Multi-port filter housing and filter therefor

Abstract

The filter housing includes a sleeve, a first end cap coupled to a first open end of the sleeve, and a second end cap coupled to a second open end of the sleeve. The sleeve includes an interior volume having a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion. The first end cap includes a first plurality of ports connecting to the radially outer and radially inner portions of the interior volume of the sleeve. The second end cap includes a second plurality of ports connecting to the radially outer and radially inner portions of the interior volume of the sleeve. The filter housing is configured to enclose a filter element within the sleeve between the first and second end caps. A method is for filtering a liquid with a filter including a filter element and a filter housing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to filters for filtering liquids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates generally to filter housings used in filters for filtering liquids. [Background technology]

[0002] Filters are used to filter different liquids. For example, filters are used in semiconductor manufacturing to remove contaminants from fluids. A fluid (e.g., liquid, water, etc.) is passed through the filter. The filter removes contaminants from the fluid as it flows through the filter. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, the filter housing includes a sleeve, a first end cap, and a second end cap. The sleeve includes a first open end, a second open end, and an interior volume. The interior volume has a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion. The first end cap is removably coupled to the first open end of the sleeve. The first end cap includes a first plurality of ports connecting the radially outer and radially inner portions of the interior volume of the sleeve. The second end cap is coupled to the second open end of the sleeve. The second end cap includes a second plurality of ports connecting the radially outer and radially inner portions of the interior volume of the sleeve. At least one of the first end cap and the second end cap is removably coupled to the sleeve. The filter housing is configured to enclose a filter element within the sleeve between the first end cap and the second end cap.

[0004] The method relates to filtering a liquid with a filter including a filter element and a filter housing. The filter housing includes a sleeve, a first end cap removably coupled to a first open end of the sleeve, and a second end cap removably coupled to a second open end of the sleeve. At least one of the first end cap and the second end cap is removably coupled to the sleeve. The first end cap includes a first plurality of ports. The second end cap includes a second plurality of ports. The filter element is disposed within the sleeve between the first end cap and the second end cap. The method includes supplying a liquid into the filter housing through at least a first port of the first plurality of ports of the first end cap. The method further includes directing a first portion of the liquid from the first port of the first end cap to a first port of the second plurality of ports, which includes passing the first portion of the liquid through the filter element. The method further includes discharging the first portion of the liquid from the filter through the first port of the second end cap, the first portion of the liquid being permeate.

[0005] In one embodiment, the filter includes a filter element and a filter housing surrounding the filter element. The filter housing includes a sleeve, a first end cap, and a second end cap. The sleeve includes a first open end, a second open end, and an interior volume. The interior volume has a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion. The first end cap is removably coupled to the first open end of the sleeve. The first end cap includes a first plurality of ports connecting to the radially outer and radially inner portions of the interior volume of the sleeve. The second end cap is coupled to the second open end of the sleeve. The second end cap includes a second plurality of ports connecting to the radially outer and radially inner portions of the interior volume of the sleeve. At least one of the first end cap and the second end cap is removably coupled to the sleeve. The filter housing is configured to enclose the filter element within the sleeve between the first end cap and the second end cap. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a filter. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the filter of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the filter of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter shown in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter shown in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A] 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter of FIG. 4 employing a first port configuration, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6B] 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter of FIG. 4 employing a first port configuration, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Like numbers refer to like features.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a filter 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the filter 1 according to one embodiment. The filter 1 includes a filter housing 10 and a filter element 90. The filter housing 10 encloses the filter element 90. The filter element 90 is configured to be removable from the filter 1. For example, the filter element 90 is configured to be removable from the housing 10. In FIG. 2, the filter element 90 is shown outside the filter housing 10 for purposes of illustrating the exploded view. When assembled (as shown in FIG. 1), the filter element 90 is placed within the filter housing 10.

[0009] The filter 1 is configured to filter a liquid. As the liquid flows through the filter 1, at least a portion of the liquid passes through the filter element 90. The filter element 90 removes contaminants from the liquid as it passes through the filter element 90. The filtered liquid is then discharged from the filter 1. For example, the filtrate discharged from the filter 1 is a permeate. In one embodiment, the liquid is used to filter a liquid used in semiconductor manufacturing. For example, the liquid may be a liquid used in lithography and / or a liquid used in wet etching and cleaning processes. For example, the liquid may be water (e.g., deionized water), an acid, a solvent, an acid and / or a base used in wet etching and cleaning processes, a solvent used in photolithography processes, or the like. The filters and filter housings disclosed herein can also be used in a variety of other applications, including, but not limited to, filtration for diagnostic applications, inkjet applications, filtration of fluids for the pharmaceutical industry, filtration of fluids for medical applications, filtration of biological fluids, filtration of fluids for the food and beverage industry, clarification, or filtration of cell culture media. In one embodiment, filter 1 is a filter system configured to provide ultrafiltration of water.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 10 includes a sleeve 20, a first end cap 40A, and a second end cap 40B. The sleeve 20 includes a first open end 22 and a second open end 24. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the end caps 40A, 40B is removably coupled to the sleeve 20. The first end cap 40A and the second end cap 40B are removably coupled to opposite ends 22, 24 of the sleeve 20. For example, the first end cap 40A is removably coupled to the first open end 22 of the sleeve 20, and the second end cap 40B is removably coupled to the second open end 24 of the sleeve 20. Each end cap 40A, 40B may include a seal 60A, 60B that provides a seal between the respective end cap 40A, 40B and the sleeve 20.

[0011] At least one of the end caps 40A, 40B is removably coupled to the sleeve 20. In another embodiment, one of the end caps 40A, 40B may be fixedly coupled to the sleeve 20 (e.g., heat fused, formed as part of the sleeve 20, etc.). For example, the first end cap 40A is fixedly coupled to the sleeve 20 and the second end cap 40A is removably coupled to the sleeve 20. Each end cap 20 may be made from a material including, for example (but not limited to), one or more of polypropylene, perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), etc.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2 , the sleeve 20 has a tubular shape. The sleeve 20 can be made of a material that is generally non-reactive with the liquid being filtered and is used in extrusion molding. The material of the sleeve 20 can include, for example (but is not limited to), one or more of polypropylene, perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), and the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the sleeve 20 can be made of a single piece. The sleeve 20 can also be formed by bonding (e.g., thermally bonding) multiple pieces together. For example, in one embodiment, the sleeve 20 can be formed by bonding end portions (each including one of the open ends 22 configured to be coupled to each of the end caps 40A, 40B) to an intermediate portion.

[0013] The sleeve 20 has an axial length L. The axial length L extends from the first open end 22 of the sleeve 20 to the second opening 24. In some embodiments, the axial length L of the sleeve 20 is less than 40 inches. In one embodiment, the axial length L of the sleeve 20 is greater than 5 inches. In one embodiment, the axial length L of the sleeve 20 is at least 10 inches.

[0014] The housing 10 includes a first plurality of ports 42A disposed in the first end cap 40A and a second plurality of ports 42B disposed in the second end cap 40B. Liquid to be filtered is supplied to the filter 1 through one or more of the first and second pluralities of ports 42A, 42B. The filtered liquid (i.e., the liquid after passing through the filter element 90) exits the filter 10 through one or more of the first and second pluralities of ports 42A, 42B. The flow into, through, and out of the filter 1 is described in more detail below.

[0015] The first end cap 40A includes a first plurality of ports 42A. Each of the first plurality of ports 42A extends through the first end cap 40A. The second end cap 40B includes a second plurality of ports 42B. Each of the second plurality of ports 42B extends through the second end cap 40B. The first end cap 40A and / or the second end cap 40B may also include one or more auxiliary ports 50A, 50B. The auxiliary ports 50A, 50B are described in more detail below.

[0016] 3 is a top view of a filter 1 according to one embodiment. For example, FIG. 3 is a top view of a first end cap 40A of the filter 1.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter 1 shown in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the sleeve 20 includes an internal volume 26. The internal volume 26 includes a radially inner portion 28 and a radially outer portion 30. The radially inner portion 28 may be disposed along a longitudinal axis A1 of the sleeve 20. The radially outer portion 30 surrounds the radially inner portion 28. For example, the radially outer portion 30 has a tubular shape, and the radially inner portion 28 is disposed within the tubular shape of the radially outer portion 30. The radially outer portion 30 and the sleeve 20 are coaxial. For example, the radially outer portion 30 and the sleeve 20 have the same longitudinal axis A1.

[0018] The radially outer portion 30 is located closer to the inner surface 32 of the sleeve 20 than the radially inner portion 28. The filter member 90 is disposed within the interior volume 26 between the radially inner portion 28 and the radially outer portion 30 of the interior volume 26. For example, the filter member 90 may separate the radially inner portion 28 from the radially outer portion 30 of the interior volume.

[0019] The filter element 90 is disposed within the sleeve 20 between the first end cap 40A and the second end cap 40B. The filter element 90 contacts both the first end cap 40A and the second end cap 40B. The filter element 90 is configured to operate by liquid flowing through the material of a sidewall 92 of the filter element 90. Contaminants in the liquid are captured by the material of the sidewall 92 as the liquid passes through the sidewall 92.

[0020] The sidewall 92 of the filter element 90 is made of a porous material configured to allow the liquid to pass through while preventing the passage of contaminants in the liquid. The contaminants can include solid and / or dissolved contaminants in the liquid. For example, the contaminants can be captured by the filter element 90 and / or remain in the retentate stream of the liquid. In one embodiment, the porous material of the filter element 90 can be made from, for example (but not limited to), one or more of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polypropylene, polyethylene (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), etc.), polysulfone, etc. The sidewall 92 of the filter element 90 can also be in the form of a pleated porous material. In one embodiment, the filter 1 is an ultrafiltration filter, and the filter element 90 is configured to provide ultrafiltration of a liquid. As noted above, ultrafiltration of water is an exemplary application of the filters and filter housings disclosed herein, and they can be used in a variety of filtration applications.

[0021] 4, the porous sidewall 92 of the filter member 90 may be supported by a rigid core 94 and / or a rigid outer wall 96. For example, the porous sidewall 92 may be wrapped around the rigid core 94 and supported between the rigid core 94 and the rigid outer wall 96. The rigid core 94 and the rigid outer wall 96 each have openings that allow liquid to flow freely through them.

[0022] The filter member 90 is disposed within the interior volume 26 of the sleeve 20. A radially inner portion 28 of the interior volume 26 of the sleeve 20 is disposed within the filter member 90. For example, the radially inner portion 28 is disposed within the filter member 90 (e.g., the filter member surrounds the radially inner portion 28). The radially outer portion 30 is disposed between the filter member 90 and the sleeve 20 (e.g., the radially outer portion 30 is sandwiched between an outer surface of the filter member 90 and an inner surface 32 of the sleeve 20).

[0023] The first end cap 40A has an end 52A that faces the first open end 22 of the sleeve 20. The end 52A of the first end cap 40A is removably coupled to the sleeve 20. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first end cap 40A is removably coupled to the sleeve 20 by threading the first end cap 40A and the sleeve 20 together. It should be understood that the first end cap 40A in other embodiments may be removably coupled to the sleeve 20 in a different manner than by threading together.

[0024] As described above, the first end cap 40A and the second end cap 40B can be removably coupled to the sleeve 20. The removability of the first end cap 40A and the second end cap 40B allows for removal and replacement of the filter element 90 from the housing 10. For example, once the filter element has operated for a set period of time, such as an operating time, at least one of the end caps 40A, 40B can be removed from the housing and replaced with a new filter element. The first end cap 40A and / or the second end cap 40B can be detached / disconnected from the sleeve 20 to allow access, removal, and replacement of the filter element 90.

[0025] A first plurality of ports 42A in the first end cap 40A and a second plurality of ports 42B in the second end cap 40B connect to the interior volume 26. The first plurality of ports 42A in the first end cap 40A includes an outer radial port 42A-1 and an inner radial port 42A-2. The first plurality of ports 42B in the second end cap 40B includes an outer radial port 42B-1 and an inner radial port 42B-2. In each end cap 40A, 40B, the outer radial ports 42A-1, 42B-1 connect to the interior volume 26 at a position closer to the sleeve 20 than the inner radial ports 42A-2, 42B-2.

[0026] The outer radial ports 42A-1, 42B-1 and the inner radial ports 42A-2, 42B-2 are configured to supply fluid (i.e., fluid to be filtered) into the housing 10 and / or discharge filtered fluid (i.e., fluid after being filtered by the filter member 90) from the housing 10. For example, each of the outer radial ports 42A-1, 42B-1 is for transferring fluid to and / or from the interior volume 26 of the sleeve 20 outside the filter member 90 (e.g., supplying to and receiving from the radial outer portion 30). For example, each of the inner radial ports 42A-2, 42B-2 is for transferring fluid to and / or from the interior of the filter member 90 (e.g., supplying to and receiving from the radial inner portion 28).

[0027] The outer radial port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A connects to the radially outer portion 30 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. The outer radial port 42A-1 extends through the first end cap 40A to the radially outer portion 30 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. For example, the outer radial port 42A-1 includes a first opening 54A-1 disposed at the end 52A of the first end cap 40A facing the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20, and a second opening 56A-1 disposed outside the first end cap 40A (e.g., outside the housing 10). The first opening 54A-1 is disposed within the filter 1 and faces the radially outer portion 30 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. The first opening 54A-1 is configured to allow liquid flow between the radially outer portion 30 and the first end cap 40A (e.g., flow from the radially outer portion 30 to the first end cap 40A, flow from the first end cap 40A to the radially outer portion 30).

[0028] The inner radial port 42A-2 of the first end cap 40A connects to the radially inner portion 28 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. The inner radial port 42A-2 extends through the first end cap 40A to the radially inner portion 28 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. For example, the inner radial port 42A-2 includes a first opening 54A-2 disposed at the end 52A of the first end cap 40A facing the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20, and a second opening 56A-2 disposed outside the first end cap 40A (e.g., located outside the housing 10). The first opening 54A-2 is disposed within the housing 10 and faces the radially inner portion 28 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. The first opening 54A-2 is configured to allow liquid flow between the radially inner portion 28 and the first end cap 40A (e.g., from the radially inner portion 28 to the first end cap 40A, or from the first end cap 40A to the radially inner portion 28). As shown in FIG. 4, the first opening 54A-1 of the outer radial port 42A-1 is located closer to the sleeve 20 than the first opening 54A-2 of the outer radial port 42A-2.

[0029] The outer radial port 42B-1 of the second end cap 40B connects to the radially outer portion 30 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. The outer radial port 42B-1 extends through the second end cap 40B to the radially outer portion 30 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. For example, the outer radial port 42B-1 includes a first opening 54B-1 disposed at the end 52B of the second end cap 40B facing the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20, and a second opening 56B-1 disposed on the exterior of the first end cap 40A (e.g., on the exterior of the housing 10). The first opening 54B-1 is disposed inside the housing 10 and faces the radially outer portion 30 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. The first opening 54B-1 is configured to allow liquid flow between the radially outer portion 30 and the second end cap 40B (e.g., flow from the radially outer portion 30 to the second end cap 40B, flow from the second end cap 40B to the radially outer portion 30).

[0030] The inner radial port 42B-2 of the second end cap 40B connects to the radially inner portion 28 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. The inner radial port 42B-2 extends through the second end cap 40B to the radially inner portion 28 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. For example, the inner radial port 42B-2 includes a first opening 54B-2 disposed at the end 52B of the second end cap 40B facing the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20, and a second opening 56B-2 disposed on the exterior of the second end cap 40B (e.g., located outside the housing 10). The first opening 54B-2 is disposed inside the housing 10 and faces the radially inner portion 28 of the internal volume 26 of the sleeve 20. The first openings 54B-2 are configured to allow liquid flow between the radially inner portion 28 and the second end cap 40B (e.g., from the radially inner portion 28 to the second end cap 40B, or from the second end cap 40B to the radially inner portion 28). As shown in FIG. 4, the first openings 54B-1 of the outer radial ports 42B-1 are located closer to the sleeve 20 than the first openings 54B-2 of the outer radial ports 42B-2.

[0031] 4, filter 1 includes first fluid path P1, second fluid path P2, third fluid path P3, fourth fluid path P4, and fifth fluid path P5. The fluid paths connect ports 42A, 42B through internal volume 26. Fluid may not flow through some of the fluid paths shown, depending on how filter 1 is being used. For example, which of one or more of ports 42A, 42B is supplied with the fluid to be filtered (e.g., acting as an inlet port) and which of the remaining ports 56A remains open (e.g., acting as an outlet port).

[0032] The first fluid path P1 extends from the inner port 42A-2 of the first end cap 40A to the outer port 42B-1 of the second end cap 40B. The second fluid path P2 extends from the inner port 42A-2 of the first end cap 40A to the outer port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A. The fifth fluid path P5 extends from the outer port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A to the inner port 42B-2 of the second end cap 40B. Each of the first fluid path P1, the second fluid path P2, and the third fluid path P3 extends through the filter element 90 as the fluid path extends between the respective ports 42A, 42B. Fluid flowing through or following the first fluid path P1, the second fluid path P2, or the third fluid path P3 may be filtered by the filter element 90 and discharged from the filter element 90 as permeate.

[0033] The third fluid path P3 extends from the inner port 42A-2 of the first end cap 40A to the inner port 42B-2 of the second end cap 40B without passing through the filter member 90. The fourth fluid path P4 extends from the outer port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A to the outer port 42B-1 of the second end cap 40B without passing through the filter member 90. Fluid flowing through / following the third fluid path P3 or the fourth fluid path P4 is not filtered by the filter member 90 and may be discharged from the filter 1 as retentate.

[0034] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the filter 1 shown in Figure 3 according to one embodiment, illustrating the connections between auxiliary port 50A and the first plurality of ports 42A in the first end cap 40A and the connections between auxiliary port 50B and the second plurality of ports 42B in the second end cap 50B.

[0035] Each auxiliary port 50A connects to one of the first plurality of ports 42A in the first end cap 40A. Each auxiliary port 50A extends to a respective one of the first plurality of ports 42A. For example, the auxiliary ports 50A may include a first auxiliary port 50A-1 connecting to the outer port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A and a second auxiliary port 50A-2 connecting to the inner port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A.

[0036] Each auxiliary port 50B connects to one of the second plurality of ports 42B in the second end cap 40B. Each auxiliary port 50B extends to one of the second plurality of ports 42B. For example, the auxiliary ports 50B may include a first auxiliary port 50B-1 connecting to the outer port 42B-1 of the second end cap 40B and a second auxiliary port 50B-2 connecting to the inner port 42B-1 of the second end cap 40B.

[0037] In one embodiment, one or more of auxiliary ports 50A, 50B are for draining a portion of the filtered liquid from filter 1. In one embodiment, one or more of auxiliary ports 50A, 50B may be a drain and / or vent for filter 1. For example, a drain may be configured to be used to remove remaining liquid from filter housing 10 (e.g., before removing filter 1, before opening / disassembling filter housing 10). For example, a vent may be configured to be used to remove gas from filter housing 10 (e.g., to remove trapped gas from within housing 10).

[0038] 6A is a cross-sectional view of the filter 1 of FIG. 4 in a first port configuration, according to one embodiment. In the first port configuration, the inlet fluid f iis supplied to the inner port 42A-2 of the first end cap 40A. The outer port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A, the outer port 42B-1 of the second end cap 40B, and the inner port 42B-2 of the second end cap 40B are open (e.g., unplugged, uncapped, etc.). The auxiliary ports 50A and 50B are capped.

[0039] inlet fluid f i A first portion of the inlet fluid f flows from the inner port 42A-2 of the first end cap 40A through the filter member 90 to the outer port 42B-1 of the second end cap 42B. For example, i A first portion of the inlet fluid f flows through the first flow path P1. i This filtered first portion is then called permeate f P The inlet fluid f exits the second end cap 40B (e.g., through the outer port 42B-1). i A second portion of the inlet fluid f flows from the inner port 42A-2 of the first end cap 40A through the filter member 90 to the outer port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A. For example, i A second portion of the inlet fluid f flows through the second flow path P2. i This filtered second portion is then called permeate f P As discussed with respect to fluid flow through a flow path, passing through the filter element 90 refers to passing through the porous side wall 92 of the filter element 90.

[0040] inlet fluid f i A third portion of the inlet fluid f flows from the inner port 42A-2 of the first end cap 40A to the inner port 42B-2 of the second end cap 40B without passing through the filter member 90. i This third portion of the inlet fluid f does not pass through the filter element 90 and is therefore not filtered. i This third portion of the inlet fluid f flows through the fifth flow path P5. iThis filtered portion is then called the permeate f R The air is discharged from the second end cap 40B (eg, from the outer port 42B-1) as

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6A, the filter 1 in the first port configuration has one inlet fluid flow f i , producing two permeate streams and one retentate stream. It should be understood that in other port configurations, the interior port 42A-2 of the second end cap 42B-2, the exterior port 42A-1 of the first end cap 42A, and / or the exterior port 42B-1 of the second end cap 42B may be closed (e.g., capped, blocked, etc.). For example, in other configurations, the interior port 42B-2 of the second end cap 52B and one of the exterior port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A or the exterior port 42B-1 of the second end cap 40B may be closed. In some port configurations, the inlet fluid f i A second flow of inlet fluid f may be supplied to the inner port 42B-2 of the second end cap 40B. In some port configurations, the auxiliary ports 50A, 50B may also be connected to the inlet port 42B-3. i to feed additional flow(s) of permeate f into filter 1. P to drain additional flow(s) of retentate f from filter 1. R may be opened and used to drain additional flow(s) from the filter 1.

[0042] 6B is a cross-sectional view of the filter 1 of FIG. 4 in a second port configuration, according to one embodiment. In the second port configuration, the inlet fluid f i is supplied to the outer port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A. The inner port 42A-2 of the first end cap 40A, the outer port 42B-1 of the second end cap 40B, and the inner port 42B-2 of the second end cap 40B are open. The auxiliary ports 50A and 50B are capped.

[0043] inlet fluid f iA first portion of the inlet fluid f flows from the outer port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A through the filter member 90 to the inner port 42A-2 of the first end cap 42A. For example, i The first part of the inlet fluid f flows through the second flow path P2. i This filtered first portion is then called permeate f P The inlet fluid f exits the first end cap 40A (e.g., through the inner port 42A-2). i A second portion of the inlet fluid f flows from the outer port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A through the filter member 90 to the inner port 42B-2 of the second end cap 40B. i The second part of the inlet fluid f flows through the fifth flow path P5. i This filtered second portion is then called permeate f P The air is discharged from the second end cap 40B (eg, through the inner port 42B-2) as

[0044] inlet fluid f i A third portion of the inlet fluid f flows from the outer port 42A-1 of the first end cap 40A to the outer port 42B-1 of the second end cap 40B without passing through the filter member 90. i This third portion of the inlet fluid f does not pass through the filter element 90 and is therefore not filtered. i The third portion of the inlet fluid f flows through the fourth flow path P4. i This filtered portion is then called the permeate f R The air is discharged from the second end cap 40B (eg, from the outer port 42B-1) as

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6B, the filter 1 in the first port configuration has one inlet fluid flow f i, producing two permeate streams and one retentate stream. It should be understood that in other port configurations, the inner port 42A-2 of the first end cap, the inner port 42A-2 of the second end cap 42B-2, and / or the outer port 42B-1 of the second end cap 42B may be closed. For example, in other configurations, the outer port 42B-1 of the second end cap 52B and one of the inner port 42A-2 of the first end cap 40A or the outer port 42B-1 of the second end cap 40B may be closed. In some port configurations, the inlet fluid f i A second flow of inlet fluid f may be supplied to the outer port 42B-1 of the second end cap 40B. In some port configurations, the auxiliary ports 50A, 50B may also be connected to the inlet port 42B-1. i to feed additional flow(s) of permeate f into filter 1. P to drain additional flow(s) of retentate f from filter 1. R may be opened and used to drain additional flow(s) from the filter 1.

[0046] Aspects: Any of the embodiments 1 to 10 may be combined with any of the embodiments 11 to 19, and any of the embodiments 11 to 16 may be combined with any of the embodiments 17 to 19.

[0047] Aspect 1. A filter housing comprising: a sleeve including a first open end, a second open end, and an internal volume, the internal volume having a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion; a first end cap coupled to the first open end of the sleeve, the first end cap including a first plurality of ports connecting to the radially outer and radially inner portions of the internal volume of the sleeve; and a second end cap coupled to the second open end of the sleeve, the second end cap including a second plurality of ports connecting to the radially outer and radially inner portions of the internal volume of the sleeve, wherein at least one of the first end cap and the second end cap is removably coupled to the sleeve, and the filter housing is configured to enclose a filter element within the sleeve between the first end cap and the second end cap.

[0048] Aspect 2. The filter housing of Aspect 1, wherein the first plurality of ports includes outer ports extending to a radially outer portion of the internal volume of the sleeve and inner ports extending to a radially inner portion of the internal volume of the sleeve, and the second plurality of ports includes outer ports extending to a radially outer portion of the internal volume of the sleeve and inner ports extending to a radially inner portion of the internal volume of the sleeve.

[0049] Embodiment 3. The filter housing of embodiment 2, wherein the first end cap includes one or more auxiliary ports that each extend through the first end cap to one of the inner port and the outer port of the first end cap.

[0050] Embodiment 4. The filter housing of any one of embodiments 1-3, further comprising: a first fluid pathway extending from a first port of the first plurality of ports to a first port of the second plurality of ports, the first fluid pathway configured to extend through the filter member; and a second fluid pathway extending from the first port of the first plurality of ports to a second port of the first plurality of ports, the first fluid pathway configured to extend through the filter member.

[0051] Embodiment 5. The filter housing of embodiment 4, further comprising a third fluid path extending from a first port of the first plurality of ports to a second port of the second plurality of ports, the third fluid path being configured not to pass through the filter member.

[0052] Embodiment 6. The filter housing of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the first end cap includes an end facing the first open end of the sleeve, and each port of the first plurality of ports has a respective opening at the end of the first end cap, and the second end cap includes an end facing the second open end of the sleeve, and each port of the second plurality of ports has a respective opening at the end of the second end cap.

[0053] Embodiment 7. The filter housing of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the sleeve has a tubular shape.

[0054] Embodiment 8. The filter housing of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and the longitudinal axis of the filter member are coaxial.

[0055] Embodiment 9. The filter housing of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the sleeve has an axial length extending from the first end of the sleeve to the second end of the sleeve, and wherein the axial length of the sleeve is less than 40 inches.

[0056] Embodiment 10. The filter housing of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the radially outer portion has a tubular shape surrounding the radially inner portion, and the filter housing is configured to position the filter member within the interior volume of the sleeve between the radially outer and radially inner portions of the interior volume.

[0057] Embodiment 11. A method of filtering a liquid with a filter including a filter element and a filter housing, the filter housing including a sleeve, a first end cap coupled to a first open end of the sleeve and including a first plurality of ports, and a second end cap coupled to a second open end of the sleeve and including a second plurality of ports, wherein at least one of the first end cap and the second end cap is removably coupled to the sleeve, and the filter element is disposed within the sleeve between the first end cap and the second end cap, the method including: supplying liquid into the filter housing through at least a first port of the first plurality of ports of the first end cap; directing a first portion of the liquid from the first port of the first end cap to a first port of the second plurality of ports, wherein the first portion of the liquid passes through the filter element; and discharging the first portion of the liquid from the filter through the first port of the second end cap, wherein the first portion of the liquid is permeate.

[0058] Embodiment 12. The method of embodiment 11, further comprising directing a second portion of the liquid from a first port of the first end cap to a second port of the first plurality of ports, the method comprising passing the second portion of the liquid through a filter member, the second portion of the liquid being a permeate.

[0059] Embodiment 13. The method of embodiment 11, further comprising: directing a second portion of the liquid from the first port of the first end cap to a second port of the first end cap without passing the second portion of the liquid through a filter member; and discharging the second portion of the liquid from the filter through the second port of the second end cap, wherein the second portion of the liquid is a retentate.

[0060] Embodiment 14. The method of any one of embodiments 11-13, wherein the first end cap includes an end removably coupled to the first open end of the sleeve, each port of the first plurality of ports having a respective opening at the end of the first end cap, the second end cap includes an end removably coupled to the second open end of the sleeve, each port of the second plurality of ports having a respective opening at the end of the second end cap, and directing the first portion of the liquid includes directing the first portion of the liquid from the respective openings of the first ports of the first plurality of ports to the respective openings of the first ports of the second plurality of ports.

[0061] Embodiment 15. The method of any one of embodiments 11-14, wherein the sleeve has an axial length extending from the first end of the sleeve to the second end of the sleeve, and the axial length of the sleeve is less than 40 inches.

[0062] Embodiment 16. The method of any one of embodiments 11 to 15, wherein the filter element has a tubular shape, a radially outer volume is formed between the sleeve and the filter element, and the radially outer volume has a tubular shape that surrounds the filter element.

[0063] Embodiment 17. A filter comprising: a filter element; and a filter housing enclosing the filter element, the filter housing comprising: a sleeve including a first open end, a second open end, and an internal volume, the filter element being disposed within the internal volume of the sleeve, the internal volume having a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion; a first end cap coupled to the first open end of the sleeve, the first end cap including a first plurality of ports connecting to the radially outer and radially inner portions of the internal volume of the sleeve; and a second end cap coupled to the second open end of the sleeve, the second end cap including a second plurality of ports connecting to the radially outer and radially inner portions of the internal volume of the sleeve, at least one of the first end cap and the second end cap being removably coupled to the sleeve, and the filter element being enclosed within the sleeve between the first end cap and the second end cap.

[0064] Embodiment 18. The filter of embodiment 17, wherein the filter member is configured to filter liquid and to be replaceable from the housing.

[0065] Embodiment 19. The method of any one of embodiments 17 and 18, wherein the sleeve has a tubular shape and the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and the longitudinal axis of the filter member are coaxial.

[0066] The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A filter housing, a sleeve including a first open end, a second open end, and an interior volume, the interior volume having a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion; a first end cap coupled to the first open end of the sleeve, the first end cap including a first plurality of ports connecting to a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion of the interior volume of the sleeve; a second end cap coupled to the second open end of the sleeve, the second end cap including a second plurality of ports connecting to the radially outer and inner portions of the interior volume of the sleeve; Equipped with At least one of the first end cap and the second end cap is removably coupled to the sleeve, and the filter housing is configured to enclose the filter element within the sleeve between the first end cap and the second end cap.

2. the first plurality of ports including outer ports extending to a radially outer portion of the interior volume of the sleeve and inner ports extending to a radially inner portion of the interior volume of the sleeve; the second plurality of ports including outer ports extending to a radially outer portion of the interior volume of the sleeve and inner ports extending to a radially inner portion of the interior volume of the sleeve; The filter housing of claim 1 .

3. 3. The filter housing of claim 2, wherein the first end cap includes one or more auxiliary ports that each extend through the first end cap to one of the inner and outer ports of the first end cap.

4. a first fluid pathway extending from a first port of the first plurality of ports to a first port of the second plurality of ports, the first fluid pathway configured to extend through the filter member; a second fluid pathway extending from a first port of the first plurality of ports to a second port of the first plurality of ports, the second fluid pathway configured to extend through the filter member; The filter housing of claim 1 further comprising:

5. 5. The filter housing of claim 4, further comprising a third fluid path extending from a first port of the first plurality of ports to a second port of the second plurality of ports, the third fluid path being configured not to pass through the filter member.

6. a first end cap including an end facing the first open end of the sleeve, each port of the first plurality of ports having a respective opening at the end of the first end cap; a second end cap including an end facing the second open end of the sleeve, each port of the second plurality of ports having a respective opening at the end of the second end cap; The filter housing of claim 1 .

7. The filter housing of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve has a tubular shape.

8. 2. The filter housing of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and the longitudinal axis of the filter element are coaxial.

9. 10. The filter housing of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has an axial length extending from a first end of the sleeve to a second end of the sleeve, the axial length of the sleeve being less than 40 inches.

10. the radially outer portion has a tubular shape surrounding the radially inner portion; the filter housing is configured to position the filter member within the interior volume of the sleeve between a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion of the interior volume; The filter housing of claim 1 .

11. 1. A method of filtering a liquid with a filter including a filter element and a filter housing, the filter housing including a sleeve, a first end cap coupled to a first open end of the sleeve and including a first plurality of ports, and a second end cap coupled to a second open end of the sleeve and including a second plurality of ports, at least one of the first end cap and the second end cap being removably coupled to the sleeve, the filter element being disposed within the sleeve between the first end cap and the second end cap, the method comprising: supplying a liquid into the filter housing through at least a first port of the first plurality of ports in the first end cap; directing a first portion of the liquid from a first port of the first end cap to a first port of the second plurality of ports, the first portion of the liquid including passing the first portion of the liquid through a filter member; discharging a first portion of the liquid from the filter through a first port in the second end cap, the first portion of the liquid being permeate; A method comprising:

12. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising directing a second portion of the liquid from the first port of the first end cap to a second port of the first plurality of ports, the second portion of the liquid comprising passing the second portion of the liquid through a filter member, the second portion of the liquid being a permeate.

13. directing a second portion of the liquid from the first port of the first end cap to the second port of the first end cap without passing the second portion of the liquid through the filter member; discharging a second portion of the liquid from the filter through a second port in the second end cap, the second portion of the liquid being retentate; The method of claim 11 further comprising:

14. a first end cap including an end removably coupled to the first open end of the sleeve, each port of the first plurality of ports having a respective opening at the end of the first end cap; a second end cap including an end removably coupled to the second open end of the sleeve, each port of the second plurality of ports having a respective opening in the end of the second end cap; directing the first portion of the liquid includes directing the first portion of the liquid from an opening of each of the first ports of the first plurality of ports to an opening of each of the first ports of the second plurality of ports; The method of claim 11.

15. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the sleeve has an axial length extending from a first end of the sleeve to a second end of the sleeve, the axial length of the sleeve being less than 40 inches.

16. the filter member has a tubular shape; a radially outer volume is formed between the sleeve and the filter member, the radially outer volume having a tubular shape surrounding the filter member; The method of claim 11.

17. A filter, A filter member; A filter housing enclosing the filter element, the filter housing comprising: a sleeve including a first open end, a second open end, and an interior volume, the filter member being disposed within the interior volume of the sleeve, the interior volume having a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion; a first end cap coupled to the first open end of the sleeve, the first end cap including a first plurality of ports connecting to a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion of the interior volume of the sleeve; a second end cap coupled to the second open end of the sleeve, the second end cap including a second plurality of ports connecting to the radially outer and inner portions of the interior volume of the sleeve; Including, At least one of the first end cap and the second end cap is removably coupled to the sleeve, and the filter member is enclosed within the sleeve between the first end cap and the second end cap. Filter housing and A filter comprising:

18. 18. The filter of claim 17, wherein the filter element is configured to filter liquid and to be replaceable from the housing.

19. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the sleeve has a tubular shape and the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and the longitudinal axis of the filter member are coaxial.

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