Non-cylindrical filter elements, and methods
A filter element that has at least two, planar, non-curved filtration panels. In a preferred embodiment, the filter element has three panels, providing a generally triangular filter element. The outlet aperture, from the filter element, generally follows the configuration of the filter. That is, a filter element having three filtration panels will have a generally three-sided outlet aperture. The outlet aperture preferably is not a true polygon, but rather, includes rounded or curved sides and/or corners. The filter element includes an outlet sealing configuration that may provide both axial and radial sealing to outlet ductwork.
1. A filter element comprising:
(a) three, spaced, generally planar filter panels;
(i) the filter element having no rounded surfaces that provide filtration;
(b) a support structure supporting the three generally planar filtration panels spaced from one another around a filter interior to form a three-sided element;
(i) the support structure having a first, closed, end and a second, opposite, end with an outlet aperture therein;
(c) the outlet aperture being a non-circular outlet aperture;
(i) the support structure defining the non-circular outlet aperture;
(ii) the outlet aperture being a three-sided aperture with three corners; each one of the three corners being directed toward a portion of the support structure between two adjacent ones of the three generally planar filtration panels; and,
(d) a triangular shaped seal surrounding the outlet aperture.
2. The filter element of claim 1 ,wherein:
(a) the non-circular aperture has an inner perimeter surface and an outer perimeter surface.
3. The filter element of claim 2 further comprising:
(a) a stop on the inner perimeter surface.
4. The filter element of claim 2 , the inner perimeter surface comprising:
(a) a chamfered surface.
5. The filter element of claim 1 wherein the seal is within a channel.
6. The filter element according to claim 1 , wherein:
(a) the three generally planar filtration panels each comprises e multiple layers of filtration material.
7. The filter element of claim 6 , wherein:
(a) the multiple layers of filtration material includes at least one layer of HEPA media.
8. The filter element of claim 6 wherein:
(a) the multiple layers of filtration materials includes at least one layer of rigid filtration material configured for absorption of a chemical contaminant.
9. The filter element of claim 8 ,wherein:
(a) the multiple layers of filtration materials includes at least two layers of rigid filtration material configured for absorption, the at least two layers being different.
10. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the support structure includes a recess between each two adjacent filter panels; each recess being positioned with a selected one of the three corners of the outlet aperture directed toward it.
11. A filter element according to claim 1 including:
(a) a mounting element including a mounting mechanism configured to lock the filter element in position;
(i) the mounting element being positioned in a recess between two adjacent filter panels.
12. A filter element according to claim 11 wherein:
(a) the mounting element further comprises a handle comprising an extension positioned extending between two support members.
13. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) each generally planer filter panel of the three, spaced, panels, comprises a single member of the same size, shape and filtration material as the other two generally planar filter panels.