Filter elements with end cap features; element support assembly; and methods
A yoke arrangement is provided including three leg assemblies connected together to releasably mount a filter assembly to a tube sheet. The filter assembly can include a filter element having a first end cap that acts as a spring. The filter assembly can have filter elements with end caps having built in end stops to prevent over-compression.
1. A filter element comprising:
(a) a tubular extension of filter media forming an open filter interior; and
(b) a first end cap non-removably secured to the filter media, the first end cap having an aperture for receiving a yoke arrangement;
(i) the first end cap being constructed and arranged to act as a spring when force is applied from the yoke arrangement; the first end cap including,
a circular outer rim;
a first flat section adjacent to the outer rim;
an extending wall adjacent to the first flat section and extending into the open filter interior; the first flat section being between the extending wall and the outer rim; and
a center section recessed relative to the wall as viewed from the filter interior, in an unstressed state, and attached to the extending wall with a rounded joint, the center section defining the aperture; wherein the center section includes a first surface extending from the rounded joint sloping in a direction away from the extending wall and toward the first flat section to a radiussed valley.
2. The filter element of claim 1 wherein the first end cap comprises steel.
3. The filter element of claim 1 further comprising a second, open end cap secured to the filter media at an end opposite of the first end cap.
4. A filter assembly comprising the filter element of claim 1 , the filter element being a first filter element; the assembly further comprising:
(a) a second filter element axially aligned with the first filter element;
(b) a tube sheet; and
(c) a yoke connecting the first filter element and second filter element together and to the tube sheet.
5. A spring end cap for use with a filter element; the end cap comprising:
(a) a circular outer rim;
(b) a first flat section adjacent to the outer rim;
(c) an extending wall adjacent to the first flat section and extending into the open filter interior; the first flat section being between the extending wall and the outer rim; and
(d) a center section recessed relative to the wall as viewed from the filter interior, in an unstressed state, and attached to the extending wall with a rounded joint, the center section defining the aperture;
(i) wherein the center section includes a first surface extending from the rounded joint sloping in a direction away from the extending wall and toward the first flat section to a radiussed valley.
6. A filter element comprising:
(a) a tubular extension of filter media forming an open filter interior; and
(b) a first end cap non-removably secured to the filter media;
(i) the first end cap being constructed and arranged to act as a spring when an external force is applied; wherein the first end cap includes,
a circular outer rim;
a first flat section adjacent to the outer rim;
an extending wall adjacent to the first flat section and extending into the open filter interior; the first flat section being between the extending wall and the outer rim; and
a center section recessed relative to the wall as viewed from the filter interior, in an unstressed state, and attached to the extending wall with a rounded joint; wherein the center section includes a first surface extending from the rounded joint sloping in a direction away from the extending wall and toward the first flat section to a radiussed valley.
7. The filter element of claim 6 further comprising a second, open end cap secured to the filter media at an end opposite of the first end cap.
8. A filter assembly comprising the filter element of claim 6 , the filter element being a first filter element; the assembly further comprising:
(a) a second filter element axially aligned with the first filter element;
(b) a tube sheet; and
(c) the first filter element and second filter element being connected together and to the tube sheet.
9. A filter element comprising:
(a) a tubular extension of filter media forming an open filter interior; and
(b) a first end cap secured to the filter media, the first end cap having an aperture for receiving a yoke arrangement; the first end cap being constructed and arranged to act as a spring when force is applied from the yoke arrangement; the first end cap including:
(i) an outer rim;
(ii) a first flat section adjacent to the outer rim;
(iii) an extending wall adjacent to the first flat section and extending into the open filter interior; the first flat section being between the extending wall and the outer rim; and
(iv) a center section recessed relative to the wall as viewed from the filter interior, in an unstressed state, and attached to the extending wall with a rounded joint, the center section defining the aperture;
(A) the center section including a first surface extending from the rounded joint sloping in a direction away from extending wall and toward the first flat section to a radiussed valley.
10. The filter element of claim 9 wherein the first end cap comprises steel.
11. The filter element of claim 9 further comprising a second, open end cap secured to the filter media at an end opposite of the first end cap.