Additive dispersing filter and method

A filter, comprising:

• a filter housing defining an inlet fluid opening and an outlet fluid opening, the inlet fluid opening and the outlet fluid opening defining a fluid path through the filter;
• a filter element disposed inside the filter housing, the filter element being disposed in the flow path such that fluid flows through the filter element;
• and
• an additive cartridge for dispersing an additive within the filter housing, the additive cartridge comprising:
• a housing defining a receiving area for receipt of the additive;
• a fluid inlet path through a wall of the housing, the fluid inlet path providing a means for increasing a pressure within the receiving area, the fluid inlet path having an inlet opening disposed adjacent to an outer wall portion of the housing;
• and
• a fluid outlet path through the wall of the housing, the fluid outlet path providing a means for dispersing the additive from the receiving area when the pressure within the receiving area exceeds a predetermined value, the fluid outlet path having an outlet opening disposed adjacent to the outer wall portion of the housing, the outlet opening being covered by a shroud configured to deflect fluid flowing in a first direction away from the outlet opening and the inlet opening of the fluid inlet path is positioned to receive fluid flowing in the first direction;
• and
• wherein a two piece molded component includes a first part having a channel molded in a surface thereof and a second part coupled to the first part to close the channel and form the fluid outlet path, and the fluid outlet path fluidly couples an interior and an exterior of the additive cartridge and is configured to control fluid flow of the additive by varying an inlet opening of the fluid outlet path.

An additive cartridge for dispersing an additive within a filter, the additive cartridge comprising:

• a housing defining a receiving area for receipt of the additive;
• a fluid inlet path through a wall of the housing, the fluid inlet path providing a means for increasing a pressure within the receiving area, the fluid inlet path having an inlet opening disposed adjacent to an outer wall portion of the housing;
• a fluid outlet path through the wall of the housing, the fluid outlet path providing a means for dispersing the additive from the receiving area when the pressure within the receiving area exceeds a predetermined value, the fluid outlet path having an outlet opening disposed adjacent to the outer wall portion of the housing, the outlet opening being covered by a shroud configured to deflect fluid flowing in a first direction away from the outlet opening and the inlet opening of the fluid inlet path is positioned to receive fluid flowing in the first direction;
• and
• a two piece molded component including a first molded part and a second molded part coupled to the first molded part, the first molded part formed to include a first channel and a second channel, the second molded piece including a surface configured to close the first and second channels to form the fluid outlet and fluid inlet paths, respectively, and the first channel configured to fluidly couple an interior and an exterior of the additive cartridge and to control fluid flow of the additive by varying an inlet opening of the fluid outlet path.