WO2005088084A1

WO2005088084A1 - Oil conditioning arrangement; apparatus; and, methods

Info

Publication number: WO2005088084A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/007031
Authority: WO
Inventors: John R. Hacker
Original assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-03-08
Filing date: 2005-03-04
Publication date: 2005-09-22

Abstract

A system (1) for conditioning oil in the circulating loop of an engine arrangement is provided. The system generally includes a main filter (21), and a main circulation loop. The arrangement also includes a spur line (30) directed to a soot removal arrangement (35) for oil conditioning. The system preferably includes a controller (40), which allows for selected operation of the soot removal arrangement as opposed to constant operation of the soot removal arrangement.

Description

OIL CONDITIONING ARRANGEMENT; APPARATUS: AND. METHODS Cross-Reference to Related Provisional Application Filing

The present application is related to, and includes the disclosure of, U.S. Provisional Application 60/551,183 filed March 8, 2004. The complete disclosures of Provisional Application 60/551 , 183 is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure concerns oil conditioning. It particularly concerns conditioning of circulating oil in mechanical systems, such as engine lubrication oil. The disclosure concerns techniques and arrangements for modifying or treating oil condition, with time. Background

Diesel engine systems are being modified, as a result of tightening emission standards, especially in the United States, Europe and Japan. One type of modification is a combination of retarding the timing of fuel injection in conjunction with recirculating a portion of the exhaust back into the inlet to the combustion chamber. An effect sought by doing this, is reduction of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases to a level that is below emission standards. Although this approach does reduce nitrogen oxides, it can also increase the amount of soot particles and acid level in the oil. One method of reducing soot level in oil is to place a soot remover, such as a centrifuge, into the oil circuit. Such centrifuges are described in U.S. patent 6,213,929 Bl, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A concern with this approach, is that particles other than the contaminant are also removed from the oil during operation. Some of these particles are additive materials designed to improve the performance of the oil (for example additives: to keep soot particles from agglomerating with each other; to reduce acid level in the oil; and/or to modify the viscosity of the oil, etc.). In general, the amount of soot in the oil will increase with time (hours of engine operation). Soot introduction rate is a function of: the type of the diesel engine involved; the environment (for example air temperature, humidity and pressure); quality and type of diesel fuel; and, engine load. An example of a typical oil replacement integral for a Class 8 truck is about 15,000 - 20,000 miles, i.e., approximately 200-400 hours of operation, for example with a maximum allowable soot level of 3% by weight. Typical current arrangements for utilizing a centrifuge arrangement to manage soot levels, are designed such that centrifuge arrangement is running whenever the engine is running. Thus, even initially with clean oil, the centrifuge begins to trap a portion of any particles that have a density greater than the oil. Since there is very little soot in the oil at this initial time, very little soot is trapped compared to other particles such as additives. It is desirable to leave these additive particles in the oil to perform their intended functions. Improvement in arrangements and techniques for conditioning oil in systems such as lubricating oil for diesel engines, is sought. Herein techniques and arrangements that can be advantageously applied to achieve such improvements, are described.

Summary of the Invention

An oil conditioning arrangement is provided. In general the oil conditioning arrangement is configured to be mounted on a system which includes engine components to be lubricated by the oil. Such an arrangement could, for example, be a vehicle such as a truck, for example a Class 8 truck, or could be a generator set or other arrangement powered by a diesel engine. In general, the arrangement includes a circulation line with a primary filter arrangement therein. A spur line is provided, directed to a soot removal arrangement, for conditioning of the oil. Preferably the primary filter arrangement is in a separate housing from the soot removal arrangement. Herein the term "primary" when used in reference to a filter arrangement, is meant to refer to a filter arrangement through which a majority of circulating oil flows, during operation of the oil conditioning arrangement and the associated engine components. In general, a soot removal control arrangement is provided, configured for only selected operation of the soot removal arrangement (as opposed to constant operation) during engine operation of the system. The control arrangement can be operated in accord with a variety of principles including: (a) preprogramming based upon parameters for the system involved, for operation of the soot removal arrangement at preselected times and for pre-selected periods; or (b) operation in response to a soot sensor provided in the system. An optional arrangement for addition of treatment agent to the oil, in time, is also provided. Examples of various equipment utilizable, to achieve the desired affects, are provided. Alternatives of course are possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the an engine system including an oil conditioning arrangement according to the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a filter cartridge having a soot sensor component therein. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an end cap component of the filter element of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the end cap of Fig. 3, taken along line 4-4 thereof. Fig. 5 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a system including the element of Figs. 2-5. Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic view of a portion of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8, Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a schematic depiction of a readditization arrangement useable in accord with principles of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a top perspective view of a component useable in the arrangement of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a component useable in the arrangement of Fig. 10.

Detailed Description

I. Oil Conditioning Arrangement, Generally. The reference numeral 1, Fig. 1, is intended to indicate an engine system, typically a diesel engine system, in accord with the present disclosure. In general terms, the system 1 includes engine components 5 lubricated by a fluid passing therethrough, generally indicated at inlet flow line 6 and outlet flow line 7. For the system 1 depicted, flow circulation is provided by pump arrangement 10, to circulate liquid through the engine components 5 from a reservoir 11. Typically, the system 5 would be part of a vehicle such as a truck, although alternatives are possible. Still referring to Fig. 1 , the system 1 includes an oil conditioning system 20, which can include various components as described. In general the oil conditioning system 20 includes a filter arrangement 21 therein, sometimes referenced as a primary filter arrangement. The filter arrangement 21 provides for filtering of liquid in line 6, before it enters the engine components 5. The filter 21 would typically be an oil filter comprising filter media through which liquid in line 6 is directed. For the arrangement shown, relief valve 25 is shown to allow for flow out of line 6a (which feeds line 6), through line 26 and into reservoir 11, without passage through the filter arrangement 21 and engine components 5, if desired. Line 30 is a spur line from line 6, prior to entrance of the liquid into the filter 21. Flow through the spur line 30 is controlled by orifice 31. The size of the orifice 31 will typically be selected to allow for a controlled and selected percentage of total liquid flow in line segment 6b therethrough, during typical engine operation under typical oil system flow rates and pressures. Typically the orifice 31 will be selected to allow for a flow therethrough, in a typical operating condition, of at least 5% of the liquid in flow line 6a (before the liquid enters the filter 21), and typically not more than 20% of this flow, usually about 7-13%, for example 10%. Since the majority of the circulating oil passes through line 6, not spur line 30, and thus through filter arrangement 21, filter arrangement 21 is sometimes be referred to herein as the "primary" filter arrangement. In some instances it may be the only filter in the system 20. Still referring to Fig. 1, the oil conditioning system 20 includes a soot removal arrangement 35 in spur line 30, in this instance downstream from control orifice 31. The soot removal arrangement 35 allows for a selected level or removal of soot in flow line 36 from flow control orifice 31. While a variety of arrangements can be utilized for the soot level control arrangement 35, typically a centrifuge arrangement will be used. Some operable centrifuge arrangements are referenced herein below. A secondary filter can be included in line 36, and be housed in the same housing as the soot removal arrangement 35 or separately. Typically, filter media in primary filter arrangement 21 will be housed in a separate housing structure, from componentry of the soot level control arrangement 35. That is, the two components would typically be separately mounted and be separately serviceable. Flow from the soot removal arrangement 35 is indicated at line 37. This flow can be directed to a variety of locations in the system 1 as desired, and is shown generally directed into reservoir 11. In general, what is preferred is an arrangement for control of the soot removal arrangement 35 such that the soot removal arrangement 35 is not in continual or constant operation, when the engine of the system 1 is operated. Also, preferably, the operation of the soot removal arrangement 35 is not merely random or merely of repeated intermittency, but rather it is operated in accord with controls to facilitate relatively efficient operation of the system 1. A variety of methods and arrangements to accomplish this, are discussed below. In general, the soot removal arrangement 35 can be configured to allow for a liquid flow through line 30 (and into reservoir 11) even when the soot removal arrangement 35 is not activated, for removal of soot, for example by centrifuge. With this mode of operation, if desired the flow through line 30 can be directed through a secondary filter arrangement, before it enters the reservoir 11. Of course as a_ alternative method of operation, line 30 can be provided such that flow is only allowed therethrough, when the soot removal arrangement 35 is activated for soot removal.

A. Control in Accord with Pre-Programmed Parameters.

A control arrangement for the soot removal arrangement 35, is indicated at 40. In some arrangements the control arrangement 40 can include a microprocessor programmed with information about the engine components 5 to indicate when, and to what level, soot removal is desired. For example, the control arrangement 40 could be programmed such that soot removal is only initiated after a certain number of miles (or hours) of operation with new oil, so as to avoid undesirable levels of additive removal early in the operating process and before soot removal has become a problem. In addition, or alternatively, the control arrangement 40 could be programmed such that the soot removal is only initiated at certain predefined points in time, for certain predefined intervals. These points in time and intervals can be selected based upon empirical observations regarding the engine system involved, with respect to at what points in time and with respect to what parameters, soot level is a potential problem and should be reduced. In general, then, the control arrangement 40 can be constructed and arranged to only operate the soot removal arrangement 35 in accord with pre-set parameters, and pre-set timing. This can be used to avoid the problem of continual particulate removal from the liquid oil, especially initially when soot level is not a problem. B. Control in Accord with Monitoring of Soot Level.

In an alternate approach, direct monitoring of the soot level during engine operation is conducted, and the control arrangement 40 receives the soot level information and provides direction to the soot removal arrangement 35, for operation as selected. An optional soot sensor arrangement to provide for this operation is indicated at 50. A typical operation of the assembly 1, with a soot sensor arrangement 50, would be as follows. A typical, maximal, soot level for operation of diesel engines with vehicles such as trucks, construction equipment or agriculture equipment, is about 2% or 3% by weight. Assume that the diesel engine manufacturer specifies a maximum level of X%, for example 3%. That is, assume that the engine manufacturer recommends engine operation at or below the maximum percent (X%). The soot sensor 50 can be used to monitor the soot level. As the soot level begins to approach the maximum allowable level (X%), the information could be used by the controller 40 to operate the soot level removal arrangement 35, until the soot level is reduced to an appropriate level (for example 80% or less (or 60% or less) of X%) at which time the soot removal arrangement 35 can be turned off. Continual or intermittent monitoring with the soot sensor arrangement 50 can be used to indicate when the soot removal arrangement 35 is needed, and when it is to be turned off. Of course, the controller 40 could alternatively be programmed to operate the soot removal arrangement 35, for a fixed period of time, whenever the soot sensor 50 detects a defined level of soot. With this type of arrangement, the soot removal arrangement 35 would only be operated intermittently, and only when the soot level raises to a level that provides an issue. This would be advantageous, since it means that it need not be operated early in the engine operation after an oil change, when additive levels in the oil are important and should not be removed. Further it leads to generally less wear on parts of the system 1, then would continuous operation.

C. Optional Additive Addition or Replacement.

Reference numeral 60, Fig. 1 , generally indicates an optional treatment agent addition system. For example, depleted additive or treatment agent in the oil can be replaced by system 60 or a new agent can be added. A particular arrangement for accomplishing this, is described below. The filter 21, soot sensor 50 and additive arrangement 60, can be provided in separately housed componentry. They also can be included together in the same housing. Some alternatives for these, are discussed below. The treatment agent addition system 60 can be positioned at various locations in the oil circulation system 1. It is depicted generally positioned downstream from the filter arrangement 21. Alternatively, it could be positioned at line 6 upstream of filter arrangement 21. It could also be located in spur line 30, or elsewhere in the system. The addition system 60 can be included within the same housing as filter arrangement 21, if desired. An option of this is provided below. The addition arrangement 60 can be separately housed from filter arrangement 21 , if desired.

II. Useable Principles and Arrangements.

A. Soot Reduction.

A variety of equipment can be utilized for soot reduction arrangement 35, Fig. 1. These would include arrangements now known and ones yet to be developed. With current technology, typically a centrifuge system for removal is preferred. Some useable centrifuge arrangements for removal of soot are described in U.S. patent 6,213,929 (the '929 patent) issued April 10, 2001 and assigned to Analytical Engineering, Inc. of Columbus, IN. The '929 patent is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. In general such systems utilize application of centrifuge forces to liquid directed therethrough, to cause separation of particulate material carried in a liquid, including soot and other particles. In some instances the liquid is also directed through a filter (in applications in accord with the present disclosure this would be a filter separate from the primary filter arrangement 21, Fig. 1) associated with the centrifuge. Centrifuge arrangements according to the '929 patent, or using the principles disclosed therein, can be installed in line 30, Fig. 1, and be utilized.

Again they can be controlled in accord with the various principles described herein.

B. Soot Sensor Arrangements. In general, what is needed for the soot sensor arrangement, is a system that can monitor soot level in the liquid oil. Typically soot can be detected using an optical sensor arrangement, involving an electromagnetic beam directed across liquid flow. Principles for this are described in U.S. patent publication US 2002/01856504 Al, published December 12, 2002, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The principles generally described in the U.S. 2002/01856504 Al publication can be adapted for use with the System 1, and implementation within the system. In some arrangements, it may be desirable to provide an optical sensor portion of the soot sensor arrangement, inside of a housing which includes the filter arrangement 21 therein. An assembly which provides for this combination, is described in PCT application PCT/US2003/35394, filed November 5, 2003, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. PCT application US 2003/35394 is owned by Donaldson Company, Inc. of Bloomington, MN, the assignee of the present disclosure. An example arrangement from the PCT/US2003/35394 application, is illustrated herein, in Figs. 2-9. In general, information about particulate material in a liquid, can be collected and evaluated utilizing analytical equipment in which a light (electromagnetic or EM) beam is passed through the liquid and is evaluated. Information that can be collected utilizing such a technique would include information concerning: the amount of, or concentration of, particulates within the liquid; the nature and size of the particulates; and, information concerning the quality or clarity of the liquid. Such analytical techniques involve providing a liquid stream or pool positioned between a light (EM) transmitter and light (EM) receiver. In one method, a portion of the light passing through the liquid stream is inhibited by particles in the liquid stream. In this instance, the receiver would see a measurable energy drop as a result of the particulate presence, that would be proportional to, or could be correlated to, the size of (and amount of) the particles. In a second method, light scattering due to the presence of the particles is evaluated. In this approach an increase in energy or amount of light scattering, is proportional to, or can be correlated to, the size of (and amount of) the particles. A problem with trying to use an optic system to size and count particles in a moving liquid stream (such as lubricating oil, hydraulic fluid or fuel stream in vehicles and other equipment) is that the accuracy of measurement will become reduced in time, due to worn or dirty optics at the interface with the liquid stream. Using techniques applied as described in this section, certain optic components of a communication/sensor arrangement can be positioned in a replacement filter cartridge, so that each time the primary filter of filter assembly 21 is serviced, and the filter cartridge is replaced, certain interface optic components of the communication/sensor arrangement are replaced and thus are serviced. A filter cartridge arrangement 110 (and portions thereof) that can be used in this manner, are shown in Figs. 2-9. In Fig. 2, a schematic perspective of the filter cartridge 110 is shown. The filter cartridge 110 generally includes a media pack 111, in this instance configured to define an open interior I l ia (not shown in Fig. 2, see Fig. 6). Media pack 111 is positioned in extension between first and second end caps 112 and 113. In general the first end cap 112 is an open end cap which, during use, is sealed to a filter head and which permits passage of filtered liquid therethrough, after filtering, through exit aperture 1 14. The second end cap 113 is oppositely located, and is generally closed to passage of liquid therethrough. In Fig. 3, first end cap 112 is depicted in perspective. In general the first or open end cap 112 houses selected componentry of a communication/sensor arrangement 115. In particular, it includes selected optical componentry positioned to operate as a communication/signal circuit completion unit 117 (Fig. 4) of a communication/signal unit 117a. For the embodiment of Figs. 2-9, and referring to Fig. 4, included within the end cap 112, is a portion of optic signal transmitter segment 118 and a portion of optic signal receiver segment 119, which are replaced each time the cartridge 110 is replaced. For the particular arrangement shown, the transmitter segment 118 and receiver segment 119 are positioned to transmit (and receive) a light signal directed into, through or across a gap 120 positioned therebetween. The purpose of this, as described below, is to allow optical analysis of liquid operably positioned within the gap 120, during analysis. Thus, the communication/sensor circuit completion unit 117 positioned within the filter cartridge 110, is an optic conduit for transmitting a portion of a light signal through or across the gap 120. In general, the communication/sensor arrangement 115 would include appropriate optical componentry for measuring an intensity of light transmitted across gap 120 (or scatter in the gap), between the transmitter segment 118 and the receiver segment 119. This information can then be converted into information about particulate material (soot for example) contained within liquid that is positioned in the gap 120 during the transmission. Typical measurements would be conducted with use of a photosensor (not shown), that can be located in the filter head or remotely. The photosensor may be selected for operation at a particular wave length or range of wave lengths, to detect and evaluate particular characteristics about liquid passing through the gap 120. In Fig. 4, the end cap 112 is shown in cross-sectional view. In Fig. 5, an enlarged, fragmentary portion of a portion of the end cap 112 shown in Fig. 4 is depicted. The particular portion shown in Fig. 5, is the portion which includes the communication/signal circuit completion unit 117. Referring to Fig. 5, the first end cap 112 includes a center block 125 having liquid flow passage 126 extending axially therethrough. A central portion 127 of liquid flow path 126, includes gap 120 therein and is the defined portion for light passage and analytical measurement. Positioned at region 127, filter cartridge 110 includes the light signal transmitter segment 118 and the light signal receiver segment 119. For the arrangement shown, each is a portion of an optic fiber. The receiver segment 119, then, comprises an outer layer component of an optic sensor 132. The receiver segment 119 would typically include an opaque material that prevents light from passing between the transmitter segment 118 and the receiver segment 119 at any location other than at the specific defined location of gap 120. At location 127 are provided two holes 134, 135 that allow light to move across gap 120 between the transmitter segment 118 and the receiver segment 119, with passage through liquid in flow path 126. The center lines of the holes 134, 135 for an embodiment that directly measures light transmission (rather than scatter) would typically be coincident with each other. In general, the sensor 132 (comprising transmitter segment 118 and receiver segment 119) is housed in a sleeve 137 that is an integral part of end cap 112. In use, light enters along the path indicated by arrow 139a, leaves as shown at 139b and liquid passes along the path indicated by arrow 139c. The sleeve 137 is positioned at an axial center line 138 of the end cap 112, and is held in place by flexible ribs 128, Fig. 12. The ribs 128 allow flex (or axial float) in end cap 112 during engagement between the cartridge 10 and a filter head, during use. A completed assembly, utilizing end cap 110, is depicted in Figs. 6-9. Referring to Fig. 6, an overall assembly 140 is depicted which includes a cartridge-style filter assembly 141 and a filter head 142. The filter head 142 includes fluid flow inlet 143 and fluid flow exit 144. The cartridge-style filter assembly 141 would generally include cover, housing or bowl 147 threadably mounted on the filter head 142 at threads 148, with a seal provided by o-ring 149. The cartridge-style filter assembly 141 further includes filter element cartridge 110 operably positioned therein, sealed to post 151 of filter head 142 at o-ring 153, Fig. 7. The filter element cartridge 110 could be configured and positioned to serve the function of the primary filter arrangement 21, Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 6, during a normal filtering operation liquid passes through media pack 111 of filter cartridge 110 into central volume 155. The liquid then passes out of central volume 155 by passage through end cap 112, specifically through conduit or liquid path 126, Fig. 7. Attention is now directed to Fig. 7 which is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 6. In Fig. 7, the relationship between the end cap 112 and filter head 142, during proper mounting, is shown. In this instance, the filter head 142 can be configured to include therein a mounting boss 160. The mounting boss 160 protrudes from a side of passage 144, to extend past a center line of the end cap 112. The mounting boss 160 houses a fiber optic module 161, that comprises a portion of a communication/signal unit and provides for passage of a light beam into and from the communication/signal circuit completion unit 117 in the end cap 112. When the filter cartridge 110 is properly mounted in the cartridge- style filtration assembly 141, and onto the filter head 142, an axial outer surface 164 (Fig. 5) of the communication/signal circuit completion unit 117 operably aligns with or abuts against an axially outer surface 165 (Fig. 7) of the fiber optic module 161. By the term "operably aligns with" or "operably abuts" and variations thereof in this context, it is meant that the components 117, 161 are configured such that, during assembly, a light transmission portion 166 of the fiber optic module 161 aligns for light transmission into transmitter segment 118, and a light receiver portion 167 of the fiber optic module 161 aligns to receive light from light receiver segment 119 in end cap 112. This can be done as shown by using a co-axial fiber optic system in which an inner optic fiber 166 of the fiber optic module 161 aligns with the transmitter segment 118, and an outer optic fiber 167 aligns with the receiver segment 119. An opaque material can be used to prevent light from being transmitted between the two, where not intended. Still referring to Fig. 7, optic fibers 166, 167 of the optic module 161 continue in extension through passage 144 terminating at fiber optic connector 170. This connector 170 can be attached to various optic components, to allow the light to move to transmitter/receiver equipment mounted remote from the filter head 142. Access to connector 170 for such a connection is indicated in Figs. 8 and 9. In order to ensure that the fiber optic module 161 makes proper operable contact with the communication/sensor circuit completion unit 117, the sleeve 137, Fig. 5, of the end cap 112 is designed such that it is biased toward the fiber optic module. This is done with the configuration of flexible ribs 128. As the cartridge-style filter assembly 141, Fig. 14, is mounted on the filter head 142, at threads 148, surface 164 of the cartridge 110, Fig. 13, is driven toward fiber optic module 161. Even after contact between the two is made, the flexible ribs 128 allow for continued movement of the filter cartridge 110 axially toward the fiber optic module 161. This allows insurance of appropriate contact, under a variety of manufacturing tolerances. From the above descriptions, methods of use are suggested. In particular, the methods of use would involve passing a signal from a filter head, through a communication/signal circuit completion unit in a filter cartridge, and then back into the filter head; the signal comprising preferably an optic signal. The communication/signal circuit completion unit can be provided such that the optic signal is passed across or through a portion of filtered liquid passing outwardly from the filter cartridge, in order to facilitate analysis of a condition of the filtered liquid, for example the nature of particulates therein. In addition, methods of assembly are provided. In general the methods of assembly include positioning a communication/signal circuit completion unit in a removable or replaceable (i.e., serviceable) cartridge. The method particularly involves providing such a communication/signal circuit completion unit which includes a liquid flow path extending across an optic path therein, for filtered liquid. This would facilitate analysis of particular material within the liquid. Of course with liquid flowing through gap 120 (as it passes through path 126), optic signals passed across communication/sensor circuit completion unit 117, can be used to evaluate the nature of, or status of, particulate material (soot) within the liquid (oil). C. Arrangement for Treatment Agent Addition.

As indicated above in connection with Fig. 1 , at 60 an optional arrangement for re-addition of treatment agent into the liquid flow is provided. For assembly 1 , optional arrangement 60 is shown in flow line 6 from filter 21. It could, alternatively, be incorporated upstream of filter 21, or in spur line 30. A variety of readditization arrangements are possible. It would be particularly desirable that the readditization process be operated such that addition of treatment agent primarily occurs after the treatment agent level has been reduced, in system 1, through substantial operation. A useable such arrangement for accomplishing this, is described in U.S. provisional application titled "Liquid Filter Assembly for Use With Treatment Agent; and, Methods" filed on March 5, 2004 under Express Mail #EN 347838651 US identifying John Hacker, Brian Mandt and Brent Gulsvig as inventors, and owned by Donaldson Company, Inc., the assignee of the present invention. The Liquid Filter Assembly for Use With Treatment Agent; and, Methods application filed March 5, 2004 is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety. One arrangement described in the incorporated Liquid Filter Assembly for Use With Treatment Agent; and, Methods provisional application, filed March 5, 2004, is illustrated herein, in Figs. 10-12. Referring first to Fig. 10, a liquid filter assembly 201 is presented.

The liquid filter assembly 201 generally includes the following components: an outer housing or can 205, a filter cartridge 206, and a treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207. The particular assembly 201 depicted in Fig. 10, is one which contains an "internal" treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207, since the cartridge 207 is contained within an interior 208 of the housing or can 205. The filter cartridge 206 can be positioned and configured as the primary filter cartridge 21, Fig. 1. For the filter assembly 201 depicted in Fig. 10, the housing 205, filter cartridge 206 and treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207 are generally configured or assembled appropriately for a "spin-on" style filter assembly 210. By the term "spin-on style filter assembly" and variants thereof in this context, it is meant that the components are assembled in a overall system which, in use, is spun onto a liquid circulation system of equipment (through threaded engagement), to later be spun off the filter head and be completely replaced, during servicing. This is by contrast to a bowl/cartridge style assembly, for which, periodically, the housing is opened and from which the filter cartridge and/or treatment agent cartridge are removable and replaceable (i.e., are serviceable), while the outer housing or bowl is retained for repeated use. The techniques described with respect to Fig. 10 can be applied in either a bowl/cartridge-type assembly, or in a spin-on assembly, as desired. To accommodate construction as a spin-on style assembly 210, filter assembly 201 further includes top plate 214, inner gasket 215 and biasing arrangement 216. For the particular embodiment shown, the biasing arrangement 216, as is typical for many spin-on filter assemblies 210, is a coiled spring 217. For the assembly 210, the top plate 214 is secured within the assembly 201 under a portion of housing 205, in this case under cover piece 218 secured at roll seam 221. The top plate 214 includes entry apertures 223 for flow of liquid to be filtered into annular interior volume 224 of housing 205, eventually to a location between side wall 205a and around the cartridges 206, 207. The top plate 214 also includes threaded exit aperture 225. By the threaded exit aperture 225, the assembly 201 can be mounted onto equipment, for use. Aperture 225 is also an exit aperture for liquid which has been filtered and treated by the assembly 201. Gasket 227 is positioned on cover piece 218 to allow for a liquid tight seal against equipment and around aperture 225, during use. In general, assembly 201 is configured for out-to-in filter flow through the filter cartridge 206. By this it is meant that liquid flow extends through filter cartridge 206 in the directions indicated generally by arrows 230, i.e., out-to-in, in normal operation. The particular filter cartridge 206 depicted comprises a filter media construction 232, in this instance cylindrical, extending between first and second end caps 234 and 235 and defining an open center 236, in this instance surrounding porous center support or liner 237. (The assembly could alternatively be configured for a reverse in-to-out flow operation of filtering through the filter cartridge 206, if desired.) The specific materials of the filter cartridge 206 are a matter of design choice. Typically for liquid filters, the filter media 232 will comprise a media of cellulose, a synthetic or a composite of the two. Although alternatives are possible, the media is typically pleated and arranged in a star-shaped (in cross- section) cylindrical form and is either secured in molded end caps, or is secured by potting to metal end caps. For the particular arrangement depicted in Fig. 10, the end caps 234, 235 are metal end caps, 234a, 235a. End cap 234 is generally open, i.e., it has an open central aperture 239, to allow clean fluid to escape from the interior 236 of the media 232. End cap 235, on the other hand, is an entirely closed end cap 240, i.e., it has no aperture therein so the liquid cannot by-pass the media 232 and avoid being filtered. It is noted that in some instances it may be desirable to provide a by-pass valve arrangement in end cap 235, to allow for selected by-pass flow should the media 232 become undesirably occluded. An end cap having a bypass valve arrangement therein, used for end cap 235, will typically still be referred to herein as a "closed" end cap, since in normal (non-bypass) use the valve would be closed. In alternate arrangements, end cap 235 could be configured to be open, with appropriate seal arrangements preventing unfiltered liquid flow into central area 236, if desired. In still further alternate arrangements, a bypass filter can be provided within assembly 201. In general, undesirable leakage of liquid flow from annular region 224 (around and not through element 206) directly into central space 236, and then through aperture 239, is prevented, in part, by gasket 215, which, in the instance shown, is compressed between the treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207 and a portion of top plate 214. Biasing pressure to ensure a seal at gasket 215 is provided by the biasing arrangement 216, which, under compression, presses between bottom 243 (of housing 205), and structure 249 which translates into axial pressure against gasket 215, in the direction of axial arrows 250. Avoidance of undesirable leakage of unfiltered liquid between the internal treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207, and the filter cartridge 206, is provided by gasket 252. Gasket 252, discussed in further detail below, is compressed between the two cartridges 206, 207, as a result of a seal force in the direction of arrows 250, again applied by biasing arrangement 216. Attention is now directed to the internal treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207. For the particular embodiment shown, the cartridge 207 has a ring or donut shape with an outer side wall 255, an end wall 256 and an inner or side wall 257. In general, the outer side wall 255, end wall 256 and inner side wall 257 define an interior treatment agent receiving volume 259. For the preferred arrangement, the outer side wall 255 is generally cylindrical, with a slight conical shape having a wider bottom end 255a and a narrower top end 255b, although alternatives are possible. The inner wall 257 has a generally funnel shape, defining outside surface 257a, with a wide end 257b adjacent end wall 256 and a narrow opposite end 258, although alternatives are possible. In general, outside surface 257a to inner wall 257, defines a flow channel 257c around which cartridge 207 is positioned, as a ring. The flow channel 257c is generally co-axial with a central axis 250a of interior 236 of filter cartridge 206, and is in flow communication with exit flow of filtered liquid from the cartridge 206 outwardly through end cap 234. In general filtered liquid from cartridge 206 passes through channel 257c as it exits aperture 225 and assembly 201. As will be apparent from an evaluation of Fig. 10, the cartridge 207 can be formed from a single, integral, piece of material, either as a molded configuration or from a bent, stamped, or spun piece of metal. The particular cartridge 207 depicted, has a molded construction. For example it may be molded from a glass filled polymer, such as glass filled (for example 33% glass filled) Nylon (for example Nylon 6/6). The particular cartridge 207 includes an open end 260 at an end opposite end wall 256. With respect to the open end 260, the cartridge 207 may be characterized as "inverted." In this context the term "inverted" is meant to refer to the fact that the open end 260 of the treatment agent containment and release cartridge 207 is directed toward filter 206 and away from top cover 214. Alternatives are possible. The particular cartridge 207 comprises a subassembly. That is: (a) it can be manufactured independently of other components within assembly 201; and, (b) it can be inserted, into housing 205, during assembly, as a pre-manufactured component. The cartridge 207 depicted, Fig. 10, is shown having treatment agent 262 therein. In general, treatment agent storage and release cartridges, such as cartridge 207, characterized herein include an aperture arrangement through which liquid can pass, to encounter contained, immobilized, treatment agent. Such an "aperture arrangement" or "open portion" will be referred to herein as a "diffusion opening." The total open area of the diffusion opening(s) will be referred to herein as the "total diffusion area." In general, one or more diffusion openings can be provided in a variety of ways, including, for example, by aperture arrangement 265 in the outer side wall 255 of the cartridge 207. For the particular treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207 depicted, there are no diffusion apertures or openings in the inner side wall 257 (i.e., on the filtered liquid side of gaskets 215, 252). Thus, for the assembly 201 shown, treatment agent can only diffuse into unfiltered liquid. The particular size, number and location of diffusion openings in outer side wall 255 is a matter of choice, depending upon diffusion affects desired. The issue is discussed in greater detail below, in association with some comments about certain preferred, specific, arrangements. Still referring to Fig. 10, it is noted that the treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207 further includes aperture arrangement 269 in end wall 256. Examples of size and individual aperture arrangements of this aperture arrangement 269, for the embodiment shown, are indicated in Fig. 12; and are discussed below. Although alternatives are possible, it is anticipated that the cartridge 207 can and will be used with a gel-type treatment agent that has enough solidity to stay in the cartridge 207, when the cartridge 207 is inverted. For treatment agents with less resistance to flow, a cover, screen or other arrangement could be put across end 260. Alternatively, cartridge 207 could be kept with open end 260 up, until closed by end cap 234. A gel could be set in the cartridge 207, prior to assembly of the assembly 201. Gel type treatment agents, for example ZDP (zinc dithiophosphate), for oil treatments have been developed by Lubrizol, Inc. of Wickliffe, OH 44092-2201. If the consistency of solidity of the treatment agent 262 is perceived to be an issue with respect to undesired or premature flow through aperture arrangements 269 or 265, a screen or other arrangement across these apertures can be used; or, in the case of a gel, a temporary closure can be used as the gel forms. With a gel form of additive 262, in general no significant issue of undesirable flow after gel formation is presented. It is noted with respect to the embodiment Fig. 10, that the cartridge 207 and the end cap 234 could be made secured to one another. However this will generally not be preferred. A preferred form of engagement, as shown, is provided by having spaced, annular, projections 270, on wall 255 of cartridge 207, and using internal ribs 271 to form a receiving shoulder 272, at an end 273 of outer side wall 255 adjacent element 206, with the shoulder 272 sized to receive an outer region of end cap 234. The projections 270, help keep the cartridge 207 centered. Inner side wall 257 is configured with inwardly projecting ridges 278 and a portion 279 directed into aperture 239 in end cap 234. The ridges 278 are configured to form a shoulder to engage gasket 252 and to compress same, against end cap 234, to provide a seal therebetween. Gasket 252 includes a lower annular projection 252a, positioned to wrap over or around an end of end cap 234, to secure attachment is shown. Typical manufacture would involve separate pre-manufacture of the filter cartridge 206 and the treatment agent cartridge 207 (with treatment agent positioned therein). These two components would then be placed into the outer housing 205, in appropriate order, as part of manufacture of the assembly 201. Typical assembly could be to: (1) place the spring 217 in position; (2) place the filter cartridge 206 in position with gasket 252; (3) place the treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207 in the housing 205, with gasket 215 in place; (4) place the top plate 214 in position, compressing the internal assembly against the spring 217 while placing cover 218 in positioned using roll seal 221; and, (5) place the gasket 227 in position. Alternatively, the filter cartridge 206 and treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207 could be brought into appropriate engagement with one another, with gasket 252 therebetween, and then the other assembly steps undertaken. In another approach, the internal parts could be stacked inverted, and the housing 205 positioned over the inverted stack. In some instances the gaskets can be placed on components, before those components are positioned in the housing 205. Of course, the particular number and order of steps is not critical, as long as a functional assembly results.

2. Operation.

Referring to Fig. 10, surfaces portions of the treatment agent 262, in overlap with apertures 265, 269, are initial erosion surfaces for treatment agent to diffuse into flow of liquid to be filtered, in annular region 224. Specifically, when liquid flow first enters region 224a by passage through apertures 223, and begins to flow over surfaces of, and around, treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207 and filter cartridge 206, the liquid will flow past aperture arrangements 269, 265. This flow will tend to erode the treatment agent immediately inside these aperture arrangements 269, 265 through diffusion of the agent into the liquid. This will be a static-type of diffusion, since the liquid flow, initially, will not be into and through the treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207, but rather will simply be across the outer face of cartridge 207; with some liquid passing into the aperture arrangements 265, 269 enough to encounter the treatment agent 262 but not with an actual current flow passing through the cartridge 207. In time, as a result of the erosion of the treatment agent 262, flow paths will be opened in interior 259 of treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207 between and among various apertures in the aperture arrangements 265, 269. In general, when this occurs a positive current of liquid flow through the treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207 can occur. To facilitate such a positive current flow through the storage and release cartridge 207, the following is desirable: a total diffusion area for aperture arrangement 269 which is less than the total diffusion area of exposed apertures in aperture arrangement 265 (in side wall 255) which are in internal flow contact with aperture arrangement 269 as a result of the erosion. The term "internal flow contact" in this context, refers to flow between apertures via one or more flow channels formed and located within interior 259 of cartridge 207. In general, liquid flow across an aperture creates a vacuum draw from inside of that aperture. Also, in general, the more rapid the liquid flow across an aperture, the greater the vacuum draw. Referring to Fig. 10, in region 224a, internally of aperture 223 and above wall 256, an open volume for liquid flow is provided. Eventually that same liquid flows into region 224b, around cartridge 207 (between cartridge 207 and side wall 205a) and around cartridge 206. In general, the same volume of liquid, per unit time, passes through regions 224a and 224b, over portions of cartridge 207. However because in the region of 224a a larger cross-sectional volume is provided than in region 224b, flow in region 224a is slower (in terms of flow contact across wall 256), then flow in region 224b (in terms of flow contact across wall 255). Thus, suction draw caused by liquid flow across an aperture in side wall 255 is greater than suction draw by flow across apertures in end wall 256. Referring to Fig. 11, an internal flow path between aperture arrangement 269 and apertures of aperture arrangement 265, in particular apertures 265b of aperture arrangement 265a will be generated as a result of erosion. When this occurs, liquid flow from individual apertures 269a of aperture arrangement 269 into cartridge 207 and then outwardly through individual apertures 265b of aperture arrangement 265a will be generated. Because: (a) preferably the total diffusion area of aperture arrangement 265a is greater than the total diffusion area of aperture arrangement 269; and (b) the annular liquid flow across aperture arrangement 265a is preferably faster than across aperture arrangement 269, this internal flow direction will generally be into aperture arrangement 269 and out of aperture arrangement 265, in particular out of aperture arrangement 265a. This internal dynamic flow at least initially results in greater diffusion rate of treatment agent within the cartridge 207, into the liquid flow, then the initial "static" erosion. Further erosion will occur, until aperture arrangement 265c, having individual apertures 265d, has also been exposed to a flow path from aperture arrangement 269. This will allow dynamic flow of liquid into apertures 269a and out of apertures 265d. Indeed, the slight conical shape is used for side wall 255 is described herein, flow across aperture arrangement 265c will be even faster than flow across aperture arrangement 265a, since the outer annulus 224b will be smaller in cross-section, in this region, Fig. 10. It is noted that the diffusion rate will be somewhat variable, as erosion occurs and the amount and shape of the treatment agent 262 changes. However, in general terms (for typical arrangements), diffusion will accelerate when the arrangement becomes configured (as a result of erosion) for dynamic fluid flow through the cartridge 207, as opposed to simply a static diffusion from internally of the cartridge 207 to externally. In Figs. 11 and 12, the treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207 is depicted. For convenience the cartridge 207 is shown without treatment agent therein. Referring to Fig. 11 , for the particular example shown, five spaced apertures 269a in aperture arrangement 269 are used, although alternatives are possible. Typically 3-7 (preferably evenly) spaced apertures 269a will be used. In addition 10, typically 6-14, (preferably evenly) spaced apertures 265b, and 10 (typically 6-14) spaced (preferably evenly spaced) apertures 265d are used in aperture arrangements 265a and 265c, although alternatives are possible. For the example shown, the size of apertures 265b, 265d and 269a are all about the same, although alternatives are possible. The configuration used ensures that there is generally about twice the total diffusion area for each of arrangements 265a, 265c than arrangement 269. This helps ensure the desirable level of, and direction of, dynamic current flow. The number of, and size of, apertures can be selected for any particular system, depending upon the amount of treatment agent release that is desirable. It is noted that apertures 265b and 265d can be merged into one another, as single large apertures, with a variety of alternate shapes to accomplish the desired results. In general, it is desirable that the rate of treatment agent release into a system such as a lubricating oil system, is relatively slow during initial installation of the assembly 201. This is because installation of the assembly 201 will generally be concurrent with an oil change. Thus, the oil would not yet have been subject, as a result of engine operation, to undesirable compositional change. In general, the cartridge 207 is preferably configured to only allow a relatively slow amount of treatment agent release through static diffusion process, during the initial operation of the equipment under these conditions, typically up to about the first 200 and sometimes 300 hours of operation for a typical diesel engine in a vehicle such as a truck. Preferably the apertures are positioned such that a dynamic flow operation will have begun by the latest by about 350 (and sometimes by 300) hours of operation, leading to an accelerated rate of treatment agent release into the system. For the particular arrangement 201 depicted in Figs. 10-12, the following dimensions were utilized for the example unit: 1. Outside diameter of housing 205, 118 mm; 2. Axial length of housing 205, 260 mm; 3. Axial length of cartridge 206, 161 mm; 4. Axial length of treatment agent storage and release cartridge between end cap 234 and end wall 256, 60.5 mm; 5. Larger outside diameter of wall 255 of cartridge 207, not including ribs 270, at end 255a, 11.5 mm; 6. Smaller outside diameter of wall 255 at end 255b, 109.1 mm; 7. Inside diameter of end 256, 51 mm; 8. Inside diameter of end 258, 44.8 mm. 9. Size of apertures in aperture arrangement 269, 5.0 mm in diameter; and, 10. The size of apertures in aperture arrangement 265, 5.0 mm in diameter.

Preferably apertures 265a of aperture arrangement 265a are located spaced from end 255b and end wall 256 a distance within 25% of an axial length of treatment agent storage and release cartridge 207 (i.e., approximately a length of wall 255). Preferably aperture 265b of aperture arrangement 265 are located within 20% of this distance from end 255b (or end wall 256). Preferably apertures 265d of aperture arrangement 265c are located at least 60% of an axial length of cartridge 207 (i.e., approximately a length of side wall 255), from end wall 256, most preferably at least 70% of this length. If the apertures in aperture arrangement 69 are round, preferably have a dimension of at least 1 mm diameter, preferably at least 3 mm diameter and most preferably at least 5 mm in diameter. Whether round or not preferably they have an open area each of at least 1 sq. mm, preferably at least 8 sq. mm and most preferably at least 15 sq. mm. Similarly, the apertures in aperture arrangement 265, if round, preferably have a size of at least 1 mm diameter, more preferably at least 3 mm diameter most preferably 5 mm diameter or greater. Whether round or not, they preferably each have a size of at least 1 sq. mm, more preferably at least 8 sq. mm and most preferably at least 15 sq. mm. Preferably the aperture arrangement 269 has a total cross-sectional area or diffusion area of at least 55 sq. mm, typically 55 sq. mm - 120 sq. mm. Preferably the total diffusion area of aperture arrangement 65a is at least 50% greater than this, most preferably at least about 100% of this. Similarly, preferably a total diffusion area of aperture arrangement 265c is at least 50% greater than the total aperture area of aperture arrangement 269, most preferably at least about 100% greater. Preferably the total aperture area or diffusion area of apertures in side wall 255 is at least 50% greater than, often at least 100% greater than, and typically 100% - 200% greater than, a total diffusion area apertures and end wall 256. The remaining dimensions would be as appropriate, to provide the arrangement of Fig. 10. The dimensions, and relative dimensions, of course, can be changed. The particular dimensions chosen, were for utilization of the arrangement with a 600 hp diesel engine of a Class 8 truck. The arrangement of Fig. 10 can be implemented with the sensor arrangement of Figs. 2-9, in the same housing if desired. All that in general that would be required would be an appropriate positioning of the needed componentry of the sensor arrangement in the housing of the assembly. This could be done by securing the appropriate optical componentry: in the top plate 214; in the cartridge 207; in the cartridge 206; or, elsewhere. Further the relative positioning of the cartridges 207, 206 can be changed, to accommodate the features.

D. Some General Observations.

Herein, an arrangement is characterized, in which a primary filter, soot sensor optics and a readditization package are all included within a single filter assembly. These components can also be separately provided in the system, if desired. It is noted also that certain of these components can be included in the assembly which includes a soot removal arrangement 35, if desired. However this would generally be less desirable.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An arrangement for conditioning oil in a lubrication system for an engine; the arrangement including: (a) a lubrication oil circulation system; (b) a primary filter arrangement in the oil circulation system; (c) a spur line providing for a selected level of oil flow from the lubrication oil circulation system; (d) a soot removal arrangement in the spur line; and (e) a control arrangement providing selected, intermittent, operation of the soot removal arrangement, during engine operation.