CN222677383U - Filtration systems and filter heads - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a filtration system and a filter head. The filtration system includes a filter head and a filter cartridge. The filter head includes a skirt defining a sealing surface and a vent extending axially through the sealing surface relative to a central axis of the skirt. The filter cartridge includes: a filter media pack; an end plate coupled to an axial end of the filter media pack; and a sealing member coupled to the end plate and engageable with the sealing surface to sealingly engage the filter cartridge with the filter head.

Description

Filter system and filter head

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to filtration systems for supplying filtered fluid to downstream equipment.

Background

Filtration systems may be used to separate contaminants from fluids to protect downstream equipment from damage (e.g., corrosion, plugging, etc.). For example, the filtration system may protect downstream equipment by including a filter element to separate contaminants from the fluid that may damage the downstream equipment. The filtration system may be primed (primed) to reduce the amount of air entrained in the filtration system.

Disclosure of utility model

At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filtration system. The filtration system includes a filter head and a filter cartridge (FILTER CARTRIDGE). The filter head includes a skirt (skirt) defining a sealing surface and a vent opening extending axially through the sealing surface relative to a central axis of the skirt. The filter cartridge includes a filter media pack, an end plate coupled to an axial end of the filter media pack, and a sealing member coupled to the end plate and engageable with the sealing surface to sealingly engage the filter cartridge with the filter head.

In some embodiments, the vent is a groove extending axially through the sealing surface from a first end of the sealing surface to a second end of the sealing surface opposite the first end.

In some embodiments, the vent has an outer radius relative to the central axis that is greater than an outer radius of the sealing surface so that fluid can flow through the sealing member when the sealing member is engaged with the sealing surface. In some embodiments, an outer radius of the vent relative to the central axis is greater than an outer radius of the sealing surface so that fluid can flow past the sealing surface when the sealing member is engaged with the sealing surface.

In some embodiments, the skirt is a cylindrical extension and the cross-sectional profile of the end plate at the sealing member is the same as the cross-sectional profile of the sealing surface.

In some embodiments, the vent is contiguous with the sealing surface and extends radially outward from the sealing surface.

In some embodiments, the height of the vent parallel to the central axis is greater than or equal to the height of the sealing surface.

In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises a filter housing configured to support a filter cartridge engaged with the filter head. In such embodiments, the filter housing may be made of a transparent material that enables at least a portion of the filter cartridge to be viewed through the filter housing.

In some embodiments, the sealing member seals radially against the sealing surface when the filter cartridge is engaged with the filter head.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter head for a filtration system. The filter head includes a filter head body and a skirt extending axially away from the filter head body relative to a central axis of the filter head body. The filter head body defines an inlet port and an outlet port. The skirt defines a first sealing surface configured to sealingly engage the filter cartridge and a vent opening extending axially through the first sealing surface relative to the central axis. The vent fluidly couples the inlet port and the outlet port.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter head. The filter head includes a filter head body and a skirt extending axially away from the filter head body relative to a central axis of the filter head body. The filter head body defines an inlet port and an outlet port. The skirt defines a first sealing surface configured to sealingly engage the filter cartridge and a vent opening extending axially through the first sealing surface relative to the central axis. The vent fluidly couples the inlet port and the outlet port.

In some embodiments, the vent is a curved groove extending axially through the first sealing surface from a first axial end of the sealing surface to a second axial end of the sealing surface opposite the first axial end. In some embodiments, the vent is a groove extending axially through the first sealing surface from a first axial end of the first sealing surface to a second axial end of the first sealing surface opposite the first axial end.

In some embodiments, the vent has an outer radius from the central axis that is greater than an outer radius of the first sealing surface so that fluid can flow past the first sealing surface when the sealing member is engaged with the first sealing surface.

In some embodiments, the skirt is a cylindrical extension.

In some embodiments, the vent is contiguous with the first sealing surface and extends radially outward from the first sealing surface.

In some embodiments, the height of the vent parallel to the central axis is greater than or equal to the height of the first sealing surface.

In some embodiments, the skirt further defines a second sealing surface axially spaced from the first sealing surface, the second sealing surface configured to sealingly engage the filter housing.

Drawings

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a front view of a filtration system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the filtration system of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a filter head of the filter system of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of the filter head of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of the filtration system of fig. 1 proximate to a sealing interface between a filter cartridge and a filter head.

Detailed Description

The fuel filtration system is used to remove particulate contaminants from fuel upstream of the engine. The fuel filter system may also be configured as a fuel-water separator, and may include a filter material configured to separate water from the fuel. In some applications, such as off-highway applications, the fuel filtration system may include a filter housing (e.g., a filter housing, etc.), which has a transparent or translucent material to enable viewing of the liquid level and to allow identification of water accumulation within the filter housing. In some arrangements, such as where the fuel filtration system is located upstream of the fuel pump, air may be entrained along the upstream side of the filter, which may reduce the liquid level within the filter housing. The actual fuel level within the filter housing may vary depending on the flow rate (flow rates) through the filter system. This arrangement of operation can be confusing to the operator who may erroneously correlate a low fuel level within the housing to a leak within the fuel filtration system.

Referring generally to the drawings, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a filtration system configured to prevent air from accumulating on an upstream side of a filter cartridge during operation and to be able to display a full fuel level within a filter housing without significantly affecting fuel filtration efficiency. The vent is located at a sealing interface between an upstream side of the filter system (e.g., upstream side of the filter head, etc.) and a downstream side of the filter system (e.g., downstream side of the filter head, etc.). After installation of a new and/or replacement filter cartridge (e.g., when flow through the filter system is initiated early in the filter's life), the vent is configured to allow air to bypass the filter cartridge and flow out of the fuel filter system, and to provide a more uniform fuel level within the upstream side of the filter cartridge during operation, regardless of the flow rate through the filter system.

After a filter cartridge has been operated for a long period of time (e.g., at a later stage in the filter's life, etc.), the media will have trapped particulates and the pressure drop across the filter cartridge will increase, which will increase the liquid level within the filter housing. Further, after prolonged exposure to fluid through the filtration system, sealing members (e.g., gaskets, O-rings, etc.) adjacent the vent will expand and possibly seal the vent, which will reduce any impact of the vent on fuel filtration efficiency.

Referring to fig. 1-2, a filtration system 100 (e.g., a filter assembly, etc.) is shown according to an example embodiment. The filtration system 100 is configured to receive unfiltered fluid (e.g., fuel, oil, etc.), filter the fluid, and provide the filtered fluid to downstream equipment (e.g., an engine). In some embodiments, the filtration system 100 is a diesel fuel filter configured to filter diesel fuel flowing therethrough. In some embodiments, the filtration system 100 includes a fuel-water separator configured to separate water from fuel flowing therethrough.

In the embodiment of fig. 1-2, the filtration system 100 includes a filter head 110, a filter housing 152, and a filter cartridge 200 (e.g., a filter element assembly, etc.). Filter cartridge 200 is configured to be coupled to filter head 110. In some embodiments, filter housing 152 is configured to support filter cartridge 200 in engagement with filter head 110. It should be appreciated that the filtration system 100 may include more, fewer, and/or different components than shown.

Filter head 110 is configured to receive dirty, unfiltered fuel and direct the fuel through filter cartridge 200 to produce clean, filtered fuel. The filter head 110 includes a filter head body 112 and a skirt 113, the skirt 113 extending axially away from the filter head body 112 relative to a central axis 129 of the filter head body 112.

The filter head body 112 defines a first port 120 and a second port 122. The first port 120 is an inlet port that is in fluid-receiving communication with upstream equipment (e.g., a fuel reservoir, etc.) and in fluid-providing communication with the interior of the filtration system 100. The second port 122 is an outlet port that is in fluid-receiving communication with the interior of the filtration system 100 and in fluid-providing communication with downstream equipment (e.g., an engine). In some embodiments, the flow direction through the filtration system 100 is reversed such that the first port 120 is an outlet port and the second port 122 is an inlet port.

Referring to fig. 2, in some embodiments, the filter head body 112 further defines a valve port 124, the valve port 124 configured to receive a valve to facilitate priming of the filtration system (e.g., after replacement of the filter cartridge 200). The valve port 124 is in fluid-receiving communication with the interior of the filtration system 100 and in fluid-providing communication with the second port 122. The valve port 124 defines a valve port sealing surface 126, the valve port sealing surface 126 being configured to sealingly engage a valve (e.g., a valve of the filter cartridge 200, etc.).

The filter head body 112 also defines a filter head opening 128. A filter head opening 128 extends through the filter head body 112. The filter head opening 128 is centered on a central axis 129 of the filter head body 112. The central axis 129 extends through the radial center of the filter system 100, the center of the filter head 110. In some embodiments, central axis 129 also extends through a radial center of skirt 113 and/or a radial center of filter cartridge 200.

Still referring to fig. 2, the skirt 113 extends axially away from the filter head body 112 relative to the central axis 129. In some embodiments, the skirt 113 is a cylindrical extension (e.g., a cylindrical wall, etc.) defining a circular opening. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional profile of the skirt 113 may be different (e.g., oval, etc.).

Skirt 113 defines a first filter head sealing surface, shown as first sealing surface 114, and a second filter head sealing surface, shown as second sealing surface 116. The second sealing surface 116 is axially spaced from the first sealing surface 114. A first sealing surface 114 is defined on an inner radial surface of the filter head body 112. The first sealing surface 114 is disposed at the sealing member of the filter cartridge 200 and radially faces the sealing member of the filter cartridge 200 and is configured to form a radial seal with the filter cartridge 200 when the filter cartridge 200 is engaged with the filter head 110.

In at least one embodiment, the filter head 110 includes a vent (shown as vent 170) configured to allow air to bypass the sealing member at the upper axial end of the filter system 100. The vent 170 is configured to allow air to bypass the sealing member from an upstream side (e.g., dirty side, outside, etc.) of the filter cartridge 200 to a downstream side (e.g., clean side, inside, etc.) of the filter cartridge 200. The vent 170 fluidly couples the inlet port with the outlet port to vent air through the upper sealing surface of the filter head 110 at the location of at least one sealing member (e.g., the first sealing member 266).

The vent 170 is disposed along the upper axial end of the skirt 113, which may reduce the amount of fluid bypass (due to gravity acting on the fuel) through the vent 170. The vent 170 is located at a circumferential position of the skirt 113 aligned with the valve port 124, which may reduce the flow path of air through the filter system 100 and the risk of air being entrained into the clean fuel exiting the filter head 110. In other embodiments, the vent 170 may be located at another circumferential position along the first sealing surface 114.

In the embodiment of fig. 3-4, the skirt 113 defines a vent 170. The vent 170 extends axially through the first sealing surface 114 relative to the central axis 129. In some embodiments, the vent 170 is a recessed area machined (e.g., cut, etc.) or otherwise formed into the first sealing surface 114 such that the vent 170 abuts the first sealing surface 114 and extends radially outward from the first sealing surface 114. In the embodiment of fig. 3-4, the vent 170 abuts the first sealing surface 114 along a pair of axially aligned edges 172.

In the embodiment of fig. 3-4, the vent 170 is a groove 174 and/or channel extending radially outward from the first sealing surface 114. The groove 174 is contiguous with the first sealing surface 114 and extends axially across and through the first sealing surface 114 from a first axial end 176 of the first sealing surface 114 to a second axial end 178 of the first sealing surface 114 opposite the first axial end 176.

Referring to fig. 4, an outer radius 175 of the vent 170 relative to the central axis 129 (e.g., from the central axis 129 to an outer radial position of the vent 170) is greater than an outer radius 177 of the first sealing surface 114 so that fluid can flow past the first sealing surface 114 when the sealing member is engaged with the first sealing surface 114.

In some embodiments, groove 174 is a semicircular groove having a circular profile when viewed along a reference plane extending perpendicular to central axis 129. In other embodiments, the shape of the recess 174 may be different. For example, the groove 174 may have a rectangular profile, a triangular profile, an oval profile, and the like. In some embodiments, the width of the vent 170 increases with increasing radius away from the first sealing surface 114, which may reduce the risk of the sealing member deforming into the groove 174 and/or sealing against the groove 174 during operation. For example, the vent 170 may be integrally formed with the filter head as part of a casting and/or molding (e.g., by including features as part of a filter head mold). In other embodiments, the vent 170 may be formed as a drilled channel (e.g., a borehole, a hole, etc.) extending radially outward from the first sealing surface 114.

In the embodiment of fig. 3-4, a height 179 of the vent 170 in a direction parallel to the central axis 129 is greater than or equal to a height 180 of the first sealing surface 114. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 3, a width 182 of the vent 170 (e.g., between a pair of edges 172, etc.) is less than or equal to the height 179. In the embodiment of fig. 3-4, both the height 179 and the width 182 are less than or equal to 1mm. In other embodiments, the height 179 and/or width 182 may be different.

In the embodiment of fig. 3-4, the vent 170 extends substantially parallel to the central axis 129. In other embodiments, the vents 170 may be disposed at an angle relative to the central axis 129 or in any other suitable arrangement. In some embodiments, the skirt 113 defines a plurality of vents 170.

The second sealing surface 116 is configured to sealingly engage the filter housing 152 and prevent fluid leakage into the environment surrounding the filtration system 100. The second sealing surface 116 is defined on an inner radial surface of the filter head body 112 below the first sealing surface 114 such that the first sealing surface 114 is disposed between the filter head body 112 and the second sealing surface 116. When the filter cartridge 200 is engaged with the filter head 110, the second filter head sealing surface 116 faces radially toward the filter cartridge 200.

The filter head 110 includes one or more filter head threads 118. In the embodiment of fig. 1-2, one or more filter head threads 118 are provided on an outer surface of the filter head body 112 and extend away from the filter head body 112 (e.g., extend outwardly from the filter head body 112).

The filter head 110 includes a radial flange 119 extending outwardly from the outer surface of the filter head body 112. The radial flange 119 is disposed axially above the one or more filter head threads 118 and axially below the filter head sealing surface 114. The first sealing surface 114 is disposed axially above the radial flange 119. The second sealing surface 116 is disposed axially below the radial flange 119.

In some embodiments, the filtration system 100 further includes a pump 140. A pump 140 is disposed within the filter head opening 128. That is, the filter head opening 128 is sized to receive the pump 140 therein. Pump 140 is configured to create a pressure differential within filtration system 100 to draw fluid in an outside-in flow configuration. In other embodiments, pump 140 may be a separate component from filter head 110.

Referring to fig. 2, the filter housing 152 and the filter head 110 together define an interior volume 154, the interior volume 154 being configured to receive a filter cartridge 200 therein. Filter cartridge 200 is at least partially disposed within interior volume 154 such that filter cartridge 200 is at least partially within both filter head 110 and filter housing 152.

Filter housing 152 includes a housing wall 156 made of a transparent material that enables at least a portion of filter cartridge 200 to be viewed through filter housing 152. As used herein, "transparent material" refers to a material that allows light to transmit therethrough such that objects behind the material can be viewed through the material, and is intended to cover materials having various levels of transmittance (e.g., translucent, fully transparent, etc.) that are capable of viewing a liquid level through the housing wall 156. The filter housing 152 includes a housing flange 158. A housing flange 158 extends radially outwardly from the housing wall 156.

The filter housing 152 includes a housing seal member 160, the housing seal member 160 being configured to sealingly engage the housing with the filter head 110 (e.g., with the second sealing surface 116 of the skirt 113). The housing seal member 160 is disposed at a first end (e.g., an open end, etc.) of the filter housing 152 and radially faces the filter head 110 to form a radial seal therewith. A housing seal member 160 is disposed on an outer surface of the housing wall 156 and axially above the housing flange 158.

The filter housing 152 includes a third sealing surface 117. Third sealing surface 117 is disposed proximate the second end of filter housing 152, distal the first end, and radially toward filter cartridge 200. The third sealing surface 117 is an inner surface of the housing wall 156 radially facing the central axis 129.

In some embodiments, the filter system 100 further includes a collar 173, the collar 173 being configured to couple the filter housing 152 to the filter head 110 via a threaded interface. In other embodiments, the filter housing 152 includes a threaded interface configured to be threadably coupled to the filter head 110. In still other embodiments, filter head 110 and filter housing 152 include another type of coupler to secure filter housing 152 to filter head 110 (e.g., to skirt 113).

Filter cartridge 200 is configured to filter fluid flowing therethrough (e.g., by removing contaminants). In various embodiments, filter cartridge 200 is removably coupled to filter housing 152 and/or filter head 110. Filter cartridge 200 is at least partially contained within filter housing 152 and/or filter head 110.

As shown, filter cartridge 200 includes a first end plate 210 (e.g., a first end cap, etc.), a second end plate 250 (e.g., a second end cap, etc.), a filter media pack 260, and a center tube 264 (e.g., a center support structure, etc.). Filter cartridge 200 also includes a first sealing member 266 (e.g., an O-ring, gasket, etc.) and a second sealing member 268, each of which may engage a respective one of the sealing surfaces (e.g., first sealing surface 114, third sealing surface 117, etc.) to sealingly engage filter cartridge 200 with one of filter head 110 or filter housing 152 (e.g., to form a fluid-tight seal therewith), and to prevent bypass of unfiltered fuel.

Filter media pack 260 is positioned between first end plate 210 and second end plate 250 and is coupled (e.g., bonded by an adhesive material or the like) to first end plate 210 and second end plate 250. Filter media pack 260 is formed in a cylindrical configuration or an annular configuration. Filter media pack 260 includes filter media that is pleated or otherwise formed to increase surface area. The filter media may be a single layer media or a multi-layer media made of at least one of woven fibers, nonwoven materials, wet laid materials, polymeric materials, glass materials, cellulosic materials, and/or other suitable materials. Filter media pack 260 is configured to allow unfiltered fluid to be filtered by flowing through filter media pack 260. For example, unfiltered fluid flows through the filter media pack 260 and as the unfiltered fluid passes through the filter media, the filter media removes impurities (e.g., particulates, organics, etc.) from the unfiltered fluid. Impurities are captured by the filter media. The external volume 202 is defined between the filter media pack 260 and the filter housing 152. The interior volume 204 is defined within the filter media pack 260.

In some embodiments, filter media pack 260 includes a wrap disposed about at least a portion of the filter media and configured to prevent fluid (e.g., water) from flowing therethrough. In some embodiments, filter cartridge 200 includes a layer of coalescing media disposed radially inside filter media pack 260 or at another location between the inlet port and the outlet port of filter head 110. The coalescing media layer is configured to coalesce and separate water entrained in the fluid.

First end plate 210 is fixedly coupled to filter media pack 260 (e.g., directly coupled to filter media). More specifically, first end plate 210 is coupled to filter media pack 260 at a first axial end of filter media pack 260.

Referring to fig. 2, the first end plate 210 defines a channel 212 extending circumferentially along the outer periphery of the first end plate 210 relative to the central axis 129. The channels 212 define open ends that are radially outward and toward the filter head 110 (e.g., toward the skirt 113). The channel 212 is sized to receive the first sealing member 266 therein and support the first sealing member 266 on the first end plate 210.

The cross-sectional profile of the first end plate 210 at the first sealing member 266 (e.g., the cross-sectional shape of the first end plate 210 at the first sealing member 266 along a reference plane extending perpendicular to the central axis 129) is the same as the cross-sectional profile of the first sealing surface 114. In the embodiment of fig. 2, the cross-sectional profile of the first end plate 210 at the first sealing member 266 and the cross-sectional profile of the first sealing surface 114 are both circular profiles (e.g., circular). In other embodiments, the cross-sectional profile may be different (e.g., oval, etc.).

Referring to fig. 5, the first sealing member 266 engages the first sealing surface 114 and the first end plate 210 to form a radially oriented seal between the first sealing surface 114 and the first end plate 210. The seal substantially prevents fluid flow between the filter head 110 and the first end plate 210. The vent 170 is a radial gap and/or spacing between the first sealing member 266 and the filter head 110 that allows air to flow past the first sealing member 266 to prevent excess air from accumulating on the upstream side of the filter cartridge 200.

Referring again to fig. 2, the second end plate 250 defines a second channel 256 extending circumferentially along the outer periphery of the second end plate 250. The second passage 256 defines an open end radially outward and toward the filter housing 152. The second channel 256 is sized to receive the second sealing member 268 therein and support the second sealing member 268 on the second end plate 250. The second sealing member 268 engages the third sealing surface 117 and the second end plate 250 to form a radially oriented seal between the third sealing surface 117 and the second end plate 250. The seal substantially prevents fluid flow between the filter housing 152 and the second endplate 250.

In some embodiments, the second end plate end wall 252 defines an opening 257 (e.g., an end plate drain, etc.) extending therethrough. The opening 257 enables fluid communication between the interior volume 204 and the bottom portion of the filter housing 152, which enables liquid water to be drained through the drain of the filter housing 152.

It should be noted that the term "example" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to mean that such embodiments must be special or excellent examples).

As utilized herein, the term "generally" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted use by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art with reference to the present disclosure will appreciate that these terms are intended to allow the description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of such features to the exact numerical ranges, relationships, or descriptions provided. Accordingly, these terms should be construed to indicate that insubstantial or non-essential modifications or changes of the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. The terms "coupled," "attached," and the like as used herein mean that two members are directly joined to one another. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable).

References herein to the location of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "up," "down," etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the different elements may be different according to other example embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, different parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, the integrally formed elements shown may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the concepts herein.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Claims (15)

1. A filtration system, the filtration system comprising:

A filter head comprising a skirt defining:

sealing surface, and

A vent extending axially through the sealing surface relative to a central axis of the skirt, and

A filter cartridge, the filter cartridge comprising:

A filter media pack;

An end plate coupled to an axial end of the filter media pack, and

A sealing member coupled to the end plate and engageable with the sealing surface to sealingly engage the filter cartridge with the filter head.

2. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein the vent is a groove extending axially through the sealing surface from a first axial end of the sealing surface to a second axial end of the sealing surface opposite the first axial end.

3. The filtration system of claim 1 or 2, wherein an outer radius of the vent relative to the central axis is greater than an outer radius of the sealing surface so that fluid can flow past the sealing surface when the sealing member is engaged with the sealing surface.

4. The filtration system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the skirt is a cylindrical extension and the cross-sectional profile of the end plate at the sealing member is the same as the cross-sectional profile of the sealing surface.

5. The filtration system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the vent is contiguous with the sealing surface and extends radially outward from the sealing surface.

6. The filtration system of claim 1 or 2, wherein a height of the vent parallel to the central axis is greater than or equal to a height of the sealing surface.

7. The filtration system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a filter housing configured to support the filter cartridge in engagement with the filter head, the filter housing being made of a transparent material that enables at least a portion of the filter cartridge to be viewed through the filter housing.

8. The filtration system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member seals radially against the sealing surface when the filter cartridge is engaged with the filter head.

9. A filter head, the filter head comprising:

a filter head body defining an inlet port and an outlet port, and

A skirt extending axially away from the filter head body relative to a central axis of the filter head body, the skirt defining:

A first sealing surface configured to sealingly engage a filter cartridge, and

A vent extending axially through the first sealing surface relative to the central axis, the vent fluidly coupling the inlet port and the outlet port.

10. The filter head of claim 9, wherein the vent is a groove extending axially through the first sealing surface from a first axial end of the first sealing surface to a second axial end of the first sealing surface opposite the first axial end.

11. A filter head according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the vent has an outer radius from the central axis that is greater than the outer radius of the first sealing surface so that fluid can flow past the first sealing surface when the sealing member is engaged with the first sealing surface.

12. A filter head according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the skirt is a cylindrical extension.

13. The filter head of claim 9 or 10, wherein the vent is contiguous with the first sealing surface and extends radially outward from the first sealing surface.

14. The filter head of claim 9 or 10, wherein a height of the vent parallel to the central axis is greater than or equal to a height of the first sealing surface.

15. The filter head of claim 9 or 10, wherein the skirt further defines a second sealing surface axially spaced from the first sealing surface, the second sealing surface configured to sealingly engage a filter housing.