Filter elements, air filter arrangements; and methods
Filter elements are described. In an example embodiment, the filter element has a support framework and media defining a closed end and an open end. A non-circular radial seal is depicted, in an example. Variations for particular applications are described.
1. An air filter element comprising:
(a) an open filter interior having a first, closed, end and an open end opposite the first, closed, end; the open end having an air flow aperture therethrough;
(b) filter media; and,
(c) a portion having a non-circular sealing surface for sealing engagement with an air flow duct in use; the sealing surface being positioned on the open end of the filter element at a location surrounding the air flow aperture;
(i) the sealing surface, having the non-circular shape, comprising at least three, spaced, lobes with non-straight surface sections extending therebetween; and,
(ii) the sealing surface being configured and directed to form a radial seal with an air flow duct, in use.
2. An air filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the element includes, at the open end, a portion having a sealing surface configured to form a second seal.
3. An air filter element according to claim 2 wherein:
(a) the portion having a second sealing surface, configured to form a second seal, is configured as a second sealing surface having at least three, spaced, lobes, with non-straight sections extending therebetween.
4. An air filter element according to claim 3 wherein:
(a) the portion configured to form a second sealing surface is configured to form an axial seal.
5. An air filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the media includes one or more layers of fine fiber thereon.
6. An air filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the open end includes a circular member thereon surrounding the sealing surface having a non-circular shape.
7. An air filter element according to claim 1 including:
(a) a support structure comprising plastic and extending from the open end to the closed end.
8. An air filter element according to claim 7 wherein:
(a) the support structure comprises hard plastic with soft polymer material molded thereto.
9. An air filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the media comprises non-woven fiber material.
10. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the media is pleated.
11. An air filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the filter element is a non-cylindrical element.
12. An air filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the filter element has no rounded surfaces that provide filtration.
13. An air filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the sealing surface is configured to form a radially inwardly directed sealing engagement with a duct.
14. An air filter element according to claim 1 including:
(a) a band clamp positioned to bias the sealing surface against an air flow duct.
15. An air filter element according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the media comprises a non-woven fiber material; and,
(b) the media is pleated.
16. An air filter element according to claim 15 wherein:
(a) the media includes one or more layers of fine fiber thereon.
17. An air filter element according to claim 15 including:
(a) a second sealing surface configured to form a second seal.
18. An air filter arrangement comprising:
(a) a housing; and,
(b) a filter element; the filter element comprising:
(i) an open filter interior having a first, closed, end and an open end opposite the first, closed, end; the open end having an air flow aperture therethrough;
(ii) filter media; and,
(iii) a portion having a non-circular sealing surface for sealing engagement with an air flow duct in use; the sealing surface being positioned on the open end of the filter element at a location surrounding the air flow aperture;
(A) the sealing surface, having the non-circular shape, comprising at least three, spaced, lobes with non-straight surface sections extending therebetween; and,
(B) the sealing surface being configured and directed to form a radial seal with an air flow duct, in use.
19. An air filter arrangement according to claim 18 wherein:
(a) the housing completely encloses the filter element.
20. An air filter arrangement according to claim 18 including:
(a) a band clamp biasing the sealing surface against an air flow duct.