In-situ Particle Filter Cleaning via High-Pressure Spray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning particle filters in diesel engine exhaust systems require removal of the filter for effective regeneration, leading to high costs and complexity, especially when passive regeneration is insufficient and manual regeneration is not feasible, resulting in costly replacements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a non-flammable, ash-free cleaning liquid sprayed under high pressure through a spray nozzle into the particle filter during engine operation to detach and remove soot particles, allowing for in-situ cleaning without filter removal, using a device with a pressurized container, outlet valve, and lance-shaped spray nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the particle filter is removed for cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning function from the removed-filter context and applies it in-situ through a spray nozzle that introduces cleaning liquid directly into the particle filter interior via the exhaust gas stream, eliminating the need to remove the filter for cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust gas stream serves as an intermediary medium to transport the cleaning liquid through the particle filter interior. The cleaning liquid is introduced via a spray nozzle and carried by the exhaust gas flow, allowing access to the filter interior without removing the filter
2Reliability
If manual regeneration is performed, then the particle filter can be cleaned, but the cost increases when loading conditions prevent effective regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of cleaning medium from thermal/regenerative approaches to a chemical/clean liquid approach. By introducing a non-flammable, ash-free cleaning liquid that dissolves soot particles, the method enables effective cleaning regardless of engine loading conditions or temperature constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning liquid is designed to be inexpensive and disposable, replacing the need for expensive filter replacements. The liquid cleaning medium can be easily applied and discarded, providing a cost-effective solution for routine maintenance
3Ease of manufacture
If the particle filter is cleaned in-situ, then the maintenance cost decreases, but the cleaning completeness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by introducing cleaning liquid through a spray nozzle and utilizing the exhaust gas stream as a fluid medium to carry the cleaning liquid through the particle filter. This fluid-based approach ensures complete penetration and cleaning of the filter interior without mechanical disassembly
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
Enables cost-effective, workshop-compatible, and effort-efficient cleaning of particle filters, extending the service life of the exhaust system by allowing for complete soaking and effective removal of soot particles without the need for filter removal, thus reducing maintenance costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a non-flammable, ash-free cleaning liquid is sprayed under high pressure through a surface of the particle filter into which the exhaust gas flows
Implementation Method 2
injected into the particle filter in such a way that the interior of the particle filter is essentially completely soaked
Implementation Method 3
a non-flammable, ash-free cleaning liquid is sprayed under high pressure through a surface of the particle filter using a spray nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The method involves spraying a noncombustible, ash-free cleaning fluid e.g. aqueous alkaline fluid, into a particle filter at high pressure by a spray nozzle (14). Exhaust gas flows across area of the particle filter during an operation of the combustion engine in a quantity such that an interior of the particle filter is completely soaked. The cleaning fluid is injected at pressure of from 6 to 8 bars. The quantity of the cleaning fluid to be injected corresponds approximately to a half volume of the particle filter. An independent claim is also included for an apparatus for the executing a method for cleaning particle filters in an exhaust gas system of a combustion engine of a motor vehicle.