Filter Cartridge, and Method for Modifying a Filter Housing

Abstract

The removable filter cartridge includes a filter housing that houses a filter and a sealing valve coupled to an open end of the filter housing. The sealing valve is configured to removably couple the removable filter cartridge to a filter head. An open position allows fluid to flow into and out of an interior volume of the filter housing. A closed position seals the filter housing. A method of retrofitting the filter housing includes removing the filter housing from the filter head, coupling the sealing valve to a removable filter to form a removable filter cartridge, and coupling the removable filter cartridge to the filter head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a filter assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a removable filter cartridge within a filter assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Filters can be used in semiconductor manufacturing to remove contaminants from fluids. A filter head can direct a fluid (e.g., a liquid, water, etc.) through a removable filter. The filter can be configured to remove contaminants (e.g., solids) as the liquid passes through the filter. Specifically, the filter can be used to remove solid contaminants from the liquid as the liquid passes through the filter. Over time, the filter will become saturated with the captured contaminants (e.g., solids) and will then be replaced. Conventionally, the filter housing is drained, then removed and replaced with a new filter.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a removable filter cartridge comprises a filter housing and a sealing valve coupled to an open end of the filter housing. The filter housing has an internal volume for housing a filter. The sealing valve comprises a first thread for removably coupling the removable filter cartridge to a filter head. The sealing valve has an open position and a closed position. The open position allows fluid to flow into and out of the internal volume of the filter housing. The closed position seals the internal volume of the filter housing. The sealing valve in the closed position is configured to seal the internal volume while being removably coupled to the filter head and to maintain the seal while the removable filter cartridge remains detached.

[0004] In one embodiment, a sealing valve for a removable filter cartridge comprises a first thread and a second thread. The first thread is for removably coupling the sealing valve to a filter head. The second thread is for coupling the sealing valve to a filter housing so as to form a removable filter cartridge. The filter housing has an internal volume for accommodating a filter. The sealing valve has an open position and a closed position. The open position is configured to direct fluid from the filter head into the filter housing and then back from the filter housing to the filter head. The closed position is configured to seal the internal volume of the filter housing when a removable filter cartridge is removably coupled to the filter head and to maintain the seal while the removable filter cartridge remains detached.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method is for retrofitting a filter housing having an internal volume for accommodating a filter. The method includes removing the filter housing from a filter head, including disconnecting the filter housing from the filter head. The method also includes coupling a sealing valve to a removable filter to form a removable filter cartridge, including screwing the filter housing and the sealing valve together. The method further includes coupling the removable filter cartridge to the filter head, including screwing the removable filter cartridge to the filter head using a first thread of the sealing valve. The sealing valve has an open position and a closed position. The open position enables fluid from the filter head to flow into and out of the filter housing through the sealing valve. The closed position seals the internal volume of the filter housing. The sealing valve is configured to seal the internal volume while removably coupled to the filter head in the closed position and to maintain the seal while the removable filter cartridge remains detached.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] The same numbers represent the same features.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a filter, and more particularly to a removable filter cartridge used in a filter assembly.

[0009] After being used over a period of time, the filter will become saturated with the contaminants (e.g., solids) it has captured over time, and its filtering ability will decline. For example, many filters are configured to be replaced after being used for a predetermined period of time or after filtering a predetermined amount of fluid. Conventionally, the filter housing is drained, then removed, and replaced with a new filter. However, this draining of the filter housing takes additional time and may require downtime during the process associated with filtering the fluid. For example, in semiconductor manufacturing, the manufacturing step / process may be slightly delayed while the filter housing is drained and then replaced. This can increase the overall time for semiconductor manufacturing. The embodiments disclosed herein are configured to address this problem by advantageously making the filter cartridge removably without the need to drain the filter housing.

[0010] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of a filter assembly 1. Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the filter assembly 1. The filter assembly 1 includes a fluid inlet 2 and a fluid outlet 4. The fluid to be filtered is supplied to the fluid inlet 2, filtered by the filter assembly 1, and then the filtered fluid is directed out from the fluid outlet 4 of the filter assembly 1. As the fluid passes through, the filter assembly 1 removes solids from the fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid is a liquid or substantially a liquid. For example, the liquid can be water (e.g., deionized water), HCl, HNO3, isopropyl alcohol, etc. In one embodiment, the fluid is water. The filter assembly 1 includes a removable filter cartridge 10 coupled to a filter head 80. The removed solids remain within the filter cartridge 10. The filter head 80 includes the fluid inlet 2 and the fluid outlet 4 of the filter assembly 1.

[0011] The removable filter cartridge 10 is configured to be removed from the filter head 80. For example, the removable filter cartridge 10 is removed at the end of the replacement period. The removable filter cartridge 10 may reach the replacement deadline after performing a predetermined amount of filtering. For example, after the removable filter cartridge 10 filters a predetermined amount of fluid, after filtering a predetermined amount of substances from the fluid, after being in use for a predetermined period of time, after the filtered substances reach a certain saturation, etc.

[0012] The removable filter cartridge 10 includes a filter housing 20 and a sealing valve 40. The sealing valve 40 is coupled to the filter housing 20 so as to form the removable filter cartridge 10. The sealing valve 40 removably couples the removable filter cartridge 10 to the filter head 80. As shown in FIG. 1, the filter housing 20 is removably coupled to the filter head 80 by the sealing valve 40.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the removable filter cartridge 10. FIG. 2 shows the filter housing 20, the sealing valve 40, and the filter head 80 when separated from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing valve 40 is separated from the filter head 80 by unscrewing it from the filter head 80, and the filter housing 20 is separated from the sealing valve 40 by unscrewing it from the filter head 80.

[0014] Figure 3 is a plan view of the filter assembly 1. Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the filter assembly 1 taken along line IV-IV of Figure 1. The sealing valve 40 has an open position and a closed position. Figure 4 shows the sealing valve 40 in the open position that allows the fluid f to pass through the filter assembly 1. The dashed line is provided in Figure 4 to indicate the flow of the fluid f through the filter assembly 1. In the open position, the fluid f from the filter head 80 flows through the sealing valve 40 into the filter housing 20, passes through the filter housing 20, and then is enabled to flow back from the filter housing 40 through the sealing valve 40 to the filter head 80. The open position of the sealing valve 40 is configured to allow the fluid to flow into and out of the internal volume 22 of the filter housing 20.

[0015] The filter housing 20 includes an internal volume 22 that houses the filter 24. When the fluid f passes through the removable filter cartridge 10, the filter 24 filters the fluid f. When the fluid f passes through the filter housing 40, the fluid f is filtered, whereby the fluid f that flows back to the filter head 20 (and then out through the fluid outlet 4) is the filtered fluid.

[0016] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the filter housing 20 can have a bowl shape. The filter housing 20 has an open end 26 and a closed end 28. The open end 26 and the closed end 28 are at opposite ends of the length L of the filter housing 20. The sealing valve 40 is coupled to the open end 26 of the filter housing 20. The open end 26 can also be referred to as a fluid inlet-outlet since the fluid f enters and exits the filter housing 20 through its open end 26.

[0017] The shut-off valve 40 includes a first thread 42A for removably coupling the removable filter cartridge 10 to the filter head 80. Specifically, the first thread 42A is configured to removably couple the shut-off valve 40 of the removable filter cartridge 10 to the filter head 80. As shown in FIG. 4, the shut-off valve 40 can include a coupling nut 44 having the first thread 42A. The first thread 42A is configured to be screwed onto the thread 82 of the filter head 80 to removably couple the shut-off valve 40 of the removable cartridge 10 to the filter head 80. For example, the shut-off valve 40.

[0018] In one embodiment, the shut-off valve 40 includes a circumferential groove 46 extending around the circumference of the shut-off valve 40. For example, the circumferential groove 46 can surround the circumference of the valve body 48 of the shut-off valve 40. The shut-off valve 40 includes a retaining ring 50 disposed in the circumferential groove 46. When the shut-off valve 40 is coupled to the filter head 80 (e.g., screwed onto the filter head 80), the retaining ring 50 is compressed between the shut-off valve 40 and the filter head 80. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the coupling nut 44 of the shut-off valve 40 is screwed onto the filter head 80, the coupling nut 44 presses the retaining ring 50 against the shut-off valve 40. The retaining ring 50 is compressed between the coupling nut 44 and the filter head 80 when the coupling nut 44 is screwed onto the filter head 80.

[0019] The sealing valve 40 also includes a second thread 42B for coupling the sealing valve 40 to the filter housing 20. The second thread 42B is screwed onto a thread 30 (for example, a third thread) of the filter housing 20. In one embodiment, the first thread 42A of the sealing valve 40 and the thread 30 of the filter housing 20 have the same structure (for example, the size of the thread, the pitch of the thread, etc.). The second thread 42B of the sealing valve 40 is screwed onto the thread 30 of the filter housing 20 so as to couple the filter housing 20 and the sealing valve 40 together. As shown in FIG. 4, the filter housing 20 can include a coupling nut 32 having a thread 30. For example, the sealing valve 40 is coupled to the filter housing 20 by screwing the coupling nut 32 of the filter housing 20 onto the sealing valve 40 (for example, screwing the coupling nut 32 onto the second thread 42B).

[0020] The filter housing 20 includes a first inlet 34A, a second inlet 34B, and an outlet 36 provided at the open end 26 of the filter housing 20. For example, the first inlet 34A, the second inlet 34B, and the outlet 36 are different passages extending into the filter housing 20 from the open end 26. The outlet 36 is disposed radially between the first inlet 34A and the second inlet 34B. The fluid is configured such that the fluid f enters the filter housing 20 through the first and second inlets 34A, 34B and exits the filter housing 20 through the outlet 36 (for example, after being filtered).

[0021] The shutoff valve 40 includes a handle 52 configured to be rotated to change the shutoff valve 40 between an open position of the shutoff valve 40 and a closed position of the shutoff valve 40. In one embodiment, the handle 52 can be rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) to change the valve 40 to its closed position and rotated in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to change the shutoff valve 40 to its closed position. A human operator (e.g., a technician, etc.) can rotate the handle 52 to move the shutoff valve 40 between its open position and its closed position. Specifically, the shutoff valve 40 includes a valve core 54 disposed within a valve body 48, and the handle 52 is attached to the valve core 54. The valve core 54 is rotatable relative to the valve body 48, and the valve core 54 is configured to rotate with the handle 52 to change the shutoff valve 40 between its open position and its closed position.

[0022] The shutoff valve 40 includes a first passage 56A, a second passage 56B, and a third passage 56C. The passages 56A, 56B, 56C are disposed within the rotatable valve core 52 of the shutoff valve 40. Each passage 56A, 56B, 56C extends through the rotatable valve core 52. The shutoff valve 40 is configured such that when in its open position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), the first passage 56A aligns with the first inlet 34A of the filter housing 20, the second passage 56B aligns with the second inlet 34B of the filter housing 20, and the third passage 56C aligns with the outlet 36 of the filter housing 20. Each passage "aligns" with its corresponding inlet / outlet when the passage extends in the direction towards its respective inlet / outlet.

[0023] As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 4, the first passage 56A and the second passage 56B fluidly connect the fluid inlet 2 of the filter head 80 to the first and second inlets 34A, 34B of the filter housing 20, and the third passage 56C fluidly connects the outlet 36C of the filter housing 20 to the fluid outlet 4 of the filter head. For example, the first and second passages 56A, 56B direct the fluid f supplied from the passage of the fluid inlet 2 of the filter head 80 to the inlets 34A, 34B of the filter housing 20. For example, the third passage 56C directs the filtered fluid f from the outlet 36 towards the passage in the filter head 80 towards the fluid outlet 4.

[0024] It should be understood that the filter housing 20 in other embodiments may have more than three different numbers of inlets and outlets 56A, 56B (e.g., one inlet, more than three inlets, multiple outlets, etc.) at the open end 26. In such embodiments, the sealing valve 40 may have more than three different numbers of passages 56A, 56B, 56C (e.g., the same number of corresponding passages as the inlets and outlets in the filter housing 20, two of the passages, etc.).

[0025] FIG. 5 shows the filter assembly 1 when the sealing valve 40 is in the closed position. The removable filter cartridge 10 is configured to move the sealing valve 40 to the closed position while still being removably coupled to the filter head 80. When the valve seal 40 is changed to its closed position (e.g., the handle 52 and the valve core 54 are rotated to the closed position), the closed position seals the internal volume 22 of the filter housing 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotation of the valve seal 40 to its closed position blocks the flow of fluid f through the valve seal 40. The closed valve seal 40 blocks the flow of fluid entering and exiting the open end 26 of the filter housing 20. The closed valve seal 40 seals the open end 26 of the filter housing 20.

[0026] In the closed position, due to the rotation of the valve core 54, the passages 56A, 56B, 56C are no longer aligned with their respective inlets / outlets 34A, 34B, 36 of the filter housing. The side walls 58A, 58B, 58C of the passages 56A, 56B, 56C block each of the inlets / outlets 34A, 34B, 36 at the open end 26 of the filter housing 20. The side wall 58A of the first passage 56A and the side wall 58B of the second passage 56B block the first and second inlets 34A, 34A, and the side wall 58C of the third passage 58C blocks the outlet 36. For example, the side wall 58A of the first passage 34A blocks the first inlet 34A, and the side wall 58B of the second passage 34B blocks the second inlet 34B.

[0027] When the removable filter cartridge 10 is removed from the filter head 80 (e.g., the combined filter housing 20 and the sealing valve 40 are detached / unscrewed from the filter head 80), the sealing valve 40 is configured to maintain the sealing of the internal volume 22. The sealing valve 40 is configured to maintain the sealing of the filter housing 20 while the cartridge is detached from the filter head. Specifically, by closing the sealing valve 40, the filter housing 20 is sealed such that some of the liquid within the internal volume 22 is trapped within the removable filter cartridge 10. This is advantageous over previous configurations in that the removable filter cartridge 10 can be removed more quickly without the need to drain the liquid.

[0028] In one embodiment, the removable filter cartridge 10 is reusable. The filter cartridge 10 can be regenerated by passing a different fluid through the filter cartridge 10 to restore the filtering ability of the filter 24. In one embodiment, the different fluid can be a cleaning fluid (e.g., hydrofluoric acid, etc.). In some embodiments, the different fluid can be of the same type / chemical nature as the fluid that the filter 24 is configured to filter. For example, if the filter is configured to filter solids from HNO3 during use, the filter is configured to be regenerated / cleaned by passing clean HNO3 through the filter 24. The different fluid can, for example, remove solids retained within the filter 24 during the filtering of fluid f. In some embodiments, the used filter cartridge 10 is transported from the site and regenerated / cleaned for reuse. The filter cartridge 10 is then transported back to the filtering location / place by transport once the filter cartridge 10 has been regenerated / cleaned. The filter cartridge 10 remains sealed during transport to a location off-site.

[0029] For example, the used filter cartridge 10 is configured to be removably coupled (e.g., screwed) to a cleaning head (not shown). After being removably coupled to the cleaning head, the sealing valve 40 is opened and then the liquid trapped within the internal volume 22 is drained through the cleaning head, and the cleaning head directs a different fluid through the filter cartridge 10 and its filter 24 to regenerate / clean the filter 24. The regenerated filter cartridge 10 is then decoupled from the cleaning head and ready for reuse. For example, the regenerated filter cartridge 10 can be returned to and re-coupled to the filter head 80 to perform further filtering 40 of fluid f.

[0030] Figure 6A shows the sealing valve 40 in the open position. Figure 6B shows the sealing valve 40 in the closed position. The sealing valve 40 is changed from the open position (e.g., Figure 6A) to the closed position by rotating the handle 52 in the first direction D1 (e.g., clockwise). The sealing valve 40 is changed from the closed position to the open position by rotating the handle 52 in the opposite direction D2 (e.g., counterclockwise). In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 52 is rotated 90 degrees to change the sealing valve 40 between the open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the handle 52 can be configured to be rotated at least 90 degrees to change the sealing valve 40 between the open and closed positions.

[0031] The sealing valve 40 can include a retainer clip 58 to prevent accidental changes from the closed position. The retainer clip 58 is configured to prevent the handle 52 from rotating from the closed position. When the sealing valve 40 is rotated to the closed position, the retaining clip 58 moves into a groove 60 within the sealing valve 40. When disposed within the groove 60, both ends of the retaining clip 58 abut against the body 48 of the sealing valve 40 and the handle 52, preventing rotation of the handle. The retainer clip 58 prevents the sealing valve 40 from being removed from the closed position until the retaining clip 58 is moved out of the groove 60. For example, the retaining clip 58 is moved out of the groove 60 by pressing on the retaining clip 58 to expand / open the retaining clip 58.

[0032] Figure 7 shows the sealing valve 40 having a wrench 90 for the sealing valve 40. The wrench 90 is used to hold the sealing valve 40 and prevent rotation of the sealing valve 40 when the coupling nut 44 is screwed onto the filter head 80. The body 48 of the sealing valve 40 includes two sets of horizontal ribs 62. The two sets of horizontal ribs 62 are provided on both sides of the sealing valve 40 respectively (e.g., one set is on the front side of the valve body 48 and the second set is on the rear side of the valve body 48). Slots 64 are formed between each set of the horizontal ribs 62.

[0033] The wrench 90 has a first inner surface 92A and a second inner surface 92B facing the first inner surface 92A. The rails 94A, 94B respectively project from the respective inner surfaces 92A, 92B and extend along them. The wrench 90 is configured to hold the sealing valve 40 by bringing each of its inner surfaces 92A, 92B into contact with the upper portions of the respective pairs of horizontal ribs 62 with its rails 94A, 94B disposed in the respective slots 64. For example, the first inner surface 92A contacts the upper portion of the horizontal rib 62 on the front side of the sealing valve 40, and the rail 94A fits into the slot 64 between the horizontal ribs 62.

[0034] The filter assembly 1 is shown with the filter cartridge 10 coupled downwardly onto the filter head 80. However, it should be understood that the removable filter cartridge 10 in other embodiments may be coupled to the filter head 80 in a different orientation. For example, the filter cartridge 10 in other embodiments may be coupled to the filter head 80 horizontally or upwardly.

[0035] FIG. 8 shows a block flow diagram of a method 1000 for modifying a filter housing (e.g., the filter housing 20 of FIG. 2). The filter housing has an internal volume (e.g., internal volume 22) that houses a filter (e.g., filter 24). For example, the method 1000 may be for modifying a filter housing (e.g., filter housing 20) that was originally intended to be removably coupled directly to a filter head (e.g., filter header 80). This method starts at 1010.

[0036] At 1010, the filter housing is removed from the filter head. Removing the filter housing from the filter head 1010 includes disconnecting the filter housing from the filter head 1012. In one embodiment, disconnecting the filter housing from the filter head 1012 can include unscrewing the coupling nut (e.g., coupling nut 44) of the filter housing from the filter head. Then, method 1000 proceeds to 1020.

[0037] At 1020, a sealing valve (e.g., sealing valve 40) is coupled to a removable filter so as to form a removable filter cartridge (e.g., removable filter cartridge 10). Coupling the sealing valve to the removable filter at 1020 includes screwing the filter housing and the sealing valve 1022 together. In one embodiment, screwing the filter housing and the sealing valve 1022 together can include screwing the coupling nut of the filter housing onto the sealing valve. Then, method 1000 proceeds to 1030.

[0038] At 1030, the removable filter cartridge is removably coupled to the filter head. Removably coupling the cartridge to the filter head 1030 includes screwing the removable filter cartridge onto the filter head using the first thread (e.g., first thread 42A) 1032 of the sealing valve. In one embodiment, screwing the removable filter cartridge onto the filter thread 1032 includes screwing the coupling nut (e.g., coupling nut 44) of the sealing valve onto the filter head.

[0039] It should be understood that method 1000 in one embodiment may be modified to include features as described above with respect to the filter assembly 1 of FIGS. 1-5, the sealing valve 40 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, and / or the wrench 90 and sealing valve 40 of FIG. 7.

[0040] Aspect:

[0041] Any one of Aspects 1 to 11 may be combined with any one of Aspects 12 to 19, and any one of Aspects 12 to 16 may be combined with any one of Aspects 17 to 19.

[0042] Aspect 1. A removable filter cartridge comprising a filter housing having an internal volume for accommodating a filter, and a sealing valve coupled to an open end of the filter housing, the sealing valve including a first thread for removably coupling the removable filter cartridge to a filter head, the sealing valve having an open position allowing fluid to flow into and out of the internal volume of the filter housing and a closed position sealing the internal volume of the filter housing, the sealing valve in the closed position being configured to seal the internal volume while being removably coupled to the filter head and to maintain the seal while the removable filter cartridge remains detached.

[0043] Aspect 2. The removable filter cartridge according to Aspect 1, wherein the sealing valve comprises a second thread screwed into a third thread of the filter housing for coupling the filter housing and the sealing valve.

[0044] Aspect 3. The removable filter cartridge according to Aspect 2, wherein the filter housing includes a coupling nut having a third thread, and the coupling nut is screwed onto the sealing valve to couple the sealing valve to the filter housing.

[0045] Aspect 4. The removable filter cartridge according to Aspect 2 or 3, wherein the first thread of the sealing valve and the third thread of the filter housing have the same thread structure.

[0046] Aspect 5. The open position of the sealing valve is configured such that when the removable filter cartridge is removably coupled to the filter head, it receives fluid from the filter head, allows the fluid to pass through the filter for filtering, and directs the fluid back to the filter head, the removable filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4.

[0047] Aspect 6. The sealing valve includes a coupling nut having a first thread, and the coupling nut is configured to be screwed onto the filter head so as to removably couple the sealing valve to the filter head, the removable filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5.

[0048] Aspect 7. The sealing valve includes a circumferential groove and a retaining ring disposed within the circumferential groove, and when the coupling nut is screwed onto the filter head, the retaining ring is configured to be compressed against the filter head by the coupling nut, the removable filter cartridge according to Aspect 6.

[0049] Aspect 8. The filter housing includes a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, and the sealing valve includes a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage. In the open position, the first passage aligns with the first inlet, the second passage aligns with the second inlet, and the third passage aligns with the outlet. In the closed position, the side wall of the first passage seals the first inlet, the side wall of the second passage seals the second inlet, and the side wall of the third passage seals the outlet, the removable filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7.

[0050] Aspect 9. The sealing valve includes a handle that is rotatable to change the sealing valve between the open position and the closed position, the removable filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8.

[0051] Aspect 10. The removable filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein changing the shut-off valve from the open position to the closed position is configured to seal the filter housing such that any liquid within the internal volume is trapped within a removable filter cartridge.

[0052] Aspect 11. The removable filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the filter is configured to be regenerated by passing a second fluid through the removable filter cartridge.

[0053] Aspect 12. A shut-off valve for a removable filter cartridge, the shut-off valve comprising a first thread for removably coupling the shut-off valve to a filter head and a second thread for coupling the shut-off valve to a filter housing so as to form a removable filter cartridge, the filter housing having an internal volume for accommodating a filter, the shut-off valve being configured to direct fluid from the filter head into the filter housing and then back from the filter housing to the filter head in an open position, and to seal the internal volume of the filter housing when the removable filter cartridge is removably coupled to the filter head and to maintain the seal while the removable filter cartridge remains detached in a closed position.

[0054] Aspect 13. The shut-off valve according to Aspect 12, further comprising a coupling nut having a first thread, the coupling nut being configured to be screwed onto the valve head so as to removably couple the shut-off valve to the filter head.

[0055] Aspect 14. The shut-off valve according to Aspect 13, wherein the shut-off valve comprises a circumferential groove and a retaining ring disposed within the circumferential groove, the retaining ring being configured to be compressed against the filter head by the coupling nut when the coupling nut is screwed onto the filter head.

[0056] Aspect 15. The shut-off valve includes a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage. In the open position, the first passage and the second passage are configured to align with a first inlet and a second inlet of a removable filter, and the third passage is configured to align with an outlet of the removable filter. In the closed position, the sidewalls of the first passage and the second passage are configured to block the first inlet and the second inlet of the removable filter, and the sidewall of the third passage is configured to block the outlet. The shut-off valve according to any one of Aspects 12 to 14.

[0057] Aspect 16. The shut-off valve includes a handle that is rotatable to change the shut-off valve between an open position and a closed position. The shut-off valve according to any one of Aspects 12 to 15.

[0058] A method of modifying a filter housing having an internal volume for accommodating a filter, the method including detaching the filter housing from the filter head, removing the filter housing from the filter head, coupling the shut-off valve to the removable filter to form a removable filter cartridge, including screwing the shut-off valve and the filter housing together, and coupling the removable filter cartridge to the filter head, including screwing the removable filter cartridge to the filter head using a first thread of the shut-off valve. The shut-off valve has an open position that allows fluid from the filter head to flow into and out of the filter housing through the shut-off valve, and a closed position that seals the internal volume of the filter housing. The shut-off valve is configured to seal the internal volume while being removably coupled to the filter head in the closed position and to maintain the seal while the removable filter cartridge remains detached. A method of modifying a filter housing.

[0059] Aspect 18. Securing the filter housing and the sealing valve together by turning a screw includes securing the first coupling nut of the filter housing to the sealing valve by turning a screw, and securing the removable filter cartridge to the filter head by turning a screw includes securing the second coupling nut of the sealing valve to the filter head by turning a screw, the method according to Aspect 17.

[0060] Aspect 19. The method according to Aspect 17 or 18, wherein the sealing valve comprises a handle rotatable to vary the sealing valve between an open position and a closed position.

[0061] The examples disclosed in this application should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications that come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are intended to be embraced by the claims.

Claims

1. A removable filter cartridge, comprising: a filter housing having an internal volume for housing a filter; a sealing valve coupled to an open end of the filter housing; The sealing valve includes a first thread for removably coupling the removable filter cartridge to a filter head. The sealing valve has an open position that allows fluid to flow into and out of the internal volume of the filter housing, and a closed position that seals the internal volume of the filter housing. In the closed position, the sealing valve is configured to seal the internal volume while being removably coupled to the filter head and to maintain the seal while the removable filter cartridge remains detached. The filter housing includes a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. The sealing valve includes a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage. In the open position, the first passage aligns with the first inlet, the second passage aligns with the second inlet, and the third passage aligns with the outlet. In the closed position, the side wall of the first passage seals the first inlet, the side wall of the second passage seals the second inlet, and the side wall of the third passage seals the outlet. A removable filter cartridge.

2. The removable filter cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the sealing valve includes a second thread that is screwed into a third thread of the filter housing to couple the filter housing and the sealing valve.

3. The removable filter cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the filter housing includes a coupling nut having a third thread, and the coupling nut is screwed onto the sealing valve to couple the sealing valve to the filter housing.

4. The removable filter cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the first thread of the sealing valve and the third thread of the filter housing have the same thread structure.

5. The open position of the sealing valve is configured such that when the removable filter cartridge is removably coupled to the filter head, it can receive fluid from the filter head, allow the fluid to pass through the filter for filtering, and direct the fluid back to the filter head. The removable filter cartridge according to claim 1.

6. The shut-off valve comprises a coupling nut having a first thread, and the coupling nut is configured to be screwed onto the filter head so as to removably couple the shut-off valve to the filter head. The removable filter cartridge according to claim 1.

7. The shut-off valve has a circumferential groove, and a retaining ring disposed in the circumferential groove and is configured such that when the coupling nut is screwed onto the filter head, the retaining ring is compressed against the filter head by the coupling nut. The removable filter cartridge according to claim 6.

8. The shut-off valve comprises a handle that is rotatable to change the shut-off valve between an open position and a closed position. The removable filter cartridge according to claim 1.

9. Changing the shut-off valve from the open position to the closed position is configured to seal the filter housing such that any liquid within the internal volume is trapped within the removable filter cartridge. The removable filter cartridge according to claim 1.

10. The filter is configured to be regenerated by passing a second fluid through the removable filter cartridge. The removable filter cartridge according to claim 1.

11. A shut-off valve for a removable filter cartridge, the shut-off valve has a first thread for removably coupling the shut-off valve to the filter head, and a second thread for coupling the shut-off valve to the filter housing so as to form a removable filter cartridge and the filter housing has an internal volume for housing the filter, and the shut-off valve has an open position configured to direct fluid from the filter head into the filter housing and then back from the filter housing to the filter head, and a closed position configured to seal the internal volume of the filter housing when the removable filter cartridge is removably coupled to the filter head and to maintain the seal while the removable filter cartridge remains detached, wherein the shut-off valve comprises a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage, In the open position, the first passage and the second passage are configured to align with the first inlet and the second inlet of the removable filter, and the third passage is configured to align with the outlet of the removable filter. In the closed position, the side walls of the first passage and the second passage are configured to block the first inlet and the second inlet of the removable filter, and the side wall of the third passage is configured to block the outlet. A sealing valve for a removable filter cartridge.

12. Further comprising a coupling nut having a first thread, the coupling nut being configured to be screwed onto the valve head so as to removably couple the sealing valve to the filter head. The sealing valve according to claim 11.

13. The sealing valve is a circumferential groove, and a retaining ring disposed in the circumferential groove and is configured such that when the coupling nut is screwed onto the filter head, the retaining ring is compressed against the filter head by the coupling nut. The sealing valve according to claim 12.

14. The sealing valve according to claim 11, further comprising a handle rotatable to change the sealing valve between an open position and a closed position.

15. A method of modifying a filter housing having an internal volume for accommodating a filter, the method comprising: removing the filter housing from the filter head, including separating the filter housing from the filter head; coupling the sealing valve to the removable filter to form a removable filter cartridge, including screwing the filter housing and the sealing valve together; coupling the removable filter cartridge to the filter head, including screwing the removable filter cartridge to the filter head using the first thread of the sealing valve. The sealing valve is an open position that allows fluid from the filter head to flow into and out of the filter housing through the sealing valve, and a closed position that seals the internal volume of the filter housing and is configured to seal the internal volume while being removably coupled to the filter head in the closed position and to maintain the seal while the removable filter cartridge remains detached. The sealing valve comprises a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage. ​ In the open position, the first passage and the second passage are configured to align with the first inlet and the second inlet of the removable filter, and the third passage is configured to align with the outlet of the removable filter. In the closed position, the side walls of the first passage and the second passage are configured to block the first inlet and the second inlet of the removable filter, and the side wall of the third passage is configured to block the outlet. A method of modifying a filter housing. **Claim 16** Threading the filter housing and the sealing valve together includes threading the first coupling nut of the filter housing onto the sealing valve. Threading the removable filter cartridge onto the filter head includes threading the second coupling nut of the sealing valve onto the filter head. The method according to claim 15. **Claim 17** The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the sealing valve comprises a handle rotatable to change the sealing valve between an open position and a closed position.

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