Patent Publication Number: US-2013228509-A1

Title: Filtration system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Fluid filtration systems are common in both residential and industrial settings. Often, such systems include a disposable filter cartridge that removably mounts to a fixed base including fluid connections. When the disposable cartridge is spent, it can be removed from the base, discarded, and replaced with a fresh cartridge. There is an ongoing need to provide fluid filtration systems that offer enhanced performance and ease of mounting and removal. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Although filtration systems according to the present disclosure may be useful in any fluid filtration application, they may be particularly useful in the processing of chemical mechanical polishing/planarization (“CMP”) slurries for semiconductor manufacturing. In a typical CMP process, small particles suspended in the slurry are used to polish and/or planarize semiconductor wafers during their manufacture. The slurry is dispensed at a point of use (“POU”) for application to the wafer. 
     In order to attain consistent and even polishing, it can be important to strictly regulate the size of the particle in the slurry. A typical role of a filter in a CMP process is to allow passage of desirable particles while capturing larger agglomerated particles that can scratch the wafer or cause other defects. In order to achieve this function, a CMP filter must of course be plumbed into the CMP slurry fluid path at some point ahead of the POU. Typically, some amount of plumbing is present between the downstream side of the CMP filter and the POU. 
     To assist in regulating particle size, it can be desirable to reduce or eliminate areas of dead volume in the fluid paths upstream and/or downstream of the filter cartridge before the slurry reaches the POU. This is because dead volume can result in turbulence or eddies that can cause fluid to stagnate. Stagnating CMP fluid may cause particles to settle out of suspension. When such particles settle out of suspension, they can agglomerate, thus potentially creating large unwanted particulate masses in the fluid stream that can damage the wafer if allowed to reach the POU. Because a CMP filter is intended as a defense against such agglomerates reaching the POU, it can be especially important to reduce or eliminate slurry stagnation in the plumbing between the filter and the POU. Thus, the nature of the fluid connection between the CMP filter and the associated fluid paths can be important. 
     Filtration systems according to the present disclosure can reduce or eliminate stagnation of CMP slurries upstream and/or downstream of the filter cartridge by providing straight fluid paths into an/or out of the filter cartridge such that the CMP slurry need not follow a tortuous (i.e., stagnation prone) path upon entering and/or leaving the filter cartridge. One way some embodiments of the present disclosure accomplish this is to provide a filter cartridge comprising opposed first and second cartridge ends respectively comprising first and second cartridge ports aligned along—or at least oriented parallel to—a flow axis. In such embodiments, a fluid may flow into the filter cartridge and then and out of the filter cartridge along substantially linear flow paths. In order to accommodate such a filter cartridge, a filter manifold must comprise corresponding opposed first and second manifold ports to engage the opposed first and second cartridge ports. 
     In such embodiments, because the first and second cartridge ports must seal against or into the first and second manifold ports, the physical end-to-end length of the filter cartridge must be at least as large as the corresponding reception area in the filter manifold. This requirement may cause difficulties because a filter cartridge that is too short may not seal, while a filter cartridge that is too long may not fit within the space provided. Moreover, a filter cartridge that is precisely the correct length to both fit and seal may not be feasible since inevitable manufacturing tolerances in both the filter manifolds and filter cartridges can be difficult to control precisely enough to ensure a consistent fit. 
     In some embodiments, filtration systems according to the present disclosure can address the above problems by providing a filter cartridge wherein at least one of the first or second cartridge port comprises an extending portion moveable with respect to the cartridge body along the flow axis to a cartridge loading position and a cartridge service position. When in the cartridge loading position, the overall length of the filter cartridge is reduced such that the filter cartridge may be easily loaded into the filter manifold in the installation direction. Then, after loading, the extending portion(s) may be moved to the cartridge service position to fluidly connect the cartridge port(s) to the corresponding manifold port(s). These configurations can provide filtration systems and filter cartridges that can reduce or eliminate upstream and downstream fluid stagnation, do not require extremely precise manufacturing to control tight tolerances, can be easily fit and installed into a filter manifold, and can be reliably sealed into or against the filter manifold. 
     The present disclosure relates to a filtration system comprising a filter manifold and a filter cartridge. In one embodiment, the filter cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a flow axis and an installation direction orthogonal to the flow axis; a first cartridge port oriented parallel to the flow axis at a first cartridge end, the first cartridge port comprising a first extending portion moveable with respect to the cartridge body along the flow axis to a cartridge loading position and a cartridge service position; and a second cartridge port oriented parallel to the flow axis at a second cartridge end. In one embodiment, the filter manifold comprises a first manifold port to fluidly connect to the first cartridge port along the flow axis when the first extending portion is in the cartridge service position; and a second manifold port to fluidly connect to the second cartridge port. 
     In the above embodiments, the fluid connection between the first manifold port and the first cartridge port may comprise a piston seal. 
     In the above embodiments, the first manifold port may operate at an elevated pressure while the second manifold port operates near atmospheric pressure. 
     In the above embodiments, the filter manifold may comprise a first carriage moveable to a manifold loading position and a manifold service position, the first carriage to receive and carry the first extending portion in the installation direction when in the first carriage is in the manifold loading position and the first extending portion is in the cartridge loading position; wherein the first manifold port fluidly connects to the first cartridge port along the flow axis when the first carriage moves to the manifold service position to carry the first extending portion into the cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiment, the first carriage may rotate to move to the manifold loading position and the manifold service position. 
     In the above embodiments, the second manifold port may fluidly connect to the second cartridge port in the installation direction. 
     In the above embodiments, the second cartridge port may comprise a second extending portion moveable with respect to the cartridge body along the flow axis to a cartridge loading position and a cartridge service position; wherein the second manifold port fluidly connects to the second cartridge port along the flow axis when the second extending portion is in the cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiment, the fluid connection between the second manifold port and the second cartridge port may comprise a piston seal. 
     In the above embodiments, the filter manifold may comprise a second carriage moveable to a manifold loading position and a manifold service position, the second carriage to receive and carry the second extending portion in the installation direction when in the second carriage is in the manifold loading position and the second extending portion is in the cartridge loading position; wherein the second manifold port fluidly connects to the second cartridge port along the flow axis when the second carriage moves to the manifold service position to carry the second extending portion into the cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiment, the second carriage may rotate to move to the manifold loading position and the manifold service position. 
     In the above embodiments, the first carriage and the second carriage may be movable in unison to the manifold loading position and the manifold service position. 
     In the above embodiments, the cartridge body may be rotatable with respect to the first extending portion, wherein rotation of the cartridge body with respect to the first extending portion about the flow axis urges the first extending portion into the cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiments, the first extending portion and the filter manifold may each comprise a retention member, the retention members cooperating to prevent rotation of the first extending portion with respect to the filter manifold when the cartridge body is rotated about the flow axis. 
     In the above embodiments, the cartridge body may be rotatable with respect to the second extending portion, wherein rotation of the cartridge body with respect to the second extending portion about the flow axis urges the second extending portion into the cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiment, the second extending portion and the filter manifold may each comprise a retention member, the retention members cooperating to prevent rotation of the second extending portion with respect to the filter manifold when the cartridge body is rotated about the flow axis. 
     In the above embodiments, the filter manifold may hold the cartridge body to allow the cartridge body to rotate about the flow axis but not allow the cartridge body to move along the flow axis. 
     The present disclosure further relates to a filter cartridge comprising a cartridge body comprising a flow axis and an installation direction orthogonal to the flow axis; a first cartridge port oriented parallel to the flow axis at a first cartridge end, the first cartridge port comprising a first extending portion moveable with respect to the cartridge body along the flow axis to a cartridge loading position and a cartridge service position; and a second cartridge port oriented parallel to the flow axis at a second cartridge end. 
     In the above embodiment, the first cartridge port may comprise one of a piston sealing member or a piston sealing surface. 
     In the above embodiments, the second cartridge port may comprise a second extending portion moveable with respect to the cartridge body along the flow axis to a cartridge loading position and a cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiment, the second cartridge port may comprise one of a piston sealing member or a piston sealing surface. 
     In the above embodiments, the cartridge body may be rotatable with respect to the first extending portion, wherein rotation of the cartridge body with respect to the first extending portion about the flow axis urges the first extending portion into the cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiment, the first extending portion may comprise a retention member, the retention member cooperating with a retention member on a compatible filter manifold to prevent rotation of the first extending portion with respect to the filter manifold when the cartridge body is rotated about the flow axis. 
     In the above embodiments, the cartridge body may be rotatable with respect to the second extending portion, wherein rotation of the cartridge body with respect to the second extending portion about the flow axis urges the second extending portion into the cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiment, the second extending portion may comprise a retention member, the retention member cooperating with a retention member on a compatible filter manifold to prevent rotation of the second extending portion with respect to the filter manifold when the cartridge body is rotated about the flow axis. 
     In the above embodiments, the filter manifold may hold the cartridge body to allow the cartridge body to rotate about the flow axis but not allow the cartridge body to move along the flow axis. 
     The present disclosure further relates to a method of assembling a filtration system comprising a filter manifold and a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a flow axis and an installation direction orthogonal to the flow axis; a first cartridge port oriented parallel to the flow axis at a first cartridge end, the first cartridge port comprising a first extending portion moveable with respect to the cartridge body along the flow axis to a cartridge loading position and a cartridge service position; and a second cartridge port oriented parallel to the flow axis at a second cartridge end. The filter manifold comprises a first manifold port to fluidly connect to the first cartridge port along the flow axis when the first extending portion is in the cartridge service position; and a second manifold port to fluidly connect to the second cartridge port. The method comprises loading the filter cartridge into the filter manifold in the installation direction while the first extending portion is in the cartridge loading position; and moving the first extending portion into the cartridge service position to fluidly connect the first cartridge port to the first manifold port. 
     In the above embodiment, fluidly connecting the first cartridge port to the first manifold may comprise engaging a piston seal. 
     In the above embodiments, the method may comprise operating the operating the first manifold port at an elevated pressure and the second manifold port at near atmospheric pressure. 
     In the above embodiments, the filter manifold may comprise a first carriage moveable to a manifold loading position and a manifold service position, the first carriage to receive and carry the first extending portion in the installation direction when in the first carriage is in the manifold loading position and the first extending portion is in the cartridge loading position. The method may comprise moving the first carriage from the manifold loading position to the manifold service position to carry the first extending portion into the cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiment, moving the first carriage from the manifold loading position to the manifold service position may comprise rotating the first carriage. 
     In the above embodiments, the method may comprise fluidly connecting the second manifold port to the second cartridge port in the installation direction. 
     In the above embodiments, the second cartridge port may comprise a second extending portion moveable with respect to the cartridge body along the flow axis to a cartridge loading position and a cartridge service position. The method may comprise moving the second extending portion into the cartridge service position to fluidly connect the second cartridge port to the second manifold port. 
     In the above embodiments, fluidly connecting the second cartridge port to the second manifold may comprise engaging a piston seal. 
     In the above embodiments, the manifold may comprise a second carriage moveable to a manifold loading position and a manifold service position, the second carriage to receive and carry the second extending portion in the installation direction when in the second carriage is in the manifold loading position and the second extending portion is in the cartridge loading position. The method may comprise moving the second carriage from the manifold loading position to the manifold service position to carry the second extending portion into the cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiment, moving the second carriage from the manifold loading position to the manifold service position may comprise rotating the second carriage. 
     In the above embodiments, the method may comprise moving the first carriage and the second carriage in unison to the manifold loading position and the manifold service position. 
     In the above embodiments, the cartridge body may be rotatable with respect to the first extending portion. The method may comprise rotating the cartridge body with respect to the first extending portion about the flow axis to urge the first extending portion into the cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiment, the first extending portion and the filter manifold may each comprise a retention member. The method may comprise the retention members on the first extending portion and the filter manifold cooperating to prevent rotation of the first extending portion with respect to the filter manifold when the cartridge body is rotated about the flow axis. 
     In the above embodiments, the cartridge body may be rotatable with respect to the second extending portion. The method may comprise rotating the cartridge body with respect to the second extending portion about the flow axis to urge the second extending portion into the cartridge service position. 
     In the above embodiment, the second extending portion and the filter manifold may each comprise a retention member. The method may comprise the retention members on the second extending portion and the filter manifold cooperating to prevent rotation of the second extending portion with respect to the filter manifold when the cartridge body is rotated about the flow axis. 
     In the above embodiments, the filter manifold may hold the cartridge body to allow the cartridge body to rotate about the flow axis but not allow the cartridge body to move along the flow axis. 
     These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims, as may be amended during prosecution. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Throughout the specification, reference is made to the appended drawings, where like reference numerals designate like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross sectional view taken at  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  of an exemplary filter manifold according to the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 2B-2C  are cross sectional views taken at  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2D  is a detailed cross sectional view taken at  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  of an exemplary filter manifold according to the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 2E-2F  are detailed cross sectional views taken at  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross sectional view taken at  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  of an exemplary filter manifold according to the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4B-4C  are cross sectional views taken at  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4D  is a detailed cross sectional view taken at  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  of an exemplary filter manifold according to the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4E-4F  are detailed cross sectional views taken at  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6A  is a cross sectional view taken at  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  of an exemplary filter manifold according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross sectional view taken at  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 6C-6D  are detailed cross sectional views taken at  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 7-8  are perspective views of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross sectional view taken at  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  of an exemplary filter manifold according to the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 10B-10C  are cross sectional views taken at  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10D  is a detailed cross sectional view taken at  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  are schematic views of an exemplary filtration system according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     As shown in the appended Figures, the filtration system  10  may comprise a filter manifold  100  and a filter cartridge  200 . In one embodiment, the filter cartridge  200  comprises a cartridge body  202  comprising a flow axis  201  and an installation direction  203  orthogonal to the flow axis  201 . The filter cartridge  200  may comprise a filtration media  260  disposed inside the cartridge body  202 . Typically, the filtration media  260  surrounds a central core  262 . In use, a fluid to be filtered flows into the first cartridge port  210 , through the outer surface of the filtration media  260 , into the central core  262 , and out of the second cartridge port  220 . The fluid is supplied to the filter cartridge  200  from the fluid source  116  and is carried away from the filter cartridge  200  through the fluid exit  126 , both of which are disposed in the filter manifold  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the cartridge body  202  is generally cylindrical and the flow axis  201  is coaxial or at least parallel with the axis of the cylinder. Of course, other cartridge body  202  shapes are envisioned provided they are suitable for the operating conditions and any other design constraints of the particular application. Typically, the installation direction  203  is orthogonal to the flow axis  201 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 B- 2 C,  3 ,  4 B- 4 C,  5 ,  6 B,  9 , and  10 B- 10 C. It is envisioned that the installation direction  203  may slightly deviate from orthogonal to the flow axis  201  and still be considered orthogonal for purposes of the present disclosure. For example, the installation direction  203  may be within +/−5 degrees, preferably within +/−3 degrees, more preferably within +/−2 degrees, and even more preferably within +/−1 degree, of the true perpendicular direction from the flow axis  201  and still be considered orthogonal. 
     In one embodiment, the filter cartridge  200  comprises a first cartridge port  210  oriented parallel to the flow axis  201  at a first cartridge end  211 . It is envisioned that the first cartridge port  210  may be coaxial with the flow axis  201 , or may be offset from (but oriented parallel to) the flow axis  201 . As shown throughout the appended Figures, the first cartridge port  210  comprises a first extending portion  230  moveable with respect to the cartridge body  202  along the flow axis  201  to a cartridge loading position  234  and a cartridge service position  236 . 
     The filter cartridge  200  further comprises a second cartridge port  220  oriented parallel to the flow axis  201  at a second cartridge end  221 . As with the first cartridge port  210 , it is envisioned that the second cartridge port  220  may be coaxial with the flow axis  201 , or may be offset from (but oriented parallel to) the flow axis  201 . 
     In some embodiments, such as those shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  5 ,  7 , and associated detailed views, the second cartridge port  220  is static—i.e., the second cartridge port  220  is not moveable with respect to the cartridge body  202 . In other embodiments, such as the ones shown in FIGS.  9  and  11 A- 11 B, the second cartridge port  220  comprises a second extending portion  240  moveable to a cartridge loading position  234  and a cartridge service position  236 . 
     It should be understood that, while several features and advantages are discussed below with respect to embodiments of the first extending portion  230 , such features and advantages are equally applicable to embodiments of the second extending portion  240 , in the event one is provided on the second manifold port  120 . For purposes of simplifying the present disclosure, the term “extending portion  230 ,  240 ” is used herein to describe features of either or both of the first extending portion  230  and the second extending portion  240 . Similarly, the term “cartridge port  210 ,  220 ” is used herein to describe features of either or both of the first cartridge port  110  and the second cartridge port  220 . Also, the term “manifold port  110 ,  120 ” is used herein to describe features of either or both of the first manifold port  110  and the second manifold port  120 . 
     In some embodiments, such as the ones shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  5 ,  7 ,  11 A- 11 B, and associated detailed views, the extending portion  230 ,  240  comprises a telescoping portion that telescopes toward and away from the cartridge body  202 . In such embodiments, the telescoping portion typically comprises one or more internal seals  232 ,  242  to allow the telescoping portion to remain fluid tight against the filter cartridge  200  as it telescopes back and forth between the cartridge loading position  234  and the cartridge service position  236 . 
     In one embodiment, not explicitly shown in the Figures, the extending portion  230 ,  240  comprises a rotating portion that rotates upon a thread or cam to slide toward and away from the cartridge body  202 . In such embodiments, the rotating portion typically comprises one or more internal seals  232  to allow the rotating portion to remain fluid tight against the filter cartridge  200  as it rotates and slides to move back and forth between the cartridge loading position  234  and the cartridge service position  236 . 
     In some embodiments, such as those shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  9 , and associated detailed views, whether telescoping, rotating, or otherwise, the extending portion  230 ,  240  may comprise a piston seal  90  to seal the cartridge port  210 ,  220  in fluid connection with the manifold port  110 ,  120 . It is envisioned that, where a piston seal  90  is provided, either or both of the cartridge port  210 ,  220  and the manifold port  110 ,  120  may comprise a piston sealing member  91 , while the other comprises a piston sealing surface  92 . In some circumstances, it may be advantageous to provide the piston sealing member  91  on the cartridge port  210 ,  220 . For example, it may be desirable to ensure that the piston sealing member  91  is replaced each time the filter cartridge  200  is replaced. In other circumstances, it may be advantageous to provide the piston sealing member  91  on the manifold port  110 ,  120 . For example, it may be desirable avoid the cost of providing one or more new piston sealing members  91  on every replacement filter cartridge  200 . It is also envisioned that, where a piston seal  90  is employed, either the cartridge port  210 ,  220  or manifold port  110 ,  120  may comprise a male portion, while the other comprises a female portion to receive the male portion. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the cartridge port  210 ,  220  comprises a male portion and the manifold port  110 ,  120  comprises a female portion. In any event, a piston sealing member  91  may comprise, for example, an o-ring, a gasket, an overmolded seal, a wiper, or any other member or members designed to provide a fluid seal between parts that are movable in relation to one another. 
     In some embodiments, such as those shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  7 - 8 , and associated detailed views, whether telescoping, rotating, or otherwise, the cartridge port  210 ,  220  comprises a face seal  93  to seal the cartridge port  210 ,  220  in fluid connection with the manifold port  110 ,  120 . It is envisioned that either or both of the cartridge port  210 ,  220  and the manifold port  110 ,  120  may comprise a face sealing member  94 , while the other comprises a face sealing surface  95 . In some circumstances, it may be advantageous to provide the face sealing member  94  on the cartridge port  210 ,  220 . For example, it may be desirable to ensure that the face sealing member  94  is replaced each time the filter cartridge  200  is replaced. In other circumstances, it may be advantageous to provide the face sealing member  94  on the manifold port  110 ,  120 . For example, it may be desirable avoid the cost of providing one or more new face sealing members  94  on every replacement filter cartridge  200 . In any event, a face sealing member  94  may comprise, for example, an o-ring, a gasket, an overmolded seal, or any other member or members designed to provide a fluid seal between parts that are compressed or held in static relation to one another. 
     While the possibility of using either a face seal  93  or a piston seal  90  is envisioned for both the first cartridge port  210  and the second cartridge port  220 , it should be understood that piston seals may have certain advantages over face seals, depending on the desired application. 
     For example, a piston sealing member  91  seals by sliding along a piston sealing surface  92  in a direction parallel to the flow axis  201 . Consequentially, any slight axial movement or variation in location of the piston sealing member  91  with respect to the piston sealing surface  92  during operation of the filtration system  10  does not result in disruption of the piston seal  90 . Therefore, relative axial movement is tolerated and forceful axial compression of the piston seal  90  is therefore not necessary. 
     In contrast, when a face seal  93  configuration is employed—i.e., wherein a seal is created by axial force on a face sealing member  94  against a face sealing surface  95  oriented perpendicular to the flow axis  201 —care must be taken to avoid any relative separating axial movement. In such a face seal  93  configuration, any such movement would tend to disrupt or break the seal, allowing fluid bypass. In such face seal  93  configurations, especially where elevated fluid pressure may be encountered, forceful axial compression of the face seal  93  may be required. 
     Thus, while it is envisioned that a face seal  93  may be employed within the scope of the present disclosure, piston seals may be preferred in some embodiments because they can result in a more forgiving connection. 
     In the CMP slurry filtration application described above, for example, the upstream side of the filter cartridge  200  (i.e., at the first cartridge port  210 ) typically operates at an elevated pressure, while the downstream side (i.e., at the second cartridge port  220 ) operates at near atmospheric pressure. By “elevated pressure,” we mean greater than or equal to about 10 psi (about 6.895e+004 newtons/square meter), typically in a range from about 10 psi (about 6.895e+004 newtons/square meter) to about 50 psi (about 3.447e+005 newtons/square meter), and even more typically in a range from about 15 psi (about 1.034e+005 newtons/square meter) to about 25 psi (about 1.724e+005 newtons/square meter), including any range or combination of ranges therein. By “near atmospheric pressure,” we mean in a range from about 0 psi (about 0 newton/square meter) to about 5 psi (about 3.447e+004 newtons/square meter), typically in a range from about 0 psi (about 0 newton/square meter) to about 2 psi (about 1.379e+004 newtons/square meter), and even more typically in a range from about 0 psi (about 0 newton/square meter) to about 1 psi (about 6895 newtons/square meter), including any range or combination of ranges therein. Because of this pressure gradient across the filter cartridge  200 , it may be advantageous to provide at least the first cartridge port  210  with a piston seal  90 , while a face seal  93  may suffice for the second cartridge port  220 . 
     However, it is envisioned that a face seal  93  may be employed even on the first cartridge port  210  at elevated pressure, as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  7 - 8 , and associated detailed views. For example, some of the reduced dimensional flexibility typically encountered when using face seals may be mitigated or made irrelevant by inclusion of a first extending portion  230  on the first cartridge port  210 . Because the first extending portion  230  is moveable with respect to the cartridge body  202 , the cartridge body  202  may move without breaking or disrupting the face seal  93  between the first extending portion  230  and the first manifold port  110 . Moreover, any dimensional variation in either the filter manifold  100  or the filter cartridge  200  along the flow axis  201  can be canceled out by movement of the first extending portion  230  with respect to the cartridge body  202  to meet the given geometry of the first manifold port  110 . In this way, longer and shorter filter cartridges may be made to successfully and reliably seal into filter manifolds having longer or shorter reception areas. 
     In some embodiments, such as those shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  11 A- 11 B, and associated detailed views, the filter manifold  100  may comprise a first carriage  130  moveable to a manifold loading position  134  and a manifold service position  136 . The first carriage  130  operates to receive and carry the first extending portion  230  back and forth between the cartridge loading position  234  and the cartridge service position  236 . Although the first carriage  130  may or may not move along the flow axis  201 , it can carry the first extending portion  230  along the flow axis  201  to properly fluidly connect with the first manifold port  110 . For example, in embodiments where there is a piston seal  90  between the first cartridge port  110  and the first manifold port  110 , the first cartridge port  110  typically must move in along the flow axis  201  in order to properly fluidly connect. 
     In embodiments where the second cartridge port  220  comprises a second extending portion  240  moveable to a cartridge loading position  234  and a cartridge service position  236 , the filter manifold  100  may further comprise a second carriage  132  moveable to a manifold loading position  134  and a manifold service position  136 , as shown in  FIGS. 11A-11B . As with the first carriage  130 , the second carriage  132  operates to receive and carry the second extending portion  240  back and forth between the cartridge loading position  234  and the cartridge service position  236 . 
     Similarly, although the second carriage  132  may or may not move along the flow axis  201 , it can carry the second extending portion  240  along the flow axis  201  to properly fluidly connect with the second manifold port  120 . For example, in embodiments where there is a piston seal  90  between the second cartridge port  220  and the second manifold port  120 , the second cartridge port  220  typically must move in along the flow axis  201  in order to properly fluidly connect. 
     It should be understood that, while several features and advantages are discussed below with respect to embodiments of the first carriage  130 , such features and advantages are equally applicable to embodiments of the second carriage  132 , in the event one is provided. For purposes of simplifying the present disclosure, the term “carriage  130 , 132 ” is used herein to describe features of either or both of the first carriage  130  and second carriage  132 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  11 A- 11 B, and associated detailed views, the carriage  130 ,  132  is hingedly coupled to the filter manifold  100  and comprises a receiving portion  131  to receive an engaging portion  231  on the first extending portion  230 . When the carriage  130 ,  132  is in the manifold loading position  234  and the extending portion  230 ,  240  is in the cartridge loading position  234 , the receiving portion  131  is made available to the engaging portion  231  while a filter cartridge  200  is being loaded into the filter manifold  100  in the installation direction  203 . When the filter cartridge  200  is loaded in the installation direction  203 , the extending portion  230 ,  240  is fully engaged in the receiving portion  131 . Then, the carriage  130 ,  132  can hingedly move to the manifold service position  136 , carrying the extending portion  230 ,  240  into the cartridge service position  236  to fluidly connect the cartridge port  210 ,  220  to the manifold port  110 ,  120 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2F , the receiving member  131  may comprise one or more slots  140  while the engaging member  231  comprises one or more flanges  150  to be received by the one or more slots  140 . However, it is also envisioned that the engaging member  231  may comprise one or more slots  140  while the receiving member  131  comprises one or more flanges  150  to be engaged by the one or more slots  140 . In one embodiment, the flange  150  is a simple disc-shaped flange  150  as shown in  FIGS. 2E-2F , while the slot  140  comprises a compound profile that is design to both (i) guide the flange  150  in the installation direction  203  into the carriage  130 ,  132  while the carriage  130 ,  132  is in the manifold loading position  134 ; and (ii) guide the flange  150  along the flow axis  201  so that the carriage  130 ,  132  can carry the extending portion  230 ,  240  into fluid connection with the manifold port  110 ,  120 . 
     In one embodiment, as best shown in  FIG. 2D , a slot  140  comprising a compound profile comprises a first slot portion  142  adjoining a second slot portion  144 , wherein the first slot portion  142  is disposed along the installation direction  203  when the first carriage  130  is in the manifold loading position  134 , and the second slot portion  144  is disposed along the installation direction  203  when the when the first carriage  130  is in the manifold service position  136 . Such a compound profile can allow the slot  140  to “rotate” about the flange  150  as the first carriage  130  is hingedly moved from the manifold loading position  134  to the manifold service position  136 , while successfully pushing the flange  150  along the direction of the flow axis  201 , as shown in  FIGS. 2E and 2F , respectively. 
     In some such embodiments, the carriage  130 ,  132  or the filter manifold  100  may comprise a locking member  133  to lock the carriage  130 ,  132  into the manifold service position  136 . Provision of such a locking member  133  may be desirable in certain circumstances, for example, where fluid pressure at the fluid source  116  could otherwise act upon the first cartridge port  110  to separate the first cartridge port  110  from the first manifold port  110 . In one embodiment, the locking member  133  comprises a pin and a detent into which the pin can lock. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2D-2F , the locking member  133  comprises a spring-loaded pin disposed on the first carriage  130 , along with a detent disposed on the filter manifold  100 . In that embodiment, the spring loaded pin can snap into the detent when the first carriage  130  is lowered into the manifold service position  136 . Depending on the embodiment, a similar assembly could be provided at the second carriage  132  in addition to, or instead of, at the first carriage  130 . 
     In one embodiment, not explicitly shown in the appended Figures, the carriage  130 ,  132  rotates to move to the manifold loading position  134  and the manifold service position  136 . In doing so, the rotating cartridge  130 ,  132  can move the extending portion  230 ,  240  to the cartridge loading position  234  and the cartridge service position  236 , respectively. In one embodiment, the carriage  130 ,  132  rotates about the flow axis  201 . Rotational engagement between the carriage  130 ,  132  and the extending portion  230 ,  240  may comprise, for example, threads, cams, or other cooperating geometry that allows rotation of one part to cause translation of the cooperating part. In one embodiment, the carriage  130 ,  132  and the extending portion  230 ,  240  are coaxial such that rotation of the carriage  130 ,  132  about, or parallel to, the flow axis  201  causes translation of the extending portion  230 ,  240  along, or parallel to, the flow axis  201 . In another embodiment, the carriage  130 ,  132  and the extending portion  230 ,  240  are not coaxial such that rotation of the carriage  130 ,  132  about an axis spaced from the flow axis  201  causes translation of the extending portion  230 ,  240  along the flow axis  201 . 
     Although not shown in the Figures, it is envisioned that a locking member  133  as described above may be employed when using a rotating carriage  130 ,  132  in order to secure the extending portion  230 ,  240  into the cartridge service position  236 . For example, a spring-loaded pin may be configured to lock into a detent when the carriage  130 ,  132  is rotated into the manifold service position  136 , the pin being releasable from the detent to allow rotation of the carriage  130 ,  132  back into the manifold loading position  134 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 11A-11B , in some embodiments, the filter manifold  100  comprises a first carriage  130  and a second carriage  132  that can move in unison to the manifold loading position  134  and the manifold service position  136 . As shown, a linkage connects the first carriage  130  to the second carriage  132  such that movement of the first carriage  130  in one direction is effective to move the second carriage  132  in an opposing direction. Other mechanisms could be employed to cause simultaneous motion. For example, a gear train (or a combination of a gear train with a linkage) could be employed to accomplish the required opposing motion. In some such embodiments, the filter manifold  100  may hold the cartridge body  202  to prevent the cartridge body  202  from moving along the flow axis  201 . For example, an arm or cradle may project from the filter manifold  100  to engage the cartridge body  202  to fix movement along the flow axis  201  while allowing free movement of the extending portions  230 ,  240 . Such a mechanism can hold the extending portion  230 ,  240  the correct distance from the manifold port  110 ,  120  during loading of the filter cartridge  200  while then allowing the extending portion  230 ,  240  to move along the flow axis  201  to accurately fluidly connect to the manifold port  110 ,  120 . It is envisioned that all features and advantages described elsewhere in the present disclosure relating to a first or second carriage  132  may be applicable to embodiments as shown in  FIGS. 11A-11B . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  9 , and associated detailed views, the cartridge body  202  is rotatable with respect to the extending portion  230 ,  240  to cause the extending portion  230 ,  240  to be urged from the cartridge loading position  234  to the cartridge service position  236 . In one embodiment, as the cartridge body  202  rotates, the extending portion  230 ,  240  translates. This translation can enable the cartridge port  210 ,  220  to fluidly connect to the manifold port  110 ,  120 . For example, translation of the extending portion  230 ,  240  can facilitate a piston seal  90  against the manifold port  110 ,  120 . 
     Rotational engagement between the cartridge body  202  and the extending portion  230 ,  240  may comprise, for example, threads, cams, or other cooperating geometry that allows rotation of the cartridge body  202  to cause translation of the extending portion  230 ,  240 . In such embodiments, one or both of the cartridge body  202  or the extending portion  230 ,  240  typically comprises one or more internal seals  232 ,  242  to allow the extending portion  230 ,  240  to remain fluid tight against the filter cartridge  200  as it rotates and slides to move back and forth between the cartridge loading position  234  and the cartridge service position  236 . 
     In such embodiments, such as those shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  9  and associated detailed views, the extending portion  230 ,  240  and the filter manifold  100  may each comprise one or more a retention members  98  that cooperate to prevent rotation of the extending portion  230 ,  240  with respect to the filter manifold  100  when the cartridge body  202  is rotated with respect to the extending portion  230 ,  240 . The retention members  98  may comprise, for example, cooperating male and female parts such as cooperating pins and holes, or cooperating protrusions and channels. 
     In the embodiments shown, the extending portion  230 ,  240  comprises male retention members  98 , while the manifold port  110 ,  120  comprises female retention members  98 . In that embodiment, the retention members  98  can serve dual roles. First, they can properly align the filter cartridge  200  with the filter manifold  100  as it is loaded in the installation direction  203 . This is accomplished by the tips of the male retention members  98  on the extending portion  230 ,  240  translating in the installation direction  203  through the channels formed by the female retention members  98  on the manifold port  110 ,  120 . Second, once the filter cartridge  200  is loaded and the cartridge body  202  begins to rotate about the flow axis  201 , the retention member  98  can cooperate to prevent rotation of the extending portion  230 ,  240 , while guiding the extending portion  230 ,  240  along the flow axis  201  to fluidly connect with the manifold port  110 ,  120 . 
     In the above embodiments, the filter manifold  100  may hold the cartridge body  202  to allow the cartridge body  202  to rotate about the flow axis  201  but not allow the cartridge body  202  to move along the flow axis  201 . For example, an arm or cradle (not shown) may project from the filter manifold  100  to engage the cartridge body  202  to fix movement along the flow axis  201  while allowing free rotation. Such a mechanism can hold the extending portion  230 ,  240  the correct distance from the manifold port  110 ,  120  during loading of the filter cartridge  200  while then allowing the extending portion  230 ,  240  to move along the flow axis  201  to accurately fluidly connect to the manifold port  110 ,  120 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the filter manifold  100  may comprise a one or more clamps  138  to fix and retain a cartridge port  210 ,  220  in fluid connection with a corresponding manifold port  110 ,  120 . Such a clamp  138  may be hingedly fixed to the filter manifold  100  to allow it to swing away into an open position (i.e., a manifold loading position  134 ), as shown in  FIG. 7 , to accommodate a cartridge port  210 ,  220 . Then, after the cartridge port  210 ,  220  is loaded in place, the clamp  138  can swing back (i.e., into a manifold service position  136 ) to securely retain the cartridge port  210 ,  220  during operation, as shown in  FIG. 8 . While the clamp  138  shown comprises two clamp portions (one fixed and one moveable), it is also envisioned, for example, that the clamp  138  could be entirely moveable to accomplish the same function. 
     In some embodiments, such as the one shown in  FIG. 9  and associated detailed views, the filter manifold  100  comprises a valve  280  to selectively regulate fluid flow through either or both of the fluid source  116  or the fluid exit  126 . Typically, such a valve  280  may be disposed only in the fluid exit  126 . In some embodiments, the valve  280  is actuable by a valve handle  284 . While not required, the valve  280  typically comprises a sanitary ball valve  280  that can assist in the prevention of fluid stagnation by minimizing dead volume and turbulence in the fluid line while on, off, and during actuation. While a valve  280  is only shown in certain of the appended Figures, it may be provided in any disclosed embodiment. 
     It should be noted that the embodiments shown in the appended Figures are not exhaustive of the embodiments described under the present disclosure. As earlier described, different combinations of the disclosed cartridge ports  210 ,  220 , extending portions  230 ,  240 , manifold ports  110 ,  120 , and carriages  130 ,  132  are envisioned within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the first cartridge end  211  and first manifold port  110  may comprise any disclosed configuration, while the second cartridge end  221  and second manifold port  120  may comprise the same or different configuration, so long as they are compatible and useful for a given application. 
     Various modifications and alterations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to illustrative embodiments set forth herein.