Abstract: Disclosed are coalescers, systems, and methods for coalescing a mixture of two phases, namely a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The disclosed coalescers, systems, and methods include or utilize one or more layers of media material having a distinct mean pore size and wettability. The disclosed coalescers, systems, and methods are effective for removing the dispersed phase from the mixture.

Abstract: A fuel filtration apparatus for use in an internal combustion engine comprises an interrupter valve in a flow path from an inlet port of a filter head to a compliant filter. The interrupter valve has an open state and a closed state. In the open state a protruding member of the filter depresses a bottom end of the valve and opens the flow path when the compliant filter is connected to the filter head. The interrupter valve also has a closed state wherein the flow path is closed in the absence of the protruding member of the filter (as with a non-compliant filter).

Abstract: A coalescer includes fibrous media capturing droplets of the dispersed phase, coalescingly growing the droplets into larger drops which further coalesce and grow to form pools that drain, and adapted to reduce pressure drop thereacross by increasing dispersed phase drainage therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for measuring pressure drop through a filter in the flow path and then using the measured pressure drop, possibly at a normalized state and in conjunction with time and/or other data from the system, to estimate characteristics of the fluid, the filter, and/or a working component supplied with the filtered fluid. Such characteristics could include an operating condition of the filter, the remaining useful life of the filter, the relative contaminant concentration in the fluid, and/or the remaining useful life of a working component supplied with the filtered fluid.

Abstract: Acid-neutralizing filter media includes filter media fibers in combination with a strong base of small particle size and high surface area attached to and immobilized on the filter media fibers, and methodology therefore.

Abstract: One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.

Abstract: A dual stage filter includes an outer filter with a first media and an inner filter with a second media. A barrier is between the first media and the second media. The barrier directs fluid flow between the first and second media. The barrier creates a flow path between the first and second media, such that a working fluid, which is desired to pass through the first and second media, is directed by the barrier and flows through the second media, and such that another fluid, which is not desired to pass through the second media, is directed by the barrier and separates from the working fluid. Using the barrier, the dual stage filter can employ either or both upward flow and downward flow to achieve efficient fluid separation, for example fuel water separation in an engine fuel filter.

Abstract: Systems and methods used to monitor a fluid where it is important to know the size, concentration and nature of particulates in the fluid. For example, the systems and method can be used to diagnose contamination issues in fluids such as fuel, lubrication, power transfer, heat exchange or other fluids in fluid systems, for example diesel engines or hydraulic systems, where contaminant particles in the fluids are of concern.

Abstract: A filter element is provided with a space-effective construction facilitating efficient space utilization in applications of constrained space requirements.

Abstract: Systems and methods used to monitor a fluid where it is important to know the size, concentration and nature of particulates in the fluid. For example, the systems and method can be used to diagnose contamination issues in fluids such as fuel, lubrication, power transfer, heat exchange or other fluids in fluid systems, for example diesel engines or hydraulic systems, where contaminant particles in the fluids are of concern.

Abstract: High performance filter media and manufacturing methodology provides nanofibers of diameter less than 1 ?m incorporated and processed into internal structure of a filter medium dominantly composed of coarse fibers of diameter greater than 1 ?m, to change the internal media structure.

Abstract: A filter within a filter cartridge design is described that includes a sealing structure on an endplate of an outer filter element. Generally, the sealing structure includes an annular flange on the endplate that can directly seal against an interior surface of a housing when the filter cartridge is assembled for use. During filtration, the annular flange prevents a working fluid from bypassing the outer filter element. The sealing flange can seal with the housing in a press fit engagement.

Abstract: A coalescer has variable characteristics including variable diameter of individual fibers along their length such that an individual fiber has differing diameters at different points along its length, and including variable porosity.

Abstract: Disclosed is coalescing media for coalescing a mixture of two phases, namely a continuous phase and a dispersed liquid phase. The media includes polymeric base material having a surface with asperities, and the surface is heterogenous with respect to hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity. The media is configured for coalescing a dispersed liquid phase in a continuous phase where a preponderance of the heterogeneous surface is non-wetting with respect to the dispersed liquid phase. The media is configured for capturing droplets of the dispersed liquid phase where a layer of air is trapped at the heterogeneous surface and tips of the asperities extend through the trapped layer and contact the droplets.

Abstract: An in-line filter assembly includes an inlet duct housing, an intermediate housing, and an outlet duct housing, and seals a filter element in the intermediate housing and facilitates removal and replacement thereof.

Abstract: A container (1) for releasing a chemical additive (7) in a fluid material selected from a lubricant or hydraulic fluid composition comprises a fluid material-impermeable casing (3) having a hollow interior and an additive composition (7) comprising at least one fluid material-soluble additive. The additive (7) is held within the container (1) by a least one fluid material-permeable element (11) provided at or near an opening (13) in the casing (1) and is effective to provide for release of additive(s) (7) into the fluid material. Methods of releasing additives (7) into fluid material are also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.

Abstract: A filtration device is provided that includes a filter component and an additive component. The filter component includes concentrically arranged filtering elements disposed in a filter-in-filter configuration. The additive component includes at least one additive material that is introduced into a working fluid to be filtered. The filter component and additive component provide an assembly for a filtration system that would filter a variety of working fluids. The filter component and additive component provides an assembly that can filter fluids more efficiently. As a result, fluids may enjoy, for example, extended drainage intervals and thereby reduce component wear.

Abstract: A container (1) for releasing a chemical additive (7) in a fluid material selected from a lubricant or hydraulic fluid composition comprises a fluid material-impermeable casing (3) having a hollow interior and an additive composition (7) comprising at least one fluid material-soluble additive. The additive (7) is held within the container (1) by a least one fluid material-permeable element (11) provided at or near an opening (13) in the casing (1) and is effective to provide for release of additive(s) (7) into the fluid material. Methods of releasing additives (7) into fluid material are also provided.

Abstract: Fluid flow surge protection is provided for a filter by increasing upstream plenum fluid volume. In one embodiment, an accumulator or transfer mechanism transfers or trades downstream plenum fluid volume to or for upstream plenum fluid volume.