Abstract: Apparatus for forming fibrous filter elements such as tubular elements molded from borosilicate microfibers. Molding rigs are supplied with a slurry from a system including a holding tank and a reservoir. The reservoir is coupled to a water intake and also receives recycled aqueous liquid. The holding tank receives a mixture of fibers and aqueous liquid. A controller monitors volume levels in the holding tank and reservoir and allows for incremental pH changes.

Abstract: Apparatus is for forming fibrous filter elements, e.g tubular elements molded from borosilicate microfibers.

Abstract: A filter is provided for coalescing droplets of oil in a stream of gas, comprising an oil coalescing layer of a microfibrous material and a second layer of an oil drainage material located downstream of and in face to face contact with the first layer. The drainage layer is for receiving oil from the coalescing layer and providing a path for oil to flow by gravity from the filter. Oil carry-over is reduced by providing a drainage layer which is a non-woven felt or wadding thermally bonded by bi-component polyester fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a gas-liquid mixture into component parts having a coalescing filter mounted on a rotatable shaft. The gas-liquid mixture is directed to the coalescing filter in a generally radial inward direction relative to the shaft and the retained liquid is spun in a generally radial outward direction from the filter by centrifugal force associated with the rotation of the shaft and thereby the coalescing filter.

Abstract: Gas at elevated temperature from a compressor (50) is fed to a first cooling coil (14) and thence to a second cooling coil (18) in chamber (16). The cooled gas at line (20) enters a chamber (22) where water and oil (if present) separate. A contaminant-free stream of compressed gas is further purified at filter chambers (28, 34). A portion of the gas flow, carrying the liquefied water or water/oil mixture is returned via reducing valve (44) to the interior of chamber (16) where it travels up riser pipe (46) in heat-exchanging relationship with the gas in coil (18) and emerges through port (48) as a condensate-free gas stream, the condensate having re-volatilized after passage through the reducing valve (44). The described arrangement minimizes or eliminates watery waste and cools the gas stream without the need for a powered cooler or supply of cooling water.