Honeycomb Filter Defect Detection via End-Portion Wetting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Honeycomb filters used in exhaust gas streams face challenges in detecting defects such as holes or cracks in their porous walls and plugs, which can compromise filtration efficiency and integrity, making existing inspection methods inadequate for identifying these issues effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method involving wetting at least one end portion of the honeycomb filter to a higher degree of wetness than the intermediate portion, allowing fog with moisture droplets to be flowed through the channels, and monitoring the exiting droplets to enhance the detection of defects within the filter, particularly in the intermediate portion where fluid dynamic pressure is minimized.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional inspection methods are used to detect defects in honeycomb filters, then the inspection process is simple, but the detection sensitivity is insufficient especially in the intermediate portion where fluid dynamic pressure is minimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection sensitivityVSAvoidinspection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The method applies preliminary action by wetting the end portions of the honeycomb filter before conducting the fog flow test. This pre-wetting creates a pressure differential that enhances fog flow through the intermediate portion, improving defect detection sensitivity in areas that would otherwise have minimal fluid dynamic pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of the filter by transitioning from a dry state to a wetted state at the end portions. This parameter change creates the necessary pressure differential to enhance fog flow and improve detection sensitivity in the intermediate portion without requiring complex inspection equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the entire honeycomb filter is wetted to detect defects, then defect detection sensitivity improves, but the complexity of the testing procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection sensitivityVSAvoidtesting procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The method applies local quality by selectively wetting only the end portions of the honeycomb filter rather than the entire filter. This localized wetting creates the necessary pressure differential to enhance fog flow through the intermediate portion, improving defect detection sensitivity while minimizing the complexity of the wetting procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 increases the sensitivity of defect detection by creating a pressure differential within the filter, allowing for more effective identification of defects in the intermediate portion and end portions, thereby improving the filtration efficiency and integrity assessment.

Implementation Method 1

wetted at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion to provide at least one wetted end portion, wherein the wetted end portion has a higher degree of wetness than the intermediate portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a honeycomb network of channels defined by a plurality of intersecting porous walls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

flowing a fog with moisture droplets into the honeycomb network of channels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP2926107B1Methods of testing a honeycomb filter
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 CORNING INC
  • EP2926107B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2926107B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2926107B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Methods of testing a honeycomb filter for defects include the step of wetting at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion to provide at least one wetted end portion. The method further includes the step of monitoring the second end portion for fog passing through the filter.