A unique filtration device (10) which continuously removes gas phase contaminants from an air stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with a fine solid carbon powder (18) or zeolites and formed into a fiber filter (12) with a selected chemisorptive liquid applied to one side of the fiber filter (12) and large carbon particles (19) applied to the other side of the fiber filter (12). The air stream to be cleaned is directed through filter element (12) which can capture the gas phase contaminants. The wicking fibers (20) include internal longitudinal cavities (22) filled with the fine carbon powder (18) and each having a relatively small longitudinal extending opening (24). The wicking fibers (20), to a shallow depth on one side of filter (12), are filled with the selected contaminant removing chemisorptive liquid through capillary action by which the individual wicking fibers (20) rapidly draw the selected chemisorptive liquid, with which they come into contact, through the internal cavities (22). The chemisorptive liquid and fine carbon powder (18) or zeolite powder remain within the wicking fiber cavities (22) and generally do not enter the space between the wicking fibers yet through the longitudinal openings (24) the fine carbon particles (18) and the chemisorptive liquid are in full fluid communication with the air stream flowing past the fibers (20).

Patent Information

Number	US  5951744
Country	US
Status	Issued
Date	09/14/1999