Method and System for Removing Retentate from Filters

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . 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;   using a fluid to remove said retentate dislodged by said forced vibrations; and   collecting said retentate in a retentate collection system.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  for use in a machine comprising:
 an engine generating exhaust with particulates; 
 said filter element, having an inlet and outlet, to capture said particulates; 
 a first conduit connecting said engine and said inlet of said filter element; 
 a second conduit connected to said outlet of said filter element; 
 a vibrating element mechanically coupled to said filter element for applying said forced vibrations to said filter element to loosen said retentate captured by said filter element; and 
 said retentate collection system located in said first conduit for collecting said retentate loosened in said filter element, wherein whenever said engine is generating exhaust, said retentate collection system retains said collected retentate. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising a gating mechanism in said first conduit having a first position where exhaust flows from said engine to said inlet, and a second position where said loosened retentate flows from said inlet to said retentate collection system. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising a source of fluid flow in communication with said second conduit to blow fluid upstream through said filter element. 
     
     
         5 . 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;   using a fluid to remove said retentate dislodged by said forced vibrations; and   collecting said retentate in a retentate collection system.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  for use in a machine comprising:
 an engine generating exhaust with particulates; 
 said filter element, having an inlet and outlet, to capture said particulates; 
 a first conduit connecting said engine and said inlet of said filter element; 
 a second conduit connected to said outlet of said filter element; 
 a vibrating element mechanically coupled to said filter element for applying said forced vibrations to said filter element to loosen said retentate captured by said filter element; and 
 said retentate collection system located in said first conduit for collecting said retentate loosened in said filter element, wherein whenever said engine is generating exhaust, said retentate collection system retains said collected retentate. 
 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising a gating mechanism in said first conduit having a first position where exhaust flows from said engine to said inlet, and a second position where said loosened retentate flows from said inlet to said retentate collection system. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising a source of fluid flow in communication with said second conduit to blow fluid upstream through said filter element. 
     
     
         9 . 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;   using a fluid to remove said retentate dislodged by said forced vibrations; and   collecting said retentate in a retentate collection system.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  for use in a machine comprising:
 an engine generating exhaust with particulates; 
 said filter element, having an inlet and outlet, to capture said particulates; 
 a first conduit connecting said engine and said inlet of said filter element; 
 a second conduit connected to said outlet of said filter element; 
 a vibrating element mechanically coupled to said filter element for applying said forced vibrations to said filter element to loosen said retentate captured by said filter element; and 
 said retentate collection system located in said first conduit for collecting said retentate loosened in said filter element, wherein whenever said engine is generating exhaust, said retentate collection system retains said collected retentate. 
 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising a gating mechanism in said first conduit having a first position where exhaust flows from said engine to said inlet, and a second position where said loosened retentate flows from said inlet to said retentate collection system. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising a source of fluid flow in communication with said second conduit to blow fluid upstream through said filter element. 
     
     
         13 . 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;   using a fluid to remove said retentate dislodged by said forced vibrations; and   collecting said retentate in a retentate collection system.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  for use in a machine comprising:
 an engine generating exhaust with particulates; 
 said filter element, having an inlet and outlet, to capture said particulates; 
 a first conduit connecting said engine and said inlet of said filter element; 
 a second conduit connected to said outlet of said filter element; 
 a vibrating element mechanically coupled to said filter element for applying said forced vibrations to said filter element to loosen said retentate captured by said filter element; and 
 said retentate collection system located in said first conduit for collecting said retentate loosened in said filter element, wherein whenever said engine is generating exhaust, said retentate collection system retains said collected retentate. 
 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising a gating mechanism in said first conduit having a first position where exhaust flows from said engine to said inlet, and a second position where said loosened retentate flows from said inlet to said retentate collection system. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising a source of fluid flow in communication with said second conduit to blow fluid upstream through said filter element.