Integrated filter housing

Abstract

The invention integrates a filter system into a reciprocating piston pump ( 10 ). This design will eliminate the need for extra connection components, increase the maximum internal pressure allowed due to no danger of the filter loosening, ease maintenance and cleaning while also decreasing the overall size of the system. Because the overall size is smaller, less energy is required to change the pressure throughout the system and thus increase overall efficiency compared to previous designs. The invention is a filter element ( 29 ) that inserts and becomes integrated with the upper housing ( 33 ) of the pump ( 10 ). The filter element ( 29 ) is inserted into its own cavity and held in place by upper and lower connectors ( 23, 27 ) that threadedly engage with the pump housing ( 33 ).

1 . In a reciprocating piston pump having a cylinder, inlet and outlet checks and first and second end housings, the improvement comprising: 
 a filter cavity integral with one of said housings, said filter cavity comprising first and second open ends and fluidly connecting with said outlet check;    a filter element in said filter cavity;    first and filter caps removably attached to said filter cavity ends; and    one of said filter caps comprising an outlet port.    
     
     
         2 . The reciprocating piston pump of  claim 1  further comprising a filter support within said filter element.  
     
     
         3 . The reciprocating piston pump of  claim 1  further comprising a pressure relief valve in one of said filter caps.