Patent Publication Number: US-2023162993-A1

Title: Fluid delivery system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63/282,761, filed Nov. 24, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Fluid delivery is a key component of semiconductor chip fabrication tools. Fluid delivery systems are important for delivering known flow rates of process fluids for semiconductor fabrication and other industrial processes. Such devices are used to measure and accurately control the flow of a wide range of fluids for a variety of applications. This control relies on assemblies of active and passive components which are sealed by seals to provide fluid-tight connections. 
     As the technology of chip fabrication has improved, so has the demand on the fluid delivery systems. Higher performance fluid delivery systems are packaged with higher densities, require higher performing seals, and must be serviced more efficiently. Time to assemble and service fluid delivery systems must be reduced. Ease of service and assembly of fluid delivery systems is of utmost importance. In order to deliver superior process performance, improved fluid delivery systems are desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present technology is directed to a fluid delivery system incorporating one or more apparatuses for controlling flow to deliver a gas or a liquid to a process chamber. The fluid delivery system may be used in a wide range of processes such as semiconductor chip fabrication, solar panel fabrication, etc. 
     In one implementation, the invention is a fluid delivery system having a substrate block, an active component, and a seal ring. The substrate block has an upper surface, a first substrate port in the upper surface, a second substrate port in the upper surface, a substrate fluid passageway extending between the first substrate port and the second substrate port, a substrate ring defining the second substrate port, and a substrate seal channel formed in the upper surface and surrounding the substrate ring, an outer surface of the substrate ring forming an inner surface of the substrate seal channel. The active component has a lower surface, a first component port in the lower surface, a component fluid passageway extending from the first component port, a component ring defining the first component port, and a component seal channel formed in the lower surface and surrounding the component ring, an outer surface of the component ring forming an inner surface of the component seal channel. The seal ring has an interior sleeve defining a sleeve fluid passageway and an outer ring connected to and surrounding the interior sleeve so that an annular upper sleeve groove is formed between the upper portion of the outer ring and an upper ring of the interior sleeve. The outer ring of the seal ring further has an annular lower sleeve groove formed between a lower portion of the outer ring and a lower portion of the interior sleeve, the outer ring having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a seal retention feature. The seal retention feature is formed on the outer surface of the outer ring. The active component is mounted to the substrate block so that the second substrate port and the first component port are aligned and the seal ring nests in each of the substrate seal channel and the component seal channel and the seal ring fluidly seals the substrate fluid passageway and the component fluid passageway. 
     In another aspect, the invention is a seal ring having an interior sleeve and an outer ring. The interior sleeve defines a sleeve fluid passageway and the outer ring is connected to and surrounding the interior sleeve so that an annular upper sleeve groove is formed between an upper portion of the outer ring and an upper portion of the interior sleeve and an annular lower sleeve groove is formed between a lower portion of the outer ring and a lower portion of the interior sleeve. The outer ring has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a seal retention feature, the seal retention feature formed on the outer surface of the outer ring. 
     In yet another implementation, the invention is a method of assembling a fluid delivery system. In step a), a substrate block is provided, the substrate block having an upper surface, a first substrate port in the upper surface, a second substrate port in the upper surface, a substrate fluid passageway extending between the first substrate port and the second substrate port, a substrate ring defining the second substrate port, and a substrate seal channel formed in the upper surface and surrounding the substrate ring, an outer surface of the substrate ring forming an inner surface of the substrate seal channel. In step b), a seal ring is inserted into the first substrate port in the upper surface of the substrate block, the seal ring having an interior sleeve defining a sleeve fluid passageway and an outer ring, the outer ring connected to and surrounding the interior sleeve so that an annular upper sleeve groove is formed between an upper portion of the outer ring and an upper portion of the interior sleeve and an annular lower sleeve groove is formed between a lower portion of the outer ring and a lower portion of the interior sleeve, the outer ring comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a seal retention feature, the seal retention feature formed on the outer surface of the outer ring, the seal annular lower sleeve groove receiving the substrate ring of the first substrate port. In step c), an active component is coupled to the substrate block, the active component having a lower surface, a first component port in the lower surface, a component fluid passageway extending from the first component port, a component ring defining the first component port, and a component seal channel formed in the lower surface and surrounding the component ring, an outer surface of the component ring forming an inner surface of the component seal channel, the annular upper sleeve groove of the seal ring receiving the component ring of the active component. 
     In another implementation, the invention is a fluid delivery system having a substrate block, an active component, and a seal ring. The substrate block has an upper surface, a first substrate port in the upper surface, a second substrate port in the upper surface, a substrate fluid passageway extending between the first substrate port and the second substrate port, a substrate ring defining the second substrate port, a substrate seal channel formed in the upper surface and surrounding the substrate ring, an outer surface of the substrate ring forming an inner surface of the substrate seal channel, and a substrate seal retention feature formed on an outer surface of the substrate seal channel, the outer surface opposite the inner surface of the substrate seal channel. The active component has a lower surface, a first component port in the lower surface, a component fluid passageway extending from the first component port, a component ring defining the first component port, and a component seal channel formed in the lower surface and surrounding the component ring, an outer surface of the component ring forming an inner surface of the component seal channel. The seal ring has an interior sleeve defining a sleeve fluid passageway and an outer ring connected to and surrounding the interior sleeve so that an annular upper sleeve groove is formed between the upper portion of the outer ring and an upper ring of the interior sleeve. The outer ring of the seal ring further has an annular lower sleeve groove formed between a lower portion of the outer ring and a lower portion of the interior sleeve. The active component is mounted to the substrate block so that the second substrate port and the first component port are aligned and the seal ring nests in each of the substrate seal channel and the component seal channel and the seal ring fluidly seals the substrate fluid passageway and the component fluid passageway. 
     In yet another implementation, the invention is a method of assembling a fluid delivery system. In step a), a substrate block is provided, the substrate block having an upper surface, a first substrate port in the upper surface, a second substrate port in the upper surface, a substrate fluid passageway extending between the first substrate port and the second substrate port, a substrate ring defining the second substrate port, a substrate seal channel formed in the upper surface and surrounding the substrate ring, an outer surface of the substrate ring forming an inner surface of the substrate seal channel, and a substrate seal retention feature formed on an outer surface of the substrate seal channel, the outer surface opposite the inner surface of the substrate seal channel. In step b), a seal ring is inserted into the first substrate port in the upper surface of the substrate block, the seal ring comprising an interior sleeve defining a sleeve fluid passageway and an outer ring, the outer ring connected to and surrounding the interior sleeve so that an annular upper sleeve groove is formed between an upper portion of the outer ring and an upper portion of the interior sleeve and an annular lower sleeve groove is formed between a lower portion of the outer ring and a lower portion of the interior sleeve, the seal annular lower sleeve groove receiving the substrate ring of the first substrate port. In step c), an active component is coupled to the substrate block, the active component comprising a lower surface, a first component port in the lower surface, a component fluid passageway extending from the first component port, a component ring defining the first component port, and a component seal channel formed in the lower surface and surrounding the component ring, an outer surface of the component ring forming an inner surface of the component seal channel, the annular upper sleeve groove of the seal ring receiving the component ring of the active component. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present technology will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred implementation, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention of the present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic of a system for manufacturing semiconductor devices utilizing one or more apparatuses for controlling flow. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a fluid delivery system comprising a plurality apparatuses for controlling flow as may be utilized in the process of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the fluid delivery system of  FIG.  2    showing one fluid flow component removed. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a perspective view of an active component mounted to a pair of substrate blocks as may be utilized in the fluid delivery system of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional view of the component and one of the substrate blocks of  FIG.  4 A , taken along line  4 B- 4 B. 
         FIG.  4 C  is a detail view of  FIG.  4 A  showing an interface between the component and one of the substrate blocks. 
         FIG.  4 D  is a top view of the substrate blocks of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  4 E  is a bottom view of the component of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  5 A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a seal ring as may be used in the fluid delivery system of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a cross-sectional view of the seal ring of  FIG.  5 A , taken along line  5 B- 5 B. 
         FIG.  5 C  is a detail view of the seal ring of  FIG.  5 A  and a portion of a substrate block, the seal ring positioned above a seal cavity of the substrate block. 
         FIG.  5 D  is a detail view of the seal ring and the portion of the substrate block shown in  FIG.  5 C , the seal ring partially inserted into the seal cavity of the substrate block. 
         FIG.  5 E  is a detail view of the seal ring and the portion of the substrate block shown in  FIG.  5 C , the seal ring fully inserted into the seal cavity of the substrate block. 
         FIG.  5 F  is a detail view of the seal ring and the portion of the substrate block shown in  FIG.  5 C , an active component coupled to the substrate block. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a seal ring as may be used in the fluid delivery system of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a cross-sectional view of the seal ring of  FIG.  6 A , taken along line  6 B- 6 B. 
         FIG.  6 C  is a detail view of the seal ring of  FIG.  6 A  and a portion of a substrate block, the seal ring positioned above a seal cavity of the substrate block. 
         FIG.  6 D  is a detail view of the seal ring and the portion of the substrate block shown in  FIG.  6 C , the seal ring partially inserted into the seal cavity of the substrate block. 
         FIG.  6 E  is a detail view of the seal ring and the portion of the substrate block shown in  FIG.  6 C , the seal ring fully inserted into the seal cavity of the substrate block and an active component coupled to the substrate block. 
         FIG.  6 F  is a detail view of the portion of the substrate block shown in  FIG.  6 C , the seal ring removed from the substrate block. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a seal ring as may be used in the fluid delivery system of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a cross-sectional view of the seal ring of  FIG.  7 A , taken along line  7 B- 7 B. 
         FIG.  7 C  is a detail view of the seal ring of  FIG.  7 A  assembled between portions of a substrate block and an active component. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a seal ring as may be used in the fluid delivery system of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a cross-sectional view of the seal ring of  FIG.  8 A , taken along line  8 B- 8 B. 
         FIG.  8 C  is a detail view of the seal ring of  FIG.  8 A  assembled between portions of a substrate block and an active component. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a substrate block as may be used in the fluid delivery system of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a cross-sectional view of the substrate block of  FIG.  9 A , taken along line  9 B- 9 B. 
         FIG.  9 C  is a detail view of the substrate block of  FIG.  9 A  assembled with a seal ring and an active component. 
         FIG.  10 A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a substrate block as may be used in the fluid delivery system of the present invention. 
         FIG.  10 B  is a cross-sectional view of the substrate block of  FIG.  10 A , taken along line  10 B- 10 B. 
         FIG.  10 C  is a detail view of the substrate block of  FIG.  10 A  assembled with a seal ring and an active component. 
         FIG.  11 A  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a seal ring as may be used in the fluid delivery system of the present invention. 
         FIG.  11 B  is a cross-sectional view of the seal ring of  FIG.  11 A , taken along line  11 B- 11 B. 
         FIG.  11 C  is a detail view of the seal ring of  FIG.  11 A  assembled between portions of a substrate block and an active component. 
         FIG.  12 A  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a seal ring as may be used in the fluid delivery system of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12 B  is a cross-sectional view of the seal ring of  FIG.  12 A , taken along line  12 B- 12 B. 
         FIG.  12 C  is a detail view of the seal ring of  FIG.  12 A  assembled between portions of a substrate block and an active component. 
     
    
    
     All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale. Features shown numbered in certain figures which may appear un-numbered in other figures are the same features unless noted otherwise herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such preferred embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto. 
     The present invention is directed to a fitting assembly for use in a fluid delivery system comprising at least one apparatus for controlling fluid flow. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery system may include a mass flow controller to deliver a known mass flow of fluid to a semiconductor process or similar process. Semiconductor fabrication is one industry which demands high performance in control of fluid flows. As semiconductor fabrication techniques have advanced, customers have recognized the need for flow control devices with increased complexity and capability. Modern semiconductor processes require that the cost of the fluid delivery systems is reduced and parts interchangeability is maximized. The present invention provides for a modular fitting assembly which can be utilized in a variety of applications within the fluid delivery system. 
       FIG.  1    shows a schematic of an exemplary processing system  1000 . The processing system  1000  may utilize a plurality of apparatus for controlling flow  100  fluidly coupled to a processing chamber  1300 . The plurality of apparatus for controlling flow  100  are used to supply one or more different process fluids to the processing chamber  1300 . Fluids are provided by a plurality of fluid supplies, or fluid sources. Collectively, the plurality of apparatus for controlling flow  100  belong to a fluid delivery system  1400 . Optionally, more than one fluid delivery system  1400  may be utilized in the processing system  100 . The plurality of apparatus for controlling flow  100  are connected to the processing chamber  1300  by an outlet manifold  400 . Articles such as semiconductors and integrated circuits may be processed within the processing chamber  1300 . 
     Valves  1100  isolate each of the apparatus for controlling flow  100  from the processing chamber  1300 , enabling each of the apparatus for controlling flow  100  to be selectively connected or isolated from the processing chamber  1300 , facilitating a wide variety of different processing steps. The processing chamber  1300  may contain an applicator to apply process fluids delivered by the plurality of apparatus for controlling flow  100 , enabling selective or diffuse distribution of the fluids supplied by the plurality of apparatus for controlling flow  100 . Optionally, the processing chamber  1300  may be a vacuum chamber or may be a tank or bath for immersing articles in the fluids supplied by the plurality of apparatus for controlling flow  100 . A fluid supply line is formed by the flow path from each of the respective fluid supplies to the processing chamber  1300 . 
     In addition, the processing system  1000  may further comprise a drain  1200  which is isolated from the processing chamber  1300  by a valve  1100  to enable evacuation of process fluids or facilitate purging one or more of the apparatus for controlling flow  100  to enable switching between process fluids in the same apparatus for controlling flow  100 . Optionally, the drain  1200  may be a source of vacuum or may be a liquid drain configured to remove liquids from the processing chamber  1300 . Optionally, the apparatus for controlling flow  100  may be mass flow controllers, flow splitters, or any other device which controls the flow of a process fluid in a processing system. Furthermore, the valves  1100  may be integrated into the apparatus for controlling flow  100  if so desired. 
     Processes that may be performed in the processing system  1000  may include wet cleaning, photolithography, ion implantation, dry etching, atomic layer etching, wet etching, plasma ashing, rapid thermal annealing, furnace annealing, thermal oxidation, chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, physical vapor deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, laser lift-off, electrochemical deposition, chemical-mechanical polishing, wafer testing, electroplating, or any other process utilizing fluids. 
       FIGS.  2  and  3    show a schematic of an exemplary fluid delivery system  1400 . In this embodiment, the fluid delivery system  1400  has a plurality of apparatus for controlling flow  100  having a plurality of inlets  101  and a plurality of outlets  102 . In some embodiments, the plurality of inlets  101  do not correspond to the plurality of outlets  102  in a one to one manner. Instead, a plurality of inlets  101  may be joined into a single outlet  102  and a single inlet  101  may be split into a plurality of outlets  102 . This may be done to achieve mixing or combination of different fluids prior to providing them to the process chamber  1300 . Nonetheless, at least one flow passage extends from one of the inlets  101  to one of the outlets  102 , the flow passage being formed by the various components of the fluid delivery system  1400 . 
     As can be seen, each of the apparatus for controlling flow  100  is arranged generally in a row, with the plurality of apparatus  100  in parallel rows. This need not be the case, and any packaging configuration may be used. The fluid delivery system  1400  has a substrate panel  1402 . The substrate panel  1402  serves as support structure for the fluid delivery system  1400 , but it may be simply used to facilitate assembly. Other structural support configurations are contemplated. A plurality of substrate blocks  104  rest on the substrate panel  1402  and comprise fluid ports therein to conduct flow to one or more fluid flow components  200  having corresponding fluid ports as discussed in greater detail below. The fluid flow components  200  may be considered active components while the substrate blocks  104  may be considered passive components. 
     The fluid flow components  200  may be one or more of a valve, a flow controller, a pressure transducer, a flow measurement sensor, a pressure regulator, a flow restrictor, an actuator, an inlet  101  or outlet  102 , or any other known flow control component. In other embodiments, the substrate blocks  104  may be utilized on the top and the fluid flow components  200  may rest against the substrate panel  1402 . This may be done to enhance packaging efficiency, enable greater flexibility in design of an apparatus for controlling flow  100 , or for other reasons. Substrate blocks  104  need not necessarily be in contact with the substrate panel  1402 , but are referred to as substrate blocks for the sake of explanation with the understanding that the names of the respective components do not necessarily indicate their position or orientation. 
     A plurality of anchors are used to couple the fluid flow components  200  to the substrate blocks  104 . The anchors may be threaded inserts or threads in the substrate blocks  104 , threaded inserts or threads in the substrate panel  1402 , nuts, or other anchoring features which permit secure fastening of the fluid flow components  200 . Component fasteners  250  are used to secure fluid flow components  200  to substrate blocks  104 . Optionally, the component fasteners  250  extend through the substrate blocks  104  to attach the fluid flow components  200  and the substrate blocks  104  to the substrate panel  1402 . In alternate configurations, additional fasteners are used to secure the substrate blocks  104  to the substrate panel  1402 . The component fasteners  250  may be used for alignment as well as for fastening and may be replaced by any suitable type of fastener capable of fastening the fluid flow components  200  to the substrate blocks  104 . The component fasteners  250  may be fasteners such as bolts, screws, pins, or other known fastening device. However, in other embodiments, the component fasteners  250  may be separate from the alignment features. For instance, dowel pins or other pins may be used to align the fluid flow component  200  to the substrate blocks  104 . Then, a separate component fastener may be used for fastening the fluid flow component  200  to the substrate blocks  104 . 
     As can be seen by comparing  FIG.  2    with  FIG.  3   , a fluid flow component  200  is removed from the fluid delivery system  1400  of  FIG.  3   . The removal of the fluid flow component  200  exposes portions of two substrate blocks  104 . A component mounting location  106  is formed by the portions of the two substrate blocks  104 . The component mounting location  106  may vary in size depending on the dimensions of the component  200  mounted to the component mounting location  106 . Thus, different component mounting locations  106  may comprise different portions of the same substrate block  104 . Each and every component  200  has a component mounting location  106  in the fluid delivery system  1400 . More than two substrate blocks  104  may be utilized to form a component mounting location  106 . Alternatively, only one substrate block  104  may be utilized to form a component mounting location  106 . This will depend on the type of component  200  which is mounted to the component mounting location  106 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  4 A-D , a portion of the fluid delivery system  1400  is shown. Specifically, a fluid flow component  200  is shown mounted to a pair of substrate blocks  104  at a component location  106 . As best shown in  FIG.  4 B , seal rings  300  are positioned between the fluid flow component  200  and the substrate blocks  104 . The seal rings  300  form a fluid-tight connection between the fluid flow component  200  and the substrate blocks  104 . The substrate blocks  104  each comprise a fluid passageway  108  extending from a first substrate port  109  to a second substrate port  109 . Each of the first substrate ports  109  are formed in an upper surface  112  of the substrate block  104 . Similarly, the fluid flow component  200  comprises a fluid passageway  208  extending from a first component port  209  formed in a lower surface  214  to a second component port  209  formed in the lower surface  214 . The substrate ports  109  of the substrate blocks  104  are surrounded by seal cavities  110  which receive a seal ring  300 . The component ports  209  of the fluid flow component  200  are surrounded by seal cavities  210  which receive a seal ring  300 . 
     The seal ring  300  is formed in a generally annular configuration, with an interior sleeve  302  and an outer ring  304 . The interior sleeve  302  of the seal ring  300  has a sleeve fluid passageway  308  formed through the center of the seal ring  300 . The sleeve fluid passageway  308  extends along a longitudinal axis A-A. The interior sleeve  302  and the outer ring  304  are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A-A. The sleeve fluid passageway  308  permits fluid flow through the seal ring  300  and other features of the seal ring  300  provide a hermetic seal between coupled fluid flow components  200  and substrate blocks  104 . In some embodiments, the interior sleeve  302  and the outer ring  304  may not be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A-A. 
     The interior sleeve  302  comprises an passageway surface  320  which forms the wall of the sleeve fluid passageway  308 . The passageway surface  320  comprises an intermediate surface  321 , an upper inclined surface  322 , and a lower inclined surface  323 . The upper inclined surface  322  joins the component port  209  to the sleeve fluid passageway  308 . The lower inclined surface  323  joins the substrate port  109  to the sleeve fluid passageway  308 . The intermediate surface  321  couples the upper and lower inclined surfaces  322 ,  323 . The upper and lower inclined surfaces  322 ,  323  may have a linear profile (i.e. a straight line with constant slope) as shown in  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C  or may have a curved profile. The curved profile may be convex, concave, or any other desired shape. Similarly, the intermediate surface  321  may be linear and parallel to the longitudinal axis, linear and sloped with respect to the longitudinal axis, or curved in a convex or concave profile. 
     The interior sleeve  302  also comprises a first mating surface  330  which engages corresponding features in the seal cavities  110 ,  210  of the substrate block  104  and the fluid flow component  200  as will be discussed in greater detail below. The first mating surface  330  comprises an upper mating surface  331  and a lower mating surface  332 . The upper mating surface  331  engages features of the seal cavity  210  of the fluid flow component  200  while the lower mating surface  332  engages features of the seal cavity  110  of the substrate block  104 . The upper and lower mating surfaces  331 ,  332  may have a linear geometry, a convex geometry, or a concave geometry. In the present embodiment, the upper and lower mating surfaces  331 ,  332  have a linear geometry. 
     The outer ring  304  has an inner surface  340  and an outer surface  350 . The inner surface  340  is proximate the interior sleeve  302  and faces the first mating surface  330 . The outer surface  350  is opposite the inner surface  340 . The inner surface  340  may be divided into an upper inner surface  341  and a lower inner surface  342 . 
     The interior sleeve  302  is joined to the outer ring  304  by a web  306 , the web  306  separating the upper and lower inner surfaces  341 ,  342  and the upper and lower mating surfaces  331 ,  332 . The web  306  has an upper web surface  361  and a lower web surface  362 . The upper web surface  361 , along with the upper inner surface  341  of the inner surface  340  outer ring  304  and the upper mating surface  331  of the first mating surface  330 , form an annular upper sleeve groove  365 . Similarly, the lower web surface  362 , along with the lower inner surface  342  of the inner surface  340  of the outer ring  304  and the lower mating surface  332  of the first mating surface  330 , form an annular lower sleeve groove  366 . The outer ring  304  further comprises an upper terminal surface  370  and a lower terminal surface  372 . 
     The seal cavities  110  of the substrate block  104  surround the substrate ports  109  as discussed above. The seal cavities  110  comprise a second mating surface  120 , a substrate ring  126 , and a substrate seal channel  130 . The second mating surface  120  forms a portion of the substrate port  109  and receives the lower mating surface  332  of the first mating surface  330  of the seal ring  300 . The second mating surface  120  is linear and angled with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A. However, in other embodiments the second mating surface  120  may be convex or concave or any other geometry. The second mating surface  120  may be formed as a separate surface from the substrate port  109  in alternate embodiments. 
     The substrate ring  126  defines the substrate port  109 . The substrate port  109  terminates at the substrate ring  126  and is surrounded by the substrate ring  126 . The substrate ring  126  is recessed with respect to the upper surface  112  of the substrate block  104 . Surrounding the substrate ring  126  is the substrate seal channel  130 . The substrate seal channel  130  is recessed with respect to the substrate ring  126  and the upper surface  112  of the substrate block  104 . Thus, the substrate ring  126  protrudes above the substrate seal channel  130 . The substrate ring  126  may have any desired geometry. The substrate seal channel  130  has a channel inner surface  131 , a channel floor  132 , and a channel outer surface  133 . The channel inner surface  131  is adjacent to the substrate ring  126  and forms an outer surface of the substrate ring  126 . The channel outer surface  133  is opposite the channel inner surface  133  and is radially outward from the channel inner surface  131 . The channel floor  132  joins the channel inner surface  131  and the channel outer surface  133 . 
     The seal cavities  210  of the fluid flow component  200  surround the component ports  209  as discussed above. The seal cavities  210  comprise a second mating surface  220 , a component ring  226 , and a component seal channel  230 . The second mating surface  220  forms a portion of the component port  209  and receives the upper mating surface  331  of the first mating surface  330  of the seal ring  300 . The second mating surface  220  is linear and angled with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A. However, in other embodiments the second mating surface  220  may be convex or concave or any other geometry. The second mating surface  220  may be formed as a separate surface from the component port  209  in alternate embodiments. 
     The component ring  226  defines the component port  209 . The component port  209  terminates at the component ring  226  and is surrounded by the component ring  226 . The component ring  226  is recessed with respect to the lower surface  214  of the fluid flow component  200 . Surrounding the component ring  226  is the component seal channel  230 . The component seal channel  230  is recessed with respect to the component ring  226  and the lower surface  214  of the fluid flow component  200 . Thus, the component ring  226  protrudes below the component seal channel  230 . The component ring  226  may have any desired geometry. The component seal channel  230  has a channel inner surface  231 , a channel floor  232 , and a channel outer surface  233 . The channel inner surface  231  is adjacent to the component ring  226  and forms an outer surface of the component ring  226 . The channel outer surface  233  is opposite the channel inner surface  231  and is radially outward from the channel inner surface  231 . The channel floor  232  joins the channel inner surface  231  and the channel outer surface  233 . 
     When in an assembled state as illustrated in  FIG.  4 C , the channel inner surfaces  131 ,  231  engage the inner surface  340  of the seal ring  300  while the channel outer surfaces  133 ,  233  engage the outer surface  350  of the seal ring  300 . In particular, the channel inner surface  131  engages the lower inner surface  342  of the seal ring  300 . The channel inner surface  231  engages the upper inner surface  341  of the seal ring  300 . Thus, the outer ring  304  is radially compressed by the substrate seal channel  130  and the component seal channel  230 . The upper and lower terminal surfaces  370 ,  372  are spaced from the channel floors  132 ,  232 . Similarly, the upper web surface  361  is spaced from the component ring  226  and the lower web surface  362  is spaced from the substrate  126 . This beneficially ensures that the first and second mating surfaces  330 ,  120 ,  220  are in contact without being over-constrained. As a result, the interface between the first and second mating surfaces  330 ,  120 ,  220  form a first seal. The interface between the channel inner surfaces  131 ,  231  and the inner surface  340  of the seal ring  300  form a second seal. The interface between the channel outer surfaces  133 ,  233  and the outer surface  350  form a third seal. This provides protection against leakage to or from the outside environment. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , a seal ring  400  is illustrated. The seal ring  400  is similar to the seal ring  300  but incorporates additional features as discussed herein. All reference numerals are identical to those described above except as noted. The seal ring  400  has an interior sleeve  402  and an outer ring  404 . A sleeve fluid passageway  408  extends through the interior sleeve  402 . The seal ring  400  is formed in a generally annular configuration, with the interior sleeve  402  and the outer ring  404  symmetrical about a longitudinal axis A-A. The interior sleeve  402  has a passageway surface  420  which forms the wall of the sleeve fluid passageway  408 . The passageway surface  420  comprises an upper inclined surface  422 , a lower inclined surface  423 , and an intermediate surface  421 . The intermediate surface  421  couples the upper and lower inclined surfaces  422 ,  423 . The upper and lower inclined surfaces  422 ,  423  may have a linear profile (i.e. a straight line with constant slope) or may have a curved profile. The curved profile may be convex, concave, or any other desired shape. Similarly, the intermediate surface  421  may be linear and parallel to the longitudinal axis, linear and sloped with respect to the longitudinal axis, or curved in a convex or concave profile. 
     The interior sleeve  402  also comprises a first mating surface  430 . The first mating surface  430  comprises an upper mating surface  431  and a lower mating surface  432 . The upper and lower mating surfaces  431 ,  432  may have a linear geometry, a convex geometry, or a concave geometry. In the present embodiment, the upper and lower mating surfaces  431 ,  432  have a linear geometry. 
     The outer ring  404  has an inner surface  440  and an outer surface  450 . The inner surface  440  is proximate the interior sleeve  402  and faces the first mating surface  430 . The outer surface  450  is opposite the inner surface  440 . The inner surface  440  may be divided into an upper inner surface  441  and a lower inner surface  442 . 
     The interior sleeve  402  is joined to the outer ring  404  by a web  406 , the web  406  separating the upper and lower inner surfaces  441 ,  442  and the upper and lower mating surfaces  431 ,  432 . The web  406  has an upper web surface  461  and a lower web surface  462 . The upper web surface  461 , along with the upper inner surface  441  of the inner surface  440  outer ring  404  and the upper mating surface  431  of the first mating surface  430 , form an annular upper sleeve groove  465 . Similarly, the lower web surface  462 , along with the lower inner surface  442  of the inner surface  440  of the outer ring  404  and the lower mating surface  432  of the first mating surface  430 , form an annular lower sleeve groove  466 . The outer ring  404  further comprises an upper terminal surface  470  and a lower terminal surface  472 . The upper and lower terminal surfaces  470 ,  472  join the inner surface  440  to the outer surface  450 . 
     Formed in the outer surface  450  of the seal ring  400  is a seal retention feature  480 . The seal retention feature  480  takes the form of a groove  482  extending from the upper terminal surface  470  to the lower terminal surface  472 . The groove  482  of the seal retention feature  480  extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A. In other embodiments, the groove  482  may extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis A-A such that it is helical, slopes toward or away from the longitudinal axis A-A, or has any other shape. The groove  482  need not have a constant cross-sectional profile, and may have any desired shape. In the present example, the groove  480  has a concave curvature such that it is a portion of a circle. 
     When in an assembled state, the inner and outer surfaces  440 ,  450  are in contact with the corresponding surfaces of the seal cavities  110 ,  210  with the exception of groove  480 . The channel inner surfaces  131 ,  231  engage the inner surface  440  of the seal ring  400  while the channel outer surfaces  133 ,  233  engage the outer surface  450  of the seal ring  400 . In particular, the channel inner surface  131  engages the lower inner surface  442  of the seal ring  400 . The channel inner surface  231  engages the upper inner surface  441  of the seal ring  400 . Thus, the outer ring  404  is radially compressed by the substrate seal channel  130  and the component seal channel  230 . The upper and lower terminal surfaces  470 ,  472  are spaced from the channel floors  132 ,  232 . Similarly, the upper web surface  461  is spaced from the component ring  226  and the lower web surface  462  is spaced from the substrate  126 . This beneficially ensures that the first and second mating surfaces  430 ,  120 ,  220  are in contact without being over-constrained. As a result, the interface between the first and second mating surfaces  430 ,  120 ,  220  form a first seal. The interface between the channel inner surfaces  131 ,  231  and the inner surface  440  of the seal ring  300  form a second seal. The interface between the channel outer surfaces  133 ,  233  and the outer surface  450  does not form a third seal due to the existence of the groove  482  of the seal retention feature  480 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  5 C- 5 F , method of installing a seal ring  400  is illustrated. In  FIG.  5 C , the seal ring  400  is shown positioned above a seal cavity  110  of a substrate block  104 . Liquid  399  is located within a substrate seal channel  130 .  FIG.  5 D  illustrates the seal ring  400  being inserted into the seal cavity  110 . As the seal ring  400  is inserted into the seal cavity  110 , the liquid  399  is displaced by the outer ring  404 . The liquid escapes via the groove  482 , reducing the force required to insert and retain the seal ring  400  into the seal cavity  110 . In  FIG.  5 E , it is illustrated that substantially all of the liquid  399  is displaced. Finally, in  FIG.  5 F , a fluid flow component  200  is mounted to the substrate block  104 . The seal retention feature  480  ensures that the seal ring  400  stays in position in the seal cavity  110  by allowing liquid  399  to escape and avoiding pressurizing the liquid  399 . 
       FIG.  6 A- 6 F  illustrate yet another embodiment of a seal ring  500 . The seal ring  500  is similar to the seal ring  300  except as discussed herein. All reference numerals are identical to those described above except as noted. The seal ring  500  has an interior sleeve  502  and an outer ring  504 . A sleeve fluid passageway  508  extends through the interior sleeve  502 . The seal ring  500  is formed in a generally annular configuration, with the interior sleeve  502  and the outer ring  504  symmetrical about a longitudinal axis A-A. The interior sleeve  502  has a passageway surface  520  which forms the wall of the sleeve fluid passageway  508 . The passageway surface  520  comprises an upper inclined surface  522 , a lower inclined surface  523 , and an intermediate surface  521 . The intermediate surface  521  couples the upper and lower inclined surfaces  522 ,  523 . The upper and lower inclined surfaces  522 ,  523  may have a linear profile (i.e. a straight line with constant slope) or may have a curved profile. The curved profile may be convex, concave, or any other desired shape. Similarly, the intermediate surface  521  may be linear and parallel to the longitudinal axis, linear and sloped with respect to the longitudinal axis, or curved in a convex or concave profile. 
     The interior sleeve  502  also comprises a first mating surface  530 . The first mating surface  530  comprises an upper mating surface  531  and a lower mating surface  532 . The upper and lower mating surfaces  531 ,  532  may have a linear geometry, a convex geometry, or a concave geometry. In the present embodiment, the upper and lower mating surfaces  531 ,  532  have a linear geometry. 
     The outer ring  504  has an inner surface  540  and an outer surface  550 . The inner surface  540  is proximate the interior sleeve  502  and faces the first mating surface  530 . The outer surface  550  is opposite the inner surface  540 . The inner surface  540  may be divided into an upper inner surface  541  and a lower inner surface  542 . 
     The interior sleeve  502  is joined to the outer ring  504  by a web  506 , the web  506  separating the upper and lower inner surfaces  541 ,  542  and the upper and lower mating surfaces  531 ,  532 . The web  506  has an upper web surface  561  and a lower web surface  562 . The upper web surface  561 , along with the upper inner surface  541  of the inner surface  540  outer ring  504  and the upper mating surface  531  of the first mating surface  530 , form an annular upper sleeve groove  565 . Similarly, the lower web surface  562 , along with the lower inner surface  542  of the inner surface  540  of the outer ring  504  and the lower mating surface  532  of the first mating surface  530 , form an annular lower sleeve groove  566 . The outer ring  504  further comprises an upper terminal surface  570  and a lower terminal surface  572 . The upper and lower terminal surfaces  570 ,  572  join the inner surface  540  to the outer surface  550 . 
     Formed in the outer surface  550  of the seal ring  500  are a pair of seal retention features  580 . The seal retention features  580  takes the form of a pair of lips  584  extending from the upper terminal surface  570  and the lower terminal surface  572 . The lips  584  of the seal retention feature  580  extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A and encircle the annular ring  500 . Each of the lips  584  extend an entirety of the circumference of the outer surface  550 . The lips  584  protrude beyond the outer surface  550  and are located at an upper edge  574  and a lower edge  576  of the outer ring  502 . Each of the lips  584  have an outer diameter which is greater than an outer diameter of the outer surface  550 . In other embodiments, the lips  584  may extend at an angle other than perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A or may not extend an entirety of the circumference of the seal ring  500 . 
     When in an assembled state, the inner surface  540  is in contact with the corresponding surfaces of the seal cavities  110 ,  210 . The channel inner surfaces  131 ,  231  engage the inner surface  540  of the seal ring  500 . In particular, the channel inner surface  131  engages the lower inner surface  542  of the seal ring  500 . The channel inner surface  231  engages the upper inner surface  541  of the seal ring  500 . Thus, the outer ring  504  is radially compressed against the inner surfaces  131 ,  231  of the substrate seal channel  130  and the component seal channel  230 . The upper and lower terminal surfaces  570 ,  572  are spaced from the channel floors  132 ,  232 . Similarly, the upper web surface  561  is spaced from the component ring  226  and the lower web surface  562  is spaced from the substrate  126 . This beneficially ensures that the first and second mating surfaces  530 ,  120 ,  220  are in contact without being over-constrained. As a result, the interface between the first and second mating surfaces  530 ,  120 ,  220  form a first seal. The interface between the channel inner surfaces  131 ,  231  and the inner surface  540  of the seal ring  300  form a second seal. The interface between the channel outer surfaces  133 ,  233  and the outer surface  450  does not form a third seal due to the existence of the lips  584  of the seal retention feature  580 . However, the lips  584  engage the channel outer surfaces  133 ,  233  and are compressed by the channel outer surfaces  133 ,  233 . This results in a third seal being formed at the interface between the channel outer surfaces  133 ,  233  and the lips  584 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  6 C-F , a method of installing a seal ring  500  is illustrated. In  FIG.  6 C , a seal ring  500  is positioned above a seal cavity  110  of a substrate block  104 . In  FIG.  6 D , the seal ring  500  is partially inserted into the seal cavity  110 . The outer ring  504  is received in the substrate seal channel  130 . As can be seen, the lip  584  is in contact with the channel outer surface  133  while the outer surface  550  is spaced from the channel outer surface  133 . 
     In  FIG.  6 E , a fluid flow component  200  is mounted to the substrate block  104  and the seal ring  500  is compressed therebetween. The lip  584  of the seal retention feature  580  remains in contact with the channel outer surface  133  of the seal channel  130 , while the outer surface  550  is spaced from the channel outer surface  133 . Finally,  FIG.  6 F  illustrates removal of the fluid flow component  200  and the seal ring  500 . As can be seen, a groove  184  is formed by extended contact between the channel outer surface  133  and the lip  584 . The lip  584  deforms the channel outer surface  133  when the seal ring  500  is installed for a prolonged period of time. Formation of the groove  184  may occur after a day, a week, a month, or longer. 
     The lip  584  serves to increase the retention force of the seal ring  500  when installed in the seal cavity  110 . This beneficially aids in assembly of the fluid flow component  200  by reducing the chance that the seal ring  500  moves while the fluid flow component  200  is positioned over the substrate block  104 . In addition, the formation of a groove  184  facilitates maintenance and reassembly by improving retention of a replacement seal ring  500 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , another embodiment of a seal ring  600  is illustrated. The seal ring  600  is substantially identical to the seal ring  500  with the exception of an additional groove  682 . Thus, the seal ring  600  has an interior sleeve  602 , an outer ring  604 , a web  606  extending from the interior sleeve  602  to the outer ring  604 . The outer ring  604  has an inner surface  640  and an outer surface  650 . The outer surface  650  has seal retention features  680  formed thereon. In particular, the seal retention features  680  include a groove  682  arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A similar to the seal ring  400 . 
     In addition, a pair of lips  684  are formed at upper and lower edges  674 ,  676 . The lips  684  extend around the circumference of the seal ring  600  and have an outer diameter which is greater than an outer diameter of the outer surface  650  of the outer ring  604 . The lips  684  are interrupted by the groove  682 , but are otherwise continuous. The groove  682  has a concave surface and extends through both the lips  684  and the outer surface  650 . The groove  682  may have any shape including a slot with flat walls and bottom or any other profile. The cross-section of the groove  682  need not be continuous, and may vary from the upper edge  674  to the lower edge  676  as shown. 
       FIG.  7 C  illustrates the seal ring  600  installed in between a fluid flow component  200  and a substrate block  104 . The seal ring  600  is inserted into the seal cavities  210 ,  110  of the fluid flow component  200  and substrate block  104 . As can be seen, the outer ring  604  is inserted into the substrate seal channel  130  and the component seal channel  230 . The outer surface  650  of the seal ring  600  is spaced from the channel inner surfaces  133 ,  233 . The lips  684  engage the channel inner surfaces  133 ,  233  and the groove  682  allows fluid trapped in the seal cavities  110 ,  210  to escape prior to installation of the fluid flow component  200  on the substrate block  104 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C , another embodiment of a seal ring  700  is illustrated. The seal ring  700  is substantially identical to the seal ring  300  except as noted below. Thus, the seal ring  700  has an interior sleeve  702 , an outer ring  704 , a web  706  extending from the interior sleeve  702  to the outer ring  704 . The outer ring  704  has an inner surface  740  and an outer surface  750 . The inner surface  740  is divided into an upper inner surface  741  and a lower inner surface  742 . The outer ring  704  is modified such that the thickness of the outer ring  704  as measured from the inner surface  740  to the outer surface  750  may be reduced. Similarly, the web  706  may be modified to have a reduced thickness along a longitudinal axis A-A from an upper web surface  761  to a lower web surface  762 . 
     This reduction in thickness eases assembly and only marginally decreases the effectiveness of the second and third seals formed by the interfaces between the channel inner surfaces  131 ,  231  and the inner surface  740  and the channel outer surfaces  133 ,  233  and the outer surface  750 . The reduced thickness of the web  706  may also offer increased space for liquid in the event that some liquid remains. Finally, decreasing the thicknesses of the web  706  and the outer ring  704  may permit liquid to escape and avoid issues with seal ring retention during assembly while still enabling the second and third seals to be formed. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , an exemplary substrate block  804  is illustrated. The substrate block  804  is substantially identical to the substrate block  104  as described above with the exceptions as noted herein. The substrate block  804  utilizes a seal cavities  810  which surround the ports  809 . The seal cavities  810  have a second mating surface  820 , a substrate ring  826 , and a substrate seal channel  830 . The second mating surface  820  forms a portion of the substrate port  809  just as with substrate block  104 . 
     The substrate ring  826  defines the substrate port  809 . The substrate port  809  terminates at the substrate ring  826  and is surrounded by the substrate ring  826 . The substrate ring  826  is recessed with respect to an upper surface  812  of the substrate block  804 . Surrounding the substrate ring  826  is the substrate seal channel  830 . The substrate seal channel  830  is recessed with respect to the substrate ring  826  and the upper surface  812  of the substrate block  804 . Thus, the substrate ring  826  protrudes above the substrate seal channel  830 . The substrate ring  826  may have any desired geometry. 
     The substrate seal channel  830  has a channel inner surface  831 , a channel floor  832 , and a channel outer surface  833 . The channel inner surface  831  is adjacent to the substrate ring  826 . The channel outer surface  833  is opposite the channel inner surface  833  and is radially outward from the channel inner surface  831 . The channel floor  832  joins the channel inner surface  831  and the channel outer surface  833 . 
     The seal cavity  810  further comprises a seal retention feature  840 . The seal retention feature  840  comprises a vent passageway  842  formed into the seal cavity  810  instead of the seal  300 . The vent passageway  842  prevents the channel outer surface  833  from sealing against the outer surface  350  but does permit fluid to pass through the vent passageway  842  unimpeded. This beneficially aids in seal retention. The vent passageway  842  may have a concave surface as shown or may be any other profile as desired. The vent passageway  842  extends from the upper surface  812  to the channel floor  832 . However, in other embodiments the vent passageway  842  may not extend to the channel floor  832 , but may be spaced therefrom. 
     As can be seen in  FIG.  9 C , a fluid flow component  200 , a substrate block  804 , and a seal  300  are illustrated with the seal  300  compressed between the substrate block  804  and the fluid flow component  200 . In alternate configurations, the fluid flow component  200  may also incorporate a seal retention features  840  such as a vent passageway  842 . In yet other configurations, both the fluid flow component  200  and the substrate block  804  may incorporate the vent passageway  842 . 
       FIGS.  10 A-C  illustrate yet another embodiment of a substrate block  904 . The substrate block  904  is substantially identical to the substrate block  104  as described above with the exceptions as noted herein. The substrate block  904  utilizes a seal cavities  910  which surround the ports  909 . The seal cavities  910  have a second mating surface  920 , a substrate ring  926 , and a substrate seal channel  930 . The second mating surface  920  forms a portion of the substrate port  909  just as with substrate block  104 . 
     The substrate ring  926  defines the substrate port  909 . The substrate port  909  terminates at the substrate ring  926  and is surrounded by the substrate ring  926 . The substrate ring  926  is recessed with respect to an upper surface  912  of the substrate block  904 . Surrounding the substrate ring  926  is the substrate seal channel  930 . The substrate seal channel  930  is recessed with respect to the substrate ring  926  and the upper surface  912  of the substrate block  904 . Thus, the substrate ring  926  protrudes above the substrate seal channel  930 . The substrate ring  926  may have any desired geometry. 
     The substrate seal channel  930  has a channel inner surface  931 , a channel floor  932 , and a channel outer surface  933 . The channel inner surface  931  is adjacent to the substrate ring  926 . The channel outer surface  933  is opposite the channel inner surface  933  and is radially outward from the channel inner surface  931 . The channel floor  932  joins the channel inner surface  931  and the channel outer surface  933 . 
     The seal cavity  910  further comprises a seal retention feature  940 . The seal retention feature  940  comprises a lip  942  formed on the channel outer surface  933  of the seal cavity  910  instead of the seal  300 . The lip  942  engages the outer surface  350  of a seal  300 . In this embodiment of the substrate block  904 , the channel outer surface  933  is spaced from the outer surface  350  of the seal  300 . The lip  942  deforms the outer surface  350  of the seal  300  and retains the seal  300 . As can be seen, the lip  942  has an inner diameter which is less than an outer diameter of the outer surface  350  of the seal  300 . In some embodiments, the lip  942  does not extend around an entirety of the circumference of the channel outer surface  933 . In other embodiments, the lip  942  may be combined with other seal retention features described above. Furthermore, the lip  942  may be incorporated in either or both of the substrate block  904  and the fluid flow component  200 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG.  10 C , a fluid flow component  200 , a substrate block  904 , and a seal  300  are illustrated with the seal  300  compressed between the substrate block  904  and the fluid flow component  200 . In alternate configurations, the fluid flow component  200  may also incorporate a seal retention features  940  such as a lip  942 . As noted above, both the fluid flow component  200  and the substrate block  904  may incorporate the lip  942 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  11 A-C , another embodiment of a seal ring  1500  is illustrated. The seal ring  1500  is similar to the seal ring  500  except as discussed below. Thus, the seal ring  1500  has an interior sleeve  1502 , an outer ring  1504 , a first web  1506  extending from the interior sleeve  1502  to the outer ring  1504 . The outer ring  1504  has an inner surface  1540  and an outer surface  1550 . A sleeve fluid passageway  1508  is defined by an interior surface  1509  of the interior sleeve  1502 . A second web  1510  extends across the sleeve fluid passageway  1508 . The second web  1510  comprises an aperture  1511  that extends through the second web  1510  along a longitudinal axis A-A. The longitudinal axis A-A extends along the sleeve fluid passageway  1508  of the interior sleeve  1502 . The seal ring  1500  is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. 
     The aperture  1511  may be sized to provide a known pressure drop for a specific fluid and flow rate. Thus, the aperture  1511  may be used to restrict flow and the exact size of the aperture  1511  may be selected to achieve a given pressure drop or flow rate for a particular fluid. The second web  1510  may have a maximum height H Max  and a minimum height H Min , the maximum height H Max  being greater than the minimum height H Min . The maximum height H Max  is located proximate the interior surface  1509  of the interior sleeve  1502  and the minimum height H Min  is located proximate the aperture  1511 . Thus, the second web  1510  tapers toward the longitudinal axis A-A. Optionally, the second web  1510  may have a constant thickness, such that the maximum height H Max  and minimum height H Min  are equal. The maximum height H Max  is less than a height H I  of the interior sleeve  1502 . 
     The aperture  1511  also has a diameter D A  which is less than a diameter D S  of the sleeve fluid passageway  1508 . Thus, the aperture  1511  provides a greater restriction to fluid flow than a seal ring which lacks the second web  1510 . The diameter D A  may be sized to achieve a desired pressure drop or flow rate of a fluid used in the fluid delivery system  1500 . Optionally, a plurality of apertures  1511  may be provided through the second web  1510  and need not all be aligned with the longitudinal axis A-A. Instead, the plurality of apertures  1511  may be spaced in a circular pattern about the second web  1510  or may be arranged in any desired configuration. 
       FIG.  11 C  illustrates the seal ring  1500  installed in between a fluid flow component  200  and a substrate block  104 . The seal ring  1500  is inserted into the seal cavities  210 ,  110  of the fluid flow component  200  and substrate block  104 . As can be seen, the outer ring  1504  is inserted into the substrate seal channel  130  and the component seal channel  230 . The outer surface  1550  of the seal ring  1500  is in contact with the channel inner surfaces  133 ,  233 . The aperture  1511  constricts the flow path in the substrate block  104  and the fluid flow component  200 , providing a restriction to fluid flow. This restriction may be selected to achieve a desired flow restriction and may also be selected to improve mixing of the fluid or for any other purpose. Optionally, the seal ring  1500  may also incorporate any of the seal retention features described above. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  12 A-C , another embodiment of a seal ring  1600  is illustrated. The seal ring  1600  is similar to the seal ring  500  except as discussed below. Thus, the seal ring  1600  has an interior sleeve  1602 , an outer ring  1604 , a first web  1606  extending from the interior sleeve  1602  to the outer ring  1604 . The outer ring  1604  has an inner surface  1640  and an outer surface  1650 . A sleeve fluid passageway  1608  is defined by an interior surface  1609  of the interior sleeve  1602 . A second web  1610  extends across the sleeve fluid passageway  1608 . A longitudinal axis A-A extends along the sleeve fluid passageway  1608  of the interior sleeve  1602 . The seal ring  1600  is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. 
     The second web  1610  may have a maximum height H Max  and a minimum height H Min , the maximum height H Max  being greater than the minimum height H Min . The maximum height H Max  is located proximate the interior surface  1609  of the interior sleeve  1602  and the minimum height H Min  is located proximate the longitudinal axis A-A. Thus, the second web  1610  tapers toward the longitudinal axis A-A. Optionally, the second web  1610  may have a constant thickness, such that the maximum height H Max  and minimum height H Min  are equal. The maximum height H Max  is less than a height H I  of the interior sleeve  1602 . The sleeve fluid passageway  1608  has a diameter D S . The second web  1610  extends across an entirety of the diameter D S  to completely block the sleeve fluid passageway  1608 . The second web  1610  prevents fluid flow through the sleeve fluid passageway  1608  and is free of holes or passages. 
       FIG.  12 C  illustrates the seal ring  1600  installed in between a fluid flow component  200  and a substrate block  104 . The seal ring  1600  is inserted into the seal cavities  210 ,  110  of the fluid flow component  200  and substrate block  104 . As can be seen, the outer ring  1604  is inserted into the substrate seal channel  130  and the component seal channel  230 . The outer surface  1650  of the seal ring  1600  is in contact with the channel inner surfaces  133 ,  233 . The second web  1610  blocks the flow path in the substrate block  104  and the fluid flow component  200 , preventing fluid flow. This restriction may be selected to achieve a desired flow restriction and may also be selected to improve mixing of the fluid or for any other purpose. Optionally, the seal ring  1600  may also incorporate any of the seal retention features described above. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above-described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims. 
     The invention may be more fully described via the exemplary claims below. 
     Exemplary claim  1 : A fluid delivery system comprising a substrate block comprising an upper surface; a first substrate port in the upper surface; a second substrate port in the upper surface; a substrate fluid passageway extending between the first substrate port and the second substrate port; a substrate ring defining the second substrate port; and a substrate seal channel formed in the upper surface and surrounding the substrate ring, an outer surface of the substrate ring forming an inner surface of the substrate seal channel. The fluid delivery system further comprising an active component comprising a lower surface; a first component port in the lower surface; a component fluid passageway extending from the first component port; a component ring defining the first component port; and a component seal channel formed in the lower surface and surrounding the component ring, an outer surface of the component ring forming an inner surface of the component seal channel. The fluid delivery system further comprising a seal ring comprising an interior sleeve defining a sleeve fluid passageway; and an outer ring connected to and surrounding the interior sleeve so that: (1) an annular upper sleeve groove is formed between an upper portion of the outer ring and an upper portion of the interior sleeve; and (2) an annular lower sleeve groove is formed between a lower portion of the outer ring and a lower portion of the interior sleeve, the outer ring comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a seal retention feature, the seal retention feature formed on the outer surface of the outer ring. The active component mounted to the substrate block so that: (1) the second substrate port and the first component port are aligned; and (2) the seal ring nests in each of the substrate seal channel and the component seal channel and the seal ring fluidly seals the substrate fluid passageway and the component fluid passageway. 
     Exemplary claim  2 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  1  wherein the seal ring comprises a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the interior sleeve, the seal ring being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. 
     Exemplary claim  3 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  1  wherein the seal retention feature comprises a groove. 
     Exemplary claim  4 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  3  wherein the seal retention feature comprises a plurality of grooves. 
     Exemplary claim  5 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  3  wherein the seal ring comprises a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the interior sleeve, the groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. 
     Exemplary claim  6 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  1  wherein the seal retention feature comprises a lip. 
     Exemplary claim  7 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  6  wherein the lip is arranged at one of an upper edge of the outer ring or a lower edge of the outer ring. 
     Exemplary claim  8 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  6  wherein the seal retention feature comprises a plurality of lips. 
     Exemplary claim  9 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  6  wherein the lip has an outer diameter which is greater than an outer diameter of the outer surface of the outer ring. 
     Exemplary claim  10 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  9  wherein the outer diameter of the lip is greater than an outer diameter of an outer surface of the substrate seal channel. 
     Exemplary claim  11 : A seal ring, the seal ring comprising an interior sleeve defining a sleeve fluid passageway; an outer ring connected to and surrounding the interior sleeve so that: (1) an annular upper sleeve groove is formed between an upper portion of the outer ring and an upper portion of the interior sleeve; and (2) an annular lower sleeve groove is formed between a lower portion of the outer ring and a lower portion of the interior sleeve, the outer ring comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a seal retention feature, the seal retention feature formed on the outer surface of the outer ring. 
     Exemplary claim  12 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  11  wherein the seal ring comprises a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the interior sleeve, the seal ring being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. 
     Exemplary claim  13 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  11  wherein the seal retention feature comprises a groove. 
     Exemplary claim  14 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  13  wherein the seal retention feature comprises a plurality of grooves. 
     Exemplary claim  15 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  13  wherein the seal ring comprises a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the interior sleeve, the groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. 
     Exemplary claim  16 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  11  wherein the seal retention feature comprises a lip. 
     Exemplary claim  17 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  16  wherein the lip is arranged at one of an upper edge of the outer ring or a lower edge of the outer ring. 
     Exemplary claim  18 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  16  wherein the seal retention feature comprises a plurality of lips. 
     Exemplary claim  19 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  16  wherein the lip has an outer diameter which is greater than an outer diameter of the outer surface of the outer ring. 
     Exemplary claim  20 : A method of assembling a fluid delivery system comprising a) providing a substrate block, the substrate block comprising an upper surface, a first substrate port in the upper surface, a second substrate port in the upper surface, a substrate fluid passageway extending between the first substrate port and the second substrate port, a substrate ring defining the second substrate port, and a substrate seal channel formed in the upper surface and surrounding the substrate ring, an outer surface of the substrate ring forming an inner surface of the substrate seal channel; b) inserting a seal ring into the first substrate port in the upper surface of the substrate block, the seal ring comprising an interior sleeve defining a sleeve fluid passageway and an outer ring, the outer ring connected to and surrounding the interior sleeve so that (1) an annular upper sleeve groove is formed between an upper portion of the outer ring and an upper portion of the interior sleeve and (2) an annular lower sleeve groove is formed between a lower portion of the outer ring and a lower portion of the interior sleeve, the outer ring comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a seal retention feature, the seal retention feature formed on the outer surface of the outer ring, the seal annular lower sleeve groove receiving the substrate ring of the first substrate port; and c) coupling an active component to the substrate block, the active component comprising a lower surface, a first component port in the lower surface, a component fluid passageway extending from the first component port, a component ring defining the first component port, and a component seal channel formed in the lower surface and surrounding the component ring, an outer surface of the component ring forming an inner surface of the component seal channel, the annular upper sleeve groove of the seal ring receiving the component ring of the active component. 
     Exemplary claim  21 : The method of exemplary claim  20  wherein in step b), the seal retention feature comprises a groove that forms a passageway between an outer surface of the substrate seal channel and the outer ring of the seal ring. 
     Exemplary claim  22 : The method of exemplary claim  21  wherein in step b-1), a liquid within the substrate seal channel is forced through the passageway formed by the groove and the outer surface of the substrate seal channel. 
     Exemplary claim  23 : The method of exemplary claim  20  wherein in step b), the seal retention feature comprises a lip that engages an outer surface of the substrate seal channel. 
     Exemplary claim  24 : The method of exemplary claim  23  wherein in step b-2), the lip deforms the outer surface of the substrate seal channel to form an undercut. 
     Exemplary claim  25 : A fluid delivery system comprising a substrate block comprising an upper surface; a first substrate port in the upper surface; a second substrate port in the upper surface; a substrate fluid passageway extending between the first substrate port and the second substrate port; a substrate ring defining the second substrate port; a substrate seal channel formed in the upper surface and surrounding the substrate ring, an outer surface of the substrate ring forming an inner surface of the substrate seal channel; and a substrate seal retention feature formed on an outer surface of the substrate seal channel, the outer surface opposite the inner surface of the substrate seal channel. The fluid delivery system further comprising an active component comprising a lower surface; a first component port in the lower surface; a component fluid passageway extending from the first component port; a component ring defining the first component port; and a component seal channel formed in the lower surface and surrounding the component ring, an outer surface of the component ring forming an inner surface of the component seal channel. The fluid delivery system further comprising a seal ring comprising an interior sleeve defining a sleeve fluid passageway; and an outer ring connected to and surrounding the interior sleeve so that: (1) an annular upper sleeve groove is formed between an upper portion of the outer ring and an upper portion of the interior sleeve; and (2) an annular lower sleeve groove is formed between a lower portion of the outer ring and a lower portion of the interior sleeve. The active component mounted to the substrate block so that: (1) the second substrate port and the first component port are aligned; and (2) the seal ring nests in each of the substrate seal channel and the component seal channel and the seal ring fluidly seals the substrate fluid passageway and the component fluid passageway. 
     Exemplary claim  26 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  25  wherein the substrate seal retention feature comprises a groove. 
     Exemplary claim  27 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  26  wherein the substrate seal retention feature comprises a plurality of grooves. 
     Exemplary claim  28 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  26  wherein the seal ring comprises a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the interior sleeve, the groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. 
     Exemplary claim  29 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  25  wherein the substrate seal retention feature comprises a lip. 
     Exemplary claim  30 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  29  wherein the lip protrudes from the outer surface of the substrate seal channel. 
     Exemplary claim  31 : The fluid delivery system of exemplary claim  29  wherein the lip has an inner diameter which is less than an outer diameter of the outer ring of the seal ring. 
     Exemplary claim  32 : A method of assembling a fluid delivery system comprising a) providing a substrate block, the substrate block comprising an upper surface, a first substrate port in the upper surface, a second substrate port in the upper surface, a substrate fluid passageway extending between the first substrate port and the second substrate port, a substrate ring defining the second substrate port, a substrate seal channel formed in the upper surface and surrounding the substrate ring, an outer surface of the substrate ring forming an inner surface of the substrate seal channel, and a substrate seal retention feature formed on an outer surface of the substrate seal channel, the outer surface opposite the inner surface of the substrate seal channel; b) inserting a seal ring into the first substrate port in the upper surface of the substrate block, the seal ring comprising an interior sleeve defining a sleeve fluid passageway and an outer ring, the outer ring connected to and surrounding the interior sleeve so that (1) an annular upper sleeve groove is formed between an upper portion of the outer ring and an upper portion of the interior sleeve and (2) an annular lower sleeve groove is formed between a lower portion of the outer ring and a lower portion of the interior sleeve, the seal annular lower sleeve groove receiving the substrate ring of the first substrate port; c) coupling an active component to the substrate block, the active component comprising a lower surface, a first component port in the lower surface, a component fluid passageway extending from the first component port, a component ring defining the first component port, and a component seal channel formed in the lower surface and surrounding the component ring, an outer surface of the component ring forming an inner surface of the component seal channel, the annular upper sleeve groove of the seal ring receiving the component ring of the active component. 
     Exemplary claim  33 : A seal ring, the seal ring comprising an interior sleeve defining a sleeve fluid passageway; an outer ring connected to and surrounding the interior sleeve so that: (1) an annular upper sleeve groove is formed between an upper portion of the outer ring and an upper portion of the interior sleeve; and (2) an annular lower sleeve groove is formed between a lower portion of the outer ring and a lower portion of the interior sleeve; and a web extending across the sleeve fluid passageway. 
     Exemplary claim  34 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  33  wherein the seal ring comprises a longitudinal axis extending along the interior sleeve, the seal ring being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. 
     Exemplary claim  35 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  33  wherein the web is free of holes or passages. 
     Exemplary claim  36 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  33  wherein the web prevents fluid flow through the sleeve fluid passageway. 
     Exemplary claim  37 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  33  wherein the web comprises an aperture, the aperture having a smaller diameter than a diameter of the sleeve fluid passageway. 
     Exemplary claim  38 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  33  wherein the web tapers toward a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis extending along the sleeve fluid passageway. 
     Exemplary claim  39 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  33  wherein the web has a constant thickness. 
     Exemplary claim  40 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  33  wherein the web has a maximum height which is less than a height of the interior sleeve. 
     Exemplary claim  41 : The seal ring of exemplary claim  33  wherein the outer ring comprises a seal retention feature.