Method and system for removing retentate from filters
AssigneeCTS Corporation
InventorsAlexander Sappok, Leslie Bromberg
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A cleaning system and method of cleaning filters that removes the ash in the plugged regions is disclosed. The filter is subjected to vibrations, which serve to loosen trapped and packed retentate from the filter. The loosened retentate is then captured by a collection bin. The cleaning system can be integral with the intended application, such as within an automobile. In another embodiment, the cleaning system is a separate cleaning station, where the filter is removing from its intended application, cleaned, and then reinstalled.
Claims11
A method of cleaning retentate from a filter, comprising:
- providing one or more RF sensors for measuring the amount of retentate in the filter;
- applying forced vibrations to a filter element, said forced vibrations being used to dislodge and remove retentate from the filter;
- collecting said retentate in a retentate collection system;
- and
- stopping the forced vibrations after the amount of retentate is reduced to a level as measured by the one or more RF sensors.
A method of cleaning retentate from a filter, comprising:
- applying forced vibrations of a first frequency and first energy to a filter element for a first time period to loosen and remove said retentate from the filter;
- applying forced vibrations of a second frequency and a second energy for a second time period, after said first time period, said first energy being greater than said second energy;
- and
- collecting said retentate in a retentate collection system.
A method of cleaning retentate from a filter, comprising:
- applying forced vibrations to a filter element, said forced vibrations being used to dislodge and remove retentate from the filter;
- using measurements of filter retentate levels to vary the applied forced vibrations;
- and
- collecting said retentate in a retentate collection system.
A method of cleaning retentate from a filter comprising:
- applying forced vibrations parallel to channels of the filter to dislodge and remove the retentate from the filter;
- and
- collecting said retentate in a retentate collection system.
A method of cleaning retentate from a filter, comprising:
- applying forced vibrations to a filter element, said forced vibrations being used to dislodge and remove retentate from the filter, a location where the forced vibrations are applied varying while the filter is being cleaned;
- and
- collecting said retentate in a retentate collection system.
A method of cleaning ash deposits from a filter, comprising:
- measuring ash deposits in the filter;
- applying forced vibrations to a filter element, said forced vibrations being used to dislodge and remove retentate from the filter, wherein a location where the forced vibrations are applied is based on measured ash deposits;
- and
- collecting said retentate in a retentate collection system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.