This invention relates generally to water systems and, more particularly, to a water filter assembly and a filter cartridge for use therewith.
At least some known water filter assemblies include water filters to remove elements such as carbon, lead, mercury, bacteria, and sediment (polyspun) from water flowing through the filter assembly. Generally, the water filter has a limited life-span and is required to be changed after a determined period of time. Often, changing the water filter requires removing and replacing the filter from a wet sump. This can lead to excess water leaking from the sump and/or dripping from the filter during replacement. Currently, known methods to prevent water leakage or dripping during filter replacement requires the water system to be shut-off. Generally, shutting off the system is time consuming, depletes water availability, and/or requires an elongated start-up operation.
Further, at least some known filters do not meet the requirements to pass National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) 42 certification. Specifically, for a filter to be certified as one of NSF class one through NSF class five, the filter must achieve a minimum of an 85% reduction in sediment throughout the duration of the NSF test. At least some known filters are not capable of achieving such a reduction. Specifically, some known filters allow sediment to accumulate at the bottom of the sump. Often, this results in reduction in active surface of the filter and increases the pressure drop across the filter media. If the pressure drop exceeds the physical strength of the filter media it may collapse and allow sediment laden water to bypass. To address this problem, at least some known water filters require a different filter medium and/or at least some known water filters are derated to a lower NSF certification and/or at least some known water filters are not rated to the NSF certification. Generally, derating the filter and/or changing the filter medium results in increased manufacturing costs, decreased sale prices, and/or a limited sales market.
In one aspect, a dry change water filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter head including a water by-pass valve, and a filter body configured to removably attach to the filter head. The water by-pass valve is actuated by at least one of attaching the filter body to the filter head and removing the filter body from the filter head.
In another aspect, a water filter cartridge is provided. The water filter cartridge includes a thin-walled pressure vessel, a filter media positioned within the thin-walled pressure vessel, and a handle coupled to the thin-walled pressure vessel. The water filter cartridge also includes a sealable water inlet configured to channel water into the filter media, and a sealable water outlet configured to channel water from the filter media.
In a further aspect, a water filter assembly is provided. The water filter assembly includes a sump, a filter cartridge positioned within the sump, and a circulation apparatus configured to circulate water to facilitate at least one of preventing sediment from settling at a bottom of the sump and providing an equal distribution of sediment across a surface of the filter cartridge.
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for filtering water in a water system. The system includes a water filter assembly configured to reduce an amount of sediment allowed to pass therethrough and/or configured to allow water to by-pass a filter element positioned therein. By reducing an amount of sediment allowed to pass through the filter, a higher National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) rating can be achieved without having to substitute a filter medium. Further, allowing water to by-pass the filter element allows the filter element to be changed without water leaking from the system and/or having to shut-down the system. In one embodiment, the water filter circulates sediment within water to facilitate increasing an amount of the sediment that is passed through the filter element. In an alternative embodiment, a by-pass valve is provided such that water can be directed through the filter without contacting the filter element.
The present invention is described below in reference to its application in connection with and operation of a water treatment system. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that the invention is likewise applicable to any device suitable for filtering water and/or any other liquid. For example, the present invention may be used with appliances, such as, but not limited to, refrigerators, washers, and dry cleaning apparatuses. Further, the present invention could be used, universally, in home water systems.
During operation, water flows into valve 108, wherein the water by-passes system 100 or is channeled into system 100. Water channeled into system 100 is channeled through first series 111 of filters 104. Upon channeling the water into system 100, valve 108 prevents the water from by-passing first series 111 of filters 104. After passing through first series 111 of filters 104, water is channeled to valve 110, wherein the water is drained to valve 112 or is channeled through water softener 102. Water channeled through water softener 102 is then channeled through second series 113 of filters 104. Water channeled from water softener 102 is prevented from by-passing second series 113 of filters 104 by valve 110. The water is then channeled into valve 112, wherein the water is drained from system 100 as unfiltered water or is discharged from system 100 as filtered water.
Referring to
During operation, water is channeled through inlet 204 into sump 202, wherein the water is circulated with respect to filter cartridge 208. In one embodiment, filter cartridge 208 facilitates removing impurities including, without limitation, sediment (polyspun), taste, odor, lead, mercury, bacteria, and/or viruses from the water as the water is channeled through filter cartridge 208 into chamber 212. Filtered water in chamber 212 is then discharged through outlet 206.
Plunger 262 is moveable between a first position and a second position. Specifically,
With plunger 262 in the second position, as shown in
In one embodiment, a biasing element, such as a spring 276, is coupled to plunger 262 and an end 278 of by-pass valve 256, such that spring 276 biases plunger 262 towards the second position. When filter cartridge 258 is coupled to by-pass valve 256, spring 276 is compressed, such that plunger 262 is biased into the first position.
As such, during operation, when filter cartridge 258 is removed from by-pass valve 256, spring 276 biases plunger 262 into the second position. As such, water filter 250 is positioned in by-pass mode 252, such that filter cartridge 258 is sealed and water by-passes cartridge 258 by being channeled directly to outlet 270. By channeling the water directly to outlet 270, by-pass valve 256 facilitates changing filter cartridge 258 without water leaking from water filter 250.
When filter cartridge 258 is replaced, spring 276 is compressed by plunger 262 and plunger 262 moves into the first position. With plunger 262 in the first position, water filter 250 in positioned in filtration mode 254. As such, the by-pass valve first position facilitates filtering impurities from the water.
In one embodiment, by-pass valve 310 includes a biasing element, such as a spring 322, coupled to a bottom end 324 of a by-pass valve body 326 and a lower surface 328 of sump 308. Body 326 defines a by-pass chamber 330 and a filter chamber 332. With filter cartridge 312 removed from sump 308, spring 322 biases or urges body 326 into by-pass mode 302, as shown in
With filter cartridge 312 initially placed on sump 308, water filter 300 remains in by-pass mode 302. Specifically, water filter 300 is in by-pass mode with filter placement mode 304. While in mode 304, water continues to channel from inlet 318 through by-pass channel 330 to outlet 320. Filter cartridge 312 is securely locked onto sump 308 via a locking mechanism 334. In one embodiment, locking mechanism 334 is threadedly coupled to filter cartridge 312. In alternative embodiments, any suitable locking mechanism couples filter cartridge 312 on sump 308.
With filter cartridge 312 secured to sump 308, filter cartridge 312 forces by-pass valve body 326 downward such that spring 322 is forced into a compressed configuration and water filter 300 is placed in filtration mode 306, as shown in
In one embodiment, body 326 defines an angled by-pass chamber 330 and filter chamber 332 defines a downward channel 336 circumscribed by an upward channel 338. Specifically, upward channel 338 channels water into filter 314, and downward channel 336 channels water from filter 314 to outlet 320. In alternative embodiments, by-pass chamber 330 and/or filter chamber 332 have different configurations.
Moreover,
Filter cartridge 350 may be used with any by-pass valve embodiment discussed above. In one embodiment, filter cartridge 350 includes a cylindrical capsule 354 defining a suitable chamber for housing a cylindrical filter element 355, as shown in
In the exemplary embodiment, filter cartridge 350 also includes a cap 356 configured to retain and enclose filter element 355 within capsule 354. Cap 356 includes a stop 357 configured to prevent rotation of filter cartridge 350, as described below. Further, filter element 355 includes a sealable inlet 358 and a sealable outlet 360 that extend through capsule 354 and couple to filter head 351. Moreover, in an alternative embodiment, filter cartridge 350 includes a handle. Filter cartridge 350 is configured to couple to filter head 351 in an upright position, an inverted position, and/or a horizontal position. In an alternative embodiment, filter cartridge 350 is configured to couple to a standard filter head and/or a custom filter head.
Filter head 351 includes a rotatable diverter 368 positioned within a filter head manifold 370 that includes an inlet 372 and an outlet 374. Filter head manifold inlet 372 is in flow communication with and configured to receive water from water treatment system 150, and filter head manifold outlet 374 is in flow communication with and configured to discharge water into water treatment system 150. Moreover, in one embodiment, filter head manifold 370 includes ducting configured to equalize pressure within the filter cartridge 350 and filter head 351 assembly. Diverter 376 includes a filter circuit 378 and a by-pass circuit 379. A first portion 380 of filter circuit 378 extends from an inlet 382 defined in a side 384 of diverter 376 to an outlet 386 defined in a top portion 388 of diverter 376. A second portion 390 of filter circuit 378 extends from an inlet 392 defined in top portion 388 to an outlet 394 defined in side 384. Filter circuit first portion outlet 386 is configured to receive and retain filter cartridge inlet 358, filter circuit second portion inlet 392 is configured to receive and retain filter cartridge outlet 360. By-pass circuit 379 extends between an inlet 398 defined in side 384 to a outlet 400 also defined in side 384.
Diverter 376 is rotatable within filter head manifold 370 between by-pass mode 352 and filtration mode 353. Specifically, diverter 376 rotates between by-pass mode 352 and filtration mode 353 until stop 357 (shown in
In filtration mode 353, filter circuit 378 is aligned with manifold inlet 372 and manifold outlet 374. Specifically, filter circuit first portion inlet 382 is aligned with manifold inlet 372, and filter circuit second portion outlet 394 is aligned with manifold outlet 374. As such, manifold inlet 372 receives water from water treatment system 150 and channels the water through filter circuit first portion 380 and into capsule 354. The water channeled to capsule 354 is passed through filter element 355 such that filter element 355 facilitates removing impurities including, without limitation, sediment (polyspun), taste, odor, lead, mercury, bacteria, and/or viruses from the water. The water is then discharged from capsule 354, through filter circuit second portion 390, through manifold outlet 374, and back to water treatment system 150.
Further, diverter 376 is configured such that, with water filter cartridge 350 attached to diverter 376, diverter 376 is rotated into the first position. As such, water is enabled to channel into capsule 354. When water filter cartridge 350 is removed from diverter 376, diverter 376 is rotated into the second position such that water is enabled to by-pass filter cartridge 350. Further, when filter cartridge 350 is removed, filter cartridge inlet 358 and filter cartridge outlet 360 seal to prevent or limit excess water within filter element 355 from leaking from capsule 354.
Water filter 550 may be suitable for use with at least one apparatus described above. In one embodiment, water filter 550 includes a cylindrical sump 556 defining a chamber 558 having filter cartridge 554 substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump 556 has any suitable shape. Sump 556 includes an inlet 560 and an outlet 562. Each of inlet 560 and outlet 562 is oriented a distance D1 from a lower surface 564 of sump 556. Filter cartridge 554 includes a chamber 566 extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber 566 extends from a top 568 of filter cartridge 554 through a bottom 570 of filter cartridge 554, where chamber 566 is coupled in flow communication with outlet 562.
During operation, water from water treatment system 150 is channeled into sump 556 through inlet 560, in the direction of flowpath F1, and is circulated around filter cartridge 554, in the direction of flowpath F2. Water circulated around filter cartridge 554 is channeled through filter cartridge 554 to chamber 566 to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber 566 flows in the direction of flowpath F3 and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F4, through outlet 562, where the filtered water returns to water treatment system 150. The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F2 facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling at a bottom 572 of sump 556 and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface 552 of filter cartridge 554 to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge 554.
Water filter 600 may be suitable for use with at least one apparatus described above. Water filter 600 includes a cylindrical sump 606 defining a chamber 608 having filter cartridge 604 substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump 606 has any suitable shape. Sump 606 includes a fluteson portion 609 that extends from a bottom 610 of sump 606 to an inlet 612. Bottom 610 has a diameter D2 and an inlet opening 614 has a diameter D3 that is smaller than diameter D2. Fluteson portion 609 includes a radius portion 616 that narrows from diameter D2 at bottom 610 to diameter D3 at inlet opening 614. Sump 606 also includes an outlet 618 positioned at a top 620 of sump 606. Filter cartridge 604 includes a chamber 622 extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber 622 extends from a bottom 624 of filter cartridge 604 through a top 626 of filter cartridge 604, where chamber 622 is coupled in flow communication with outlet 618.
During operation, water from water treatment system 150 is channeled through inlet 612,in the direction of flowpath F5, to inlet opening 614. The water flows through fluteson portion 609 and is circulated, in the direction of flowpath F6, such that the water flow enters sump 606 and is circulated around filter cartridge 604 in the direction of flowpath F7. Water circulated around filter cartridge 604 is channeled through filter cartridge 604 to chamber 622 to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber 622 flows in the direction of flowpath F8 and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F9, through outlet 618, where the filtered water returns to water treatment system 150. The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F6 facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling at bottom 610 of sump 606 and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface 602 of filter cartridge 604 to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge 604.
Water filter 650 may be suitable for use with at least one apparatus described above. Water filter 650 includes a cylindrical sump 656 defining a chamber 658 having filter cartridge 654 substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump 656 has any other suitable shape. Sump 656 includes an inlet 660 oriented a distance D5 from a sump upper surface 662 and extending a distance D6 from a sump sidewall 664 such that inlet 660 extends tangentially to filter cartridge 654 a distance D7. Sump 656 also includes an outlet 668 positioned at a bottom 670 of sump 656. Filter cartridge 654 includes a chamber 672 extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber 672 extends from a top 674 of filter cartridge 654 through a bottom 676 of filter cartridge 654, where chamber 672 is coupled in flow communication with outlet 668.
During operation, water is channeled from water treatment system 150 through inlet 660, in the direction of flowpath F10, and into sump 656. Specifically, the water is channeled tangentially to filter cartridge 654 and circulates around filter cartridge 654, in the direction of flowpath F11. Water circulated around filter cartridge 654 is channeled through filter cartridge 654 to chamber 672 to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber 672 flows in the direction of flowpath F12 and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F13, through outlet 668, where the filtered water returns to water treatment system 150. The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F11 facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling at bottom 670 of sump 656 and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface 652 of filter cartridge 654 to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge 654.
Water filter 700 may be suitable for use with at least one apparatus described above. Water filter 700 includes a cylindrical sump 706 defining a chamber 708 having filter cartridge 704 substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump 706 has any suitable shape. Sump 706 includes an inlet 709 oriented a distance D9 from a sump upper surface 710. Sump 706 also includes an outlet 712 positioned at a bottom 714 of sump 706. Filter cartridge 704 includes a plurality of paths 716 extending along surface 702. Filter cartridge 704 also includes a chamber 718 extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber 718 extends from a top 720 of filter cartridge 704 through a bottom 722 of filter cartridge 704, where chamber 718 is coupled in flow communication with outlet 712.
During operation, water is channeled from water treatment system 150 through inlet 709, in the direction of flowpath F14, and into sump 706. The water is channeled along helical paths 716 such that the water circulates around filter cartridge 704, in the direction of flowpath F15. Water circulated around filter cartridge 704 is channeled through filter cartridge 704 to chamber 718 to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber 718 flows in the direction of flowpath F16 and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F17, through outlet 712, where the filtered water returns to water treatment system 150. The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F14 facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling at bottom 714 of sump 706 and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface 702 of filter cartridge 704 to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge 704.
Water filter 750 may be suitable for use with at least one apparatus described above. Water filter 750 includes a cylindrical sump 756 defining a chamber 758 having filter cartridge 754 substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump 756 has any suitable shape. Sump 756 includes an inlet 760 and an outlet 762. Each of inlet 760 and outlet 762 is oriented a distance D10 from a sump upper surface 764. Inlet 760 includes an inducer 766 extending a distance D11, into sump 756. Filter cartridge 754 includes a chamber 768 extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber 768 extends from a bottom 770 of filter cartridge 754 through a top 772 of filter cartridge 754, where chamber 768 is coupled in flow communication with outlet 762.
During operation, water is channeled from water treatment system 150 through inlet 760, in the direction of flowpath F18, and into sump 756. The water is directed by inducer 764 to circulate around filter cartridge 754, in the direction of flowpath F19. Water circulated around filter cartridge 754 is channeled through filter cartridge 754 to chamber 768 to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber 788 flows in the direction of flowpath F20 and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F21, through outlet 762, where the filtered water returns to water treatment system 150. The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F19 facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling at a bottom 774 of sump 756 and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface 752 of filter cartridge 754 to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge 754.
Water filter 800 may be suitable for use with at least some of the apparatuses described hereinabove. Water filter 800 includes a cylindrical sump 806 defining a chamber 808 having filter cartridge 804 substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump 806 has any suitable shape. Sump 806 includes an inlet 809 and an outlet 810, each oriented at a distance D12 from a sump upper surface 812. Inlet 809 includes a tube 814 coupled thereto and extending to a sump lower surface 816. In the exemplary embodiment, an end 818 of tube 814 includes a plurality of apertures 820. In an alternative embodiment, end 818 includes any suitable outlet(s). Filter cartridge 804 includes a chamber 822 extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber 822 extends from a bottom 824 of filter cartridge 804 through a top 826 of filter cartridge 804, where chamber 822 is coupled in flow communication with outlet 810.
During operation, water is channeled from water treatment system 150 through inlet 809, in the direction of flowpath F22, and through tube 814, in the direction of flowpath F23. The water is discharged through apertures 820 such that water circulates around filter cartridge 804, in the direction of flowpath F24. Water circulated around filter cartridge 804 is channeled through filter cartridge 804 to chamber 822 to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber 822 flows in the direction of flowpath F25 and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F26, through outlet 810, where the filtered water returns to water treatment system 150. The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F24 facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling on lower surface 816 of sump 806 and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface 802 of filter cartridge 804 to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge 804.
In one embodiment, a method for assembling a water treatment system is provided. The method includes providing a tap configured to receive water, coupling a drain in flow communication with the tap, configuring the drain to discharge water, and coupling a plurality of water filters in flow communication between the tap and the drain. In a particular embodiment, coupling at least one water filter includes coupling an inlet of a sump to the tap and coupling an outlet of the sump to the drain. The inlet is configured to receive water from the tap and the outlet is configured to discharge water to the drain. Coupling at least one water filter also includes positioning a filter cartridge at least partially within the sump and coupling a by-pass valve in flow communication between the inlet and the outlet. The by-pass valve is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the by-pass valve channels water through the filter between the inlet and the outlet. In the second position, the by-pass valve channels water from the inlet to the outlet by-passing the filter cartridge.
The above-described system and method for filtering water and/or replacing a water filter allows water systems to achieve increased sediment removal, while being easily maintained. More specifically, the system facilitates mixing sediment within the filter to increase an amount of sediment channeled through a filter element. Further, the system facilitates replacing the filter element without water leaking from the system. As a result, a more efficient and more easily maintainable water system is provided.
Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for facilitating enhancing sediment removal in a water filter are described above in detail. Further, the apparatus and methods facilitate replacing the water filter when necessary. The apparatus and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the apparatus and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. Further, the described apparatus components and/or method steps can also be defined in, or used in combination with, other apparatus and/or methods, and are not limited to practice with only the apparatus and methods as described herein.
As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Further, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.
While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.