| Diesel particulate filter service method -> Monitor Keywords |
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  Diesel particulate filter service methodRelated Patent Categories: Power Plants, Internal Combustion Engine With Treatment Or Handling Of Exhaust Gas, By Means Producing A Chemical Reaction Of A Component Of The Exhaust Gas, Having Means For Regenerating, Replacing, Or Feeding Liquid Or Solid Reagent Or CatalystThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070256410. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a diesel particulate filter for a motor vehicle. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Diesel engines are efficient, durable and economical. Diesel exhaust, however, can harm both the environment and people. To reduce this harm governments, such as the United States and the European Union, have proposed stricter diesel exhaust emission regulations. These environmental regulations require diesel engines to nearly meet the same pollution emission standards as gasoline engines. [0005] One part of diesel exhaust includes diesel particulate material. Diesel particulate material is mainly carbon particles or soot. One way to remove soot from diesel exhaust is with diesel traps. The most widely used diesel trap is a diesel particulate filter which nearly completely filters the soot without hindering exhaust flow. As a layer of soot collects on the surfaces of the inlet channels of the filter, the lower permeability of the soot layer causes a pressure drop in the filter and a gradual rise in the back pressure of the filter against the engine. This phenomenon causes the engine to work harder, thus decreasing engine operating efficiency. Eventually, the pressure drop in the filter and decreased engine efficiency becomes unacceptable, and the filter must either be replaced or the accumulated diesel soot must be cleaned out. [0006] The filter is cleaned of accumulated diesel soot by burning-off or oxidation of the diesel soot to carbon dioxide which is known as regeneration. Regeneration of an existing filter is superior to filter replacement, because no interruption for service is necessary. [0007] In addition to capturing carbon soot, the filter also traps ash particles, such as metal oxides, that are carried by the exhaust gas. These particles are not combustible and, therefore, are not removed during regeneration. The filter must therefore be cleaned or discarded when the ash particles in the filter build up to high levels. [0008] Cleaning ash from a diesel particulate filter is not easily accomplished with typical maintenance shop equipment. The use of shop air to blow out the ash particles does not lend itself to containment of the ash particles. The use of a wet/dry vacuum tool has limited effectiveness on smaller and deeply embedded particles. The use of water or solvents can be detrimental to the substrate and/or washcoat. [0009] One method exposes the filter to excessive handling which increases the potential for inadvertent damage to this expensive component. This method also suggests precautionary methods such as paint masks, safety goggles, and gloves prior to servicing a filter due to the potential for exposure to the hazardous ash particles. [0010] To avoid this dangerous mess, specialized filter cleaning equipment has been developed. The equipment, however, is expensive to purchase for the service shop, which would make the cost of cleaning expensive for the motor vehicle owner. [0011] Therefore, it would be advantageous to develop a method to quickly and easily clean the ash particles from the filter. It would be further advantageous to clean the filter without using costly additional equipment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] According to the invention there is provided an economical way of cleaning the ash from a diesel particulate filter of a motor vehicle, typically using equipment already available in a service shop. The method of the invention disconnects first and second conduits of a filter apparatus's housing from the entrance tubing and exit tubing respectively of a motor vehicle's exhaust system. A diesel particulate filter is within the housing. The filter apparatus is reversed. The first conduit is now reconnected to the exit tubing and the second conduit reconnects to the entrance tubing. [0013] The engine is started and allowed to run at a high idle and no load engine speed. The engine acts like a mass flow generator to blow ash from the diesel particulate filter into the exit tubing. The ash is then collected with an ash collector. [0014] Additional effects, features and advantages will be apparent in the written description that follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of an engine and filter apparatus in the first configuration before cleaning ash with the diesel particulate filter in phantom; and [0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of an engine and filter apparatus in the second configuration for cleaning ash with the diesel particulate filter in phantom. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0018] Turning to the Figures where like reference numerals refer to like structures, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning ash from a diesel particulate filter 20 used for treating diesel exhaust gases from a diesel engine 12 in a motor vehicle. [0019] The engine 12 is in fluid communication with the filter apparatus 10 through entrance tubing 14 at the inlet side of the filter apparatus 10. Treated exhaust flows from the filter apparatus 10 through exit tubing 16 at the outlet side of the filter apparatus 10. [0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the filter apparatus 10 has a housing 22 and a diesel particulate filter 20 disposed therein. The filter apparatus 10 may connect with a catalytic device 18 located between the engine 12 and the filter apparatus 10. The housing 22 has a first conduit 24 in fluid communication with the entrance tubing 14. The opposite second conduit 26 is in fluid communication with the exit tubing 16. Continue reading... Full patent description for Diesel particulate filter service method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Diesel particulate filter service method patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Diesel particulate filter service method or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Exhaust device and vehicle with exhaust device Next Patent Application: Exhaust gas particle collector Industry Class: Power plants ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Diesel particulate filter service method patent info. 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