Pleated multi-layer filter media and cartridge

Abstract

A pleated filter element includes a composite depth filter medium formed into a plurality of pleats. The composite depth filter medium includes a plurality of depth filter media layers. Each of the plurality of depth filter media layers includes adsorber particulate matter. Each of the plurality of depth filter media layers may have a thickness less than about 1300 microns. The plurality of depth filter media layers may have at least 50% by weight of adsorber particulate matter.

1 . A pleated filter module comprising;
 a composite depth filter medium formed into a plurality of pleats, the composite depth filter medium including a plurality of depth filter media layers, each of the plurality of depth filter media layers including adsorber particulate matter, wherein each layer of the composite depth filter medium has a thickness that is less than or equal to about 1300 microns; and   end caps, operatively connected to the composite depth filter medium, for sealing the ends thereof.   
   
   
       2 . The pleated filter module of  claim 1  wherein the DCI of the pleated filter module is greater than or equal to about 0.40. 
   
   
       3 . The pleated filter module of  claim 1  further comprising;
 at most two additional layers of filtration media without any adsorber particulate matter.   
   
   
       4 . The pleated filter module of  claim 1  wherein the DCI  2  of the pleated filter module is greater than or equal to about 0.30. 
   
   
       5 . The pleated filter module of  claim 1  wherein the MPD of the pleated filter module is greater than or equal to about 11.5. 
   
   
       6 . The pleated filter module of  claim 1  wherein each of the plurality of depth filter media layers contains greater than or equal to 50% by weight adsorber particulate matter. 
   
   
       7 . The pleated filter module of  claim 1  wherein the pleated filter module further comprises:
 an upstream support layer; and   a downstream support layer adjacent to the composite depth filter medium.   
   
   
       8 . The pleated filter module of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of depth filter media layers comprises:
 from at least 3 to at most 20 layers.   
   
   
       9 . A pleated filter module comprising;
 a composite depth filter media formed into a plurality of pleats; the composite depth filter media including a plurality of depth filter media layers, each of the plurality of depth filter media layers including adsorber particulate matter wherein each layer of the plurality of depth filter media layers has a thickness that is less than or equal to about 1300 microns and wherein the plurality of pleats include outwardly radiating primary pleats and inwardly radiating secondary pleats, the secondary pleats being interspersed among the primary pleats, each primary pleat having a radial height, each secondary pleat having a radial height that is less than the radial height of each primary pleat; and   end caps, operatively connected to the composite depth filter medium, for sealing the ends thereof.   
   
   
       10 . The pleated filter module of  claim 9  wherein the DCI of the pleated filter module is greater than or equal to about 0.40. 
   
   
       11 . The pleated filter module of  claim 9  further comprising;
 at most two additional layers of filtration media without any adsorber particulate matter.   
   
   
       12 . The pleated filter module of  claim 9  wherein the DCI of the filter module is greater than or equal to about 0.30. 
   
   
       13 . The pleated filter module of  claim 9  wherein the MPD of the module is greater than or equal to about 11.5. 
   
   
       14 . The pleated filter module of  claim 9  wherein the depth filter media contains greater than or equal to 50% by weight adsorber particulate matter. 
   
   
       15 . The pleated filter module of  claim 9  wherein the pleated filter module further comprises;
 an upstream support layer; and   a downstream support layer adjacent the composite depth filter medium.   
   
   
       16 . The pleated filter module of  claim 9  wherein the plurality of depth filter media layers comprises:
 from at least 3 to at most 20 layers.   
   
   
       17 . The filter module of claim wherein the configuration of the plurality of pleats is selected from the group comprising;
 a configuration having one secondary pleat positioned between two adjacent pairs of primary pleats, a configuration having two secondary pleats positioned between two adjacent pairs of primary pleats and a configuration having one secondary pleat positioned between two adjacent primary pleats.   
   
   
       18 . A method of making a composite depth filter medium comprising:
 providing a first depth filter media layer including adsorber particulate matter and having a thickness less than about 1300 microns;   providing a second depth filter media layer including adsorber particulate matter and having a thickness less than about 1300 microns;   stacking the second depth filter media layer on the first depth filter media layer; and   pleating the stacked first and second depth filter media layers.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 providing a third and a fourth depth filter media layer, each layer having at least 50% by weight of adsorber particulate matter.   
   
   
       20 . A pleated composite depth filter medium comprising:
 a plurality of depth filter media layers, each of the plurality of depth filter media layers having a thickness less than about 1300 microns and including adsorber particulate matter; wherein at least one of the plurality of depth filter media layers includes at least 50% by weight of adsorber particulate matter.