A unique odor filtration device (10) which continuously removes odor causing gas phase contaminants from an air stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with a selected liquid (18) which can capture odor causing gas phase contaminants. The odor removing liquid (18) is a chemical composition including sodium permanganate in combination with either sodium carbonate or sodium phosphate. The odor absorbing liquid (18) can include specialized additives such as transition metal salts and other agents such as sodium iodide for additional and broader odor removal coverage. The wicking fibers (20) are formed into a filter element (12) which extends from a chamber (16) through which the air stream to be cleaned is directed into a stripping chamber (19). The odor causing contaminants are conveyed to from chamber (16) to chamber (19) by a concentration factor induced molecular migration. The wicking fibers (20) include internal longitudinal cavities (22) each with a relatively small longitudinal extending opening (24). The wicking fibers (20) are filled with the selected contaminant removing liquid through capillary action by which the individual wicking fibers (20) rapidly draw the selected liquid, with which they come into contact, through the internal cavities (22). The absorption liquid (18) remains within the wicking fiber cavities (22) and generally does not enter the space between the wicking fibers yet through the longitudinal openings (24) the liquid is in full communication with the air stream flowing past the fibers (20).

Patent Information

Number	US  5891221
Country	US
Status	Issued
Date	04/06/1999