Localized Filter Cleaning Nozzle System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current particulate filter cleaning methods, such as thermal cleaning and reverse-flow pressurized air, are inefficient due to air escaping around the filter rather than through clogged regions, lack in situ monitoring of retentate levels, and require high energy and infrastructure, leading to incomplete retentate removal and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for direct, localized forced air cleaning using a nozzle that seals against the filter, combined with actuation mechanisms for precise nozzle placement and valved manifolds for controlled fluid flow, allowing for real-time measurement of retentate levels and optimized cleaning processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reverse-flow pressurized air or traversing nozzle cleaning methods are used, then some retentate removal is achieved, but air takes the path of least resistance around the filter rather than through clogged regions, resulting in incomplete cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The filter surface is divided into multiple discrete locations, and the cleaning system selectively applies pressurized fluid to specific clogged regions rather than attempting to clean the entire filter surface uniformly. This segmentation allows targeted treatment of problem areas while avoiding waste on already-clean regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system applies different cleaning actions to different locations on the filter surface based on local contamination needs. By using sensors to identify clogged regions and applying pressurized fluid only to those specific areas, the system creates locally-optimized cleaning zones rather than uniform treatment.
2Productivity
If high pressure air is used to force air through the filter, then retentate dislodgement is improved, but energy consumption and infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying high pressure air across the entire filter surface (excessive action), the system applies pressurized fluid only to specific clogged regions (partial action). This reduces the total volume of high-pressure fluid required and decreases energy consumption while maintaining effective retentate removal at targeted locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect and map clogged regions, then autonomously directs cleaning fluid only to those areas without requiring manual intervention or oversight. This self-service capability optimizes energy usage by eliminating waste on already-clean areas.
3Loss of time
If conventional cleaning methods are used without monitoring, then the cleaning process can be completed in a predetermined time, but there is no in situ information to quantify retentate levels or assess filter cleanliness
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated into the cleaning system to provide real-time feedback on retentate levels and filter cleanliness status. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor cleaning effectiveness continuously and make adjustments as needed, transforming the cleaning process from a blind predetermined-time operation to an informed, adaptive process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning and mapping of the filter surface to identify clogged regions before the actual cleaning process begins. This preliminary action provides advance information about where cleaning is needed, allowing for more efficient resource allocation and process planning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures superior retentate removal efficiency with reduced energy consumption and infrastructure costs, providing localized and quantitative assessment of filter cleanliness, thereby extending filter life and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
means for applying a fluid to one or more localized regions of the filter for dislodging and removing the retentate
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for removing retentate from filters is disclosed, which utilizes pressurized and/or vacuum fluid through localized application. The disclosure describes a cleaning system and sequence of steps for carrying out the cleaning process, whereby, a fluid is directed to flow through a localized region of the filter media, thereby dislodging and removing accumulated retentate from the filter. In addition, the localized application of fluid flow allows for localized monitoring of the cleanliness of the filter with a high degree of spatial resolution. This filter retentate removal system and method is broadly applicable to a wide range of systems and processes ranging to engines and exhaust systems to production plants and equipment.