Filter element with self-contained electrostatic buildup protection
One embodiment relates to a filtration system. The filtration system includes a filter housing and a filter element. The filter housing defines a central cavity. The filter element is disposed within the central cavity. The filter element includes a first endcap, a second endcap, and filter media. The second endcap is disposed axially away from the first endcap. The filter media extends axially between the first endcap and the second endcap. The filter media includes a filter media surface. A support element is in contact with the filter media. The support element is conductive. A first pole is along a surface of support element the filter media. The first pole has a first charge. A second pole is downstream of the first pole. The second pole has a second charge. The first charge is opposite in charge to the second charge.
1 . A filter element comprising:
a first endcap;
a second endcap disposed axially away from the first endcap;
filter media extending axially between the first endcap and the second endcap, the filter media comprising a filter media surface, a central opening is defined within the filter media, the central opening is disposed radially inward from the filter media surface;
a support element disposed within the central opening, the support element in contact with the filter media, the support element being conductive;
a first pole formed by conductance along the filter media surface, the first pole having a first charge; and
a second pole formed by counterions downstream of the filter media surface, the second pole having a second charge, the first charge opposite in charge to the second charge,
wherein the support element and the filter media surface form a first conductive path from the counterions to the support element to the filter media surface, causing a charge transfer to occur at the support element, and
wherein the support element, the filter media surface, and at least one of the first endcap or the second endcap form a second conductive path from the counterions to the support element through the at least one of the first endcap or the second endcap to the filter media surface.
2 . The filter element of claim 1 , wherein the filter media is non-conductive.
3 . The filter element of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the support element and first endcap is polymeric.
4 . The filter element of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the support element and first endcap is a non-conductive material with a material resistivity greater than 1010 Ω·m.
5 . The filter element of claim 1 , wherein one of the first endcap or the second endcap is a non-conductive material with a material resistivity greater than 1010 Ω·m.
6 . The filter element of claim 1 , wherein the support element comprises a plurality of perforations configured to facilitate passage of fluid through the support element.
7 . A filter element comprising:
a first endcap;
a second endcap disposed axially away from the first endcap;
filter media extending axially between the first endcap and the second endcap, the filter media comprising a filter media surface, a central opening is defined within the filter media, the central opening is disposed radially inward from the filter media surface;
a support element disposed within the central opening, the support element being conductive;
a conductive mesh disposed within the central opening between the support element and the filter media, the conductive mesh in contact with the support element and the filter media;
a first pole formed by conductance along a filter media surface, the first pole having a first charge; and
a second pole formed by counterions downstream of the filter media surface, the second pole having a second charge, the first charge opposite in charge to the second charge,
wherein the conductive mesh, the support element, and the filter media surface form a first conductive path from the counterions to the support element to the conductive mesh to the filter media surface, causing a charge transfer to occur at the support element, and
wherein the conductive mesh, the support element, the filter media surface, and at least one of the first endcap or the second endcap are in electrical contact and form a second conductive path from the counterions to the support element through the conductive mesh and the at least one of the first endcap or the second endcap.
8 . The filter element of claim 7 , wherein the first charge of the first pole is positively charged and the second charge of the second pole is negatively charged.
9 . The filter element of claim 7 , wherein the support element comprises a plurality of perforations configured to facilitate passage of fluid through the support element.