Muffler apparatus with filter trap and method of use
AssigneeDonaldson Company, Inc.
InventorsWayne M. Wagner, Bruce B. Hoppenstedt
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Abstract
Muffler apparatus for reducing both sound and particulates from exhaust gases from an engine. The apparatus includes resonating chambers, flow distribution structure and a cellular ceramic core filter module. Filter regeneration mechanism includes a heating element for heating the carbon on the inlet end of the ceramic core to combustion temperature. Particulate ignition resulting in regeneration occurs when combustion air is provided; in alternate embodiments, combustion air first flows through a preheater system. A processor unit with particular logic controls the apparatus.
Claims5
Cleaning apparatus for exhaust gases from an engine, comprising:
- a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path leading from said inlet upstream to said outlet downstream;
- means, within said housing along said fluid flow path, for filtering particulates from said exhaust gases, said filtering means including a ceramic filter element having an inlet end;
- means for regenerating said ceramic filter element including means for igniting said particulates near the inlet end of said ceramic filter element;
- primary flow means for providing combustible gases including oxygen upstream from said ceramic filter element for ignition and subsequent sustained combustion of said particulates;
- and
- secondary flow means for diluting said oxygen thereby slowing said combustion, said secondary flow means including means for directing combustion gases from downstream of said ceramic filter element to upstream of said ceramic filter element.
Cleaning apparatus for exhaust gases from an engine, comprising:
- a housing having an inlet, an outlet and a fluid flow path leading from said inlet upstream to said outlet downstream;
- means, within said housing long said fluid flow path, for filtering particulates from said exhaust gases, said filtering means including a ceramic filter element having an inlet end;
- means for regenerating said ceramic filter element including means for igniting said particulates near the inlet end of said ceramic filter element;
- means for injecting combustible gases including oxygen upstream from said ceramic filter element for ignition and subsequent sustained combustion of said particulates;
- and
- means for recirculating combustion gases and heat from downstream of said ceramic filter element to upstream of said ceramic filter element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.