Patent Publication Number: US-2023134445-A1

Title: Filter cartridge assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119 of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/275,725, filed Nov. 4, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates a filter. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a removable filter cartridge in a filter cartridge assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Filters can be employed in semiconductor manufacturing to remove contaminants from a fluid. Fluid (e.g., liquid, water, or the like) is directed through a filter disposed within a housing. The filter can be configured to remove containments such as, for example, solids and other particulates, as the fluid/liquid passes through the filter. In particular, a filter can be used to remove solid containments from a liquid as the liquid passes through the filter. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, a filter assembly for filtering liquid includes a filter housing and a filter cartridge. The filter housing includes a cap, a bowl, and an enclosed space. A lower circumferential surface of the cap is affixed to an upper circumferential surface of the bowl to form the enclosed space. The cap includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a gas venting port for the enclosed space. The bowl includes slots disposed on an inner side of the bowl. The filter cartridge is disposed in the enclosed space of the filter housing and is fluidly connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port in the cap. The filter cartridge includes radial projections. The radial projections are disposed in the slots of the bowl blocking rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl and preventing a bottom and a side of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl. 
     In an embodiment, a method of making a filter assembly for filtering liquid includes inserting a filter cartridge into a bowl. The filter cartridge includes radial projections and the bowl includes slots disposed on an inner side of the bowl. The inserting of the filter cartridge into the bowl inserting each of the radial projections into a respective one of the slots of the bowl. The radial projections inserted in the slots prevents rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl and prevents a bottom and a side of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl. The method also includes affixing a cap to the bowl to form an enclosed space containing the filter cartridge. The cap includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a gas venting port. The affixing of the cap to the bowl includes affixing a lower circumferential surface of the cap to an upper circumferential surface of the bowl. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a filter assembly. 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded view of the filter assembly of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a top perspective view of a filter cartridge of a filter assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom view of a cover of a filter assembly, accordingly to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a top perspective view of a bowl of a filter assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of a filter cartridge in a bowl of a filter assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a vertical cross sectional view of the filter assembly of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a bottom perspective view of a filter bowl, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Like numbers represent like features. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a filter assembly  1 .  FIG.  2    is an exploded view of the filter assembly  1 . The filter assembly  1  includes a filter housing  10  and a filter cartridge  60  (e.g., shown in  FIG.  2   ) disposed within the enclosed space of the filter housing  10 . The filter housing  10  includes a cap  20  and a bowl  40 . The filter cartridge  60  is disposed within the filter housing  10 . The filter assembly  1  is configured to filter a liquid. For example, the filter assembly  1  is configured to filter a liquid used in semiconductor manufacturing, such as but not limited to, photolithography and wet etch and clean process of semiconductor manufacturing. The filter cartridge  60  is configured to filter contaminants found in the liquid of such semiconductor manufacturing processes (e.g., particulate solids, metal ions, etc.). For example, the liquid may be, but is not limited to, water. In an embodiment, the fluid includes liquid water. 
     The fluid enters and exits the filter housing  10  through ports  22 A,  22 B,  22 C in the cap  20 . The cap  20  includes a pair of fluid ports  22 A,  22 B and a gas venting port  22 C. The fluid ports  22 A,  22 B are configured to direct the fluid into and out of the filter housing  10 . For example, fluid enters the filter assembly  1  through inlet fluid port  22 A and the fluid (after being filtered by the filter assembly  1 ) is discharged from the filter assembly  1  through the fluid outlet port  22 B. 
     The fluid flowing into the housing  10  can also contain gas mixed with the liquid. The gas can be one or more of types of gases that occur in the semiconductor manufacturing processes discussed above (e.g., air bubbles, gaseous byproduct(s), etc.). The fluid contains mostly liquid (e.g., fluid being at least 50% liquid by volume, fluid being at least 90% liquid by volume). The housing  10  is configured to vent gas contained within the housing  10  (e.g., within the enclosed space  12 ) through the gas venting port  22 C. For example, the housing  10  is configured such that gas within the enclosed space  12  is directed to the gas venting port  22 C. The gas is then discharged through the gas venting port  22 C and prevents buildup of gas within the housing  10 . 
     The filter cartridge  60  is disposed in the bowl  40  and the bottom  24  of the cap  20  is affixed to the top of the bowl  40  and to the top of the filter cartridge  60 . In an embodiment, “affixed” and “affixing” as described herein refers to the direct affixing of the two pieces/surfaces to each other. In an embodiment, affixing of two surfaces/pieces is the bonding (e.g., thermal bonding) of the two pieces/surfaces to each other. For example, the surfaces of one or each pieces are/is heated and then the surfaces are contacted to each other to thermally fuse the materials (e.g., polymer, etc.) of the pieces together. The cap  20  is affixed to the bowl  40  to form the enclosed space  12  (e.g., see  FIGS.  1  and  7   ) containing the filter cartridge  60 . In particular, a lower circumferential surface  26  on the bottom  24  of the cap  20  is affixed to an upper circumferential surface  42  of the bowl  40 . The bottom  24  of cap  20  is also affixed to the top  62  of the filter cartridge  62 . In particular, a (first) connection ridge  30  on the bottom  24  of the cap  20  is affixed to a (second) connection ridge  70  on the top  62  of the filter cartridge  62 . It should be understood that a circumferential surface is not limited to have a circular shape in an embodiment may be any shape that loops around a circumference (e.g., circular shaped, oval shaped, rectangular shaped, etc.). 
       FIG.  3    is a top perspective view of the filter cartridge  60 . The filter cartridge  60  has a top  62 , a bottom  64  opposite to the top  62 , and a side  66 . The side  66  extends between the top  62  and the bottom  64  of the filter cartridge  60  (e.g., extend from the top  62  to the bottom  64  of the cap). The filter cartridge  60  includes a cartridge inlet  68 A and a cartridge outlet  68 B in the top  62 . In an embodiment, the side  66  of the filter cartridge  60  includes a filter material  67 . In an embodiment, fluid/liquid is filtered by the filter cartridge  60  by passing through the filter material  67  into the filter cartridge  60 . The filtered fluid/liquid then flows out of the filter cartridge  60  through the cartridge outlet  68 B. The cartridge inlet  68 A and the cartridge outlet  68 B are discussed in more detail below. As shown in  FIG.  3   , the filter cartridge  10  has a cylindrical shape with a vertical axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge inlet  68 A is disposed along the vertical axis A of filter cartridge  10 . 
     The top  62  of the filter cartridge  60  also includes a connection ridge  70  that extends from the top  62  of the filter cartridge  60  (e.g., extends upward from the top surface). The connection ridge  70  individually surrounds each of the cartridge inlet  68 A and the cartridge outlet  68 B (e.g., surrounds the opening of the cartridge inlet  68 A provided in the top  62 , surrounds the opening of the cartridge outlet  68 B in the top  62 ). In the filter cartridge assembly (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  7   ), the connection ridge  70  of the filter cartridge  60  is affixed to (e.g., bonded to) the bottom  24  of the cap  20 . For example, the connection ridge  70  of the filter cartridge  60  may be affixed to (e.g., bonded to) a connection ridge  30  on the bottom  24  of the cap  20 , as discussed below. 
     The connection ridge  70  of the filter cartridge  60  includes a first portion  70 - 1  and a second portion  70 - 2 . The second portion  70 - 2  can extend from the first portion  70 - 1  as shown in  FIG.  3   . The first portion  70 - 1  surrounds the cartridge inlet  68 A and the second portion  70 - 2  surrounds the cartridge outlet  66 . For example, the first portion  70 - 1  surrounds the cartridge inlet  68 A without surrounding the cartridge outlet  68 B, and the second portion  70 - 2  surrounds the cartridge outlet  68 B without surrounding the cartridge inlet  68 A. 
     The connection ridge  70  can also include a third portion  70 - 3  and a fourth portion  70 - 4  that each extend from the first portion  70 - 1 . Each of the second portion  70 - 1 , the third portion  70 - 3 , and the fourth portion  70 - 4  extends from the first portion  70 - 1  in a different direction (e.g., in a different radial direction). The respective angle (e.g., angle α, angle β, etc.) between each adjacent pair of the portions  70 - 2 ,  70 - 3 ,  70 - 4  extending from the first portion  70 - 1  is at least 30 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle between each adjacent pair of the portions  70 - 2 ,  70 - 3 ,  70 - 4  extending from the first portion  70 - 1  may be at least 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle between each adjacent pair of the portions  70 - 2 ,  70 - 3 ,  70 - 4  extending from the first portion  70 - 1  may be at least 100 degrees. The two additional portions  70 - 3 ,  70 - 3  can help ensure that contact of the cap  20  on the connection ridge  70  is more centered (e.g., helps equalize the downward force across the top  62  of the cartridge  60 , helps minimize horizontal force on the cap  20  when the cap  20  is pushed down onto the cartridge). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the connection ridges  30 ,  70  have four portions that extend from a first portion. It should be appreciated that the connection ridges  30 ,  70  may include a different number of portions than four in other embodiments. In an embodiment, the connection ridges  30 ,  70  may have just first and second portions. In an embodiment, the connection ridges may include the first and second portions and then one or more additional portions extending from the first portion or the second portion. In an embodiment, the connection ridges may include more than four portions (e.g., the first portion, the second portion, and two or more portions extending from the first portion and/or the second portion). 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the connection ridge  70  has a flat upper surface (e.g., along a single horizontal plane). In an embodiment, the upper surface of the connection ridge  70  may be made of multiple flat upper surfaces. For example, the upper surface of the first portion  70 - 1  in an embodiment may be along be a flat surface along a different horizontal plane than the flat upper surface of the second portion  70 - 2 . 
       FIG.  4    is a bottom view of the cap  20  of the filter assembly  1 . The cap  20  has a bottom  24  that is affixed (e.g., bonded) to the bowl  40  and the filter cartridge  60 . The ports  22 A,  22 B,  22 C extend through the cap  20  to the bottom  24  of the cap  20 . The bottom  24  of the cap  20  includes the lower circumferential surface  26  and the connection ridge  30 . The lower circumferential surface  26  integrally connects the cap  20  to the bowl  40 . The connection ridge  30  integrally connects the cap  20  to the filter cartridge  60 . 
     The connection ridge  30  extends from the bottom  24  of cap  20  (e.g., extends downward from a bottom surface of the cap  20 ). The connection ridge  30  individually surrounds each of the fluid inlet port  22 A and the fluid outlet port  22 B. The connection ridge  30  surrounds the opening of the fluid inlet port  22 A in the bottom  24  and surrounds the opening of the fluid outlet port  22 B in the top  24 . 
     The connection ridge  30  of the cap  20  includes a first portion  30 - 1  and a second portion  30 - 2 . The second portion  30 - 2  can extend from the first portion  30 - 1  (e.g., extends away from the first portion  30 - 1  on the bottom  24  of the cap  20 , extends away from the first portion  30 - 1  in a radial direction, as shown in  FIG.  4   . The first portion  30 - 1  surrounds the fluid inlet port  22 A and the second portion  30 - 2  surrounds the fluid outlet port  22 B. For example, the first portion  30 - 1  surrounds the fluid inlet port  22 A without surrounding the fluid outlet port  22 B, and the second portion  30 - 2  surrounds the fluid outlet port  22 A without surrounding the fluid inlet port  22 A. The connection ridge  30  is configured to not surround the gas venting port  22 C (e.g., does not surround the opening in the bottom  24  of the cap  20  for the gas venting port  22 C). 
     The connection ridge  30  can also include a third portion  30 - 3  and a fourth portion  30 - 4  that each extend from the first portion  30 - 1 . Each of the second portion  30 - 1 , the third portion  30 - 3 , and the fourth portion  30 - 4  extends from the first portion  30 - 1  in a different direction (e.g., in a different radial direction). The respective angle (e.g., angle α 2 , angle β 2 , etc.) between each adjacent pair of the portions  30 - 2 ,  30 - 3 ,  30 - 4  extending from the first portion  30 - 1  is at least  30  degrees. In an embodiment, the angle between each adjacent pair of the portions  30 - 2 ,  30 - 3 ,  30 - 4  extending from the first portion  30 - 1  may be at least 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle between each adjacent pair of the portions  30 - 2 ,  30 - 3 ,  30 - 4  extending from the first portion  30 - 1  may be at least 100 degrees. The two additional portions  30 - 3 ,  30 - 3  can help center the contact of the cap  20  on the top  62  of the filter cartridge  60  (e.g., helps equalize the downward force across the top  62  of the cartridge  60 , helps minimize horizontal force on the cap  20  when the cap  20  is pushed down onto the cartridge). 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lower circumferential surface  26  of cap  20  is spaced apart from the connection ridge  30  of the cap  20 . In particular, the lower circumferential surface  26  is radially spaced apart from the connection ridge  30 . For example, a circumferential groove  32  is provided in the bottom  24  of the cap  20  that separates the connection ridge  30  from the lower circumferential surface  26  of cap  20 . The bottom  24  of the cap and the groove  32  are shaped to direct gas from the fluid to the gas venting port  22 C. 
     In the filter cartridge assembly (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  7   ), the connection ridge  30  of the cap  20  is affixed (e.g., bonded) to the connection ridge  70  on the top  62  of the filter cartridge  60 . Each portions  30 - 1 ,  30 - 2 ,  30 - 3 ,  30 - 4  of the ridge  30  of the cap  20  is affixed (e.g., bonded) to a corresponding portion  70 - 1 ,  70 - 2 ,  70 - 3 ,  70 - 4  of the ridge  70  of the filter cartridge  60 . For example, the first portion  30 - 1  of the ridge  30  of the cap  20  is affixed (e.g., bonded) to the first portion  70 - 1  of the ridge  70  of the filter cartridge  60 , and the second portion  30 - 2  of the ridge  30   of the cap  20  is affixed (e.g., bonded) to the second portion  70 - 2  of the connection ridge  70  of the filter cartridge  60 . For example, the third portion  30 - 3  of the ridge  30  of the cap  20  is affixed (e.g., bonded) to the third portion  70 - 3  of the ridge  70  of the filter cartridge  60 , and the fourth portion  30 - 2  of the ridge  30  of the cap  20  is affixed (e.g., bonded) to the second portion  70 - 2  of the ridge  70  of the filter cartridge  60 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the connection ridge  30  has a flat lower surface (e.g., flat along a horizontal plane). In an embodiment, the connection ridge  30  may have multiple flat upper surfaces. For example, the flat lower surface of the first portion  30 - 1  in an embodiment may be along a different horizontal plane than the horizontal plane for the flat lower surface of the second portion  30 - 2 . 
       FIG.  5    shows a top perspective view of the bowl  40  of the filter assembly  1 . The bowl  40  includes a sidewall  44  and a bottom  46 . The sidewall  44  includes the upper circumferential surface  42  of the bowl  40  to which the cap  20  is affixed (e.g., bonded). The bowl  40  includes slots  48  disposed on an inner side  50  of the bowl  40 . One of the slots  48  is illustrated in dotted lines in  FIG.  5    as said slot is obscured in the view of  FIG.  5   . The bowl  40  includes a slot  48  for each of the radial projections  61  of the filter cartridge  60 . The slots  48  each extend in the vertical direction. Each of the slots  48  has a respective width W S1 , W S2 , W S3 . The width of each slot  48  measured in the circumferential direction of the bowl  40 . In an embodiment, one of the slots  48 A has a smaller width W S2  than the other slots  48  such that only the corresponding radial projection will fit into said slot  48 A. For example, this can ensure that only correct radial projection  61  fits in the slot  48 A and that the filter cartridge  60  is inserted into the bowl  40  in the correct orientation (e.g., filter cartridge  60  is not in a rotated). 
       FIG.  6    is a top view of the filter cartridge  60  disposed in the bowl  40 , according to an embodiment. For example,  FIG.  5    illustrates a top view of the filter assembly  1  with the cap  20  omitted. The filter cartridge  60  is disposed in the bowl  40  by inserting each of the radial projections  61  into a respective one of the slots  48  in the bowl  40 . Each radial projection  61  is disposed in a different one of the slots  48 . For example, the filter cartridge  60  can be configured to hang within the bowl  40  by the radial projections  61  (e.g., see  FIG.  7   ). For each radial projection  61 , the radial projection  61  and its respective slot  48  have the corresponding widths W S1 , W S2 , W S3  such that the radial projection  61  is prevented from moving circumferentially within its respective slot  48  (e.g., rotating circumferential direction Dc). For example, each radial projection  61  and its respective slot  48  have at or about the same width W S1 , W S2 , W S3  (e.g., the same width with a minor tolerance that allows for the radial projection  61  to be lifted out of slot  48  while preventing radial movement of the radial projection within its slot  48 ). The radial projections  61  are disposed in the slots  48  such that the filter cartridge  60  is blocked from rotating relative to the bowl  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cartridge  60  is configured to be inserted into the bowl  40  without rotating in the circumferential direction Dc. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , one of the slots  48 A has a smaller width W S2  than the other slots  48 . The corresponding radial projection  61 A for the slot  48 A also has a smaller width than the other radial projections  61 A. The smaller width W S2  of the slot  48 A prevents the non-corresponding radial projections  61  (e.g. the projections  61  other than the corresponding projection  61 A) from being inserted into the will fit into said slot  48 A. For example, this can ensure that only correct radial projection  61  fits in the slot  48 A and that the filter cartridge  60  is inserted into the bowl  40  in a predetermined orientation (e.g., filter cartridge  60  is inserted in a desired orientation). 
     The side  66  of the filter cartridge  60  is spaced radially apart from the inner side  50  of the bowl  40  by the radial projections  61 . The radial spacing forms one or more vent passageways  80 . The vent passageways  80  are defined by the side  66  of the filter cartridge  60 , the inner side  50  of the bowl  40 , and the radial projections  61 . Each vent passageway  80  is located between a respective circumferential adjacent pair of the radial projections  61 . The vent passageways  80  are configured to direct gas within the filter assembly  1  to the gas venting port  22 C in the cap  20 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cartridge  60  includes three radial projections  62  and the bowl  40  includes three slots  48 . However, it should be appreciated that the filter assembly  1  may include a different number of radial projections  62  and/or slots  48  in other embodiments. In an embodiment, the filter cartridge  60  may include two or more of the radial projections  62 . In an embodiment, the bowl  40  may include two or more of the slots  48 . In an embodiment, the filter cartridge may include at least three of the radial projections  62  and the bowl may include at least three of the slots  48 . 
       FIG.  7    is a vertical cross sectional view of the filter assembly  1 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , the affixed cap  20  and bowl  40  form the enclosed space  12  of the housing  10  containing the filter cartridge  60 . The cap  20  includes the fluid inlet port  22 A, the fluid outlet port  22 B, and the gas venting port  22 C for the enclosed space  12 . For example, the enclosed space  12  is enclosed except for the ports  22 A,  22 B,  22 C in cap  20 . 
     The filter cartridge  60  is disposed in the enclosed space  12  of the housing  10 . Each radial projection  61  of the filter cartridge  60  is disposed in a respective one of the slots  48  of the bowl  40 . For example, the radial projections  61  disposed in the slots  48  such that the filter cartridge  60  hangs within the bowl  40 . The radial projections  61  disposed in the slots  48  such that the side  66  and the bottom  64  of the filter cartridge  60  are prevented from contacting the bowl (e.g., do not contact the bottom  46  and/or the inner side  50  of the bowl  40 , the side  66  of the filter cartridge is spaced apart from the sidewall  44  of the bowl  40  and the bottom  64  of the filter cartridge  60  is spaced apart from the bottom  46  of the bowl  40 ). For example, the filter assembly  1  in an embodiment is configured to limit all contact between the filter cartridge  60  and the bowl  40  to be via the radial projections  61  and the slots  48  (e.g., all contact is the radial projections  61  contacting the slots  48 ). In an embodiment, “contact” as described herein is “direct contact”. 
     The general flow path F of the fluid through the filter assembly  1  and the housing is shown in dashed arrows in  FIG.  7   . Specifically, the flow path F is illustrated for the flow of liquid through the filter assembly  1 . The fluid F enters the housing  10  through the fluid inlet port  22 A in the cap  20 , passes through the filter cartridge  60 , and then the fluid (e.g., the filtered fluid) exits the housing  10  through the fluid discharge port  22 B. The connection ridge  30  of the cap  20  is affixed to the connection ridge  70  of the filter cartridge  60 . In an embodiment, all contact of the contact of the filter cartridge  60  with the cap  20  is via its connection ridge  70 . For example, all contact between the filter cartridge  60  and the cap  20  is via the connection ridges  30 ,  70  (e.g., all contact is the connection ridge  30  of the cap  20  contacting the connection ridge  70  of the filter cartridge  60 ). The first portion  30 - 1  of the connection ridge  30  of the cap  20  is affixed to the first portion  30 - 1  of the connection ridge  70  of filter cartridge  60 . The second portion  30 - 2  of the connection ridge  30  of the cap  20  is affixed to the second portion  30 - 2  of the connection ridge  70  of filter cartridge  60 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the ports  22 A,  22 B,  22 C each extend through the cap  20  to the bottom  24  of the cap  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the connection ridges  30 ,  70  form an intermediate inlet passageway  14 A and an intermediate outlet passageway  14 B which fluidly connect the fluid inlet port  22 A and the fluid discharge port  22 B in the cap  20  to the filter cartridge  60 . The affixed first portions  30 - 1 ,  70 - 1  of the cap  20  and the filter cartridge  60  form the intermediate inlet passageway  14 A. The intermediate inlet passageway  14 A fluidly connects the fluid inlet port  22 A of the cap  20  to the cartridge inlet  68 A of the filter cartridge  60 . The intermediate inlet passageway  14 A directs fluid supplied to the filter assembly  1  through the fluid inlet port  22  (e.g., the fluid to be filtered) from the fluid inlet port  22 A to the cartridge inlet  68 A. The intermediate inlet passageway  14 A is a sealed fluid connection from the fluid inlet port  22 A to the cartridge inlet  68 A (e.g., the intermediate inlet passageway  14 A directly connects the opening in the bottom  24  of cap  20  for the fluid inlet port  22 A to the opening in the top  61  of the filter cartridge  60  for the cartridge inlet  68 A). 
     The intermediate outlet passageway  14 B fluidly connects the cartridge outlet  68 B of the filter cartridge  60  to the fluid outlet port  22 B in the cap  20 . The intermediate outlet passageway  14 B directs the filtered fluid discharged from the cartridge inlet  68 A of the filter cartridge  60  (e.g., the fluid after passing through and being filtered by the filter cartridge  60 ) to the fluid outlet port  22 B of the cap  20 . The intermediate outlet passageway  14 B is a sealed fluid connection from the cartridge outlet  68 B to the fluid outlet port  22 B (e.g., the intermediate outlet passageway  14 B directly connects the opening in the top  61  of the filter cartridge  60  for the cartridge outlet  68 B to the opening in the bottom of cap  20  for the fluid outlet port  22 B). The filtered fluid is discharged from the filter assembly  1  through the fluid outlet port  22 B. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the cartridge inlet  68 A and the fluid inlet port  14 A are disposed along the vertical axis A of the filter cartridge  60 . The cartridge inlet  68 A and the fluid inlet port  14 B each extend along the vertical axis A (e.g.., extending parallel to the vertical axis A and overlapping the vertical axis A). It should be appreciated that the positions of the fluid inlet port  14 B and the fluid outlet port  14 B in the cap  20  may be different in other embodiments based on the configuration of the filter cartridge  60 . In an embodiment, the positions of the fluid inlet port  14 B and the fluid outlet port  14 B in the cap  20  may be inversed (e.g., the fluid outlet port  14  being along the vertical axis A of the filter cartridge  60 ). For example, in such an embodiment, the filter cartridge  60  may not include the filter cartridge inlet  68 A. For example, the filter inlet port  14 A may be configured to directly supply the fluid to the space between along the side  66  of the filter cartridge  60  without having to pass through the filter cartridge  60 . The fluid then in said space then being filtered by flowing through the side  66  of the filter cartridge  60  into the cartridge. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge inlet  68 A is an open passageway that extends through the filter cartridge  60 . The fluid flows through the cartridge inlet  68 A and out through an opening in the bottom  64  of the filter cartridge  60 . The fluid flows from the cartridge inlet  68 A into the space between the bottom  64  of filter cartridge  60  and the bottom  46  of the bowl  40 , radially outward to the inner side  50  of the bowl, and then upwardly in the space along the side  66  of the filter cartridge  60  (e.g., between the side  66  of the filter cartridge  60  and the inner side  50  of the sidewall  44  of the bowl  40 ). The fluid flows radially inwardly through the side  66  of the filter cartridge  66  (e.g., a filter material forming the side of the filter cartridge  66 ). The fluid is filtered as it passes through the material of the side  66  of the filter cartridge  66 . The filtered fluid then flows upwardly within the filter cartridge  60  to the cartridge inlet  68 B. 
     In  FIG.  7   , the lower circumferential surface  26  of the cap  20  is affixed to the upper circumferential surface  42  of the bowl  40 . The lower circumferential surface  26  and the connection ridge  30  are spaced apart from each other on the bottom  24  of the cap  20 . For example, the lower circumferential surface  26  and the connection ridge  30  are spaced apart in the radial direction by the groove  32 . The lower circumferential surface  22  is spaced apart from the first part  30 - 1  and the second part  30 - 2  of the connection ridge  30  in the radial direction by the open space of the groove  32 . 
     One or more vent passageways  80  are formed between the inner side  50  of the bowl  40  and the side  66  of the filter cartridge  60 . Each vent passageway  80  extends vertically upward (e.g., in direction D1) between a respective adjacent pair of the radial projections  62  (e.g., shown in  FIG.  6   ). The vent passageway(s)  80  are configured to direct gas within the enclosed space  12  (e.g., bubbles from the liquid supplied to the filter assembly  1 ) to the gas venting port  22 C in the cap  20 . For example, the vent passageway(s)  80  is configured to direct gas in the fluid flowing vertically upward along the side  66  of the filter cartridge  60  (e.g., in the space between the inner side  50  of the bowl  40  and the side  66  of the filter cartridge  60 ) towards the bottom  24  of the cap  20 . For example, the vent passageway(s)  80  direct the gas into the groove  32  which funnels into the opening in the cap  20  for the gas venting port  22 C. 
       FIG.  8    is a bottom view of the bowl  40  of the filter assembly  1 . As shown in  FIG.  8   , the bowl  40  includes an exterior surface  52  with a plurality of protuberances  54 . In an embodiment, the bowl  40  may include one or more of the protuberances  54 . The protuberance(s)  54  are configured to provide an external keying feature that indicates an orientation of the filter assembly  1 . In an embodiment, the bowl  40  may include one or more of the protuberances  54 . 
     In an embodiment, a method of making a filter assembly (e.g., filter assembly  1 ) includes inserting a filter cartridge (e.g., filter cartridge  60 ) into a bowl (e.g., bowl  40 ) and affixing a cap (e.g., cap  20 ) to the bowl to form an enclosed space (e.g., enclosed space  12 ) containing the filter cartridge. Inserting the filter cartridge into the bowl can include inserting each radial projection (e.g., radial projection  61 ) into a respective slot (e.g., slot  48 ). 
     Affixing the cap to the bowl can include affixing a lower circumferential surface of the cap (e.g., lower circumferential surface  22 ) against an upper circumferential surface  42  of the bowl. In an embodiment, affixing the cap to the bowl includes affixing (e.g., bonding) a connection ridge on the bottom of the cap (e.g.,  30 ) to a connection ridge on the top of the filter cartridge (e.g., connection ridge  70 ). 
     In an embodiment, affixing as discussed herein refers to thermal bonding. The thermal bonding thermally fuses the cap to the bowl. The bonding thermally fuses the polymer material of the cap with the polymer material of the bowl and/or the polymer material of the filter cartridge. Thermal bonding can also be referred to as fusion bonding. In an embodiment, the lower circumferential surface of the cap is thermally bonded to the upper circumferential surface of the bowl. In an embodiment, the thermal bonding may be performed by heating one or more of the upper circumferential surface and the lower circumferential surface and then placing the surfaces against each other. In an embodiment, the bonding may be via ultrasonic bonding. 
     Aspects 
     Any of Aspects 1 – 15 can be combined with any of Aspects 16 – 18. 
     Aspect 1. A filter assembly for filtering liquid, comprising: a filter housing including a cap, a bowl, and an enclosed space, a lower circumferential surface of the cap affixed to an upper circumferential surface of the bowl to form the enclosed space, the cap including a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a gas venting port for the enclosed space, and the bowl including slots disposed on an inner side of the bowl; and a filter cartridge disposed in the enclosed space of the filter housing and fluidly connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port in the cap, and the filter cartridge including radial projections disposed in the slots of the bowl blocking rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl and preventing a bottom and a side of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl. 
     Aspect 2. The filter assembly of Aspect 1, wherein all contact between the cap and the bowl and between the cap and the filter cartridge is via flat surfaces of the cap, the bowl, and the filter cartridge. 
     Aspect 3. The filter assembly of any one of Aspects 1 and 2, wherein a bottom of the cap is pressed against a top of the filter cartridge preventing vertical movement of the filter cartridge in the enclosed space, and each of the radial projections is inserted into a respective one of the slots, each of the radial projections and the respective one of the slots have a same width that prevents circumferential movement of each of the radial projections within each of the slots. 
     Aspect 4. The filter assembly of any one of Aspects 1 - 3, wherein all contact between the filter cartridge and the bowl is via the radial projections and the slots. 
     Aspect 5. The filter assembly of any one of Aspects 1 - 4, wherein the cap includes a first connection ridge that extends from a bottom of the cap and surrounds each of the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port in the cap, and the filter cartridge includes a top with a cartridge inlet, a cartridge outlet, and a second connection ridge that extends from the top of the filter cartridge and surrounds each of the cartridge inlet and the cartridge outlet in the filter cartridge, and the first connection ridge of the cap being affixed to the second connection ridge of the filter cartridge. 
     Aspect 6. The filter assembly of Aspect 5, wherein all contact between the filter cartridge and the cap is via the first connection ridge and the second connection ridge. 
     Aspect 7. The filter assembly of any one of Aspects 5 or 6, wherein the first connection ridge is affixed to the second connection ridge to form each of: an intermediate inlet passageway that is a sealed fluid connection from the fluid inlet port of the cap to the cartridge inlet of the filter cartridge, and an intermediate outlet passageway that is a sealed fluid connection from the cartridge outlet of the filter cartridge to the fluid outlet port of the cap. 
     Aspect 8. The filter assembly of any one of Aspects 5 - 7, wherein the second connection ridge includes: a first ridge portion that surrounds the cartridge inlet, and a second ridge that extends from the first ridge portion and surrounds the cartridge outlet. 
     Aspect 9. The filter assembly of Aspect 8, wherein the second connection ridge includes a third ridge portion and a fourth ridge portion, and each of the second ridge portion, the third ridge portion, and the fourth ridge portion extends outward from the first portion in a different radial direction. 
     Aspect 10. The filter assembly of any one of Aspects 5 - 9, wherein the filter cartridge has a cylindrical shape, the cartridge inlet and the fluid inlet port disposed along a vertical axis of the cylindrical shape of the filter cartridge. 
     Aspect 11. The filter cartridge of any one of Aspects 5 - 10, wherein the first connection ridge and the second connection ridge have a same shape. 
     Aspect 12. The filter cartridge of any one of Aspects 5 - 11, wherein the lower circumferential surface is spaced apart from the first connection ridge of the cap. 
     Aspect 13. The filter cartridge of any one of Aspects 1 - 12, wherein the side of the filter cartridge is radially spaced apart from the inner side of the bowl by the radial projections to form one or more vent passageways configured to direct gas within the enclosed space to the gas venting port in the cap. 
     Aspect 14. The filter cartridge of Aspect 13, wherein the one or more vent passageways is a plurality of the vent passageways, each of the vent passageways extending between a respective pair of the radial projections. 
     Aspect 15. The filter cartridge of any one of Aspects 1 - 14, wherein the filter cartridge includes at least three of the radial projections, and the bowl including at least three of the slots. 
     Aspect 16. A method of making a filter assembly for filtering liquid, comprising: inserting a filter cartridge into a bowl, the filter cartridge including radial projections and the bowl including slots disposed on an inner side of the bowl, wherein the inserting of the filter cartridge into the bowl includes: inserting each of the radial projections into a respective one of the slots of the bowl, the radial projections inserted in the slots preventing rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl and preventing a bottom and a side of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl; and affixing a cap to the bowl to form an enclosed space containing the filter cartridge, the cap including a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a gas venting port, wherein the affixing of the cap to the bowl includes: affixing a lower circumferential surface of the cap to an upper circumferential surface of the bowl, 
     Aspect 17. The method of Aspect 16, wherein the inserting of the radial projections into the slots of the bowl results in the filter cartridge hanging within the bowl by the radial projections. 
     Aspect 18. The method of any one of Aspects 16 and 17, wherein the lower circumferential surface of the cap and the upper circumferential surface of the bowl are affixed by being thermally fused together. 
     The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.