Coolant ion exchange assemblies and methods

Abstract

An ion exchange filter assembly can include a filter cartridge containing ion exchange media. The filter cartridge can have a sidewall having a generally cylindrical shape and extending between first and second ends, the sidewall defining an interior volume within which the ion exchange media is disposed. The filter cartridge can have a first end cap having, in examples, a generally dome shape and being located at a first end of the sidewall and can have a second end cap located at a second end of the sidewall. The sidewall, the first end cap and the second end cap cooperatively define a plurality of recessed open channels, having openings extending into the interior volume. The filter cartridge can also wholly or partly define a bypass passageway allowing some fluid to enter and exit the filter cartridge without flowing through the ion exchange media. The ion exchange filter cartridge can also include a central or compressible body within the housing interior volume.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 00758.3075WOU1 / 00011705-W001COOLANT ION EXCHANGE ASSEMBLIES AND METHODSRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application Serial Number 63 / 715,433, filed on November 1, 2024, and to United States Provisional Application Serial Number 63 / 715,440, filed on November 1, 2024, the entireties of each being incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to ion exchange assemblies and related methods suitable for use in coolant systems in hydrogen fuel cell applications.BACKGROUND

[0003] Hydrogen fuel cell systems have emerged as a promising technology for generating electricity through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, producing water as the only byproduct. One of the critical components ensuring the longevity and efficiency of such systems is the coolant loop, which regulates the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack. Maintaining an optimal temperature range is vital for the performance, safety, and durability of the fuel cell, as excessive heat can lead to degradation of the fuel cell components, reduced efficiency, and potential failure of the system.

[0004] An ion exchange filter plays an important role within the coolant loop of a hydrogen fuel cell system. It is designed to remove ionic contaminants from the coolant, which can otherwise lead to the buildup of conductive deposits on the fuel cell components. These contaminants, often introduced through the environment or as a result of chemical reactions within the system, can significantly impair the electrical isolation properties of the coolant. The presence of ions in the coolant increases its electrical conductivity, which can lead to increased corrosion rates, theformation of galvanic cells, and an overall decrease in the lifespan of the fuel cell stack. Examples of ions that are removed by an ion exchange filter are metal ions, calcium and magnesium ions, chloride ions, and sulfate ions.

[0005] The ion exchange filter typically operates by utilizing a resin or similar medium capable of selectively adsorbing and exchanging undesirable ions with benign ones. This process not only preserves the electrical insulating properties of the coolant but also prevents the formation of scale and maintains the pH balance, thus protecting sensitive fuel cell components from corrosion and pitting. By ensuring the purity of the coolant, the ion exchange filter contributes to the system's reliability, efficiency, and maintenance requirements, directly impacting the operational viability of hydrogen fuel cell systems in a wide range of applications, from automotive to stationary power generation.

[0006] Although ion exchange filters are known, improvements are desired.SUMMARY

[0007] This disclosure relates to ion exchange assemblies. In the examples described herein, the disclosed ion exchange assemblies are particularly suitable for use in cooling loops for hydrogen fuel cell systems wherein the coolant is water and / or a glycol-based solution. The disclosed ion exchange assemblies are not so limited and may be used in a variety of applications with varying fluids. For example, the disclosed ion exchange assemblies and the concepts disclosed herein could be used for industrial water treatment, wastewater treatment, water softening, and removing contaminants from irrigation water in agricultural applications. Further examples include water purification for nuclear power plant cooling water, mining and metallurgy applications, electronics manufacturing, and chemical processes. Additionally, the disclosed concepts herein may be utilized with other fluids such as petrochemicals, aqueous solutions used in hydrometallurgical processes, beverages such as beer and wine, radioactive liquids, and others.

[0008] An ion exchange filter cartridge can include ion exchange media; a sidewall having a generally cylindrical shape and extending between first and second ends, the sidewall defining an interior volume within which the ion exchange media is disposed; a first end cap having a generally dome shape and being located at a first end of the sidewall; and a second end cap located at a second end of the sidewall; wherein the sidewall, the first end cap, and the second end capcooperatively define a plurality of recessed open channels having openings extending into the interior volume, wherein the plurality of recessed open channels extend from the second end cap at separate locations, along a length of the sidewall, and join together at a central location at the first end cap.

[0009] In some examples, the plurality of recessed open channels includes three recessed open channels.

[0010] In some examples, the three recessed open channels are equidistantly separated at the sidewall and second end cap and join together at the first end cap to form a generally Y-shape.

[0011] In some examples, two of the three recessed open channels have a first cross-sectional area that is different from a second cross-sectional area defined by the other of the three recessed open channels.

[0012] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of open channels has a cross-sectional area that is different from a cross-sectional area of one other of the plurality of recessed open channels.

[0013] In some examples, the plurality of recessed open channels has a generally U-shaped crosssection.

[0014] In some examples, at least some of the plurality of openings are located in the portion of the recessed open channel extending along the sidewall.

[0015] In some examples, one of the first and second end caps is integrally formed with the sidewall to form a single structure, and the other of the first and second end caps is a separately formed component attached to the sidewall.

[0016] In some examples, the second end cap has a flat shape.

[0017] In some examples, the filter cartridge further includes a mesh screen disposed within the interior volume and located between the openings of the plurality of open recessed channels and the ion exchange media.

[0018] An ion exchange filter cartridge can include ion exchange media; and a housing having one or more wall structures defining an interior volume within which the ion exchange media is disposed, the housing at least partially defining: a first channel extending a majority of a length of the interior volume, the first channel having a plurality of first openings extending into the interior volume; a second channel extending a majority of the length of the interior volume, the second channel having a plurality of second openings extending into the interior volume; and a third channel interconnecting the first and second channels and arranged such that at least some fluidentering the first channel can bypass to the second channel without first flowing through the ion exchange media via the plurality of first and second openings.

[0019] In some examples, the first channel includes a single channel interconnected with the third channel and the second channel includes at least two channels interconnected with the third channel.

[0020] In some examples, the one or more wall structures include a sidewall structure and a first end structure adjoining the sidewall structure, wherein the first and second channels are at least partially defined by the sidewall structure and the third channel is at least partially defined by the end structure.

[0021] In some examples, the first channel extends to a fluid inlet, the second channel extends to a fluid outlet, and the third channel is configured to bypass fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet without flowing through the ion exchange media.

[0022] In some examples, the first and second channels are defined by contours in the one or more wall structures such that the first and second channels each have an open side.

[0023] In some examples, the third channel is defined by contours in the one or more wall structures such that the third channel has an open side.

[0024] In some examples, the first and second channels are defined by contours in the one or more wall structures such that an outer perimeter of each of the first and second channels is entirely enclosed by the one or more wall structures.

[0025] In some examples, the third channel is defined by contours in the one or more wall structures such that an outer perimeter of the third channel is entirely enclosed by the one or more wall structures.

[0026] In some examples, the one or more wall structures include a sidewall structure at least partially defining the first and second channels, a first end structure adjoining a first end of the sidewall structure, and a third end structure adjoining a second end of the sidewall structure, wherein at least one of the first and second end structures is integrally formed with the sidewall structure.

[0027] In some examples, the one or more wall structures include a sidewall structure at least partially defining the first and second channels, a first end structure adjoining a first end of the sidewall structure, and a third end structure adjoining a second end of the sidewall structure,wherein the second end structure defines a fluid inlet in communication with the first channel and a fluid outlet in communication with the second channel.

[0028] In some examples, the second end structure is secured to the sidewall structure with a snap- fit type connection.

[0029] In some examples, the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0030] In some examples, the filter cartridge further includes a mesh screen disposed within the interior volume, the mesh screen defining a plurality of mesh openings that are smaller than a size of the plurality of first and second openings.

[0031] In some examples, the mesh screen has hydrophobic properties.

[0032] In some examples, one or both of the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings includes differently sized openings.

[0033] An ion exchange filter cartridge can include a first end structure defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a second end structure defining a bypass channel; a sidewall structure extending between the first end structure and the second end structure, the sidewall structure defining an interior volume within which ion exchange media is disposed, the sidewall structure at least partially defining: an inlet channel extending from the fluid inlet and defining a plurality of first openings through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; and an outlet channel extending to the fluid outlet and defining a plurality of second openings through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; wherein the bypass channel is interconnected with the first and second channels such that at least some fluid entering the fluid inlet can flow to the fluid outlet without flowing through the ion exchange media.

[0034] In some examples, the fluid inlet includes a single fluid inlet and the fluid outlet includes at least two fluid outlets.

[0035] In some examples, the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0036] In some examples, the filter cartridge includes a mesh screen disposed within the interior volume, the mesh screen defining a plurality of mesh openings that are smaller than a size of the plurality of first and second openings.

[0037] In some examples, one or both of the inlet and outlet channels are defined as open channels.

[0038] In some examples, one or both of the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings includes differently sized openings.

[0039] In some examples, the second end structure is secured to the sidewall structure with a snap- fit type connection.

[0040] An ion exchange filter cartridge can include a housing including a sidewall structure defining an interior volume within which ion exchange media is disposed, the sidewall structure further defining: an inlet channel extending the majority of a length of the interior volume from an inlet end to an outlet end and defining a plurality of first openings into the interior volume, an outlet channel extending a majority of the length of the interior volume from the inlet end to the outlet end and defining a plurality of second openings into the interior volume; and a central body located within the housing interior volume and directly exposed to the ion exchange media, the central body being positioned between the plurality of first and second openings such that at least some fluid within the interior volume must route around the central body in order to flow from the plurality of first openings to the plurality of second openings.

[0041] In some examples, the central body has a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

[0042] In some examples, the central body is formed from a compressible material.

[0043] In some examples, the central body extends a majority of the length of the sidewall structure.

[0044] In some examples, the central body extends only partially along a length of the interior volume.

[0045] In some examples, the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0046] An ion exchange filter cartridge can include a housing including a sidewall structure defining an interior volume extending to an open end, the sidewall structure further defining: an inlet channel extending the majority of a length of the interior volume from an inlet end to an outlet end and defining a plurality of first openings into the interior volume, an outlet channel extending a majority of the length of the interior volume from the inlet end to the outlet end and defining a plurality of second openings into the interior volume; ion exchange media disposed within the interior volume; an end cap secured to the sidewall structure and enclosing the interior volume; and a compressible body molded onto or secured to the end cap and being directly exposed to the ion exchange media, the compressible body providing a compressive force to the ion exchange media.

[0047] In some examples, the compressible body has a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

[0048] In some examples, the compressible body has a cross-sectional shape that matches a cross- sectional shape of the interior volume.

[0049] In some examples, the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0050] An ion exchange fdter cartridge comprising: a first end structure defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a second end structure; a sidewall structure extending between the first end structure and the second end structure, the sidewall structure defining an interior volume within which ion exchange media is disposed, the sidewall structure at least partially defining: at least one or a plurality of first openings in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and extending through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; and at least one or a plurality of second openings in fluid communication with the fluid outlet and extending through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; and a bypass arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and arranged to allow at least some fluid entering the fluid inlet to flow to the fluid outlet without flowing through the plurality of first and second openings, wherein the bypass arrangement is located such that at least some of the ion exchange media is disposed between the bypass arrangement and the first end structure.

[0051] In some examples, the filter cartridge includes a resistance member arranged to obstruct flow passing from the fluid inlet, through the bypass passageway, and to the fluid outlet.

[0052] In some examples, the resistance member is disposed within the bypass passageway.

[0053] In some examples, the sidewall structure includes a first screen section defining a plurality of first openings and a second screen section defining a plurality of second openings.

[0054] In some examples, the first and second screen sections have a concave shape extending inwardly toward a longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge.

[0055] In some examples, the first and second screen sections are identically sized and shaped.

[0056] In some examples, the first screen section includes only one first screen section and the second screen section includes two screen sections.

[0057] In some examples, one or both of the first end structure and a main body of the sidewall structure are overmolded onto the first and second screen sections.

[0058] In some examples, the first end structure and a main body of the sidewall structure are integrally formed as a single component.

[0059] In some examples, the filter cartridge further includes a housing part within which the first end structure and sidewall structure are disposed.

[0060] In some examples, the housing part defines at least a portion of the bypass passageway.

[0061] In some examples, the sidewall structure includes a plurality of circumferential projections received by recesses defined in the first housing part.

[0062] In some examples, the housing part includes a lock arrangement for preventing relative rotation between the housing part and a portion of a housing assembly configured for receiving the housing part.

[0063] In some examples, a compressible body provides a compressive force to the ion exchange media.

[0064] In some examples, the compressible body is at least partially disposed within a cavity defined by the second end structure.

[0065] An ion exchange assembly can include a first housing defining a first interior volume, a first inlet, and a first outlet; a filter cartridge received at least partially within the first interior volume of the first housing, the filter cartridge including: a second housing defining a second interior volume, a second inlet in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the second outlet; ion exchange media disposed within the second interior volume; and a bypass passageway disposed within the interior volume of the first housing at an end opposite at least one of the first inlet and the first outlet, the bypass passageway being arranged such that at least some fluid entering the first inlet can flow to the first outlet without flowing through the ion exchange media.

[0066] In some examples, the second inlet includes a single inlet and the second outlet includes at least two outlets.

[0067] In some examples, the ion exchange assembly includes a third housing within which the filter cartridge second housing is installed.

[0068] In some examples, the bypass passageway is cooperatively defined by the second and third housings.

[0069] In some examples, the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0070] In some examples, a valve is disposed within the first interior volume, the valve being rotatable by the filter cartridge between: an open position in which the first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with each other and in which the first outlet and the second outlet are in fluid communication with each other; and a closed position in which flow between the firstinlet and the second inlet is blocked and in which flow between the first outlet and the second outlet is blocked.

[0071] An ion exchange assembly can include a first housing defining a first interior volume, a first inlet, and a first outlet; a filter cartridge received at least partially within the first interior volume of the first housing, the filter cartridge including: a second housing defining a second interior volume, a second inlet in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the second outlet; ion exchange media disposed within the second interior volume; and a valve arrangement disposed within the first interior volume, the valve arrangement being rotatable by the filter cartridge between: an open position in which the first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with each other and in which the first outlet and the second outlet are in fluid communication with each other; and a closed position in which flow between the first inlet and the second inlet is blocked and in which flow between the first outlet and the second outlet is blocked.

[0072] In some examples, the second inlet includes a single inlet and the second outlet includes at least two outlets.

[0073] In some examples, the filter cartridge includes a first part of an engagement arrangement and the valve arrangement includes a second part of the engagement arrangement that interacts with the first part such that the filter cartridge and valve arrangement are rotationally locked together.

[0074] In some examples, the valve arrangement includes a valve plate defining a first port and a second port.

[0075] In some examples, when the valve arrangement is in the open position, the first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with the first port and the first outlet and the second outlet are in fluid communication with the second port.

[0076] In some examples, the valve arrangement is secured within the first housing interior volume by a snap-fit connection.

[0077] In some examples, the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0078] An ion exchange assembly can include a first housing defining a first interior volume, a first inlet, and a first outlet; a filter cartridge received at least partially within the first interior volume of the first housing, the filter cartridge including: a second housing defining a second interior volume, a second inlet in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a second outlet influid communication with the second outlet; ion exchange media disposed within the second interior volume; a first seal member providing a seal between the first housing and the second housing; a second seal member providing a seal between the first housing and the second housing; and a venting arrangement including at least one vent passageway extending from an exterior side of the first housing into the first interior volume, wherein the venting arrangement is closed to the exterior side when the first and second housings are engaged such that the first and second seal members are sealed, and wherein the venting arrangement is open to the exterior side when the first seal member is in an unsealed state.

[0079] In some examples, the at least one vent passageway includes a plurality of vent passageways.

[0080] In some examples, the second seal member is axially displaceable when relative axial movement between the first and second housings occurs.

[0081] In some examples, the second seal member is an O-ring type seal.

[0082] In some examples, the at least one vent passageway is open to the exterior side when the first seal member is in an unsealed state and when the second seal member is in a sealed state.

[0083] In some examples, the at least one vent passageway extends at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis of the ion exchange assembly.

[0084] In some examples, the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0085] An ion exchange assembly can include a first housing defining a first interior volume, a first inlet, and a first outlet; a filter cartridge received at least partially within the first interior volume of the first housing, the filter cartridge including: a second housing including a sidewall structure, a first end structure, and a second end structure cooperatively defining a second interior volume, the first end structure defining a second inlet in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the first outlet; ion exchange media disposed within the second interior volume; and a bypass arrangement disposed within the interior volume of the first housing and arranged such that at least some fluid entering the first inlet can flow to the first outlet without flowing through the ion exchange media in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, wherein the bypass arrangement is located such that at least some of the ion exchange media is disposed between the bypass arrangement and the first end structure.

[0086] In some examples, the ion exchange assembly includes a third housing within which the filter cartridge second housing is installed.

[0087] In some examples, the third housing defines at least a portion of the bypass arrangement.

[0088] In some examples, the sidewall structure includes a plurality of circumferential projections received by recesses defined in the third housing.

[0089] In some examples, the assembly includes a lock arrangement for preventing relative rotation between the first housing and the third housing.

[0090] In some examples, a valve arrangement is disposed within the first interior volume, the valve arrangement being rotatable by the filter cartridge between: an open position in which the first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with each other and in which the first outlet and the second outlet are in fluid communication with each other; and a closed position in which flow between the first inlet and the second inlet is blocked and in which flow between the first outlet and the second outlet is blocked.

[0091] In some examples, the valve arrangement includes a valve plate having seals inset within the valve plate.

[0092] In some examples, the ion exchange assembly includes a third housing within which the filter cartridge second housing is installed, wherein the third housing includes a plurality of recesses that receive a plurality of circumferential projections associated with the second housing and receive a plurality of circumferential projections associated with a valve plate of the valve arrangement.

[0093] In some examples, each of the plurality of recesses receives one of the plurality of circumferential projections associated with the second housing and receives one of the plurality of circumferential projections associated with a valve plate of the valve arrangement.

[0094] A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings follows.

[0096] Figure l is a schematic of a hydrogen fuel cell system including a cooling loop having an ion exchange assembly.

[0097] Figure 2 is a longitudinal schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an ion exchange assembly usable in the cooling loop shown in Figure 1.

[0098] Figure 2A is a longitudinal schematic cross-sectional view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 2 during a disassembly process.

[0099] Figure 3 is a longitudinal schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of an ion exchange assembly usable in the cooling loop shown in Figure 1.

[0100] Figure 4 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of a first example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0101] Figure 5 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of a second example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0102] Figure 6 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of a third example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0103] Figure 7 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of a fourth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0104] Figure 8 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of a fifth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0105] Figure 9 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of a sixth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0106] Figure 10 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of a seventh example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0107] Figure 11 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of an eighth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0108] Figure 12 is a schematic partial lateral cross-sectional view of a ninth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0109] Figure 13 is a schematic partial lateral cross-sectional view of a tenth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0110] Figure 14 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an eleventh example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0111] Figure 15 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a twelfth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0112] Figure 15A is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a variation of the example aspect presented in Figure 15.

[0113] Figure 16 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a thirteenth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0114] Figure 17 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fourteenth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0115] Figure 18 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of a fifteenth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0116] Figure 19 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of a sixteenth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0117] Figure 20 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of a seventeenth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0118] Figure 21 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an eighteenth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0119] Figure 22 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a nineteenth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0120] Figure 23 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a twentieth example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0121] Figure 24 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a twenty-first example aspect of an ion exchange filter usable in the ion exchange assemblies shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0122] Figure 25 is a schematic perspective view of an example configuration of an ion exchange assembly usable in the cooling loop shown in Figure 1.

[0123] Figure 26 is a schematic first side view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0124] Figure 27 is a schematic second side view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0125] Figure 28 is a schematic top end view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0126] Figure 29 is a schematic bottom end view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0127] Figure 30 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0128] Figure 30Ais a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0129] Figure 30B is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25, taken through an end structure of a second housing part.

[0130] Figure 31 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0131] Figure 32 is a schematic perspective view of an ion exchange filter cartridge of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0132] Figure 33 is a schematic first side view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 32.

[0133] Figure 34 is a schematic second side view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 32.

[0134] Figure 35 is a schematic top end view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 32.

[0135] Figure 36 is a schematic bottom end view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 32.

[0136] Figure 37 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 32.

[0137] Figure 38 is a schematic top perspective view of a valve plate associated with the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0138] Figure 39 is a schematic top end view of the valve plate shown in Figure 38.

[0139] Figure 40 is a schematic side view of the valve plate shown in Figure 38.

[0140] Figure 41 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve plate shown in Figure 38.

[0141] Figure 42 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a first housing part of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0142] Figure 43 is a schematic top perspective view of the first housing part shown in Figure 42.

[0143] Figure 44 is a schematic top end view of the first housing part shown in Figure 42.

[0144] Figure 45 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first housing part shown in Figure 42.

[0145] Figure 46 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a second housing part of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0146] Figure 47 is a schematic side view of the second housing part shown in Figure 46.

[0147] Figure 48 is a schematic bottom end view of the second housing part shown in Figure 46.

[0148] Figure 49 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the second housing part shown in Figure 46.

[0149] Figure 50 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25.

[0150] Figure 51 is a schematic perspective view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25 with the valve plate shown as being in an open position.

[0151] Figure 52 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 25 with the valve plate shown as being in a closed position.

[0152] Figure 53 is a schematic perspective view of an example configuration of an ion exchange filter cartridge usable in the systems and assemblies shown in Figures 1 to 52.

[0153] Figure 54 is a schematic second perspective view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 53.

[0154] Figure 55 is a schematic first side view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 53.

[0155] Figure 56 is a schematic second side view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 53.

[0156] Figure 57 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 53.

[0157] Figure 58 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 53 showing an optional compressible member.

[0158] Figure 59 is a schematic top view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 53.

[0159] Figure 60 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 53 shown as being installed within a housing assembly.

[0160] Figure 61 is a schematic perspective view of an example configuration of an ion exchange assembly usable in the cooling loop shown in Figure 1.

[0161] Figure 62 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 61.

[0162] Figure 63 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 61.

[0163] Figure 64 is an exploded perspective view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 61.

[0164] Figure 65 is a schematic perspective view of an ion exchange filter cartridge of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 61.

[0165] Figure 66 is a schematic top view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 65.

[0166] Figure 67 is a first side view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 65.

[0167] Figure 68 is a second side view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 65.

[0168] Figure 69 is a perspective exploded view of the ion exchange filter cartridge shown in Figure 65.

[0169] Figure 70 is an exploded partial perspective view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 64, illustrating interlocking features between the valve plate, ion filter cartridge, and second housing part.

[0170] Figure 71 is a partial perspective view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 61, with an associated lock mechanism being in a locked position.

[0171] Figure 72 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 61, with the lock mechanism being in the locked position.

[0172] Figure 73 is a partial perspective view of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 61, with the lock mechanism being in an unlocked locked position.

[0173] Figure 74 is a perspective view of a portion of the lock mechanism of the ion exchange assembly shown in Figure 61.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0174] Various examples will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various examples does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, anyexamples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible examples for the appended claims. Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several figures.

[0175] Referring to Figure 1, a cooling system 10 for a hydrogen fuel cell 1 is presented. In one aspect, the cooling system includes a cooling loop 12 for circulating a coolant between the hydrogen fuel cell 1 and a radiator 16. In the example shown, the radiator 16 is a liquid-to-air heat exchanger in which a fan 18 is provided to blow or draw air through the radiator to extract heat from the coolant. Other types of heat exchangers are possible. The cooling system 10 further includes a pump 14 for circulating fluid between the radiator 16 and the hydrogen fuel cell 1. A tank or reservoir 22 is further supplied for storing coolant. In the example shown, a three-way valve 20 is also provided to selectively bypass fluid away from a branch line 12a extending to the radiator and into a branch line 12b. The three-way valve 20 and fan 18 can be automatically controlled to maintain a desired coolant temperature entering and / or leaving the hydrogen fuel cell 1. The cooling system is further shown as including an ion exchange assembly 50 that removes dissolved ions (charged particles) from the coolant (e.g., water) by exchanging them with other ions of similar charge. In one aspect, and as explained further below, the ion exchange assembly 50 includes an ion exchange filter cartridge 100 having ion exchange media. As water passes through the ion exchange media, unwanted ions in the water are attracted to and exchanged with ions on resin beads.

[0176] Referring to Figure 2, a schematic example of an ion exchange assembly 50 usable within the cooling system 10 shown in Figure 1 is presented. In one aspect, the ion exchange assembly 50 includes a housing assembly 200 within which an ion exchange filter cartridge 100 is disposed. As shown, the filter cartridge 100 includes a sidewall structure 102 and adjoining end wall structures 104, 106 that together define an interior volume 102i housing ion exchange media 105. In some examples, the end wall structure 104 and / or end wall structure 106 are integrally formed with the sidewall structure 102. In one example, the ion exchange media 105 is a resin bed containing small beads (e.g., beads ranging from about 0.3 to 1.2 millimeters) that are coated with ions of a specific charge. In some examples, the resin beads can be formed from resins such as epoxy resins, polystyrene-based resins, acrylic-based resins, and / or perfluorinated resins. In some examples, the ion exchange media 105 can be held within a flexible package (e.g a perforated bag) having a plurality of openings for allowing a fluid to flow therethrough. Other media types arealso possible such as: powdered ion exchange resins; fibrous ion exchange materials; membranes; inorganic materials such as zeolites, clay minerals and synthetic inorganic compounds; composite materials including synthetic and nonsynthetic materials; microporous resins; and magnetic ion exchange resins. Ion exchange media 105 can also include coated media such as resin-coated fibers, surface-modified membranes, and nanoparticle-coated substrates. With such examples, filtration and ion exchange can be completed in a single process or step. To allow flow through the ion exchange media 105, an inlet 104a and outlet 104b are provided in the end wall structure 104 that are in respective fluid communication with a plurality of inlet openings 102a and a plurality of outlet openings 102b provided in the sidewall structure 102.

[0177] As shown, the housing assembly 200 includes a first housing part 210 having a sidewall structure 212 and an adjoining end wall structure 214 that together define an interior volume 212i. In the example shown, an inlet 216 and an outlet 218 are provided in or proximate the end wall structure 214 and are each in fluid communication with the interior volume 212i. The housing assembly 200 is also shown as including a second housing part 220 having a sidewall structure 222 and end wall structure 224 that together define an interior volume 222i. In one aspect, the first and second housing parts 210, 220 can be assembled together such that the interior volumes 212i, 222i are open to each other to generally define a common interior volume. The first and second housing parts 210, 220 can be secured together by respective connection features 213, 223. In examples, connection features 213, 223 can be provided as interacting lugs, bayonet connection features, threads, etc. In the example shown, the sidewall structure 222 of the second housing part 220 is received within the sidewall structure 212 of the first housing part 210. The second housing part 220 is also shown as including a handle 228 and a plurality of air vents 226 extending through the sidewall structure and / or end wall 222, 224. In the example shown, the filter cartridge 100 is a disposable and replaceable component that is removable from the second housing part 220. In alternative configurations, the second housing part 220 can be formed as part of the filter cartridge 100.

[0178] In one aspect, the second housing part 220 carries the ion exchange filter cartridge 100 within the interior volume 222i such that that sidewall structures 102, 222 and end wall structures 106, 204 cooperatively define: an inlet passageway 260 in fluid communication with inlet 216 and inlet openings 102a, an adjoining bypass passageway 262, and an adjoining outlet passageway 264 in fluid communication with outlet 218 and outlet openings 102b. When the filter cartridge 100 isreceived within the second housing part 220, the end wall 104 of fdter cartridge 100 closes off the open end defined by the sidewall structure 222 of the second housing part 220 such that fluid must pass through the inlet 104a to reach passageways 260 and must pass through outlet 104b in order to exit passageway 264. In some examples, the passageways 260, 262, 264 could be entirely defined by the filter cartridge 100. The passageways 260, 264, 264, as explained further later, can each also include a single passageway or multiple interconnected passageways. In some examples, the sidewall structure 102 wholly or partially defines inlet and outlet channels 102d, 102e while the end structure 106 wholly or partially defines a bypass channel 106a that interconnects the inlet and outlet channels 102d, 102e. In one aspect, the bypass passageway 262 can be characterized as being located such that at least some of the media 105 is disposed between the bypass passageway 262 and the end wall 104 defining the fluid inlet 216 and / or fluid outlet 218. Stated another way, the bypass passageway 262 is located such that at least some of the media 105 is located between parallel planes extending through the bypass passageway 260 and the end wall 104 defining the fluid inlet 216 and / or fluid outlet 218, wherein the parallel planes are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X of the filter cartridge 100. In some examples, and as depicted at Figure 2, the bypass passageway 262 is located such that all of the media 105 is disposed between the bypass passageway 262 and the end wall 104 defining the fluid inlet 216 and fluid outlet 218 and the aforementioned parallel planes. In some examples, the bypass passageway 260 can be located within the interior volume 222i and / or disposed between the first end wall 104 and the end wall structure 106.

[0179] With continued reference to Figure 2, a connection or engagement arrangement 270 is shown which provides for interconnection between the filter cartridge 100 and second housing part 220. As shown, the connection arrangement 270 includes a first part 108 associated with the filter cartridge and a corresponding second part 221 associated with the second housing part 220. The first part 108 and second part 221 can include a single part 108, 221 or a plurality of parts 108, 221. In the example shown, a plurality of first parts 108a, 108b, formed as projections, are provided while a plurality of corresponding second parts 221a, 221b, formed as recesses receiving the projections, are provided. The reverse arrangement is also possible in which second parts 221a, 221b are received by first parts 108a, 108b. A combination of projections and recesses can also be provided on each part. The first parts 108a, 108b can have an identical size and / or shape or can have different sizes and / or shapes. Similarly, the second parts 221a, 221b can be identical to eachother or different from each other. In the example shown, part 108a has a different size and shape compared to part 108b, while part 221a also has a different size and shape compared to part 221b. With such an arrangement, the connection arrangement 270 ensures that the fdter cartridge 100 can only be received in a desired, predetermined angular orientation which may be a singular angular orientation or a plurality of angular orientations. As the passageways 260, 262, and 264 are cooperatively formed by both the filter cartridge 100 and the second housing part 220, such a feature is particularly useful in assuring correct alignment between the two components. The interaction between the first and second parts 108, 221 also enables the filter cartridge 100 to be rotationally secured to the second housing part 220 such that rotation of the second housing part 220 via the handle 228 imparts a rotational movement onto the filter cartridge 100.

[0180] In one aspect, seal members 250 and 252, which can be for example O-rings, are provided to ensure that the first and second housing parts 210, 220 are sealed together. During separation or removal of the second housing part 220 from the first housing part 210 in a direction DI, and as illustrated schematically at Figure 2A, the seal at seal member 250 is initially broken, which opens the air vents 226 to the atmosphere and allows air A to displace fluid within the second housing part 220 such that liquid coolant L can drain from the filter cartridge 100, which is carried with the second housing part 220, and remain within the interior volume 212i. During removal, the seal member 252 rolls or rotates in a direction R between the sidewall structures 212, 222 and maintains a seal until the end of the sidewall structure 222 passes the seal member 252. In one aspect, the location and diameter of the seal member 252 can be arranged such that the seal member 252 vertically displaces a distance X2 from an initial position 252-1 to a second position 252-2 for a given respective axial displacement distance XI of the second housing part 220, wherein the distance X2 is smaller than XI. With such a configuration, the assembly can be designed such that the end of the second housing part 220 will ultimately pass by and clear the seal member 252 before fully being removed from the housing part 210 such that the seal member 252 remains within the first housing part 210 after complete removal of the second housing part 220. This configuration further ensures that liquid coolant remains within the interior volume 212i during separation of the housing parts 210, 220. Once the second housing part 220 is fully removed from the first housing part, the filter cartridge can then be removed from the second housing part 220 in a relatively dry state little fluid retained within the interior volume 212i. After a new filter cartridge 100 is installed within the second housing part 220, the second housing part 220 can be insertedinto the first housing part whereby the air vents 226 allow for air within the filter cartridge 100 and / or second housing part 220 to be displaced by the fluid within the interior volume 212i . Such a configuration advantageously reduces or altogether eliminates the condition of fluid already present in the interior volume 212i spilling over the top of the sidewall structure 212 during insertion of the second housing part 220 and filter cartridge 100 into the interior volume 212i.

[0181] In one aspect, the ion exchange assembly 50 can include a valve arrangement 230 disposed within the interior volume 212i of the first housing part 212 and between the end walls 104 and 214. In such a location, the valve arrangement 230 can be operated to selectively allow or block flow between inlets 216 and 104a and to selectively allow or block flow between outlets 104b and 218. In the example shown, the valve arrangement 230 is formed as a rotatable valve plate 231 having a first opening 232 and a second opening 234. In an open position, and as shown at Figure 2, the valve plate 231 is rotated such that opening 232 is aligned with inlets 104a and 216 and such that opening 234 is aligned with outlets 104b and 218. In a closed position, the valve plate 231 is rotated such that a solid surface of the valve plate 231 blocks or otherwise prevents fluid flow between inlets 104a, 216 and between outlets 104b, 218. In the example shown, seal members 232a, 234a can be provided on the valve plate 231 to ensure that a seal is formed between the end wall 214 and the respective inlet 216 and outlet 218. Such a seal arrangement ensures that coolant or liquid does not undesirably bypass directly between the inlet and outlet 216, 218 across the valve assembly 230 and valve plate 231. In some examples, where a plurality of passageways 260 and / or 262 are provided, and as explained in detail later, the valve plate 231 can be formed with recesses or channels to distribute flow from the respective opening 232, 234 to the multiple passageways.

[0182] In the example presented, a second connection or engagement arrangement 272 is provided that allows the valve plate 231 to be rotated by the filter cartridge 100 and first housing part 210 which are interconnected by the above-described first connection arrangement 270. As shown, the second connection arrangement 272 includes a first part 109 associated with the filter cartridge 100 and a corresponding second part 236 associated with the valve plate 231. The first part 109 and second part 236 can include a single part 109, 236 or a plurality of parts 109, 236. In the example shown, a plurality of first parts 109a, 109b, formed as projections, are provided while a plurality of corresponding second parts 236a, 236b, formed as recesses receiving the projections, are provided. The reverse arrangement is also possible in which second parts 236a, 236b arereceived by first parts 109a, 109b. A combination of projections and recesses can also be provided on each part. The first parts 109a, 109b can have an identical size and / or shape or can have different sizes and / or shapes. Similarly, the second parts 236a, 236b can be identical to each other or different from each other. In the example shown, part 109a has a different size and shape compared to part 109b, while part 236a also has a different size and shape compared to part 236b. With such an arrangement, the connection arrangement 272 ensures that the filter cartridge 100 and interconnected first housing part 210 can only be received in a desired, predetermined angular orientation which may be a singular angular orientation or a plurality of angular orientations. Because the first part 109 of the second connection arrangement 272 is located on the filter cartridge 100, the second connection arrangement 272 advantageously ensures that the valve plate 231 cannot be rotated from the closed position to the open position without the presence of an installed filter cartridge 100. Such an arrangement prevents an operator from running the cooling system without a filter cartridge 100 present. The second connection arrangement 272 can also be arranged such that the valve plate 231 is rotated by the filter cartridge 100 to the closed position when the handle 228 is rotated to disengage connection features 213, 223 from each other. Accordingly, the filter cartridge 100 and second housing part 220 advantageously are prevented from separating from the first housing part with the valve plate 231 in the open position. Further, by providing unique patterns or keying arrangements, the first and second connection arrangements 270, 272 can also be arranged to ensure that only authorized or otherwise appropriate filter cartridges 100 can be installed within the first and second housing parts 210, 220.

[0183] With reference to Figure 3, an alternative arrangement of the ion exchange system 50 is presented. The above-provided description for the ion exchange system 50 relating to Figure 2 is generally applicable to the example shown at Figure 3. However, the ion exchange system 50 presented at Figure 3 differs in that the inlets 216 and 218 are upward facing, the handle 228 is downward facing, and in that the first housing part 210 is received within the second housing part 220.

[0184] With reference to Figures 4 to 7, various examples of the portion of the inlet and outlet passageways 260, 264 formed by the sidewall structure 102 of the filter cartridge 100 and their associated openings 102a, 102b are presented. Each of the examples of Figures 4 to 7 is usable with the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3 and the filter cartridge variations disclosed herein. Figure 4 shows an example in which a single inlet passageway 260 having a plurality of openings102a is provided and in which a single outlet passageway 264 having a plurality of openings 102b is provided. With such an embodiment, it can be appreciated that the number of inlet and outlet passageways 260, 264 can be equal. Figure 5 shows an example in which a single inlet passageway 260 having a plurality of openings 102a is provided and in which a plurality of outlet passageways 264, shown here as two outlet passageways 264, having a plurality of openings 102b are provided. With such an embodiment, it can be appreciated that the number of inlet and outlet passageways 260, 264 can be unequal and that the number of outlet passageways 264 can be greater than the number of inlet passageways 260. Figure 6 shows an example in which a plurality of inlet passageways 260, shown here as two inlet passageways 260, having a plurality of openings 102a are provided and in which a single outlet passageway 264 having a plurality of openings 102b is provided. With such an embodiment, it can be appreciated that the number of inlet and outlet passageways 260, 264 can be unequal and that the number of inlet passageways 260 can be greater than the number of outlet passageways 264. Figure 7 shows an example in which a plurality of inlet passageways 260, shown here as two inlet passageways 260, having a plurality of openings 102a are provided and in which a plurality of outlet passageways 264, shown here as two outlet passageways 264, having a plurality of openings 102b are provided. With such an embodiment, it can be appreciated that multiple inlet and outlet passageways 260, 264 can be provided. It is further noted that the size and number of openings 102a can be different or the same as the size and number of the openings 102b associated with each inlet and outlet passageway 260, 264. In one aspect, the inlet passageways 260 can be located on one side of a plane P passing through a longitudinal axis X of the filter cartridge 100 while the outlet passageways 264 can be located on an opposite side of the plane P. Other arrangements are possible. In some examples, where multiple inlet passageways 262 are provided, the inlet passageways 262 are located closer to each other than to the outlet passageway 264. In some examples, where multiple outlet passageways 264 are provided, the outlet passageways 264 are located closer to each other than to the inlet passageways 262. In some examples, the inlet and outlet passageways are equally spaced apart from each other. For example, where a single inlet passageway 260 is provided and two outlet passageways 264 are provided, the three passageways could be equally separated from each other by 120 degrees. Other arrangements are possible.

[0185] Referring to Figure 8, a further example is shown in which a central body 110 is shown as being disposed within the ion exchange media 105 and extending the length of the interior volume102i such that liquid entering the inlet openings 102a of the inlet passageway 260 must flow around the central body 110 in order to reach the outlet openings 102b of the outlet passageway 262. Such an arrangement can help to ensure that flow is distributed more evenly through the ion exchange media 105. The central body 110 can be used with any of the configurations disclosed herein and is not limited to the particular arrangement shown at Figure 8. Further, while the central body is shown as having a circular cross-sectional shape, other shapes are possible such as polygonal and irregular shapes. Further, although a single central body 110 is shown, multiple bodies 110 may be provided which may or not be symmetrically arranged. Further, while the central body 110 is shown as being coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis X, an offset location within the interior volume 102i is also possible.

[0186] Referring to Figures 9 to 11, further schematic examples are provided showing various possible arrangements for the passageways 260, 264. Each of the examples of Figures 9 to 11 is usable with the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3 and the filter cartridge variations disclosed herein. For example, Figure 9 shows an example in which the passageways 260, 264 and associated openings 102a, 102b are arranged along a circumference of the sidewall structure 102 of the filter cartridge 100. Figure 10 shows an example in which the passageways 260, 264 and associated openings 102a, 102b are located entirely within the circumference of the sidewall structure 102 of the filter cartridge 100. As shown, the sidewall structure 102 is provided with fully enclosed circular or tubular inlet and outlet channels 102d, 102e that respectively fully define the passageways 260, 264. While passageways 260, 264 are shown as being circular, other shapes are possible such as polygonal or irregular shapes. Further, the openings 102a, 102b may be provided about the entire perimeter of the channels 102d, 102e and passageways 260, 264 or only about a portion of the perimeter of the channels 102d, 102e and passageways 260, 264. Although the channels 102d, 102e and passageways 260, 264 are shown proximate the outer perimeter of the sidewall structure 102, other arrangements are possible. For example, the channels 102d, 102e and passageways 260 and / or 264 could be recessed within the outer perimeter proximate the longitudinal axis X. Figure 11 shows an example in which the passageways 260, 264 are formed as recesses that extend at least partially within the circumference of the sidewall structure 102. As shown, the sidewall structure 102 is provided with contoured, recessed inlet and outlet channels 102d, 102e with open sides that respectively only partially define the passageways 260, 264. Accordingly, with the arrangement shown Figure 11, the passageways 260, 264 are cooperativelyformed by both the sidewall structure 102 of the fdter cartridge and by the sidewall structure 220 of the second housing part 220. This is also the case with the configuration shown at Figure 9. The passageways 260, 264 of Figure 11 are shown as being generally semi-circular but other shapes are possible, such as polygonal and irregular type shapes.

[0187] Figures 12 to 17 schematically show example arrangements of openings 102a, 102b defined within the sidewall structure 102 of the filter cartridge 100. Each of the examples of Figures 12 to 13 is usable with the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3 and the filter cartridge variations disclosed herein. Figure 12 shows a schematic lateral cross-sectional example in which openings 102a and / or 102b are provided with an equal size and spacing across an arc-shaped portion of the sidewall structure 102 defining the respective passageway 260 or 264. Figure 14 further illustrates an example in which the openings 102a, 102b are the same size across both the width and length of the portion of the sidewall structure 102 forming the passageway 260 and / or 264. Figure 15 shows an example in which the openings 102a, 102b are the same size across the width of the sidewall structure but grow progressively larger in a lengthwise direction from the inlet end towards the handle. Figure 15A shows the opposite configuration. A combination is also possible in which the inlet openings 102a grow progressively larger as shown and in which the outlet openings 102 grow progressively larger in the opposite direction. The opposite arrangement is also possible. Figure 13 shows a schematic lateral cross-sectional example in which openings 102a and / or 102b are provided with a differing size and spacing across the arc-shaped portion of the sidewall structure 102 defining the respective passageway 260 or 264. As shown in this example, the openings 102a, 102b are smaller at the center and grow larger as they traverse toward the ends of the passageways 260, 264. Figure 17 further illustrates an example in which the openings are larger at the edges in comparison to the center of the portion of the sidewall structure 102 forming the passageway 260 and / or 264 while being similarly sized in a lengthwise direction. The opposite configuration is also possible in which the openings are larger in the center of the passageways and smaller at the outer edges. Figure 16 shows such an example, wherein the openings 102a, 120b are similarly sized in a lengthwise direction. As noted earlier, the sidewall structure 102 within which the openings 102a, 102b are disposed can have a shape other than curved or semi-circular such as a polygonal or irregular shape. By varying the size of the openings 102a, 102b across the width and / or length of the sidewall structure 102, fluid pressure dropsthrough the filter cartridge 100 can be accounted for such that flow through the ion exchange media 105 is optimized.

[0188] Figures 18 to 20 schematically show further non-limiting example shapes for the sidewall structure 102 of the filter cartridge 100 other than the generally circular cross-sectional shape shown in previous examples. Each of the examples of Figures 18 to 20 is usable with the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3 and the filter cartridge variations disclosed herein. Figure 18 shows the sidewall structure 102 having a triangular shape in which the passageways 260, 264 are located at the comers. Figure 19 shows the sidewall structure 102 as having a generally triangular shape with concave or inwardly curving sides in which the passageways 260, 264 are located at the corners. The shape shown in Figure 19 may be referred to as being a circular triangle or deltoid shape. Figure 20 shows the sidewall structure 102 as having a generally triangular shape with convex or outwardly curving sides in which the passageways 260, 264 are located at the corners. The shape shown in Figure 20 may be referred to as being a Reuleaux type triangular shape. Other shapes with straight, inwardly, or outwardly curving sides are possible such as shapes having four to eight sides, eight or more sides, generally polygonal shapes, and / or irregular shapes. Figures 18 to 20 also illustrate that the inlet passageway 260 can have a larger cross-sectional area in comparison to the individual outlet passageway 264.

[0189] Figures 21 to 24 schematically show example filter cartridge arrangements 100 additionally including a compressible body 112 disposed within or adjacent to the ion exchange media 105. Each of the examples of Figures 21 to 24 is usable with the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3 and the filter cartridge variations disclosed herein. Adding a compressible body 112 within a resin bed can help maintain packing of the resin beads by providing a flexible element that adapts to changes in the bed volume. As the resin beads settle or shift over time due to factors like flow dynamics, temperature changes, or mechanical stress, the compressible body can expand or contract to fill any voids that may form. This helps to prevent channeling, which occurs when fluid finds paths of least resistance through the bed, reducing the efficiency of the ion exchange process. Additionally, the compressible body acts as a buffer, absorbing the movement of resin beads and maintaining consistent pressure throughout the bed. This can be particularly beneficial in vertical columns where gravity can cause settling at the bottom of the bed. The compressible body can be designed to exert a gentle, constant pressure on the resin beads, keeping them tightly packed without crushing them. Additionally, the compressible body can compensate for any swelling orshrinking of the resin beads that may occur during different stages of the ion exchange process or due to variations in the fluid composition. This helps to maintain a consistent bed density and prevents the formation of preferential passageways, ensuring more uniform and efficient ion exchange throughout the entire resin bed.

[0190] With reference to Figure 21, the compressible body 112 is provided as a centrally disposed member extending partially along the length of the ion exchange media 105. Figure 22 shows a similar configuration wherein the compressible body 112 extends the entire length of the ion exchange media. With either example, the compressible body 112 may also simultaneously serve the function of the above-described central body 110. Figures 23 and 24 show variations in which the compressible body 112 extends across the entire cross-sectional area of the sidewall structure 102 and ion exchange media 105, wherein the compressible body 112 is located proximate the handle or bypass end of the filter cartridge 100 in Figure 23 and located proximate the inlet and outlet end of the filter cartridge 100 in Figure 24. With any of the examples shown at Figures 21 to 23, the compressible body can be molded onto or otherwise secured onto a separate end cap or end wall structure 106 which is then mounted onto the sidewall structure 102. With such an arrangement, the ion exchange media 105 can be compressed during installation of the end cap or wall structure and compressible body 112 assembly onto the sidewall structure 102. In some examples, such as is shown at Figure 24, the compressible body 112 can be molded onto or otherwise secured to the wall structure 112. Other arrangements are possible. The compressible body 112 may be formed from a variety of materials, such as, open-cell polyurethane foam, silicone rubber, expanded polyethylene, closed-cell neoprene foam, PTFE foam, and / or melamine foam.Example Ion Exchange Assembly 50 of Figures 25 to 52

[0191] Referring to Figures 25 to 52, an example ion exchange assembly 50 usable with the system 10 shown in Figure 1 is presented. In this example, the ion exchange assembly 50 incorporates the concepts presented at Figures 2, 5, 11, 12, 14, and 21. Accordingly, the above-provided description relating to those figures is fully applicable to the example presented at Figures 25 to 52. Further, and as also explained above, any of the other features disclosed in Figures 2 to 24 may be incorporated into the example ion exchange assembly 50 presented at Figures 25 to 52 without limitation. As most easily viewed at Figures 25 to 31, the ion exchange assembly 50 of Figures 25to 52 includes a filter cartridge 100 that can be held within a housing 200 having a first housing part 210 and cooperating a second housing part 220. Figure 31 further illustrates that the example ion exchange assembly includes the seal members 250, 252 as well as the valve arrangement 230 including a valve plate 231 and seal members 232a, 234a.

[0192] Referring to Figures 30 A, 30B, and 32 to 37, aspects of the filter cartridge 100 are shown in greater detail. It is first noted that the filter cartridge 100 is shown as including a two-part housing 120 including a first part 130 that receives a second part 140 to define the interior volume 102i. As shown, the first part 130 includes a sidewall structure 132 and the second part 104 includes an adjacent sidewall structure 142 that cooperatively define the sidewall structure 102 and interior volume 102i. It is also possible to form the housing 120 as single part with a single sidewall structure 102, as schematically illustrated at Figures 2 and 3. As shown, the first part 130 further includes an end structure 134 that defines the end wall structure 104, while the second part 140 further includes an end structure 144 that defines the end wall structure 106. While one end of each of the first and second parts 130, 140 is open at the end opposite the respective end structure 134, 144, the interior volume 102i is closed once the two parts 130, 140 are joined together, which can be accomplished with adhesives, plastic welding, fasteners, or other such approaches. Such a configuration is advantageous from a manufacturing perspective in that the ion exchange media can be initially filled into the interior volume 102i defined by the first part 130 and then enclosed and compressed by inserting the second part 140 into the first part 130. Referring to Figure 37, it can be seen that a tubular mesh screen 150 can be provided and disposed between the first and second parts 130, 140. The tubular mesh screen 150 is open at both ends and is sufficiently flexible to conform to the sidewall shape of the first and second parts 130, 140. Where the ion exchange media 105 is provided as beads or particles having a size that is less than that of the openings 102a, 102b, the mesh screen 150 can function to retain the beads or particles within the interior volume 102i as the openings in the mesh screen have a size that is smaller than the diameter or equivalent of the individual structures (e.g., beads) that make up the ion exchange media 105 and functions to retain the ion exchange media within the interior volume 102i as the size of the openings 102a, 102b is generally larger than that of the ion exchange media 105 particles or beads.

[0193] In the example shown, the sidewall structures 132, 142 of the first and second parts 130, 140 respectively define a solid circumferential sidewall 132a, 142a having convex shape that is interrupted by three concave or inwardly curving, apertured sidewalls: 132b / 142b defining inletopenings 102a; 132c / 142c defining outlet opening 102b; and 132d / 142d defining outlet openings 102b. The apertured sidewalls may also be referred to as being and / or defining longitudinal channels or open channels which define previously discussed channels 102d, 102e. In one aspect, the apertured sidewalls 132b / 142b, 132c / 142c, 132d / 142d extend longitudinally along the length of the sidewall structures 132, 142 and between the end structures 134, 144. At end structure 134, corresponding openings 134a, 134b, 134c are defined in the end structure 134 and are respectively aligned with the apertured sidewalls 132b / 142b, 132c / 142c, 132d / 142d. At end structure 144, three additional interconnected concave or inwardly curving, solid sidewalls 144a, 144b, 144c are aligned with and corresponding to the 132b / 142b, 132c / 142c, 132d / 142d are provided. The sidewalls 144a, 144b, 144c may be characterized as being channels or open channels and extend axially upwardly in a convex arced fashion such that they meet together at the longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge. As most easily viewed at Figures 30A and 30B, the first and second housing parts 210, 220 include corresponding wall features that close off channels 134a- 134c and 144a- 144c to fully form passageways 260, 262, and 264. As can be seen at Figure 30A, the wall structure 222 defines complementary concave or inwardly curving sidewalls 222a, 222b, 222c that respectively align with apertured sidewalls 132b / 142b, 132c / 142c, 132d / 142d to form respective inlet passageway 260 and outlet passageways 264a and 264b. As can be seen at Figure 30B, the end wall structure 224 similarly defines complementary concave or inwardly curving sidewalls 224a, 224b, 224c that respectively align with apertured sidewalls 144a, 144b, 144c of the end structure 144 to form respective inlet bypass passageway 262a and outlet bypass passageways 262b, 262c.

[0194] With the above-described structure, fluid flows from the inlet 216 and valve arrangement 230 and into the filter cartridge 100 via channel 134a. Once the fluid enters the filter cartridge 100, the fluid passes into the inlet passageway 260 whereby some of the fluid enters the ion exchange media 105 via inlet openings 102a. The remainder of the fluid, typically a majority of the total fluid entering channel 134a, continues from inlet passageway 260 and into inlet bypass passageway 262a wherein the fluid spits between outlet bypass passageways 262b, 262c and flows into the outlet passageways 264a, 264b. The fluid that passes through openings 102a and through the ion exchange media 105, and enters outlet passageways 264a, 264b via outlet openings 102b to rejoin the bypassed fluid. The combined fluid then exits channels 134b, 134c and is further joined together by the valve arrangement 230 and discharged from outlet 218, as discussed below.

[0195] It is noted that, as the end structure 144 has a dome or convex curved shape, the passageway portions 262a, 262b, 262c likewise follow a convex curved passageway between the passageways 260 and 264. Such an arrangement minimizes pressure drop of the fluid flowing through the bypass passageway 262. However, the size, shape, and configuration of the passageways 260, 262, 264 as well as the size, number, shape, and configuration of the openings 102a, 102b are such that a balanced pressure drop across the bypass passageway 262 relative to the pressure drop across the inlet and outlet openings 102a, 102b and the ion exchange media 105 is achieved to provide a desired flow ratio based on system flow rate requirements, ion efficiency, and pressure drop across the filter cartridge while taking into account coolant quality and contaminant levels, ion exchange media capacity, and lifespan. In examples, these parameters can be selected such that a ratio of bypass flow to flow passing through the ion exchange media is within the range of 1 : 1 to 43 : 1, and in some examples about 5: 1. In the example shown, the cross-sectional area of the portion defining passageways 260 and 262a is larger than the individual cross-sectional areas of the portions defining passageways 262b / 264a and 262c / 264b but about equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the portions defining passageways 262b / 264a and 262c / 264b while the size of the openings 102a and 102b are about the same.

[0196] As most easily seen at Figures 33 to 36, the end structure 134 of the filter cartridge 100 is provided with a first part 108 of a connection arrangement 270 that rotationally secures the filter cartridge 100 to the second housing part 220. As shown, the first part 108 is provided as three spaced apart, circumferential ribs or projections 108a, 108b, 108c extending in a direction towards the end structure 144. When the filter cartridge 100 is received by the second housing part 220, and rotated into the correct position, the ribs or projections 108a, 108b, 108c are received by correspondingly shaped arcuate recesses 221a, 221b, 221c formed in the end of the sidewall structure 222. The recesses 221a-221c, annotated at Figures 46 and 48, form the second part 221 of the connection arrangement 270. In some examples, at least one of the ribs or projections 108a- 108c and the recesses 221a-222c have a different size, spacing, and / or shape than one other of the ribs or projections 108a- 108c and recesses 221a-222c such that the filter cartridge 100 can only be received by the second housing part 220 in a single rotational orientation. Such an arrangement ensures that the wall structures of the second housing part 220 and filter cartridge 100 that form the passageways 260, 262, and 264 are properly aligned.

[0197] With reference to Figures 33 and 34, the end structure 134 of the filter cartridge is further provided with a first part 109 of a second connection arrangement 272 that rotationally secures the filter cartridge to the valve plate 231 of the valve arrangement. As shown, the first part 109 is provided as three spaced apart, circumferential ribs or projections 109a, 109b, 109c extending in a direction away from the end structure 144. When the filter cartridge 100 is received by the valve arrangement 230, and rotated into the correct position, the ribs or projections 109a, 109b, 109c are received by correspondingly shaped arcuate recesses 236a, 236b, 236c formed in the end of the valve plate 231, as referenced at Figure 38. The recesses 236a-236c form the second part 236 of the second connection arrangement 272. In some examples, at least one of the ribs or projections 109a- 109c and the recesses 236a-236c have a different size, spacing, and / or shape than one other of the ribs or projections 109a-109c and recesses 236a-236c such that the filter cartridge 100 can only be received by the valve plate 231 in a single rotational orientation. As related previously, such an arrangement ensures that the valve arrangement 230 cannot be operated from the closed position to the open position without having first mounted a properly installed filter cartridge 100 within the second housing part 220 and properly aligned the second housing part 220 with respect to the first housing part 210.

[0198] With reference to Figures 38 to 41, the valve arrangement 230 is shown in greater detail. As mentioned previously, the valve arrangement 230 includes a rotatable valve plate 231 defining openings 232 and 234. Opening 232 is associated with the inlet 216 of the first housing part 210 and with the inlet 104a associated with the filter cartridge 100 end structure 134. Opening 234 is associated with the outlet 218 of the first housing part and the outlets 104b associated with the filter cartridge 100 end structure 134. As most easily seen at Figures 38 and 39, the valve plate 231 is provided with a guide structure 235 having open channels 235a, 235b that align with openings 102b and that slope towards opening 234. With such an arrangement, the guide structure 235 acts as a combining manifold for fluid flow exiting the filter cartridge 100 such that only a single outlet 218 need be provided in the first housing part 210. The valve plate 231 is also shown as being provided with a plurality of spaced apart latch features 238 formed as sloped projections. Once the valve plate 231 is fully depressed into the interior of the first housing part 210, the latch features 238 engage with corresponding recesses 215 on the first housing part to axially retain the valve plate 231 within the first housing part 210 while still allowing the valve plate 231 to rotate within the first housing part 210.

[0199] With reference to Figures 42 to 45, additional aspects of the first housing part 210 are shown. In one aspect, the end wall structure 214 and openings 216, 218 are arranged to form annular recesses 216a, 218a about the openings 232, 234 for receiving seal members 232a, 234a. A similar recess 212a is also formed in the end of the sidewall structure 212 for receiving seal member 250. In another aspect, the first housing part 210 is shown as including a plurality of inwardly projecting, slanted bayonet locking features 213 which interact with correspondingly shaped outwardly projecting, slanted bayonet locking features 223 on the second housing part 220, as annotated at Figures 46 and 47. In one aspect, the bayonet locking feature 213 can be characterized as being located along the sidewall structure 212 while the bayonet locking feature 223 can be characterized as being located along the sidewall structure 222. In the example shown, six spaced apart locking features 213, 223 are provided. However, more or fewer may be provided in alternative arrangements. With such an arrangement, an operator can simply drop the second housing part 220, with the fdter cartridge 100 installed, into the first housing part 210 such that the locking features 213, 223 do not initially contact and move past each other and such that the filter cartridge 100 engages with the valve arrangement 230. Once this position is achieved, the operator can rotate the handle 228 to simultaneously engage the locking features 213, 223 and to move the valve arrangement 230 from the closed position to the open position. This arrangement also advantageously ensures that the locking features 213, 223 cannot be disengaged without also moving the valve arrangement 230 to the closed position such that the filter cartridge 100 and second housing part 200 cannot be removed with the valve arrangement 230 in the open position. Figures 51 and 52 illustrate this condition where the locking features 213, 223 are disengaged and the valve arrangement 230 is in the closed position. A further advantage of the disclosed configuration of locking features 213, 223 is that an initial seal or vacuum formed between the filter cartridge 100 and the valve plate 231 can be broken through rotation via the handle member 228 as interaction between the ramped surfaces of the locking features 213, 223 draw the filter cartridge 100 axially away from the valve plate 231 during rotation of the handle 228.

[0200] Referring to Figures 46 to 50, additional aspects of the second housing part 220 are shown in greater detail. In particular, the aforementioned vents 226 are illustrated as extending through the second housing part 220 wall thickness in an axially angled orientation between an exterior side, at a location between the locking features 223 and a flange 224d of the end wall structure 224, and an interior side, at a location above the ion exchange media, as most easily seen at Figures30 and 50. With such an arrangement, the exterior side openings of the vents 226 are largely closed off by the interaction of the locking features 213, 223 when they are in the engaged or locked position while the seal member 250 prevents any ingress or egress of air or liquid through the vents 226. Once the second housing part 220 is separated from the first housing part 210 to break the seal formed between seal member 250 and the housing parts 210, 220, the separating motion will generate a vacuum in the enlarging interior volume of the assembly which will in turn draw air through the vents 226. In this way, the vents 226 act as a vacuum break. As air is drawn through the vents 226, liquid can drain from the filter cartridge 100 and second housing part 220 to greatly minimize the volume of residual liquid being present in these components after full separation. This approach conserves coolant as very little is spilled or wasted during the separation process. Similarly, the vents 226 allow air to escape the interior space of the assembly during coupling such that the collapsing volume can be filled with liquid which minimizes spilling during the assembly process. As noted before, the seal member 252 maintains a seal between the first and second housing parts 210, 220 well after the seal relating to seal member 250 has been broken to help ensure coolant is not lost during separation or insertion.

[0201] With reference to Figures 53 to 60, an alternative ion exchange filter cartridge 100 is presented which is generally similar to the cartridge associated with the assembly shown in Figures 25 to 52. Accordingly, the above-provided description is fully applicable for the example shown at Figures 53 to 60 outside of the differences explained in this paragraph. One such difference is that the end wall structure 106 is a separately formed component that is attachable to the sidewall structure 102 via cooperating latch features 106b, 102c to form a snap-fit type connection. With such a configuration, ion exchange media 105 can be easily introduced into the interior volume 102i through the open top end and then enclosed by installation of the end wall structure or cap 106. Such a configuration also eliminates the existence of the inner wall structure associated with the end structure 106 such that the sidewall structure 102 is defined by a single sidewall structure. In the example shown, the end wall structure 104 and sidewall structure 102 are integrally formed together as a single component. In another aspect, the sidewall structure 102 is overmolded onto the mesh screen 150 to form a composite structure which eliminates the need to install and maintain a separate screen 150 within the interior volume 102i. Further, and as most easily viewed at Figures 54 and 59, the inlet and outlet 104a, 104b in the end wall structure 104 are open rather than being fully enclosed as previously shown. With reference to Figure 60, it can be seen that the inlet andoutlet 104a, 104b and the passageways themselves are enclosed by virtue of the sidewall structure 222 of the second housing part 220. Figure 60 also shows that the sidewall structure 222 can be provided with inwardly extending protrusions or ribs 222d that extend into the passageway openings and passageways. The protrusions or ribs 222d advantageously provide for an indexing and anti-rotation feature to ensure that the fdter cartridge 100 is installed into the second housing part 220 in the proper rotational orientation and is maintained in that position. With reference to Figure 58, an alternative construction is illustrated in which a compressible body 112 is provided that has an outer perimeter generally of the same cross-sectional shape as the interior defined by the sidewall structure 102. As shown, the compressible body 112 is molded onto or otherwise secured to the end cap or end wall structure 106. As explained previously, such a construction can beneficially allow for the ion exchange media 105 to be introduced into the interior volume 102i and then compressed within the interior volume 102i via the installation of the combined cap and compressible body structure. With the disclosed embodiment, once the end cap 106 is sufficiently installed onto the sidewall structure, the components lock together with a snap-fit connection provided by the interacting latch members 102c, 106a.Example Ion Exchange Assembly 50 of Figures 61 to 74

[0202] Referring to Figures 61 to 74, an example ion exchange assembly 50 usable with the system 10 shown in Figure 1 is presented. In this example, the ion exchange assembly 50 incorporates the concepts presented at Figures 2, 5, 11, and 23. Accordingly, the above-provided description relating to those figures is fully applicable to the example presented at Figures 61 to 74. Further, and as also explained above, any of the other features disclosed in Figures 2 to 60 may be incorporated into the example ion exchange assembly 50 presented at Figures 61 to 74 without limitation. Similarly, the concepts presented in this section are applicable for the previously described embodiments. This section will primarily focus on differences over the previously described embodiments as common features have already been described in detail above.

[0203] As most easily viewed at Figures 61 to 64, the ion exchange assembly 50 includes a filter cartridge 100 that can be held within a housing 200 having a first housing part 210 and a cooperating second housing part 220. As with other embodiments, the example ion exchange assembly 50 of this section also includes the seal members 250, 252 as well as the valve arrangement 230 including a valve plate 231 and seal members 232a, 234a.

[0204] With respect to the seal members, several differences exist in contrast to previous embodiments. For example, the seal members 232a, 234a are provided within correspondingly shaped recesses 231a, 231b defined within the bottom of the valve plate 231 rather than being retained within the first housing part 210. Also, as most easily seen at Figure 62, seal 250 is held within a circumferential groove of the first housing part 210 and therefore forms a radially directed seal with an overlapping radially inward facing circumferential portion of the second housing part 220. Accordingly, seal 250, in this example, can be characterized as being a radial seal member while in previous examples, the seal 250 can be characterized as being an axial seal member. The seal member 252 in this example is arranged generally similarly to previously described embodiments and is configured to roll during relative movement between the first and second housing parts 210, 220. Also, as can be seen most easily at Figure 62, the second housing part 220 is configured with a single vent 226 with an opening advantageously located at the central and uppermost portion of the interior volume 222i. Additional vents 2226 and corresponding openings into the interior volume 222i may be provided.

[0205] In this example, the design of the filter cartridge 100 also has several notable differences. Firstly, it is noted that the sidewall structure 102 of the filter cartridge 100 is constructed such that the inlet passageway 260 is the same size as the outlet passageways 264. Further, rather than the sidewall structure 102, at the locations of passageways 260, 264, defining openings 102a, 102b, separate screen sections 103 are provided. Figure 69 shows an exploded view of the filter cartridge 100 in which it can be seen that three screen sections 103 are provided. Figure 69 further illustrates that the sidewall structure 102 and end wall structure 104 are integrally formed together as a single piece without the use of an overlapping sidewall structure. With such a construction, the end wall structure 104, 144 is directly connectable to the sidewall structure 102 with snap-fit type features For example, see latches 106b and recesses 102c at Figure 69. Other attachment arrangements are possible, for example, attachment via welding and separate fasteners. In one aspect, the sidewall structure 102 and end wall structure 104 are overmolded onto at least the outer edges of the screen sections 103 such that the screens are permanently secured thereto. In some examples, the sidewall structure 102 can be provided with additional support ribs or similar structures to aid in supporting the screen sections 103. While the screen sections 103 are shown as having a generally semicircular cross-sectional shape with straight side sections, other shapes are possible without departing from the concepts presented herein. For example, the screen sections 103 could have amore ovalized or elliptical shape. Tn one aspect, the screen sections 103 at least partially define the inlet and outlet channels and can function to retain the beads or particles within the interior volume 102i as the openings in the mesh screen have a size that is smaller than the diameter or equivalent of the individual structures (e.g., beads) that make up the ion exchange media 105. Accordingly, the screen sections 103 can be characterized as defining channels having a plurality of openings. Further, the screen sections 103 can be characterized as forming a portion of the sidewall structure 102. In one aspect, the screen sections 103 can be characterized as having a concave shape that extends inwardly towards the longitudinal axis X of the filter cartridge. Other arrangements are possible, as already discussed with other examples, such as configurations in which the screen sections 103 have a convex curvature matching that of the main portion of the sidewall structure 102. The screen sections 103 can also be configured with other shapes and arrangements, such as tubular shapes.

[0206] Afurther difference for the filter cartridge 100 of this example is the addition of a resistance member 107 located on the end wall structure 104, 144. In one aspect, the resistance member 107 is sized and arranged to provide resistance to fluid flowing from passageway 260 to passageway 264 to achieve a desired ratio of fluid flowing through the beads and the bypass passageway. As the screen sections 103 of this example are similarly constructed and do not have different opening sizes from each other (although they could), pressure differential across the inlet and outlet passageways is not controlled to the same extent as other described embodiments herein. As such, the inclusion of a resistance member 107 allows for enhanced fluid differential pressure control. In the particular example shown, the resistance member 107 is shown as being centrally located on the end wall structure 104, 144 at the junction of passageways 262a-262c formed by sidewalls 144a-144c and is formed as a projection having a free end with a generally circular cross-sectional shape. Other configurations are possible. For example, the resistance member 107 could be provided partially or wholly on the second housing part 220. Multiple resistance members 107 could also be provided. For example, two resistance members 107 could be located in passageways 262b, 262c. Alternatively, the resistance member 107 could be provided within the passageway 262a. The resistance member 107 could also be provided with other shapes, such as triangular or other polygonal or geometric shapes with rounded or non-rounded comers. The resistance member 107 is also shown as extending to a free end that is well below a distal end of the filter cartridge 100 defined by sidewalls 144a-144c. However, the resistance member 107 could be sized to havea length extending to define a distal end of the cartridge and / or to come into contact or near contact with the second housing part 220.

[0207] As most easily viewed at Figure 70, the connection arrangement 270 associated with this example is differently configured from other disclosed examples. As shown, the connection arrangement 270 includes: a first part 108 associated with the filter cartridge 100 in the form of circumferentially arranged notched radial projections 108a; a second part 221 associated with the second housing part 220 in the form of circumferentially arranged notched recesses 221a, and a third part 236 associated with the valve plate 231 in the form of circumferentially arranged axial projections 236a. With such an arrangement, the filter cartridge 100 is first received by the second housing part 220 such that the projections 108a are received in the recesses 221a and then rotated such that the notches of the projections 108a, and recesses 221a are engaged with each other. As the recesses 221a have a length that is greater than the length of the projections 108a, a gap remains between a radial edge of each recess 221a and each projection 108a. Once so installed, the combined filter cartridge 100 and second housing part 220 assembly can installed into the first housing part 210 and rotated to align the aforementioned gaps with the projections 236a, at which point, the assembly can be fully dropped into the first housing part 210 and into engagement with the valve plate 231. At this stage, rotation of the handle 228 will effectuate rotation of the valve plate 231 between open and closed positions. Such an arrangement is in contrast to previously described arrangements in which two separate connection arrangements 270, 272 are provided to separately interconnect the second housing part 220 with the filter cartridge 100 and to interconnect the filter cartridge 100 with the valve plate 231.

[0208] With reference to Figure 63, another difference over previous examples is that a compressible body 112 is provided within the cavity space 106c of the end wall structure 106. As the installation of the end wall structure 106 onto the sidewall 102 occurs after the media 105 has been filled, the volume defined by the cavity space 106c is not readily fillable with media 105 and can result in unused space within the structure. The disclosed example takes advantage of this volume by filling it with the compressible body 112 thereby increasing the total volume or space available for the media 105.

[0209] With reference to Figures 71 to 74, features of a lock mechanism 280 associated with the disclosed example are shown in further detail. As shown, the lock mechanism 280 is formed by a pocket structure 282 shown as being integrally formed with the second housing part 220, a handlepart 284 axially displaceable within the pocket structure 282, and a lock member 286 attached to the handle part 284. The lock member 286 can be selectively engaged against one of a plurality of lugs 288 formed or otherwise attached to the first housing part 210. In the example shown, the lock member 286 is formed from bent steel wire and attached to the handle part 284 with various wall structures provided on the handle part 284. Other materials and configurations are possible. As shown at Figures 71 and 72, the handle part 284 and attached lock member 286 are shown as being positioned in a downward locked position. In this position, the second housing part 220 is prevented from rotating relative to the first housing part 210 via interaction between the lock member 286 and a contacting lug 288. In this position, the first and second housing parts 210, 220 are also prevented from axially displacing relative to each other via interactions with connection features 213, 223 which, in this example, are located proximate the valve plate 231 rather than being located proximate the seal member 250. Notably, connection features 213 in this example are ramped recesses circumscribing the interior of the first housing part 210 while connection features 223 are correspondingly shaped lugs disposed on the outside of the second housing part 220. Accordingly, the connection features 213, 223 also have the aforementioned features of breaking a seal between the filter cartridge 100 and the valve plate 231 during rotation of the handle 228. In the locked position, latches 284a associated with the handle part 284 are received in recesses 282a of the pocket structure 282 to retain the handle part 284 in the locked position. As can be seen at Figure 74, the latches 284a are associated with deflectable arms 284b which can be displaced inwardly to disengage the latches 284a and allow the handle part 284 to be moved into an upward position. Such a position is shown at Figure 73, wherein the handle part 284 has been displaced upward to a degree sufficient to disengage the lock member 286 from the lug 284. Accordingly, in this position of the handle part, the lock mechanism 280 can be characterized as being in an unlocked position whereby the second housing part 220 can be rotated with respect to the first housing part 210 to selectively disengage the connection features 213, 223. Some aspects of the handle part 284 and lock member 286 are shown and described in United States Patent 10,029,198, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.Aspects

[0210] The present disclosure includes various aspects that may be claimed in the future. The following aspects are intended to highlight certain features without limiting the scope ofprotection. It should be understood that any of the following aspects may be claimed in a patent application claiming priority to the present disclosure, either alone or in combination with other aspects. Further, the following aspects may be modified or combined in any suitable manner apparent to one skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the disclosure may be used together and / or be interchangeable. Similarly, features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The aspects are numbered for convenience only and should not be construed as requiring a particular order or limiting the scope of what may be claimed. In various aspects, a housing assembly and related filter cartridges are provided that include features and components as described in one or more of the following aspects. The aspects may be combined or modified in ways apparent to those skilled in the art based on the teachings herein. While specific materials, dimensions, and configurations are described for certain aspects, these are exemplary only and other materials, dimensions and configurations may be used within the scope of the disclosure.

[0211] Aspect 1 : An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) ion exchange media; b) a sidewall having a generally cylindrical shape and extending between first and second ends, the sidewall defining an interior volume within which the ion exchange media is disposed; c) a first end cap having a generally dome shape and being located at a first end of the sidewall; and d) a second end cap located at a second end of the sidewall; e) wherein the sidewall, the first end cap, and the second end cap cooperatively define a plurality of recessed open channels having openings extending into the interior volume, wherein the plurality of recessed open channels extend from the second end cap at separate locations, along a length of the sidewall, and join together at a central location at the first end cap.

[0212] Aspect 2: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 1, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the plurality of recessed open channels includes three recessed open channels.

[0213] Aspect 3 : The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 2, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the three recessed open channels are equidistantly separated at the sidewall and second end cap and join together at the first end cap to form a generally Y-shape.

[0214] Aspect 4: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 2, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein two of the three recessed open channels have a first cross-sectional area that isdifferent from a second cross-sectional area defined by the other of the three recessed open channels.

[0215] Aspect 5 : The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 1, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein at least one of the plurality of open channels has a cross-sectional area that is different from a cross-sectional area of one other of the plurality of recessed open channels.

[0216] Aspect 6: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 1, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the plurality of recessed open channels has a generally U-shaped cross-section.

[0217] Aspect 7 : The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 1, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein at least some of the plurality of openings are located in a portion of the recessed open channel extending along the sidewall.

[0218] Aspect 8: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 1, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein one of the first and second end caps is integrally formed with the sidewall to form a single structure and wherein the other of the first and second end caps is a separately formed component attached to the sidewall.

[0219] Aspect 9: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 1, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the second end cap has a flat shape.

[0220] Aspect 10: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 1, or any other aspect listed herein, further including a mesh screen disposed within the interior volume and located between the openings of the plurality of open recessed channels and the ion exchange media.

[0221] Aspect 11 : An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) ion exchange media; and b) a housing having one or more wall structures defining an interior volume within which the ion exchange media is disposed, the housing at least partially defining: i) a first channel extending a majority of a length of the interior volume, the first channel having a plurality of first openings extending into the interior volume; ii) a second channel extending a majority of the length of the interior volume, the second channel having a plurality of second openings extending into the interior volume; and iii) a third channel interconnecting the first and second channels and arranged such that at least some fluid entering the first channel can bypass to the second channel without first flowing through the ion exchange media via the plurality of first and second openings.

[0222] Aspect 12: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 11, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the first channel includes a single channel interconnected with the thirdchannel and the second channel includes at least two channels interconnected with the third channel.

[0223] Aspect 13: The ion exchange fdter cartridge according to Aspect 11, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the one or more wall structures includes a sidewall structure and a first end structure adjoining the sidewall structure, wherein the first and second channels are at least partially defined by the sidewall structure and the third channel is at least partially defined by the first end structure.

[0224] Aspect 14: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 11, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the first channel extends to a fluid inlet, the second channel extends to a fluid outlet, and the third channel is configured to bypass fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet without flowing through the ion exchange media.

[0225] Aspect 15: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 11, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the first and second channels are defined by contours in the one or more wall structure such that the first and second channels each have an open side.

[0226] Aspect 16: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 11 or 15, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the third channel is defined by contours in the one or more wall structures such that the third channel has an open side.

[0227] Aspect 17: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 11, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the first and second channels are defined by contours in the one or more wall structures such that an outer perimeter of each of the first and second channels is entirely enclosed by the one or more wall structures.

[0228] Aspect 18: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 11 or 17, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the third channel is defined by contours in the one or more wall structures such that an outer perimeter of the third channel is entirely enclosed by the one or more wall structures.

[0229] Aspect 19: The ion exchange filter according to Aspect 11, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the one or more wall structures includes a sidewall structure at least partially defining the first and second channels, a first end structure adjoining a first end of the sidewall structure, and a third end structure adjoining a second end of the sidewall structure, wherein at least one of the first and second end structures is integrally formed with the sidewall structure.

[0230] Aspect 20: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 11 , or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the one or more wall structures includes a sidewall structure at least partially defining the first and second channels, a first end structure adjoining a first end of the sidewall structure, and a second end structure adjoining a second end of the sidewall structure, wherein the second end structure defines a fluid inlet in communication with the first channel and a fluid outlet in communication with the second channel.

[0231] Aspect 21 : The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 19 or 20, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the second end structure is secured to the sidewall structure with a snap-fit type connection.

[0232] Aspect 22: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 11, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0233] Aspect 23: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 11, or any other aspect listed herein, further including a mesh screen disposed within the interior volume, the mesh screen defining a plurality of mesh openings that are smaller than a size of the plurality of first and second openings.

[0234] Aspect 24: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 23, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the mesh screen has hydrophobic properties.

[0235] Aspect 25: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 11, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein one or both of the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings includes differently sized openings.

[0236] Aspect 26: An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) a first end structure defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; b) a second end structure defining a bypass channel; c) a sidewall structure extending between the first end structure and the second end structure, the sidewall structure defining an interior volume within which ion exchange media is disposed, the sidewall structure at least partially defining: i) an inlet channel extending from the fluid inlet and defining a plurality of first openings through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; and ii) an outlet channel extending to the fluid outlet and defining a plurality of second openings through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; d) wherein the bypass channel is interconnected with the inlet and outlet channels such that at least some fluid entering the fluid inlet can flow to the fluid outlet without flowing through the ion exchange media.

[0237] Aspect 27: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 26, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the fluid inlet includes a single fluid inlet and the fluid outlet includes at least two fluid outlets.

[0238] Aspect 28: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 26, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0239] Aspect 29: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 26, or any other aspect listed herein, further including a mesh screen disposed within the interior volume, the mesh screen defining a plurality of mesh openings that are smaller than a size of the plurality of first and second openings.

[0240] Aspect 30: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 26, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein one or both of the inlet and outlet channels are defined as open channels.

[0241] Aspect 31 : The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 26, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein one or both of the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings includes differently sized openings.

[0242] Aspect 32: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 26, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the second end structure is secured to the sidewall structure with a snap-fit type connection.

[0243] Aspect 33 : An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) a housing including a sidewall structure defining an interior volume within which ion exchange media is disposed, the sidewall structure further defining: i) an inlet channel extending the majority of a length of the interior volume from an inlet end to an outlet end and defining a plurality of first openings into the interior volume, ii) an outlet channel extending a majority of the length of the interior volume from an inlet end to an outlet end and defining a plurality of second openings into the interior volume; and b) a central body located within the housing interior volume and directly exposed to the ion exchange media, the central body being positioned between the plurality of first and second openings such that at least some fluid within the interior volume must route around the central body in order to flow from the plurality of first openings to the plurality of second openings.

[0244] Aspect 34: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 33, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the central body has a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

[0245] Aspect 35: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 33, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the central body is formed from a compressible material.

[0246] Aspect 36: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 33, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the central body extends a majority of the length of the sidewall structure.

[0247] Aspect 37: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 33, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the central body extends only partially along a length of the interior volume.

[0248] Aspect 38: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 33, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0249] Aspect 39: An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) a housing including a sidewall structure defining an interior volume extending to an open end, the sidewall structure further defining: i) an inlet channel extending the majority of a length of the interior volume from an inlet end to an outlet end and defining a plurality of first openings into the interior volume, ii) an outlet channel extending a majority of the length of the interior volume from the inlet end to the outlet end and defining a plurality of second openings into the interior volume; b) ion exchange media disposed within the interior volume; c) an end cap secured to the sidewall structure and enclosing the interior volume; and d) a compressible body molded onto or secured to the end cap and being directly exposed to the ion exchange media, the compressible body providing a compressive force to the ion exchange media.

[0250] Aspect 40: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 39, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the compressible body has a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

[0251] Aspect 41 : The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 39, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the compressible body has a cross-sectional shape that matches a cross- sectional shape of the interior volume.

[0252] Aspect 42: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 39, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0253] Aspect 43: An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) a first end structure defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; b) a second end structure; c) a sidewall structure extending between the first end structure and the second end structure, the sidewall structure defining an interior volume within which ion exchange media is disposed, the sidewall structure at least partially defining: i) at least one or a plurality of first openings in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and extending through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; and ii) at least one or a plurality of second openings in fluid communication with the fluid outlet and extending through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; and d) a bypass arrangement in fluidcommunication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and arranged to allow at least some fluid entering the fluid inlet to flow to the fluid outlet without flowing through the plurality of first and second openings, wherein the bypass arrangement is located such that at least some of the ion exchange media is disposed between the bypass arrangement and the first end structure.

[0254] Aspect 44: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 43, or any other aspect listed herein, further including a resistance member arranged to obstruct flow passing from the fluid inlet, through the bypass arrangement, and to the fluid outlet.

[0255] Aspect 45: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 44, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the resistance member is disposed within the bypass arrangement.

[0256] Aspect 46: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 43, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the sidewall structure includes a first screen section defining a plurality of first openings and a second screen section defining a plurality of second openings.

[0257] Aspect 47: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 46, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the first and second screen sections have a concave shape extending inwardly toward a longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge.

[0258] Aspect 48: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 46, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the first and second screen sections are identically sized and shaped.

[0259] Aspect 49: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 46, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the first screen section includes only one first screen section and the second screen section includes two screen sections.

[0260] Aspect 50: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 46, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein one or both of the first end structure and a main body of the sidewall structure are overmolded onto the first and second screen sections.

[0261] Aspect 51 : The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 43, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the first end structure and a main body of the sidewall structure are integrally formed as a single component.

[0262] Aspect 52: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 43, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the filter cartridge further includes a housing part within which the first end structure and sidewall structure are disposed.

[0263] Aspect 53: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 52, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the housing part defines at least a portion of the bypass passageway.

[0264] Aspect 54: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 52, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the sidewall structure includes a plurality of circumferential projections received by recesses defined in the first housing part.

[0265] Aspect 55: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 52, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the housing part includes a lock arrangement for preventing relative rotation between the housing part and a portion of a housing assembly configured for receiving the housing part.

[0266] Aspect 56: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 43, or any other aspect listed herein, further including a compressible body providing a compressive force to the ion exchange media.

[0267] Aspect 57: The ion exchange filter cartridge according to Aspect 56, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the compressible body is at least partially disposed within a cavity defined by the second end structure.

[0268] Aspect 58: An ion exchange assembly comprising: a) a first housing defining a first interior volume, a first inlet, and a first outlet; b) a filter cartridge received at least partially within the first interior volume of the first housing, the filter cartridge including: i) a second housing defining a second interior volume, a second inlet in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the first outlet; ii) ion exchange media disposed within the second interior volume; and c) a bypass passageway disposed within the interior volume of the first housing at an end opposite at least one of the first inlet and the first outlet, the bypass passageway being arranged such that at least some fluid entering the first inlet can flow to the first outlet without flowing through the ion exchange media.

[0269] Aspect 59: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 58, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the second inlet includes a single inlet and the second outlet includes at least two outlets.

[0270] Aspect 60: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 58, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the ion exchange assembly includes a third housing within which the filter cartridge second housing is installed.

[0271] Aspect 61 : The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 60, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the bypass passageway is cooperatively defined by the second and third housings.

[0272] Aspect 62: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 58, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0273] Aspect 63: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 58, or any other aspect listed herein, further including a valve arrangement disposed within the first interior volume, the valve arrangement being rotatable by the filter cartridge between: a) an open position in which the first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with each other and in which the first outlet and the second outlet are in fluid communication with each other; and b) a closed position in which flow between the first inlet and the second inlet is blocked and in which flow between the first outlet and the second outlet is blocked.

[0274] Aspect 64: An ion exchange assembly comprising: a) a first housing defining a first interior volume, a first inlet, and a first outlet; b) a filter cartridge received at least partially within the first interior volume of the first housing, the filter cartridge including: i) a second housing defining a second interior volume, a second inlet in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the first outlet; ii) ion exchange media disposed within the second interior volume; and c) a valve arrangement disposed within the first interior volume, the valve arrangement being rotatable by the filter cartridge between: i) an open position in which the first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with each other and in which the first outlet and the second outlet are in fluid communication with each other; and ii) a closed position in which flow between the first inlet and the second inlet is blocked and in which flow between the first outlet and the second outlet is blocked.

[0275] Aspect 65: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 64, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the second inlet includes a single inlet and the second outlet includes at least two outlets.

[0276] Aspect 66: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 64, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the filter cartridge includes a first part of an engagement arrangement and the valve arrangement includes a second part of the engagement arrangement that interacts with the first part such that the filter cartridge and valve arrangement are rotationally locked together.

[0277] Aspect 67: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 64, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the valve arrangement includes a valve plate defining a first opening and a second opening.

[0278] Aspect 68: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 67, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein when the valve arrangement is in the open position, the first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with the first opening and the first outlet and the second outlet are in fluid communication with the second opening.

[0279] Aspect 69: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 67, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the valve arrangement is secured within the first housing interior volume by a snap-fit connection.

[0280] Aspect 70: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 64, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0281] Aspect 71 : An ion exchange assembly comprising: a) a first housing defining a first interior volume, a first inlet, and a first outlet; b) a filter cartridge received at least partially within the first interior volume of the first housing, the filter cartridge including: i) a second housing defining a second interior volume, a second inlet in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the first outlet; ii) ion exchange media disposed within the second interior volume; c) a first seal member providing a seal between the first housing and the second housing; d) a second seal member providing a seal between the first housing and the second housing; and e) a venting arrangement including at least one air vent extending from an exterior side of the first housing into the first interior volume, wherein the venting arrangement is closed to the exterior side when the first and second housings are engaged such that the first and second seal members are sealed, and wherein the venting arrangement is open to the exterior side when the first seal member is in an unsealed state.

[0282] Aspect 72: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 71, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the at least one air vent includes a plurality of air vents.

[0283] Aspect 73: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 71, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the second seal member is axially displaceable when relative axial movement between the first and second housings occurs.

[0284] Aspect 74: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 71, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the second seal member is an O-ring type seal.

[0285] Aspect 75: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 71, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the at least one air vent is open to the exterior side when the first seal member is in an unsealed state and when the second seal member is in a sealed state.

[0286] Aspect 76: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 71, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the at least one air vent extends at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis of the ion exchange assembly.

[0287] Aspect 77: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 71, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

[0288] Aspect 78: An ion exchange assembly comprising: a) a first housing defining a first interior volume, a first inlet, and a first outlet; b) a filter cartridge received at least partially within the first interior volume of the first housing, the filter cartridge including: i) a second housing including a sidewall structure, a first end structure, and a second end structure cooperatively defining a second interior volume, the first end structure defining a second inlet in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the first outlet; ii) ion exchange media disposed within the second interior volume; and c) a bypass arrangement disposed within the interior volume of the first housing and arranged such that at least some fluid entering the first inlet can flow to the first outlet without flowing through the ion exchange media, wherein the bypass arrangement is located such that at least some of the ion exchange media is disposed between the bypass arrangement and the first end structure.

[0289] Aspect 79: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 78, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the ion exchange assembly includes a third housing within which the filter cartridge second housing is installed.

[0290] Aspect 80: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 79, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the third housing defines at least a portion of the bypass arrangement.

[0291] Aspect 81 : The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 78, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the sidewall structure includes a plurality of circumferential projections received by recesses defined in the third housing.

[0292] Aspect 82: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 79, or any other aspect listed herein, further including a lock arrangement for preventing relative rotation between the first housing and the third housing.

[0293] Aspect 83: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 78, or any other aspect listed herein, further including a. a valve arrangement disposed within the first interior volume, the valve arrangement being rotatable by the filter cartridge between: i. an open position in which the first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with each other and in which the first outletand the second outlet are in fluid communication with each other; and ii. a closed position in which flow between the first inlet and the second inlet is blocked and in which flow between the first outlet and the second outlet is blocked.

[0294] Aspect 84: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 83, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the valve arrangement includes a valve plate having seals inset within the valve plate.

[0295] Aspect 85: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 83, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein the ion exchange assembly includes a third housing within which the filter cartridge second housing is installed, wherein the third housing includes a plurality of recesses that receive a plurality of circumferential projections associated with the second housing and receive a plurality of circumferential projections associated with a valve plate of the valve arrangement.

[0296] Aspect 86: The ion exchange assembly according to Aspect 85, or any other aspect listed herein, wherein each of the plurality of recesses receives one of the plurality of circumferential projections associated with the second housing and receives one of the plurality of circumferential projections associated with a valve plate of the valve arrangement.Summary

[0297] From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made in the aspects of the disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the aspects. While the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) ion exchange media; b) a sidewall having a generally cylindrical shape and extending between first and second ends, the sidewall defining an interior volume within which the ion exchange media is disposed; c) a first end cap having a generally dome shape and being located at a first end of the sidewall; and d) a second end cap located at a second end of the sidewall; e) wherein the sidewall, the first end cap, and the second end cap cooperatively define a plurality of recessed open channels having openings extending into the interior volume, wherein the plurality of recessed open channels extend from the second end cap at separate locations, along a length of the sidewall, and join together at a central location at the first end cap.

2. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the plurality of recessed open channels includes three recessed open channels.

3. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 2, wherein the three recessed open channels are equidistantly separated at the sidewall and second end cap and join together at the first end cap to form a generally Y-shape.

4. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 2, wherein two of the three recessed open channels have a first cross-sectional area that is different from a second cross-sectional area defined by the other of the three recessed open channels.

5. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of recessed open channels has a cross-sectional area that is different from a cross-sectional area of one other of the plurality of recessed open channels.

6. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of recessed open channels has a generally U-shaped cross-section.

7. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of openings are located in a portion of the plurality of recessed open channels extending along the sidewall.

8. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second end caps is integrally formed with the sidewall to form a single structure and wherein the other of the first and second end caps is a separately formed component attached to the sidewall.

9. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the second end cap has a flat shape.

10. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 1, further including a mesh screen disposed within the interior volume and located between the openings of the plurality of recessed open channels and the ion exchange media.

11. An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) ion exchange media; and b) a housing having one or more wall structures defining an interior volume within which the ion exchange media is disposed, the housing at least partially defining: i) a first channel extending a majority of a length of the interior volume, the first channel having a plurality of first openings extending into the interior volume; ii) a second channel extending a majority of the length of the interior volume, the second channel having a plurality of second openings extending into the interior volume; and iii) a third channel interconnecting the first and second channels and arranged such that at least some fluid entering the first channel can bypass to the second channel without first flowing through the ion exchange media via the plurality of first and second openings.

12. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein the first channel includes a single channel interconnected with the third channel and the second channel includes at least two channels interconnected with the third channel.

13. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein the one or more wall structures includes a sidewall structure and a first end structure adjoining the sidewall structure, wherein the first and second channels are at least partially defined by the sidewall structure and the third channel is at least partially defined by the first end structure.

14. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein the first channel extends to a fluid inlet, the second channel extends to a fluid outlet, and the third channel is configured to bypass fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet without flowing through the ion exchange media.

15. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein the first and second channels are defined by contours in the one or more wall structures such that the first and second channels each have an open side.

16. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 11 or 15, wherein the third channel is defined by contours in the one or more wall structures such that the third channel has an open side.

17. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein the first and second channels are defined by contours in the one or more wall structures such that an outer perimeter of each of the first and second channels is entirely enclosed by the one or more wall structures.

18. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 11 or 17, wherein the third channel is defined by contours in the one or more wall structures such that an outer perimeter of the third channel is entirely enclosed by the one or more wall structures.

19. The ion exchange filter of claim 11 , wherein the one or more wall structures includes a sidewall structure at least partially defining the first and second channels, a first end structure adjoining a first end of the sidewall structure, and a third end structure adjoining a second end of the sidewall structure, wherein at least one of the first and second end structures is integrally formed with the sidewall structure.

20. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein the one or more wall structures includes a sidewall structure at least partially defining the first and second channels, a first end structure adjoining a first end of the sidewall structure, and a second end structure adjoining a second end of the sidewall structure, wherein the second end structure defines a fluid inlet in communication with the first channel and a fluid outlet in communication with the second channel.

21. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 19 or 20, wherein the second end structure is secured to the sidewall structure with a snap-fit type connection.

22. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

23. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 11, further including a mesh screen disposed within the interior volume, the mesh screen defining a plurality of mesh openings that are smaller than a size of the plurality of first and second openings.

24. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 23, wherein the mesh screen has hydrophobic properties.

25. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein one or both of the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings includes differently sized openings.

26. An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) a first end structure defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet;b) a second end structure defining a bypass channel; c) a sidewall structure extending between the first end structure and the second end structure, the sidewall structure defining an interior volume within which ion exchange media is disposed, the sidewall structure at least partially defining: i) an inlet channel extending from the fluid inlet and defining a plurality of first openings through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; and ii) an outlet channel extending to the fluid outlet and defining a plurality of second openings through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; d) wherein the bypass channel is interconnected with the inlet and outlet channels such that at least some fluid entering the fluid inlet can flow to the fluid outlet without flowing through the ion exchange media.

27. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 26, wherein the fluid inlet includes a single fluid inlet and the fluid outlet includes at least two fluid outlets.

28. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 26, wherein the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

29. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 26, further including a mesh screen disposed within the interior volume, the mesh screen defining a plurality of mesh openings that are smaller than a size of the plurality of first and second openings.

30. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 26, wherein one or both of the inlet and outlet channels are defined as open channels.

31. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 26, wherein one or both of the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings includes differently sized openings.

32. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 26, wherein the second end structure is secured to the sidewall structure with a snap-fit type connection.

33. An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) a housing including a sidewall structure defining an interior volume within which ion exchange media is disposed, the sidewall structure further defining: i) an inlet channel extending the majority of a length of the interior volume from an inlet end to an outlet end and defining a plurality of first openings into the interior volume; and ii) an outlet channel extending a majority of the length of the interior volume from an inlet end to an outlet end and defining a plurality of second openings into the interior volume; and b) a central body located within the housing interior volume and directly exposed to the ion exchange media, the central body being positioned between the plurality of first and second openings such that at least some fluid within the interior volume must route around the central body in order to flow from the plurality of first openings to the plurality of second openings.

34. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 33, wherein the central body has a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

35. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 33, wherein the central body is formed from a compressible material.

36. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 33, wherein the central body extends a majority of the length of the sidewall structure.

37. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 33, wherein the central body extends only partially along a length of the interior volume.

38. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 33, wherein the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

39. An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) a housing including a sidewall structure defining an interior volume extending to an open end, the sidewall structure further defining: i) an inlet channel extending the majority of a length of the interior volume from an inlet end to an outlet end and defining a plurality of first openings into the interior volume; and ii) an outlet channel extending a majority of the length of the interior volume from the inlet end to the outlet end and defining a plurality of second openings into the interior volume; b) ion exchange media disposed within the interior volume; c) an end cap secured to the sidewall structure and enclosing the interior volume; and d) a compressible body molded onto or secured to the end cap and being directly exposed to the ion exchange media, the compressible body providing a compressive force to the ion exchange media.

40. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 39, wherein the compressible body has a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

41. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 39, wherein the compressible body has a cross- sectional shape that matches a cross-sectional shape of the interior volume.

42. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 39, wherein the ion exchange media includes a plurality of resin beads.

43. An ion exchange filter cartridge comprising: a) a first end structure defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; b) a second end structure; c) a sidewall structure extending between the first end structure and the second end structure, the sidewall structure defining an interior volume within which ion exchange media is disposed, the sidewall structure at least partially defining:i) at least one first opening in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and extending through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; and ii) at least one second opening in fluid communication with the fluid outlet and extending through the sidewall structure into the interior volume; and d) a bypass arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and arranged to allow at least some fluid entering the fluid inlet to flow to the fluid outlet without flowing through the at least one first and second openings, wherein the bypass arrangement is located such that at least some of the ion exchange media is disposed between the bypass arrangement and the first end structure.

44. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 43, further including a resistance member arranged to obstruct flow passing from the fluid inlet, through the bypass arrangement, and to the fluid outlet.

45. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 44, wherein the resistance member is disposed within the bypass arrangement.

46. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 43, wherein the sidewall structure includes a first screen section defining a plurality of the at least one first opening and a second screen section defining a plurality of the at least one second opening.

47. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 46, wherein the first and second screen sections have a concave shape extending inwardly toward a longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge.

48. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 46, wherein the first and second screen sections are identically sized and shaped.

49. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 46, wherein the first screen section includes only one first screen section and the second screen section includes two screen sections.

50. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 46, wherein one or both of the first end structure and a main body of the sidewall structure are overmolded onto the first and second screen sections.

51. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 43, wherein the first end structure and a main body of the sidewall structure are integrally formed as a single component.

52. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 43, wherein the filter cartridge further includes a housing part within which the first end structure and the sidewall structure are disposed.

53. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 52, wherein the housing part defines at least a portion of the bypass arrangement.

54. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 52, wherein the sidewall structure includes a plurality of circumferential projections received by recesses defined in the first housing part.

55. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 52, wherein the housing part includes a lock arrangement for preventing relative rotation between the housing part and a portion of a housing assembly configured for receiving the housing part.

56. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 43, further including a compressible body providing a compressive force to the ion exchange media.

57. The ion exchange filter cartridge of claim 56, wherein the compressible body is at least partially disposed within a cavity defined by the second end structure.

Images