Method and apparatus for measuring ash deposit levels in a particulate filter
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsDavid PAINTER, Steven F. MEISTER, Michael C. GATS
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for measuring ash deposit levels in a particulate filter comprising at least one cell. One or more indicator components is inserted into the at least one cell so as to lie upon any deposits contained therein. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source into the cell, and the position of the one or more indicator components is detected on the basis of the emitted radiation. The deposit level within the cell is then calculated on the basis of the position of the one or more indicator components.
Claims19
A method of measuring ash deposit levels in a particulate filter comprising at least one cell, the method comprising the steps of:
- inserting one or more indicator components into the at least one cell so as to lie upon any deposits contained therein;
- emitting radiation from a radiation source into the cell;
- detecting the position of the one or more indicator components on the basis of the emitted radiation;
- and
- calculating the deposit level within the cell on the basis of the position of the indicator components.
A method of cleaning a particulate filter having at least one cell, the method comprising:
- removing deposits contained in the at least one cell;
- inserting one or more indicator components into the at least one cell so as to lie upon any deposits contained therein;
- emitting radiation from a radiation source into the cell;
- detecting the position of the one or more indicator components on the basis of the emitted radiation;
- calculating the deposit level within the cell on the basis of the position of the indicator components;
- and
- removing the one or more indicator components and any remaining deposits from the cell.
An apparatus for measuring ash deposit levels in a particulate filter comprising at least one cell, the apparatus comprising:
- a radiation source for emitting radiation into the at least one cell;
- one or more indicator components insertable into the at least one cell;
- at least one radiation detection sensor which detects the position of the one or more indicator components on the basis of the emitted radiation;
- and
- a processor which calculates an ash deposit level on the basis of the detected position of the indicator components.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.