Cleaning device and method for cleaning a filter arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (10) for cleaning a filter arrangement (12) which has a first fluid port (14), a second fluid port (16) and a filter device (18) which is arranged between the first fluid port (14) and the second fluid port (16) and which has a surface to which contaminants can adhere, the cleaning device comprising: a generator device (30) for generating a gas-liquid mixture, the generator device (30) having a receiving chamber (32) for receiving a liquid and a compressed-gas generating device (34) which can be connected to the receiving chamber (32); a first tube arrangement (44), the first tube arrangement being connected to the generator device (30) and having a first tube port (46) which can be connected to the first fluid port (14) in order to conduct the gas-liquid mixture under pressure into the filter arrangement (12); and a second tube arrangement (50), the second tube arrangement having a second tube port (52), which can be connected to the second fluid port (16), and being connected to a collecting device (54) for collecting the gas-liquid mixture conducted through the filter arrangement (12) and entrained contaminants from the filter arrangement (12). The first tube port (46) is arranged above the second tube port (52) in the direction of gravity (G), and the receiving chamber (32) is arranged above the first tube port (52) in the direction of gravity (G) and is closed at its lower end by a closure (90) which is designed to be opened in order to introduce the pressurized gas-liquid mixture into the filter arrangement (12).

Description

Cleaning device and method for cleaning a filter assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a filter arrangement, comprising a first fluid connection, a second fluid connection, and a filter device arranged between the first and second fluid connections, the filter device having a surface to which contaminants can adhere, a generator device for generating a gas-liquid mixture, the generator device comprising a receiving chamber for receiving a liquid and a pressurized gas generation device connectable to the receiving chamber so that a pressurized gas mixture is generated by introducing a pulse of pressurized gas into the liquid-filled receiving chamber, and a first pipe arrangement connected to the generator device, the pipe arrangement having a first pipe connection connectable to the first fluid connection to direct the pressurized gas-liquid mixture into the filter arrangement.and with a second pipe arrangement which has a second pipe connection connectable to the second fluid connection and which is connected to a collecting device for collecting the gas-liquid mixture passed through the filter arrangement and impurities carried along from the filter arrangement.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning a filter arrangement of the type described above, wherein the method comprises the steps of: arranging the filter arrangement in a cleaning device, at least partially filling the receiving chamber with a liquid, and generating a cleaning pulse in which gas from the pressurized gas generating device is directed under pressure into the receiving chamber, so that a gas-liquid mixture is generated and driven through the filter arrangement and out of the second fluid connection.

[0003] Document DE 10 2015 112 939 A1 discloses a diesel particulate filter cleaning method and a corresponding device. In this method, a diesel particulate filter is arranged above a receiving chamber for a liquid. The receiving chamber is partially filled with the liquid. Subsequently, a gas is introduced under pressure into the receiving chamber from below the surface of the liquid, so that a A gas-liquid mixture is produced, which is forced by the pressure through the first fluid port, through the filter device and out of the second fluid port.

[0004] The filter assembly is positioned above the intake chamber such that the first fluid connection points towards the intake chamber. When the filter assembly is installed, the first fluid connection points towards the exhaust side. The second fluid connection, however, is the one that, when the filter assembly is installed, faces the diesel engine. This ensures that the contaminants present in the filter assembly are driven out of the filter assembly against the operating flow direction, i.e., from bottom to top in the prior art.

[0005] The side of the filter assembly facing the diesel engine when installed (at the second fluid connection) is typically superficially cleaned before installation in the cleaning device, for example, using a high-pressure cleaner or similar equipment. This removes adhering ash and other contaminants, particularly around the flange of the second fluid connection, before the filter assembly is placed in the aforementioned cleaning device. Since this pre-cleaning is only superficial, no liquid accumulates inside the filter assembly during this process.

[0006] This achieves the particular advantage that, during the subsequent cleaning using the cleaning pulse, the gas-liquid mixture in the form of a mixture of gas and water droplets (aerosol mixture) is driven through the filter device, so that the kinetic energy of the droplets, which are pushed through the filter device at high speed, can efficiently dissolve and remove the adhering impurities, as also described in the above-mentioned document DE 10 2015 112 939 A1.

[0007] It is also important that the second fluid port, through which the gas-liquid mixture is expelled, is either completely open or has a A collection device is connected which has a very large volume, thus allowing the gas-liquid mixture to enter with as little back pressure as possible.

[0008] Another cleaning device is known from document DE 10 2020 133 470 A1, which has a structure comparable in some respects to the cleaning device known from document DE 10 2015 1122 939 A1, wherein the receiving chamber is arranged next to the filter assembly to be cleaned and wherein the first pipe arrangement has a deflecting pipe section that connects the receiving chamber of the generator device to the first pipe connection, such that the receiving chamber can be filled with liquid before the gas-liquid mixture is generated without the liquid entering the filter assembly. The generated gas-liquid mixture is then forced via the deflecting pipe section from above into the filter assembly, through the filter assembly and out of the second fluid connection.

[0009] Furthermore, prior art documents are known in which a receiving chamber is arranged above the filter assembly, into which a cleaning fluid is poured. The fluid then flows unimpeded into the filter assembly until the filter assembly is completely filled and a volume of fluid is present in the receiving chamber above the filter assembly. Subsequently, gas is introduced into the receiving chamber from above the fluid level, so that the fluid present in the filter assembly is forced downwards out under pressure. Such a cleaning arrangement is known from document US 8,273,185 B2.

[0010] Document EP 1 336 729 A1 discloses a device for removing residues from the filter body of a particulate filter. In a first stage, a liquid cleaning agent is filled into the particulate filter, and in a further stage, the filter body of the particulate filter is permeated by a gaseous cleaning medium flowing against its filtration direction. After the particulate filter has been filled with the liquid cleaning agent, it remains stationary for a predetermined time interval. At the end of this interval, the supply of the gaseous cleaning medium begins abruptly. The gas is introduced into the particulate filter from top to bottom.

[0011] Document US 2004 / 0045439 A1 discloses a cleaning method for particulate filters, wherein an upstream side (i.e., the side facing the diesel engine during operation) is first treated with a burner to burn off soot deposits on the upstream side of the filter assembly. The filter assembly is then removed from this first cleaning unit and clamped into a second cleaning unit. In this second unit, a liquid flow is introduced into the downstream side of the filter assembly at a flow rate of more than 50 l / min. For this purpose, a cleaning fluid is first heated in a collection chamber. Furthermore, a separate compressed air tank is provided, capable of delivering a pressure range of 2 bar to 6 bar. The compressed air tank and the collection chamber are connected via valves to a channel leading to the downstream side of the filter assembly.The valves are configured so that they can alternately supply cleaning fluid or air.

[0012] Document WO 2013 / 056378 concerns a process in which the inlet side of a diesel particulate filter is initially sprayed. The filter is then immersed in a solution containing several ultrasonic transducers. This is intended to generate pressure waves to loosen the filter material without removing a catalyst layer.

[0013] Document DE 600 37220 T2 relates to a process in which cleaning fluid and cleaning gas are alternately introduced into the outlet of a filter. The cleaning fluid is supplied at a pressure between 1 and 100 bar and a flow rate of approximately 1-50 l / min. This is followed by the introduction of pressurized gas. This process can be repeated and is carried out via an adjustable nozzle assembly connected to a distribution unit.

[0014] Document EP 3412 355 A1 relates to a method for cleaning a diesel particulate filter, in which a heated liquid is forced through the diesel particulate filter from top to bottom for approximately 10-20 minutes at approximately 1.25 to approximately 2.5 bar. Furthermore, the flow direction is to be changed at least once.

[0015] Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved cleaning device and an improved cleaning method for cleaning a filter assembly, in particular a diesel particulate filter.

[0016] The above problem is solved by a cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe connection is arranged above the second pipe connection in the direction of gravity, and wherein the receiving chamber is arranged above the first pipe connection in the direction of gravity and is closed at its lower end by a closure configured to be opened for the introduction of the pressurized gas-liquid mixture into the filter arrangement. Furthermore, the above problem is solved by a method for cleaning a filter arrangement according to claim 13.

[0017] This allows the same advantageous cleaning concept to be applied as described in document DE 10 2020 133 470 A1. In the cleaning device according to the invention, the generated gas-liquid mixture is also preferably passed through the filter assembly from top to bottom. Consequently, in the cleaning device, the filter arrangement is preferably positioned such that the second fluid connection, which is the upstream connection (facing the diesel engine), is at the bottom, i.e., below the first fluid connection in the direction of gravity. Therefore, in the present cleaning device, the filter arrangement is also cleaned according to the counterflow principle, by passing the gas-liquid mixture through the filter assembly against the normal filter direction.

[0018] In the cleaning device, it is advantageous if the first pipe arrangement is designed in such a way that the gas-liquid mixture produced by the generator device is guided under pressure downwards towards the filter arrangement and onto the first fluid connection.

[0019] The gas is preferably introduced into the receiving chamber above the liquid level in the receiving chamber, but can also be introduced below the liquid level if necessary. Liquid levels in the receiving chamber are measured, preferably in a region of the lower third of the liquid, viewed in the direction of the center of gravity.

[0020] With the present cleaning device, it is also advantageous that the filter assembly is essentially dry, or at least not filled with liquid, before the gas-liquid mixture is forced through it under pressure. Regarding the advantages achievable thereby, reference is made to the disclosures in documents DE 10 2015 112 939 A1 and DE 10 2020 133 470 A1, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the specifications for the number of cleaning pulses, the temperatures, the volume of the receiving chamber, the volume of the filter assembly, the type of cleaning fluid, etc., can be implemented identically to those in the aforementioned documents.

[0021] In the cleaning device according to the invention, the receiving chamber is preferably arranged coaxially to a longitudinal axis of the filter assembly, specifically above the filter assembly. This coaxial arrangement ensures that the pressure profile of the gas-liquid mixture is standardized across the cross-section of the first pipe assembly. In particular, this ensures that all individual channels of the filter assembly are subjected to approximately the same pressure and approximately the same flow rate (per unit time) of the gas-liquid mixture. Consequently, the filter assembly can be cleaned optimally.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, the ratio between the gas volume of the gas used in the cleaning pulse and the liquid volume of the liquid used in the cleaning pulse is in the range between 20:1 and 4000:1. It is particularly preferred if this ratio is greater than 150:1, and especially greater than 200:1. Preferably, this ratio is less than 1000:1, and especially less than 500:1.

[0023] This means that the gas-liquid mixture contains a relatively large volume of gas in which a relatively small amount of liquid is absorbed. In contrast to known processes where gas bubbles are contained within a liquid, The present gas-liquid mixture can preferably be imagined as a gas permeated by droplets.

[0024] When a gas is referred to as being under pressure, this means that the pressure of the gas is greater than atmospheric pressure, and in particular greater than 1 bar.

[0025] Preferably, the gas pressure before introduction into the receiving chamber is greater than 2 bar, preferably greater than 4 bar, and particularly greater than 7 bar. Preferably, the gas pressure is less than 15 bar. Furthermore, the gas pressure can be set such that the pressure in the receiving chamber during the cleaning pulse is in a range of greater than 1 bar to 3 bar. Other pressure values ​​are possible, particularly depending on the circumstances. The values ​​above refer in particular to a diesel particulate filter for commercial vehicles, which, for example, has a diameter of approximately 40 cm and an axial length of, for example, 50 cm. However, these values ​​are intended only as guidelines to facilitate the explanation of the invention.

[0026] For a cleaning pulse, a gas volume is used that is depressurized, preferably in the range of 0.5 m³. 3 up to 4 m 3 This refers to the cleaning of a filter assembly for commercial vehicles. The volume of liquid filled into the receiving chamber can, for example, range between 2 liters and 12 liters, particularly between 3 and 8 liters.

[0027] The initial duration for which gas under pressure is supplied to the receiving chamber via the gas connection to initiate the cleaning pulse is preferably less than 3 s, particularly less than 2 s, and is preferably in the range of 1.5 s to 0.5 s. This and all subsequent information preferably refers to the cleaning of a commercial vehicle DPF.

[0028] The gas and liquid are preferably not preheated, so that the energy required is comparatively low.

[0029] The gas could be, for example, air.

[0030] The liquid can be water, in particular fully demineralized water (DI water), to which a cleaning additive is preferably added, preferably in a range of 0.1 vol.% to 5 vol.%.

[0031] The ratio of the volume of the receiving chamber to the volume of the filter arrangement is preferably in a range of 1:4 to 1:1.

[0032] The receiving chamber can be completely filled with liquid. However, it is particularly preferred if a distance is provided between a surface of the liquid contained in the receiving chamber and a lid of the receiving chamber, which is preferably greater than 0.5 cm, more particularly greater than 2 cm, and preferably less than 50 cm, more particularly less than 25 cm.

[0033] In general, it is conceivable that the valve could be opened in a controlled or regulated manner by means of an actuator when the gas-liquid mixture is generated in the receiving chamber for introduction into the filter assembly. For example, the opening of the valve could be time-coordinated with the introduction of the pressurized gas into the receiving chamber. It is also conceivable to measure the pressure inside the receiving chamber using a sensor in order to open the valve depending on the measured pressure.

[0034] However, in the cleaning device according to the invention, it is preferred if the closure of the receiving chamber opens automatically under force control when a pressure existing in the receiving chamber exceeds a threshold value.

[0035] Preferably, the pressure existing in the receiving chamber is used to exert a force on the valve to open it. When the pressure exceeds the threshold, it opens the valve. This ensures that the gas-liquid mixture is always supplied to the filter assembly at the correct pressure.

[0036] It is particularly advantageous if the closure has a locking element that is movably mounted between a closed position and an open position.

[0037] The sealing element can, for example, be a sealing plate which, in the closed position, seals the lower end of the receiving chamber by means of a gasket. This prevents the liquid from entering the filter assembly after it has been poured into the receiving chamber before the gas-liquid mixture is generated.

[0038] The sealing element can be a disposable element that is inserted for each cleaning cycle. However, it is particularly advantageous if the sealing element is movably mounted on a housing of the cleaning device. One side of the sealing element facing the receiving chamber can be flat, i.e., oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the side of the sealing element facing the receiving chamber can also be conical or pyramidal.

[0039] When the locking element is moved into the open position by means of the pressure existing in the receiving chamber, this may involve a movement into a position that depends on the pressure exerted on the locking element.

[0040] It is particularly advantageous if the open position is defined by a stop.

[0041] Such a stop can, for example, be formed on the housing of the cleaning device. The stop can have at least one elastic stop buffer that dampens the movement of the locking element in the open position.

[0042] The locking element is preferably pre-tensioned into the closed position by an elastically deformable element, in particular by a spring element.

[0043] The spring element is preferably a helical spring, in particular a compression spring. Preferably, the spring rate R is in the range of 3-10 N / mm, in particular in in a range of 3-7 N / mm. The spring rate (R-value) and other parameters, in particular the effective pressure-bearing area of ​​the closure element, preferably determine the pressure threshold at which the closure opens automatically under force. The pressure threshold can, for example, be in a range of 1.5 bar to 3 bar.

[0044] Preferably, a gas outlet is located within the receiving chamber above a liquid level of liquid received in the receiving chamber.

[0045] It is particularly advantageous if the gas outlet is directed towards a lid of the receiving chamber.

[0046] The length of the first pipe arrangement is preferably in a range of 30 cm to 120 cm, particularly in a range of 70 cm to 110 cm, preferably in a range of 80 cm to 100 cm.

[0047] Due to such a long pipe arrangement, a pressure profile can be standardized across the cross-section of the pipe arrangement, thus achieving uniform cleaning of the filter element within the filter assembly. It is particularly advantageous if the cross-section of the first pipe arrangement initially narrows below the receiving chamber, then remains uniform over a longer distance in a central section, and subsequently widens again adjacent to the filter element. In other words, the central section has a smaller cross-sectional area than both the filter element of the filter assembly and the receiving chamber.

[0048] According to a further preferred embodiment, the receiving chamber has a base plate, wherein a closing element of the closure is arranged below the base plate and is preferably coaxially aligned with a base opening in the base plate.

[0049] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a stop for the locking element is arranged below the locking element, i.e., on the side of the filter arrangement.

[0050] According to a further preferred embodiment, a guide for the locking element is arranged above the base plate. In other words, the guide (longitudinal guide) of the locking element is preferably arranged within the receiving chamber.

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferred that an elastic element, which serves to position the closure element in a closed position, is arranged above the base plate. In other words, the elastic element is preferably arranged within the receiving chamber. The elastic element may be located at least partially below a liquid level within the receiving chamber.

[0052] Insofar as a liquid level within the receiving chamber is mentioned here, this refers to a preferred liquid level for generating the gas-liquid mixture, i.e., a liquid level shortly before the introduction of the pressurized gas.

[0053] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one ventilation tube is arranged within the receiving chamber, which has an opening in the receiving chamber, preferably above a liquid level of liquid received in the receiving chamber, and an associated opening below the closure.

[0054] In other words, the ventilation pipe connects an air space within the receiving chamber, after the liquid level has been set in it, to the interior of the first pipe arrangement below.

[0055] This ensures that the gas-liquid mixture is also mixed below the intake chamber. A cross-sectional area of ​​at least one ventilation tube or a total cross-sectional area of ​​all The cross-sectional area of ​​the ventilation pipes is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​a bottom opening in the base plate that is closed by a closure element in a closed position (preferably less than 20% of the cross-sectional area of ​​a bottom opening). This ensures that the function of the ventilation pipe is a supporting one. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one ventilation pipe or the total cross-sectional area of ​​all ventilation pipes is preferably selected such that, upon introduction of the pressurized gas, a high pressure can still quickly build up within the receiving chamber, leading to a mixing of the pressurized gas and the liquid within the receiving chamber and consequently to the generation of the gas-liquid mixture in the manner of an aerosol.

[0056] A particular advantage of the cleaning device according to the invention is that the surface of the filter assembly on the side of the second fluid connection can be pretreated, in particular pre-cleaned, via the second pipe arrangement without the need to reposition the filter assembly. In other words, the filter assembly can preferably be completely cleaned in the cleaning device while it is positioned between the first pipe connection and the second pipe connection.

[0057] The pre-cleaning of the lower side of the filter unit on the side of the second fluid connection can be carried out as desired. For example, the pre-cleaning can include combustion.

[0058] It is particularly advantageous if a fluid spray device is arranged in the second pipe arrangement, which has at least one spray nozzle directed towards the filter device.

[0059] The fluid spray device allows the surface of the filter assembly on the side of the second fluid connection to be pre-cleaned by spraying on a fluid, which can be water. However, a cleaning agent, which can be soap-like, can also be added to the fluid.

[0060] It is possible that spray fluid could enter the interior of the filter assembly. However, due to the arrangement of the filter assembly with the second fluid connection below the first fluid connection (viewed in the direction of gravity), the incoming spray fluid always flows downwards in the direction of the second pipe assembly.

[0061] The fluid spray device is preferably designed to clean not only the surface of the filter assembly, but also a circumferential area thereof, in particular a section of the flange where contaminants such as ash, soot, etc., can also accumulate. By means of the fluid spray device, the filter assembly in the area of ​​the second fluid connection can therefore be pre-cleaned so that no further cleaning is required after the subsequent cleaning with the gas-liquid mixture.

[0062] The spray nozzle therefore preferably sprays the spray fluid upwards against gravity towards the side of the filter device and in its circumferential area.

[0063] It is particularly advantageous if the fluid spraying device has at least one spray lance, preferably with at least one flat jet nozzle. Preferably, at least one flat jet nozzle is arranged eccentrically to a longitudinal axis of the spray lance. It is also preferred if the fluid spraying device has a spray bar extending transversely to a longitudinal direction and on which a plurality of spray nozzles are arranged.

[0064] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the spray device is rotatable around a longitudinal axis. This allows, similar to a dishwasher, a high cleaning effect to be generated from many directions, thus achieving excellent pre-cleaning.

[0065] The second pipe arrangement preferably has a siphon-like pipe section in which spray fluid and impurities can collect, having been detached from the filter device by means of the fluid spray device.

[0066] This ensures that the spray fluid does not necessarily enter the subsequent collection device, and in particular is not subsequently carried along towards the collection device by the gas-liquid mixture flowing into the second pipe arrangement.

[0067] It is particularly advantageous if the siphon-like pipe section has a drain through which spray fluid and impurities can be removed from the second pipe arrangement.

[0068] The drain is preferably arranged in a lower area of ​​the siphon-like pipe section, so that after pre-cleaning by means of the fluid spray device, essentially no large quantities of impurities removed by the pre-cleaning remain in the siphon-like pipe section.

[0069] This is advantageous because the contaminants dissolved by means of the fluid spray device are often sooty or contain sooty components, which are preferably treated differently with regard to post-treatment or reprocessing than the gas-liquid mixture.

[0070] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one section of the first pipe arrangement is displaceable in a longitudinal direction to facilitate the insertion of the filter arrangement between the first pipe connection and the second pipe connection.

[0071] The section of the first pipe arrangement can be manually displaced longitudinally. The longitudinal direction is preferably parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0072] It is particularly advantageous if a first adjustment motor is assigned to the first pipe arrangement, by means of which at least one section of the first pipe arrangement can be displaced in the longitudinal direction.

[0073] The first adjustment motor is preferably an electric motor, which, for example, drives at least one lifting rod via a spindle and preferably via an angle gear, by means of a lifting plate is displaceable in the longitudinal direction, on which at least one section of the first pipe arrangement is fixed, in particular the entire first pipe arrangement.

[0074] It is particularly advantageous if the first pipe connection can be placed onto the first filter connection by means of the first adjusting motor using force control.

[0075] Force control can be achieved via suitable software, so that the first adjustment motor is controlled accordingly. However, a spring assembly can also be arranged between a drive element of the first adjustment motor and the first pipe assembly to enable force-controlled placement of the first pipe connection onto the first filter connection.

[0076] According to a further overall preferred embodiment, the cleaning device includes a loading arrangement which is displaceable in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis in order to arrange a filter arrangement in a cleaning position above the second pipe connection.

[0077] The loading arrangement is preferably designed in the form of a horizontally movable slide, onto which a filter arrangement can be placed laterally next to the second pipe connection, and then arranged by means of the slide into a position (cleaning position) above the second pipe connection.

[0078] It is particularly advantageous if the loading arrangement is assigned a second adjustment motor that can move the loading arrangement between the cleaning position and a loading position.

[0079] The second adjustment motor can also be an electric motor. This second adjustment motor can be a linear actuator capable of horizontally moving a filter holder or a slide to which the filter holder is attached. The linear actuator can be a conventional electric motor with a rotary-translation converter, or it can be a dedicated electric linear motor.

[0080] Both the first adjustment motor and the second adjustment motor can also be designed as electromagnetic drives, pneumatic drives or hydraulic drives in alternative embodiments.

[0081] It is understood that the features of the invention mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the invention.

[0082] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a side view of another embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention; and Fig. 3 shows a sectional view along a line PP in Fig. 2.

[0083] In Fig. 1, an embodiment of a cleaning device is shown schematically and is generally designated by 10.

[0084] The cleaning device 10 serves to clean a filter arrangement 12, in particular in the form of a diesel particulate filter, which is normally installed in the exhaust system of a diesel engine-powered motor vehicle.

[0085] The filter assembly 12 has a first fluid connection 14, which, when the filter assembly 12 is installed, represents the outlet side. Furthermore, the filter assembly 12 has a second fluid connection 16, which, when the filter assembly is installed, represents an inlet side, i.e., it faces the drive motor (especially diesel engine).

[0086] A filter assembly 18, comprising a plurality of longitudinal channels 20, is arranged between the first fluid connection 14 and the second fluid connection 16, which are opposite each other along a longitudinal axis L. For the general and specific design of such filter assemblies, reference is made to the general technical knowledge on diesel particulate filters.

[0087] Figure 22 shows a surface of the filter device 18 on the side of the second fluid connection 16.

[0088] The cleaning device 10 has a schematically indicated housing 28. A generator device 30 is arranged on the housing 28, in particular slidably, as will be described below. The generator device 30 has a receiving chamber 32 for receiving a quantity of liquid, the liquid being, in particular, water to which additives can be mixed, as described in document DE 10 2015 112 939 A1.

[0089] Furthermore, the generator device 30 includes a compressed gas generation device 34, which may contain a pressure tank and a compressor. In any case, the compressed gas generation device 34 can preferably produce gas, in particular air, at a pressure of, for example, 8 bar and a volume of, for example, 2 m³. 3 Have it ready so that the volume in the relaxed state is, for example, 16 m³. 3 could amount to.

[0090] The pressurized gas generating device 34 is connected to an upper section of the receiving chamber 32 via a gas valve 36. The receiving chamber 32 is further connected via a liquid valve 38 to a supply of cleaning fluid 40 (e.g., water).

[0091] Consequently, with the gas valve 36 closed, liquid can first be introduced into the receiving chamber 32 up to a liquid level 42, which is present It is located below, and possibly also above, valves 36 and 38. The liquid valve 38 can then be closed.

[0092] The receiving chamber 32 is connected via a first pipe arrangement 44 to a first pipe connection 46, which is designed to be sealed to the first fluid connection 14.

[0093] The first pipe arrangement 44 is aligned coaxially to the receiving chamber 32, and is located below it, viewed in the direction of gravity G.

[0094] The cross-section or cross-sectional area of ​​the first pipe arrangement 44 can be constant, but can also be tapered or widened from the receiving chamber 32 towards the pipe connection 46. Preferably, however, the cross-section or cross-sectional area of ​​the first pipe arrangement 44 is configured such that the first pipe arrangement 44 has a second cross-section Q2 in a region adjacent to the first pipe connection 46, which is larger than a first cross-section Q1 above it, as shown, for example, in Figure 3.

[0095] The cleaning device 10 further includes a second pipe assembly 50, which includes a second pipe connection 52. The second pipe connection 52 is designed to be connected to the second fluid connection of the filter assembly 12.

[0096] The second pipe arrangement 50 is connected at its other end to a collecting device 54, which may, for example, include a droplet separator, similar to the one described in document DE 102020 133 470 A1.

[0097] Between the second pipe connection 52 and the transition to the collection device 54, the second pipe arrangement 50 has a siphon-like pipe section 56, at the lower end of which a drain 58 is provided through which fluid can be discharged. Optionally, a pump 60 is integrated into the drain 58.

[0098] In Fig. 1 the filter arrangement 12 is shown in a cleaning position in which its second fluid connection 16 is connected to the second pipe connection 52, and in which the first fluid connection 14 is sealed to the first pipe connection 46.

[0099] The cleaning device allows cleaning to be carried out by first filling the receiving chamber 32 with fluid until the fluid reaches a certain liquid level 42. Then the gas valve 36 is opened, introducing a burst of compressed air into the receiving chamber 32, causing the fluid contained in the receiving chamber 32 to be agitated or foamed and driven out towards the first pipe connection 46.

[0100] The gas-liquid mixture then enters the filter assembly 18 under high pressure and at high speed, passes through it, and carries away impurities of all kinds. The gas-liquid mixture then exits the surface 22 and enters the second pipe arrangement 50, where it is guided via the siphon-like pipe section 56 to the collection device 54, where the gas-liquid mixture can expand. The liquid it contains is collected by a droplet separator, allowing for subsequent environmentally sound post-treatment of the collected gas-liquid mixture containing impurities.

[0101] As described in document DE 102015 112 939 A1, a plurality of such cleaning pulses can be carried out. Subsequently, at least one drying pulse can also be carried out, in which gas is introduced into the - empty - collection chamber 32. This is preferably done with pressure that opens a closure 90 (which is described below).

[0102] In the cleaning device 10, the filter arrangement 12 is clamped in such a way that, viewed in the direction of gravity G, the second fluid connection 16 is arranged below the first fluid connection 14.

[0103] The filter assembly 12 can be inserted into the cleaning device in a completely uncleaned state.

[0104] To remove soot and other deposits adhering to the surface 22 of the filter device 18, especially also in a flange section area of ​​the second fluid connection 16, a fluid spray device 62 is provided.

[0105] The fluid spray device 62 has a drive shaft 64 which penetrates a wall of the second pipe assembly 50 via a rotary feedthrough 65. A supply unit 66 located outside the second pipe assembly 50 serves to drive the drive shaft 64, which extends longitudinally parallel to the direction of gravity, by means of a drive motor 68.

[0106] Furthermore, the supply device 66 includes a fluid supply device 70, through which a spray fluid, which may be water or water to which a cleaning agent has been added, can be supplied through the drive shaft 64 (which is designed as a hollow shaft) to a spray bar 74.

[0107] The fluid 72, which is supplied by the fluid supply device 70 and conveyed via the drive shaft 64 to the spray bar 74, is expelled from the spray bar 74 through at least one spray nozzle 76. The spray bar 74 can be designed in the form of a spray lance, which has at least one flat jet nozzle.

[0108] The spray bar 74 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the surface 22 and is oriented essentially parallel to it. The spray bar can have a length transverse to the longitudinal direction that is in the range of 0.3 to 0.9 of the diameter of the surface 22, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 0.8 of this diameter.

[0109] The distance between the spray bar 74 and the surface 22 is preferably smaller than the length of the spray bar in the transverse direction and can, for example, be in a range of 5 cm to 20 cm.

[0110] The spray nozzles 76 are arranged along the spray bar 74 in such a way that they can collectively spray the entire diameter of the surface 22 as well as adjacent areas of the flange section of the second fluid connection 16.

[0111] The drive motor 68 can set the shaft 64 and consequently the spray bar 74 into rotation, as shown in Fig. 1 at R.

[0112] Consequently, the entire area to be cleaned can be sprayed using the spray bar 74.

[0113] The spray fluid 72 may penetrate slightly into the longitudinal channels 20 from the side of the surface 22, but immediately drips back down. The spray fluid used, which has escaped from the spray nozzles 76, and any impurities washed away with it, collect in a lower part of the siphon-like pipe section 56 and can be discharged there via the drain 58.

[0114] Consequently, with a "clamping" it is possible to carry out a preliminary cleaning on the surface 22 of the filter arrangement 12, and subsequently to carry out a cleaning process without removing the filter arrangement 12, in which a gas-liquid mixture is forced through the filter device 18 under high pressure and at high speed, starting from the side of the first fluid connection 14 towards the second fluid connection 16.

[0115] The gas-liquid mixture exiting the second fluid connection 16 hits the spray bar 74, which, however, has a relatively small cross-section compared to the total surface area 22 and consequently does not significantly impair the flow of the gas-liquid mixture out of the filter device 18.

[0116] Fig. 1 further shows that the cleaning device 10 can have a loading arrangement 78 to move filter arrangements 12 from outside the cleaning device 10 into a cleaning position in which the filter arrangement 12 is positioned between the The pipe connections 46, 52 are arranged. This can be done by means of a second adjusting motor 82.

[0117] A first adjustment motor 80 can be configured to adjust at least a section of the first pipe assembly 44, and in particular the entire pipe assembly 44, in a direction parallel to the direction of gravity, in order to enable – especially automated – the insertion of a filter assembly 12 between the pipe connections 46, 52, and subsequently to place the first pipe connection 46 onto the first fluid connection 14 with a specific force, such that a ring seal is formed. This prevents the gas-liquid mixture, which is conveyed under high pressure via the first pipe connection 46 into the filter device 18, from escaping laterally between the first fluid connection 14 and the first pipe connection 46.

[0118] As further shown in Figure 1, the receiving chamber 32 has a closure 90 at its lower end, which includes a closure element 92. The closure element 92 is slidably mounted on a housing of the receiving chamber 32 between an open position O and a closed position S. The closure element 92 is designed to seal a fluid-tight bottom opening 94 of the receiving chamber 32 in the closed position S, so that the receiving chamber 32 can be filled with liquid and the liquid does not enter the first pipe arrangement 44. The closure element 92 is biased into the closed position S by means of a spring 96. The spring 96 is supported at one end by a support plate 98, which is fixed to the housing of the receiving chamber, preferably inside it.The locking element 92 is rigidly connected to a connecting rod 100, which extends through the bottom opening 94 and is connected at its opposite end to a rod head 102. The spring 96, which is designed as a compression spring, is supported at its other end by the rod head 102. This pre-tensions the locking element 92 into the closed position S.

[0119] The cleaning device thus enables cleaning to be carried out by first filling the receiving chamber 32 with fluid until the fluid reaches a certain liquid level 42. The gas valve 36 is then opened, introducing a burst of compressed air into the lower part of the receiving chamber 32, so that that the fluid contained in the receiving chamber 32 is stirred up or foamed and driven out in the direction of the first pipe connection 46, whereby the closure 90 is automatically opened by force control and the gas-liquid mixture is guided concentrically without deflections from above into the filter arrangement 12, so that the gas-liquid mixture is introduced across its cross-section at a uniform pressure.

[0120] Figures 2 and 3 show another embodiment of a cleaning device 10', which generally corresponds to the cleaning device 10 of Figure 1 in terms of its construction and function. Identical elements are therefore designated by the same reference numerals. The differences are described below.

[0121] As shown in Figure 2, the receiving chamber 32 is arranged coaxially to a first pipe assembly 44, specifically above it. A lower end of the first pipe assembly 44 forms a first pipe connection 46, which can be connected to a first fluid connection 14 of a filter assembly 12 to be cleaned. The first pipe assembly has three sections: a first section 44a adjacent to the receiving chamber 32, a third section 44c adjacent to the first pipe connection 46, and a second, middle section 44b located between them. Section 44b has a smaller cross-section than the receiving chamber 32 and the first pipe connection 46 (the first fluid connection 14). The first section 44a is conically tapered, and the third section 44c is conically widening. The total length D of the first pipe assembly 44 ranges from 30 cm to 120 cm.

[0122] As shown in Figure 3, the closing element 92 is arranged in the closed position S below a base plate 110 of the receiving chamber 32, with the bottom opening 94 being formed centrally in the base plate 110. The receiving chamber 32 is sealed at its upper end by means of a cover 112. A gas outlet 114, which is connected to the gas valve 36, is directed upwards towards the cover 112, above the liquid level 42.

[0123] Inside the receiving chamber 32, a guide plate 116 is arranged, which is horizontally oriented and to which a rod guide 118 for the connecting rod 100 is fixed. The spring 96 is preferably arranged coaxially around a section of the rod guide 118. The guide plate 116 or a section connected thereto serves as a support for the spring 96, similar to the support plate 98 of Figure 1.

[0124] Below the base plate 110, a stop plate 120 is arranged, on which stop elements 122 are arranged in the form of stop buffers. The stop elements 122 limit the movement of the locking element 92 and thereby define the open position of the locking element 92.

[0125] A plurality of ventilation pipes 126 are arranged around the circumference and around the bottom opening 94 of the base plate 110, connecting an air space above the liquid level 42 with the first pipe arrangement 44. These serve to support the gas-liquid mixture, which is forced into the filter arrangement 12 with a uniform pressure profile across the cross-section.

[0126] A housing 28 is connected to a bearing plate 130, which is connected via lifting cylinders 134 to a lifting plate 132 to realize the first adjustment motor 80. In other words, the entire assembly consisting of the receiving chamber 32 and the first pipe assembly 44 can be moved longitudinally by the lifting cylinders 134 in order to position a filter assembly 12 with its first fluid connection 14 below the first pipe connection 46.

[0127] In the method for cleaning a filter assembly 12, the loading assembly 78 can be moved into a loading position in which a filter holder is arranged laterally next to the pipe connections 46, 52, in order to be able to conveniently place a filter assembly 12 on it for cleaning.

[0128] Subsequently, a linear drive, which forms the second adjustment motor 82, can be driven so that the filter holder moves towards the pipe connections 46, 52. is moved until the filter assembly 12 is positioned exactly in between in a cleaning position.

[0129] Prior to this step, the first adjusting motor 80 was controlled so that the first pipe connection 46 was raised.

[0130] When the loading arrangement 78 has reached the cleaning position in which the filter arrangement 12 is arranged between the pipe connections 46, 52, the first adjusting motor 80 is driven so that the first pipe connection 46 is force-controlled onto the first fluid connection 14 in such a way that a ring sealing effect is achieved.

[0131] The fluid spray device 62 is then controlled to rotate the spray bar 74 and spray the spray fluid 72 onto the surface 22 via the nozzles 76.

[0132] In a subsequent step, the fluid spray device 62 can be deactivated again, so that no more spray fluid is supplied and the spray bar 74 no longer rotates.

[0133] Subsequently, at least one cleaning pulse can be performed, in which, as described above, a gas-liquid mixture is generated and forced through the filter arrangement 12 from above. Furthermore, at least one drying pulse can be performed.

[0134] The first adjustment motor 80 can then be driven again to lift the first pipe connection 46 from the first fluid connection 14. The loading arrangement 78 can then be driven to return to the loading position, allowing a cleaned filter assembly 12 to be removed from the cleaning device 10 and another filter assembly 12' to be cleaned to be inserted.

[0135] Reference symbol list: 10 Cleaning device Filter arrangement first fluid connection (outlet side) second fluid connection (inlet side) filter device Longitudinal channels Surface area of ​​14 Housing Generator device (10) Admissions chamber Compressed gas generating device Gas valve liquid valve Cleaning fluid Liquid level first pipe arrangement first pipe connection second pipe arrangement second pipe connection Collection device (with droplet separator) siphon-like pipe section Drain pump Fluid spray device drive shaft Rotary feedthrough Supply facility drive motor Fluid supply system Fluid Spray bars Spray nozzles Loading arrangement first adjustment motor second adjustment motor Closure Locking element floor opening (32) Spring (92) support plate Connecting rod 102 rod head 110 Base plate 112 lids 114 Gas outlet 116 Guide plate 118 rod guide 120 Stop plate 122 stop elements 126 ventilation pipes 130 bearing plate (28) 132 Lifting plate 134 lifting cylinders G Direction of gravity O Open position (92) S Closing position (92) Q1 first cross-section Q2 second cross-section L Longitudinal axis R (64) Length D (44)

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cleaning device (10) for cleaning a filter assembly (12) comprising a first fluid connection (14), a second fluid connection (16) and a filter device (18) arranged between the first fluid connection (14) and the second fluid connection (16) and having a surface to which contaminants can adhere, comprising: - a generator device (30) for generating a gas-liquid mixture, wherein the generator device (30) has a receiving chamber (32) for receiving a liquid and a pressurized gas generating device (34) which can be connected to the receiving chamber (32) so that a pressurized gas-liquid mixture is generated by introducing a pulse of pressurized gas into the receiving chamber filled with liquid; - a first pipe arrangement (44) connected to the generator device (30) and having a first pipe connection (46) that can be connected to the first fluid connection (14) to direct the gas-liquid mixture under pressure into the filter arrangement (12); and - a second pipe arrangement (50) which has a second pipe connection (52) connectable to the second fluid connection (16) and which is connected to a collecting device (54) for collecting the gas-liquid mixture passed through the filter arrangement (12) and impurities entrained from the filter arrangement (12); characterized in that the first pipe connection (46) is arranged in the direction of gravity (G) above the second pipe connection (52), and the receiving chamber (32) is arranged in the direction of gravity (G) above the first pipe connection (52) and is closed at its lower end by a closure (90) which is designed to be opened to introduce the pressurized gas-liquid mixture into the filter arrangement (12).

2. Cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the closure (90) of the receiving chamber (32) opens automatically under force control when a pressure existing in the receiving chamber exceeds a threshold value.

3. Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure (90) has a closure element (92) movably mounted between a closed position (S) and an open position (O).

4. Cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein the open position (O) is defined by a stop (120, 122).

5. Cleaning device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the locking element (92) is pre-tensioned into the closed position (S) by an elastically deformable element (96), in particular by a spring element (96).

6. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 - 5, wherein a gas outlet (114) is located within the receiving chamber (32) above a liquid level (42) of liquid received in the receiving chamber (32).

7. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 - 6, wherein a length (D) of the first pipe arrangement (44) is in a range of 30 cm to 120 cm, in particular in a range of 70 cm to 110 cm, preferably in a range of 80 cm to 100 cm.

8. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the receiving chamber (32) has a base plate (110), wherein a closing element (92) of the The closure (90) is arranged below the base plate (110) and is preferably coaxially aligned with a base opening (94) in the base plate (110).

9. Cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein a stop (120, 122) for the locking element (92) is arranged below the locking element (92) and / or a guide (116, 118) for the locking element (92) is arranged above the base plate (110), and / or an elastic element (96) that serves to pre-tension the locking element (92) into a closed position (S) is arranged above the base plate (110).

10. Cleaning device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one ventilation tube (126) is arranged in the receiving chamber (32), which has an opening in the receiving chamber (32), preferably above a liquid level (42) of liquid received in the receiving chamber (32), and an associated opening below the closure (90).

11. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a fluid spray device (62) is arranged in the second pipe arrangement (50), which has at least one spray nozzle (76) directed towards the filter device (18).

12. Cleaning device according to claim 11, wherein the fluid spray device (62) has at least one spray lance (76) which preferably has at least one flat jet nozzle.

13. Method for cleaning a filter arrangement (12) comprising a first fluid port (14), a second fluid port (16) and a filter device (18) arranged between the first fluid port (14) and the second fluid port (16) and having a surface to which contaminants can adhere, the method comprising the steps: Arranging the filter assembly (12) in a cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 1-12, such that the second fluid connection (16) points downwards and the first fluid connection (14) is connected to the receiving chamber (32), at least partially filling the receiving chamber (32) with a liquid, and Generating a cleaning pulse in which gas from the pressurised gas generating device (34) is directed under pressure into the receiving chamber (32) for a duration of less than 5 seconds, and opening the closure (90) so that a gas-liquid mixture is generated and is driven from above into the filter device (18), through the filter device (18) and out of the second fluid port (16).

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the opening of the closure (90) is automatically force-controlled when a pressure existing in the receiving chamber exceeds a threshold value.

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