Abstract: A filter assembly for removing particulate contaminants and chemical contaminants from an incoming dirty air stream for a fuel cell. The filter assembly also includes a noise suppression element that reduces sound waves or noise emanating from any equipment, such as a compressor. The filter assembly can include a particulate filter portion for removing physical or particulate contaminants, a chemical filter portion for removing chemical contaminants, or can have both portions.

Abstract: A method and device for the filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological and chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing cysts, bacteria and/or viruses, and heavy metals and/or pesticides, where the fluid is passed through a purification material composed of magnesium containing mineral and more preferably silicates containing magnesium, oxides containing magnesium, hydroxides containing magnesium, and phosphates containing magnesium and absorption media in a fixed binder matrix.

Abstract: A particulate filter can be prevented from being damaged. The ashes can be removed from the particulate filter without by burning. A non-woven welding operation for a sealing portion can be simplified. The operability is enhanced by facilitating an insertion of a multi-layer body into a heat resisting container. The number of recycling processes executed when particulate matters such as soot are accumulated on the particulate filter is made as small as possible. A particulate filter 1 comprises an axial core 7 composed of a heat resisting metal, a multi-layer body 3 formed by winding said axial core with a multi-layer member into which a non-woven fabric 11 and a corrugated sheet 13 each composed of a heat resisting metal are tiered, and a heat resisting container 5 charged with said multi-layer body 3.

Abstract: A filter and a method of manufacturing the filter which is formed by spinning a fiber in a semi-molten state onto a mold such that the mold is provided as a filter structural member. The method obviates the need to remove the filter from the mold and thus simplifies the manufacture of the filter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning device comprising at least an air distribution channel having a downstream end, and at least an air diffusing element arranged at said one downstream end. The invention is characterized in that the air diffusing element (1) comprises a support (11) provided with through orifices (17) and covered over at least one of its faces with a material (12, 16), having air resistance ranged between 10 N.s.m−3 and 180 N.s.m−3.

Abstract: The use of fine fiber or fiber having a fiber diameter of about 0.0001 to 0.5 microns has become an important design tool for filter media. Common filter media have been prepared with a layer of fine fiber on typically formed the upstream or intake side of the media structure. The fine fiber increases the efficiency of filtration by trapping small particles which increases the overall particulate filtration efficiency of the structure. Improved fine fiber structures have been developed in which a controlled amount of fine fiber is placed on both sides of the media to result in an improvement in filter efficiency but a substantial improvement in lifetime.

Abstract: There is provided an air cleaning filter capable of molding into free shapes in which an RB ceramics and/or CRB ceramics of 10 to 2,000 angstrom in pore diameter and 0.1 to 1.1 cm8/g in pore volume is used as an absorbing and filtering material.

Abstract: A gas filler device for use in medical procedures such as laparoscopy is disclosed. Preferably, the gas filter device includes a housing having a first side wall and a second side wall, and a gas filter including a porous element including a hydrophobic membrane, the gas filter device allowing gas to pass through the porous filter element and the first side wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator made of a porous material intended to treat gaseous effluents which contain particles whose size is substantially less than one micrometer or of the order of one micrometer and comprising channels (2).

Abstract: A filter portion of a filter includes a plurality of bag-like members. The bag-like members are formed in a container shape having an opening and disposed with intervals therebetween. The periphery of the opening of each bag-like member is supported by a supporting member, and the bag-like members are mutually connected by the supporting member. Consequently, the strength of the filter portion comprising the bag-like members is improved.

Abstract: A seal member is attached to a peripheral edge portion of a filter body by being fused to semi-melted fibers that form the filter body when the semi-melted fibers are layered over a forming surface. Therefore, the formation of the filter body and the attachment of the seal member can be simultaneously accomplished.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter bag for holding filtering material located inside a gas-installed housing of the electrical installation. The filter bag is produced from a fabric that is resistant to high temperatures, which eliminates the need for holding devices protecting the filter bag from hot switching gases to be provided inside the compressed gas housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.

Abstract: An air filter for gasoline and diesel engines that drastically improves the burning efficiency of gasoline and diesel engines is provided. The air filter includes a, replaceable filtering member made of natural fibres or synthetic fibres inside an outer box. The natural or synthetic fibres are adhered with naturally radioactive rare earth element minerals that release negative ions. The element minerals are in the form of fine powders with average diameter of 0.1 &mgr;m˜100 &mgr;m, such that when air passes through the filtering member, it is purified by the released negative ions and becomes oxygen-rich air for use in the combustion chambers of gasoline or diesel engines.

Abstract: The filter structures commonly known as a bag house or a filter bag or an air filter with a bag construction can be made by preparing the bag assembly, either in a tubular or a bi-fold construction by placing a layer of fine fiber on the upstream surface of the filter media structure. The filter assembly includes a filter cabinet with an interior component. The filter component is suspended within the filter cabinet interior. The filter component includes a frame or support for the filter media. The frame or support holds the filter bags such that the filter bags are suspended from the frame in the cabinet interior. The intake air enters the cabinet, passes through the filter assembly and exits the cabinet. The air must pass first into the fine fiber layer, the filter media and then the exterior of the cabinet.

Abstract: A coal-fired power generation system including means for the production of coal-derived gas and a filter system for the filtration of this coal-derived gas. The filter system comprises at least one high temperature and, corrosion resistant filter. The filter is made from a Fe—Cr—Al based alloy further comprising at least one additional element selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta and the lanthanides.

Abstract: An air purifying filter includes a modified enzyme immobilized on a surface of a carrier. The modified enzyme has been modified with a bonding agent that improves bonding. The surface of the carrier has not been rendered to be water repellant prior to immobilizing the modified enzyme on the surface of the carrier. The bonding agent improves bonding of the modified enzyme to the carrier.

Abstract: A filter material includes a filter pad made from a thin, nonwoven fiber mat which has been accordion-pleated, compressed into a unit having a large number of substantially parallel interconnected filter strips, and treated to retain the filter strips in substantially parallel relation to each other. In a preferred embodiment, activated carbon particles are operatively associated with the filter pad. Selected fibers of the nonwoven fiber material are hollow fibers, each having an outer surface, a hollow internal cavity, and an extended slot formed therein, between the hollow internal cavity and the outer fiber surface. Carbon particles may be located between selected filter strips, and additional carbon particles may be disposed within the cavities of the hollow fibers. Methods of forming the filter material, and a filter element made with the filter material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Filter arrangements for industrial air cleaners include a barrier media, usually pleated, treated with a deposit of fine fiber. The media is particularly advantageous in high temperature (greater than 140° F.) operating environments.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable, flow-porous fluid treatment element suitable for hot fluid treatment, in particular a filter element, characterized by the following components: (a) inorganic solid particles with inner voids; and (b) hardened binder on a water glass base, (c) the binder holding together the solid particles to form the flow-porous fluid treatment element.

Abstract: Described are filters containing free-activated carbon fibers or activated carbon fibers in the form of a composite used for filtering a variety of contaminants, including pathogens, from air. These filters can provide effective and efficient removal of contaminants from air, requiring only short contact time between the air being filtered and the filter itself, with only a minimum pressure drop across the filter. The characteristics of these filters allow for effective filtration with only thin filter layers being required. The process of filtering air utilizing these filters is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter element composed of a nonwoven filter web of metal fibers affixed to a support body, in which the metal fibers of the filter web form an unsintered composite having a porosity of at least 90%. Preferably the metal fibers have a diameter of at most 4 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A filter element, especially for separating liquids from a gas stream, with a nonwoven filter web that is made of glass fibers and is arranged on a support body. The nonwoven filter web has a carbon fiber component of 5-30%, especially about 10%. Preferably the glass fibers are oleophobic and the carbon fibers are oleophilic.

Abstract: A filter material take-up product and a paper winding core, which are free from secondary-contaminattion by an outgas while being transported or stocked. Irrespective of its application such as building air conditioner, an air cleaner or a semi-conductor factory, the amount of the outgas to be generated from the filter take-up product for the air filter can be kept at a negligible level. The filter take-up product for the air filter is produced by coating and wrapping the filter material for the air filter, as wound on the winding core, with a film wrapping material which is so made of phenolic compounds, carboxylate esters, phosphate ester or cyclic siloxance as to have an outgas generation in an amount of 100 ng/g or less by the dynamic head space method.

Abstract: A filter element that comprises a porous molded web 10′ that contains thermally bonded staple fibers 12 and non-thermally bonded electrically charged microfibers 14. The molded web is retained in its molded configuration, at least in part, by bonds between the staple fibers 12 at points of fiber intersection 13. The web may be molded, for example, into the shape of filtering face mask 16.

Abstract: Filter arrangements include a barrier media in the form of fluted media treated with a deposit of fine fibers. The media is particularly advantageous in high temperature (greater than 140 to 240° F.) systems. Such systems may include engine systems, gas turbine systems, and fuel cell systems. Filter arrangements may take the form of media packs having a circular cross-section or a racetrack shaped cross-section, or media packs formed in a panel configuration.

Abstract: Provided are a dust-collecting filter cloth that comprises a base fabric and web, wherein at least the web includes modified cross-section fibers of polyphenylene sulfide; and a bag filter made of the filter cloth. When fitted to an exhaust gas dust collector, the bag filter involves little pressure loss and ensures increased dust-collecting efficiency. As being resistant to heat and ensuring good dust-collecting efficiency, the filter cloth is useful for dust collection.

Abstract: Provided are glass compositions uniquely applicable for the preparation of ultrafine fibers for filtration and separation applications. The glasses meet all physical and chemical criteria, including that for biodissolution rate.

Abstract: A device and method for producing a porous fiber structure. One or more points of high surface curvature is produced in a liquefied polymer, such as a polymer solution or a polymer melt. The points of high surface curvature may be produced by forcing the liquefied polymer through narrow nozzles, or by wetting sharp protrusions with the liquefied polymer. The liquefied polymer is charged to a high negative electrical potential relative to a grounded moving belt. Thin jets of liquefied polymer emerge from the points of high surface curvature to impinge as fibers on the moving belt, thereby forming an unwoven fiber structure of relatively uniform porosity. A powdered aerosol is charged to a high positive electrical potential relative to the moving belt. As the belt moves past the aerosol, the aerosol particles are attracted to fill interstices in the fiber structure, thereby creating a composite filtering material.

Abstract: A gas contaminant is filtered using fibers having internal cavities containing a chemically reactive oxidizing agent, an acid or base, a coordinating agent, a complexing agent, or a deliquescing agent. Where the contaminant is basic, the reagent is preferably an oxidizing agent. Where the contaminant is acidic, the reagent is preferably basic, and more preferably comprises a group 1 or group 2 metal cation. The reagent may also advantageously comprise a phosphate, chitosan, hypochlorite, borate, carbonate, hydroxide, or oxide. Where the contaminant is neutral, the reagent is preferably an oxidizing agent, complexing agent, coordinating agent, or deliquescing agent. The reagent is preferably impregnated into an adsorptive solid, including, for example, carbon powder, zeolite, aluminum oxide, or silica. The fibers are preferably multilobal, and most preferably either trilobal or quadrilobal. It is also preferred that the fibers contain a plurality of T shaped lobes.

Abstract: A device and method for spinning polymer fibers utilizes one or more independent sources of polymer materials, pumps for feeding polymer material from each of the sources, and a series of distribution plates with surface grooves, through holes and/or slots together defining separated distribution paths, each of which receives polymer material from one of said independent sources. The surface grooves are defined to a depth less than the thickness of the distribution plate. At least one distribution plate contains spinneret orifices defined by outlet surface grooves extending from the distribution path to the edge of that plate, whereby fibers are extruded from the spinneret orifices edgewise from the plate. The spinneret orifices may be defined by overlayed outlet surface grooves or slots defined in abutting plates.

Abstract: A filter medium includes at least one first fiber made from a first polymer selected for the chemical and high temperature stability properties needed for a particular operation and at least one second fiber made from a second polymer having a relatively higher glass transition temperature than the first polymer. The filter medium has a higher glass transition temperature than the first fiber, allowing the filtering media to withstand the temperature requirements of the operation, while retaining the chemical resistance of the first fiber. This is particularly useful for pleated filters that are highly temperature dependent, and in industrial baghouse operations where temperatures often exceed the operating range of the first polymers. A method for making the filter medium is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air filter medium comprising nanofibers, the filter medium having a thickness of less than 0.25 millimeters, a Figure of Merit of greater than about 0.075, and an efficiency of greater than about 99.9% when capturing aerosol particles of about 0.18 microns in size and a pressure drop of less than about 40 millimeters water column at a flow rate of about 32 liters/minute through a sample 100 cm2 in size. A coating of the nanofibers may also be used to enhance performance of existing filter media by increasing the FOM of the existing filter media. Preferably, the nanofibers are fibrillated.

Abstract: An ultra-efficient multilobal cross-sectioned fiber filter for chemical contaminant filtering applications is described. An absorptive chemically reactive reagent, preferably an acid or base and in liquid or an adsorptive chemically reactive reagent (an acid or base) in solid form, is disposed within longitudinal slots in each length of fiber. The reagent may be used alone or in conjunction with solid adsorptive particles which may also be utilized with the reagents in the longitudinal slots within the fibers. Reagents within the fibers remain exposed to a base-contaminated airstream passing through the filter. Base contaminants in the airstream, chemicals such as ammonium and amines (as well as particles), react with the acid reagent within the longitudinal slots of the fibers. As the contaminant and reagent react, the ammonium or amine becomes irreversibly absorbed (or adsorbed if reagent is a solid acid) to the liquid acid reagent and multilobal fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter bag (11) for holding filtering material located inside a gas-insulated housing of an electrical installation. Said filter bag is produced from a fabric that is resistant to high temperatures, which eliminates the need for holding devices protecting the filter bag from hot switching gases to be provided inside the compressed gas housing.

Abstract: A fiber spinning device and process for manufacturing a web of fibers including a homogeneous mixture of fibers of different characteristics. Monocomponent fibers of different polymers can be extruded side-by-side from the same die system. Sheath/core bicomponent fibers can be alternated with monocomponent fibers formed of the same core polymer as used in the bicomponent fibers. Bicomponent fibers having a common core polymer and different sheath polymers can be extruded from alternate spinneret orifices in the same die plate. Multiple distribution plates are provided with surface grooves or depressions to direct polymer materials from independent sources to only selected spinneret openings in an array of spinneret openings while maintaining the polymers segregated from each other.

Abstract: A filter medium for an air filter, characterized in that it comprises a filter material having a glass fiber as its primary component and an alkyl ketene dimer adhered to the surface of the glass fiber; and a method for producing the filter medium which comprises a step of subjecting a dispersed slurry of a raw material fiber to a wet papermaking to form a wet paper, a step of immersing the wet paper in an aqueous dispersion or solution of the dimer or a liquid mixture of the dimer and a binder resin, or applying or spraying any of the above-mentioned liquids to the wet paper, to thereby allow the dimer to adhere onto the surface of the glass fiber, and a step of drying the resultant wet paper having the dimer adhered thereto. The filter medium exhibits a reduced amount of an out gas generated when it is used with ventilation and also exhibits high water-repellency and satisfactory strength in various applications such as air conditioning of a building and semiconductor manufacturing.

Abstract: A fiber spinning device and process for manufacturing a web of fibers in the nature of a homogeneous mixture of fibers of different characteristics. Monocomponent fibers of different polymers can be extruded side-by-side from the same die system. Sheath/core bicomponent fibers can be alternated with monocomponent fibers formed of the same core polymer as used in the bicomponent fibers. Bicomponent fibers having a common core polymer and different sheath polymers can be extruded from alternate spinneret orifices in the same die plate. Multiple distribution plates are provided with surface grooves or depressions to direct polymer materials from independent sources to only selected spinneret openings in an array of spinneret openings while maintaining the polymers segregated from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the internal centrifugation of fine mineral fibres, a method for forming fine mineral fibres, and paper containing fine mineral fibres.

Abstract: A mullite composition is comprised substantially of mullite grains that are essentially chemically bound wherein the composition has at least two adjoining regions that have substantially different microstructures. The composition may be produced by forming a mixture of one or more precursor compounds having the elements present in mullite; shaping the mixture into a porous green shape applying a nucleation control agent to a portion of the porous green shape and then heating the porous green shape under an atmosphere and to a temperature sufficient to form the mullite composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven metal fabric for various uses, such as a filter used for purification of exhaust gas from automobiles or semiconductor manufacturing gas, a catalyst carrier of fuel cell, and so forth, in which the corrosion resistance is improved without compromising the property in terms of pressure loss. The nonwoven metal fabric of the present invention is formed with the metal fibers wherein the relation of the fiber diameter Da at the surface part of the gas inlet side and the fiber diameter Db at the central part of the thickness direction is expressed as the equation Da≧1.5×Db and the fiber diameter Da at the surface part of the gas inlet side is not less than 15 &mgr;m and not more than 60 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An air filter assembly for removing particulate contaminants, chemical contaminants, biological contaminants, or any combination thereof, from airplane cabin air. The filter assembly is lightweight and compact in size. Minimal clearance is needed in order to remove and replace the filter element.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.

Abstract: A smoke filter device for use in medical procedures such as laparoscopy is disclosed, the device comprising a filter housing having an inlet port and first and second side walls, the side walls comprising non-woven media, and a smoke filter capable of filtering smoke from gas, wherein the filter is disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A fiber spinning device and process for manufacturing a web of fibers including a homogeneous mixture of fibers of different characteristics. Monocomponent fibers of different polymers can be extruded side-by-side from the same die system. Sheath/core bicomponent fibers can be alternated with monocomponent fibers formed of the same core polymer as used in the bicomponent fibers. Bicomponent fibers having a common core polymer and different sheath polymers can be extruded from alternate spinneret orifices in the same die plate. Multiple distribution plates are provided with surface grooves or depressions to direct polymer materials from independent sources to only selected spinneret openings in an array of spinneret openings while maintaining the polymers segregated from each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air filter made from a composite comprising a substrate and a polymeric foam. The air filter can comprise a single layer. The foam has a density gradient where the lower density upstream portion of the filter can trap larger particles, allowing smaller particles to penetrate into the filter and be trapped by the higher density downstream portion of the filter. The density gradient arises from intercalation of the polymeric foam with the substrate. The composite design provides comparable or improved filtration efficiencies compared to the complex prior art air filters which rely on multiple layers to provide a density gradient.

Abstract: A filter composite comprises a first layer of glass fibers having random orientation, and synthetic resinous fibers extending in close association with the glass fibers, the glass fibers having: i) diameters between 1 and 16 microns ii) lengths between about ¼ and 1½ inches the synthetic fibers having denier between 1.6 and 40, and length between ¼ and 2 inches.

Abstract: An electret filter media includes an additive or mixtures thereof that enhance the charge stability of the media. The filter media achieves acceptable alpha values for a range of filtration challenges without significant decay in alpha values over time. Preferred charge additives include fatty acid amides and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A preferred filter media is provided. The media includes a fine fiber web secured to the surface of a coarse fiber support. A preferred filter media, comprising multiple layers of fine fiber media separated by coarse fiber support, is provided. Advantageous filter constructions result and are provided. Also according to the disclosure, methods for using such arrangements to filter are provided.