Abstract:
A filter apparatus is provided. The filter apparatus includes a filter element. The filter element includes filter media supported in a frame construction. The frame construction having opposed side panels and a rectangular border flange along a first end. The rectangular border flange projects outward from and extending around the opposed side panels. The first end is an inlet end or an outlet end of the filter element. The filter apparatus includes a filter frame adapter formed separately from the frame construction and secured to the frame construction to adapt the filter element for a different mounting interface. The filter frame adapter includes a pair of complimentary adapter flanges each projecting outward relative to one of the opposed side panels. The adapter flanges are at a second end that is opposite a first end. The second end is at the inlet end or the outlet end.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a filter assembly for use in a filter system. In particular, the present invention relates to a reusable filter frame adapter. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Filters may be used to remove particles from air streams. For example, it may be desirable to remove particles from intake air streams to, e.g., gas turbine inlets, emergency power generators, gas compressors, HVAC systems, gas mining operations, etc. A partition may be provided separating a filtration unit into a dirty side and a clean side. The partition has openings in which filters are mounted. Over time, the filter media of a filter becomes spent, e.g., loaded with filtered particles, and the filter is replaced. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the invention relates to a filter apparatus. The filter apparatus includes a filter element. The filter element includes filter media supported in a frame construction. The frame construction having opposed side panels and a rectangular border flange along a first end. The rectangular border flange projects outward from and extending around the opposed side panels. The first end is an inlet end or an outlet end of the filter element. The filter apparatus includes a filter frame adapter formed separately from the frame construction and secured to the frame construction to adapt the filter element for a different mounting interface. The filter frame adapter includes a pair of complimentary adapter flanges each projecting outward relative to one of the opposed side panels. The adapter flanges are at a second end that is opposite a first end. The second end is at the inlet end or the outlet end. 
     Another aspect of the invention relates to a filter frame adapter extending from a first end to a second end. The filter frame adapter is configured to be releasably coupled to a filter having media and a border flange extending outwardly from the media. The filter frame adapter includes an upper wall extending from a first end to a second end. The upper wall includes a central portion and an end wall extending perpendicular to the central portion at the second end. The end wall is configured to abut the border flange of the filter. The filter frame adapter includes a lower wall spaced apart from the upper wall and extending from a first end to a second end. The lower wall includes a central portion extending parallel to the central portion of the upper wall and an end wall extending perpendicular to the central portion at the second end. The end wall is configured to abut the border flange of the filter. The filter frame adapter includes a first rail extending between the upper wall and the lower wall. The filter frame adapter includes a second rail spaced apart from the first rail extending between the upper wall and the lower wall. The upper wall, the lower wall, the first rail, and the second rail form a four-sided perimeter at the first end of the filter frame adapter configured to extend around the filter. The upper wall and the lower wall form a two-sided perimeter proximate the second end of the filter frame adapter. 
     Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of replacing filter media of a filter unit. The method includes removing the filter unit from an opening in a partition. The method includes removing a fastener from aligned apertures in a first filter having filter media and a flange extending around the filter media and a filter frame adapter extending from a first end to a second end having an upper mounting surface and a lower mounting surface at the second end each configured to mount to a flange of the first filter, the filter frame adapter also including a four-sided perimeter configured to extend around the filter media at the second end. The method includes aligning apertures in a second filter having filter media and a flange extending around the filter media with the apertures of the filter frame adapter. The method includes locating the fastener in the aligned apertures of the filter frame adapter and the second filter to couple the second filter to the filter frame adapter. The method includes coupling the filter frame adapter in the opening to the partition. 
     Another aspect of the invention relates to a filter frame adapter configured to couple a V-cell filter to a partition. The filter frame adapter includes a first wall including a central portion extending from a first end to a second end. The first wall includes a first end wall located at the first end. The first wall includes a second end wall located at the second end. The filter frame adapter includes a second wall including a central portion extending from a first end to a second end. The second wall includes a first end wall located at the first end. The first wall includes a second end wall located at the second end. The filter frame adapter includes a first rail extending between the first wall and the second wall. The filter frame adapter includes a second rail spaced apart from the first rail and extending between the first wall and the second wall. The filter frame adapter includes a fastener configured to releasably couple the filter frame adapter to the V-cell filter. At least one of the walls includes a first coupling feature configured allow the filter frame adapter to be releasably coupled to the partition. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a filter unit located in an opening of a partition according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a filter unit according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the filter unit of  FIG. 2  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the filter element of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  is a front view of the filter element of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view of the filter element of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the filter frame adapter of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a filter frame adapter of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the filter frame adapter of  FIG. 5  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the filter frame adapter of  FIG. 5  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a filter unit according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a partition according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a partition according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a detail perspective view of a fastener of a partition according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a detail perspective view of a fastener of a partition according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a partition with a closure in an open configuration and a filter unit removed from an opening in the partition according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a partition with a closure in an open configuration and a filter unit located in an opening in the partition according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 15  is a detail perspective view of a fastener of a partition according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the Figures generally, an embodiment of a filter frame adapter is provided. The filter frame adapter is configured to be coupled to a filter, e.g., a V-cell filter, V-pleat filter, etc., to allow the filter to be mounted in an opening through a filtration unit dividing wall, e.g., partition, separating a clean side from a dirty side. The filter frame adapter allows various different types and/or sizes and/or configurations of filters to be mounted in the opening in the partition by various different mounting mechanisms. Additionally, when the filter media of the filter is spent, soiled, etc., the filter may be removed from the filter frame adapter and replaced in the filter frame adapter with a new filter, e.g., the filter frame adapter is reusable. Additionally, in one embodiment, the filter frame adapter is configured to allow a reverse filter to be fitted to a box filter holding frame. In one embodiment, the filter frame adapter is configured to be used with various different types of clamping mechanisms to couple the filter frame adapter and the filter in an opening in a partition. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, a partition  20  is provided separating a dirty side from a clean side. The partition  20  includes a plurality of openings  22  each of which is covered by a closure  24 . In one embodiment, the closures  24  include a pre-filter or pre-filter material. The closures  24  in a closed configuration are each configured to allow air flow therethrough from the dirty side to the filter unit  26  mounted in the opening  22  of the partition  20 , while preventing access to and/or removal from the dirty side of the filter unit  26  mounted in the opening  22 . The closures  24  are also moveable, e.g., pivotally movable, etc., to an open configuration in which the filter unit  26  may be accessed and/or removed from the dirty side from the opening  22  in the partition  20 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the filter unit  26  according to an exemplary embodiment removed from the partition  20  is illustrated. The filter unit  26  includes a filter frame adapter  28  coupled to a filter element  30 . The filter element  30  and the filter frame adapter  28  are separately formed and the filter element  30  is configured to be removed from the filter frame adapter  28 , e.g., when the filter element  30  is spent, to be replaced, when the filter element  30  is to be replaced with a larger filter, etc. A new filter may then be coupled to the filter frame adapter  28  for mounting in an opening of a partition, e.g., see  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  illustrates the filter element  30  removed from the filter frame adapter  28 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3A , in one embodiment, the filter element  30  is a V-cell filter and includes a plurality of filter panels  32 , shown as eight filter panels  32  in  FIG. 3A , arranged to form V-shapes and V-shaped voids  33 . The filter panels  32  are rectangular and extend from a first side  34  (which may be an inlet side or an outlet side) to a second side  36  (which may be an inlet side or an outlet side). Fluid to be filtered is configured to flow in a direction between the first and second sides  34  and  36 . The panels  32  each extend diagonally relative to the fluid flow path. The filter element  30  includes a frame construction  38  which includes opposed side panels  40  and  42  and a border flange, shown as rectangular border flange  44 . The rectangular border flange  44  extends around and outwardly from the opposed side panels  40  and  42  and the filter media  46 . The opposed side panels  40  and  42  and the rectangular border flange  44  may be integrally or separately formed. The filter element  30  also includes a seal  48  located on the rectangular border flange  44 . In the illustrated embodiment, the seal  48  is located on the side of the rectangular border flange  44  proximate the first side  34 . In other embodiments, the seal may be located on the opposite side of the rectangular border flange  44  (e.g., side proximate the second side). The seal  48  is configured to seal the filter element  30  in an opening in a partition and to prevent dirty fluid to be filtered from bypassing the filter element  30 . 
     In other embodiments, other suitable numbers of panels  32  may be used. Each filter panel may include a plurality of pleats of filter media. Pleats in panels are not to be confused with the V-shaped voids  33  defined between adjacent panels  32 . In other embodiments, filter panels may include corrugated filter media. In other embodiments, filter panels may include corrugated and pleated filter media. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3A-3C , the filter element  30  extends a height H 1  and a width W 1 . In one embodiment, the height H 1  is between one foot and three feet and the width W 1  is between one foot and three feet. In one embodiment, the height H 1  is two feet and the width W 1  is two feet. In another embodiment, the height H 1  is two feet and the width W 1  is twenty inches. In another embodiment, the height H 1  is two feet and the width W 1  is three feet. In another embodiment, the height H 1  is three feet and the width W 1  is three feet. In one embodiment, the filter panels  32  extend a depth D 1  in a direction between the first side  34  and the second side  36  of the filter element  30 . In one embodiment, the depth D 1  is at least four inches. In another embodiment, the depth D 1  is between eight inches and twelve inches. 
     In another embodiment, the filter element  30  is a single panel V-pleat filter element, with pleats extending a depth of less than four inches. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the filter frame adapter  28  includes opposed cover walls, shown as upper wall  50  and lower wall  52  spaced apart from the upper wall  50  and extending in a direction generally parallel to the upper wall  50 . The upper wall  50  is configured to overlay the opposed side panel  40  of the filter element  30 . The lower wall  52  is configured to overlay the opposed side panel  42  of the filter element  30 . The upper wall  50  extends from a first end  54  to a second end  56 . The lower wall  52  extends from a first end  58  to a second end  60 . The filter frame adapter  28  includes a first rail  62  extending from the upper wall  50  proximate the first end  54  to the lower wall  52  proximate the first end  58 . The filter frame adapter  28  also includes a second rail  64  spaced apart from the first rail  62  extending from the upper wall  50  proximate the first end  54  to the lower wall  52  proximate the first end  58 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the upper wall  50  extends a distance D 2  from the first end  54  to the second end  56 . The lower wall  52  also extends a distance D 2  from the first end  58  to the second end  60 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the upper wall  50  includes a central portion  66  and an end wall, shown as mounting flange  68  extending perpendicular to the central portion  66  at the second end  56 . The mounting flange  68  is configured to abut the rectangular border flange  44 . The central portion  66  also extends to a second end wall, shown as adapter flange  70  extending generally perpendicular to the central portion  66  at the first end  54 . Extending over the central portion  66  from the end of the mounting flange  68  distal from the central portion  66  is a first channel wall  72 . The first channel wall  72  extends parallel to the central portion  66 . The first channel wall  72 , the mounting flange  68 , and the central portion  66  define a first channel  74  extending perpendicular to the directions D 3  of the path of fluid flow (see  FIG. 3 ). Extending over the central portion  66  from the end of the adapter flange  70  distal from the central portion  66  is a second channel wall  76 . The second channel wall  76  extends parallel to the central portion  66 . The second channel wall  76 , the adapter flange  70 , and the central portion  66  define a second channel  78  extending perpendicular to the directions D 3  of the path of fluid flow (see  FIG. 3 ). In one embodiment, clamps may be used to couple the filter frame adapter  28  to the filter element. The mounting flange  68  may be used to transfer clamping force to the rectangular border flange  44  of the filter element  30 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the lower wall  52  includes a central portion  80  and an end wall, shown as mounting flange  82  extending perpendicular to the central portion  80  at the second end  60 . The mounting flange  82  is configured to abut the rectangular border flange  44 . The central portion  80  also extends to a second end wall shown as adapter flange  84  extending generally perpendicular to the central portion  80  at the first end  58 . Extending under the central portion  80  from the end of the mounting flange  82  distal from the central portion  80  is a third channel wall  86 . The third channel wall  86  extends parallel to the central portion  80 . The third channel wall  86 , the mounting flange  82 , and the central portion  80  define a third channel  88  extending perpendicular to the directions D 3  of the path of fluid flow (see  FIG. 3 ). Extending under the central portion  80  from the end of the adapter flange  84  distal from the central portion  80  is a fourth channel wall  90 . The fourth channel wall  90  extends parallel to the central portion  80 . The fourth channel wall  90 , the adapter flange  84 , and the central portion  80  define a fourth channel  92  extending perpendicular to the directions D 3  of the path of fluid flow (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3-6 , the second rail  64  includes an inner wall  94 , an outer wall  96 , and a front wall  98  extending between the inner wall  94  and the outer wall  98 . Extending generally perpendicular to the inner wall  94  are an inner upper flange  100  and an inner lower flange  102 . In one embodiment, the flanges  100  and  102  each include an aperture configured to receive a fastener, e.g., bolt, etc., therethrough to couple the flanges  100  and  102  to the upper  50  and lower  52  walls respectively. In other embodiments, other suitable coupling mechanisms may be provided. Extending between the inner wall  94  and the outer wall  96  are outer upper flange  104  and outer lower flange  106 . In one embodiment, the flanges  104  and  106  each include an aperture configured to receive a fastener, e.g., bolt, etc., therethrough to couple the flanges  104  and  106  to the upper  50  and lower  52  walls respectively. In other embodiments, other suitable coupling mechanisms may be provided. In one embodiment, the rails  62  and  64  are mirror images of one another. The first rail  62  includes an inner wall  112 , an outer wall  114 , and a front wall  116  extending between the inner wall  112  and the outer wall  114 . Extending generally perpendicular to the inner wall  112  are an inner upper flange  118  and an inner lower flange  120 . In one embodiment, the flanges  118  and  120  each include an aperture configured to receive a fastener, e.g., bolt, etc., therethrough to couple the flanges  118  and  120  to the upper  50  and lower  52  walls respectively. In other embodiments, other suitable coupling mechanisms may be provided. Extending between the inner wall  112  and the outer wall  114  are outer upper flange  122  and an outer lower flange (not visible in  FIG. 6 ). In one embodiment, the outer upper flange  122  and the outer lower flange each include an aperture configured to receive a fastener, e.g., bolt, etc., therethrough to couple the outer upper flange  122  to the upper wall  50  and the outer lower flange to the lower wall  52 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the inner wall  94  of the second rail  64  extends a distance D 4  in a direction from a first end  108  to a second end  110 . The inner wall  112  of the first rail  62  (not visible in  FIG. 4 ) also extends a distance D 4 . In one embodiment, the distance D 4  is less than the distance D 2  that the upper  50  and lower  52  walls extend such that the filter frame adapter  28  has partially open sides (see also, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). In one embodiment, the outer wall  96  of the second rail  64  and the outer wall of the first rail  62  (not visible in  FIG. 4 ) each extend a distance D 5 . In one embodiment, the distance D 5  is less than the distance D 4 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the upper wall  50  includes coupling features, shown as three apertures  124  spaced apart proximate the second end  56 . The filter element  30  includes three drain holes  126  defined in the side panel  40 . The filter frame adapter  28  is configured such that the apertures  124  in the upper wall  50  align with the drain holes  126  when the filter element  30  is operatively engaged with the filter frame adapter  28 , e.g., with the mounting flange  68  located against the rectangular border flange  44 , to receive a fastener through each of the aperture  124  and drain hole  126  pairs to couple the filter element  30  to the filter frame adapter  28 . The lower wall  52  includes coupling features, shown as three apertures  128  spaced apart proximate the second end  60 . The filter element  30  also includes three drain holes defined in the side panel  42  (not visible in  FIG. 3 ). The filter frame adapter  28  is configured such that the apertures  128  in the lower wall  52  align with the apertures in the side panel  42  when the filter element  30  is operatively engaged with the filter frame adapter  28 , e.g., with the mounting flange  82  located against the rectangular border flange  44 , to receive a fastener through each of the apertures  128  and drain hole pairs to couple the filter element  30  to the filter frame adapter  28 . When the filter element  30  is to be removed from the filter frame adapter  28 , the fasteners may be removed from the apertures to allow the filter element  30  to be removed from the filter frame adapter  28 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, the adapter flange  70  of the upper wall  50 , the adapter flange  84  of the lower wall  52 , the front wall  116  of the first rail  62 , and the front wall  98  of the second rail  64  form a square, rigid front clamping surface extending around the perimeter of the filter element  30  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). In one embodiment, the filter frame adapter  28  is configured with a rectangular, rigid front clamping surface configured to withstand, e.g., not unacceptably deform, under a clamping load for clamping the filter frame adapter  28  in place the opening in a partition. In one embodiment, the front wall  116  of the first rail  62  includes coupling features shown as upper and lower throughbores  130  and  132 . The front wall  98  of the second rail  64  includes coupling features shown as upper  134  and lower  136  throughbores. In one embodiment, the throughbores  130 ,  132 ,  134 , and  136  are configured to receive fasteners, e.g., hooks, therethrough. The hooks may be coupled to springs which are configured to couple the filter frame adapter to a partition and to bias the seal of a filter element in a sealed configuration in an opening of a partition. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , another embodiment of a filter unit  200  is illustrated. The filter unit  200  includes a filer element  202  separately formed from and removably coupled to a filter frame adapter  204 . The filter element  202  includes a rectangular border flange  206 . The filter frame adapter  204  includes an upper wall  208  and a lower wall  210 . The upper wall  208  includes a planar portion  212  extending away from the rectangular border flange  206  to an adapter flange  214  extending generally perpendicularly to the planar portion  212  spaced apart from the rectangular border flange  206 . The upper wall  208  also includes a channel wall  216  extending from the adapter flange  214  over the planar portion  212 . The channel wall  216 , the adapter flange  214 , and the planar portion  212  define a channel  218  extending perpendicular to the directions D 6  of the path of fluid flow. The upper wall  208  includes a plurality of apertures  220  defined in the planar portion  212 . The apertures  220  are configured to align with holes, such as, for example, drain holes (not visible in  FIG. 8 ), of the filter element  202  such that fasteners may be located through the apertures  220  and in the drain holes to couple the upper wall  208  to the filter element  202 . The lower wall  210  includes a planar portion  222  extending away from the rectangular border flange  206  to an adapter flange  224  extending generally perpendicularly to the planar portion  222  spaced apart from the rectangular border flange  206 . The lower wall  210  also includes a channel wall  226  extending from the adapter flange  224  under the planar portion  222 . The channel wall  226 , the adapter flange  224 , and the planar portion  222  define a channel  228  extending perpendicular to the directions D 6  of the path of fluid flow. The lower wall  210  includes a plurality of apertures (not visible in  FIG. 8 ) defined in the planar portion  222 . The apertures are configured to align with drain holes (not visible in  FIG. 8 ) of the filter element  202  such that fasteners may be located through the apertures and in the drain holes to couple the lower wall  210  to the filter element  202 . In one embodiment, while the upper  208  and lower  210  walls are each coupled to the filter element  202 , the upper  208  and lower  210  walls are not directly connected to one another. The adapter flanges  214  and  224  may be configured to allow mounting of the filter element  202  by various different mechanisms in openings of various different partitions. 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of a partition  300  is illustrated. The partition  300  includes a plurality of closures  302  preventing access to filter units (not visible in  FIG. 9 ) located in openings in the partition  300 . The closures  302  are held in a closed configuration by fasteners  304 , shown in  FIG. 9  as plates secured by nuts and bolts. The fasteners  304  may be manipulated to allow the closures  302  to be moved into an open configuration to allow removal of filter units. In one embodiment, the closures  302  provide loading to the filter as they press against the adapter flanges of the filter frame adapter (not visible in  FIG. 9 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , another embodiment of a partition  400  is illustrated. The partition  400  includes a closure, shown as wire cage  402 , preventing access to filter units (not visible in  FIG. 10 ) located in openings in the partition  400 . The wire cage is configured to hinge open to remove a pad located between the wire cage  402  and the filter units. In one embodiment, filter units located behind the pad may be held in place by an additional clamping mechanism. Water drain channels  404  are also provided. 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , another embodiment of a partition  500  is illustrated. The partition  500  includes a plurality of closures  502  (only one shown in the detail view of  FIG. 11 ) preventing access to filter units (not visible in  FIG. 11 ) located in openings in the partition  500 . The closure  502  is held in a closed configuration by a clamp  503  held in place by a fastener  504 , shown in  FIG. 11  as an eyebolt extending through a corner of the closure  502 . The fastener  504  may be removed to allow the clamp  503  to be manipulated to allow the closure  502  to be moved into an open configuration to allow removal of filter units. The clamp  503  provides loading through a prefilter  505  located between the closure  502  and the filter unit to the filter unit, e.g., pressing against an adapter flange of a filter unit (not visible in  FIG. 11 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , another embodiment of a partition  600  is illustrated. The partition  600  includes a plurality of closures shown as wire cages  602  preventing access to filter units (not visible in  FIG. 12 ) located in openings in the partition  600 . The closures  602  are held in a closed configuration by a fastening configuration  604 . In one embodiment, the wire cages  602  hold a pad  605  in place located between the wire cages  602  and the filter units. In one embodiment, the filter units may be clamped in openings in the partition  600  by a clamping mechanism (not visible in  FIG. 12 ) located between the pad  605  and the filter units. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , another embodiment of a partition  700  is illustrated. An opening  702  is defined in the partition  700 . A closure  704 , shown in an open configuration in  FIG. 13 , is provided to selectively prevent and allow access to a filter unit  706  located in the opening  702 . Fasteners  708 , shown as springs are provided. One end of each of the fasteners  708  is coupled to the partition  700  while the other end of each of the fasteners  708  is coupled to the filter frame adapter  710 , e.g., inserted through apertures in the filter frame adapter  710 . The fastener  708  biases the filter unit  706  into the opening  702 , providing sealing between the filter unit  706  and the partition  700 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 15 , another embodiment of a partition  800  is illustrated. The partition  800  includes a plurality of closures  802  preventing access to filter units (not visible in  FIG. 15 ) located in openings in the partition  800 . The closures  802  are held in a closed configuration by a fastener  804 , shown in  FIG. 15  as a bar extending across and preventing opening of closures  802 . An adjustment mechanism  806 , shown as a nut and bolt pair, may be adjusted to allow movement of the fastener  804  to allow moving the closures  802  into an open configuration to allow removal of filter units. 
     Embodiments of filter frame adapters described herein may be used with various different types and sizes of filters to allow these various different types of filters to be installed into partitions. For example, ALTAIR 12″ or 17″ VCELL filters, commercially available from Clarcor Industrial Air, may be used with embodiments of filter frame adapters  28  described here. In other embodiments, other suitable types of filters may be used. 
     Embodiments of filter frame adapters may be formed from metal, e.g., galvanized iron or steel, stainless steel, etc. In other embodiments, filter frame adapters may be formed from rigid plastic. In other embodiments, other suitable materials may be used. 
     Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Relative language used herein is best understood with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals are used to identify like or similar items. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. 
     While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.