Filter device with ventilation core

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid filtration apparatus and method that includes an improved ventilation mechanism to prevent gaseous fluids accumulating in the housing from accumulating at the top of the filter device. [Solution] A liquid filter device and related methods are provided, comprising a housing, an interior within the housing, a cartridge assembly 56 (or known as a "filter cartridge") housed within the housing, and a vent 44 that allows a gaseous fluid to be released from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid filter device including a housing, an interior within the housing, a cartridge assembly (or known as a "filter cartridge") housed within the housing, and a vent hole that enables a gaseous fluid to be discharged from the interior of the housing to the exterior of the housing.

Background Art

[0002] Liquid filtration systems enable the preparation and control of the flow of purified liquids, such as high-purity liquids. These systems have a wide range of applications, including uses in chemical processing and manufacturing industries, such as the processing of liquids used in pharmaceuticals, food processing and packaging, industrial and commercial chemicals and chemical products, and semiconductor and microelectronics processing. In the case of semiconductor and microelectronics processing, liquid filtration systems are used to filter liquids used in the manufacture of solar panels, flat panel displays, and semiconductor and microelectronic devices. Liquids may be used in processes such as photolithography, bulk chemical transfer, chemical mechanical processing (CMP), wet etching, or cleaning, among other types of processing.

[0003] Examples of various designs of filter assemblies used for liquid treatment (filtration) include multi-component filter housings that define an interior for housing a filtration membrane that removes impurities from the liquid as the liquid passes through the membrane. In use, the liquid is flowed through the interior in a flow path that includes a flow through the filtration membrane. The filtration membrane is a component of a replaceable filter cartridge (i.e., a "cartridge assembly") that can be removed from and replaced in the housing after a period of use.

[0004] The housing of such a filter assembly typically includes two main external structures: a manifold and a bowl. The manifold includes a fluid inlet through which the fluid entering the filter housing (unfiltered liquid) passes, and a fluid outlet through which the fluid exiting the filter assembly after passing through the filtration membrane (filtrate) passes. Between the inlet and outlet, the fluid must pass through a porous filtration membrane. The filtration membrane is supported by a replaceable filter cartridge housed in the housing. The bowl includes an open end that engages with the manifold, forming a liquid-tight seal between the manifold and the bowl.

[0005] The standard installation configuration for this type of filter assembly uses a manifold connected to an input conduit and an output conduit. The input conduit is connected to the manifold inlet, which directs the incoming flow of unfiltered liquid into the housing. The output conduit is connected to the manifold outlet, which receives the flow of fluid (i.e., "filtered liquid") that has passed through the filtration membrane and exited the assembly through the manifold outlet.

[0006] A typical installation configuration for such a filter housing assembly is designed so that the bowl extends vertically downward below the manifold. This configuration is often referred to as the standard configuration or the “bowl-down” configuration. When installed in this way, the manifold rests above the housing, so the vent port may be included in the manifold or selectively open in the upper portion of the housing to release air or other gases that accumulate within the filter assembly to the outside. During startup or use, when filtering a liquid fluid, the exemplary filter assembly may accumulate a large amount of gas (e.g., air) within the internal space of the filter cartridge, for example, in the internal core volume located in the central channel of the filter cartridge housed within the housing.

[0007] In certain application examples, for instance, when these filter devices are used by semiconductor manufacturers, a more preferred installation configuration of this type of liquid filtration device may be an inverted "bowl-on" configuration, where the bowl of the cartridge assembly and housing is located above the manifold. While the bowl-on configuration has advantages, it also presents challenges. In the bowl-on configuration, the piping connecting to the manifold (inlet and outlet conduits) can be located below the bowl and filter cartridge, alongside the manifold, in the lower or bottom portion of the filter device. This configuration can be preferred because it positions the bowl and cartridge assembly in a more accessible location above the manifold and allows for more efficient drainage of the filter during filter replacement steps.

[0008] However, in the bowl-up orientation, the vents are located at the bottom of the filter assembly, which prevents the ventilation mechanism through the manifold from functioning. Furthermore, gaseous fluids that accumulate within the housing, for example, the internal space of the filter cartridge (i.e., the "cartridge core volume" of the abbreviated "core volume"), may accumulate at the top of the filter device, i.e., at the top of the bowl.

[0009] The ventilation mechanism of a liquid filtration system can be important for at least two major reasons. One reason is to prevent the filtration system's performance from being reduced by the presence of gas pockets within the filter housing during use. The second (but not entirely unrelated) reason is to prevent the risk of electrostatic discharge.

[0010] Regarding the former, if the inside of the liquid filtration device housing contains pockets of trapped air or another gaseous fluid, the liquid passing through the housing does not need to come into contact with the entire surface area of ​​the filtration membrane, and moisture can be removed from the membrane. Moisture removal may be a concern for different types of filtration membranes, such as hydrophobic filtration membranes.

[0011] The second concern is electrostatic discharge. Filter housings, housing structures, and components are generally made of non-conductive (insulating), chemically resistant polymer materials. If the liquid passing through the filter housing also has low conductivity, significant static electricity can accumulate in the filter housing, the fluid in the system, or the components or structure of the system. This accumulation of charge poses a risk of electrostatic discharge. A large amount of captured air in the upper region of the liquid filtration device housing can cause turbulence or free fall of the liquid flowing through the filter cartridge, thereby potentially leading to the accumulation of static electricity in the liquid, the filter device, the structure, or the housing.

[0012] More specifically, static electricity buildup within a filtration system can occur due to frictional contact between the flow of the liquid fluid through the filtration system and the surfaces of the filtration system (e.g., tubing, conduits, pipes, valves, fittings, filter housings, and filter cartridges). Charge buildup can be increased by the non-uniform or turbulent flow of the liquid through the filter housing, caused by a large amount of gas within the filter housing, particularly gas in the core volume inside the filter cartridge assembly. The magnitude of charge buildup is influenced by factors such as the properties of the housing (e.g., chemical composition), the type and composition of the liquid passing through the housing, the liquid velocity, the liquid viscosity, the liquid conductivity, the path to ground, turbulence and shear in the liquid, the presence and location of air in the fluid in the fluid handling system (e.g., the filter device), and the size of the contact area between the fluid and the fluid handling components.

[0013] Furthermore, as a fluid flows through a fluid handling system, charges can be carried downstream by a phenomenon called streaming charge, which can cause charge accumulation at a location different from where it originated. A sufficient amount of charge accumulation can trigger electrostatic discharge in the structure of components of a fluid handling system, such as a filter. However, in some cases, the discharge may occur at a different location connected to the fluid handling system, such as in processing equipment connected to and supplied by the fluid handling system (e.g., semiconductor manufacturing tools).

[0014] Semiconductor and microelectronic device substrates are highly susceptible to static electricity. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) involving semiconductor or microelectronic device substrates can lead to substrate damage and breakage. For example, circuits on the substrate may be destroyed, and uncontrolled ESD may activate photoactive compounds before normal exposure. In addition, accumulated static electricity can discharge from within a fluid handling system into the external environment, potentially damaging components of the fluid handling system (e.g., tubing or pipes, fixtures, components, containers, filters, etc.), leading to damage to the fluid handling system, which may result in fluid leakage, overflow, or reduced performance in the system. Depending on the environment, discharge may lead to fire, explosion, or safety problems if the fluid handled by the system is flammable, toxic, or corrosive.

[0015] In some fluid handling systems, certain metal or conductive components are connected to earth to reduce or suppress the accumulation of static electricity within the system. The use of multiple conventional grounding straps can lead to excessive mechanical noise within the fluid handling system, and the grounding system network can become complex, requiring extensive maintenance or resulting in a complex system prone to failure.

[0016] In fluid handling systems, including filter devices, it would be desirable to improve electrostatic suppression systems and technologies to improve performance and reduce the risk of potentially damaging electrostatic discharge events. [Overview of the project]

[0017] This disclosure provides a filtration apparatus that includes an improved aeration mechanism with respect to aeration of gaseous fluids from the internal core volume within the filter cartridge of the apparatus, particularly in relation to the use of the liquid filtration apparatus installed in a bowl-top configuration.

[0018] Furthermore, according to certain exemplary embodiments, the liquid filtration apparatus may, by alternative means or in addition, include an electrostatic dissipation mechanism, also known as an ESD suppression mechanism. The ESD suppression mechanism may be incorporated into the apparatus by constructing one or more components of the apparatus from a conductive material, such as a conductive polymer or a conductive fluoropolymer. In the exemplary apparatus, the ventilation mechanism or other components of the housing may be made of a conductive material, such as a conductive polymer or a hybrid structure of conductive / non-conductive polymers. Where conductive structures such as ventilation tubes are present, they are coupled to the housing and ultimately to earth to suppress the risk of ESD. In some embodiments, a conductive fitting extending through an insulating polymer manifold completes the circuit from the electrical path in the filter core to earth (for example, an electrical connection can be made between the ventilation tube and earth).

[0019] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid filtration apparatus. The apparatus includes a bowl having an open end, a distal end opposite the open end, and an interior extending between the open end and the distal end; a manifold capable of sealing the open end of the bowl, the manifold having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; and a cartridge assembly disposed inside. The cartridge assembly includes a filtration membrane, a proximal end of the cartridge assembly, and a distal end of the cartridge assembly. The proximal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface adapted to contact the surface of the manifold to form a cartridge assembly-manifold seal. The distal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface adapted to contact the inner surface of the bowl to form an internal cartridge assembly-bowl seal. The apparatus also includes a core volume located centrally inside the cartridge assembly; a housing volume located outside the cartridge assembly between the cartridge assembly and the housing; and a vent extending through the distal end of the bowl to the core volume, thereby fluidly connecting the core volume to the outside of the liquid filtration apparatus.

[0020] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for filtering a liquid using a liquid filtration apparatus comprising a housing including a manifold and a bowl, wherein the bowl is mounted vertically above the manifold. The housing comprises a bowl including an open end, a distal end opposite the open end, and an interior extending between the open end and the distal end; a manifold engaging with the open end of the bowl to form a manifold-bowl seal, the manifold comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a cartridge assembly disposed inside, comprising a filtration membrane, a proximal end of the cartridge assembly, and a distal end of the cartridge assembly, wherein the proximal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface adapted to contact the surface of the manifold to form a cartridge assembly-manifold seal, and the distal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface adapted to contact the inner surface of the bowl to form an internal cartridge assembly-bowl seal; a core volume located centrally inside the cartridge assembly; a housing volume located outside the cartridge assembly between the cartridge assembly and the bowl; and a vent extending through the distal end of the bowl to the core volume, thereby fluidly connecting the core volume to the outside of the bowl. The method involves passing a liquid through the apparatus by introducing the liquid into the inlet, passing it through the housing volume from the inlet, through a filtration membrane to the core volume, and then through the outlet, wherein the gas accumulates in the distal region of the core volume, and the method includes passing the liquid through the apparatus and releasing the gas through a vent.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for replacing a cartridge assembly of a liquid filtration apparatus, comprising a housing including a manifold and a bowl, the bowl being mounted vertically above the manifold. The housing comprises a bowl having an open end, a distal end opposite the open end, and an interior extending between the open end and the distal end; a manifold engaging with the open end of the bowl to form a manifold-bowl seal, the manifold comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a cartridge assembly disposed inside, comprising a filtration membrane, a proximal end of the cartridge assembly, and a distal end of the cartridge assembly, wherein the proximal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface that contacts the surface of the manifold to form a cartridge assembly-manifold seal, and the distal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface that contacts the inner surface of the bowl to form an internal cartridge assembly-bowl seal; a core volume located centrally inside the cartridge assembly; a housing volume located outside the cartridge assembly between the cartridge assembly and the bowl; and a vent extending through the distal end of the bowl to the core volume, thereby fluidly connecting the core volume to the outside of the bowl. The method includes draining the liquid fluid from the liquid filtration assembly, disassembling the manifold-bowl seal, lifting the bowl and cartridge assembly vertically above the manifold to create vertical play between the bowl and the manifold, and between the cartridge assembly and the manifold, and moving the bowl and cartridge assembly together laterally to create play between the manifold and the bowl, and between the manifold and the cartridge assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This diagram shows a filter device with a bowl-shaped configuration. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a filter device with a bowl-shaped configuration. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing a filter device with a bowl-top configuration, where the core vent passes through the distal end of the filter housing. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing a filter device with a bowl-up configuration where the core vent passes through the distal end of the filter housing. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view showing the exemplary filter assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] Enlarged view showing a portion of the filter assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] Detailed view showing a core vent adapted to include an optional electrostatic discharge mechanism. **DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION**

[0023] This specification relates to a novel inventive system involved in improvements to liquid filtration devices. In certain specific non-limiting examples, this specification relates to a liquid filtration device that may be operated in a bowl-up orientation and includes a venting mechanism extending through the bowl that vents a core volume within the interior of the liquid filtration device.

[0024] This specification also, as another way or in addition, relates to a liquid filtration device incorporating a system that suppresses the accumulation of static electricity within the liquid filtration device or adjacent structures, thereby reducing the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) from the filter device or connected flow control device or other types of devices.

[0025] The liquid filtration device as described is of a type that includes a housing (sometimes referred to as a "filter housing") that includes both a manifold and a bowl. The bowl has a structure that includes an open end and a distal end opposite the open end. Between the open end and the distal end, the bowl includes a sidewall structure that also defines the interior of the bowl disposed between the open end, the sidewall, and the distal end. The "open" end refers to an end that includes an aperture or opening through which a cartridge assembly can be coupled and disposed within the interior.

[0026] The distal end of the bowl is substantially closed, with the exception of one or more vents passing through the distal end. When the liquid filtration device is used in a “bowl-up” configuration, the distal end of the bowl may include an opening that allows ventilation between the outside of the distal end and the core volume. Alternatively or in addition, the distal end of the bowl may include an opening that allows ventilation between the outside of the distal end and the housing volume.

[0027] The housing also includes a manifold that faces and engages with the open end of the bowl, forming a liquid-tight seal between the manifold and the open end of the bowl. The engagement may include screws, gaskets, clamps, or any other mechanical fastening engagement that results in a liquid-tight seal between the manifold and the open end of the bowl, referred to as the “manifold-bowl seal”.

[0028] When engaged with the open end of the bowl, the manifold covers the open end of the bowl, sealing and closing the opening and covering the interior of the bowl. The bowl communicates with the external space through openings or passages in the manifold, in the form of an inlet and an outlet, which are each part of the manifold structure. The manifold inlet allows fluid (unfiltered liquid) to flow through the manifold from an external source into the internal space of the housing, which may be either the core volume of the filter cartridge or the housing volume. The manifold also includes an outlet, which is a passage through the manifold, allowing the liquid to exit the housing either from the core volume to a location outside the housing, or from the open-side space to a location outside the housing.

[0029] The interior of the housing is configured to house a cartridge assembly that contains a porous filter membrane through which the unfiltered liquid entering the housing through the inlet must pass, through the interior, and then through the outlet.

[0030] The cartridge assembly may be any structure that supports the filtration membrane used within the filter housing of a liquid filtration device. In many cases, or generally, the cartridge houses an annular, typically cylindrical support structure that includes opposing ends, a proximal end (or “cartridge assembly proximal end”) and a distal end (or “cartridge assembly distal end”). The filtration membrane is held and supported by the support structure and sealed between the two opposing ends, and is sealed in such a position that, when the cartridge assembly is installed in the housing into which it is assembled, any liquid entering the housing through the housing inlet must pass through the filtration membrane and substantially through the housing outlet.

[0031] A cartridge assembly can be considered to include an axis (e.g., a central axis) that extends along the length of the cartridge assembly, either at the center or along the central position between two opposing ends. The cartridge assembly also defines an open space in the center of the annular or cylindrical cartridge assembly, facing the core side of the filter membrane. This open space extends between the two opposing ends of the cartridge assembly and includes the central axis. This open space is called the “core volume” of the assembled housing and is located on one side of the filter membrane (the “core side” of the filter membrane) and extends between the core side of the filter membrane and either the housing inlet or the housing outlet (generally the housing outlet).

[0032] The cartridge assembly includes a second side opposite to the core side, i.e., the housing side, which faces the housing bowl when the cartridge assembly is installed within the assembled filter housing. The cartridge assembly and housing define a second open space outside the annular cartridge assembly, which is called the “housing volume,” and is located between the inner surface of the housing bowl, the housing side of the cartridge assembly, and the housing side of the filtration membrane. This housing volume extends between the housing side of the filtration membrane, the inner surface of the housing bowl, and either the housing inlet or the housing outlet (generally the inlet).

[0033] The proximal end of the cartridge assembly is configured to engage with the manifold and create a liquid-tight seal between the manifold and the proximal end of the cartridge assembly, i.e., a "cartridge assembly-manifold seal." The cartridge assembly-manifold seal provides a liquid-tight passage between the core volume and the manifold, allowing pressurized liquid to flow between the core volume and the manifold and through either the housing inlet or the housing outlet.

[0034] The cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be any useful design that provides a sealed flow path between the manifold and the proximal end of the cartridge assembly. Examples include screw, snap-fit, and press-fit engagements.

[0035] To facilitate the removal of the cartridge assembly from the manifold during the cartridge assembly replacement step, a preferred engagement between the proximal end of the cartridge assembly and the manifold, which forms a cartridge assembly-manifold seal, may be a sealing engagement, which is a press-fit engagement. Using this type of engagement, a cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be formed by pressing the surface of the proximal end of the cartridge assembly into contact with the surface of the manifold, and moving the cartridge assembly toward the manifold along the central axis, for example exclusively along the axial direction, without rotating the cartridge assembly relative to the central axis. Generally, the proximal end of the cartridge assembly includes a cylindrical outward-facing surface that aligns with the central axis of the cartridge assembly and extends along that direction. The manifold includes an opening that defines opposing surfaces, adapted to engage the cylindrical surface of the proximal end of the cartridge assembly. One or more gaskets, such as an "O-ring" type gasket, are disposed between the opposing surface of the manifold and the proximal end to form a liquid-tight seal.

[0036] A sealing engagement can be created by pushing the proximal end into the opening of the manifold, aligning the two opposing surfaces with one or more gaskets in contact with both opposing surfaces. If the housing is installed in a bowl-up configuration, this involves pressing the cartridge assembly toward the top surface of the manifold in a vertically downward direction along the central axis of the cartridge assembly. The sealing engagement can be disassembled by pulling the surface of the proximal end of the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the manifold. If the housing is installed in a bowl-up configuration, this involves lifting the cartridge assembly toward the top surface of the manifold in a vertically upward direction along the central axis of the cartridge assembly.

[0037] The housing includes a ventilation mechanism at the distal end of the bowl that allows for the aeration (removal) of gaseous fluid from the location of the internal (core) side volume (or “core volume”) to the location outside the housing. During the use of a liquid filtration device, for example, in a configuration where the liquid flow passes through a filtration membrane in the direction from the housing volume (connected to the housing inlet) to the filter core volume (connected to the housing outlet), air or other gaseous fluid may collect in the upper portion of the core volume, which is also the “distal portion” of the core volume. The “upper portion” refers to the upper quarter, one-third, or half of the core volume when the housing is installed in a configuration with the bowl up, and this is also the portion of the core volume located away from the manifold at the distal end of the housing. Consistently, the “distal portion” refers to the quarter, one-third, or half of the core volume located at the distal end of the core, which is the end located proximal to the distal end of the bowl and away from the open end of the bowl.

[0038] According to the exemplary housing structure described, the housing bowl, together with the cartridge assembly, includes a ventilation mechanism that allows fluid communication between the core volume, for example, the upper (distal) portion of the core volume, and the outside of the housing, thereby enabling the removal of gaseous fluids that may accumulate in the core volume during use of the liquid filtration device.

[0039] The ventilation mechanism may include any structure that provides fluid communication between the core volume and the outside of the housing. Examples include tubes, conduits, channels, or other passages that extend between the core volume and the outside of the housing and can be used to allow gas to flow out of the core volume and out of the core volume to the external location. The ventilation structure may be in the form of a single, integral part, or it may be an assembly of two or more parts that together form a continuous fluid flow path between the core volume and the outside of the housing.

[0040] To provide a ventilation mechanism that allows fluid communication between the core volume and the outside of the housing, a liquid filtration device as described may include a liquid-tight seal between the inner surface of the housing bowl and the distal end of the cartridge assembly, and the seal is called a "cartridge assembly-bowl seal".

[0041] The cartridge assembly-bowl seal can be any useful design that provides a liquid-tight passage between the inner surface of the assembly-bowl and the distal end of the cartridge assembly. Examples include opposing threads, snap-fit ​​engagements, and press-fit engagements. An example of a useful engagement between the distal end of the cartridge assembly and the inner surface of the bowl that forms a cartridge assembly-bowl seal is a sealing engagement, such as a press-fit engagement used to form a cartridge assembly-bowl seal as described herein. Using this type of engagement, a cartridge assembly-bowl seal can be formed by pressing the surface of the distal end of the cartridge assembly into contact with the inner surface of the bowl and moving the cartridge assembly along its central axis toward the distal end of the bowl. Generally, the distal end of the cartridge assembly may include a cylindrical outward-facing surface that aligns with and extends along the central axis of the cartridge assembly. The inner surface of the bowl includes an opening that defines opposing surfaces, configured to engage with the cylindrical surface of the distal end of the cartridge assembly. One or more gaskets, such as an "O-ring" type gasket, are placed between the opposing surfaces of the bowl and the distal end to form a liquid-tight seal between the two opposing surfaces.

[0042] A sealing engagement can be created by pushing the distal end into the opening and aligning it with the opposing surface, then moving the cartridge assembly along the central axis toward the distal end of the bowl, bringing one or more gaskets into contact with both opposing surfaces. The sealing engagement can be disassembled by pulling the distal end surface of the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the bowl, and moving the cartridge assembly along the central axis toward the distal end of the bowl.

[0043] Certain examples of liquid filtration devices may include an ESD suppression mechanism, which is a structure that suppresses the accumulation of static electricity within the housing and its components, thereby mitigating the risk of charge accumulation that would be sufficient to result in an electrostatic discharge to earth. According to certain (non-exclusive) examples of these mechanisms, the ESD suppression mechanism may be included as part of the ventilation mechanism. Thus, the ESD suppression mechanism may be located in the upper part of the core volume where gas may accumulate, which is where static electricity can be generated.

[0044] In many cases, depending on the expected application of the liquid filtration system, the structure of the system (e.g., bowls, manifolds, components of cartridge assemblies, adjacent valves and flow conduits, etc.) is made of inert polymers that are particularly resistant to chemical degradation such as oxidation or corrosion. To meet the corrosion resistance and purity requirements for such applications, components of fluid handling and liquid filtration, such as tubing, fittings, valves, conduits, housings, cartridge assemblies, and other items, are made from inert polymers. Examples of useful inert polymers include fluoropolymers such as tetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxyalkane polymer (PFA), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene polymer (ETFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene polymer (EFEP), and fluorinated ethylene propylene polymer (FEP). In addition to providing non-corrosive and inert configurations, many fluoropolymers, such as PFA, are injection moldable and extruded. Depending on the application, other polymer options such as PP or HDPE are equally feasible. Several types of connector fixtures are available and known, made from such polymers, including PRIMELOCK® fixtures, PILLAR® fixtures, flare fixtures, and other fixtures. Exemplary fixtures are illustrated, for example, in U.S. Patents 5,154,453, 6,409,222, 6,412,832, 6,601,879, 6,758,104, and 6,776,440. However, these types of inert polymers generally exhibit low conductivity or insulation, and therefore their materials and components made from them are susceptible to the accumulation of static electricity. Accordingly, as described herein, filter housings may include ESD suppression mechanisms.

[0045] An ESD suppression mechanism is a housing structure or part of a housing structure, as described, that prevents the accumulation of static electricity in the fluid or within the housing, or removes, minimizes, or reduces the generated or accumulated charge from the housing structure. ESD suppression can be a conductive element of the housing structure connected to ground, such as a conductive component of a ventilation mechanism (e.g., a ventilation conduit or part thereof), a conductive component of the housing bowl, a conductive component of the housing manifold, or a conductive component of the cartridge assembly.

[0046] The conductive components may be made of materials that match the other materials of the housing, for example, which may be inert. Examples include conductive polymers, particularly conductive fluoropolymers. Conductive fluoropolymers may be based on non-conductive fluoropolymers formulated to contain a conductive material that makes the fluoropolymer sufficiently conductive as part of the ESD mechanism. Examples of such fluoropolymers include perfluoroalkoxyalkane polymers (PFAs), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene polymers (ETFEs), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene polymers (EFEPs), fluorinated ethylene propylene polymers (FEPs), tetrafluoroethylene polymers (PTFEs), and other suitable polymeric materials. Exemplary conductive fluoropolymers include PFAs bonded ("formulated") with a conductive material (e.g., formulated PFAs). These supported PFAs include, but are not limited to, PFAs supported with carbon fibers, nickel-plated graphite, carbon fibers, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, metal particles, and steel fibers. In various embodiments, the conductive components of the ESD suppression mechanism may have a conductivity of about 1 × 10⁻⁶. 6 Materials that can have an electrical resistivity of less than Ωm and are considered insulating are approximately 1 × 10⁻¹⁶ 6 It has a resistivity level exceeding Ωm. In certain embodiments, the conductive components of the ESD suppression mechanism have a resistivity level of approximately 1 × 10⁻¹⁶. 6 Materials with low efficiencies of less than Ωm and considered non-conductive are approximately 1 × 10⁻⁶ 6 It has a resistivity level exceeding Ωm.

[0047] Referring next to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a liquid filtration assembly 10 installed in a bowl-down configuration, which may include, or be adapted to include, one or more mechanisms as described herein, such as a ventilation mechanism, an ESD suppression mechanism, or both. The assembly 10 includes a housing, which includes a housing manifold 22 and a housing bowl 18. The housing bowl 18 includes a distal end 20 located at the bottom or lower end of the assembly 10 as shown, and an open end 17 located at the top of the bowl 18 (in the “bowl-down” orientation) and engaged with the manifold 22 as shown. The bowl 18 is removably attached to the manifold 22 in a manifold-bowl seal 26, which may be a screw engagement or another type of liquid-tight sealing engagement.

[0048] The assembled housing includes an interior in which the cartridge assembly 21 is held. The liquid to be filtered ("unfiltered liquid") is made to follow a path that includes entering the assembly 10 at an inlet 14, passing through an inlet 14 of the manifold 22, then through a filtration membrane (not shown) supported by the cartridge assembly 21, and subsequently exiting the assembly 10 at an outlet 16 (see arrows indicating exemplary paths of liquid through the assembly 10). With respect to the cartridge assembly 21 and the bowl 18, the interior of the housing includes a core volume 13 on the core side of the cartridge assembly 21 and its filtration membrane, and a housing volume 19 on the housing side of the cartridge assembly 21 and its associated filtration membrane. One or more vents may provide a path for a fluid (such as a gas) to be released from the interior of the assembly on either side of the filtration membrane (e.g., on the housing space side of the membrane or on the core volume side of the membrane) before or after passing through the filtration membrane. As shown in Figure 1, the housing vent 12 is located at the distal end 20 of the bowl 18, and the core vent 24 is included as part of the manifold 22. The housing vents 12 allow fluid communication between the housing volume 19 and a location outside the housing. The core vents 24 allow fluid communication between the core volume 13 and a location outside the housing.

[0049] Although not specifically shown, assembly 10 in Figure 1 may include mechanisms of this specification, such as an ESD suppression device.

[0050] Figure 2 shows the filter assembly 10 in an alternative configuration with the bowl facing upwards. As shown, the assembly 10 has substantially the same mechanism as the filter assembly 10 in Figure 1 in a configuration with the bowl facing downwards, but is inverted vertically so that the bowl housing 18 is located above the manifold 18 and the distal end 20 of the bowl 18 is located above the open end 17 of the bowl 18.

[0051] The bowl-top configuration shown in Figure 2 presents a problem. For example, although not shown, a large amount of gas (air) may accumulate in the upper part of the core volume 13 while filtering liquid using the assembly. This large amount of accumulated gas in the core volume 13 cannot be removed from the assembly 10 through either the vent 20 or the vent 24.

[0052] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, while filtering a liquid passing through assembly 10 using assembly 10, the core assembly 13, the bowl housing 18, or both may accumulate static electricity, especially if a large amount of gas (e.g., air) accumulates in the upper part of the core volume 13. Therefore, it would be beneficial to improve the aeration of the filter assembly 10, particularly the core volume within the device, when oriented in a bowl-up configuration. Improved suppression of electrostatic discharge (ESD) when charge accumulates during liquid filtration would also be beneficial in filter devices such as the filter assembly 10 in Figure 2.

[0053] Figure 3 shows an example of a liquid filtration apparatus (30) including a ventilation mechanism as described herein. The filter assembly 30 includes a housing 41 which includes a bowl 42 and a manifold 48. The housing 41 is provided with a core vent 34 and a housing vent 44 at the distal end (upper end) of the bowl 42. In the assembled state as shown, the manifold 48 engages the open end (lower end) of the housing bowl 42 in a manifold-bowl seal 60. The manifold-bowl seal 60 can be a liquid-tight seal, such as a screw connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, a bayonet-type twist-lock connection, or any other preferred liquid-tight sealing connection.

[0054] The manifold 48 includes passages including a fluid inlet 82 and a fluid outlet 84 that connect the device 30 to a fluid input conduit and a fluid output conduit (neither of which are shown). The liquid 80 enters the inlet 82 and flows into the housing volume 77, then passes through a filtration membrane 54 supported by the cartridge assembly 56 and enters the core volume 83. As the unfiltered liquid 80 passes through the filtration membrane 54, contaminants in the unfiltered liquid are removed and retained by the filtration membrane 54, producing a permeate 81 with reduced levels of contaminants. The permeate 81 exits the core volume 83 and flows out of the assembly 30 by passing through the outlet 84.

[0055] The housing bowl 42 includes a core vent 34 at its distal end (upper end when the bowl is in the configuration shown). The core vent 34 includes a tube, conduit, channel, or other flow path that connects the core volume 83 to an external location of the assembly 30. In addition, and optionally, the housing bowl 42 also includes a housing vent 44, also located at the distal end (upper end) of the bowl 42, which provides fluid communication between the housing volume 77 and an external location of the assembly 30.

[0056] Optionally, though not specifically illustrated, assembly 30 may include an ESD suppression mechanism, such as a conductive polymer located in one or more of the structure of assembly 30, which connects the inside of assembly 30 to earth. The exemplary ESD suppression mechanism may be a structure of assembly 30 that includes a conductive polymer. For example, any one or more of the housing bowl 42, core vent 34, housing vent 44, and cartridge assembly 56 may be made entirely or partially of a conductive polymer.

[0057] A second example of a liquid filtration assembly (32) as described, including a core vent mounted on the top, is shown in Figure 4. The assembly 32 in Figure 4 includes the structure and functionality corresponding to the device 30, except that the shorter core vent 34 of assembly 30 is replaced by the longer core vent 36 of assembly 32. The core vent 36 enters the core volume 83 from an external position, through the distal end of the housing 42, and extends to the lower portion of the core volume 83. The core vent 36 includes a lower end located in the lower portion of the core volume 83 and has an opening at its end. Although not specifically shown, there may be one or more additional openings along the length of the core vent 36, including one or more openings which may be located in the upper portion of the core volume 83. An optional, and possibly preferred, mechanism of the core vent 36, which is not specifically shown, is an ESD suppression mechanism as described.

[0058] The assemblies 30 and 32 each represent a liquid filtration assembly that includes core vents (34 and 36, respectively) that allow air to pass through the core volume 83 via a flow path, and a conduit that extends from an external position to the upper portion of the core volume 83 (assembly 30) or the lower portion of the core volume 83 (assembly 32) when the assembly is configured with the bowl facing upward, and is substantially aligned with the central axis of the cartridge assembly 56.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the assembly 30 or 32 receives the unfiltered liquid 80 into the housing 41 through the inlet 82. Once the unfiltered liquid 80 is received, the liquid flows and is distributed between the cartridge assembly 56 and the inside of the bowl 42 within the housing volume 77. The filter membrane 54 of the filter cartridge 56 is located in the fluid passage between the inlet 82 and the outlet 84, thereby filtering the fluid entering the inlet 83 before it exits the assembly 30 through the outlet 84.

[0060] As indicated by the arrows, the unfiltered liquid 80 flows through a filtration membrane 54 supported by a filter cartridge 56, thereby removing various contaminants, particles, or impurities present in the unfiltered liquid by mechanical or chemical mechanisms of the filtration membrane (e.g., pores, reactive functional groups, adsorption onto the membrane surface). The filtered fluid (known as "permeate") 81 can exit the housing 41 through the outlet 84 from the core volume 83. Various pumps, valves, flow controllers, and conduits, etc., may be useful to ensure that a desired amount and rate of fluid flows through the assembly.

[0061] During use, a fluid phase with a low density, such as gas, can be separated from the liquid phase (80, 81) passing through the assembly 30 or 32 before or after the liquid passes through the filtration membrane 54. The fluid 80 is in the liquid phase when it enters the housing volume 77, but may contain bubbles or dissolved gases. Bubbles from dissolved gases may be formed, for example, by a pressure drop in the fluid during filtration. Gas may be generated and accumulate in the housing gas pocket 46 in the upper part of the housing volume 77. In addition, a core-side gas pocket 58 may be generated and accumulate in the gas-side space 83 in the upper part of the gas-side space 83. The gas phase has a lower density than the liquid phase of liquids 80, 81, and the gas phase accumulates above the liquid from which it has been separated.

[0062] The housing gas pocket 46, located in the upper part of the housing volume 77, can be vented to the outside of the housing 41 as gas 88 through the housing vent 44. The gas in the pocket 58, located in the upper part of the gas-side space 83, can be vented to the outside as gas 86 through the core vent 34 (Figure 3) or through the vent 36 (Figure 4). By providing vents on both the housing space side 77 and the core volume side 83 of the filter membrane 54, substantially all of the gas accumulated in the device 30 can be vented to the outside.

[0063] Continuing to refer to Figures 3 and 4, at the distal end (upper end) of the bowl 42 of assembly 30, a sealed upper space 76 is defined, partly by the inner surface of the bowl 42, for example by a partition 74 as shown. The partition 74 separates the housing volume 77 from the sealed upper space 76, which includes the vents 34 or 36. The sealed upper space 76 can also be defined, partly by the surface of the distal end of the cartridge assembly 56, which contacts the surface of the partition 74 when the cartridge assembly is placed inside the housing bowl 42.

[0064] The upper space 76 can be shaped and positioned above the cartridge assembly 56, and a liquid-tight space can be provided between the distal end of the filter cartridge 56 and the inner surface of the housing bowl at the distal end of the housing bowl. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the vents 34 and 36 are sealed from the upper space 76 while passing through it. In other exemplary embodiments, the vents 34 or 36 can be in fluid communication with the upper space 76.

[0065] The distal end of the cartridge assembly may be joined to the partition 74 by any useful method for forming a liquid-tight cartridge assembly-bowl seal. The engagement may be, for example, a screw connection, a press-fit engagement, a snap-fit ​​engagement, etc.

[0066] Figures 5, 6, and 7 are diagrams of the illustrative assembly 32 of Figure 4, using similar numbering for similar mechanisms and structures, and adding details in particular with respect to the cartridge assembly-bowl seal, cartridge assembly manifold seal, and ESD suppression mechanism.

[0067] Figures 5–7 show the assembly 32 including a core vent 36 that extends to the lower (proximal) portion of the core volume 83, i.e., to half, one-third, or one-quarter of the core volume 83 closest to the manifold 48. The vent 36 can be any structure through which fluid can advance from the core volume side 83 to an external position along the vent. The vent 36 may be a hollow tube, or a slotted tube that functions as a tube for ventilation (see Figure 7), as well as an ESD suppression mechanism. The vent 36 can be configured to provide ventilation of the core volume 83 to an external position, as described herein. A ventilation (slotted) probe 96, as shown in Figure 7, may be used as one of the vent 36 (see the discussion of Figure 7 below). Alternatively, the vent 36 may be a hollow tube or pipe containing one or more apertures or holes along its length, thereby allowing ventilation to various depths of the core volume 83, including the upper portion. Both types of vent structures may be made of a conductive polymer, for example a conductive fluoropolymer, in part or whole, to create the technology for the ESD suppression mechanism.

[0068] Figures 5 and 6 show the filter assembly 32 of Figure 4 in more detail. In particular, these drawings show examples of press-fit type seals used for the cartridge assembly-bowl seal 72 and the cartridge assembly-manifold seal 64, respectively.

[0069] The cartridge assembly-bowl seal 72 is shown as a seal between the cylindrical surface at the distal end of the cartridge assembly 56 and the cylindrical inner surface of the housing bowl 42, which is located on the opposite side, on the cylindrical inner surface of the partition 74. When these two opposing surfaces are engaged, there are two “O-ring” type gaskets 71 and 71 between them, which provide a liquid-tight seal between the surfaces. This cartridge assembly-bowl seal also provides a liquid-tight seal between the sealed upper space 76 and the housing volume 77.

[0070] The cartridge assembly-manifold seal (64) is shown as a seal between the cylindrical surface at the proximal end of the cartridge assembly 56 and the cylindrical inner surface of the manifold 48, which is part of the partition 65, on the opposite side. When these two opposing surfaces are engaged, there are two “O-ring” type gaskets 66 and 66 between them.

[0071] As shown in the figure, the assembly 32 also includes a core vent upper mounting fixture 38, which includes a screw 40 for mounting to the distal end or portion of the bowl 42. The mounting fixture 38 can be screwed to secure the core vent 36 of the assembly 32 to the distal end of the bowl 42, and a sealed attachment can be provided at the distal end of the bowl 42. The connection of the mounting fixture 38 to the bowl 42 and the vent 36 can be part of an ESD suppression mechanism, for example, by functioning as part of a circuit between an ESD mechanism located in the vent 36 and earth (not shown).

[0072] Further details regarding the manifold-bowl seal 60 are also provided. For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the manifold 48 is provided with a male thread 62 of the manifold-bowl seal 60, and a fitting 61 is shown that screws into the thread 62 of the manifold to securely attach the bowl 42 to the manifold 48. The operation of the screw-type fitting 61 ensures that when the cartridge assembly 56 and the bowl 42 are tightened against the manifold 48, the housing volume 77 is in fluid communication with the inlet 84 and the core volume 83 is in communication with the outlet 84.

[0073] The cartridge assembly 56 and its filtration membrane 54 may include a structure that includes a filtration membrane, as described herein, which is useful for filtering fluids and liquids used in semiconductor and microelectronic device processing, and is generally known as a filtration technique.

[0074] A lower core vent 50 between the outlet 84 of the manifold 48 and the external position can optionally be provided on the manifold 48. Since the assembly 32 is preferably mounted with the bowl facing upwards, the vent 50 can be provided as a drain or high-pressure fluid release valve, whichever is appropriate.

[0075] Figure 7 shows an exemplary vent (e.g., vent 36) in one embodiment, as a slotted core vent or probe 94, having a vent slot 96 and a probe body 98. As shown, the probe 94 is not hollow, but other embodiments may implement a hollow tubular probe or other vent 36. A ring 100 is also provided on the probe 94. The probe 94 may be conductive to provide ESD suppression as described herein. The probe 94 may optionally remain assembled with the bowl 42 and may not be removed or replaced with the cartridge assembly 56. The probe 94 is an example of a vent 36, but only represents a non-specific example of a vent 36. When installed as part of a liquid filtration device, the vent 36 may be substantially tubular, hollow, perforated, or otherwise shaped to allow ventilation of the core volume.

[0076] The liquid filtration apparatus described herein can be used as a method for removing undesirable particles, particulate matter, contaminants, or impurities from a source of unfiltered liquid. The particles or impurities may include inorganic and organic materials, such as dissolved organic compounds, dissolved metals, solid metals, and other solid organic or inorganic materials. The method described is carried out by introducing the unfiltered liquid into the apparatus through an inlet, for example, as described, and passing it through a filtration membrane supported within the apparatus by a cartridge assembly. After passing through the filtration membrane, the filtered fluid ("filtrate") can exit the apparatus through an outlet, for example, as described. If a gaseous fluid accumulates in the upper part of the core volume during use of the liquid filtration apparatus described, its volume can be removed from the core volume using a ventilation mechanism, as described.

[0077] Liquid filtration apparatuses as described herein can be useful for processing various types of fluids for diverse applications in different industries. For example, the apparatus and methods described herein may be effective for preparing purified liquids used in semiconductor and microelectronic processing, such as in methods used to manufacture solar panels, flat panel displays, and semiconductors and microelectronic devices. Liquids may also be used in processes such as photolithography, bulk chemical transfer, chemical mechanical processing (CMP), wet etching, or cleaning, among other types of processing.

[0078] During use, the filter membrane of the cartridge assembly removes impurities from the flow of liquid through the membrane. Filters have a limited operating life, and the membrane must be replaced after a certain amount of unfiltered liquid has passed through it. A method for replacing the cartridge assembly and accompanying filter membrane in a liquid filtration device installed in a bowl-top configuration may include a step of draining the liquid from the housing, including from both the housing volume and the core volume. Once the liquid has been drained from both spaces, the manifold-bowl seal can be disassembled. The bowl may then be separated from the manifold by lifting it vertically away from it.

[0079] In the exemplary method for replacing a cartridge assembly, depending on the type of engagement used to create the cartridge assembly-manifold seal, the cartridge assembly may need to remain in place with its proximal end engaged with the manifold while the bowl is being removed. In these designs, the cartridge assembly-bowl seal at the distal end of the cartridge must be disassembled before removing the cartridge assembly from the manifold. With the proximal end of the cartridge assembly still engaged with the manifold, the bowl is lifted to a height where the open end (lower end) of the bowl is above the height of the distal end (upper end) of the cartridge assembly (engaged with the manifold), and the cover of the cartridge assembly is removed. The cartridge assembly may then be removed from the manifold by disassembling the cartridge assembly-manifold seal at the proximal end of the cartridge assembly. The replacement cartridge assembly may then be engaged with the manifold by engaging the proximal end of the cartridge assembly with the manifold. The bowl may then be reinstalled above the manifold and the cartridge assembly.

[0080] In this exemplary method of replacing the filter cartridge of a liquid filtration device, the ventilation mechanism described, such as the vents 34 or 36 in Figures 3, 4, 5, or 6, may remain engaged with the bowl during the replacement of the cartridge assembly. The vents described may be engaged and fixed at the distal end of the bowl and do not need to be removed and replaced with the cartridge assembly. In other embodiments, the vents may be considered part of the cartridge assembly and may be removed from the housing and replaced as part of the cartridge assembly.

[0081] In some installed liquid filtration systems, a preferred method for replacing the cartridge assembly of a liquid filtration system installed in a bowl-top configuration may preferably eliminate the need to lift the bowl to the height of the bowl's open end, which is above the height of the cartridge assembly, while keeping the proximal end of the cartridge assembly engaged with the manifold. For example, in certain types of semiconductor and microelectronic device processing systems (e.g., "tools"), and in their places of use (cleanrooms), the amount of space, including the space above the filtration system, is substantial.

[0082] Advantageously, according to this specification, certain examples of liquid filtration apparatus can be disassembled for the purpose of replacing the cartridge assembly without removing the cover and exposing the cartridge assembly, which remains engaged with the manifold, by lifting the bowl to a height above the height of the cartridge assembly (the open end of the bowl). Specifically, various apparatuses such as those described include a combination of a manifold and a proximal end of a cartridge assembly, and a cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be formed by assembling them and pressing the proximal end of the cartridge assembly into contact with the surface of the manifold. The movement of pressing the cartridge assembly toward the manifold to form the seal may be exclusively along the central axis of the cartridge assembly toward the manifold, and the formation of the seal does not require any movement of the cartridge assembly in any other direction, such as rotation of the cartridge assembly about the central axis of the cartridge assembly. The seal does not include screws, twist-lock engagements, or any other engagements that require the cartridge assembly to move in any direction other than along the central axis.

[0083] This type of preferred press-fit seal can be disassembled by movement in the opposite direction, which includes exclusively moving the cartridge away from the manifold along the central axis of the cartridge assembly, i.e., upward, as described (and illustrated in detail in Figure 5). The required distance of movement is limited, and the proximal end of the cartridge assembly should be lifted by a distance above the manifold that creates physical vertical play (space) between the proximal end of the cartridge assembly and the manifold. Once both the bowl-manifold seal and the cartridge assembly-manifold seal have been disassembled, and the bowl and cartridge assembly have been lifted to a height that creates vertical play both between the bowl and the manifold, and between the proximal end of the cartridge assembly and the manifold, the bowl and cartridge assembly may together be moved laterally away from the space above the manifold, with the cartridge assembly remaining at least partially (or substantially) within the internal space of the bowl. Lateral movement creates lateral play between the manifold and the bowl, and between the manifold and the cartridge assembly.

[0084] When removing the cartridge assembly and bowl away from the manifold, the distal end of the cartridge assembly may remain connected to the interior of the distal end of the bowl in the cartridge assembly-bowl seal. This seal can be disassembled to allow the cartridge assembly to be removed from the internal space of the bowl. The movement required to disassemble the cartridge assembly-bowl seal depends on the type of seal, e.g., screw-type, twist-lock, or press-fit. For example, in the case of a press-fit seal, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the seal may be disassembled exclusively by a movement that pulls the cartridge assembly away from the distal end of the bowl along the central axis of the cartridge assembly.

[0085] In this exemplary method of replacing the filter cartridge of a liquid filtration device, the ventilation mechanism described, such as the vents 34 or 36 in Figures 3, 4, 5, or 6, may remain engaged with the bowl during the replacement of the cartridge assembly. The vents described may be engaged and fixed at the distal end of the bowl and do not need to be removed and replaced with the cartridge assembly. In other embodiments, the vents may be considered part of the cartridge assembly and may be removed from the housing and replaced as part of the cartridge assembly.

[0086] In a first embodiment, the liquid filtration device comprises a bowl having an open end, a distal end opposite the open end, and an interior extending between the open end and the distal end; a manifold capable of sealing the open end of the bowl, the manifold having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a cartridge assembly disposed inside, comprising a filtration membrane, a proximal end of the cartridge assembly, and a distal end of the cartridge assembly, wherein the proximal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface adapted to contact the surface of the manifold to form a cartridge assembly-manifold seal, and the distal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface adapted to contact the inner surface of the bowl to form an internal cartridge assembly-bowl seal; a core volume located centrally inside the cartridge assembly; a housing volume located outside the cartridge assembly between the cartridge assembly and the bowl; and a vent extending through the distal end of the bowl to the core volume, thereby fluidly connecting the core volume to the outside of the liquid filtration device.

[0087] In a second embodiment according to the first embodiment, the cartridge assembly has a central axis extending between the proximal end and distal end of the cartridge assembly within the core volume, and the cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be formed by pressing the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly into contact with the surface of the manifold and moving the cartridge assembly toward the manifold along the central axis, and the cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be disassembled by pulling the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the manifold and moving the cartridge assembly toward the surface of the manifold along the central axis.

[0088] In a third embodiment according to the first or second embodiment, the cartridge assembly has a central axis extending between the proximal end and distal end of the cartridge assembly within the core volume, and the cartridge assembly-bowl seal can be formed by pressing the distal end surface of the cartridge assembly into contact with the surface of the bowl and moving the cartridge assembly toward the bowl along the central axis, and the cartridge assembly-bowl seal can be disassembled by pulling the distal end surface of the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the bowl and moving the cartridge assembly toward the bowl along the central axis.

[0089] In the fourth aspect according to the third aspect, the cartridge assembly-manifold seal includes an annular sealing gasket between the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly and the surface of the manifold.

[0090] In a fifth embodiment according to any of the above embodiments, the vents can be selectively opened and closed to selectively enable fluid communication between the core volume and the outside.

[0091] In the sixth embodiment according to any of the above embodiments, the fluid inlet communicates with the housing volume and the fluid outlet communicates with the core volume.

[0092] In the seventh embodiment according to any of the above-described embodiments, the vent comprises a conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end located in the distal part of the core volume and the second end located externally.

[0093] In the eighth aspect according to any of the above-described embodiments, the vent includes a conductive material that electrically connects the core volume to earth.

[0094] In the ninth aspect, a method for filtering a liquid using a liquid filtration apparatus is to introduce a fluid into an apparatus comprising a housing including a manifold and a bowl, wherein the bowl is mounted vertically above the manifold, and the housing comprises a bowl having an open end, a distal end opposite the open end, and an interior extending between the open end and the distal end; a manifold having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, which engages with the open end of the bowl to form a manifold-bowl seal; and a cartridge assembly disposed inside, comprising a filtration membrane, a proximal end of the cartridge assembly, and a distal end of the cartridge assembly, wherein the proximal end of the cartridge assembly is suitable to contact the surface of the manifold to form a cartridge assembly-manifold seal. The apparatus comprises a cartridge assembly including joined surfaces, the distal end of the cartridge assembly including a surface adapted to contact the inner surface of a bowl to form an internal cartridge assembly-bowl seal; a core volume located centrally inside the cartridge assembly; a housing volume located outside the cartridge assembly between the cartridge assembly and the bowl; and a vent extending through the distal end of the bowl to the core volume, thereby fluidizing the core volume to the outside of the housing; passing a liquid through an inlet, through the housing volume from the inlet, through a filter membrane to the core volume, and then through an outlet, such that gas accumulates in the distal portion of the core volume; and releasing gas through a vent.

[0095] In the tenth aspect according to the ninth aspect, the cartridge assembly has a central axis extending between the proximal end and distal end of the cartridge assembly within the core volume, and the cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be formed by pressing the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly into contact with the surface of the manifold and moving the cartridge assembly toward the manifold along the central axis, and the cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be disassembled by pulling the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the manifold and moving the cartridge assembly toward the surface of the manifold along the central axis.

[0096] In an eleventh embodiment according to the ninth or tenth embodiment, the cartridge assembly has a central axis extending between the proximal end and distal end of the cartridge assembly within the core volume, and the cartridge assembly-bowl seal can be formed by pressing the distal end surface of the cartridge assembly into contact with the surface of the bowl and moving the cartridge assembly toward the bowl along the central axis, and the cartridge assembly-bowl seal can be disassembled by pulling the distal end surface of the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the bowl and moving the cartridge assembly toward the bowl along the central axis.

[0097] In the twelfth aspect according to the eleventh aspect, the cartridge assembly-bowl seal includes an annular sealing gasket between the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly and the surface of the bowl.

[0098] In the 13th embodiment according to any of the 9th to 12th embodiments, the fluid inlet communicates with the housing volume and the fluid outlet communicates with the core volume.

[0099] In a 14th embodiment according to any of the 9th to 13th embodiments, the vent includes a conductive material that electrically connects the core volume to earth.

[0100] A 15th embodiment provides a method for replacing a cartridge assembly of a liquid filtration apparatus, comprising a housing including a manifold and a bowl, the bowl mounted vertically above the manifold, the housing comprising a bowl having an open end, a distal end opposite the open end, and an interior extending between the open end and the distal end; a manifold having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, which engages with the open end of the bowl to form a manifold-bowl seal; and a cartridge assembly disposed inside, comprising a filtration membrane, a proximal end of the cartridge assembly, and a distal end of the cartridge assembly, wherein the proximal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface that contacts the surface of the manifold to form a cartridge assembly-manifold seal, and the distal end of the cartridge assembly contacts the inner surface of the bowl to form a cartridge assembly-bowl seal A method comprising a cartridge assembly including a surface that forms a bowl inside, a core volume located centrally inside the cartridge assembly, a housing volume located outside the cartridge assembly between the cartridge assembly and the bowl, and a vent extending through the distal end of the bowl to the core volume, thereby fluidly connecting the core volume to the outside of the bowl, the method comprising draining a liquid fluid from the liquid filtration assembly, disassembling the manifold-bowl seal, lifting the bowl and cartridge assembly vertically above the manifold to create vertical play between the bowl and the manifold, and between the cartridge assembly and the manifold, and moving the bowl and cartridge assembly together laterally to create lateral play between the manifold and the bowl, and between the manifold and the cartridge assembly.

[0101] In a 16th aspect according to the 15th aspect, the cartridge assembly has a central axis extending between the proximal end and distal end of the cartridge assembly within the core volume, the cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be formed by pressing the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly into contact with the surface of the manifold and moving the cartridge assembly toward the manifold along the central axis, the cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be disassembled by pulling the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the manifold and moving the cartridge assembly toward the surface of the manifold along the central axis, the method includes disassembling the cartridge assembly-manifold seal by lifting the cartridge manifold vertically above the manifold.

Claims

1. A liquid filtration device, A bowl including an open end, a distal end opposite to the open end, and an interior extending between the open end and the distal end, A manifold capable of sealing the open end of the bowl, comprising a manifold having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, A cartridge assembly disposed inside the said, comprising a filter membrane, a proximal end of the cartridge assembly, and a distal end of the cartridge assembly, wherein the proximal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface adapted to contact the surface of the manifold to form a cartridge assembly-manifold seal, and the distal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface adapted to contact the inner surface of the bowl to form a cartridge assembly-bowl seal inside the said, The core volume located in the central inner part of the aforementioned cartridge assembly, The housing volume located outside the cartridge assembly and between the cartridge assembly and the bowl, A vent hole extends from the distal end of the bowl to the core volume, and the core volume is fluidly connected to the outside of the liquid filtration device. A liquid filtration device equipped with the following features.

2. The cartridge assembly has a central axis that extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge assembly within the core volume. The cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be formed by pressing the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly against the surface of the manifold, and moving the cartridge assembly toward the manifold along the central axis. The cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be disassembled by pulling the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the manifold and moving the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the manifold along the central axis. The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The cartridge assembly has a central axis that extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge assembly within the core volume. The cartridge assembly-bowl seal can be formed by pressing the distal end surface of the cartridge assembly against the surface of the bowl, and moving the cartridge assembly toward the bowl along the central axis. The cartridge assembly-bowl seal can be disassembled by pulling the distal end surface of the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the bowl, and moving the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the bowl along the central axis. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cartridge assembly-manifold seal includes an annular sealing gasket between the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly and the surface of the manifold.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ventilation holes can be selectively opened and closed to selectively enable fluid communication between the core volume and the outside.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fluid inlet communicates with the housing volume and the fluid outlet communicates with the core volume.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ventilation hole comprises a conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end located in the distal portion of the core volume and the second end located outside.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ventilation hole includes a conductive material that electrically connects the core volume to earth.

9. A method for filtering a liquid using a liquid filtration apparatus, The apparatus comprises a housing including a manifold and a bowl, wherein the bowl is placed vertically above the manifold, and the fluid is introduced into the apparatus, The bowl comprises an open end, a distal end opposite to the open end, and an interior extending between the open end and the distal end, A manifold that engages with the open end of the bowl to form a manifold-bowl seal, comprising a manifold having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, A cartridge assembly disposed inside the said, comprising a filter membrane, a proximal end of the cartridge assembly, and a distal end of the cartridge assembly, wherein the proximal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface adapted to contact the surface of the manifold to form a cartridge assembly-manifold seal, and the distal end of the cartridge assembly includes a surface adapted to contact the inner surface of the bowl to form a cartridge assembly-bowl seal inside the said, The core volume located in the central inner part of the aforementioned cartridge assembly, The housing volume located outside the cartridge assembly and between the cartridge assembly and the bowl, The housing comprises a vent that extends from the distal end of the bowl to the core volume, thereby fluidly connecting the core volume to the outside of the housing. The process of introducing fluid into the aforementioned apparatus, The process involves introducing the liquid into the inlet, passing it through the housing volume from the inlet, through the filtration membrane to the core volume, and then passing it through the outlet, wherein the gas accumulates in the distal region of the core volume, and the liquid is passed through it. To release the gas through the aforementioned vents and Methods that include...

10. The cartridge assembly has a central axis that extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge assembly within the core volume. The cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be formed by pressing the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly against the surface of the manifold, and moving the cartridge assembly toward the manifold along the central axis. The cartridge assembly-manifold seal can be disassembled by pulling the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the manifold and moving the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the manifold along the central axis. The method according to claim 9.

11. The cartridge assembly has a central axis that extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge assembly within the core volume. The cartridge assembly-bowl seal can be formed by pressing the distal end surface of the cartridge assembly against the surface of the bowl, and moving the cartridge assembly toward the bowl along the central axis. The cartridge assembly-bowl seal can be disassembled by pulling the distal end surface of the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the bowl, and moving the cartridge assembly away from the surface of the bowl along the central axis. The method according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the cartridge assembly-bowl seal includes an annular sealing gasket between the proximal end surface of the cartridge assembly and the surface of the bowl.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the fluid inlet communicates with the housing volume and the fluid outlet communicates with the core volume.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the vent hole includes a conductive material that electrically connects the core volume to earth.

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