FILTER BLOCK MOUNTED FUEL PROCESSOR APPARATUS

Abstract: A fuel processor device (36) is described which is particularly adapted for replacing existing fuel filters of diesel powered machines and fuel consuming devices. The fuel processor designs described have inlet and outlet passages within their upper surface and include a lower plate assembly (46) which provides a mounting location for various elements such as water sensors (74), drain valves (76), temperature sensors (80) and heaters (82) which are provided in accordance with the user's needs. The lower plate assembly may be mounted directly to a housing by a through bolt (66) or matching threads or may be made integral with the fuel processor housing. The fuel processor device may include an an integral throwaway filter element or the element may be integrated with the fuel processor housing. Various control means may be employed in connection with the fuel processor disclosed wherein the automatic drain water or other accumulated impurities from the lower portion of the fuel processor housing. Additionally, heaters and heater control elements can be installed to aid in fuel water separation and prevent fuel waxing. Since these fuel processors are adapted to be mounted to existing mounting provisions, the requirement of a remotely mounted fuel processor is avoided and therefore the provi­ sion of additional fuel lines and fittings is eliminated.

Description: FILTER BLOCK MOUNTED FUEL PROCESSOR APPARATUS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a fuel processor device and particularly, to such a device suitable far use in caurectibn with existing fuel filter punting provisions of internal wdtn engines and other fuel consuming devices. In the past, when diesel fuel and other hydrocarbon fuels were plentiful and comparatively inexpensive, there were relatively few problems with the quality of fuel. Refineries, distributors, and retailers were careful to keep water out of fuel and they usually did not pmp out the heavy settlings fran the bottom of the storage tanks. In more recent times, however, fuel suppliers have been providing fuel with increased proportions of water and other contaminants. Also, in the past, kerosene and other fuels with lower paraffin formation (cloud) and pour points were blended with diesel fuel for cold weather use. Fuel allocations due to government regulations, fuel stock availability, refinery capacity and other factors have now ade it almost impossible to continue this practice. The e result of these developments has been a tendency toward lawer quality diesel fuel containing substantially itore impurities such as water, waxes, paraffins, heavier compounds and particulate tatters which are very disruptive to the proper operation of fuel oil using devices. In order to overcome the above-mentioned fuel quality prcblems, operators of diesel equipment are incorporating fuel conditioning devices to serve as water separators and/or impurity filters. Several of such devices are described by zy issued patents 4,368,716; 4,428,351; 4,395,996; 4,421,090 and by my oqpnding patent applications Serial Nos. 463,041 and 573,292. These patents and applications are hereby incorporated by reference. The devices constructed according to the teachings of these patents and applications provide excellent water separation and filtration performance. These devices are essentially stand-alone units which are mounted remotely fran the engine or associated fuel consuming apparatus. Such remote mounting requires a mounting location, the use of mounting hardware and fuel conduit connection provisions. Many motor vehicle engines and other fuel consuming devices have filter head assemblies to which a particulate filter is mounted. Existing filter assemblies are generally of two types. One type is the so-called spin-on filter assembly which employs an integral filter element inside a throw-away canister which is threaded onto a boss on the filter head assenbly. Another type of filter is the cartridge type fuel filter which employs an outer canister having an internal replaceable filter element. me cartridge type fuel filter device is normally held in position on the filter head assembly by using a through bolt which engages a threaded bore in the filter head assembly. In view of the foregoing, it is an Object of this invention to provide a fuel processing apparatus which may be interchanged for, and mounted directly to, conventional fuel filter mounting structures. By this approach, a fuel processor which is simple to install, inexpensive, and effective is provided. It is a further object of this invention to provide such a fuel processor device which may indicate the presence of water within the processor device and/or may autanatically cause such water or other impurities to be drained fran the fuel processor apparatus as required. In accordance with this invention, a number of embodiments of fuel processor devices are provided which can be attached directly to filter head assemblies to replace existing conventional or spin-on type niel filters. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, a filter housing is provided having a removable lower assembly which provides for a drain and water sensor. A heater and thermostat assembly may also be included or omitted fran the lower assembly as desired. This assembly may also include an automatic drain to remove water or other impurities from the lower portion of the filter housing when the level therein accumulates to a predetermined level. Other embodiments according to this invention describe various means for attaching the fuel processor components within the ler portion of the processor housing, and various approaches toward fixing a fuel filter media element within the processor assembly. Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will became apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates Than he subsequent description of the preferred embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates a conNentional spin-on type fuel filter shown in an exploded position fran the corresponding filter head assembly; Figure 2 illustrates a conventional cartridge type fuel filter apparatus also exploded fran the associated mounting structure; Figure 3 is an exploded pictorial view of the fuel processor device according to the first embodiment of this invention of the type for replacing a spin-on type filter; ; Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fuel processor device shown by Figure 3 in an assembled configuration, Figure 5 is a second alternate embodiment of this invention shown as an exploded pictorial view wherein the fuel processor housing is integrated into the lower structure which supports the fuel processing elements; Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fuel processor device shown by Figure 5 in an assembled configuration and further illustrating use of a baffle to define a flow channel to prevent untreated fuel from contaminating the filter media; Figure 7 is a pictorial view of a baffle shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a partial pictorial view of a nodified form of a baffle; ; Figure 9 is a third embodiment according to this invention shown as an exploded pictorial view wherein alternate means for rrounting a throw-away filter element within the housing is described; Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fuel processor device shown by Figure 9 in an assembled configuration; Figure 11 is a fourth embodiment of this invention shown in an exploded pictorial view which employs an integral housing and filter element, Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fuel processor device shown by Figure 11 in an assembled configuration; and Figure 13 is a fifth embodiment of this invention shown in exploded pictorial view illustrating a device having an intermediate annular ring which may be used as a spacer or nay support a heater element in accordance with the needs of the user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 and 2 depict existing conventional fuel filters, each of which are mounted to filter mounting block 10. Figure 1 shown a spin-on type fuel filter 12. This filter includes an integral filter element and canister 17 which is mounted to filter mounting block 10 through engagement between threaded bore 14 and threaded boss 16. Sealing element 18 positioned arund the periphery of filter 12, prevents fuel leakage. Spin-on type filter 12 includes a plurality of fuel inlet passages 20 and central outlet passage 22. Filter 12 is also shown equipped with a manually operated drain valve 24 which permits the user t@@ @@@@ release quantities of water or other contaminants which may be @@@ the lower portion of filter 12. @@ type of conventional fuel filter, shown by Figure 2, is tr artridge or two piece type filter assembly 26. Cartridge fuel filter 26 differs from spin-on filter 12 in that the internal filter media element 28 is replaceable, whereas housing 30 is reusable. Mounting of cartridge fuel filter 26 is achieved by inserting through bolt 32 into a bore within housing 30 and threadingly engaging a threaded bore within filter mounting block 10. This filter type also includes sealing element 34 positioned at the junction between filter mounting block 10 and housing 30. Now with reference to Figures 3 and 4, a fuel processor device according to this invention is described which is adapted for mounting to filter mounting block 10. Fuel processor 36 according to this first embodiment is particularly adapted for use with vehicles or other fuel consuming devices which are designed to accept a spin-on type fuel filter assembly 12 as described in connection with Figure 1. Fuel processor 36 includes housing 38 which is mounted by threading bore 14 Onto threaded boss 16 The details of filter block 10 are best shown with reference to Figure 4. Filter block 10, which may be an existing structure or be an installed component, includes filter inlet passage 40 and filter cutlet passage 42. Mounting block 10 may include a priming pump, as generally indicated by reference character 37 which pressurizes the inlet passages to force fuel into filter cutlet passage 42. Filter inlet passage 40 forms an annular passageway thereby supplying fuel to each of inlet passages 54. A portion of filter cutlet passage 42 is formed by a bore within threaded boss 16. Fuel processor 36 is adapted to be mounted to filter mounting block 10 of the type usable for a spin-on type filter. Fuel processor 36 includes housing 38 which has an enclosed upper end with a plurality of inlet passages 54 and a ce centrally disposed outlet port 44. The lower opened end of housing 38 is enclosed by plate 46 and is sealed against housing 38 by seals 48 and 50. Disposed internally within housing 38 is filter media element 52 which is ocnpressed between ring seals 55 and 56. Ring 56 is attached to stanpipe 58 which includes an internal passageway in communication with outlet port 44 and includes a plurality of radially spaced ports 62. Stanpipe 58 is attached to upper plate 60 of fuel processor 36. The lower extending end of staapipe 58 includes an internally threaded bore 64 which enables threaded through bolt 66 to engage therewith. Filter media element 52 is retained in sealing engagement with ring seals 55 and 56 through compression of coil spring 68 which is placed around through bolt 66. Alternately, spring 68 can be replaced with any suitable tensioning or mounting device. Washer 70 is located at the contact surface between coil spring 68 and seal ring 55 to uniformly compress the seal. According to a principal aspect of this invention, filter media element 52 is disposed substantially within the upper internal portion Of using 38. The lower portion forms a region for the collection of water and/or heavy contaminants. A number of fuel processor components ray be mounted to lower plate 46. Such components may be devices which do one or more of the following; provide an indication of the presence of water or cther contaminants, automatically drain contaminants, sense the temperature of the collected contaminants, and heat the fuel. In its sinplest form, fuel processor lower plate 46 would include only water sensor 74 and manually operated drain valve 76. This configuration would preferably provide the cperator with a warning indicator that a quantity of water or other contaminants has collected in the lower portion of housing 38, therefore requiring manual actuation of drain valve 76. Tr. a more sophisticated configuration for fuel processor 36, a signal from water sensor 74 could be used to actuate an automatic drain valve (or a pump when processor 36 is used on the negative pressure side c a fuel system) such that water or other ccntaminants are autanatically drained once they collect above a predetermined level within housing 38. Such a configuration would further preferably include teMperature sensor 80 which would prevent the automatic drain valve from operating when the water or other contaminant temperature is below a predetermined temperature, thereby avoiding problems of operation of the drain valve when ice crystals are present which could lead to damage or improper operation of the drain valve. Fuel processor 36 as shown by Figures 3 and 4 further includes electric heating element 82 which is provided in the lower chanber area and is bent in an inverted U-shaped form having its lower ends in communication with bottom plate 46 (through electrical connections 84). The upper end of heating element 82 is positioned close to gap 86 which is formed by the lower bottom portion of filter media element 52. As is best shown in Figure 4, the bight portion 88 of heater element 82 is slightly spaced fran the wall of housing 38 and annular gap 86. When heat energy is supplied to heater element 82; it becomes warmed quickly and fuel in the vicinity of the heating element is also warmed. Therefore, if wax crystals are formed which prevent fuel flow through filter media element 52, the heat generated by heating element 82 causes a "window" to be formed at gap 86 which presents a flow path for fuel through the filter media element. This "window" is maintained until the fuel within the fuel processing apparatus, the fuel within the fuel supply, and the engine itself can reach steady state temperatures above the waxing point of the fuel. When fuel in the lower portion of housing 38 is wormed, it, of course, flows upwardly through annular gap 86. Such warming of the entire fuel processor apparatus 36 is enhanced in accordance with this invention since filter mounting block 10 is typically located on, or in close proximity with, an engine or other heat source and therefore receives radiant heat fran the assembly. It is also desirable that the energy to heating element 82 be controlled by, as an example, an automatic control device which receives a signal from temperature sensor 80 and therefore supplies heat energy to element 82 only when necessary, Various approaches toward providing automatic control of fuel processor devices which are equally applicable to the inventions described herein are detailed in copending patent application serial no. 463,041 assigned to the assignee of this invention. Other heat sources could be used and could be of any basic type wRich provides the heat required to maintain a "window" within gap 86 when the temperature drops below the fuel's cloud or wax point. Heating element 82 is positioned to concentrate heat onto filter element 52 in such a manner to take advantage of the laws of thermodyr3sics and physics to minimize caloric input requirements. me heater can be of any type and can be self-regulated, or regulated by an internal or external thermostat or temperature sensor. Heater energy may be furnished electrically or by using any other source of heat such as water, fuel, oil, exhaust, air, radiation, or other available source of energy. The heater configuration can be any which meets the requirements dictated by the flow rate of fuel and usage conditions. In operation, fuel is caused to travel through filter mounting block inlet passage 40 into inlet passages 54 to the area within housing 38 surrounding filter media element 52. 'sbereafter, water and heavy particulate natter collects within the lower portion of housing 38. After passing through filter media element 52, the fuel enters ports 62 and through outlet passageway 42. Figures 5, 6, and 7 illustrate fuel processor device 90 according to a send embodiment of this invention. this embodiment differs f=rn that described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 in that it is particularly adaptable for use in replacing cartridge fuel filter 26 illustrated by Figure 2. Housing 92 includes a lower plate structure which is integral with the housing. Attachment of housing 92 is achieved by providing through bolt 94 having sufficient length to engage tne threaded bore within filter mounting block 10. sealing of housing 92 against mounting block 10 is provided by seal 93. Internally, fuel processor 90 varies from that described by Figure 4 in that stanpipe 58 is eliminated and filter media element 96 seals directly against filter block 10. Filter element 96 is held in sealing engagement with the filter block by compression of coil spring 98 against washer 100 and ring seal 102. Fuel processor 90 is shown having temperature sensor 104, drain valve 106, water sensor 108 and heater 110. As previously explained, fewer elements znay be instalied within the fuel processor, depending on the node of operation desired. In conjunction with this embodiment and with particular reference to Figures 6, 7 and B, an additional improvement is shewn. This improvement comprises the addition of baffle 166 which is provided to prevent incoming fuel fran directly contacting filter media element 96 prior to its flow into the lower portion of fuel processor housing 92. By preventing such direct contact, particulate matter and water contained within the incang fuel is kept fran contaminating the filter element. Instead, the incanng fuel is directed into the lower portian of housing 92 where water and heavy particulates are removed fran the fuel prior to its flow through filter element 96. Baffle 166 is generally cup-shaped having a central port 174 and having an outer cylindrical surface characterized in that it preferably has portions lying on cylindrical surfaces of differing xadial dimensions. The side surfaces of baffle 166 would preferably be slightly inclined in Order to provide a draft angle, thereby facilitating production by injection z:Dlding processes. Baffle 166 extends downwardly to a point below the lower surface of filter element 96. As shewn particularly by Figure 7, a plurality of indented portions 167 and a plurality of radially extending portions 172 are provided. Now with particular reference to Figure 6, the flow of fuel through fuel processor 90 is described. Fuel flowing into fuel processor 90 is directed along the outside surface of @@ fle 166 and within channels 168 formed by radially indented portions 167. Such flow is indicated by downwardly directed arrows in Figures 6 and 7. Once fuel has been directed into the lower porticn of housing 92, heavy particulate matter and water is separated therefrom. Thereafter, fuel flowing upwardly toward filter media element 96 is directed along the inter surface of baffle 166 within channels 176 formed by radially extending portions 172. Baffle 166 may be provided as a separate component as shown by Figure 7 or ray be integrated into a fuel processor hOusing or filter structure. Additionally, numerous other forms of baffle 166 can be provided which perform the above-described function. for ex2qple, baffle 166 may have a true cylindrical surface without the inwardly or outwardly directed extending portions described above provided that annular clearances for fuel flow exist both aground the outside and within the baffle. Also, as shown by the partial pictorial view of Figure 8, a large number of inwardly and outwardly extending portions could be provided, giving the baffle a corrugated appearance. By providing baffle 166 in conjunction with heating element 110, direct contact between cold incanin fuel and the filter media element is prevented. Therefore, only wared fuel directly contacts the filter element thereby aiding in the prevention of a solid accumulation of cold fuel and water globules fran developing on the outer surface of the media element. In addition to the above-described benefits, baffle 166 enhances the water separating dharacteristics of the associated fuel processor by presenting a large surface area which acts to coalesce water suspended within the fuel. Moreover, baffle 166 improves the thermal efficiency of the fuel processor by separating the cold incoming fuel fran the warmed fuel. Baffle 166 is explained and depicted in conjunction with cne embodiment of a fuel processor device for illustrative purposes only. Baffle 166 is equally suitable for any of the remaining embodiments described specification. Moreover, baffle 166 is suitable for with a@ type of filter in which it is desirable to prevent direct contact between incoming fluid and the filter media element. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a third embodiment according to this invention wherein fuel processor 112 is shown. This embodiment varies rm. described by Figures Sr 6 and 7 in that coil spring 98 for resiliently biasing filter media element 96 in sealing contact with filter mounting block 10, is eliminated. For this embodiment, an internally disposed annular rib 114 is provided within housing 116 which engages a downwardly projecting flange 117 of filter element 118 to bias it against filter block 10. This embodiment is also suitable for replacement of a cartridge type fuel filter apparatus described by Figure 2. Like the previous embodiments, fuel processor 112 preferably includes; temperature sensor 120, drain valve 122, heater 124 and through bolt 126. Figures 11 ani 12 illustrate fuel processor 128 according to a fourth embodiment of this invention wherein housing 130 and filter media element 132 are integrated such that both are replaced when the filter element becomes contaminated. An upper plate 134 forms a threaded bore for engagement with threaded boss 16. Stanpipe 136 provides a means for fastening lower plate 138 against seal 142 to housing 130 using through bolt 140. Other means for attaching lower plate 138 to housing 130 could be provided, for example, by threading engagement therebetween. As illustrated by Figures 11 fla 12, fuel processor 128 also preferably includes; temperature sensor 144, drain valve 146, water sensor 148 and heater 150. Figure 13 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a fuel processor 152 which differs from the previous embodiments in that electric heating element 154 is attached to an intermediate annular ring 156 which is positioned between lower plate 158 and housing 160 (shown cut away in Figure 13). This enables fuel processor dice 152 to be readily adapted between cperating conditions wherein a heating device is desirable and those wherein it is unnecessary. In the latter situation, annular ring 156 would simply be provided as a spacer without including heating element 154. Annular ring 156 also provides a convenient mounting location for a temperature sensor (not shown). Lower plate 158 preferably carries water sensor 162 and drain valve 164. While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing fran the prcper r e and fair meaning of the accompanying claims.

Claims: CLAIMS filter processor device adapted to replace a fuel filter and to be mounting filter mounting block having fuel inlet and outlet passages, said fuel processor operative to separate out water or other impurities from fuel comprising; a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port located on the upper surface of said housing, filter means disposed within the upper portion of said housing, seal means whereby fuel flowing into said inlet port communicates with the interior volume of said housing and exits through said outlet port after passing through said filter means, quantity sensing means for detecting the presence of water or other impurities within the lower portion of said housing, and drain means for permitting the draining of said water or other impurities fran said housing. 2 A ruel processor device according to Claim 1 further comprising heater means disposed within the lower portion of said housing. 3. A fuel processor device according to Claim 2 further comprising temperature sensing means disposed within the lower portion of said housing. 4. A fuel processor device according to Claim 3 further comprising control means which modulates energy supplied to said heater means in response tom temperature sensed by said temperature sensing means. 5. A fuel processor device according to Claim 1 wherein said cuantity serving means provides a signal when a first predetermined quantity of water or other izourity exists within said housing. 6. A fuel processor device according to Claim 5 wherein said drain is operable in response to a control signal and further comprising a second automatic control means which caused said drain to open when said first predete=ned quantity or other impurity is sensed by said quantity sensing means thereby draining said water or other impurities fran said housing. 7. A fuel processor device according to Claim 6 further comprising temperature sensing means and control means whereby said drain is prevented fran draining when a a temperature is sensed within the fuel processor by said temperature sensing naans is less than a predetermined liquid tenperature level. 8. A fuel processor device according to Claim 7 wherein said predetermined temperature level is below the freezing point of water. 9. A fuel processor device according to Claim 1 wherein said quantity sensing means provides signals in response to a first and second predetermined quantity of water or other impurity within said housing, wherein said first predetermined quantity is greater than said second predetermined quantity. 10. A fuel processor device according to Claim 9 wherein said drain is operable in response to a control signal and further comprising a second automatic control means which causes said drain to cpen when said first predetermined quantity is sensed, thereby draining said water or other impurity from said housing and said drain closing when said second predetermined quantity is sensed, thereby maintaining the quantity of said water or other impurities within said housing generally between said first and second predetermined quantities. 11. A fuel processor device according to Claim 10 further comprising temperature sensing means and control means whereby said drain is prevented from draining when a temperature is sensed ty said temperature sensing means is less than a peedeterinined temperature level. 12. A fuel processor device according to Claim 11 wherein said predetermined temperature level is below the freezing point of water. 13. A fuel processor device according to Claim 1 wherein said housing has an opened lower end, and said quantity sensing means and said drain means are mounted to a lower plate which sealingly engages said housing. 14. A fuel processor device according to Claim 13 further comprising a bolt fastener means which retains said lower plate and said vessel in position with respect to said filter mount block. 15. A fuel processor device according to Claim 13 wherein heater means and temperature sensing means are mounted to said lower plate. 16. A fuel processor device according to Claim 13 wherein heater means is mounted to a spacer interposed between said housing and said lower plate. 17. A fuel processor device according to Claim 1 wherein said housing is formed to have a closed botan end. 18. A fuel processor device according to claim 17 wherein said quantity sensing means and said drain valve means are mounted to said closed bottan end. 19. A fuel processor device according to Claim 18 further comprising a heater and a temperature sensor which are mounted to said closed bottom end. 20. A fuel proessor device according to Claim 1 wherein said filtering means is a replaceable element. 21. A fuel processor device according to Claim 20 further comprising a mounting means acting upon said filter means thereby maintaining said filter means in sealing engagement with said seal means. 22. A fuel processor device according to Claim 20 further comprising an upper web disposed within the upper portion of said housing. 23. A fuel processor device according to Claim 22 further comprising a through bolt engageable with said web retaining said filter in sealing engagement with said web. 24. A fuel processor device according to Claim 23 wherein said web forms a threaded bore which engages a threaded boss formed by said filter grunting block. 25. A fuel processor device according to Claim 22 further comprising a through bolt engageable with said filter ncunting block thereby retaining said fuel processor device in sealing engagement with said filter wanting block. 26. A fuel processor device according to Claim 20 wherein said filter engages said housing such that said filter sealingly engages said filter mounting block when said housing is mounted thereto. 27. A fuel processor device according to Claim 1 wherein said filtering means is integrated with said housing. 28. A fuel processor device according to Claim 27 wherein said housing includes a threaded bore which engages a threaded boss formed by said filter mounting block. 29. An integrated fuel processor filter and housing for a fuel processor adapted to receive a lcwer plate assembly =prising; a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port located on the upper r syrfa of said using, said housing having an opened joker end for receiving and ncunting said lower plate assembly, and filter means disposed within the upper portion of said housing. 30. An integrated fuel processor filter and housing according to Claim 29 wherein said lower plate assembly includes a drain and quantity sensing means for detecting the present of water or other impurities within the lower portion of said housing. 31. An integrated fuel processor filter and housing according to Claim 29 wherein said lower plate assembly includes heater means. 32. An integrate8 fuel processor filter and housing according to Claim 29 wherein said lower plate assembly includes temperature sensing means. 33. An integrated fuel processor filter and housing according to Claim 29 wherein said housing ceened end forums threads for threading engagement between said housing and said lower plate assembly. 34. A baffle for a filtration system of the type wherein a filter media element is disposed within a housing having an upper surface forming inlet and outlet passages, said baffle coMprising; a generally cup-shaped article having an end surface and generally axially extending side surfaces, said baffle disposed within said housing such that matter flowing in said inlet passage flows along the radially outer surface of said baffle and thereafter flows along the radially inner surface of said baffle prior to being passed through said filter element. 35. A baffle for a filtration system according to Claim 34 wherein said baffle side surfaces forms radially outwardly extending segments and radially inwardly extending segments. 36. A baffle for a filtration system according to Claim 34 wherein said baffle end surface forms a central outlet port. 37. A baffle for a filtration system according to Claim 34 wherein said baffle side surfaces having corrugations extending in a generally axial direction. 38. A baffle for a filtration system according to Claim 34 wherein said generally axially extending side surfaces extends sufficiently to completely enclose said filter media element. 39. A baffle for a fuel processor of the type wherein a filter media element is disposed within a housing having an upper surface forming inlet and outlet passages said housing further including a heater Means disposed in the lower portion thereof, said baffle comprising; ; a generally cup-shaped article having an end surface and generally axially extending side surfaces, said baffle disposed within said housing and surrounding said filter media element rsuch that fuel flowing in said inlet passage flows along the radially outer surface of said baffle into the lower portion of said housing and thereafter flows along the radially inner surface of said baffle prior to being passed through said filter element. 40. A baffle for a filtration system according to Claim 39 wherein said baffle side surfaces forms radially outwardly extending segments and radially inwardly extending segments. 41. A baffle for a filtration system according to Claim 39 wherein said baffle end surface foriri a central cutlet port, 42. A baffle for a filtration system according to Claim 39 wherein said baffle side surfaces having corrugations extending in a generally axial direction. 43. A baffle for a filtration system according to Claim 39 wherein said generally axially exiting side surfaces extends sufficiently to completely enclose said filter media element. 44. A baffle for a filtration system according to Claim 39 wherein said heater is disposed in said housing such that it lies radially inwardly fran the lower end of said baffle.

Inventors: DAVIS, LELAND LOWELL
Applicants: DAVCO MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
Application year: 1985
Main classification: F02M37
IPC codes: B01D36, F02B3, B01D35, F02M31, F02M37