Abstract: An exhaust gas filter for passing exhaust gas of a diesel engine or the like therethrough, thereby removing particulate matter from the exhaust gas. By suitably controlling physical properties of the exhaust gas filter such as a thermal expansion coefficient, the durability of the exhaust gas filter can be enhanced. When a constituent material for the exhaust gas filter includes aluminum titanate as a primary component, the durability can be further enhanced.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a radial-flow filter particularly suitable for use as an input filter in a subterranean fluid (oil, gas, water) well starts with a length L of multi-perforate pipe, which may be an integral part of the production tubing of the well. The pipe is mounted in an engine lathe with the perforated length L between the headstock and the tailstock of the lathe. With the pipe rotating, a strip of metal wool, preferably stainless steel wool, is wrapped around the pipe in repeated, overlapping helical layers each aligned at an acute angle X to the pipe axis, with adjacent layers angularly displaced by an angle 2X. The completed filter may have a tubular wire mesh around the pipe, between the pipe and the innermost layer of steel wool, and a multi-perforate sheath over the outermost layer of wool.

Abstract: A plasma sterilizable fabric which is subjected to charging, for example electrostatic charging, is provided. Plasma sterilizable fabrics may include nonwovens and laminate nonwovens. The plasma sterilizable fabrics may also be treated with an antistatic material before or after subjecting the same to charging.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing polyimide gas separation membrane which is pinhole-free, uniform over a large area, and has a high permeability and a high separation factor .alpha. is provided. A polyimide resin is dissolved in at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of an organic solvent (A) or (B). The organic solvent (A) has a dielectric constant of 30 or less and a dipole moment of 3.0 D or less. The organic solvent (B) mainly contains an organic solvent having at least one ether bonding in the molecular unit. In the next step, the polyimide resin is dipped in a solvent (C) in order for desolvation. The solvent (C) does not dissolve the fluorine-containing polyimide resin while it is miscible with the organic solvent (A) or (B). As a result, an asymmetric gas separation membrane is formed. The fluorine-containing polyimide resin layer comprises a skin layer the thickness L.sub.1 thereof is about 40 nm and a sponge like layer the thickness L.sub.2 thereof is about 30 .mu.m.

Abstract: A composite porous ceramic hollow fiber obtained by dipping a porous ceramic hollow fiber into a carbon precursor-forming solution, picking up and drying the dipped porous ceramic hollow fiber, heating the thus deposited carbon precursor-forming film, thereby obtaining a carbon precursor thin film, and heating the carbon precursor thin film at a carbon precursor thermal decomposition temperature, thereby forming a carbon thin film on the porous ceramic hollow fiber has a permeance about 100 to about 1,000 times as high as that of an organic thin film and a separation coefficient as high as that of the organic thin film.

Abstract: A filter ring is provided that is particularly adapted for use around the circumferential fuel and timing fluid inlets of a diesel engine fuel injector. The filter ring includes first and second semi-annular, band-shaped filter portions, an integrally formed hinge means for pivotally interconnecting the filter portions, and a snap latch mechanism for detachably connecting the opposite ends of the filter portions. The snap latch mechanism is formed from a bead that extends substantially along the entire length of one of the filter portion ends, and a complementarily-shaped groove on the end of the other filter portion. The thickness of the bead and groove is less than the thickness of the opposite ends of the band-shaped filter portions so that the inner diameter of the resulting filter ring seats securely around a complementarily-shaped annular recess in the fuel injector.

Abstract: There is provided a method for forming a nonwoven electret fiber filter with a nonwoven web of electret fibers needle-punched to an open scrim support. The scrim support material has individual discrete open areas with an average cross-sectional area as viewed from the plane of the filter media of at least 0.25 mm.sup.2, preferably 1.0 mm.sup.2, and a pressure drop across the scrim support, without the filter web, of less than 1.5 mm H.sub.2 O measured at 98.4 meters/min gaseous face velocity. The resulting filter has enhanced lifetimes, a low pressure drop and high filtration efficiencies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a composite inorganic membrane for hydrogen separation, more specifically, to a process for preparing a composite inorganic membrane for hydrogen separation which comprises formation of intermediate layer in an asymmetric porous alumina support by sol-gel method, and modification of pores of the alumina membrane by soaking palladium acetate solution into the pores and vapor-deposition to enhance the permeability and selectivity for hydrogen.

Abstract: An improved cross flow ceramic filter is disclosed for utilization in high temperature, high pressure applications such as found in hot gas cleaning in coal based power generation. The cross flow ceramic filter of the present invention includes a plurality of identical corrugated sheets composed of chopped ceramic fiber matrix material and a plurality of predetermined sized end blocks shaped to fill the cross section passageways formed between the partly spaced corrugations of adjacent sheets of the filter material. One advantage of the corrugated sheet cross flow filter of the present invention is that the filter may be shipped to its site in semi-cured form unassembled. When the filter is received on site, the corrugated sheets are partially separated from each other until passageways of the desired dimension are achieved. Thereafter, the end blocks and glue may be applied between the blocks and the ends of the corrugated sheets and between the apexes of the corrugations where the corrugated sheets overlap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a filter assembly having a filter element with a plurality of openings encapsulated in a filter element carrier in a first molding operation, which may include formation of first and second channels on first and second side portions of the filter element carrier. One or more first holes are also formed through the filter element carrier in the first operation, wherein the first holes interconnect the first side portion of the filter element carrier and the second side portion of the filter element carrier so as to expose filter element portions encapsulated therebetween. A first sealing element is formed on the first side portion of the filter element and a second sealing element is formed on the second side portion of the filter element with a molten sealing element material in a second molding operation.

Abstract: A membrane filter comprises a membrane provided with pores with a pore size between 5 nm and 50 .mu.m. The membrane may easily and reliably be processed with use of silicon micromachining through depositing a relatively thin membrane layer on a support, by use of a suitable vapour deposition or spincoating technique, after which perforations are made in the thin membrane layer, for example by etching with aid of photo-lithography or an imprint technique. Such a membrane is very well applicable for the separation of biological cells. A membrane with a thickness smaller than the diameter of the perforations is in particular suited for the separation of vulnerable cells and may be used as a leucocyte filter or as a blood plasma separator of blood concentrates. A microfiltration membrane according to the invention may very well be applied as a support for the deposition of a separation layer for ultrafiltration, gas separation or catalysis.

Abstract: A self-supporting filter unit having at least one passage (10) defined by wall portions (12) made from air-permeable fiber fabric, through which wall portions air can pass and be drawn off along the passage but which prevent the passage therethrough of dust and/or other debris carried by such air, in which the passage is closed off at one end portion and at the other end portion there is formed integral with said wall portions a rigid mounting portion (16) into which the passage (10) opens whereby the filter unit can be supported as part of a filter assembly, wherein the mounting portion (16) includes a first reinforcing portion (18) of material around and secured with said fabric of the wall portion parts of the first reinforcing portion and fabric integral therewith remote from said one end being outwardly flanged, and wherein the mounting portion (16) further includes a second reinforcing portion (20,21) of material positioned over the outwardly flanged portions and secured thereto, said second reinforcing

Abstract: A filter device with a preferably hollow-cylindrical, pleated filter element which is arranged concentrically around a cylinder axis and through which a medium to be filtered passes. Seals are necessary on the filter device so that the medium to be filtered will not be able to leak out and so that the filter element, which typically is constructed of filter paper, must be fixed in place together with its pleats. Advantageously, an elastic composition can be disposed as a seal on at least one of the ends of the filter element, and after curing the elastic composition will fix the pleats of the filter element and will have sufficient residual elasticity to seal the filter element with respect to a central mounting tube on which it is to be mounted.

Abstract: A high efficiency and high capacity filter medium including a top layer of fibrous felt material, an intermediate layer of melt-blown material, and a substrate layer needled together into an integrated layer of filter material. The substrate layer is formed of a layer of composite fiber including a group of melt-blown fibers interspersed between groups of spun-bonded fibers. Alternatively, the substrate layer is formed of spun-bonded material.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a long radial-flow filter particularly suitable for use as an input filter in a subterranean fluid (oil, gas, water) well starts with a length of multi-perforate pipe, which may be an integral part of the well 's production tubing. The pipe is mounted in an engine lathe with the perforated length between the headstock and the tailstock of the lathe. With the pipe rotating, a strip of metal (steel) wool is wrapped around the pipe in repeated, overlapping helical layers each aligned at an acute angle X to the pipe axis, with adjacent layers angularly displaced by 2X. The completed filter has a tubular wire mesh around the pipe, between the pipe and the innermost layer of steel wool, and a multi-perforate sheath over the outermost layer of wool.

Abstract: A filter medium having high stiffness is provided. The filter is a nonwoven web of conjugate fibers which has a Frazier permeability above 200 CFM, an NaCl efficiency above 75 percent, a Gurley Stiffness above 700 mg, and a SEP value of above 80. The conjugate fibers may be polyolefin, more particularly polypropylene and polyethylene in a side-by-side configuration. The medium may be made into a filter by conventional means such as pleating. Such filters are useful in HVAC systems and transportation cabin air filtration.

Abstract: An efficient, light-weight airbag inflation filter includes a gas-permeable, substantially rigid support tube having a plurality of uniform perforations therethrough. A filtering element formed from a continuous inorganic ceramic yarn or roving is helically cross-wound around the support tube to form one or more layers covering the perforations of the support tube. A wire screen, having openings therethrough smaller than the perforations in the support tube, is disposed between the filtering element and the support tube to act as a gas diffusion layer for the gases passing through the inflation filter.

Abstract: A gas permeable membrane including a plurality of conduit members which are formed of a gas permeable material, The conduit members are unitarily formed with one another and oriented to intersect one another and define a multidimensional array. Defined within each conduit member is an interior passageway and these passageways intersect and are in communication with each other. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the membrane and devices incorporating the membrane.

Abstract: An ozone filter comprising a paper carrier made of inorganic fiber and having a high porosity is disclosed. Supported by the carrier is a zeolite powder having an SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 molar ratio of not smaller than 15 and fine powder-like activated manganese dioxide having ozone decomposing capability. A process for producing the ozone filter is also disclosed. The ozone filter does not give off a foul smell even when used for a long period of time.

Abstract: A lightweight, self-supporting filter housing is disclosed. The housing is economically and simply manufactured by being die cut from flat sheet material to create (a) a plurality of panels serially interconnected at respective scored fold lines and (b) a pair of oppositely disposed holding-frame portions, each of which is interconnected at a scored fold line that is shared with one end of a respective one of the panels. When the sheet material is folded along the scored fold lines, it forms a structure with a tunnel-like passageway open at both ends, and the oppositely disposed holding-frame portions are positioned within the passageway to support the filter media element diagonally along the length of the tunnel-like passageway. The filter media is held in place and sealed within the housing by being pressed between the holding frames when the two outermost panels of the one-piece housing are fastened in superimposed alignment with each other.

Abstract: A ceramic hot-gas candle filter having a porous support of filament-wound oxide ceramic yarn at least partially surrounded by a porous refractory oxide ceramic matrix, and a membrane layer on the outside surface of the porous support. The membrane layer is formed of an ordered arrangement of continuous filament oxide ceramic yarn which is at least partially surrounded by a porous refractory oxide ceramic matrix. The filter can withstand thermal cycling during backpulse cleaning and is resistant to chemical degradation at high temperatures.

Abstract: A filter element has a wavy filter portion including a plurality of ridges of a filter material, which are juxtaposed to one another and closed at their sides, and a flange portion extending along a mounting plane around the filter portion for supporting the filter portion. The flange portion is made of the same filter material extending from the filter portion, by compressing the filter material more densely than the filter portion. The filter element is manufactured by a step of preparing an intermediate product of a wavy sheet, and a step of forming the filter portion by leaving the central portion of the wavy intermediate product as in the wavy sheet, and forming the flange portion around the filter portion for supporting the filter portion, by pressing the side portions of the ridges of the wavy intermediate product along the mounting plane.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided which includes a casing having an inner surface defining a fluid passage, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a filter pack disposed in the fluid passage for filtering a fluid passed therethrough; and a flexible seal positioned between the filter pack and the inner surface of the casing for sealing the filter pack in the fluid passage to prevent flow of fluid between the filter pack and the inner surface and for allowing movement of the filter pack relative to the casing. One or two face screens may be positioned over the inlet and outlet, and the casing and screens are assembled without conventional fasteners or welding.

Abstract: A filter element for an air cleaner including a sheet-like filter medium for purifying air when the air is transferred from one side to the other side of the filter medium, a frame member having a flange confining the filter medium and a side wall formed on the flange, and a fibrous mat having cushioning effect. The filter medium is folded in a sawtooth-shaped pattern and extends along a plane. The filter medium has a base contour contained in the plane and has a sawtooth-shaped peripheral edge section extending along a part of the base contour. The flange outwardly projects from the frame. The side wall is airtightly bonded to the sawtooth-shaped peripheral edge section of the filter medium. The mat continuously extends along the base contour and is fixedly bonded to a surface of the flange facing the other side of the filter medium.

Abstract: There is provided a vacuum cleaner filter medium which is a nonwoven spunbond web of conjugate spunbond fibers. The web has a Frazier permeability of at least 250 CFM, an NaCI efficiency of at least 65 percent, a Gurley Stiffness of at least 20 mg, and a pressure drop of 0.5 or less mm H.sub.2 O. The conjugate fibers are made from polymers, more particularly polyolefins, still more particularly polypropylene and polyethylene in a side-by-side configuration. The filter medium is treated by a hot-air knife and through-air bonded during the production process. The medium is also electret treated. The medium has sufficient stiffness to be converted into a filter by conventional techniques. While this invention is directed mainly to air purification and filtration, other gasses may be filtered as well.

Abstract: An improved method for fabricating a filter for use in automotive air bag inflators which comprises forming a hollow cylindrical inner core or combustion screen of filter material and outer filter layers wound outward from the surface of the core so as to be maintained in cylindrical relation thereabout. This invention is specifically directed to an improved filter which does not include a perforated support tube and relies on only the interior combustion screen for support in the final wrapping of the remaining filter structure.

Abstract: An adsorption air filter has a self-supporting shaped structure of adsorber particles of regular or irregular form, which are joined to one another by binder particles also of regular or irregular form. The melting range of the binder particles is less than that of the adsorber particles, and the binder particles are smaller than the adsorber particles. The adsorber particles have an average size of 100 to 7000 .mu.m. The three-dimensional structure of the air filter has substantially repeating units of one adsorber particle and one binder particle, without the presence of agglomerates. The binder must not spread over the adsorber surface below 100.degree. C. In the production method, adsorber and binder particles are mixed with water and heated in a closed mold under pressure; the water is then driven off and the shaped element is allowed to cool.

Abstract: A filter (20) for use in an inflator assembly (10) is formed by combining a layer of filter media (22) with a barrier element such as metal foil sheet backing (24), and then subsequently wrapping the filter a plurality of times about a combustion chamber (16) located within the inflator assembly (10). The foil sheet backing (24) creates a barrier which causes the inflation gases to travel in a helical path about the combustion chamber (16). By providing a helical gas flow path, the filter (20) extends the filter path length without increasing overall dimensioning requirements of the filter, and produces centrifugal forces which improve particulate removal.

Abstract: A method of forming a filter for an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint inflator includes a tubular filter element having a generally cylindrical interior surface and a generally cylindrical outer surface having a predetermined diameter and a predetermined axial length and spaced radially outwardly from the inner surface. A tubular support member surrounds the outer surface. The support member is of an axial length equal to at least a major portion of the axial length of the outer surface and has an inner diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the outer surface for close surrounding engagement therewith. The support member has a plurality of through openings.

Abstract: A gas separating composite membrane comprising two types of polyimide resin layers having different molecular structures and each having solubility in an organic solvent different from each other, the two layers being laminated being substantially independent or via a mixed layer, the first polyimide resin layer comprising a porous polyimide supporting membrane having a nitrogen gas permeation flux density at 25.degree. C. of at least 2 Nm.sup.3 /m.sup.2 /h/atm., and the second polyimide resin layer, which contributes to a gas separating performance comprising a fluorine-containing polyimide thin film containing at least three fluorine atoms in a repeating molecular structure unit which constructs the second polyimide resin layer has a very high gas permeation flux density while maintaining a high gas permeability, excels in heat resistance and chemical resistance, and satisfies a practical use in terms of cost.

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, oleophobic fluorochemical surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A filter for an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint inflator includes a tubular filter element having a generally cylindrical interior surface and a generally cylindrical outer surface having a predetermined diameter and a predetermined axial length and spaced radially outwardly from the inner surface. A tubular support member surrounds the outer surface. The support member is of an axial length equal to at least a major portion of the axial length of the outer surface and has an inner diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the outer surface for close surrounding engagement therewith. The support member has a plurality of through openings.

Abstract: A hollow, cylindrical, resin-bonded filter cartridge has an inner, depth-type filter media with a graded density which decreases (becomes porous) in the radial direction from the inner surface to the outer surface. An outer strip of filter media is then wound in a spiral or helix around the inner filter media. The outer filter media is also a depth type of filter media and has uniform density and is wound with adjacent windings abutting one another such that a continuous groove or channel is provided along the length of the cartridge. The groove or channel provides a greater effective surface area on the outer surface of the filter cartridge. The outer strip of filter media preferably comprises a lengthwise-extending body panel with a pair of leaves extending along either edge of the body panel. The leaves are folded against the lower surface of the outer filter media to provide a multi-layer outer filter media structure.

Abstract: A hydrogen separator has a porous substrate having a through-hole, and a metal having a hydrogen separating ability coated on the inner surface of the through-hole of the porous substrate to close pores on the inner surface of the through-hole. A method for manufacturing a hydrogen separator by a chemical plating process, includes providing a porous substrate having a through-hole, and forcedly circulating a plating solution containing a metal having a hydrogen separating ability through the through-hole of the substrate. The inner surface of the through-hole is covered with the metal film having the hydrogen separating ability.

Abstract: A dust sock filter medium laminate is provided which has at least two nonwoven webs of microfibers which have an average diameter (using a sample size of at least 10) between about 10 and 25 microns and which webs have been joined by a method comprising the steps of (a) directing the component layers to a separation zone, (b) applying water in the amount of from about 5% to 25% based on the weight of the combined layers, (c) combining the component layers, (d) passing the combination through a sonic bonder operating within the range of up to about 40,000 cps against a patterned anvil to produce a corresponding pattern of thermal bond areas over about 3% to 25% of the surface area of the combination, and, (e) drying the sonically bonded combination.

Abstract: A water vapor resistant filter comprising a permeable molded material, nonwoven fabric or felt comprising polyimide fiber having a repeating unit represented by formula (I) is described. The permeable molded material, nonwoven fabric or felt is covered with a condensed polycyclic polynucleus aromatic resin, a melting fluorine resin, a solvent-soluble cold setting fluorine resin or a fluorine elastomer: ##STR1## X, R and n are defined in the specification. A water vapor resistant antistatic filter is also described, which comprises a permeable molded material, nonwoven fabric or felt comprising polyimide fiber having a repeating unit represented by the above-described formula (I). The permeable molded material, nonwoven fabric or felt is covered with an electroconductive material and a condensed polycyclic polynucleus aromatic resin, a solvent-soluble cold setting fluorine resin or a fluorine elastomer. Processes for producing these filters are also described.

Abstract: An air/oil separator or other filtering assembly includes a filter media pack having first and second ends. A flange member is located at the first end of the media pack. The flange member includes a flange for mounting the filtering assembly. A retainer member is located at the second end of the media pack. A layer of perforated material is attached to the flange member. The perforated material is located adjacent to the first end of the media pack. Hardenable material permeates the first end of the media pack and permeates the perforated material to mechanically interlock the flange member to the media pack. A similar mechanical interlock is provided between the media pack and the retainer member. These mechanical interlocks eliminate the interior straps which had previously been used to secure the flange member to the retainer member.

Abstract: To provide an air filter that does not cause holding members to peel even in a high temperature environment, and which can be produced quickly and easily. An air filter (10) includes a filter member (12), holding members (14) disposed at both longitudinal side edges of the filter member (12), and non-woven fabric members (16) for fixing the filter member (12) and the holding members (14). The filter member (12) includes a non-woven fabric of thermoplastic microfibers. The holding members (14) have a bending resistance sufficient to maintain its shape and hold the filter member (12) in its pleated state. The non-woven fabric members (16) have a heat resistance with a melting point not lower than 90.degree. C. and a temporary fixing ability capable of being disposed at the edge portions of the filter member (12) without using a jig.

Abstract: A method for post-treating a laminated precursor nonwoven web which includes layers of thermoplastic man-made fibers and at least one layer of cellulose-based staple natural fibers, including consolidating the web laterally and thereby reducing the maximum pore size measure of the web. The precursor web and the resultant consolidated nonwoven web are also disclosed, as is utilization of the product web in medical uses.

Abstract: A corona-assisted electrostatic filtration apparatus which includes a cathode, an anode filter element, and a means of establishing a nonalternating potential difference between the cathode and the anode which is sufficient to maintain a corona field of ionized gas between the cathode and the anode filter element. The anode filter element includes a porous fibrous sheet material having pores in a range of from about 0.1 to about 100 micrometers, with at least a portion of the fibers thereof being uniformly coated with a metal. Also provided is a method of utilizing such apparatus to remove particulate matter from a gaseous medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating reticulated foam with a controlled migration treatment medium to produce an improved air filter. Reticulated foam is treated with a highly viscous oil that protects the foam from hydrolytic degradation and increases efficiency of the filter without causing unacceptable air restriction of the foam. An improved air filter made from treated and untreated layers of reticulated foam is also shown.

Abstract: Deodorant comprising 5 to 100% by weight of a calcium phosphate compound having a molar ratio of Ca/P of 0.8 to 2.0, a deodorant sheet and filter sheet containing such calcium phosphate compound, and a functional paper containing 10 to 80% by weight of a calcium phosphate compound. A filtering medium for an exhaust gas comprises a ceramic material containing 5 to 100% by weight of a calcium phosphate compound, as well as a filter cartridge and exhaust gas filter containing the filtering medium. Based on the excellent properties of the incorporated calcium phosphate compound, the agents and products according to the present invention exhibit a highly improved adsorptivity to oil-soluble substances, odor substances, animal or vegetable cells, viruses, biopolymeric substances or other substances, and therefore can be advantageously used in various fields of technology. For example, the functional paper can be used as a deodorant, filter medium and adsorbent as well as a flame-retardant paper.

Abstract: A filter element for separating solid particles from a fluid medium. The filter element comprises a permeably porous, substantially inherently stable shaped body made substantially of polyethylene. The polyethylene is made from polyethylene grains combined and heated to form the shaped body. The polyethylene grains comprisean ultrahigh molecular polyethylene component including fine grains and having an average molecular weight of more than 10.sup.6. The polyethylene component further has, in an initial state before heating, a grain size distribution of at least 95% by weight of fine grains being larger than 63 microns and less than or equal to 250 microns. In addition, the polyethylene grains comprise a further polyethylene component including fine grains in an initial state before heating, and which has an average molecular weight of less than 10.sup.6.

Abstract: An activated carbon body having flow-through channels and method of making the body. The method involves combining and shaping channel-forming material and optionally fugitive pore-forming material and non-fugitive support material, and a crosslinkable resin into a green body and curing the resin. The temperature at which the channel-forming material begins to distort is greater than the curing temperature of the resin. The resin is carbonized and at the same time the channel-forming material is vaporized out to form a carbon body having flow through channels in the configuration of the fugitive material. The carbon body is then activated. Among other shapes the channels can be straight, curved or crisscrossed.

Abstract: Improved composite semipermeable membranes including microporous carbonaceous adsorptive material supported by a porous substrate for use in separating multicomponent gas mixtures in which certain components in the mixture adsorb within the pores of the adsorptive material and diffuse by surface flow through the membrane to yield a permeate stream enriched in these components. Methods for making the improved composite membranes are described including one or more oxidation steps which increase the membrane permeability and selectivity.

Abstract: An aircraft pneumatic air filter includes a pair of cup-shaped interconnected cover having respective inflow and outflow nozzles and a filter cartridge maintained in the cavity defined therebetween. A scale provided on one of the covers allows for visual inspection of the filter cartridge and comparison against the scale to determine the need for filter replacement or system service.

Abstract: A unitary candle filter employs a wrapping of continuous filamentary ceramic material in the form of a yarn or twine wrapped over a porous ceramic support tube to hold the support structure intact during a high pressure backwash operation. A thin filtering layer of a ceramic material is deposited over the support structure and the wrapping is embedded in the filtering layer.

Abstract: In filtering particles such as soot from a flue gas a porous filter body of a particulate material bonded together in the body is employed. The material is a metal or metal-like material having a thermal conductivity in excess of 10 W/mK, and the porous filter body has a porosity of 50-90% and a maximum pore size of 10-40 um. The porous filter body also has a thermal conductivity in excess of 10 W/mK. In accordance with the method, the flue gas is conducted through the porous filter body so as to accumulate the particles in the porous filter body. The particles accumulated in the porous filter body are burned off, whereby heat is generated locally. The heat generated locally by the burning-off of the particles is conducted throughout the porous filter body so that the temperature rise generated by the burning-off heat is reduced. Consequently, the porous filter body is not exposed to fatal, thermal stresses.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for the production of a filter in the form of a ceramic honeycomb body monolith, starting with a blank of the honeycomb body monolith with the bilaterally open ducts. An image-recording and processing system scans the end faces of the monolith and determines the deviations of the actual geometry of the ducts to be alternatingly sealed from the geometry of an idealized honeycomb body. The image-processing system determines zones on the respective end face of the monolith which correspond, within predeterminable tolerances, to the geometry of the idealized honeycomb body, wherein zones are determined having a maximally high number of ducts. In correspondence with the determination of the aforementioned zones, a processing route is established which predetermines which one of several metering heads with a varying number of nozzles will be activated. The nozzles then inject a plugging compound into the thus-determined ducts.

Abstract: A method for post-treating a precursor nonwoven web including consolidating the web laterally and thereby reducing the maximum pore size measure of the web. The resultant nonwoven web is also disclosed as is utilization of the product web as a filter.