Filter cartridge and method for retrofitting filter housing

Abstract

The removable filter cartridge comprises a filter housing containing a filter for filtering liquid, and a sealing valve assembly coupled to the filter housing and for removably coupling the filter cartridge to a filter head. The sealing valve assembly comprises an inlet passage and an outlet passage. The sealing valve also comprises an inlet sealing valve for blocking the inlet passage and an outlet sealing valve for blocking the outlet passage while the filter cartridge is disconnected from the filter head. A method of retrofitting the filter housing includes removing the filter housing from the filter head, coupling the sealing valve assembly 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 relates generally to a filter assembly, and more particularly to a removable filter cartridge within the filter assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Filters can be utilized in semiconductor manufacturing to remove contaminants from fluids. A filter head can pass a fluid (e.g., liquid, water, etc.) through a removable filter. The filter can be configured to remove inclusions, such as solids, as the liquid passes through the filter. Specifically, the filter can be used to remove solid inclusions from a liquid as the liquid passes through the filter. The filter becomes saturated over time with trapped inclusions (e.g., solids) and is subsequently replaced. Traditionally, the filter housing is removed after draining and replaced with a new filter. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a removable filter cartridge includes a filter housing and a sealing valve assembly. The filter housing has an interior volume containing a filter configured to filter liquid passing through the interior volume, the filter housing having an open end with an inlet and an outlet. The sealing valve assembly has a first end configured to be removably coupled to a filter head, a second end coupled to the open end of the filter housing, an inlet passage configured to direct liquid to the inlet of the filter housing, and an outlet passage configured to direct liquid filtered by the filter and discharged through the outlet of the filter housing. The sealing valve assembly also includes an inlet sealing valve configured to block the inlet passage when the sealing valve assembly is disconnected from the filter head so that the interior volume is sealed while the removable filter cartridge is disconnected from the filter head, and an outlet sealing valve configured to block the outlet passage.

[0004] In one embodiment, a sealing valve assembly for a removable filter cartridge includes a first end, a second end, and an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway, each extending through the sealing valve assembly. The first end is configured for removably coupling to a filter head. The second end is configured for coupling the sealing valve assembly to a filter housing to form a removable filter cartridge, with the inlet passageway directing liquid to an inlet of the filter housing and the outlet passageway directing liquid passing through the filter housing and then expelled from an outlet of the filter housing. The sealing valve assembly also includes an inlet sealing valve configured to block the inlet passageway and an outlet sealing valve configured to block the outlet passageway when the sealing valve assembly is disconnected from the filter head so that the interior volume is sealed while the removable filter cartridge is disconnected from the filter head.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for retrofitting a filter housing includes removing the filter housing from a filter head, coupling a sealing valve assembly to the filter housing to form a removable filter cartridge, and coupling the filter cartridge to the filter head. Removing the filter housing from the filter head includes disconnecting the filter housing from the filter head. Coupling the sealing valve assembly to the filter housing includes coupling a first end of the sealing valve assembly to an open end of the filter housing. Coupling the removable filter cartridge to the filter head includes coupling a second end of the sealing valve assembly to the filter head. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a filter assembly. [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded view of the removable filter cartridge of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the filter assembly of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the filter assembly taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3 with the valve sealing assembly of the filter assembly in an open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the filter assembly taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3 with the valve sealing assembly in a closed position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a filter assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the removable filter cartridge of FIG. 6, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the filter assembly of FIG. 6 with a valve sealing assembly of the filter assembly in an open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the removable filter cartridge of the filter assembly of FIG. 7 when disconnected from the filter head, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for retrofitting a filter housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Like numbers refer to like features.

[0008] 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of a filter assembly 1. FIG. 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. A fluid to be filtered is supplied to the fluid inlet 2 and filtered by the filter assembly 1, after which the filtered fluid is directed out of the filter assembly 1 through the fluid outlet 4. The filter assembly 1 removes solids from the fluid as it passes through. In one embodiment, the fluid is a liquid, or is mostly a liquid. For example, the liquid may be water (e.g., deionized water), HCl, HNO3, isopropyl alcohol, or the like. In one embodiment, the fluid is water. The filter assembly 1 includes a removable filter cartridge 10 coupled to a filter head 90. The removed solids remain within the filter cartridge 10. The filter head 90 includes the fluid inlet 2 and the fluid outlet 4 of the filter assembly 1.

[0009] The removable filter cartridge 10 is configured to be removed from the filter head 90. For example, the removable filter cartridge 10 may be removed when it is time for replacement. The removable filter cartridge 10 may be due for replacement after a predetermined amount of filtration has been performed. For example, after the removable filter cartridge 10 has filtered a predetermined amount of fluid, filtered a predetermined amount of material from the fluid, been in use for a predetermined amount of time, reached a certain saturation of the filtered material, etc.

[0010] The removable filter cartridge 10 includes a filter housing 20 and a sealing valve assembly 40. The sealing valve assembly 40 is coupled to the filter housing 20 to form the removable filter cartridge 10. The sealing valve assembly 40 removably couples the removable filter cartridge 10 to a filter head 90. As shown in FIG. 1 , the filter housing 20 is removably coupled to the filter head 90 by the sealing valve assembly 40.

[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the removable filter cartridge 10. FIG. 2 shows the filter housing 20, the sealing valve assembly 40, and the filter head 90 when they are disconnected from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing valve assembly 40 is disconnected from the filter head 90 by unscrewing it from the filter head 90, and the filter housing 20 is disconnected from the sealing valve assembly 40 by unscrewing it from the filter head 90. The sealing valve assembly 40 includes a sealing valve for sealing the filter housing 20. The sealing valve includes an inlet sealing valve 70A configured to block liquid from flowing into the filter housing 20 (e.g., from the filter head 90) and an outlet sealing valve 70B configured to block liquid from flowing from the filter housing 20 (e.g., to the filter head 90). The inlet sealing valve 70A and the outlet sealing valve 70B are configured to seal the filter housing 20 when closed.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the filter assembly 1. The sealing valve assembly 40 has an open position and a closed position. For example, the sealing valve assembly 40 is configured to move between its open and closed positions. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the filter assembly 1 with the sealing valve assembly 40 in the open position. For example, the vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 is indicated by line IV-IV in FIG. 3. In the open position, the sealing valve assembly 40 is configured to allow fluid f to flow through the sealing valve assembly 40. In the closed position (e.g., shown in FIG. 5), the sealing valve assembly 40 is configured to block flow through the sealing valve assembly 40.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 4 , the filter housing 20 includes an interior volume 22 that houses the filter 24. A dashed line is shown in FIG. 4 to indicate the flow of fluid f through the filter assembly 1. In the open position, fluid f from the filter head 90 is permitted to pass through the sealing valve 40 to the filter housing 20, pass through the filter housing 20, and then pass from the filter housing 40 back through the sealing valve 40 to the filter head 90. The open position of the sealing valve 40 is configured to allow fluid to flow into and out of the interior volume 22 of the filter housing 20. The filter 24 filters the fluid f as it passes through the removable filter cartridge 10. The fluid f is filtered as it passes through the filter housing 40, such that the fluid f that flows back into the filter head 20 (and then out through the fluid outlet 4) is filtered fluid.

[0014] The sealing valve assembly 40 has a first end 46 and a second end 48 opposite the first end 46. The first end 46 of the sealing valve assembly 40 is coupled to the filter housing 20. The second end 48 of the sealing valve assembly 40 is configured to be removably coupled to a filter head 90.

[0015] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the filter housing 20 may be bowl-shaped. The filter housing 20 has an open end 26 and a closed end 28. The open end 26 and the closed end 28 of the filter housing 20 are opposite ends of the length L of the filter housing 20. The open end 26 may also be referred to as a fluid inlet-outlet because fluid f enters and exits the filter housing 20 through the open end 26. As shown in FIG. 4 , a first end 46 of the sealing valve 40 is configured to be coupled to the filter housing 20. The first end 46 of the sealing valve 46 is coupled to the open end 26 of the filter housing 20.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 46 of the sealing valve 40 is coupled to the filter housing 20 by threads on the sealing valve 40 and the filter housing 20. For example, the filter housing 20 is configured to be threadedly coupled to the sealing valve 40 by threading the connection nut 30 of the filter housing 20 onto the sealing valve 40. In one embodiment, the threads of the sealing valve 40 (e.g., the threads of the connection nut 56 of the sealing valve 40) and the threads of the filter housing 20 (e.g., the threads of the connection nut 30) have the same configuration (e.g., thread size, thread spacing, etc.). It should be understood that in other embodiments, the sealing valve 40 may be coupled to the filter housing 20 in a manner other than being threadedly coupled to one another by threads. In another embodiment, the sealing valve 40 and the filter housing 20 may be coupled by, for example, but not limited to, a clamp (e.g., by a tri-coupler, etc.) or a bond (e.g., thermally bonding the sealing valve 40 to the filter housing 20, etc.).

[0017] The sealing valve 40 is configured to be removably coupled to the filter head 90. The second end 48 of the sealing valve 40 is removably coupled to the filter head 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing valve 40 includes threads that threadably engage with threads on the filter head 90 to removably couple the removable filter cartridge 10 to the filter head 90. As shown in FIG. 4 , the sealing valve 40 can include a connection nut 56 having threads that threadably engage with the threads of the filter head 90. It should be understood that the sealing valve 40 in other embodiments can be configured to be removably coupled to the filter head 90 in a manner other than via threads. In one embodiment, the sealing valve 40 can be configured to be removably coupled to the filter head 90 by, for example, but not limited to, a clamp (e.g., by a tri-coupler, etc.).

[0018] 4, the sealing valve 40 can include a circumferential groove 58 and a snap ring 60 disposed within the circumferential groove 58 of the valve body 42. The circumferential groove 58 extends around the periphery of the sealing valve 40. The snap ring 60 is configured to be compressed between the sealing valve 40 and the filter head 90 when the sealing valve 40 is removably coupled to the filter head 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the snap ring 60 is compressed between the connection nut 56 of the sealing valve 40 and the filter head 90 when the connection nut 56 is threaded onto the filter head 90.

[0019] The filter housing 20 includes a first inlet 34A, a second inlet 34B, and an outlet 36 disposed at an open end 26 of the filter housing 20. For example, the first inlet 34A, the second inlet 34B, and the outlet 36 are different conduits extending into the filter housing 20 from the open end 26 (e.g., the open end 26 of the filter housing 20 including the inlet 34A and the outlet 36). In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 36 is radially disposed between the first inlet 34A and the second inlet 34B. The filter housing 20 is configured such that a fluid f enters the filter housing 20 through the inlets 34A, 34B and exits the filter housing 20 through the outlet 36 (e.g., after passing through and being filtered by the filter 24). It should be understood that the filter housing 20 in one embodiment may have a number of inlets and / or outlets different from three. In some embodiments, the filter housing 20 may include one or more inlets 34A, 34B and one or more outlets 36. In one embodiment, filter housing 20 may include one inlet 34A and one outlet 34B. In another embodiment, filter housing 20 may include two or more inlets 34A, 34B and / or two or more outlets 36.

[0020] The sealing valve assembly 40 includes passages 62A, 62B that fluidly connect the filter housing 20 and the filter head 90 when the sealing valve assembly 40 is open. As shown in FIG. 4 , the sealing valve assembly 40 includes a valve body 42 with passages 62A, 62B. For example, the valve body 42 includes the first end 46 and the second end 48 of the sealing valve assembly 40. The passages 62A, 62B extend through the valve body 42. Fluid f flows through the sealing valve assembly 40 by flowing through the passages 62A, 62B. The sealing valve assembly 40 includes an inlet passage 62A that directs the fluid f from the filter head 90 into the filter housing 40 and an outlet passage 62B that returns the fluid f (after being filtered in the filter housing 20) from the filter housing 20 to the filter head 90.

[0021] The valve body 42 includes passages 62 for the inlets 34A, 34B and the outlet 36 at the open end 26 of the filter housing 20. Each of the passages 62 extends through the valve body 42. Each of the conduits 62 extends through the valve body 42 from the first end 46 to the second end 48. As shown in FIG. 4 , the conduits 62 within the valve body 42 include an inlet conduit 62A and an outlet conduit 62B, each of which extends separately through the valve body 42. In the open position, the inlet conduit 62A directs fluid f (e.g., fluid to be filtered) from the filter head 90 to the inlets 34A, 34B of the filter housing 20, and the outlet conduit 62B directs fluid f (e.g., filtered fluid) from the outlet 36 of the filter housing 20 to the filter head 90. Inlet conduit 62A connects fluid inlet 2 of filter head 90 (e.g., the conduit within filter head 90 extending from fluid inlet 2) to inlets 34A, 34B of filter housing 20. Outlet conduit 62B connects outlet 36 of filter housing 20 (e.g., the conduit within filter head 90 extending from fluid outlet 4) to fluid outlet 4 of filter head 90.

[0022] 4 , inlet passage 62A fluidly connects fluid inlet 2 of filter head 90 to first inlet 34A and second inlet 34B of filter housing 20, and outlet passage 62B fluidly connects outlet 36 of filter housing 20 to fluid outlet 4 of filter head 90. For example, inlet passage 62A directs fluid f supplied from the conduit of fluid inlet 2 of filter head 90 to inlets 34A, 34B of filter housing 20. For example, outlet passage 62B directs filtered fluid f from outlet 36 to the conduit within filter head 90 for fluid outlet 4.

[0023] The sealing valve assembly 40 is configured to operate between an open position and a closed position by actuating the sealing valves 70A, 70B. The sealing valves 70A, 70B allow compressed gas f CP A gas-actuated valve configured to operate between an open position and a closed position using, for example, compressed gas f CP is a substantially inert gas (e.g., nitrogen, air, filtered air, etc.) having a pressure greater than ambient pressure. In one embodiment, the compressed gas f CP The pressure of the compressed gas f may be greater than 20 psig. CP The pressure of the compressed gas may be greater than 40 psig. In one embodiment, the pressure of the compressed gas may be between 20 psig and 90 psig.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the sealing valves 70A, 70B is connected to a compressed gas f CP The gas release valves 92A and 92B are configured to close when no gas is supplied to the filter head 90. For example, connecting the removable filter cartridge 10 to the filter head 90 includes removably coupling the removable filter cartridge 10 to the filter head 90 and connecting compressed gas lines 92A and 92B to the sealing valves 70A and 70B. The first compressed gas line 92A is connected to the external gas inlet 72A of the inlet sealing valve 70A, and the second compressed gas line is connected to the external gas inlet 72B of the outlet sealing valve 70B. The first compressed gas line 92A is connected to the external gas inlet 72A of the inlet sealing valve 70A, and the second compressed gas line is connected to the external gas inlet 72B of the outlet sealing valve 70B. The first compressed gas line 92A is connected to the external gas inlet 72B of the outlet sealing valve 70B. The first compressed gas line 92A is connected to the external gas inlet 72A of the inlet sealing valve 70A. The second compressed gas line 92B ... CPto the inlet shutoff valve 70A, and the second compressed line 92B supplies compressed gas f CP is supplied to the outlet seal valve 70B.

[0025] The inlet sealing valve 70A includes an external gas inlet 72A, a valve housing 74A, a valve stem 76A, a valve head 78A, a spring 80A, and an interior space 82A. The external gas inlet 72A is disposed within the valve housing 74A and is fluidly connected to the interior space 82A of the inlet sealing valve 70A. Compressed gas f CP is supplied to the external gas inlet 72A to actuate the inlet sealing valve 70 from a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5) to an open position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). CP compresses spring 80A, moving valve head 78A to the open position. In the open position, valve head 78A allows fluid f to pass through inlet passage 62A (e.g., does not block inlet passage 62A).

[0026] For example, a valve head 78A is disposed on the valve stem 76A and external to the valve housing 74A. The valve stem 76A extends through a sidewall 84A of the valve housing 74A into the inlet passage 62A. A spring 80A is configured to bias the valve head 78A into a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5 ) that blocks the inlet passage 62A. For example, the valve head 78A is at the end of the valve stem 76A, and the spring 80A biases the valve stem 76A (e.g., in a first direction D1) into the inlet passage 62A, thereby positioning the valve head 78A in a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5 ) that blocks an opening 63A (e.g., a valve seat) in the inlet passage 62A.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, compressed gas f CP is supplied to the interior space 82A through the external gas inlet 72A. The interior space 82A is filled with compressed gas f CPThe interior space 82A is filled with compressed gas (e.g., the interior space 82A is pressurized from a first pressure P1 to a second pressure P2). The compressed gas in the interior space 82A compresses the spring 80A, thereby retracting the valve head 78A from the inlet passage 62A and actuating the inlet sealing valve 70A from its closed position to its open position (shown in FIG. 4). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the spring 80A is affixed to the valve plate 86A and configured to bias the valve head 78A in a first direction D1. The compressed gas in the interior space 82A pressurizes the valve plate 86A in the opposite direction (e.g., in a second direction D2), thereby compressing the spring 80A and overcoming the biasing force of the spring 80A against the valve head 78A. This causes the valve head 78A to move away from the opening 63A in the inlet passage 62A (e.g., the valve head 78A moves in direction D2 toward the side wall 84A of the inlet sealing valve 70A) so that the valve head 78A no longer blocks the opening 63A / inlet passage 62A.

[0028] For brevity, the configuration of inlet sealing valve 70A is discussed above. It should be understood that outlet sealing valve 70B may exhibit a similar configuration as described for inlet sealing valve 70A, except that it blocks outlet passage 62B.

[0029] It should be understood that in other embodiments, filter housing 20 may have a number of inlets 34A, 34B and outlets 36 other than three (e.g., one inlet, more than two inlets, multiple outlets, etc.) at its open end 26. In one embodiment, sealing valve assembly 40 (e.g., valve body 42) may have a number of inlet passages 62A and outlet passages 62B other than two (e.g., the same number of corresponding conduits as the number of inlets and outlets of filter housing 20). For example, valve body 42 in one embodiment may include a second inlet passage 62A for separately directing a portion of the fluid to be filtered f to second inlet 34B of filter housing 20, and sealing valve assembly 40 including a second inlet sealing valve 70A for second inlet passage 62A.

[0030] Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the filter assembly 1 with the sealing valve assembly 40 in the closed position. For example, the vertical cross-section of Figure 5 is taken along line VI-VI of Figure 3. Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4, except that the sealing valve assembly 40 has been moved to the closed position. In the closed position, the sealing valve assembly 40 is configured to block fluid f from flowing through the filter assembly 1.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5 , the seal valve assembly 40 in the closed position blocks fluid from passing through the seal valve assembly 40 between the filter housing 20 and the filter head 90 (e.g., blocks fluid from flowing from the filter head 90 to the filter housing 20, and blocks fluid from flowing from the filter housing 20 to the filter head 90). The removable filter cartridge 10 is configured to operate the seal valve assembly 40 in the closed position while always removably connected to the filter head 90. The seal valve assembly 40 is closed by removing the supply of compressed gas to the seal valves 70A, 70B (e.g., by removing the application of compressed gas to the seal valves 70A, 70B). The seal valves 70A, 70B are moved to the closed position by depressurizing the interior spaces 82A, 82B of the seal valves 70A, 70B. For example, the interior space 82A of the inlet seal valve 70A can be depressurized to the ambient environment by disconnecting the compressed gas line 92A from its external gas inlet 72A.

[0032] When the removable filter cartridge 10 is disconnected from the filter head 90 (e.g., the connected filter housing 20 and sealing valve assembly 40 are disconnected / unscrewed from the filter head 90), the sealing valve assembly 40 is configured to maintain a seal on the interior volume 22. For example, when compressed gas is not supplied, the sealing valves 70A, 70B remain closed, sealing the filter housing 20. The sealing valve assembly 40 is configured to maintain a seal on the filter housing 20 while the filter cartridge 10 remains disconnected from the filter head 90. Specifically, the closure of the sealing valve assembly 40 seals the filter housing 20 such that all of the liquid within the interior volume 22 is trapped within the removable filter cartridge 10. This is advantageous over conventional configurations in that the removable filter cartridge 10 can be more quickly removed without the need to drain the liquid.

[0033] 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of a filter assembly 101. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the filter assembly 101. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the filter assembly 101. The filter assembly 101 includes a removable filter cartridge 110 coupled to a filter head 190 and including a filter housing 120 and a sealing valve assembly 140. The filter assembly 101 is generally similar to the filter assembly 1 of FIGS. 1-5, except for the sealing valve assembly 140. For example, the filter head 90 includes the fluid inlet 102 and fluid outlet of the filter assembly 101 and is configured to supply fluid through the removable filter cartridge 110. The removable filter cartridge 110 filters fluid passing therethrough, similar to the removable filter cartridge 1 of FIG. 1. For example, the sealing valve assembly 140 has a first end 146 coupled to the filter housing 120 and a second end 148 detachably coupled to the filter head 90. Filter assembly 101 may have similar features to filter assembly 1 of FIGS. 1-5, unless otherwise stated.

[0034] Filter housing 120 and filter head 190 exhibit a similar configuration to filter head 90 and filter housing 20 of filter assembly 1 of Figures 1-5. It should be understood that filter housing 120 and / or filter head 190 may differ in other embodiments, as described for filter housing 20 and filter head 90 of Figures 1-5. As shown in Figure 7, filter assembly 101 includes a push rod 192 for actuating sealing valve assembly 140. Push rod 192 is discussed in more detail below.

[0035] The sealing valve assembly 140 has an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the sealing valve assembly 140 is configured to allow fluid to flow through the sealing valve assembly 140. In the closed position, the sealing valve assembly 140 is configured to block flow through the sealing valve assembly 140. The sealing valve assembly 140 has a first end 146 and a second end 148 opposite the first end 146. For example, the valve body 142 of the sealing valve assembly 140 comprises the first end 146 and the second end 148 of the sealing valve assembly 140.

[0036] The sealing valve assembly 140 is configured to be removably coupled to the filter head 190, similar to the manner discussed for the sealing valve 40 and the filter head 90 in FIGS. 1-8 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 148 of the sealing valve assembly 140 is removably coupled to the filter head 190 via a connection nut 156 of the sealing valve assembly 140. The sealing valve assembly 140 may include a connection nut 156 and a snap ring 160 (shown in FIG. 8 ) for coupling the sealing valve assembly 140 to the filter head 190. For example, the threads of the connection nut 156 are threadedly engaged with the threads of the filter head 190. In one embodiment, the sealing valve assembly 140 may be configured to be removably coupled to the filter head 190, for example, but not limited to, by a coupler (e.g., a tri-coupler, etc.).

[0037] 8, filter housing 120, similar to filter housing 120 of FIGS. 1-5, includes a first inlet 134A, a second inlet 134B, and an outlet 136 disposed at open end 126 of filter housing 120. Filter housing 120 is configured such that fluid f enters filter housing 120 through inlets 134A, 134B and exits filter housing 120 through outlet 136 (e.g., after passing through and being filtered by filter 124). It should be understood that filter housing 120 in one embodiment may have a number of inlets and / or outlets other than three, similar to that discussed for filter housing 20 of FIGS. 1-5.

[0038] The sealing valve assembly 140 includes passages 162A, 162B, and 162C that fluidly connect the filter housing 120 and the filter head 190 when open. As shown in FIG. 8 , the sealing valve assembly 140 includes a valve body 142 with passages 162A, 162B, and 162C. The passages 162A, 162B, and 162C extend through the valve body 142. Fluid f flows through the sealing valve assembly 140 by flowing through the passages 162A, 162B, and 162C. The sealing valve assembly 140 includes first and second inlet passages 162A and 162B that direct the fluid f from the filter head 190 into the filter housing 140, and an outlet passage 162C that returns the fluid f (after being filtered in the filter housing 120) from the filter housing 120 to the filter head 190. In one embodiment, the sealing valve assembly 140 may include a different number of inlet passages 162A, 162B (e.g., one inlet passage, etc.) and / or outlet passages 162C (e.g., multiple outlet passages, two outlet passages, etc.).

[0039] The valve body 142 includes passages 162 for the inlets 134A, 134B, and the outlet 136 at the open end 126 of the filter housing 120. Each of the passages 162 extends through the valve body 142. As shown in FIG. 8 , the passages 162 within the valve body 142 include inlet passages 162A, 162B, and outlet passage 162C, which extend separately through the valve body 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet passages 162 meet at a first end 146 within the valve body 142 such that fluid f flowing through the inlet passages 162A, 162B is mixed and supplied to both the inlets 134A and 134B of the filter housing 120. In the open position, inlet passages 162A, 162B direct fluid f (e.g., fluid to be filtered) from filter head 190 to inlets 134A, 134B of filter housing 120, and outlet passage 162C directs fluid f (e.g., filtered fluid) from outlet 136 of filter housing 120 to filter head 190. Inlet passages 162A, 162B connect fluid inlet 102 of filter head 190 (e.g., a conduit within filter head 90 extending from fluid inlet 102) to inlets 134A, 134B of filter housing 120, respectively. Outlet conduit 162B connects outlet 136 of filter housing 120 (e.g., a conduit within filter head 190 extending to fluid outlet 104) to fluid outlet 104 of filter head 190.

[0040] 8 , inlet passages 162A, 162B fluidly connect fluid inlet 102 of filter head 190 to first inlet 134A and second inlet 134B of filter housing 120, and outlet passage 162B fluidly connects outlet 136 of filter housing 120 to fluid outlet 104 of filter head 190. For example, inlet passage 162A directs fluid f supplied from the conduit of fluid inlet 102 of filter head 190 to inlets 134A, 134B of filter housing 120. For example, outlet passage 162B directs filtered fluid f from outlet 136 to the conduit within filter head 190 for fluid outlet 104.

[0041] The sealing valves include an inlet sealing valve 170A configured to block liquid from flowing into the filter housing 120 (e.g., from the filter head 190) and an outlet sealing valve 170B configured to block liquid from flowing from the filter housing 120 (e.g., to the filter head 190). The sealing valve assembly 140 is configured to be actuated between open and closed positions by actuating the sealing valves 170A, 170B from their open positions to their closed positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet sealing valve 170A is a fluid check valve configured to be actuated between the open and closed positions by the pressure of fluid f supplied from the filter head 190, and the outlet sealing valve 170B is a push valve configured to be actuated between the open and closed positions by a push rod 192 when the removable filter cartridge 120 (e.g., the sealing valve assembly 140) is removably coupled to the filter head 190.

[0042] Inlet sealing valve 170A is a fluid check valve configured to be actuated by fluid f pressing against inlet sealing valve 170A. When fluid is not pressing against inlet sealing valve 170A (e.g., when filter head 190A is not supplying fluid to sealing valve assembly 140 and removable filter cartridge 110 is disconnected from filter head 190A), inlet sealing valve 170A is in a closed position. The initial position of inlet sealing valve 170A is the closed position. Inlet sealing valve 170A is configured to move from the closed position to an open position when filter head 190 supplies a flow of fluid f to sealing valve assembly 140.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet sealing valve 170A includes a backstop 174A, a valve head 178A, and a spring 180A disposed between the backstop 174A and the valve head 178A. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve head 178A has a planar torus shape that surrounds the outlet passage 162C. The backstop 174A is fixedly attached to the valve body 142. In one embodiment, the backstop 174A may be formed as an integral part of the valve body 142. The valve head 178A is configured to be movable relative to the valve body 142.

[0044] Spring 180A is configured to bias valve head 178A to a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9 ) that blocks inlet passageway 162A. For example, spring 180A biases / presses valve head 178A (e.g., in direction D3) to a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9 ) that blocks inlet passageways 162A, 162B. The pressure of fluid f presses valve head 178A in the opposite direction (e.g., direction D4) from the closed position to the open position shown in FIG. 8 . The pressure of fluid f against valve head 178A overcomes the biasing force of spring 180A, compressing spring 180A and moving valve head 178A to the open position.

[0045] The outlet seal valve 170B is a push valve configured to be actuated by a push rod 192 from an open position (shown in FIG. 8) to a closed position (shown in FIG. 9) when the removable filter cartridge 110 is removably coupled to the filter head 190. Removable coupling of the seal valve assembly 140 to the filter head 190 moves the outlet seal valve 170B from the closed position to the open position.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet sealing valve 170B includes a backstop 174B, a valve head 178B, and a spring 180B disposed between the backstop 174B and the valve head 178B. The backstop 174B is fixed to the valve body 142. In another embodiment, the backstop 174B may be formed as an integral part of the valve body 142. The valve head 178B is configured to be movable relative to the valve body 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve head 178B has a continuous planar shape.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 8 , in the assembled filter assembly 101, a push rod 192 is disposed between the sealing valve 40 and the filter head 190. More specifically, the push rod is disposed within the filter head 190 and extends into the valve body 142 of the sealing valve assembly 140. The push rod 192 has a first end 194 and a second end 196. The first end 194 of the push rod 192 is disposed within the filter head (e.g., a passage in the filter head 190 that extends to the fluid outlet 104), and the second end 196 of the push rod 192 is disposed within the outlet passage 162C. The first end 194 of the push rod 192 directly contacts the filter head 190, and the second end 196 of the push rod 192 directly contacts the filter head 190. As shown in FIG. 8, filtered fluid f flowing from outlet conduit 162C to outlet 104 of filter head 190 flows through first end 194 of push rod 192 (e.g., through one or more through holes in second end 194 of push rod 192).

[0048] Spring 180B is configured to bias valve head 178B to a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9 ) that blocks outlet passageway 162C. For example, spring 180B biases / presses valve head 178B (e.g., in direction D3) to a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9 ) that blocks outlet passageway 162C. When sealing valve assembly 40 is removably coupled to filter head 190, push rod 192 is compressed between valve head 178B and filter head 190. Because push rod 192 is generally incompressible, push 192 urges valve head 178B from the closed position to the open position shown in FIG. 8 . As shown in FIG. 8 , when sealing valve assembly 40 is removably coupled to filter head 190, push rod 192 compresses spring 180B. Filter head 190 pushes against valve head 178B via push rod 192, moving / actuating valve head 178B to an open position. The pressure / force of push rod 192 against valve head 178B pushes closed valve head 178B in the opposite direction (e.g., direction D4, away from filter head 190) to the open position shown in Figure 8. The upward force on valve head 178B overcomes the biasing force of spring 180B, compressing spring 180B and moving valve head 178B to the open position.

[0049] As discussed above, filter cartridge 110 (e.g., sealing valve assembly 140) is removably coupled to filter head 190. Figure 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of filter cartridge 140 when disconnected from filter head 190. The cross-section in Figure 9 is along the same plane as Figure 8.

[0050] FIG. 9 shows the sealing valve assembly 140 in a closed state. The sealing valve assembly 140 is actuated from an open state (as shown in FIG. 8 ) to a closed state (as shown in FIG. 9 ) during the process of disconnecting the filter cartridge 110 (e.g., the sealing valve assembly 140) from the filter head 190. Actuating the sealing valve assembly 140 from an open state to a closed state includes actuating the inlet sealing valve 170A from an open position to a closed position and actuating the outlet sealing valve 170B from an open position to a closed position. The inlet sealing valve 170A closes when fluid f is no longer supplied from the filter head 190 to the sealing valve assembly 170A. Upon disconnection from the filter head 110, the filter head 190 is no longer fluidly connected to the filter cartridge 110 such that fluid is no longer supplied to the filter cartridge 110. Generally, the flow of fluid f to the filter cartridge 110 is configured to stop before disconnecting the filter cartridge 110 from the filter head 190. In such a configuration, the inlet seal valve 170A may be actuated to a closed position prior to the actual act of disconnecting the filter cartridge 110 from the filter head 190.

[0051] Actuation of outlet seal valve 170B from the open position to the closed position occurs during decoupling of filter cartridge 110 (e.g., seal valve assembly 140) from filter head 110. During decoupling of filter cartridge 110, second end 148 of seal valve assembly 140 moves away from filter head 110 (e.g., in direction D4). As the distance between second end 146 of seal valve assembly 140 and filter head 110 increases, push rod 192 no longer leverages / presses valve head 178B upward (e.g., in direction D3), and spring 180B pushes valve head 178B back to the closed position. In one embodiment, the push rod 192 has a length that moves the valve head 178B to a closed position (as shown in FIG. 9) during uncoupling before the sealing valve 140 is fully uncoupled (e.g., the valve head 178B moves to the closed position while the sealing valve 140 is always partially threaded onto the filter head 190).

[0052] 9 shows the inlet sealing valve 170A and its valve head 178A in the closed position. In the closed position, the valve head 178A of the inlet sealing valve 170A extends across and blocks the openings 163A, 163B in the valve body 162A to the inlet passages 162A, 162B, thereby blocking the inlet passages 162A, 162B. In the closed position, the valve head 178A presses against the valve body 142 (e.g., the inner surface of the valve body 142) to seal the openings 163A, 163A in the valve body 142 to the inlet passages 162A, 162B.

[0053] 9 shows the outlet seal valve 170B and its valve head 178A in the closed position. The valve head 178B of the outlet seal valve 170B in the closed position blocks the outlet passage 162C by extending across and blocking the opening 162C in the valve body 142 to the outlet passage 162C. In the closed position, the valve head 178B presses against the valve body 142 (e.g., the inner surface of the valve body 142) to seal the opening 163C in the valve body 142 to the outlet passage 162C. For example, the outer periphery of the valve head 178B is in direct contact with the valve body 142 in the closed position.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the push rod 192 is shown as a separate part from the sealing valve 140 and the filter head 190. In one embodiment, the filter head 190 may include the push rod 192 as a separate part, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In one embodiment, the push rod 192 may be an integral part of the filter head 190 (e.g., the filter head 190 is formed to include the push rod 192, an end 194 of the push rod 192 is affixed to the filter head 190, etc.). In another embodiment, the push rod 192 may be provided in the sealing valve assembly 140. For example, the push rod 192 may be provided as a separate part of the sealing valve assembly 140 or as an integral part of the outlet sealing valve 170B (e.g., the valve head 178B is formed to include the push rod 192, and an end 196 of the push rod 192 is affixed to the valve head 178B).

[0055] When removable filter cartridge 110 is disconnected from filter head 190 (e.g., the connected filter housing 120 and sealing valve assembly 140 are disconnected / unscrewed from filter head 90), sealing valve assembly 140 is configured to maintain a seal on interior volume 122. Sealing valve assembly 140 is configured to maintain a seal on filter housing 120 while the cartridge remains disconnected from the filter head. Specifically, closure of sealing valve assembly 140 seals filter housing 120 such that all of the liquid within interior volume 122 is trapped within removable filter cartridge 110. This is advantageous over conventional configurations in that removable filter cartridge 110 can be more quickly removed without the need to drain the liquid.

[0056] It should be understood that an embodiment of the sealing valve assembly may include inlet check valves and outlet check valves selected from combinations other than those disclosed in FIGS. 1-9. In one embodiment, the sealing valve assembly may include an inlet sealing valve that is one of a gas release valve (e.g., inlet sealing valve 70A), a fluid check valve (e.g., inlet check valve 170A), and a push valve, and an outlet sealing valve that is one of a gas release valve (e.g., outlet sealing valve 70B), a fluid check valve, and a push valve (e.g., outlet check valve 170B). For example, in one embodiment, the sealing valve assembly may include an inlet sealing valve that is a gas release valve (e.g., inlet sealing valve 70A) and an outlet check valve that is a push valve (e.g., outlet check valve 170B). For example, in one embodiment, the sealing valve assembly may include an inlet sealing valve that is a fluid check valve (e.g., inlet check valve 170A) and an outlet sealing valve that is a gas release valve (e.g., outlet sealing valve 170B).

[0057] 10 shows a block flow diagram of a method 1000 for retrofitting a filter housing (e.g., filter housing 20, filter housing 120). The filter housing has an internal volume (e.g., internal volume 22, internal volume 122) that houses a filter (e.g., filter 24, filter 124). For example, method 1000 may be for retrofitting a filter housing (e.g., filter housing 120) that was originally intended to be directly and removably coupled to a filter head (e.g., filter header 90, filter head 190). The method begins at 1010.

[0058] At 1010, the filter housing is decoupled from the filter head. Removing the filter housing from the filter head 1010 includes decoupling an open end of the filter housing (e.g., open end 26, open end 126) from the filter head. In one embodiment, decoupling the filter housing from the filter head 1010 may include unthreading 1012 the filter housing from the filter head. For example, unthreading the filter housing from the filter head may include unthreading a connection nut (e.g., connection nut 30, connection nut 130) of the filter housing from the filter head. Method 1000 then proceeds to 1020.

[0059] At 1020, a first end (e.g., first end 46, first end 146) of a sealing valve (e.g., sealing valve assembly 40, sealing valve assembly 140) is coupled to a removable filter to form a removable filter cartridge (e.g., removable filter cartridge 10, removable filter cartridge 110). In one embodiment, coupling 1020 the sealing valve to the removable filter includes threading 1022 the filter housing and the sealing valve together. For example, threading 1022 the filter housing and the sealing valve together may include threading a connection nut of the filter housing onto the sealing valve. Method 1000 then proceeds to 1030.

[0060] At 1030, the removable filter cartridge is removably coupled to the filter head. Removably coupling the cartridge to the filter head 1030 includes removably coupling a second end of the sealing valve (e.g., second end 48, second end 148) to the filter head. In one embodiment, removably coupling the removable filter cartridge to the filter head at 1030 may include threading the removable filter cartridge to the filter head 1032. For example, threading the removable filter cartridge to the filter head at 1032 may include threading a connection nut of the sealing valve (e.g., connection nut 56, connection nut 156) to the filter head. Method 1000 then proceeds to 1040.

[0061] At 1040, the sealing valve assembly is actuated from a closed state (e.g., sealing valve assembly 40 of FIG. 5, sealing valve assembly of FIG. 9) to an open state (e.g., sealing valve assembly 40 of FIG. 4, sealing valve assembly of FIG. 8). Actuating the sealing valve assembly at 1040 may include actuating 1042 an inlet sealing valve of the sealing valve assembly (e.g., inlet sealing valve 70A, inlet sealing valve 170A) and actuating 1042 an outlet sealing valve of the sealing valve assembly (e.g., outlet sealing valve 70B, outlet sealing valve 170B).

[0062] In one embodiment, the inlet check valve can be a gas release valve (e.g., inlet check valve 70A), and actuating the inlet seal valve at 1042 can include supplying compressed gas to an external gas inlet (e.g., external gas inlet 72A) of the inlet seal valve to actuate the inlet check valve from a closed position to an open position. In one embodiment, the inlet check valve can be a fluid check valve (e.g., inlet check valve 170A), and actuating the inlet seal valve at 1042 can include a filter head supplying liquid (e.g., fluid f in FIG. 8) from the filter head to an inlet passage of the seal valve, and pressure of the liquid in the inlet passage against the inlet seal valve actuates the inlet seal valve from a closed position to an open position.

[0063] In one embodiment, the outlet check valve can be a gas release valve (e.g., outlet check valve 70B), and actuating the outlet seal valve at 1044 can include supplying compressed gas to an external gas inlet of the outlet seal valve to actuate the outlet check valve from a closed position to an open position. In one embodiment, the outlet check valve can be a push valve, and actuating the outlet seal valve at 1044 can include a filter head pushing a filter head (e.g., filter head 178B) of the outlet check valve from a closed position to an open position via a push rod (e.g., push rod 192). In such an embodiment, actuating the outlet seal valve at 1044 can occur during releasable coupling of the seal valve to the filter head (e.g., releasable coupling of the filter cartridge to the filter head at 1030 includes actuating the outlet seal valve 1044).

[0064] It should be understood that the method 1000 in one embodiment may be modified to include the features described above with respect to the filter assembly 1 of FIGS. 1-5 and / or the filter assembly 101 of FIGS. 6-9.

[0065] Aspects: Any of the embodiments 1 to 11 can be combined with any of the embodiments 12 to 19, and any of the embodiments 12 to 15 can be combined with any of the embodiments 16 to 19.

[0066] Aspect 1. A removable filter cartridge comprising: a filter housing having an interior volume containing a filter configured to filter liquid passing through the interior volume, the filter housing having an open end having an inlet and an outlet; and a sealing valve assembly comprising: a first end configured to removably couple the sealing valve assembly to a filter head; a second end coupled to the open end of the filter housing; an inlet passage configured to direct liquid to the inlet of the filter housing; an outlet passage configured to direct liquid discharged from the outlet of the filter housing after being filtered by the filter; and an inlet sealing valve configured to block the inlet passage and an outlet sealing valve configured to block the outlet passage when the sealing valve assembly is disconnected from the filter head such that the interior volume is sealed while the removable filter cartridge is disconnected from the filter head.

[0067] Aspect 2. The removable filter cartridge of aspect 1, wherein the inlet sealing valve is one of a gas release valve, a fluid check valve, and a push valve, and the outlet sealing valve is one of a gas release valve, a fluid check valve, and a push valve.

[0068] Embodiment 3. The removable filter cartridge of any one of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the inlet sealing valve is a gas release valve, the inlet sealing valve comprising a valve head, a spring biasing the valve head to a closed position blocking the inlet passage, and an external gas inlet for supplying compressed gas to the inlet sealing valve.

[0069] Embodiment 4. The removable filter cartridge of embodiment 3, wherein the inlet sealing valve is configured to be actuated from a closed position to an open position by compressed gas supplied through the external gas inlet.

[0070] Embodiment 5. The removable filter cartridge of any one of embodiments 3 and 4, wherein the inlet sealing valve includes an internal space fluidly connected to an external gas inlet, the external gas inlet configured to direct compressed gas into the internal space to compress the spring and actuate the valve head to an open position.

[0071] Embodiment 6. The removable filter cartridge of any one of embodiments 3-5, wherein the sealing valve assembly comprises a valve body, the valve body comprising an inlet passage and an outlet passage, and the inlet sealing valve and the outlet sealing valve are each coupled to the valve body.

[0072] Embodiment 7. The removable filter cartridge of any one of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the outlet sealing valve is a gas release valve, the outlet sealing valve comprises an external gas inlet, and the outlet sealing valve is configured to be actuated from a closed position to an open position by compressed gas supplied to the filter cartridge through a second external gas inlet.

[0073] Embodiment 8. The removable filter cartridge of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the outlet sealing valve is a push valve configured to be actuated from a closed position that blocks the outlet passage to an open position by removably connecting the sealing valve assembly to the filter head.

[0074] Embodiment 9. The removable filter cartridge of embodiment 8, wherein the outlet sealing valve is configured to be actuated from a closed position to an open position by a push rod disposed between the sealing valve and the filter head when the sealing valve is removably coupled to the filter head.

[0075] Embodiment 10. The removable filter cartridge of embodiment 9, wherein the outlet sealing valve comprises a valve head and a spring that biases the valve head to a closed position that blocks the outlet passage, and the push rod is configured to push the valve head to an open position during removably coupling of the removable filter cartridge to the filter head.

[0076] Embodiment 11. The removable filter cartridge of any one of embodiments 7-10, wherein the inlet sealing valve is a fluid check valve configured to be actuated from a closed position blocking the inlet flow path to an open position by a filter head supplying liquid to the inlet passage.

[0077] Aspect 12. A sealing valve assembly for a removable filter cartridge, the sealing valve comprising: a first end configured to removably couple the sealing valve assembly to a filter head; an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway each extending through the sealing valve assembly; a second end configured to couple the sealing valve assembly to a filter housing to form a removable filter cartridge, such that the inlet passageway directs liquid to an inlet of the filter housing and the outlet passageway directs liquid passing through the filter housing and then discharged out an outlet of the filter housing, the filter housing comprising an interior volume and a filter configured to filter liquid passing through the filter housing; and an inlet sealing valve configured to block the inlet passageway and an outlet sealing valve configured to block the outlet passageway when the sealing valve assembly is disconnected from the filter head such that the interior volume is sealed while the removable filter cartridge is disconnected from the filter head.

[0078] Embodiment 13. The sealing valve assembly of embodiment 12, wherein the inlet sealing valve is a gas release valve, and the inlet sealing valve comprises an external gas inlet for supplying compressed gas to the inlet sealing valve to actuate the inlet sealing valve from a closed position that blocks the inlet passage to an open position.

[0079] Embodiment 14. The sealing valve assembly of any one of embodiments 12 and 13, wherein the outlet sealing valve is a gas release valve, and the outlet sealing valve includes a second external gas inlet for supplying compressed gas to the outlet sealing valve to actuate the outlet sealing valve from a closed position that blocks the outlet passage to an open position.

[0080] Embodiment 15. The sealing valve assembly of any one of embodiments 12 and 13, wherein the outlet sealing valve is a push valve configured to be actuated by a push rod from a closed position to an open position that blocks the outlet passage by removably connecting the sealing valve assembly to the filter head.

[0081] Aspect 16. A method of retrofitting a filter housing having an interior volume that accommodates a filter configured to filter liquid, the method comprising: removing the filter housing from a filter head, the removing comprising: disconnecting the filter housing from the filter head; coupling a sealing valve assembly to the filter housing to form a removable filter cartridge, the forming comprising: coupling a first end of the sealing valve assembly to an open end of the filter housing; coupling the removable filter cartridge to the filter head, the forming comprising: coupling a second end of the sealing valve assembly to the filter head, the sealing valve assembly comprising: an inlet passageway for directing liquid from the filter head to an inlet of the filter housing; an outlet passageway for directing liquid that has passed through the filter and discharged out an outlet of the filter housing to the filter head; and an inlet sealing valve configured to block the inlet passageway when the sealing valve assembly is disconnected from the filter head such that the interior volume is sealed while the removable filter cartridge is disconnected from the filter head.

[0082] Embodiment 17. The method of embodiment 16, further comprising supplying compressed gas to an external gas inlet of the inlet sealing valve, thereby actuating the inlet sealing valve from a closed position that blocks the inlet passage to an open position that allows liquid to pass through the inlet passage, wherein the inlet sealing valve is a gas release valve.

[0083] Embodiment 18. The method of any one of embodiments 16 and 17, wherein coupling the removable filter cartridge to the filter head includes the filter head pressing, via a push rod, a valve head of the outlet sealing valve from a closed position that blocks the outlet passage to an open position that allows liquid to pass through the outlet passage.

[0084] Embodiment 19. The method of any one of embodiments 16 and 18, further comprising supplying liquid from the filter head to an inlet passage of the sealing valve, wherein pressure of the liquid in the inlet passage against the inlet sealing valve causes the inlet sealing valve to actuate from a closed position blocking the inlet passage to an open position.

[0085] The examples disclosed in this application should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A removable filter cartridge, a filter housing having an interior volume containing a filter configured to filter a liquid passing through the interior volume, the filter housing having an open end having an inlet and an outlet; 1. A sealing valve assembly comprising: a first end configured to removably connect the sealing valve assembly to a filter head; a second end coupled to the open end of the filter housing; an inlet passage configured to direct liquid to the inlet of the filter housing; an outlet passage configured to direct the liquid discharged from the outlet of the filter housing after being filtered by the filter; and an inlet sealing valve configured to block the inlet passageway when the sealing valve assembly is disconnected from the filter head such that the interior volume is sealed while the removable filter cartridge is disconnected from the filter head, and an outlet sealing valve configured to block the outlet passageway. a sealing valve assembly comprising: Equipped with the inlet sealing valve is a gas release valve, the inlet sealing valve comprising a valve head, a spring biasing the valve head to a closed position blocking the inlet passage, and an external gas inlet for supplying compressed gas to the inlet sealing valve.

2. the inlet sealing valve is one of a gas release valve, a fluid check valve, and a push valve; the outlet sealing valve is one of a gas release valve, a fluid check valve, and a push valve; 2. The removable filter cartridge of claim 1.

3. The removable filter cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the inlet sealing valve is configured to be actuated from the closed position to an open position by the compressed gas supplied through the external gas inlet.

4. 2. The removable filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the inlet sealing valve includes an interior space fluidly connected to the external gas inlet, the external gas inlet configured to direct the compressed gas into the interior space to compress the spring and actuate the valve head to an open position.

5. 2. The removable filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the sealing valve assembly comprises a valve body, the valve body comprising the inlet passage and the outlet passage, the inlet sealing valve and the outlet sealing valve each coupled to the valve body.

6. 3. The removable filter cartridge of claim 2, wherein the outlet sealing valve is a gas release valve, the outlet sealing valve comprises a second external gas inlet, and the outlet sealing valve is configured to be actuated from a closed position to an open position by compressed gas supplied to the filter cartridge through the second external gas inlet.

7. 1. A sealing valve assembly for a removable filter cartridge, the sealing valve assembly comprising: a first end configured to removably connect the sealing valve assembly to a filter head; an inlet passage and an outlet passage each extending through said sealing valve assembly; a second end configured to couple the sealing valve assembly to the filter housing to form the removable filter cartridge, such that the inlet passage directs liquid to an inlet of the filter housing and the outlet passage directs the liquid after passing through the filter housing and out an outlet of the filter housing, the filter housing comprising an interior volume and a filter configured to filter the liquid passing through the filter housing; and an inlet sealing valve configured to block the inlet passageway when the sealing valve assembly is disconnected from the filter head such that the interior volume is sealed while the removable filter cartridge is disconnected from the filter head, and an outlet sealing valve configured to block the outlet passageway; Equipped with a sealing valve assembly, wherein the inlet sealing valve is a gas release valve, the inlet sealing valve comprising a valve head, a spring biasing the valve head to a closed position blocking the inlet passage, and an external gas inlet for supplying compressed gas to the inlet sealing valve.

8. 8. The sealing valve assembly of claim 7, wherein the outlet sealing valve is a gas release valve, the outlet sealing valve comprising a second external gas inlet for supplying compressed gas to the outlet sealing valve to actuate the outlet sealing valve from a closed position blocking the outlet passage to an open position.

9. 1. A method of retrofitting a filter housing having an interior volume containing a filter configured to filter a liquid, comprising: removing the filter housing from the filter head, the removing comprising decoupling the filter housing from the filter head; coupling a sealing valve assembly to the filter housing to form a removable filter cartridge, the removable filter cartridge including coupling a first end of the sealing valve assembly to an open end of the filter housing; connecting the removable filter cartridge to the filter head, the removable filter cartridge comprising: connecting a second end of the sealing valve assembly to the filter head; the sealing valve assembly comprising: an inlet passageway for conducting liquid from the filter head to an inlet of the filter housing; an outlet passageway that directs the liquid that has passed through the filter and is discharged from an outlet of the filter housing to the filter head; and an inlet sealing valve configured to block the inlet passageway when the sealing valve assembly is disconnected from the filter head such that the interior volume is sealed while the removable filter cartridge is disconnected from the filter head, and an outlet sealing valve configured to block the outlet passageway. connecting the removable filter cartridge to the filter head; Including, the inlet sealing valve is a gas release valve, the inlet sealing valve comprising a valve head, a spring biasing the valve head to a closed position blocking the inlet passage, and an external gas inlet for supplying compressed gas to the inlet sealing valve.

10. supplying compressed gas to an external gas inlet of the inlet sealing valve to actuate the inlet sealing valve from a closed position blocking the inlet passage to an open position allowing the liquid to pass through the inlet passage, the inlet sealing valve being a gas release valve.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

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