Cleaning device and method for cleaning a filter arrangement

A method of cleaning a filter arrangement which has a first fluid connection, a second fluid connection, and a filter assembly arranged between the first fluid connection and the second fluid connection and which has a surface to which contaminants may adhere, the method using a cleaning device which comprises:

• (i) a generator device for generating a gas-liquid mixture, the generator device comprising a receiving chamber for receiving a liquid, and a pressurized gas generating device which can be connected to the receiving chamber,
• (ii) a first pipe assembly connected to the generator device and comprising a first pipe connection which can be connected to the first fluid connection so as to direct the gas-liquid mixture under pressure into the filter arrangement, and
• (iii) a second pipe assembly comprising a second pipe connection which can be connected to the second fluid connection and which is connected to a collection device for collecting the gas-liquid mixture passed through the filter arrangement and contaminants entrained from the filter arrangement,
• wherein the first pipe connection is arranged above the second pipe connection in a direction of gravity, wherein the first pipe assembly comprises a deflection pipe section which connects the receiving chamber of the generator device to the first pipe connection such that the receiving chamber can be filled with liquid prior to generation of the gas-liquid mixture without the liquid entering the filter arrangement, and wherein a liquid spraying device comprises a spray bar extending transversely to a direction of flow of the gas-liquid mixture in the second pipe assembly, a plurality of spray nozzles arranged on the spray bar and directed towards the filter assembly, a drive shaft connected to the spray bar, and a drive motor connected to the drive shaft, wherein the drive motor is located outside the second pipe assembly, the spray bar is located inside the second pipe assembly, and the drive shaft passes through the second pipe assembly, and
• wherein the second pipe assembly comprises a siphon-like pipe section in which spray liquid and contaminants separated from the filter assembly by way of the liquid spraying device can collect,
• the method comprising the steps of:
• arranging the filter arrangement in a cleaning device, such that the second fluid connection faces downward and the first fluid connection is connected to the receiving chamber via the deflection pipe section,
• at least partially filling the receiving chamber with a liquid, and
• generating a cleaning pulse in which gas from the pressurized gas generating means is directed under pressure into the receiving chamber for a period of time less than 5 seconds so that a gas-liquid mixture is driven, via the deflection pipe section, from above into the filter assembly, through the filter assembly and out of the second fluid connection.