Patent ID: 6736980
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: A61M,B01D

Abstract:
A method for predicting a remaining service life of a filter element, said filter element having an inlet side, an outlet side and a membrane separating said inlet side from said outlet side such that there exists a differential pressure across said membrane when said filter element is in service, the method comprising:measuring a first pressure on the inlet side with a first micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) pressure sensor disposed proximate said inlet side; measuring a second pressure on the outlet side with a second MEMS pressure sensor disposed proximate said outlet side; calculating the differential pressure across said membrane based on the measurements taken with said first and second MEMS pressure sensors; correlating said differential pressure to an amount of contaminant removed by said filter element; calculating a remaining contaminant capacity of the filter element; calculating a rate of contaminant removal; and determining the remaining service life of said filter element.