Foam Cleaning Device for Diesel Particulate Filters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning particle filters are labor-intensive and often unsatisfactory, involving costly replacement or cumbersome processes like burning, which do not ensure efficient and safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a device with a pressure-reduced liquid cleaning agent stored under 2 bar pressure, transported through a sealed hose to the particle filter's inlet, where it expands into a foam-like consistency, effectively cleaning the filter without soiling or damaging the device, using a pressure cup gun and quick coupling for efficient delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a large amount of cleaning fluid is used to clean the particle filter, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of the cleaning process and the risk of contamination or damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent is introduced in a liquid state under pressure and undergoes a parameter change by expanding into a foam-like consistency with increased volume. This transformation allows a small amount of cleaning agent to occupy and wet the entire filter interior, achieving thorough cleaning without requiring large quantities of fluid or complex multi-step processes
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning agent transitions from a liquid phase to a foam-like consistency with increased volume, effectively utilizing the third dimension (volume expansion) to distribute the cleaning agent throughout the filter interior. This dimensional change allows complete coverage with minimal material
2Productivity
If high pressure is used to transport the cleaning agent, then the cleaning agent can be delivered effectively, but the safety risk and potential damage to the particle filter increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure reducer is introduced to transform the high-pressure cleaning agent into a low-pressure state (approximately 2 bar) before it enters the particle filter. This parameter change in pressure ensures safe operation while maintaining effective cleaning agent delivery through the hose and into the filter interior
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure reducer acts as a protective measure that cushioning or reducing the high-pressure cleaning agent before it contacts the particle filter. This beforehand cushioning prevents potential damage from high pressure while ensuring the cleaning agent can still be delivered effectively
3Ease of operation
If the storage medium extends into the particle filter interior, then the cleaning agent can be delivered, but the risk of contamination or breakoff inside the filter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage medium is extracted or separated from the particle filter interior, with only the necessary cleaning agent being introduced through the hose. The hose is positioned to deliver the cleaning agent without the storage medium itself entering the filter, thereby preventing contamination or breakoff risks while maintaining delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hose acts as an intermediary that delivers the cleaning agent from the storage medium to the particle filter interior without allowing the storage medium itself to enter. This intermediary connection enables cleaning agent delivery while protecting the filter from contamination
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
The method ensures complete wetting and cleaning of the particle filter with minimal maintenance and safety, using low pressure to prevent operational hazards, ensuring efficient and thorough cleaning with reduced risk of device damage.
Implementation Method 1
The foam is generated simply by the physical expansion of the cleaning agent from a pressurized area within the storage medium to a larger, lower-pressure area inside the particle filter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (20) for cleaning a particulate filter (1) of internal combustion engines, said device comprising: a means for storing (2) pressurized liquid cleaning agent (5); a pressure regulator (3) capable of reducing the pressure to approximately 2 bar; a means for transporting (4) the cleaning agent (5) to an opening (6) of the interior (7) of the particulate filter (1); and a means (8) for producing a foam-type consistency of the cleaning agent (5), in particular by conversion and/or expansion in a region with an enlarged volume, after the cleaning agent (5) has entered the opening (6) of the interior (7) of the particulate filter (1).