MODULAR FILTER ELEMENT FOR HOT GAS FILTRATION

Abstract

A modular filter element that has a first elongate hollow body and a second elongate hollow, where a female portion extends axially into a wall of one of the elongate hollow bodies and a male portion extends axially from the other elongate hollow body into the female portion to connect the first elongate hollow body to the second elongate hollow body is disclosed.

Claims

1: A modular filter element which comprises a first elongate hollow body and a second elongate hollow, wherein a female portion extends axially into a wall of one of the elongate hollow bodies and a male portion extends axially from the other elongate hollow body into the female portion to connect the first elongate hollow body to the second elongate hollow body.

2: A modular filter element according to claim 1, wherein the female portion is substantially horse-shoe shaped.

3: A modular filter element according to claim 1, wherein the female portion and male portion are configured to provide an interference-fit connection.

4: A modular filter element according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive is located at the interface between the first and second elongate bodies.

5. (canceled)

6: A modular filter element according to claim 1, wherein a webbing material is wrapped around the first and second elongate hollow bodies in the region of the connection.

7: A modular filter element according to claim 1, wherein one of the elongate hollow bodies comprises at least two female portions and the other elongate hollow body comprises a corresponding number of male portions.

8-9. (canceled)

10: A modular filter element according to claim 1, wherein the modular filter element comprises an exterior support structure to prevent bending of the modular filter element in use.

11: A modular filter element according to claim 10, wherein the exterior support structure extends at least partly along the length of the modular filter element.

12: A modular filter element according to claim 10, wherein the exterior support structure comprises a rod and means for securing the modular filter element to the rod.

13: A modular filter element according to claim 12, wherein the means for securing the modular filter element to the rod comprises one or more clamps or one or more wires.

14: A modular filter element according to claim 10, wherein the exterior support structure comprises means for centering the modular filter element during its installation into a filter housing.

15: A modular filter element according to claim 14, wherein the means for centering the modular filter element comprises a ring member.

16: A modular filter element according to claim 15, wherein the ring member is configured to be opened and closed.

17. (canceled)

18: A modular filter element according to claim 1, wherein the modular filter element comprises a carrier.

19: A modular filter element according to claim 18, wherein the carrier comprises a collar adapted to engage with the flange and a handle attached to the collar.

20: A modular filter element according to claim 18, wherein the carrier comprises a plug adapted for insertion into the first elongate body and a member connected to the plug for carrying the modular filter element.

21: A method of producing a modular filter element according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: providing, a first elongate hollow body and a second elongate hollow body, wherein a female portion extends axially into a wall of one of the elongate hollow bodies and a male portion extends axially from the other elongate hollow body, and inserting the male portion into the female portion to secure the first elongate hollow body to the second elongate hollow body.

22. (canceled)

23: A support structure for preventing bending of a filter element, the support structure comprising a rod, means for attaching the modular filter element to the rod and means for centering the modular filter element during its installation into a filter housing, wherein the means for centering the modular filter element comprises a ring member that is configured to be opened and closed.

24: A method of installing a modular filter element in a filter housing, the method comprising the steps of: providing a filter element; securing the filter element to the exterior support structure according to claim 23; centering the filter element with respect to an opening in the filter housing adapted to receive the filter element, and lowering the filter element into the filter housing through the opening.

25: A method according to claim 24, wherein the method comprises the step of attaching a carrier to the first elongate hollow body to facilitate lowering of the modular filter element into the filter housing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a modular filter element;

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exterior support structure supporting the modular filter element shown in FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a ring member for centering the modular filter element shown in FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a carrier installed on the modular filter element shown in FIG. 1;

[0047] With reference to FIG. 1, and in accordance with an example of the present invention there is provided a ceramic filter element 100 for filtering particulate matter from hot gas streams. The modular filter element 100 comprises a first elongate hollow body 10 formed from a ceramic material having a length of about 2.9 metres and an external diameter of between 140 and 160 mm. The first elongate hollow body 10 has a substantially tubular profile. The first elongate hollow body 10 comprises a flange 11 at one end which is configured to enable mounting of the filter element 100 to a filter housing (not shown). At the opposite end there are two female portions 12 formed in the wall 13 that extends between the ends of the first elongate hollow body 10. The female portions 12 have a substantially horseshoe shaped profile. A metallic plate (not shown) is used to reinforce the flange 11 since this area of the modular filter element 100 is known to be susceptible to fracturing. As shown in FIG. 1, the end of the first elongate hollow body 10 comprising the female portions 12 is open.

[0048] The modular filter element 100 also comprises a second elongate hollow body 20. The second elongate hollow body 20 is about 1.6 metres in length and has an external diameter of between 140 and 160 mm. The second elongate hollow body 20 is formed from a ceramic material and has a substantially tubular profile. In particular, the second elongate hollow body 20 comprises two male portions 21 which extend axially from one end of the second elongate hollow body 20. The male portions 21 are arranged to frictionally engage with the female portions 12 of the first elongate hollow body 10 to form an interference fit connection. This connection (without adhesive) is able to withstand an axial force which is more than sufficient to carry the remainder of the filter element. FIG. 1 also shows that the end 22 of second elongate hollow body 20 opposite the end comprising the male portions 21 is closed.

[0049] A ceramic based adhesive (not shown) is provided at the interface 23 between the first elongate hollow body 10 and the second elongate hollow body 20 in order to strengthen the connection between the first elongate hollow body 10 and the second elongate hollow body 20. A tape (not shown) may be wrapped around the first and second elongate hollow bodies in the region of the interference fit connection to help form an air tight seal.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows an exterior support structure 40 for the modular filter element 100 which helps to prevent the modular filter element 100 from bending from being inconcentrically installed in the filter housing of a filter apparatus. The exterior support structure 40 comprises a metallic rod 41 and a plurality of clamping bands 42 spaced along the rod 41. The clamping bands 42 are adjustable and are configured to fit around and hold the modular filter element 100 in place prior to its installation into the filter housing. As best shown in FIG. 3, a ring member 50 is located at the base of the exterior support structure 40 to help centre the modular filter element 100 as it is lowered into the filter housing. The ring member 50 itself is formed from two ring halves 51, 52 which are held together by way of a hinge connection 53. In this way the ring member 50 can be opened and closed as needed.

[0051] To facilitate installation of the modular filter element 100 into the filter housing, the modular filter element 100 is provided with a carrier 60 (FIG. 4). The carrier 60 comprises a hinged collar 61 which is configured to fit around and the flange 11 of the first elongate hollow body 10. An n-shaped handle 62 is pivotally attached to the exterior of the collar 61 so that the modular filter element 100 can be lifted and lowered into the filter housing easily and quickly. The collar 61 is formed from a metal alloy such as steel.

[0052] To install the modular filter element 100 in a filter housing of a filtration apparatus the clamping bands 42 and the ring member 50 of the exterior support structure 40 are opened in readiness to receive the modular filter element 100. The modular filter element 100 is then positioned within the clamping bands 42 which are then tightened to temporarily secure the modular filter element 100 to the exterior support structure 40. The exterior support structure 40 and modular filter element 100 are then carried to the filter housing using carrier 60. The ring member 50 is then closed around a flange portion of the filter housing. This secures the exterior support structure 40 to the filter housing and also ensures that the modular filter element 100 is properly centred above the opening in the filter housing. The clamping bands 42 are then loosened so that that modular filter element can be lowered, with the aid of the carrier, into the opening of the filter housing.

[0053] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.