Dual-flow filter cartridge

Abstract

A filter cartridge configured to provide two or more levels of fluid filtration or conditioning from within a single filter cartridge is disclosed, the filter cartridge including a housing that defines an interior cavity and has an inlet portion for receiving fluid into the cavity, a first outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing, and a second outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing. The filter cartridge also includes a first stage filter disposed within the interior cavity for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the first stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the first outlet portion by way of a first flow path, and a second stage filter disposed within the interior cavity of the housing for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the second stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the second outlet portion by way of a second flow path.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The subject invention relates to a filter cartridge for use in fluid filtration, and more particularly, to a filter cartridge configured to provide two or more levels of fluid filtration. [0003] 2. Background of the Related Art [0004] Many residential, industrial and healthcare applications require the fluid used therein to be filtered prior to use. For example, in the United States, residential public water supplies are commonly treated with various chemicals, such as chlorine, to disinfect the water and avoid potential adverse health effects. However, these chemicals can have an undesirable effect on the taste and odor of the water, and may not provide the level of cleanliness desired for consumption. Consequently, many residences now filter their tap water or purchase bottled water for cooking and drinking. [0005] Not all fluid applications within a residence require the same level of filtration or conditioning, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the subject invention allows for greater selectivity in fluid filtration than prior art filtration devices, without increasing the number of components in the filter

Problems solved by technology

However, these chemicals can have an undesirable effect on the taste and odor of the water, and may not provide the level of cleanliness desired for consumption.

Not all fluid applications within a residence require the same level of filtration or conditioning, nor is it cost effective to treat all of the water to the same degree.

There are disadvantages associated with the use of a single flow path and providing a single level of filtration for all administered fluids.

For example, the same porous medium may not be suitable or equally efficient for processing different parenternal fluids.

However, increasing the number components, increases the system complexity, cost and space requirements.

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