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Title: Method and apparatus for the clean replacement of contaminated HEPA filters

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1531440

A method and apparatus are provided for the replacement of contaminated HEPA filters without contamination of the surrounding environment. A filter housing is generally cylindrical and defines a filter receiving cavity. The filter housing having a filter receiving end and a filter removing end. An active HEPA filter is received within the filter housing cavity and is located near the filter removing end. A backup HEPA filter is received within the filter housing cavity and is located near the filter receiving end. A change-out bag is received within the filter housing cavity and is located adjacent to the filter removing end. The filter housing includes a gas flow path through the active HEPA filter without passing through the backup HEPA filter. For the replacement of contaminated HEPA filter, end covers are removed from the filter receiving end and the filter removing end of the filter housing and the change-out bag is opened. The backup HEPA filter is pushed into position of the active HEPA filter, thereby moving the active contaminated HEPA filter into the change-out bag during filter replacement. The change-out bag is sealed to isolate the HEPA filter for disposal.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Chicago, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-31-109-ENG-38
Assignee:
The University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Patent Number(s):
6,364,923
Application Number:
09/616,419
OSTI ID:
1531440
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 2000-07-14
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (8)

Method and apparatus relating to disposable filter modules for filtering air containing hazardous substances patent November 2000
Clean air facility patent February 1989
U-loop air handling apparatus patent May 1988
Gas-Circulating Means patent January 1968
Protective System for Contaminated Atmosphere patent October 1973
Room air decontamination device patent November 1998
Door for Germfree Enclosures patent May 1962
Make-up air handler and method for supplying boron-free outside air to clean rooms patent August 2000

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Emissions control filter assembly and system patent October 2012
Enhanced aerosol test for assessing filter integrity patent November 2018
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