Wicking fiber with solid particulates for a high surface area odor removing filter and method of making

A filter for removing a selected type of odor molecules from an air stream comprising:

• a plurality of elongated fibers, each having an elongated open channel extending into the interior of the fiber, disposed to form a fiber filter mat;
• a fine powder disposed within the elongated open channels of said plurality of elongated fibers;
• and,
• a liquid chemisorptive agent which has an affinity for the selected type of odor molecules to be removed from the air stream also disposed within the elongated open channels and having an exposed portion near the exterior of the fiber for absorbing the selected types of odor molecules as the air stream passes through the filter.

A device for continuously removing undesirable odor vapors from a first air stream and releasing them into a second air stream comprising:

• a plurality of wicking fibers each including a longitudinally extending channel with a longitudinally extending opening;
• a fine powder disposed within the longitudinally extending channels of said plurality of wicking fibers;
• a liquid chemisorptive agent having an affinity for the undesirable odor vapors disposed within the longitudinally extending channels of said plurality of wicking fibers;
• means for directing the first air stream across a part of said plurality of wicking fibers into contact with said liquid chemisorptive agent along said longitudinally extending openings whereby said liquid chemisorptive agent absorbs the undesirable odor vapors;
• and,
• said plurality of wicking fibers disposed to extend from the first air stream into the second air stream which strips away the undesirable odor vapors.

A method of manufacturing a fiber strand impregnated with solid particles and a liquid chemisorptive agent for a filter comprising the steps of:

• a. forming a fiber strand with an internal longitudinally extending cavity having a longitudinally extending opening, smaller than the cavity width, extending from the cavity to the fiber strand outer surface;
• b. applying a plurality of solid particles to the strand;
• c. forcing many of the solid particles into the internal longitudinally extending cavity where they are securely retained;
• and,
• d. bringing the fiber strand into contact with a liquid chemisorptive agent whereby the liquid chemisorptive agent is by capillary action drawn into the longitudinally extending cavity.