LIQUID FILTRATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

Provided are liquid filtration systems and filter elements. An aspect of the invention provides a filter element comprising: a filter block having an inlet and an outlet; an end cap having a handle and a passage, the passage operatively connecting the outlet of the filter block with an end location; and a housing comprising a shroud and an opening, the housing being adjacent to the end cap, wherein the inlet of the filter block is directly operatively connected to the opening of the housing. Another aspect of the invention provides a filtration system comprising the filter element and a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel comprises an inlet port that is adjacent to the shroud such that upon fluid flowing through the inlet port, the fluid contacts the shroud and the direction of flow changes, and wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet of the filter block.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In describing embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the various Figures wherein like reference numerals indicate like features and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric representation of an embodiment of the liquid filtration system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric representation of an embodiment of the filter element according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the filter element of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pressure vessel according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional isometric schematic view of the filter element partially inserted into the pressure vessel;

FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric view of the filter element completely inserted into the pressure vessel;

FIG. 7 A is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of the liquid filtration system according to the present disclosure with the container lid operative positioned thereon and the filter element reservoir lid shown in the open position;

FIG. 7 B is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of the liquid filtration system according to the present disclosure with the container lid operative positioned thereon and the filter element reservoir lid shown in a proper closed position; and

FIG. 7 C is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of the liquid filtration systems according to the present disclosure with the container lid operative positioned thereon and the filter element reservoir lid shown in a partially improper open position.

Claims

1. A filter element comprising: a carbon block comprising a first surface and a second surface;an end cap to which the carbon block is secured, the end cap comprising a handle, wherein the handle defines a passage that is in fluid communication with the second surface of the carbon block and operatively connects the second surface with an end location; anda shroud surrounding the carbon block, the shroud comprising an opening and being operatively connected to the end cap, wherein at least a portion of the first surface of the carbon block is in fluid communication with the opening of the shroud.

2. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the carbon block comprises activated carbon and a binder.

3. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the shroud is integral to the end cap.

4. A fluid filtration system comprising a filter element and a pressure vessel, the filter element comprising: a carbon block comprising a first surface and a second surface;an end cap to which the carbon block is secured, the end cap comprising a handle, wherein the handle defines a passage that is in fluid communication with the second surface of the carbon block and operatively connects the second surface with an end location; anda shroud surrounding the carbon block, the shroud comprising an opening and being operatively connected to the end cap, wherein at least a portion of the first surface of the carbon block is in fluid communication with the opening of the shroud; andthe pressure vessel comprising: an inlet port that is adjacent to the shroud such that upon fluid flowing through the inlet port, the fluid contacts the shroud and the direction of flow changes, and wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the first surface of the carbon block.

5. The fluid filtration system of claim 4, wherein the end cap further comprises an engagement ledge and the pressure vessel further comprises an engaging cam shoulder, the engagement ledge and the engaging cam shoulder forming an interlock that connects the filter element to the pressure vessel.

6. The fluid filtration system of claim 4 wherein the pressure vessel comprises a limiting structure configured to ensure that the filter element is properly oriented relative to the pressure vessel.

7. The fluid filtration system of claim 5 wherein the pressure vessel comprises a limiting structure configured to ensure that the filter element is properly connected to the pressure vessel.

8. The fluid filtration system of claim 4 comprising means for ensuring proper connection of the filter element and pressure vessel.

9. The fluid filtration system of claim 5 comprising means for ensuring proper connection of the filter element and pressure vessel.

10. A fluid filtration system comprising: a reservoir;a pressure vessel affixed within the reservoir;a filter element that is operatively connected to the pressure vessel; anda lid affixed to the reservoir, the lid comprising a door having a normal operating position that is substantially flush with the lid;wherein when the filter element is improperly installed, an interference between the filter element and the door prevents the door from obtaining the normal operating position.

11. The fluid filtration system of claim 10, wherein the filter element comprises a handle and the door comprises a channel configured such that when the door is in the normal operating position, at least a portion of the handle is located within the channel, and when the filter element is improperly installed, an interference between the filter element and the channel prevents the door from obtaining the normal operating position.

12. The fluid filtration system of claim 10, wherein the filter element comprises: a carbon block comprising a first surface and a second surface;an end cap to which the carbon block is secured, the end cap comprising a handle, wherein the handle defines a passage that is in fluid communication with the second surface of the carbon block and the passage operatively connects the second surface with an end location; anda shroud surrounding the carbon block, the shroud comprising an opening and being operatively connected to the end cap, wherein at least a portion of the first surface of the carbon block is in fluid communication with the opening of the shroud.

13. The filtration system of claim 12, wherein the carbon block comprises activated carbon and a binder.

14. The filtration system of claim 13, wherein the binder is a polymer.

15. The filtration system of claim 14, wherein the polymer is ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

16. The filtration system of claim 10, wherein the pressure vessel comprises an inlet port that is adjacent to the shroud such that upon fluid flowing through the inlet port, the fluid contacts the shroud and the direction of flow changes, and wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the first surface of the carbon block.

17. The filtration system of claim 11, wherein the pressure vessel comprises an inlet port that is adjacent to the shroud such that upon fluid flowing through the inlet port, the fluid contacts the shroud and the direction of flow changes, and wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the first surface of the carbon block; and wherein the carbon block comprises activated carbon and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.