Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for removing solid particulate matter from the exhaust of a diesel engine, which comprises passing the engine's exhaust flow through at least a part of filter means to trap solid particulate matter contained initially in the exhaust, thereby to remove said matter from said exhaust flow, said filter means containing no more than one filter zone, and intermittently cleaning at least said part of the filter means by interrupting the exhaust flow through at least said part of the filter means and backflushing at least said part of the filter means during said interruption to dislodge said solid particulate matter from the filter means and entrain it for the purposes of removing it form said filter means wherein the elapsed time between backflushings is less than the duration of time needed for the trapped solid particulate matter to become resistant to combustion and wherein said elapsed time between backflushings is of a duration of no more than 10 minutes.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for removing solid particulate matter from the exhaust of a diesel engine, which comprises passing the engine's exhaust flow through at least a part of filter means to trap solid particulate matter contained initially in the exhaust, thereby to remove said matter from said exhaust flow, said filter means containing no more than one filter zone, and intermittently cleaning at least said part of the filter means by interrupting the exhaust flow through at least said part of the filter means and backflushing at least said part of the filter means during said interruption to dislodge said solid particulate matter from the filter means and entrain it for the purposes of removing it form said filter means wherein the elapsed time between backflushings is less than the duration of time needed for the trapped solid particulate matter to become resistant to combustion and wherein said elapsed time between backflushings is of a duration of no more than 10 minutes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the dislodged solid particulate matter is transported to the intake of said engine.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of passing, during said interruption, at least one backflush fluid pulse through at least said part of the filter means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said filter means comprises a ceramic honeycomb filter material, sintered metal particles, metal mesh, ceramic fiber, ceramic foam or a granular bed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the said filter means includes a ceramic honeycomb filter material fabricated of cordierite.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for decreasing exhaust emission in a diesel engine, the apparatus comprising filter means adapted to intercept the engine's exhaust flow and which traps solid particulate matter contained initially in the exhaust when the exhaust flow through at least a part of said filter means, thereby to remove said matter from said exhaust flow, said filter means containing no more than one filter zone, means for intermittently cleaning at least said part of said filter means including means for interrupting the exhaust flow through at least said part of the filter means and means for passing during said interruption, backflush fluid through at least said part of the filter means thereby to dislodge from the filter means, and entrain, said solid particulate matter for the purpose of removing it from said filter means characterized in that means are provided such that the elapsed time between backflushings is less than the duration of time needed for the trapped solid particulate matter to become resistant to combustion and wherein said elapsed time between backflushings is of a duration of no more than 10 minutes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for decreasing exhaust emission in a diesel engine, the apparatus comprising filter means adapted to intercept the engine's exhaust flow and which traps solid particulate matter contained initially in the exhaust when the exhaust flow through at least a part of said filter means, thereby to remove said matter from said exhaust flow, said filter means containing no more than one filter zone, means for intermittently cleaning at least said part of said filter means including means for interrupting the exhaust flow through at least said part of the filter means and means for passing during said interruption, backflush fluid through at least said part of the filter means thereby to dislodge from the filter means, and entrain, said solid particulate matter for the purpose of removing it from said filter means characterized in that means are provided such that the elapsed time between backflushings is less than the duration of time needed for the trapped solid particulate matter to become resistant to combustion and wherein said elapsed time between backflushings is of a duration of no more than 10 minutes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for transporting said dislodged solid particulate matter to the intake of said engine.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for passing, during said interruption, at least one backflush fluid pulse through at least said part of the filter means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as claimed claim 6, wherein the said filter means comprises a ceramic honeycomb filter material, sintered metal particles, metal mesh, ceramic fiber, ceramic foam or a granular bed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the said filter means includes a ceramic honeycomb filter material fabricated in cordierite.