TWI816111B - Filter manifold and method of assembling filter manifold - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular filter manifold includes one or more plates, each plate including connections for one or more filters on a first side, and connections for fluid lines on a second side opposite the first. At least two fluid line connections are provided for each filter connection, with a fluid passage through the plate for each fluid line connection. Each of the fluid passages are independent of one another. The manifold plates can be joined to a support structure to form a manifold to which filters can be attached. Piping can be connected to the fluid line connections to allow flow through the filters in series or parallel flow.

Description

Filter manifold and method of assembling filter manifold

The present invention relates to a modular filter manifold containing one or more plates and a method of making the same.

Filters in applications such as chemical processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and the like can be provided in manifolds that allow for the connection of multiple filters. Such manifolds typically include all pipes in a set configuration and contain a different specific number of filter connections, such as 6 or 8 filter connections. As a result, such manifolds can be bulky, requiring large amounts of space in environments where floor space is at a premium, and are generally not suitable for smaller applications requiring only a few filters.

The present invention relates to a modular filter manifold containing one or more plates and a method of making the same.

By using modular panels to provide connections for filters and fluid lines, manifold assemblies can be provided in a more customizable and space-saving form. The number of modular panels can be selected based on the size constraints and number of filters that need to be supported, allowing the number of filters to easily vary from installation to installation. By providing a direct, vertical connection between the pipe and filter, low flow "dead zones" are reduced or eliminated compared to a horizontal flow manifold and manifold assembly. based on usage Depending on the specific application of the filter, the modular panels may be structured to facilitate pipe connections to each of the filters individually or in a parallel or series configuration.

In one embodiment, a filter manifold includes at least one manifold plate. The manifold plate includes a plate body having a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite to the first side. The manifold plate also includes at least two filter connections on the first side of the plate body, each filter connection including an outer wall and a divider. The manifold plate further includes at least two fluid line connectors extending from the second side for each of the at least two filter connections. Each of the fluid line connectors includes a fluid channel through the manifold plates along a thickness direction of the plate body. Each fluid channel includes an opening at the outer wall of one of the filter connections or the first side within the divider. For each filter connector, at least one of the openings at the first side is located within the divider, and at least one of the openings at the first side is located between the divider and the outer wall. Each of the fluid channels of the fluid connectors is an independent path for fluid flow.

In one embodiment, the filter manifold includes a plurality of the manifold plates.

In one embodiment, the fluid line connectors having openings between the divider and the outer wall of both of the at least two filter connections are separated by a distance that is smaller than having openings between the at least two filter connections A distance between the fluid line connectors of the openings in the divider of each of the filter connections.

In one embodiment, an outside of each of the outer walls includes threads, and the filter manifold further includes a locking ring configured to engage the threads. In one embodiment, the filter manifold further includes a cover configured to cover one of the filter connections, and wherein the locking ring is configured to retain the cover and between the cover and the A seal between one of the filter openings. In one embodiment, the locking ring includes on one outside of the locking ring One or more joint features. In one embodiment, the locking ring includes one or more engagement features on an upper surface of the locking ring.

In one embodiment, the one or more manifold plates include a fluoropolymer. In one embodiment, the one or more manifold plates comprise a melt processable polymer.

In one embodiment, the plate body includes a basin surrounding the filter connectors on the first side of the plate body. In one embodiment, the filter manifold further includes a drain fluid channel extending from the basin on the first side to a connector disposed on the second side of the plate body.

In one embodiment, the filter manifold includes a plurality of interstitial features formed on one or more side walls of the plate body extending into the plate body, each of the side walls being on the first side of the plate body. extending between the second side. In one embodiment, the plurality of interstitial features are each separated from one another by one or more ribs. In one embodiment, each of the ribs extends from one of the side walls to an opposite side wall, and each of the ribs passes between both of the fluid line connectors. In one embodiment, the first side of the panel body has an area greater than an area of the second side.

In one embodiment, a method of assembling a filter manifold includes providing one or more manifold plates. Each of the manifold plates includes a plate body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. Each of the manifold plates also includes at least two filter connections on the first side of the plate body, each filter connection including an outer wall and a divider. Each of the manifold plates further includes at least two fluid line connectors extending from the second side for each of the at least two filter connections, each of the fluid line connectors Including a fluid channel through the manifold plate along a thickness direction of the plate body, each fluid channel including the outer wall of one of the filter connectors or the third within the divider There is an opening on one side. For each filter connector, at least one of the openings at the first side is located within the divider, and at least one of the openings at the first side is located between the divider and the outer wall. Each of the fluid channels of the fluid connectors is an independent path for fluid flow. The method further includes: connecting the one or more manifold plates to a support structure; connecting pipes to at least some of the fluid line connectors of the one or more manifold plates; and connecting a filter to One of the filter connections of the manifold plate or manifold plates.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of filters is connected to one of the filter connections of the one or more manifold plates. In one embodiment, the conduits are connected such that each of the plurality of filters are connected to each other such that a fluid flows continuously through the plurality of filters. In one embodiment, the conduit is connected such that at least some of the plurality of filters are connected such that a fluid flows parallel to each other through the at least some of the plurality of filters.

In one embodiment, the method further includes installing a cover in each of the filter connections to which a filter is not connected.

100:Manifold plate

102:Board body

104: First side

106: Second side

108:Side wall

110:Filter connector

112:Outer wall

114:divider

116: First side fluid channel opening

118: basin

120: Discharge opening

122: Installation opening

124:Fluid line connector

126: Fluid pipeline connection characteristics

128: Second side fluid channel opening

130:Drain line connector

132: Discharge line fluid passage opening

134: Discharge line connection characteristics

136:Fluid channel

200: Filter manifold

202:Inlet pipe

204:Export pipe

206:Filter

208: Locking ring

300:Support structure

400:Manifold plate

402:Board body

404: First side

406: Rib

408:Filter connector

410:Outer wall

412:divider

414: First side fluid channel opening

416: basin

418: Discharge opening

420: Installation opening

422:Second side

424: Fluid line connector

426: Fluid line connector characteristics

428: Second side fluid channel opening

436: void characteristics

438:Center support

440: Fluid channel wall

442: Fluid channel

444:Fluid channel

446:Arc rib

500: cover

502: Locking ring

504:Seals

1100: Manifold plate

1102: Lighten the incision

1200: Filter manifold

1202:Filter

1204:Inlet pipe

1206:Export pipe

1208:Filter housing

1210:Filter media

1212:Media cage

1214:Flange

1216:Seals

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a manifold plate according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the manifold plate according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a manifold plate according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a filter manifold according to an embodiment.

Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the filter manifold according to the embodiment of Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows the filter manifold according to the embodiment of Figure 4 mounted into a support structure.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a manifold plate according to an embodiment.

Figure 8 shows a side view of the manifold plate according to the embodiment of Figure 7.

FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view along a vertical plane of a manifold plate according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 .

9B shows a cross-sectional view along a horizontal plane of a manifold plate according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 .

Figure 10 shows a cover and a locking ring of a manifold plate according to one embodiment.

Figure 11 shows a manifold plate according to an embodiment.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the filter manifold according to Figure 4.

This application claims rights under U.S. Application No. 63/016,341, filed on April 28, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a modular filter manifold containing one or more plates and a method of making the same.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a manifold plate according to one embodiment. The manifold plate 100 includes a plate body 102 having a first side 104 and a second side 106, with a side wall 108 extending from the first side 104 to the second side 106. On the first side, two filter connections 110 are provided. As used herein, the term "filter connector" refers to a connector feature used to attach a filter housing or a filter cartridge. Each filter connector includes an outer wall 112 and a divider 114 . The first side fluid channel opening 116 may be located within the outer wall 112 and/or the divider 114 . The first side 104 may include a basin 118 and a discharge opening 120 . Manifold plate 100 further includes mounting openings 122 . Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3 , the divider 114 may be integrally formed with the filter connector 110 as a single component.

Manifold plate 100 is configured to form part of a modular filter manifold. The manifold plate 100 provides a structure that allows the connection of filters to conduits configured to provide fluids (ie, liquids or gases) to or receive fluids from the filters. In one embodiment , manifold plate 100 is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. In one embodiment, manifold plate 100 is formed by processing a compression molded polymer material. In one embodiment, manifold plate 100 is formed by injection molding. In one embodiment, manifold plate 100 includes one or more fluoropolymers. Non-limiting examples of fluoropolymers that may be used in manifold plate 100 include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or perfluoroalkoxyalkanes (PFA). In one embodiment, manifold plate 100 includes one or more melt-processable polymers. Non-limiting examples of melt-processable polymers that may be used in manifold plate 100 include PFA and polypropylene (PP).

Manifold plate 100 includes plate body 102 . The board body 102 includes a first side 104 and a second side 106 opposite to the first side 104 . The plate body may have any suitable shape for providing filter connections 110 and presenting mounting openings 122 in a suitable location for attachment to a support structure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the shape of the plate body 102 is generally rectangular. The board body 102 has a thickness with the sidewall 108 extending from the first side 104 to the second side 106 . In one embodiment, sidewall 108 may be vertical, with first side 104 and second side 106 having the same size and shape. In one embodiment, sidewalls 108 may be angled, with first side 104 and second side 106 having different shapes and/or sizes.

The filter connector 110 is disposed on the first side 104 of the plate body 102 . Filter connection 110 is configured to allow a filter to be connected to filter manifold 100 . The filter connection includes an outer wall 112 . The outer wall 112 defines the perimeter of the filter connector 110 . The outer wall 112 may include features for attaching a filter, such as threads, or some other rotatably engageable member to allow a locking ring to attach the filter to the filter connector 110 . A divider 114 is provided within each filter connector 110 . Divider 114 is configured to separate an inlet flow side where fluid flows into the filter coupled to filter connector 110 from an outlet flow side where fluid flows out of the filter. Divider 114 may be of any suitable shape and size. When a filter is attached to the filter When used as a connector, a divider 114 can separate the inlet and outlet flow sides from each other. In one embodiment, divider 114 is a wall having the same general shape as outer wall 112 (but smaller) and may be concentric with outer wall 112 or offset from a center of outer wall 112 . In this embodiment, divider 114 may be shorter than outer wall 112 . A first side fluid channel opening 116 may be provided in each filter connector 110 . In one embodiment, the first side fluid channel opening 116 may be disposed on both sides of the inlet flow side and the outlet flow side of the divider 114 of each filter connector 110 . The first side fluid channel opening 116 is connected to a fluid channel extending in a thickness direction through the plate body 102 to the fluid line connector, as discussed below and shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

Optionally, a basin 118 may be formed in the first side 104 of the panel body 102 . The basin 118 may be a recess formed in the board body 102 . Basin 118 may be configured to catch leaks or drips from a system including manifold plate 100 , such as from a filter installed into manifold plate 100 . A drain opening 120 may be provided in basin 118 . The drain opening 120 may be open to a fluid passage through the plate body 102 connected to a drain line on the second side 106 . The connection to a discharge line is shown in Figures 2 and 3 and described below. In one embodiment, basin 118 may include a sloped or curved shape that directs liquid toward drain opening 120 .

Mounting openings 122 are structural features included in manifold plate 100 that are configured to accept a fastener or engagement feature to allow manifold plate 100 to be secured to a support structure. For example, the mounting opening 122 may be a hole that allows a screw to pass through, as shown in FIG. 1 . In embodiments, the mounting openings 122 may be any suitable feature that allows the manifold plate 100 to be secured to a support structure, such as configured to receive engagement features such as flanges, tabs, snap-fit engagement features, or the like. ) notch, slot or opening. The manifold plate 100 may be secured to a support structure to provide at least a portion of a filter manifold to which a filter may be connected via a filter connector 110, wherein conduits providing fluid to the filter are connected to an opposite side, as follows discussed.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the manifold plate according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 . In FIG. 2 , the outer wall 112 of the filter connector 110 can be seen extending from the first side 104 of the plate body 102 . A fluid line connector 124 is provided on the second side 106 of the plate body 102 . Each filter connection 110 may include two or more fluid line connectors 124 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , two fluid line connectors 124 are provided for each filter connection 110 . In this embodiment, one of the fluid line connectors 124 corresponding to the filter connection 110 is configured to connect to an inlet fluid line, while the other fluid line connector 124 corresponding to the filter connection 110 is configured to connect to an inlet fluid line. Configure to connect to an outlet fluid line. The fluid line connectors 124 for a filter connection 110 may be positioned such that one of the fluid line connectors is on an inlet side of the divider 114 and the other is on an outlet side of the divider 114 . For example, one of the fluid line connectors 124 of the filter connector 110 may be located within the perimeter of the divider 114 while the other may be located between the divider 114 of the filter connector 110 and the outer wall 112 . Fluid line connectors 124 may be configured based on whether they are tied on the inlet side or the outlet side of divider 114 , for example, to facilitate pipe connections in a manifold containing one or more manifold plates 100 . In one embodiment, the fluid line connectors 124 may be configured such that two fluid line connectors 124 each on an inlet side of the divider 114 in their respective filter connections 110 are adjacent to each other. In one embodiment, the fluid line connectors 124 may be configured such that two fluid line connectors 124 each on an outlet side of the divider 114 in their respective filter connections 110 are adjacent to each other. In one embodiment, more than two fluid line connectors may be provided for each of filter connections 110 . In such embodiments, two or more fluid line connectors may be provided on at least one side of divider 114 .

Each fluid line connector 124 includes a fluid line connection feature 126 and a second side fluid channel opening 128 . Fluid line connection feature 126 may be used to allow a fluid line Any suitable structure for connecting to fluid line connector 124, such as, as a non-limiting example, threads. In embodiments, other suitable connectors for the fluid line may be provided on the fluid line and at the fluid line connection feature 126, with non-limiting examples including sterile connectors, quick disconnect connectors, flange-type connectors, and its likes.

A drain line connector 130 may also be included on the second side 106 . The drain line connector 130 includes a drain line fluid passage opening 132 and a drain line connection feature 134 . The drain line fluid channel opening 132 is an opening in the fluid channel that travels from the drain opening 120 through the plate body 102 . The fluid channels may allow fluid in the basin 118 to pass through the plate body 102 and enter a drain line connected at the drain line connector 130, for example, so that the fluid may be transported out of the basin 118 via the connected drain line. Drain line connection feature 134 may be any suitable structure for allowing a drain line to be connected to drain line connector 130 , such as, as a non-limiting example, threads. In embodiments, other suitable connectors for the fluid line may be provided on the fluid line and at the drain line connection feature 134, with non-limiting examples including sterile connectors, quick disconnect connectors, flange-type connectors, and its likes.

FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a manifold plate according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 . In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 , the filter connector 110 including the outer wall 112 and the divider 114 can be seen on the first side 104 of the plate body 102 . First side fluid channel openings 116 are provided on either side of the divider 114 such that one first side fluid channel opening 116 is provided on one inlet side of the divider 114 and the other first side fluid channel opening 116 is provided on On the outlet side of divider 114. The basin 118 may be considered a recess into the first side 104 of the board body 102 .

When a filter housing is attached to the filter connector 110 , a portion of the filter cartridge or filter element may form a seal with the divider 114 to separate the inlet and outlet sides of the divider 114 . The filter may be configured to connect at a portion communicating with the inlet side of the divider 114 Receive flow. The flow may be provided from a fluid line connected to a fluid line connector 124 corresponding to the first side fluid channel opening 116 located within the inlet side. The flow is accepted through the filter and then provided from the filter to the outlet side of the filter connection 110 defined by the divider 114 . Flow exiting the filter may exit the outlet side through a first side fluid channel opening located on the outlet side. In embodiments, the divider 114 may be contacted by one or more seals included in the filter to further separate the inlet and outlet sides.

The fluid channels 136 each extend through one of the first side fluid channel openings 116 through the plate body 102 to one of the second side fluid channel openings 128 . In one embodiment, the fluid channels 136 extend such that when the manifold plate 100 is in a position to be used as a filter manifold, the fluid channels extend in a vertical direction. In one embodiment, the fluid channel 136 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the plate body 102 . Having the fluid channels 136 oriented in this way may reduce the occurrence of low flow areas during use of a filter manifold including the manifold plate 100 . In one embodiment, fluid channels 136 are independent of each other. In one embodiment, no fluid channel 136 is connected to any other of the fluid channels 136 . Fluid channel 136 may provide an inlet for pre-filtered fluid or an outlet for filtered fluid.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a filter manifold according to an embodiment. The filter manifold 200 includes a plurality of manifold plates 100 as described above and as shown in Figures 1-3. The filter manifold 200 further includes an inlet conduit 202 and an outlet conduit 204 connected to the fluid line connector 124 of the manifold plate 100 . The filter 206 is installed into the filter connector 110 of the manifold plate 100 and is secured to the filter connector 110 by a locking ring 208 .

The manifold plates 100 of the filter manifold 200 may be any number of manifold plates 100 sufficient to accommodate the number of filters 206 that will be supported by the filter manifold 200 . For example, in the case where each manifold plate 100 includes two filter connections 110 , the manifold plate used in the filter manifold 200 The number of 100 may be half the number of filters 206 that will be used in the filter manifold 200. In one embodiment, the manifold plate 100 may be further coupled to a support structure (not shown) to secure the position and configuration of the filter manifold 200 .

Inlet conduit 202 is configured to connect to a conduit that is a source of fluid to be filtered through filter 206 installed in filter manifold 200 . The inlet conduit 202 may be configured to connect to a fluid line connector 124 corresponding to the inlet side of each of the filter connections 110 to which a filter 206 is connected. In one embodiment, the inlet conduit 202 is configured so that fluid flows through at least two (or more) filters 206 in parallel. In one embodiment, the inlet conduit 202 is configured so that fluid passes continuously through at least two (or more) filters 206 . In some embodiments, a first fluid may pass through one or more filters in the manifold assembly, and a second fluid may pass through a different filter or filters than the first fluid. In such embodiments, the filter receiving the first fluid and the filter receiving the second fluid may be piped separately and separately from each other. Thus, the disclosed manifold allows for a variety of piping configurations (series, parallel, and individual) that can be easily changed and accommodated.

The outlet conduit 204 is a conduit configured to receive fluid exiting the fluid line connector 124 corresponding to at least some of the outlet sides of the filter connector 110 to which a filter 206 is connected, and to deliver the received fluid to an outlet. . For example, the outlet may be a tool that uses the received fluid in a chemical process.

The filter 206 may be inserted into some or all of the filter connections 110 provided on the manifold plate 100 . Filter 206 may include an inlet portion and an outlet portion separated by any suitable filter media. The filter media may be selected based on the specific application in which filter 206 is used. The filter 206 may be a replaceable cartridge, for example, to allow for filter replacement based on reaching end-of-life, based on changes in removal efficiency, or any other suitable reason for replacement. filter The inlet and outlet portions of the filter 206 may correspond to each of the filter connectors 110 being divided into inlet and outlet sides by the divider 114 such that the inlet portion of the filter 206 receives one of the filter connectors 110 provided on the inlet side. flow and receives flow from the outlet portion of filter 206 on the outlet side of filter connection 110 . In one embodiment, filter 206 includes a portion that abuts, fits, or seals to divider 114 to separate the inlet and outlet sides of filter connection 110 .

Filter 206 may be secured by locking ring 208. In one embodiment, filter 206 includes one or more engagement features, such as a flange that allows retention by locking ring 208 . The locking ring 208 may interface with the filter connector 110 to form a mechanical connection that couples the filter 206 to the filter connector 110 , for example, by having an outer wall 112 disposed on the outer wall 112 of a filter connector 110 . Threads or other rotatable joints with threaded connections on surfaces. The locking ring is discussed further below and shown in more detail in Figure 9.

Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the filter manifold according to the embodiment of Figure 4. In the view of Figure 5, specific locations of the inlet duct 202 and the outlet duct 204 are visible. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the inlet conduit 202 and the outlet conduit 204 are configured such that the filters 206 are each in parallel with each other relative to the flow of fluid into and through the filter manifold 200 . As mentioned above, the inlet conduit 202 and outlet conduit 204 may also be configured for flow through the filter in series.

Figure 6 shows the filter manifold according to the embodiment of Figure 4 installed into a support structure. Support structure 300 is a frame sized to support filter manifold 200 . Support structure 300 may be configured to allow it to be attached to another surface, such as by any suitable mechanical connector of a bracket or portion thereof. Filter manifold 200 may be coupled to support structure 300 by any suitable mechanical connection, such as by fasteners extending through mounting openings 122 of manifold plate 100 contained in filter manifold 200 . For example, fasteners may be received, such as on support structure 300 Features of screw holes. In embodiments, other mechanical connections, such as corresponding snap-fit features, slots and flanges or tabs, or the like, may be used to retain the manifold plate 100 making up a filter manifold 200 to the support structure 300 .

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a manifold plate according to an embodiment. Manifold plate 400 may be used in place of manifold plate 100 and may be included in a filter manifold (such as filter manifold 200 ), connected to a filter (such as filter 208 ), and in the same manner as manifold plate 100 connected to a support structure (such as support structure 300) as described above and shown in Figures 1-6.

Manifold plate 400 may be made from a melt-processable polymer material, such as perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA) or polypropylene (PP). Manifold plate 400 may be shaped to facilitate injection molding manufacturing.

Manifold plate 400 includes a plate body 402 having a first side 404 and a second side (visible in Figures 8 and 9 and described below). Manifold plate 400 includes a plurality of ribs 406 that separate interstitial features (visible in Figures 8 and 9 and described below) that extend inwardly into plate body 402. The first side 404 of the plate body 402 includes a plurality of filter connectors 408 , each filter connector 408 including an outer wall 410 , a divider 412 and a first side fluid channel opening 414 . Optionally, first side 404 includes a basin 416 recessed in first side 404 and a drain opening 418 located within the basin. Manifold plate 400 further includes mounting openings 420 .

Ribs 406 connect the first side 404 to the second side of the panel body 402 and separate the interstitial features from each other. The ribs 406 may extend across a width of the panel body 402 . The ribs 406 may be distributed along the longitudinal axis of the plate body 402 . The ribs 406 may be spaced as required by the void characteristics within the panel body 402 . In one embodiment, the ribs 406 may be spaced such that they do not intersect the fluid channels formed extending through the plate body 402 .

A filter connector 408 is provided on the first side 404 of the plate body 402 . pass Filter connection 408 is configured to allow a filter to be connected to filter manifold 400 . The filter connection includes an outer wall 410 . The outer wall 410 defines the perimeter of the filter connector 408 . The outer wall 410 may include features for attaching the filter, such as threads or rotatable engagement to allow a locking ring to attach the filter to the filter connector 408 . A divider 412 is provided in each filter connection 408 . Divider 412 is configured to separate an inlet flow side where fluid flows into the filter coupled to filter connection 408 from an outlet flow side where fluid flows out of the filter. The divider 412 may be of any suitable shape and size and is capable of separating the inlet and outlet flow sides from each other when a filter is attached to the filter connection. In one embodiment, the divider 412 is a wall having the same general shape (but smaller) as the outer wall 410 and is concentric with the outer wall 410 . In this embodiment, divider 412 may be shorter than outer wall 410. A first side fluid channel opening 414 may be provided in each filter connector 408 . In one embodiment, the first side fluid channel openings 414 may be disposed on both sides of the inlet flow side and the outlet flow side of the divider 412 of each filter connector 408 . The first side fluid channel opening 414 is connected to a fluid channel extending in a thickness direction through the plate body 402 to the fluid line connector, as discussed below and shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

Optionally, a basin 416 may be formed in the first side 404 of the plate body 402. The basin 416 may be a recess formed in the plate body 402 . Basin 416 may be configured to catch leaks or drips from a system including manifold plate 400 , such as from a filter installed into manifold plate 400 . A drain opening 418 may be provided in basin 416. The drain opening 418 may open to a fluid passage 442 through the plate body 402 and then connected to a drain line. In one embodiment, basin 416 may include a sloped or curved shape that directs liquid toward drain opening 418 .

Mounting openings 420 are structural features included in manifold plate 400 that are configured to accept a fastener or engagement feature to allow manifold plate 400 to be secured to a support structure. For example, the mounting opening 420 may be a hole that allows a screw to pass through, as shown in FIG. 7 . In an embodiment, The mounting opening 420 may be any suitable feature that allows the manifold plate 400 to be secured to a support structure, such as a recess configured to receive an engagement feature such as a flange, a tab, a snap-fit engagement feature, or the like, Slot or opening. The manifold plate 400 can be secured to a support structure to provide at least a portion of the filter manifold to which a filter can be connected via a filter connection 408, where conduits providing fluid to the filter are connected to an opposite side, as follows Discuss.

Figure 8 shows a side view of the manifold plate according to the embodiment of Figure 7. In the side view of FIG. 8 , the second side 422 of the plate body 402 is visible, and the outer wall 410 of the filter connector 408 is also visible extending from the first side 404 of the plate body 402 . Each filter connection 408 may include two or more corresponding fluid line connectors 424. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , two fluid line connectors 424 are provided for each filter connection 408 . In this embodiment, one of the fluid line connectors 424 corresponding to the filter connection 408 is configured to connect to an inlet fluid line, while the other fluid line connector 424 corresponding to the filter connection 408 is configured to connect to an inlet fluid line. Configure to connect to an outlet fluid line. Fluid line connectors 424 for a filter connection 408 may be positioned such that one of the fluid line connectors is on an inlet side of the divider 412 and the other is on an outlet side of the divider 412 . For example, one of the fluid line connectors 424 of the filter connector 408 may be located within the perimeter of the divider 412 while the other may be located between the divider 412 of the filter connector 408 and the outer wall 410 . Fluid line connectors 424 may be configured based on whether they are tied on an inlet side or an outlet side of divider 412 , for example, to facilitate pipe connections in a manifold containing one or more manifold plates 400 . In one embodiment, the fluid line connectors 424 may be configured such that two fluid line connectors 424 are adjacent to each other on one inlet side of the divider 412 in their respective filter connections 408 . In one embodiment, the fluid line connectors 424 may be configured such that two fluid line connectors 424 are adjacent to each other on one outlet side of the divider 412 in their respective filter connections 408 .

Each fluid line connector 424 includes a fluid line connection feature 426 and a second side fluid channel opening 428 . Fluid line connection feature 426 may be any suitable structure for allowing a fluid line to be connected to fluid line connector 424, such as, as a non-limiting example, threads.

Interstitial features 436 are areas that are recessed into the plate body 402 . The void features 436 are separated by ribs 406 . The interstitial features 436 may be recessed into the plate body 402 until they reach a central support 438 or fluid channel walls 440 that define fluid channels through the plate body 402 . For example, the shape and size of void features 436 may be based on the thermal properties of the mold used to form manifold plate 400, mechanical properties of manifold plate 400 (such as resistance to deformation under pressure and/or weight), and the like.

FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view of a manifold plate according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 along line 9A-9A in FIG. 8 . In the cross-sectional view of Figure 9A, a discharge fluid channel 442 can be seen extending through the plate body 402 and defined by the fluid channel wall 440. Fluid channels 442 allow fluid from basin 416 to pass through plate body 402 . Optionally, fluid passage 442 may extend into a drain line connector, such as drain line connector 130 described above, disposed on second side 422 . The filter connector 408 outer wall 410 is visible on the first side 404, and the fluid line connector 424 is on the second side 422. Ribs 406 are also visible, partially defining void features 436.

9B shows another cross-sectional view of the manifold plate according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 along line 9B-9B in FIG. 8 . In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9B , it can be seen how the ribs 406 may extend across a width of the body 402 . Also seen in Figure 9B are the discharge fluid channel 442 and the fluid channel 444 connecting the first side fluid channel opening 414 and the second side fluid channel opening 428. Also seen in FIG. 9B are the fluid channel walls 440 surrounding the discharge fluid channel 442 and the fluid channel 444 and the fluid channel walls 440 formed between them. The central support member 438 is formed. Center support 438 provides structural support when manifold plate 400 bends or flexes. In some embodiments, there may also be one or more arcuate ribs 446 connected to the wall of the mounting opening 420, and the central support 438 may extend between the fluid channel wall 440 and the arcuate ribs 446.

Figure 10 shows a cover and a locking ring of a manifold plate according to one embodiment. Cover 500 may optionally be used with a manifold plate, such as any described herein, to cover one of the filter connections of the manifold plate, such as filter connection 110 or manifold of manifold plate 100 Filter connector 408 of plate 400, as described above. The cover 500 can be shaped and sized so that it can fill the opening defined by the outer wall of one of the filter connectors. The cap 500 may further be sized so that it can be pressed down to the outer wall of the filter connection by mechanical interference (eg, by threaded engagement) with a locking ring 502 coupled to the outer wall of the filter connection. If appropriate, a seal 504 may be further provided. Seal 504 may be any suitable seal, such as a gasket or an O-ring that may be placed between cover 500 and the outer wall of the filter connector. The seal 504 may be sized so that it compresses between the cap 500 and the outer wall of the filter connector when the locking ring 502 is tightened to the outer wall of the filter connector. In some embodiments, the locking ring 502 may have one or more engagement features on one of the outer sides of the locking ring and/or on an upper surface of the locking ring for a wrench or tightening device to be attached to tighten/loosen the lock. ring.

Figure 11 shows a manifold plate according to an embodiment. Manifold plate 1100 is a manifold plate similar to manifold plate 100 described above and shown in Figures 1-3. Manifold plate 1100 includes the features of manifold plate 100 as described above, and further includes relief cuts 1102 configured to reduce manifold weight. Each of the relief cuts 1102 is an opening in the side wall 108 of the panel body 102 . The relief cutout 1102 may not intersect or penetrate any of the fluid channel 136 or the mounting opening 122 . In one embodiment, relief cuts 1102 may be created by removal during processing of manifold plate 1100 . Mitigation cuts 1102 may have any suitable number design, size, location, and configuration to reduce a quality of the manifold plate 1100 without falling below the threshold of the manifold plate 1100 to resist deformation or other mechanical failure.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a filter manifold. Filter manifold 1200 includes manifold plate 1100 as described above and shown in FIG. 11 . Although a manifold plate 1100 is used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 , it should be understood that any of the manifold plates described herein may be included in the filter manifold 1200 . A filter 1202 is coupled to the manifold plate 1100 . Filter 1202 is retained by locking ring 208. Inlet duct 1204 and outlet duct 1206 are connected to manifold plate 1100 .

Filter 1202 may include a filter housing 1208, a filter media 1210, and a media cage 1212. The filter may further include a flange 1214 configured to be engaged by the locking ring 208 . Seal 1216 may be configured to seal the connection of filter 1202 to manifold plate 1100 . In one embodiment, at least some of the seals 1216 may provide sealing of the inlet and outlet sides of the separation divider 114 . Filter housing 1208 forms an exterior part of the filter. In use, the space between filter housing 1208 and filter media 1210 receives an inlet flow of fluid to be filtered through fluid passage 116 connected to inlet conduit 1204 . Media cage 1212 holds and shapes filter media 1210. The inlet flow of fluid passes through filter media 1210, which can be any suitable filter media for the fluid to be filtered. Once the fluid passes through the filter media 1210, it exits the filter 1202 through the fluid channel 116 connected to the outlet conduit 1206.

Appearance:

It should be understood that any one of aspects 1 to 15 can be combined with any one of aspects 16 to 20.

Aspect 1. A filter manifold, comprising: at least one manifold plate, the manifold plate including: a plate body having a first side and a second side, the second side being in contact with the first side Mutually Right; at least two filter connectors on the first side of the plate body, each filter connector including an outer wall and a divider; at least two fluid line connectors from the second Laterally extending for each of the at least two filter connections, each of the fluid line connectors includes a fluid channel through the manifold plate along a thickness direction of the plate body, each fluid channel including An opening at the outer wall or the first side of one of the filter connectors or the divider, wherein for each filter connector, at least one of the openings at the first side is located Within the divider, and at least one of the openings at the first side is between the divider and the outer wall, and each of the fluid channels of the fluid connectors is one for fluid flow independent path.

Aspect 2. The filter manifold of aspect 1, wherein the filter manifold includes a plurality of the manifold plates.

Aspect 3. The filter manifold of any one of aspects 1 to 2, wherein the fluid lines have openings between the divider and the outer wall of both of the at least two filter connections The connectors are separated by a distance that is less than a distance between fluid line connectors having openings in the divider of each of the at least two filter connections.

Aspect 4. The filter manifold of any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein an outside of each of the outer walls includes threads, the filter manifold further including a locking ring configured to engage This thread engages.

Aspect 5. The filter manifold of Aspect 4, further comprising a cover configured to cover one of the filter connections, and wherein the locking ring is configured to retain the cover and a seal between the cover and one of the filter openings.

Aspect 6. The filter manifold of any one of aspects 4 to 5, wherein the locking ring includes one or more engagement features on an outer side of the locking ring.

Aspect 7. The filter manifold of any one of aspects 4 to 6, wherein the locking ring includes one or more engagement features on an upper surface of the locking ring.

Aspect 8. The filter manifold of any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the one or more manifold plates comprise a fluoropolymer.

Aspect 9. The filter manifold of any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the one or more manifold plates comprise a melt processable polymer.

Aspect 10. The filter manifold of any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the plate body includes a basin surrounding the filter connectors on the first side of the plate body.

Aspect 11. The filter manifold of aspect 10, wherein the filter manifold further includes a drain extending from the basin on the first side to a connector disposed on the second side of the plate body fluid channels.

Aspect 12. The filter manifold of any one of Aspects 1 to 11, comprising a plurality of void features formed on one or more side walls of the plate body extending into the plate body, the side walls Each extends between the first side and the second side of the board body.

Aspect 13. The filter manifold of aspect 12, wherein the plurality of void features are each separated from one another by one or more ribs.

Aspect 14. The filter manifold of aspect 13, wherein each of the ribs extends from one of the side walls to an opposite side wall, and each of the ribs is between the fluid line connectors Pass between the two.

Aspect 15. The filter manifold of any one of aspects 12 to 14, wherein the plate The first side of the body has an area greater than an area of the second side.

Aspect 16. A method of assembling a filter manifold, comprising providing one or more manifold plates, each of the manifold plates comprising: a plate body having a first side and a second side , the second side is opposite to the first side; at least two filter connectors, etc. on the first side of the plate body, each filter connector includes an outer wall and a divider; at least two fluid Line connectors extending from the second side for each of the at least two filter connections, each of the fluid line connectors including a manifold extending through the manifold in a thickness direction of the plate body A fluid channel of the plate, each fluid channel including an opening at the outer wall of one of the filter connectors or the first side in the divider, wherein for each filter connector, the first side At least one of the openings at the first side is located within the divider, and at least one of the openings at the first side is between the divider and the outer wall, and the fluid channels of the fluid connectors Each of them is an independent path for fluid flow; connecting the one or more manifold plates to a support structure; at least some of the fluid line connectors connecting pipes to the one or more manifold plates ; and one of the filter connections that connects a filter to the one or more manifold plates.

Aspect 17. The method of aspect 16, wherein each of the plurality of filters is connected to one of the filter connections of the one or more manifold plates.

Aspect 18. The method of aspect 17, wherein the pipes are connected such that the plurality Each of the filters is connected to each other such that a fluid flows continuously through the plurality of filters.

Aspect 19. The method of any one of aspects 17 to 18, wherein the conduit is connected such that at least some of the plurality of filters are connected such that a fluid flows parallel to each other through the at least some of the plurality of filters.

Aspect 20. The method of any one of aspects 16 to 19, further comprising installing a cover in each of the filter connectors to which a filter is not connected.

The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended invention claims, rather than by the above description, and all changes within the meaning and range of equivalents to the invention claims are intended to be embraced therein.

100:Manifold plate

104: First side

106: Second side

110:Filter connector

112:Outer wall

114:divider

116: First side fluid channel opening

118: basin

124:Fluid line connector

126: Fluid pipeline connection characteristics

128: Second side fluid channel opening

136:Fluid channel

Claims (9)

A filter manifold comprising: at least one manifold plate, the manifold plate including: a plate body having a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite to the first side; At least two filter connectors on the first side of the plate body, each filter connector including an outer wall and a divider; and at least two fluid line connectors on the second side Extending for each of the at least two filter connections, each of the fluid line connectors includes a fluid channel extending through the manifold plate in a thickness direction of the plate body, each fluid channel including a fluid channel located at An opening at the outer wall of one of the filter connectors or at the first side in the divider, wherein for each filter connector, at least one of the openings at the first side is located at the In the divider, and at least one of the openings at the first side is between the divider and the outer wall, wherein each of the fluid channels of the fluid line connector is one for fluid flow independent paths, and wherein the fluid line connectors having openings between the divider and the outer wall of both of the at least two filter connections are separated by a distance that is smaller than having the openings between the at least two filter connections A distance between the fluid line connectors and the opening in the divider of each of the two connectors. The filter manifold of claim 1, wherein the filter manifold includes a plurality of the manifold plates. The filter manifold of claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter manifold further includes a basin surrounding the filter connectors on the first side of the plate body and extending from the basin on the first side A drain fluid passage to a connector provided on the second side of the plate body. The filter manifold of claim 1 or 2, including a plurality of void features formed on one or more side walls of the plate body extending into the plate body, each of the side walls being on the first side of the plate body. extending between one side and the second side. The filter manifold of claim 4, wherein the plurality of void features are each separated from one another by one or more ribs. A method of assembling a filter manifold, comprising: providing one or more manifold plates, each of the manifold plates including: a plate body having a first side and a second side, The second side is opposite the first side; at least two filter connectors on the first side of the plate body, each filter connector including an outer wall and a divider; at least two fluid lines Connectors extending from the second side for each of the at least two filter connections, each of the fluid line connectors extending through the manifold plate along a thickness direction of the plate body a fluid channel, each fluid channel including one of the outer wall of one of the filter connectors or the first side of the divider An opening, wherein for each filter connector, at least one of the openings at the first side is located within the divider, and at least one of the openings at the first side is located between the divider and the outer wall wherein each of the fluid channels of the fluid line connectors is an independent path for fluid flow, and wherein there is a gap between the divider and the outer wall of both of the at least two filter connections. The fluid line connectors with openings therebetween are separated by a distance that is less than the distance between the fluid line connectors with openings in the divider of each of the at least two filter connections. a distance of; connecting the one or more manifold plates to a support structure; connecting pipes to at least some of the fluid line connectors of the one or more manifold plates; and connecting a filter to the One of these filter connections for one or more manifold plates. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of filters is connected to one of the filter connections of the one or more manifold plates. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the pipe is connected such that each of the plurality of filters is connected to each other such that a fluid flows continuously through the plurality of filters. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the conduit is connected such that at least some of the plurality of filters are connected such that a fluid flows parallel to each other through the at least some of the plurality of filters.