects to another end (28) of the fitting. When the air pump is running, the glove inflates with air and a backpressure is created. The flow meter is read to determine the backpressure level in the inflated glove, the glove being accepted if the meter registers at least a predetermined value indicating the glove does not leak water, but the glove being rejected if the meter reading is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A vacuum bag media and associated method of production, which includes a first layer that includes an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and at least one second layer that includes a first component having a first melting point and a second component having a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point, wherein the first layer is attached to the at least one second layer. The second layer can include cellulose material, spunbond, nonwoven fabric, and a thermal bond, nonwoven fabric. Attachment of the first layer of material to the at least one second layer of material can occur through thermobonding, e.g., heated gas, infrared heat and heated calender rolls. The application of adhesives and the use of ultrasonic energy can also bond the layers together. Approximately five percent (5%) to fifty percent (50%) of the first component can be selectively melted for superior airflow.

Abstract: A filter cartridge (20) and method for making a filter cartridge (20) for removing particulates from a particulate laden fluid stream moving one direction through the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge (20) is periodically subject to cleaning fluid moving in an opposite direction to the fluid stream. The filter cartridge (20) comprises filtration media (24) formed into a tubular configuration and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart pleats (26). A retention device (82) to limit radial movement of the filtration media (24) when subjected to the periodical cleaning fluid and to maintain the pleats (26) in the filtration media circumferentially spaced apart when exposed up to 130 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the extrudate (144) is thermoplastic, polyester, elastomeric material and at least one additive may be present. Multiple layers of the extrudate (144) may be fused together.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for use in a baghouse having a tubesheet with a plurality of opening. A flexible snapband is biased towards engagement with a surface defining one of the openings in the tubesheet and is adapted to receive a portion of the filter cartridge. The snapband has a first surface and a second surface with a pair of protrusions separated by a groove adapted to receive a peripheral edge of one of the tubesheet opening. The pair of protrusions sealingly engage surfaces of the tubesheet. The filter cartridge includes filter media. Structure supports the filter media. A rigid non-metallic tubular collar is integrally formed with the filter media and the structure to secure this filter media and the structure to said collar. The collar includes a pair of longitudinally spaced continuous projections extending radially from the collar.