Filter element, filter assembly, gas turbine system, and methods

A filter assembly comprising:

• (a) a first filter element having a region of filter media and at least a first end cap secured to the filter media;
• (i) said first filter element first end cap defining a first filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement;
• (b) a second filter element having a region of filter media and at least a second filter element first end cap secured to the second filter element region of filter media;
• (i) said second filter element first end cap defining a second filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement;
• and
• (c) a seal between said first filter element and said second filter element;
• (i) said seal being formed by axial compression of said first filter element and said second filter element with said first filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement being in mating engagement with said second filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement.

A gas turbine system comprising:

• (a) a gas turbine adapted to draw intake air;
• and
• (b) a filter arrangement to clean the intake air before the intake air enters the gas turbine;
• the filter arrangement including a plurality of filter pairs;
• each of the filter pair including:
• (i) a first filter element having a region of filter media and at least a first end cap secured to the filter media;
• said first filter element first end cap defining a first filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement;
• (ii) a second filter element having a region of filter media and at least a second filter element first end cap secured to the second filter element region of filter media;
• said second filter element first end cap defining a second filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement;
• and
• (iii) a seal between said first filter element and said second filter element;
• said seal being formed by axial compression of said first filter element and said second filter element with said first filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement being in mating engagement with said second filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement.

A method of installing a filter assembly;

• the method comprising:
• (a) providing a first filter element having a region of filter media and a first end cap secured to the filter media;
• (i) the first filter element first end cap defining a first filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement;
• (b) providing a second filter element having a region of filter media and a second filter element first end cap secured to the second filter element region of filter media;
• (i) the second filter element first end cap defining a second filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement;
• and
• (c) mating the first filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement with the second filter element first end cap projection and recess arrangement to form a seal therebetween.