Multi-element filter arrangement and methods
A filter element includes a first, outer tubular construction of filter media defining a first open filter interior; a second, inner tuber construction of filter media defining a second open filter interior; the second construction of filter media being located within the first open filter interior and being radially spaced from the first construction of filter media; and the second open filter interior defines an unfiltered fluid channel. A plastic inner liner is within the first open filter interior to support the first construction of filter media. A plastic outer liner is within the first open filter interior to support the second construction of filter media. A filtered fluid channel is defined between the inner liner and the outer liner. A brace arrangement is between the first and second tubular constructions. The brace arrangement can include a spring, a plurality of gussets, or a solid spacer.
1. A filter element comprising:
(a) a first, outer tubular construction of filter media; the first outer tubular construction of filter media defining a first open filter interior;
(b) a second, inner tubular construction of filter media; the second inner tubular construction of filter media defining a second open filter interior;
(i) the second construction of filter media being located within the first open filter interior;
(ii) the second construction of filter media being radially spaced from the first construction of filter media;
(iii) the second open filter interior defining an unfiltered fluid channel;
(c) a plastic inner liner within the first open filter interior supporting the first construction of filter media;
(d) a plastic outer liner within the first open filter interior supporting the second construction of filter media;
(i) a filtered fluid channel being defined between the inner liner and the outer liner; and
(e) a brace arrangement radially between the first construction of filter media and the second construction of filter media.
2. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the brace arrangement comprises a spring between and against the inner liner and the outer liner.
3. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the brace arrangement comprises a plurality gussets extending between the first construction of filter media and the second construction of filter media.
4. A filter element according to claim 1 further comprising:
(a) a first open end cap; and
(b) a second open end cap.
5. A filter element according to claim 4 wherein:
(a) the first construction of filter media extends between the first end cap and the second end cap; and
(b) the second construction of filter media is secured to the second end cap.
6. A filter element according to claim 5 further comprising:
(a) a third closed end cap;
(i) the second construction of filter media extends between the second end cap and the third end cap.
7. A filter element according to claim 6 wherein:
(a) the brace arrangement comprises a plurality gussets extending between the first end cap and the third end cap.
8. A filter element according to claim 7 wherein:
(a) the third end cap is axially spaced from the first end cap.
9. A filter element according to claim 6 wherein:
(a) the third end cap is axially spaced from the first end cap.
10. A filter element according to claim 9 wherein:
(a) the second open end cap defines an inlet aperture in communication with the unfiltered fluid channel.
11. A filter element according to claim 10 wherein:
(a) the first open end cap defines an outlet aperture in communication with the filtered fluid channel.
12. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the filter element includes at least 98% non-metallic material.
13. A filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the outer liner has a thickness not greater than 0.1 inch; and
(b) the inner liner has a thickness not greater than 0.1 inch.
14. A filter assembly comprising:
(a) a filter element including:
(i) a first, outer tubular construction of filter media; the first outer tubular construction of filter media defining a first open filter interior;
(ii) a second, inner tubular construction of filter media; the second inner tubular construction of filter media defining a second open filter interior;
(A) the second construction of filter media being located within the first open filter interior;
(B) the second construction of filter media being radially spaced from the first construction of filter media;
(C) the second open filter interior defining an unfiltered fluid channel;
(iii) a plastic inner liner within the first open filter interior supporting the first construction of filter media;
(iv) a plastic outer liner within the first open filter interior supporting the second construction of filter media;
(A) a filtered fluid channel being defined between the inner liner and the outer liner; and
(v) a brace arrangement radially between the first construction of filter media and the second construction of filter media; and
(b) a housing defining an interior;
(i) the filter element being operably oriented in the housing interior.
15. A filter assembly according to claim 14 wherein:
(a) the filter element is removable and replaceable within the housing.