U.S. patent application number 11/324619 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for environmentally friendly acid neutralizing full flow cartridge.
This patent application is currently assigned to Baldwin Filters, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gene W. Brown, Steven J. Merritt.
Application Number | 20060113233 11/324619 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27616891 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060113233 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Merritt; Steven J. ; et
al. |
June 1, 2006 |
Environmentally friendly acid neutralizing full flow cartridge
Abstract
An environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
is adapted to be mounted in a cartridge mounting body of an engine
oil circuit for filtering particulates and neutralizing acid in
oil. The filter cartridge comprises a support housing that
comprises substantially no metal parts such that the filter
cartridge can be readily incinerated. A full flow particulate
filter and a bypass particulate filter are arranged in the support
housing. A bed of acid neutralizing particles is contained in the
support housing. The housing is configured such that a
predetermined primary flow path is defined through the filter
cartridge that passes through the full flow particulate filter and
bypassing the bed of acid neutralizing particles; and a
predetermined bypass path is defined through the filter cartridge
that passes, in sequence, through the bed of acid neutralizing
particles and the bypass particulate filter.
Inventors: |
Merritt; Steven J.;
(Kearney, NE) ; Brown; Gene W.; (Kearney,
NE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEYDIG VOIT & MAYER, LTD
TWO PRUDENTIAL PLAZA, SUITE 4900
180 NORTH STETSON AVENUE
CHICAGO
IL
60601-6780
US
|
Assignee: |
Baldwin Filters, Inc.
Kearney
NE
|
Family ID: |
27616891 |
Appl. No.: |
11/324619 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10457186 |
Jun 9, 2003 |
6984319 |
|
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11324619 |
Jan 3, 2006 |
|
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60387240 |
Jun 7, 2002 |
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60387235 |
Jun 7, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
210/206 ;
210/435 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 2201/4046 20130101;
B01D 29/96 20130101; B01D 2201/304 20130101; B01D 2201/34 20130101;
B01D 2201/208 20130101; B01D 46/2411 20130101; F01M 11/03 20130101;
B01D 2267/40 20130101; B01D 29/58 20130101; B01D 2201/298 20130101;
C10N 2040/252 20200501; F01M 2001/1014 20130101; B01D 2201/0415
20130101; B01D 2273/10 20130101; B01D 35/31 20130101; F01M 9/02
20130101; B01D 29/21 20130101; B01D 2201/295 20130101; B01D 29/15
20130101; C10M 175/0091 20130101; B01D 29/15 20130101; B01D 29/96
20130101; B01D 29/21 20130101; B01D 29/58 20130101; B01D 29/96
20130101; B01D 29/21 20130101; B01D 29/96 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/206 ;
210/435 |
International
Class: |
B01D 27/00 20060101
B01D027/00 |
Claims
1-46. (canceled)
47. An environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
for mounting in a cartridge mounting body of an engine oil circuit
for filtering particulates and neutralizing acid in oil, the filter
cartridge comprising: a support housing adapted to be mounted in
the cartridge mounting body, the support housing comprising
substantially no metal parts such that the filter cartridge can be
incinerated; a full flow particulate filter arranged in the support
housing; a bed of acid neutralizing particles contained in the
support housing; a bypass particulate filter arranged in the
support housing; a predetermined primary flow path defined through
the filter cartridge passing through the full flow particulate
filter and bypassing the bed of acid neutralizing particles and the
bypass particulate filter; and a predetermined bypass path defined
through the filter cartridge passing through, in sequence, the full
flow particulate filter, the bed of acid neutralizing particles,
and the bypass particulate filter.
48. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 47, wherein the filter cartridge includes an outer annular
periphery extending axially between a pair of axially spaced ends,
wherein the full filter has a generally cylindrical filter medium
disposed inside the outer annular periphery, and wherein a fluid
inlet is provided at the outer annular periphery and a fluid outlet
is through one of the ends, such that fluid enters the filter
cartridge through the outer annular periphery.
49. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 47, wherein the full flow particulate filter has a
generally cylindrical filter medium, and the bed of acid
neutralizing particles is disposed inside the generally cylindrical
filter medium of the full flow particulate filter.
50. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 49, wherein the bypass particulate filter is disposed
inside the bed of acid neutralizing particles.
51. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 50, further comprising a constriction disposed
concentrically through the bypass particulate filter, the
constriction being arranged to create a pressure differential
across the bed of acid neutralizing particles and the bypass
particulate filter for propelling oil therethrough along the
predetermined bypass path.
52. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 47, wherein the support housing includes top and bottom
non-metallic end caps and a non-metallic acid neutralizing reactor
containing the bed of acid neutralizing particles secured axially
between the top and bottom end caps providing axial support to the
environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge.
53. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 52, wherein the reactor body includes an outer annular
wall portion, a central tube portion, and a spacer portion, the
reactor defining a reactor chamber containing the bed of acid
neutralizing particles between the outer annular wall portion and a
central tube portion, the outer annular wall portion defining at
least one reactor inlet port, the central tube portion defining at
least one reactor outlet port, the central tube portion having an
entrance opening spaced from the top end cap by the spacer portion
and an exit opening communicating with an outlet opening formed in
the bottom end cap, the spacer defining a passageway bypassing the
reactor chamber.
54. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 53, wherein the reactor body comprises a plurality of
parts molded of plastic material assembled together including an
outer reactor housing unitarily providing the spacer portion and
the outer annular wall, and a separate center tube integrally
connected to the spacer portion of the reactor housing to enclose a
top end of the reactor chamber.
55. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 54, wherein said a plurality of parts molded of plastic
material further includes a reactor cap extending radially between
the outer reactor housing and the center tube to enclose the bottom
end of the reactor chamber.
56. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 53, wherein top and bottom ends of the reactor housing are
potted to the top and bottom end caps.
57. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 56, wherein the full flow particulate filter includes a
generally cylindrical tube of filter media surrounding the reactor
body potted into the top and bottom end caps.
58. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 53, wherein the central tube portion defines a constricted
portion adapted to create a pressure differential across the
reactor housing, the at least one reactor outlet port arranged
along the constricted portion.
59. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 53, wherein the at least one reactor outlet port and the
at least one reactor inlet port are radially spaced and axially
spaced proximate opposed ends of the filter cartridge thereby
imparting substantial radial and axial components on the
predetermined bypass path through the reactor chamber.
60. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 53, further comprising mesh screen material integrally
molded over the at least one reactor inlet port for preventing acid
neutralizing particles from escaping from the reactor housing.
61. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 52, wherein the top and bottom ends of the reactor are
potted to the top and bottom end caps, and wherein the full flow
particulate filter includes a generally cylindrical tube of filter
media surrounding the reactor body potted into the top and bottom
end caps.
62. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 61, further comprising a bottom annular gasket externally
carried by the bottom end cap configured and arranged to prevent
oil from short circuiting the filter cartridge.
63. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 62, further comprising a top annular gasket externally
carried by the top end cap.
64. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 62, wherein the full flow particulate filter further
comprises a perforated center tube supporting the inner radial
periphery of the generally cylindrical tube of filter media.
65. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of claim 64, further comprising a generally cylindrical wrapper
surrounding the generally cylindrical tube of filter media, the
wrapper including perforations.
66. The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge
of 65, wherein the wrapper includes a solid unperforated
intermediate portion separating top and bottom perforated portions,
arranged and configured to prevent oil from impacting a central
region of the generally cylindrical tube of filter media.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/387,240, filed Jun. 7, 2002,
and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/387,235 filed Jun.
7, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
neutralizing acid in fluid circulating systems. More particularly,
the invention is directed toward an apparatus for removing acids
from lubrication oil in oil circulating systems such as the oil
systems associated with a diesel engine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Heavy duty diesel engine life, or time to rebuild, has
historically been linked directly to piston ring, cylinder liner
and/or crank shaft bearing life (referred to as "bearings" for sake
of simplicity). Engine design parameters require that these engine
components be lubricated, typically with a film lubricant of oil
separating these engine components to prevent or minimize direct
metal to metal contact. With oil lubricating these bearing
surfaces, the principal mechanism associated with engine wear is
not metal to metal contact or frictional wear. Instead the primary
diesel engine wear component influencing engine life is corrosive
wear caused by sulfur and nitrogen containing acids that are formed
as products of combustion. One estimate is that more than 70% of
heavy duty diesel engine wear is caused by such combustion acid
metal corrosion.
[0004] Control of diesel engine corrosive wear has historically
been accomplished through the inclusion of basic or alkaline
chemicals dissolved or suspended in the engine oil that are used to
rapidly neutralize combustion acid upon contact with the acid
molecules. There have been proposals in the prior art to release
alkaline or basic chemicals into the oil or otherwise neutralize
acids utilizing a housing arranged along an oil circuit such as is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,074 to Muoni; U.S. Pat. No.
5,718,258 to Lefebvre et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,068,044 to Brownawell
et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,799 to Brownawell et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
5,225,081 to Brownawell et al.
[0005] Any attempt at implementing acid neutralizing technology
into a commercial practical engine oil circuit needs to accommodate
several important factors while at the same time providing a
sufficiently inexpensive filter cartridge for maintenance intervals
to make it commercially practical for fleet managers and the like.
As will be appreciated with an understanding of the present
invention, these issues have not heretofore been adequately
satisfied by the prior art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed toward an environmentally
friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge for mounting in a
cartridge mounting body of an engine oil circuit for filtering
particulates and neutralizing acid in oil. The filter cartridge
comprises a support housing adapted to be mounted in the cartridge
mounting body. The support housing comprises substantially no metal
parts such that the filter cartridge can be readily incinerated. A
full flow particulate filter and a bypass particulate filter are
arranged in the support housing. A bed of acid neutralizing
particles is contained in the support housing. The housing is
configured such that a predetermined primary flow path is defined
through the filter cartridge that passes through the full flow
particulate filter and bypassing the bed of acid neutralizing
particles; and a predetermined bypass path is defined through the
filter cartridge that passes, in sequence, through the bed of acid
neutralizing particles and the bypass particulate filter.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward
an environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge for
filtering particulates and neutralizing acid in oil in which the
environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter comprising
substantially no metal parts such that the support housing can be
more completely incinerated. The filter cartridge comprises top and
bottom nonmetallic end caps. A generally cylindrical full flow
particulate filter is secured axially between the top and bottom
end caps. A nonmetallic reactor body extends axially between the
top and bottom end caps. The reactor body comprises a reactor
chamber and a venturi conduit. The reactor chamber has at least one
reactor inlet port and at least one reactor outlet port. The
venturi conduit includes a constricted portion with the at least
one outlet port arranged relative to the constricted portion such
that when fluid flows through the venturi conduit, fluid is drawn
through the at least one reactor outlet port. A bed of acid
neutralizing particles is arranged in the reactor chamber between
the at least one reactor inlet port and the at least one reactor
outlet port. A second filter is arranged downstream of the bed of
acid neutralizing particles for preventing acid neutralizing
particles from exiting the filter cartridge during use.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is also directed
toward an environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter
cartridge for filtering particulates and neutralizing acid in oil.
The environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter comprises
substantially no metal parts such that the support housing can be
more completely incinerated. The filter cartridge comprises top and
bottom plastic end caps in which the bottom end cap defines a main
outlet. A generally cylindrical full flow particulate filter has
opposed ends potted into the top and bottom end caps respectively.
A plastic reactor body also has opposed ends potted into the top
and bottom end caps respectively. The plastic reactor body is
arranged generally concentric within the generally cylindrical full
flow particulate filter such that an annular collection chamber is
defined therebetween. The plastic reactor body includes an annular
outer wall portion, a central tube portion arranged generally
concentric inside the annular outer wall portion to provide a
reaction chamber, and a spacer portion. The central tube portion
has a top opening spaced axially from the top end cap and a bottom
opening communicating with the main outlet. The spacer portion
defines a radially extending fluid passageway connecting the
annular collection chamber with the top opening. The annular outer
wall portion defines at least one reactor inlet port, and the
central tube portion defines at least one reactor outlet port. A
constricted portion is arranged along the central tube portion with
the at least one reactor outlet port arranged along the constricted
portion such that when fluid flows through the center tube portion,
fluid is drawn through the at least one outlet port. A bed of acid
neutralizing particles is contained in the reactor chamber between
the at least one reactor inlet port and the at least one reactor
outlet port. Also, a bypass filter is arranged in reaction chamber
between the bed of acid neutralizing particles and the at least one
reactor outlet port.
[0009] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a cutaway isometric view of an environmentally
friendly acid neutralizing full flow filter cartridge in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cutaway isometric view of a venturi tube used in
the filter cartridge shown in FIG. 1
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cutaway isometric view of a bypass filter
element installed on a venturi tube used in the filter cartridge
shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cutaway isometric view of a reactor housing
having a bypass filter element therein ready to be filled with acid
neutralizing medium.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but with the reactor
housing filled with a bed of crushed limestone particles.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 with the additional
component of a reactor retaining cap installed.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cutaway isometric view of the completed acid
neutralizing reactor and full flow particulate filter joined to a
bottom end cap.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but with a top end cap
installed and joined over the top ends of the reactor housing and
full flow particulate filter.
[0018] FIGS. 9 and 10 are an end view and cross sectional view
taken about line 10-10 of a completed environmentally friendly acid
neutralizing full flow cartridge.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a cross section of the filter cartridge as
installed in a reusable cartridge mounting body of an engine oil
circuit.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation showing how the filter
cartridge according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is
installed in an engine oil circuit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, an environmentally friendly acid
neutralizing full flow filter cartridge 10 is illustrated in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The filter cartridge 10 is adapted to be installed in a suitable
cartridge mounting body 12 that may be positioned along an engine
oil circuit that will be later described.
[0022] Referring to the filter cartridge shown in FIG. 1, the
support housing or structural components for the filter cartridge
are made with substantially no metal support parts such that the
filter cartridge can be more completely incinerated for relatively
complete disposal of spent filter cartridges. The filter cartridge
10 includes top and bottom end caps 14, 16 that are made of
non-metallic material such as injection molded plastic or other
suitable non-metallic material. The top end cap includes a plate or
cover portion 18 and a downwardly depending radial skirt 20.
Preferably a handle 22 is integrally provided along the top surface
of the top end cap 14 to facilitate easy grasping and removal and
insertion of the filter cartridge into the cartridge mounting body
12 during maintenance service intervals. The bottom end cap also
includes a generally plate-shaped portion 24 and an upwardly
extending outer peripheral cylindrical skirt 26. The top and bottom
end caps generally encapsulate the ends of the filter cartridge and
provide end supports for other filter components extending
therebetween.
[0023] A full flow particulate filter element 28 is arranged
axially between the top and bottom end caps 14, 16. the full flow
particulate filter element 28 includes a cylindrical tube of filter
media 30 which may be pleated filter paper media, a depth
filtration tube, synthetic filter media, glass filter media or a
blend thereof, or other suitable filter media. In the disclosed
embodiment, the top and bottom ends of the cylindrical tube of
filter media 38 are potted to the top and bottom end caps 14, 16
with suitable potting material such as plastisol, epoxy, urethane,
hot melt or other suitable bonding material. The filter element 28
also includes a perforated inner plastic center tube 32 that
extends the axial length of the filter media 30 between top and
bottom end caps 14, 16. The plastic center tube is concentrically
arranged along the inner cylindrical periphery of the filter media
30 and provides support to the tube of filter media 30. Also, the
filter element 28 preferably includes an outer cylindrical wrapper
34 that also extends axially the length of the tube of filter media
30 between top and bottom end caps 14, 16. The wrapper 34 generally
protects the outer peripheral surface of the tube of filter media
30 and may provide some additional support. The wrapper includes a
plethora of perforations or holes 36 to allow oil to pass through
the filter element 28. Preferably, there is a notable absence of
holes in a middle segment 38 of the wrapper such that incoming oil
jetted into the cartridge mounting body 12 when the filter
cartridge is installed does not impact directly upon the pleated
filter paper media 30. Concentrically arranged within the full flow
particulate filter element 28 is an acid neutralizing reactor 40.
The reactor 40 is a generally cylindrical object that also extends
axially between top and bottom end caps 14, 16 and is potted
thereto with the same potting compound used to pot the filter
element 28. The outer periphery of the acid neutralizing reactor 40
is spaced from the inner periphery of the full flow particulate
filter element 28 such that a cylindrical collection chamber 42 is
defined therebetween. The reactor 40 comprises two primary
structural components including an outer reactor housing 44 and a
venturi conduit which is provided herein by an inner venturi tube
46. The reactor housing includes a generally cylindrical side wall
48 that extends substantially the axial length between end caps 14,
16. However, near the top end, the sidewall 48 is integrally formed
with an axial spacer body 50 that engages the top end cap 14. The
spacer body 50 includes a generally planar end wall 52 that is
spaced from the cover portion of the top end cap 14 via axially
projecting tabs 54. Between the tabs 54, the spacer body 50 defines
radial through ports that communicate oil through the top end of
the reactor housing 44. The planar end wall 52 also includes a
central opening 58 which is surrounded by an annular retaining wall
structure 60. The top end of the venturi tube is secured to the
outer reactor housing 44 with the annular retaining wall structure
60 either by mechanically or chemically welding the components
together to provide a seal that prevents fluid from short
circuiting therethrough. Thus, the inner venturi tube 46 is
arranged concentrically within the outer reactor housing 44 and
extends the axial length of the filter cartridge. The bottom end of
the venturi tube 46 is installed over a cylindrical snout
projecting upwardly from the bottom end cap 16. The potting
material used in the bottom end cap secures the end of the venturi
tube 46 to the annular snout 62 and/or plate portion 24 of the
bottom end cap to prevent oil from short circuiting therebetween.
The cylindrical snout 62 defines a central opening 64 that provides
the main outlet port for the filter cartridge.
[0024] With the venturi tube 46 concentrically arranged within the
outer reactor housing 44, a generally cylindrical reactant chamber
66 is defined therebetween. As shown herein, the reactant chamber
is filled with a bed of acid neutralizing particles 68 which
primarily comprise calcium carbonate material, which may be
provided by crushed limestone particles or other suitable yet
inexpensive acid neutralizing media to provide a commercially
practical filter. The crushed limestone particles 68 provide a very
inexpensive compound as it occurs naturally and is readily
available from limestone deposits (limestone technically is a
naturally occurring substance that primarily comprises calcium
carbonate, but may also include magnesium carbonate and/or other
trace minerals or materials). The limestone particles 68 are
crushed to be fine enough to provide a large surface area for
calcium carbonate molecules to interact with acid molecules in the
oil, while at the same time not being too fine so as to impede,
block or prevent flow of oil altogether through the reactor chamber
66. As oil flows through the reactor chamber 66 acid molecules
contained within the oil will come into the contact with the outer
surface of the limestone particles 68 and thereby will react with
the calcium carbonate contained therein and thereby cause a
reaction to take place in which the acid molecule is neutralized.
This effectively reduces the amount of acid molecules in the oil
thereby reducing the corrosive wear on the bearings or other
similar metal surfaces of the engine, and can also provide for a
prolonged maintenance service interval for an oil change.
[0025] To provide for flow of oil through the reactant chamber 66
the reactor body includes one or more inlet ports 70 provided in
the outer cylindrical sidewall 48 and one or more outlet ports 72
for communicating acid neutralized oil into the venturi tube
46.
[0026] In addition, means is provided to prevent the crushed
limestone particles and fines contained therein from entering the
oil system of the engine. One such means provided herein is a
bypass particulate filter element 74 that is arranged in fluid
series between the bed of crushed limestone particles 68 and the
venturi tube 46. The bypass filter 74 is a generally cylindrically
member that surrounds the outlet ports 72 such that the bypass
particulate filter 74 is arranged to filter out limestone particles
or fines contained in oil and prevent exit of such limestone
particles or fines into the venturi tube. The bypass filter 74 may
comprise a relatively fine felt type material having a porosity
smaller than that of the crushed limestone particles or fines
contained therein and may only extend part of the axial length of
the reactant chamber 66. Alternatively, the bypass filter 74 can be
of the conventional pleat-type filter paper media or can be a depth
filtration tube, or other suitable filtering media. As shown
herein, a radial retention shoulder 76 integral with the venturi
tube 46 and projecting readily outward therefrom supports and
retains one axial end of the cylindrical bypass filter 74.
[0027] Preferably, the inlet ports 70 are axially spaced from the
outlet ports a substantial length of the reactant chambers such
that oil entering the reactant chamber has a long winding path to
flow through in order to flow through the reactant chamber. This
provides for more effective acid neutralizing activity with smaller
amounts of acid neutralizing medium and a smaller overall bed size.
As shown herein, this is accomplished by placing the inlet ports 70
to the reactant chamber 66 approximate the bottom end cap 36 and
the outlet ports 72 for the venturi tube approximate the end wall
52 of the spacer body 50. Other than the inlet ports 70 the outer
sidewall 48 of the reactor housing 44 is generally solid so as to
maintain a relatively long flow path for oil through the reactant
chamber 66 and the bed of acid neutralizing particles 68.
[0028] To further prevent acid neutralizing limestone particles 68
from exiting the reactant chamber 66, preferably mesh screened
material 78 is integrally molded into the sidewall 48 of the outer
reactor housing 44 over the inlet ports 70 to prevent limestone
particles and the fines from entering the cylindrical collection
chamber 42 when the filter is sitting idle (which could allow
particles to be flushed through the venturi tube and exit the
filter which would be undesirable). Similarly, preferably the
venturi outlet tube is integrally molded with mesh materials 80
over the outlet ports 72 so as to provide a backup for the bypass
filter 74 to better ensure that fines or acid neutralizing
limestone particles 68 do not exit the filter cartridge 10. Thus,
the additional of mesh screen material provides further means or
alternative means to prevent crushed limestone particles and fines
contained therein from entering the oil system of an engine.
[0029] The venturi tube 46 includes a narrowed neck section which
provides a constriction 82 thereby forming a venturi section along
the venturi conduit. The outlet ports 72 are arranged relative to
the constriction 82 in a strategic location along the narrow neck
area 84 such that when fluid flows through the venturi conduit,
fluid is drawn through the outlet ports 72 via the venturi effect.
Specifically, the main force that propels oil through the reactor
is oil pressure. As the main stream of oil passes through the
venturi or narrowed neck section, the oil is accelerated. The
increase in the velocity creates a low pressure area near the one
or more outlet holes formed in the venturi tube 46. This pressure
differential provides the necessary driving force. The venturi tube
46 defines an internal elongated axial passage 86 which connects
the cylindrical collection chamber 42 (through the spacer body 50)
and also the outlet ports 72 of the reactor chamber 66 to the main
outlet 64 of the filter cartridge 10 to allow for exit of filtered
oil and acid neutralized oil from the filter cartridge.
[0030] With the foregoing arrangement of filter components, a
primary flow path and a secondary bypass flow path are formed
through the filter cartridge as illustrated in FIG. 11 and
referring to FIG. 1. As shown with arrows, the primary flow path 88
passes through the outer cylindrical full flow particulate filter
element 28, is collected in the cylindrical collection chamber 42,
passes through the spacer body 50 of the reactor housing and passes
through the axial passage 86 of the venturi tube for exit through
the main outlet 64 of the filter cartridge 10. The bypass flow path
90 also similarly passes through the full flow particulate filter
element 28 and is collected in the cylindrical collection chamber
42. However, the bypass flow path 90 passes through the reactor
chamber and bed of acid neutralizing limestone particles 68
contained therein via the inlet and outlet ports 70, 72. As noted
above, the axial spacing of the inlet and outlet ports 70, 72
provide substantial axial and radial components to the bypass flow
path 90 portion through the acid neutralizing bed. Thereafter, oil
along the bypass flow path 90 is joined with the primary flow path
88 in the venturi tube 46 and passes along to the main outlet
64.
[0031] Flow of oil through the reactant chamber 66 is greatly
restricted such that substantially more oil flows along the primary
flow path then along the bypass flow path 90. This is for two
reasons. The first is that sufficient oil needs to jet through the
venturi conduit provided by the venturi tube 46 in order to create
the venturi effect for creating suction. Secondly, the acid
neutralizing limestone particles 68 are preferably crushed to be
sufficiently fine to provide a large surface area for acid
neutralization. An inherent result is that the finely crushed
particles also unfortunately provide a relatively large restriction
and pressure drop which could otherwise impede flow of oil. With
only a small amount of oil flowing through the acid neutralizing
bed, an acceptable pressure drop is maintained across the filter
cartridge generally. Thus, if the bed of acid neutralizing
particles 68 were to become plugged or clogged, which could
potentially occur with sludge or other contaminants becoming lodged
within the bed, that still will not affect operation of the filter
cartridge 10 as all of the oil is passing through the full flow
particulate filter 28 for filtering out particulates and oil still
flows freely along the primary flow path 88. In a preferred
embodiment, the sizing of the inlet and/or outlet ports 70, 72 can
readily be sized to provide for a maximum flow rate of oil along
the bypass flow path 90. Preferably, oil flowing along the bypass
flow path is about 10% of that of oil flowing along the primary
flow path 88. However, it will be appreciated that the design may
provide for a range of anywhere between about 5% and 20% of oil
passing along the bypass flow path during operation.
[0032] To ensure that oil does not short circuit the filter
cartridge, a bottom gasket 92 is provided that separates the
unfiltered oil along the inlet side from the filtered oil exiting
the main outlet 64 as shown in FIG. 1. The bottom gasket 92 is of
the radial sealing type and includes an L-shaped configuration
including a radially inward projection 94 that is trapped in a
retaining structure 96 that provides an annular mounting groove 98
at the bottom end of the filter cartridge 10. The retaining
structure 96 is integrally provided by the bottom end cap 16 along
the bottom surface thereof. The bottom gasket 92 also includes an
axially projecting cylindrical sealing flange 100 that is adapted
to be pressed radially inward by virtue of the higher pressure
along the outside of the filter cartridge 10 against the
corresponding cylindrical sealing surface of the cartridge mounting
body 12. The sealing flange 100 preferably terminates in conically
shaped cam surface 102 that directs the flange radially outward
over a corresponding solid sealing flange of the cartridge mounting
body to provide for an interference fit.
[0033] At the top end of the filter cartridge 10 is provided a top
end gasket 104. The top end gasket 104 is mounted in an annular
groove 106 provided by a pair of radially outward projecting flange
walls 108 integrally provided by the skirt portion 20 of the top
end cap 14. The top end gasket 104 is configured to be an axial
seal and is adapted to form a seal along its upper surface.
Accordingly, the top end gasket 104 provides a radially outward
projecting flange performing an axial seal against the cartridge
mounting body 12. The top end gasket 104 thus prevents the ingress
of foreign materials and also keeps the integral handle 22
relatively clean and relatively free of oil to provide for cleaner
removal and insertion of the filter cartridge 10 during maintenance
intervals.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 11, an example of a cartridge mounting
body 12 for the filter cartridge 10 is illustrated. It is
understood that the cartridge mounting body 12 is not part of the
invention but shown to illustrate how the filter cartridge 10 can
be implemented according to a preferred embodiment. The cartridge
mounting body 12 generally includes a cast metal bowl or basin 160
which receives the filter cartridge 10. The open end of the basin
160 is enclosed via a top end cover 162 that may be threadingly
screwed on to the basin 160. The basin 160 has an inlet passage 164
through its side and an outlet passage centrally located along its
bottom end. Surrounding the outlet passage is a cylindrical wall
that projects upwardly for providing a structure that can be sealed
against. The filter cartridge 10 is installed into the mounting
body 12 by axially sliding the filter cartridge 10 into the basin
160 while the top end cover 162 is removed from the basin 160. As
the filter cartridge 10 slides down into position, the conical cam
surface 102 of the bottom end gasket 92 engages the top surface of
the cylindrical wall 168 and deflects radially outwardly around the
cylindrical wall 168 such that the sealing flange 100 comes into
radial sealing interference contact with the cylindrical wall 168.
While in this position, the sealing flange 100 separates the inlet
side or inlet passage 164 from the outlet side or outlet passage
166. Because the inlet passage will typically provide a higher
pressure than that experienced at the outlet passage due to a
pressure drop experienced across the filter cartridge 10, the
higher pressure along the inlet side will tend to press the sealing
flange 100 into radial sealing engagement with the cylindrical wall
168 of the cartridge mounting body. Another feature that helps
guide insertion of the filter cartridge 10 is the provision of
triangular protrusions 110 projecting radially outward from the
skirt portion 20 of the top end cap 14 that are positioned just
below the bottom flange wall 108. The triangular protrusions 110
are angled such that the triangular protrusions 110 facilitate and
tend to center the filter cartridge 10 when it is being inserted
into the mounting basin 160. Once the filter cartridge 10 is
installed, the top end cover 162 is screwed back onto the basin 160
which causes axial engagement between a seal support ring portion
170 integrally defined by the top end cover 162. Again, the higher
pressure experienced along the inlet side or the inlet passage 164
tends to exert an axial force on the top end gasket 104 to maintain
it upward sealing engagement with the top end cover 162.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 12, the filter cartridge 10 of the present
invention is adapted to be inserted into a cartridge mounting body
12 that is positioned along an oil circulation circuit upstream of
engine bearings 182 as a full flow or full pass type filter. The
entire flow generated by an oil pump is adapted to be flowed
through the filter cartridge 10, then to the engine bearings 182
and then back to the engine oil sump 186. Even though the acid
neutralizing reactor 40 and bed of acid neutralizing particles 68
are arranged along the oil circulation path leading directly to the
bearings, importantly, not all of the oil flows through the acid
neutralizing bed 68 and in fact most of the oil bypasses the acid
neutralizing bed along the primary flow paths 88. Accordingly,
smaller particles can be used in the acid neutralizing bed 68 to
maximize effective surface area and acid neutralizing
characteristics of the bed while at the same time not providing
concerns about being overly restrictive or preventing oil flow to
the engine bearings due to the fact that the primary oil path 88
bypasses the acid neutralizing bed and facilitates flow of oil to
the engine bearings even if the bed of acid neutralizing particles
68 were to become clogged or overly restrictive.
[0036] Assembly of the filter cartridge according to a preferred
embodiment can generally be gathered by viewing FIGS. 2-8 and then
FIG. 1 in sequence. Referring to FIG. 2, the reactor housing starts
with or is built off of the venturi tube 46 as is shown in FIG. 2.
The bypass filter 74 is then inserted over the venturi tube and
then mechanically or chemically adhered to the venturi tube 46 in a
region around the one or more venturi outlet ports 72, as shown in
FIG. 3 to provide a seal between the two. The bypass element 74 may
either be a depth filtration tube or pleat media. The assembled
venturi tube 46 and bypass filter 74 combination is then assembled
into the reactor housing 44 either by mechanically or chemically
welding the components, again to provide a seal as shown in FIG. 4.
The reactor housing 44 is then ready to be filled with the
reactant, which is preferably a material comprising primarily
calcium carbonate material such as may be provided by crushed
limestone particles 68 as shown in FIG. 5. Once the reactor housing
is filled with the reactant, the acid neutralizing particles must
be retained within the housing to allow the reactor housing to be
transported. FIG. 6 shows one method of enclosing and containing
the acid neutralizing particles 68 utilizing an annular retaining
cap 112 that is fixed into place either by pressing into place or
by means of bonding. An alternative method would be to dispense a
potting material to fill the gap between the venturi tube 46 and
the reactor housing 44, thus containing the acid neutralizing
particles 68. Once this is done, the acid neutralizing reactor 40
is complete and is ready to be assembled into a filter
cartridge.
[0037] The assembly of the filter cartridge starts with potting the
assembled reactor 40, the full flow filter element 28 (including
filter media 30, perforated plastics inner tube 32 and perforated
wrapper 34) in the bottom end cap 16, as shown in FIG. 7. As
discussed above, the potting material could be plastisol, epoxy,
urethane, hot melt, or other suitable bonding material. The filter
media 30 for the full flow filter element is made from but not
limited to pleated cellulous filter paper, synthetic material,
glass or a blend of materials, or a depth filtration tube, or other
suitable filtration media. The outer wrapper 34 protects the full
flow filter element and more specifically the filter media 30 from
direct oil flow as it enters the cartridge housing when installed
as shown in FIG. 12 (see e.g. direction of incoming flow via inlet
passage 164).
[0038] A similar potting material is used in the top end cap 14 to
assemble the rest of the filter cartridge 10 as shown in FIG. 8.
The top and bottom gaskets 92, 104 can then be installed in their
corresponding retaining grooves 98, 106 that are integrally
provided by the top and bottom end caps 14, 16 as shown in FIG. 1.
One or more vent holes 114 may optionally be provided through the
top end cap to provide for pressure equalization above the lid
gasket if needed.
[0039] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0040] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0041] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *