Abstract: A high-efficiency secondary cyclone separator used in combination with a high-efficiency primary separator produces a gas stream having low liquid content in gas for a feed stream having either a high or low liquid loading. A high surface area to volume coalescing material is combined with the secondary cyclone separator to create a more efficient gas-oil centrifugal separator system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filter insert for separating oil out of a flow of gas; the filter insert (1) comprising a pure gas side (2) and an untreated gas side (3) as well as support means (4) and at least two separation zones (5; 6) of different degrees of fineness.

Abstract: An air purifying filter which comprises: (a) an ion-exchange fiber filter and (b) a high- or ultrahigh-performance filter comprising glass fibers is disclosed. The ion-exchange fiber filter preferably comprises a fibrous substrate and ion-exchange groups and hydrophilic groups which are chemically bound to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtration of particulate matter in fluid streams. A unique high efficiency, two element filter embodying an enclosure containing a tandem rotary disk and drum filter mounted on a common shaft is described. A method of operation including manual and computer control modes are described.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a housing having first and second stage regions of filtering. The air flows through an inlet and into a first chamber having a cross-sectional area larger than the inlet. The air expands and particles drop to the bottom of the chamber. The air then passes through the first stage filter media. Additional particles are trapped by the filter media and dropped to the bottom of the first chamber. The air then flows into a second chamber and then through a second stage filter arrangement. Additional particles are removed in the second stage filter arrangement. The air is then exhausted. One preferred application is in a shop-vacuum. Methods of cleaning air and changing out the filters are provided herein.

Abstract: A vacuum filter bag is constructed of layers which include a high air permeability multipurpose layer positioned upstream in the direction of air flow of a second filtration layer. The second filtration layer can be a wet-laid filter paper, a dry-laid filter paper or a spunbond nonwoven. The multipurpose layer can be made of high bulk meltblown nonwoven, dry-laid or wet-laid high dust holding capacity paper spunblown modular or microdenier spunbond. The high dust capacity papers are characterized by greater thickness and higher air permeability than is normally used in traditional filter layers of vacuum cleaner bag structures. These characteristics allow the high capacity papers to filter large dirt particles and to capture within their pores large amounts of dust particles. This protects the downstream second filtration layer from shock loading and enables the composite structure to pass air at high rate at low pressure differential for much longer than conventional vacuum cleaner bags.

Abstract: A disposable vacuum cleaner filter bag is constructed of layers which include a filtration grade meltblown fleece layer having a basis weight of about 10-50 g/m2 and air permeability of about 100-1000 L/(m2×s) and a coarse filter layer in which the coarse filter layer is placed upstream of the filtration grade meltblown fleece layer. The coarse filter layer can include either wet-laid high dust capacity paper, dry-laid high dust capacity paper, high bulk meltblown nonwoven, Spunblown (Modular) nonwoven or microdenier spunbond nonwoven. Juxtaposition of the layers causes the coarse filter layer to capture large dirt particles and permits the filtration grade meltblown fleece layer to capture much of the remaining dust particles. The novel bag exhibits high air permeability and low pressure drop at high dust loading. A method of filtering gas through such a filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flux vapor management system for a reflow oven includes temperature control units disposed in heating and cooling regions of the oven. A fan within each of the temperature control units provides suction to an intake port. Intake ports of selected temperature control units in the heating region of the oven are connected with a barrier vent disposed between the heating and cooling regions of the oven. Gas drawn into the barrier vent by the suction from the intake ports prevents flux laden gas from migrating into the cooling region. The flux vapor management system also includes a filter for removing flux vapors from a reflow oven. The filter condenses flux vapors by converging a jet of hot gas from the oven with a cooled gas jet causing the flux vapors to condense while suspended in the gas stream. The flux laden gas does not contact any solid surface below the flux condensation temperature so there is no build-up of flux within the apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that use a hydrophobic medium to remove salt and moisture from the intake air of a gas turbine system. The disclosure also relates to systems and methods that use a two stage filtering process to remove particulate material, salt and moisture from the intake air of a gas turbine system. Particulate material is filtered from the intake air at a first stage air cleaner. Subsequently, salt and moisture are removed from the intake air at a second stage salt barrier located downstream from the first stage air cleaner. In certain embodiments, the second stage salt barrier uses a hydrophobic medium to remove salt and moisture from the intake air.

Abstract: An agglomeration and precipitation assembly which includes an agglomeration device in combination with a precipitation device. The agglomeration device is intended to receive a turbulent gas stream containing fine suspended particles and to discharge the stream in which the major part of the fine particles have agglomerated in the form of larger particles. The precipitation device is provided downstream of the agglomeration device to receive the stream coming from the agglomeration device and to separate the larger particles from the gas stream. The fine particles can be separated from a turbulent gas stream by first agglomerating the fine particles in the form of larger particles, and then separating the larger particles by precipitation.

Abstract: In an aerosol filter having a number of coaxially disposed, approximately cylindrical filter areas, provision is made according to the invention for each filter area to have a metal gauze. Through the use of the metal gauze for the filter areas, the aerosol filter is simple to clean and is therefore reusable. In addition, such an aerosol filter is especially resistant to low and high temperatures and to corrosion.

Abstract: An air cleaner arrangement useful for cleaning air in ablative thermal imaging processes includes a housing and a removable and replaceable element assembly. The housing has an interior, an inlet conduit, and an outlet conduit. The element assembly includes first and second filter elements axially aligned and secured together in a stack configuration. The first filter element has a media pack for filtering particulate material. The second filter element has a media pack for filtering noxious gases, such as formaldehyde. In operation, a blower assembly directs airflow through the inlet conduit, into the first element interior, through the first element media pack, through the second element media pack, into the second element interior, and out through the housing outlet conduit. Methods for filtering and changing out of the element assembly are also described herein.

Abstract: An air intake apparatus for semiconductor fabricating equipment reduces the inflow of chemical contaminants, such as ozone (O.sub.3), into the equipment. The air intake apparatus includes a fan as an air intake device, and a chemical filter containing activated carbon to remove the chemical contaminants from air drawn in from outside the equipment. The air intake apparatus may further include first and second filters for removing particulate contaminants from the air. By applying the air intake apparatus to chemical vapor deposition (CVD) equipment used to carry out a process for forming hemispherical grains (HSGs), which is sensitive to a native oxide layer, the ozone density inside the CVD equipment is decreased. Accordingly, the semiconductor device produced has a higher capacitance and enhanced performance.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a reduced velocity chamber with a high velocity air inlet, an electric motor, a rotary mechanism driven by the motor for creating a vacuum in the chamber, an outlet for exhausting air from the chamber, which air flows in a selected path from the air inlet, through the chamber and out the air exhaust outlet and a disposable porous sheet filter layer in the chamber for removing large solid particles from the air. The vacuum cleaner also has an improved filter, wherein the improved filter includes a layer of material to remove very fine air particles and a layer of material to remove odors from the air.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gasketless connecting filter adapter (20, 40) for airtight joining of a first filter (23) to a second filter (33). The invention includes a flexible cover element (42) being adapted to seal at a first face surface (41) thereof over the face of a first filter (23), and including a second face surface (55) having a recessed central aperture (59) therein. Disposed in the central aperture (59) are connection apparatus for mating with and securing thereto the second filter such that air passes through the second filter (23) into the first filter (33). The second face surface (55) further includes an integral and axially extending resilient lip seal (39) being adapted to sealingly engage the second cartridge (33). The present invention may be of one or preferably two piece molded construction, of particular cross section.

Abstract: A system which reduces the transmission of noxious fumes into the surrounding air during the application of a heated liquid roofing product on a roof. A mobile tanker or kettle contains a supply of the heated liquid. The air space within the tanker or vessel above the liquid product communicates with a mobile filtration unit by a first duct. A rooftop carrier for the liquid product has a fume collection hood which communicates with the filtration unit by a second duct. A blower in the filtration unit creates negative pressure which draws the noxious fumes from the tanker or vessel and carrier through the ducts and into and through the filtration unit. The filtration unit has a series of airtight chambers mounted on a mobile truck bed, each containing a different type of filtering medium to remove various components of the noxious fumes as the fumes move through the filtration unit.

Abstract: A filter arrangement is provided. The filter arrangement generally includes an air filter having an upstream surface with a prefilter positioned thereon. The prefilter preferably include at least two layers of depth media. In preferred systems, the prefilter includes two layers of depth media secured to one another by stitching. In certain preferred arrangements disclosed, the prefilter include an upstream layer of fibrous depth media and a downstream layer of foam depth media, with the two layers stitched to one another along peripheral edges. The invention also concerns provision of prefilters, and also air filter arrangements which include housings having air filters with prefilters according to the present invention operably positioned therein. Methods of construction and use are also provided.

Abstract: An improved mist collector arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes an improved pre-filter for mist collection. The pre-filter has a multi-stage construction, and includes a preferred intermediate stage of fibrous media. As a result of the improvement, preferred operation for liquid collection under various circumstances is provided.

Abstract: A macroporous polymeric adsorbent is used to remove oil mist and oil vapors from compressed air produced by an oil-lubricated air compressor prior to feeding the compressed air to an air separation membrane system. The macroporous polymeric adsorbent, previously known only for its ability to extract low molecular weight volatile organic compounds from liquids and gases, retains its ability to extract the oil for extended periods of time and outperforms the commonly used activated carbon of the prior art.

Abstract: A filter frame and media capable of withstanding repeated heating to high temperatures in an oxidizing environment, and a method of cleaning the same for indefinite use in a method of operating industrial paint booths. Progressive density, heat resistant, and preferably metal media paint booth filters are provided for replacement of existing filters in industrial paint booths. The filters are structurally resistant to cyclic heating to high temperature in an oxidizing bake-off oven where the paint residue accumulated on the filters is reduced to ash. After cooling, the ash is removed, and the filters returned to service, and the cycle is repeated. The filter comprises a frame section and a mesh media section which has a plurality of mesh portions. The mesh portions are preferably arranged in a series M.sub.1, M.sub.n-1, M.sub.n, wherein n is a positive integer of 4 or more, that are sized with the free face area A.sub.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a cylindrical inner filter, and a removable and replaceable outer filter of media. The removable and replaceable filter includes more than one layer of media therein. One application for the filter cartridge is in a mist collector arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing contamination of a substrate or a substrate surface, and particularly relates to prevention of contamination of raw materials, semi-finished products, base materials of products and substrate surface in a high-tech industry such as in the production of semiconductors and liquid crystals. A gas coming into contact with a base material or substrate is purified by dust removing apparatus and adsorption and/or absorption apparatus so that the concentration of fine particles in the gas is below class 1,000 and a non-methane hydrocarbon concentration is below 0.2 ppm. Thereafter, the base material or the substrate surface is exposed to this gas.

Abstract: A process for recovering SF.sub.6 from a gas is provided. The process includes the step of contacting a gas stream comprising SF.sub.6 and at least one of N.sub.2, O.sub.2, CO.sub.2, and H.sub.2 O with a membrane in at least one membrane separation unit at conditions effective to obtain a retentate stream rich in SF.sub.6 and a permeate stream rich in at least one of N.sub.2, O.sub.2, CO.sub.2, and H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: A process for recovering at least one of CF.sub.4 and C.sub.2 F.sub.6 from a vent gas from an aluminum electrolysis cell. The process includes the steps of:(a) removing inorganic fluorides from a vent gas comprising inorganic fluorides and at least one of CF.sub.4 and C.sub.2 F.sub.6 to obtain a purified vent gas; and(b) contacting the purified vent gas with a membrane at conditions effective to obtain a retentate stream rich in at least one of CF.sub.4 and C.sub.2 F.sub.6, and a permeate stream depleted in at least one of CF.sub.4 and C.sub.2 F.sub.6.

Abstract: An odor filter for exhauster hoods, which filter includes an adsorption filter bed regenerable by washing. The filter bed is made of a highly air-permeable substrate material and an adsorbent affixed thereto in the amount of 50 to 400 g/l by an adhesive mass and has a mean particle diameter between 0.2 and 2 mm.

Abstract: An air treating system filters and dehumidifies contaminated air within an industrial plant. The air treating system includes a prefilter, a filter, a blower and an evaporator. A self-contained filtering unit directly communicates with a flume which receives fluid carrying contaminated particles from a machining center. Multiple self-contained filter and dehumidifier units are coupled with a single air conditioning compressor and condenser unit.

Abstract: A multi-function separator provides a coalescing section for removal of entrained impurities in a process stream; an adsorbent section for removal of vapor contaminants; and a filter section for removal of particulate impurities. A process stream flows into longitudinal hollow centers of porous coalescer robes and radially out; through holes in a baffle; into an adsorbent section; through a redistribution baffle; into filters; and out through another redistribution baffle. The multi-function separator is designed so that the process stream flows transverse to the longitude of an elongate vessel. The fluid velocity within the coalescer section is equal throughout, so that localized high-velocity areas are avoided, thus preventing re-entrainment of a coalesced contaminant.

Abstract: An aerosol size-selective sampling device is composed of pre-filter, a base housing, and a collector. The device is intended to take an aerosol sample from a given atmospheric air. The pre-filter is composed of two or more porous filtration materials arranged in one end of the base housing in a parallel manner for allowing the atmospheric air to pass therethrough in a parallel and diverting pattern before the atmospheric air is allowed to pass in a converging manner through the collector which is located in another end of the base housing. The pre-filter is able to attain a desired penetration rate profile as a function of an aerodynamic diameter of aerosol contained in the atmospheric air within a predetermined range of aerodynamic diameter.

Abstract: A macroporous polymeric adsorbent is used to remove oil mist and oil vapors from compressed air produced by an oil-lubricated air compressor prior to feeding the compressed air to an air separation membrane system. The macroporous polymeric adsorbent, previously known only for its ability to extract low molecular weight volatile organic compounds from liquids and gases, retains its ability to extract the oil for extended periods of time and outperforms the commonly used activated carbon of the prior art.

Abstract: A method for filtering process gases prior to said process gases being allowed to enter a CVD chamber is provided in order to ensure high purity of the process gases. In one embodiment, the process gases are filtered with a first filter located in a first section of a gas line being isolated by valves at both ends of the gas line section. Further filtering by a second filter occurs in a downstream gas line section.

Abstract: A high capacity marine separator (30) is disclosed which uses a first stage formed by an inertial vane separator (32), a second stage formed by a coalescer stage (36) and a third stage formed by an inertial vane separator (34). The coalescer stage (36) is canted from vertical relative to the air flow direction which increases the surface area for air flow, increases the drainage rate of water from the coalescer section and provides an improved air flow distribution to the second inertial vane separator with higher velocities near the top of the second inertial vane separator. The inertial vane separators (32, 34) have flush cavities to reduce obstruction to air flow and have vanes that are greater than three inches in wavelength and spaced greater than one inch apart. The marine separator is capable of flow velocities of 50 standard feet per second.

Abstract: A combination respiratory filter and sampling device has been developed which collects airborne contaminants for respiratory exposure measurements. The devices, which fit existing commercial half-mask respirators, are generally smaller and lighter in weight than existing filters, and have low resistance to airflow, so they can be comfortably worn by people performing their normal work duties. Each device consists of at least a front, a middle and a back section which can be independently separated and analyzed by traditional laboratory techniques. The filtering and sampling media thicknesses and types can be adapted to target specific compounds.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the clogging of a cooling zone heat exchanger of a reflow solder apparatus that includes the steps of: removing a gas/flux mixture from an exhaust zone (20) that is located adjacent a heated zone and/or a cooling zone; conducting the gas/flux mixture to and through a first filter chamber (22), conducting the filtered gas from the filter chamber (22) through a low pressure portion of a blower housing of a cooling zone (16), then subsequently to and through a high pressure portion (44) of the cooling zone that includes a collection tray (38), a mesh filter (48), a heat exchanger (46) and at least one perforated plate (50). The heat exchanger is thermostatically controlled at a preset tempering temperature that minimizes the collection of flux on its exterior surfaces while allowing a solder joint of an article to solidify.

Abstract: A modular air-cleaning apparatus for the treatment of contaminated air. The apparatus includes a plurality of modular units cooperatively interconnected, wherein the plurality of units includes at least one separator unit functioning on non-collisional principles and at least one filtration unit functioning on collisional principles. Each modular unit is constructed of a durable and machinable material that is capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions of use and is formed in a rectangular shape around four corner posts. Each post possesses at least one exposed, outwardly-facing surface with a side margin parallel to a long dimension of the post. The posts aid both in establishing and maintaining a mechanical connection between the unit and another of the modular units with which it is in operable connection, and in enhancing structural and mechanical characteristics of the unit.

Abstract: The invention features a clean room and a chemical air filter suitable for use in the air handling system of the clean room directly upstream of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. The chemical filter is of the pleated filter type comprising an air permeable, relatively thick web of non-woven fibrous carrier material of pleated form. The web includes a matrix formed of a large multiplicity of synthetic fibers and is characterized in that activated carbon particles are distributed throughout the web, bound in the interstices of the matrix in a manner preventing loss to the air of particles in quantity substantially detrimental to the performance of the HEPA filter. The activated carbon particles are of the type selected to remove the predetermined gas-phase contaminant from the air from the source. The invention also features a non-off gassing filter casing that may easily be installed into existing clean room air handling systems.

Abstract: Constructions and methods are described for collecting particulate material from gas streams. In one specifically described arrangement, a region of depth media is oriented upstream of a second region of depth media. A surface loading media is positioned downstream from the second region of depth media. In an alternate embodiment, a further region of filter media is positioned downstream from the surface loading media.

Abstract: In order to economically remove harmful components in exhaust gases by using a simple and extremely durable system, an exhaust gas to be treated is introduced into a neutralizing tower provided with a first duct and a second duct. Harmful components in the exhaust gas chemically react with a neutralizing agent randomly stacked within the neutralizing tower, and such components become deposited on the surface of the neutralizing agent. Water is supplied from a water supply pipe to the surface of the neutralizing agent by driving a pump after passage of a predetermined period of time, and the surface of the neutralizing agent is washed thereby. Additional exhaust gases are further fed and reacted with the neutralizing agent, which has a renewed surface exposed again. The neutralizing agent can thus be repeatedly used for removal of harmful components in the exhaust gases.

Abstract: An air filtering system for filtering air streams for use in a clean environment to effectively remove a process-limiting molecular contaminant therefrom comprising sequentially arranged upstream and downstream air filtering beds. The upstream air filtering bed is positioned to receive an air stream for use in the clean environment and comprises an upstream reagent selected to effectively remove the process-limiting molecular contaminant from the air stream as the air stream passes through the upstream air filtering bed, the upstream reagent releasing a characteristic volatile component into the air streams. The downstream air filtering bed is positioned to receive the air stream that has passed through the upstream air filtering bed and comprises a downstream reagent selected to remove the characteristic volatile component released by the upstream reagent into the air stream. Clean environments (e.g., a deep UV processing station) incorporating the above-mentioned air filtering system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular filtration system for cleaning HVAC ductwork includes first and second modular assemblies containing a plurality of filters. The modules can be easily transported into a site and connected to one another and to the ductwork. The system includes a plurality of wheels and external assembly protruding from the housing to assist in wheeling the housing up and down stairs.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for cleaning HVAC ductwork, including the steps of transporting first and second modular filter assemblies to a site, connecting them in sealed fluid communication with one another and to the ductwork, drawing fluid through the filtration system from the HVAC ductwork, exhausting filtered fluid from the filtration system and tilting the housing so that any stairs present at the site bear against a bearing surface of an external conveyance assembly as the modules are transported up and down stairs.

Abstract: A vacuum valve filter system has a plurality of diverting elements sandwiching a plurality of filter elements for filtering fluid passing from a cavity of a vacuum die. The diverter elements establish a serpentine fluid flow through the filter systems. Also, the filter elements are compressible, acting as a stop in the event of an overflow of molten material entering the filter system.

Abstract: In a method of treating a fine particle dust in a manufacturing process of semiconductor elements wherein the fine particle dust is separated and collected from an air which includes the fine particle dust produced from a source of generating the fine particle dust generated in a process of manufacturing semiconductor elements by filtering air with a laminated filter which comprises at least three filters, each of which having a smaller mesh is arranged to located from an down-stream in order. The method comprising the step of separating removing water and oil by passing the air through a rotary brush prior before the air from the source of generating the fine particle dust is filtered with the laminated filter. The apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Sulfuric acid fumes generated in a manufacturing process are captured at the point of generation and transported at a flow rate of 3500 feet per minute to a filtration unit having a primary two-stage separator and a final three-stage separator. The primary separator is filled with spherical packing material, preferably of polypropylene, and the final separator consists of a composite pad of high efficiency filamentary packing material, preferably of polypropylene with increasingly smaller voids. Sulfuric acid is recovered from both separators for reuse and purified air is exhausted from the system. The removal efficiency exceeds 99%.

Abstract: Constructions and methods are described for collecting particulate material from gas streams. In one specifically described arrangement, a region of uniform or constant density depth media is oriented upstream of a region of gradient density depth media. In another, a preferred region of gradient density depth media is constructed, to effect particulate collection in a preferred manner. Preferred constructions described herein, utilize a pleated paper filter oriented downstream of depth media, to advantage.

Abstract: A method of filtering a natural gas stream, at the end user's home, business or the like, in which at least a single gas appliance is located, is described in which natural gas odorants have been concentrated in the stream at sufficient levels to be a significant health hazard and/or an adverse environmental threat, such method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing the stream to a filter selected from a group that includes at least activated charcoal and/or impingement adsorbing media wherein in the odorant in the gas stream at sufficient levels to be a significant health hazard and/or an adverse environmental threat due to aperiodic loading of the network occurring as a result of dampening effects of compressor-driven equipment and multiple customer outlet usage causing the ordorant to become clumped into packets, is filtered from the gas stream and captured irrespective of mode of transport, (b) passing the filtered natural gas stream to the end user's gas appliance wherein safe use of the energy associa

Abstract: The steps of the method of the invention are preferably practice on apparatus consisting of components arranged in a closed system for removing particulate matter and gases from a polluted gas stream that includes a sorbent particulate charging and injection gun for electrostatically charging sorbent particles and injecting them into a polluted gas stream to charge and agglomerize pollution particulates therein, the stream flowing into a collection system housing that contains a series of moving and static bed filters and provides for operations at pressures less than atmospheric, and at temperatures up to two thousand (2000) degrees F. The filter beds are maintained across the housing and spaced apart from front to back therein, each filter containing a media material selected for removing the charged agglomerized pollution and sorbent reacted particulates and reacting with gases in the polluted gas stream, providing for removal thereof to clean that gas stream that is then vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: An air handling and filtering system is provided for with conventional textile machines. The apparatus includes a common vacuum system for drawing first and second independent airstreams through the textile machines. A filtering system operates with the vacuum system to filter the useful white waste fiber material from all of the first airstreams. Individual filtering devices are provided for each textile machine and are housed in end-housing units disposed as one end of the textile machine. The individual filtering devices filter generally waste fiber material from the second airstreams drawn through the textile machines. The individual filtering devices can be isolated from the common vacuum system so that the individual waste fiber filters can be cleaned without stopping or otherwise affecting the critical first airstream so as not to detrimentally affect yarn formation at the spinning stations of the textile machines.

Abstract: A coalescer filter is illustrated for removing material from a gas wherein a collection of liquid coalesced by passing a gaseous stream upwardly within a coalescing material packed in an upright cylindrical housing is facilitated by creating a pressure drop in a tube .[.by venturi action.]. .Iadd.in an inlet air stream .Iaddend.and communicating the pressure drop to a canister. The use of a float valve is also illustrated for controlling the discharge of liquid collected in a sealed drainage canister receiving coalesced liquid from a lower portion of an upright column or housing containing coalescing material through which a gaseous stream is passed upwardly.