Filter system and filter head

Abstract

The utility model relates to a filter system and a filter head. The filter system includes a filter head and a filter cartridge. The filter head includes a skirt defining a sealing surface and a vent extending axially through the sealing surface relative to a central axis of the skirt. The filter cartridge includes: a filter media pack; an end plate coupled to an axial end of the filter media pack; and a sealing member coupled to the end plate and engageable with the sealing surface to sealingly engage the filter cartridge with the filter head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to filtration systems for supplying filtered fluid to downstream equipment. Background Art

[0002] The filtration system can be used to separate contaminants from the fluid to protect downstream equipment from damage (e.g., corrosion, clogging, etc.). For example, the filtration system can protect downstream equipment by including a filter element to separate contaminants from the fluid that may damage the downstream equipment. The filtration system can be primed to reduce the amount of air entrained in the filtration system. Utility Model Content

[0003] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a filtration system. The filtration system includes a filter head and a filter cartridge. The filter head includes a skirt defining a sealing surface and a vent extending axially through the sealing surface relative to a central axis of the skirt. The filter cartridge includes: a filter media pack; an end plate coupled to an axial end of the filter media pack; and a sealing member coupled to the end plate and engageable with the sealing surface to sealingly engage the filter cartridge with the filter head.

[0004] In some embodiments, the vent is a groove extending axially through the sealing surface from a first end of the sealing surface to a second end of the sealing surface opposite the first end.

[0005] In some embodiments, the outer radius of the vent relative to the central axis is greater than the outer radius of the sealing surface so that when the sealing member engages with the sealing surface, fluid can flow through the sealing member. In some embodiments, the outer radius of the vent relative to the central axis is greater than the outer radius of the sealing surface so that when the sealing member engages with the sealing surface, fluid can flow through the sealing surface.

[0006] In some embodiments, the skirt is a cylindrical extension and the cross-sectional profile of the end plate at the sealing member is the same as the cross-sectional profile of the sealing surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the vent is contiguous with the sealing surface and extends radially outward from the sealing surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, a height of the vent parallel to the central axis is greater than or equal to a height of the sealing surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises a filter housing configured to support a filter cartridge engaged with the filter head. In such embodiments, the filter housing may be made of a transparent material that enables at least a portion of the filter cartridge to be viewed through the filter housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sealing member seals radially against the sealing surface when the filter cartridge is engaged with the filter head.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter head for a filtration system. The filter head includes a filter head body and a skirt extending axially away from the filter head body relative to a central axis of the filter head body. The filter head body defines an inlet port and an outlet port. The skirt defines a first sealing surface configured to sealingly engage a filter cartridge and a vent extending axially through the first sealing surface relative to the central axis. The vent fluidly couples the inlet port and the outlet port.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter head. The filter head includes a filter head body and a skirt extending axially away from the filter head body relative to a central axis of the filter head body. The filter head body defines an inlet port and an outlet port. The skirt defines a first sealing surface configured to sealingly engage a filter cartridge and a vent extending axially through the first sealing surface relative to the central axis. The vent fluidly couples the inlet port and the outlet port.

[0013] In some embodiments, the vent is a curved groove extending axially from a first axial end of the sealing surface through the first sealing surface to a second axial end of the sealing surface opposite the first axial end. In some embodiments, the vent is a groove extending axially from a first axial end of the first sealing surface through the first sealing surface to a second axial end of the first sealing surface opposite the first axial end.

[0014] In some embodiments, the vent has an outer radius from the central axis that is greater than an outer radius of the first sealing surface so that fluid can flow through the first sealing surface when the sealing member engages the first sealing surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the skirt is a cylindrical extension.

[0016] In some embodiments, the vent is adjacent to the first sealing surface and extends radially outward from the first sealing surface.

[0017] In some embodiments, a height of the vent parallel to the central axis is greater than or equal to a height of the first sealing surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the skirt further defines a second sealing surface axially spaced from the first sealing surface, the second sealing surface configured to sealingly engage the filter housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The foregoing features and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only several embodiments according to the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which will be described with additional specific description and details through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 is a front view of a filtration system according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front cross-sectional view of the filtration system.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of the filter head of the filtration system.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Front cross-sectional view of a filter head.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A front cross-sectional view of a filtration system near the sealing interface between a filter cartridge and a filter head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The fuel filtration system is used to remove particulate contaminants from the fuel upstream of the engine. The fuel filtration system can also be configured as a fuel-water separator and can include a filter material configured to separate water from the fuel. In some applications, such as off-highway applications, the fuel filtration system can include a filter housing (e.g., a filter housing, etc.) having a transparent or translucent material to enable observation of the liquid level and allow identification of water accumulation in the filter housing. In certain arrangements, such as where the fuel filtration system is located upstream of a fuel pump, air can be entrained along the upstream side of the filter, which can reduce the liquid level in the filter housing. The actual fuel level in the filter housing can vary depending on the flow rates through the filtration system. This operational arrangement can cause confusion to the operator, who may mistakenly associate a low fuel level in the housing with a leak in the fuel filtration system.

[0026] With general reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a filtration system that is configured to prevent air accumulation on the upstream side of a filter cartridge during operation and is capable of displaying a full fuel level within a filter housing without significantly affecting fuel filtration efficiency. A vent is located at a sealing interface between an upstream side of the filtration system (e.g., an upstream side of a filter head, etc.) and a downstream side of the filtration system (e.g., a downstream side of a filter head, etc.). After a new and / or replacement filter cartridge is installed (e.g., when initializing flow through the filtration system early in the filter's useful life), the vent is configured to allow air to flow around the filter cartridge and out of the fuel filtration system and provide a more uniform fuel level within the upstream side of the filter cartridge during operation, regardless of the flow rate through the filtration system.

[0027] After extended operation of the filter cartridge (e.g., late in the filter's useful life, etc.), the media will have trapped particles and the pressure drop across the filter cartridge will increase, which will increase the liquid level within the filter housing. Additionally, after extended exposure to fluid passing through the filtration system, sealing components (e.g., gaskets, O-rings, etc.) adjacent to the vent will swell and may seal the vent, which will reduce any effect the vent has on fuel filtration efficiency.

[0028] refer to Figure 1 to Figure 2 , according to an example embodiment, a filter system 100 (e.g., a filter assembly, etc.) is shown. The filter system 100 is configured to receive an unfiltered fluid (e.g., fuel, oil, etc.), filter the fluid, and provide the filtered fluid to a downstream device (e.g., an engine). In some embodiments, the filter system 100 is a diesel fuel filter configured to filter diesel fuel flowing therethrough. In some embodiments, the filter system 100 includes a fuel-water separator configured to separate water from the fuel flowing therethrough.

[0029] exist Figure 1 to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the filtration system 100 includes a filter head 110, a filter housing 152, and a filter cartridge 200 (e.g., a filter element assembly, etc.). The filter cartridge 200 is configured to be coupled to the filter head 110. In some embodiments, the filter housing 152 is configured to support the filter cartridge 200 engaged with the filter head 110. It should be understood that the filtration system 100 may include more, fewer, and / or different components than shown.

[0030] Filter head 110 is configured to receive dirty, unfiltered fuel and direct the fuel through filter cartridge 200 to produce clean, filtered fuel. Filter head 110 includes filter head body 112 and skirt 113 extending axially away from filter head body 112 relative to a central axis 129 thereof.

[0031] The filter head body 112 defines a first port 120 and a second port 122. The first port 120 is an inlet port that is in fluid receiving communication with an upstream device (e.g., a fuel reservoir, etc.) and in fluid providing communication with the interior of the filtration system 100. The second port 122 is an outlet port that is in fluid receiving communication with the interior of the filtration system 100 and in fluid providing communication with a downstream device (e.g., an engine). In some embodiments, the flow direction through the filtration system 100 is reversed such that the first port 120 is an outlet port and the second port 122 is an inlet port.

[0032] refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the filter head body 112 further defines a valve port 124 configured to receive a valve to facilitate priming of the filtration system (e.g., after replacing the filter cartridge 200). The valve port 124 is in fluid receiving communication with the interior of the filtration system 100 and in fluid providing communication with the second port 122. The valve port 124 defines a valve port sealing surface 126 configured to sealingly engage a valve (e.g., a valve of the filter cartridge 200, etc.).

[0033] The filter head body 112 also defines a filter head opening 128. The filter head opening 128 extends through the filter head body 112. The filter head opening 128 is centered on a central axis 129 of the filter head body 112. The central axis 129 extends through the radial center of the filter system 100, the center of the filter head 110. In some embodiments, the central axis 129 also extends through the radial center of the skirt 113 and / or the radial center of the filter cartridge 200.

[0034] Still reference Figure 2 , the skirt 113 extends axially away from the filter head body 112 relative to the central axis 129. In some embodiments, the skirt 113 is a cylindrical extension (e.g., a cylindrical wall, etc.) defining a circular opening. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional profile of the skirt 113 can be different (e.g., oval, etc.).

[0035] The skirt 113 defines a first filter head sealing surface, shown as a first sealing surface 114, and a second filter head sealing surface, shown as a second sealing surface 116. The second sealing surface 116 is axially spaced from the first sealing surface 114. The first sealing surface 114 is defined on an inner radial surface of the filter head body 112. The first sealing surface 114 is disposed at and radially faces the sealing member of the filter cartridge 200 and is configured to form a radial seal with the filter cartridge 200 when the filter cartridge 200 is engaged with the filter head 110.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, filter head 110 includes a vent (shown as vent 170) configured to allow air to bypass the sealing member at the upper axial end of filter system 100. Vent 170 is configured to allow air to bypass the sealing member from the upstream side (e.g., dirty side, outside, etc.) of filter cartridge 200 to the downstream side (e.g., clean side, inside, etc.) of filter cartridge 200. Vent 170 fluidly couples the inlet port with the outlet port to exhaust air through the upper sealing surface of filter head 110 at the location of at least one sealing member (e.g., first sealing member 266).

[0037] The vent 170 is disposed along the upper axial end of the skirt 113, which can reduce the amount of fluid bypass (due to gravity acting on the fuel) through the vent 170. The vent 170 is located at a circumferential position of the skirt 113 that is aligned with the valve port 124, which can reduce the flow path of air through the filter system 100 and the risk of air being entrained into the clean fuel leaving the filter head 110. In other embodiments, the vent 170 can be located at another circumferential position along the first sealing surface 114.

[0038] exist Figure 3 to Figure 4 In some embodiments, skirt 113 defines vent 170. Vent 170 extends axially through first sealing surface 114 relative to central axis 129. In some embodiments, vent 170 is a recessed area machined (e.g., cut, etc.) or otherwise formed into first sealing surface 114 such that vent 170 is adjacent to first sealing surface 114 and extends radially outward from first sealing surface 114. Figure 3 to Figure 4 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the vent 170 abuts the first sealing surface 114 along a pair of axially aligned edges 172 .

[0039] exist Figure 3 to Figure 4In the embodiment of the present invention, the vent 170 is a groove 174 and / or channel extending radially outward from the first sealing surface 114. The groove 174 is adjacent to the first sealing surface 114 and extends axially across and through the first sealing surface 114 from a first axial end 176 of the first sealing surface 114 to a second axial end 178 of the first sealing surface 114 opposite the first axial end 176.

[0040] refer to Figure 4 , an outer radius 175 of the vent 170 relative to the center axis 129 (e.g., an outer radial position from the center axis 129 to the vent 170) is greater than an outer radius 177 of the first sealing surface 114 so that when the sealing member engages with the first sealing surface 114, fluid can flow through the first sealing surface 114.

[0041] In some embodiments, when viewed along a reference plane extending perpendicular to the central axis 129, the groove 174 is a semicircular groove with a circular profile. In other embodiments, the shape of the groove 174 may be different. For example, the groove 174 may have a rectangular profile, a triangular profile, an elliptical profile, etc. In some embodiments, the width of the vent 170 increases with the increase of the radius away from the first sealing surface 114, which can reduce the risk of the sealing member deforming into the groove 174 and / or sealing against the groove 174 during operation. For example, the vent 170 can be formed as a part of a casting and / or a molded part with the filter head (for example, by including a feature as a part of the filter head mold and the filter head is formed integrally). In other embodiments, the vent 170 can be formed as a drilled channel (for example, a bore, a hole, etc.) extending radially outward from the first sealing surface 114.

[0042] exist Figure 3 to Figure 4 In some embodiments, a height 179 of the vent 170 in a direction parallel to the central axis 129 is greater than or equal to a height 180 of the first sealing surface 114. Figure 3 As shown, the width 182 of the vent 170 (e.g., between a pair of edges 172, etc.) is less than or equal to the height 179. Figure 3 to Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the height 179 and the width 182 are both less than or equal to 1 mm. In other embodiments, the height 179 and / or the width 182 may be different.

[0043] exist Figure 3 to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the vents 170 extend substantially parallel to the central axis 129. In other embodiments, the vents 170 may be arranged at an angle relative to the central axis 129 or in any other suitable arrangement. In some embodiments, the skirt 113 defines a plurality of vents 170.

[0044] The second sealing surface 116 is configured to sealingly engage the filter housing 152 and prevent fluid from leaking into the environment surrounding the filter system 100. The second sealing surface 116 is defined on an inner radial surface of the filter head body 112 below the first sealing surface 114, such that the first sealing surface 114 is disposed between the filter head body 112 and the second sealing surface 116. When the filter cartridge 200 is engaged with the filter head 110, the second filter head sealing surface 116 faces radially toward the filter cartridge 200.

[0045] The filter head 110 includes one or more filter head threads 118. Figure 1 to Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , one or more filter head threads 118 are disposed on an outer surface of the filter head body 112 and extend away from the filter head body 112 (eg, extend outwardly from the filter head body 112 ).

[0046] The filter head 110 includes a radial flange 119 extending outwardly from an outer surface of the filter head body 112. The radial flange 119 is axially disposed above one or more filter head threads 118 and axially disposed below the filter head sealing surface 114. The first sealing surface 114 is axially disposed above the radial flange 119. The second sealing surface 116 is axially disposed below the radial flange 119.

[0047] In some embodiments, the filter system 100 further includes a pump 140. The pump 140 is disposed within the filter head opening 128. That is, the filter head opening 128 is sized to receive the pump 140 therein. The pump 140 is configured to generate a pressure differential within the filter system 100, thereby drawing fluid in an outside-to-in flow configuration. In other embodiments, the pump 140 may be a separate component from the filter head 110.

[0048] refer to Figure 2 , the filter housing 152 and the filter head 110 together define an interior volume 154 that is configured to receive a filter cartridge 200 therein. The filter cartridge 200 is at least partially disposed within the interior volume 154 such that the filter cartridge 200 is at least partially located within both the filter head 110 and the filter housing 152.

[0049] The filter housing 152 includes a housing wall 156 made of a transparent material that enables at least a portion of the filter cartridge 200 to be viewed through the filter housing 152. As used herein, "transparent material" refers to a material that allows light to be transmitted therethrough so that objects behind the material can be viewed through the material, and is intended to cover materials with various levels of transmittance (e.g., semi-transparent, fully transparent, etc.) that enable liquid levels to be viewed through the housing wall 156. The filter housing 152 includes a housing flange 158. The housing flange 158 extends radially outward from the housing wall 156.

[0050] The filter housing 152 includes a housing seal member 160 configured to sealably engage the housing with the filter head 110 (e.g., with the second sealing surface 116 of the skirt 113). The housing seal member 160 is disposed at a first end (e.g., an open end, etc.) of the filter housing 152 and radially faces the filter head 110 to form a radial seal therewith. The housing seal member 160 is disposed on an outer surface of the housing wall 156 and axially above the housing flange 158.

[0051] The filter housing 152 includes a third sealing surface 117. The third sealing surface 117 is disposed proximate the second end of the filter housing 152, distal from the first end, and radially toward the filter cartridge 200. The third sealing surface 117 is an inner surface of the housing wall 156 radially toward the central axis 129.

[0052] In some embodiments, the filter system 100 further includes a collar 173 configured to couple the filter housing 152 to the filter head 110 via a threaded interface. In other embodiments, the filter housing 152 includes a threaded interface configured to be threadably coupled to the filter head 110. In still other embodiments, the filter head 110 and the filter housing 152 include another type of coupling to secure the filter housing 152 to the filter head 110 (e.g., to the skirt 113).

[0053] The filter cartridge 200 is configured to filter fluid flowing therethrough (eg, by removing contaminants). In various embodiments, the filter cartridge 200 is removably coupled to the filter housing 152 and / or the filter head 110. The filter cartridge 200 is at least partially contained within the filter housing 152 and / or the filter head 110.

[0054] As shown, the filter cartridge 200 includes a first end plate 210 (e.g., a first end cap, etc.), a second end plate 250 (e.g., a second end cap, etc.), a filter media pack 260, and a center tube 264 (e.g., a center support structure, etc.). The filter cartridge 200 also includes a first sealing member 266 (e.g., an O-ring, a gasket, etc.) and a second sealing member 268, each of which can be engaged with a corresponding one of the sealing surfaces (e.g., the first sealing surface 114, the third sealing surface 117, etc.) to sealingly engage the filter cartridge 200 with one of the filter head 110 or the filter housing 152 (e.g., to form a fluid-tight seal therewith) and prevent bypass of unfiltered fuel.

[0055] The filter media pack 260 is located between the first end plate 210 and the second end plate 250 and is coupled to (e.g., bonded by an adhesive material, etc.) the first end plate 210 and the second end plate 250. The filter media pack 260 is formed in a cylindrical configuration or an annular configuration. The filter media pack 260 includes a filter media that is folded or otherwise formed to increase the surface area. The filter media can be a single-layer media or a multi-layer media that is made of at least one of woven fibers, non-woven materials, wet-laid materials, polymer materials, glass materials, cellulose materials, and / or other suitable materials. The filter media pack 260 is configured to allow unfiltered fluid to be filtered by flowing through the filter media pack 260. For example, unfiltered fluid flows through the filter media pack 260, and when the unfiltered fluid passes through the filter media, the filter media removes impurities (e.g., particles, organic matter, etc.) from the unfiltered fluid. Impurities are captured by the filter media. The external volume 202 is defined between the filter media pack 260 and the filter housing 152. Interior volume 204 is defined within filter media pack 260 .

[0056] In some embodiments, filter media pack 260 includes a wrap layer disposed around at least a portion of the filter media and configured to prevent fluid (e.g., water) from flowing therethrough. In some embodiments, filter cartridge 200 includes a coalescing media layer disposed radially within filter media pack 260 or at another location between the inlet port and the outlet port of filter head 110. The coalescing media layer is configured to coalesce and separate water entrained in the fluid.

[0057] The first end plate 210 is fixedly coupled to the filter media pack 260 (eg, directly coupled to the filter media). More specifically, the first end plate 210 is coupled to the filter media pack 260 at a first axial end of the filter media pack 260 .

[0058] refer to Figure 2, the first end plate 210 defines a channel 212 extending circumferentially along the periphery of the first end plate 210 relative to the central axis 129. The channel 212 defines an open end radially outward and toward the filter head 110 (e.g., toward the skirt 113). The channel 212 is sized to receive the first sealing member 266 therein and support the first sealing member 266 on the first end plate 210.

[0059] The cross-sectional profile of the first end plate 210 at the first sealing member 266 (eg, the cross-sectional shape of the first end plate 210 at the first sealing member 266 along a reference plane extending perpendicular to the central axis 129) is the same as the cross-sectional profile of the first sealing surface 114. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional profile of the first end plate 210 at the first sealing member 266 and the cross-sectional profile of the first sealing surface 114 are both circular profiles (eg, circular). In other embodiments, the cross-sectional profiles may be different (eg, elliptical, etc.).

[0060] refer to Figure 5 , the first sealing member 266 engages the first sealing surface 114 and the first end plate 210 to form a radially oriented seal between the first sealing surface 114 and the first end plate 210. The seal substantially prevents fluid from flowing between the filter head 110 and the first end plate 210. The vent 170 is a radial gap and / or space between the first sealing member 266 and the filter head 110 that allows air to flow through the first sealing member 266 to prevent excess air from accumulating on the upstream side of the filter cartridge 200.

[0061] Reference again Figure 2 , the second end plate 250 defines a second channel 256 extending circumferentially along the outer periphery of the second end plate 250. The second channel 256 defines an open end radially outward and toward the filter housing 152. The second channel 256 is sized to receive a second sealing member 268 therein and to support the second sealing member 268 on the second end plate 250. The second sealing member 268 engages the third sealing surface 117 and the second end plate 250 to form a radially oriented seal between the third sealing surface 117 and the second end plate 250. The seal substantially prevents fluid from flowing between the filter housing 152 and the second end plate 250.

[0062] In some embodiments, second end plate end wall 252 defines an opening 257 extending therethrough (eg, an end plate drain, etc.). Opening 257 enables fluid communication between interior volume 204 and a bottom portion of filter housing 152, which enables liquid water to drain through the drain of filter housing 152.

[0063] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representatives and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily particular or excellent examples).

[0064] As used herein, the term "substantially" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage of ordinary technicians in the field to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. It should be understood by those skilled in the art who consult this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow certain features described and claimed to be described without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical range, relationship or description provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or non-important modifications or changes to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims. The terms "connection", "attachment" and similar terms used herein mean that two components are directly connected to each other. This connection can be fixed (e.g., permanent) or removable (e.g., removable or releasable).

[0065] References herein to element positions (e.g., "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," etc.) are only used to describe the orientation of various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that, according to other example embodiments, the orientation of different elements may be different, and such variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.

[0066] It is important to note that the structure and arrangement of the various example embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of the various elements, different parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, the integrally formed elements shown may be composed of a plurality of parts or elements, the positions of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements, or the positions may be changed or varied. According to optional embodiments, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various example embodiments without departing from the scope of the concepts herein.

[0067] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of any invention or that can be claimed, but rather as a description of the features of a specific implementation for a specific invention. Certain features described in this specification in the context of a separate implementation may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations individually or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although features may be described above as working in certain combinations, or even initially claimed as such, in some cases, one or more features from the claimed combination may be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination may point to a sub-combination or a variant of a sub-combination.

Claims

1. A filtration system, characterized in that: The filtration system comprises: A filter head comprising a skirt defining: Sealing surfaces; and a vent extending axially through the sealing surface relative to a central axis of the skirt; and A filter cartridge, the filter cartridge comprising: filter media pack; an end plate coupled to an axial end of the filter media pack; and A sealing member is coupled to the end plate and is engageable with the sealing surface to sealingly engage the filter cartridge with the filter head.

2. The filtration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vent is a groove extending axially through the sealing surface from a first axial end of the sealing surface to a second axial end of the sealing surface opposite the first axial end.

3. The filtration system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vent has an outer radius relative to the central axis that is greater than an outer radius of the sealing surface so that fluid can flow through the sealing surface when the sealing member engages the sealing surface.

4. The filtration system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The skirt is a cylindrical extension, and the cross-sectional profile of the end plate at the sealing member is the same as the cross-sectional profile of the sealing surface.

5. The filtration system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vent is adjacent the sealing surface and extends radially outwardly from the sealing surface.

6. The filtration system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The height of the vent parallel to the central axis is greater than or equal to the height of the sealing surface.

7. The filtration system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The filtration system also includes a filter housing configured to support the filter cartridge engaged with the filter head, the filter housing being made of a transparent material that enables at least a portion of the filter cartridge to be viewed through the filter housing.

8. The filtration system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The sealing member seals radially against the sealing surface when the filter cartridge is engaged with the filter head.

9. A filter head, characterized in that: The filter head comprises: a filter head body defining an inlet port and an outlet port; and a skirt portion extending axially away from the filter head body relative to a central axis of the filter head body, the skirt portion defining: a first sealing surface configured to sealingly engage a filter cartridge; and A vent extends axially relative to the central axis through the first sealing surface, the vent fluidly coupling the inlet port and the outlet port.

10. The filter head according to claim 9, characterized in that The vent is a groove extending axially through the first sealing surface from a first axial end of the first sealing surface to a second axial end of the first sealing surface opposite the first axial end.

11. The filter head according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The vent has an outer radius from the central axis that is greater than an outer radius of the first sealing surface so that fluid can flow through the first sealing surface when a sealing member engages the first sealing surface.

12. The filter head according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The skirt is a cylindrical extension.

13. The filter head according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The vent is adjacent to the first sealing surface and extends radially outwardly from the first sealing surface.

14. The filter head according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that A height of the vent parallel to the central axis is greater than or equal to a height of the first sealing surface.

15. The filter head according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The skirt also defines a second sealing surface axially spaced from the first sealing surface, the second sealing surface being configured to sealingly engage the filter housing.

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