Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for controlling fluid flow through a vacuum chamber of a dehydration system, the vacuum chamber having a temperature sensing device operative to measure a temperature of a fluid in the vacuum chamber. A temperature difference between a temperature setpoint for the fluid and the measured temperature of the fluid is determined, and fluid is recirculated through the vacuum chamber while the temperature difference is greater than a predetermined temperature difference. While the temperature difference is less than the predetermined temperature difference, the fluid is recirculated through the vacuum chamber for a predetermined time period, and upon the predetermined time period expiring inhibiting recirculation of the fluid through the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter media for filtering a fluid, and a valve having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for controlling a flow of the fluid through the filter assembly. The valve includes a thermally active element that changes shape between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to a temperature variation. When the thermally active element is in the first configuration the valve is open with the fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, and the thermally active element changes shape to the second configuration to close the valve. The thermally active element may move a valve poppet against a valve seat to close the valve. A pressure bypass is configured to open the valve in response to a pressure increase in the filter assembly above a threshold pressure when the thermally active element is in the second configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for filtering fluid in a breather assembly and providing uncontaminated fluid to a reservoir. The breather allows in-take fluid traveling through a first flow path to be filtered before entering the reservoir through a first directional valve. The breather also allows exhaust fluid traveling through a second flow path, separate from the first flow path, to exit through a second directional valve.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter media for filtering a fluid, and a valve having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for controlling a flow of the fluid through the filter assembly. The valve includes a thermally active element that changes shape between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to a temperature variation. When the thermally active element is in the first configuration the valve is open with the fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, and the thermally active element changes shape to the second configuration to close the valve. The thermally active element may move a valve poppet against a valve seat to close the valve. A pressure bypass is configured to open the valve in response to a pressure increase in the filter assembly above a threshold pressure when the thermally active element is in the second configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for controlling fluid flow through a vacuum chamber of a dehydration system, the vacuum chamber having a temperature sensing device operative to measure a temperature of a fluid in the vacuum chamber. A temperature difference between a temperature setpoint for the fluid and the measured temperature of the fluid is determined, and fluid is recirculated through the vacuum chamber while the temperature difference is greater than a predetermined temperature difference. While the temperature difference is less than the predetermined temperature difference, the fluid is recirculated through the vacuum chamber for a predetermined time period, and upon the predetermined time period expiring inhibiting recirculation of the fluid through the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A filter assembly including a canister with an open end; a filter element located within the canister, and an annular mount for attaching the canister to a manifold. The mount can include i) a central flow passage, ii) at least one flow passage disposed radially outward and fluidly separate from the central flow passage, and iii) one or more through-bores between the central flow passage and the periphery of the mount receiving a plurality of threaded fasteners for attaching the mount to a surface of a manifold. An annular first seal located around the central flow passage and an annular second seal located around the periphery of the mount fluidly seal the mount to the manifold. The mount further includes a peripheral threaded portion for cooperating with corresponding threads on the canister for enabling the canister to be removably attached to the mount.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for filtering fluid in a breather assembly and providing uncontaminated fluid to a reservoir. The breather allows in-take fluid traveling through a first flow path to be filtered before entering the reservoir through a first directional valve. The breather also allows exhaust fluid traveling through a second flow path, separate from the first flow path, to exit through a second directional valve.