Method and system for removing retentate from filters

The present invention claims the priority of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 352,908 filed on June 9, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In many applications, the filter needs to be cleaned effectively and efficiently. Specifically, expensive filters need to be cleaned and regenerated into a reusable state. In addition, many filters are difficult to purify by conventional means. In a general filter purification method, the filtration residue is blown off with forced air. There are many disadvantages to filter purification by the forced air method.

First, forced air methods and systems generate airborne particles and dust that are harmful to health and the environment. Many forced air purification systems require large and costly secondary dust collection and filtration systems.

Second, forced air does not always effectively remove filtration residues from the filter. Specifically, a filter with pores, channels, pleats or the like, or a filter in which the filtration residue is sintered, stuck or otherwise adhered to the filtration residue itself or to the filter surface can be effectively purified by the forced air method. Absent.

Third, the forced air method is not effective in removing filtration residues in filter areas where little or no airflow is generated. Finally, filters that are not effectively purified can have a shorter service life and can reduce the efficiency of systems that use these poorly purified filters.

There are many types of filters, especially diesel particle filters, which are extremely difficult to purify by the forced air method. Diesel particle filters are used to reduce soot emissions from a wide range of sources, including internal combustion engines. There are many types of diesel particle filters, but ceramic honeycomb type wall flow filters are the most common. These filters can be quinolith, silicon carbide, mullite, aluminium titanate, or any other suitable material. Wall flow filters typically contain thousands of channels, the channel walls of which are composed of a porous material. The ends of each channel can be alternately blocked at the opposite end positions of the filter (checkerboard pattern). Particle-containing exhaust that enters the open end of the filter inlet channel is swept through the porous filter wall and enters adjacent outlet channels. Soot particles in the exhaust are trapped in the cake layer along the holes in the wall or the channel surface.

In addition to ceramic wall flow filters, there are many other diesel particle filters, including metal foam, sintered metal, and fiber based filters (ceramic, glass, paper, and others). These filters may include other forms, among others, pleats, channels, or porous matrices.

Diesel particle filters can be effective in capturing more than 99% of the soot emitted by the engine. The captured soot is removed regularly or continuously by regenerating the filter. The soot is oxidized by the regeneration process, but nonflammable ash remains.

Nonflammable ash deposits over time in layers along the filter wall or in plugs behind each channel of the filter. Ash is generally composed of various sulfates, phosphates, and metal components derived from lubricating oil additives such as Mg, Ca, and Zn that form oxides. Trace metals in fuels (Na, K, Ca and other elements found in, for example, biofuels), engine wear metals and corrosive particles can also contribute to their deposition. When the filter is regenerated with fuel-derived additives such as Ce, Fe, Pt and others, these elements also contribute significantly to the ash deposition in the diesel particle filter.

Accumulated ash limits the exhaust flow, increases the back pressure of the exhaust, and adversely affects the fuel consumption of the engine. Ash reduces the soot capacity of the filter. In extreme cases, clogging of the filter causes excessive exhaust back pressure, resulting in engine, exhaust, or equipment failure. One way to reduce the negative impact on the performance of filters and systems (engines, vehicles, etc.) due to sedimentary ash is to purify the filters, i.e. remove the ash.

Common systems and methods used for diesel particle filter purification include front-back blowing methods using forced air. In addition, the filter can be heated (generally up to 650 ° C) to oxidize and remove soot. Although heating the filter is effective in removing soot, the efficiency of removing ash at the heating temperature is relatively low.

One of the reasons why it is difficult to purify a diesel particle filter is not only the accumulated state of ash inside the filter but also its composition. With the new filter, the ash first accumulates in thin layers along the filter wall. Since this thin layer or thin film prevents the accumulation of soot in the filter pores (deep filtration), the pressure loss of the filter when soot is also loaded on the filter can be actually reduced. Generally, when the specific load of ash is less than 15 g / L, a beneficial ash film with an ash layer on the order of 50 μm is formed, but the ash layer that can realize the benefits related to pressure loss is thinner and has a specific load. Is smaller. However, their values may vary depending on the composition and properties of the ash.

As the amount of ash accumulated in the filter increases, the pressure drop can increase to the point of losing its initial benefit, and when soot is filled to a predetermined level, the cross-sectional pressure drop of the soot- and ash-containing particle filter is the same. The amount is greater than the cross-sectional pressure drop of a filter containing soot but not ash. When the specific load level of ash is 25 to 30 g / L or more, the pressure loss of the filter is remarkably increased, not only the soot filling capacity is reduced, but also the number of regenerations can be increased.

With such a high specific load level of ash, most of the ash (75% or more) is filled behind the filter, thus forming an ash plug within the filter channel. When the filter is used on the road for approximately 240,000 km (150,000 miles), 50% of the diesel particle filter channel length can be completely clogged with ash. Ash plugs deposited at the end of the channel can also be filled, sintered, or fused with each other or on the surface of the filter. The ash plugs accumulated at the ends completely block the exhaust flow through the ash clogged part of the filter, which generally contributes more to the pressure drop of the filter than that of the porous ash accumulated in thin layers along the filter wall. To do.

Considering the ash distribution in the diesel particle filter, it is ideal to remove all the clogged ash, but leave a small layer of ash along the channel wall for purification. Removing the clogged ash at the edges significantly increases the available area for soot deposition and thus reduces pressure drop. Leaving a thin layer of ash along the filter wall retains its beneficial effect by not preventing deep filtration of soot, which is a beneficial effect, and also provides some pressure drop.

The effect of the conventional forced air system is the exact opposite of that of the above ideal purification method. Conventional systems and methods remove most of the ash layer along the channel wall (the maximum flow rate portion of the diesel particle filter), but the ash (ash) in the filter portion where there is no flow or is negligible. It is inefficient to remove (most of them). Therefore, there is a demand for filters, specifically improved purification systems and methods for use with diesel particle filters.

<p num="0017"><patcit num="1"><text>US Provisional Application No. 61 / 352,908</text></patcit></p>

<p num="0018"> To provide improved purification systems and methods for use with filters, specifically diesel particle filters.</p>

<p num="0019"> According to the present invention, there is provided a filter purification system and method for removing a plug-like clogged portion of ash. The filter is vibrated, which breaks the captured and filled filtration residue and separates it from the filter. The separated filtration residue is captured in a collection bottle. Purification systems can be integrated into applications such as inside automobiles. In another embodiment the purification system is a separate purification station and the filter is removed from its intended use, purified and then reassembled.</p>

<p num="0020"> Improved purification systems and methods for use with filters, specifically diesel particle filters, are provided.</p>

<figref num="1">FIG. 1 is an example diagram of an embodiment of a filter purification system.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of some channels of the filter of FIG.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the filter purification system.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 4 is an example diagram of a filter purification system.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is an example diagram of a filter purification system integrated into a device such as an automobile.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 is a table showing the conditions for a specific impulse of 0.1 m / s at a mass of 70 kg.</figref>

FIG. 1 shows a vibration-based filter purification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The diesel particle filter (hereinafter, also referred to as a filter housing, a particle filter, and a filter) 100 is composed of a housing for accommodating a filter element (not shown). The filter element can be of any type, but is generally a ceramic honeycomb in a metal housing or can. The filter element forms the diesel particle filter 100 together with the housing. The diesel particle filter 100 can be removed from its intended use prior to its purification. The end cap 104 is fixed to the filter outlet, and the ash collection bin 106 is fixed to the filter inlet. The end cap 104 and the ash collection bin 106 can be attached to the filter with conventional v-band clamps or other commonly used clamps in these applications. One or more vibrating elements 102 may be mounted on the filter housing 100. An additional vibrating element 108 may be attached to either or both of the end cap 104 and the ash collection bin 106. The additional vibrating element 108 is attached to the end cap 104 in the figure.

The ash collection bin 106 can be a container made of metal, plastic, composite, or other material of suitable composition. In another embodiment, the ash collection bin 106 can be a filter bag, a plastic bag, or any other particle containment system anchored to the inlet of the diesel particle filter 100. The vibrating elements 102, 108 may be mechanically coupled to one or more of the diesel particle filter 100, the end cap 104, or the ash collection bin 106. In some embodiments, the vibrating element 108 may be bolted to the end cap 104 or the ash collection bin 106, and the vibrating element 102 may be clamped to the diesel particle filter 100 with a band clamp such as a hose clamp.

The vibrating elements 102 and 108 may or may not be in direct contact with the filter element. The filter end cap 104 and the ash collection bin 106 may or may not be used. In other embodiments, the filter end cap 104 is not used and the vibrating element 108 may be in direct contact with the filter element surface, eg, each surface of the inlet or outlet. In this embodiment, the vibrating elements 108 and 102 can be hand-held and can be manually pressed against the filter element surface or filter housing by the operator. The vibrating elements 108 and 102 can be held in place or moved along a surface including the outer housing of the diesel particle filter 100 and each surface of the filter element.

In some embodiments, the vibrating elements 102, 108 may be conventional vibrating motors, magnetostrictive elements, piezoelectric actuators, air vibrating elements, or any other device suitable for generating vibrations. The vibrating elements 102, 108 can be powered from an external supply or a conventional electrical outlet, and these vibrating elements can also be connected to a control system (not shown). In another embodiment the vibrating elements 102, 108 can be ultrasonic or acoustic transducers. Additional contact media such as gel, water, or other suitable material to improve vibration transfer from the vibration elements 102, 108 to the diesel particle filter 100 may or may not be used. The vibrations generated by the vibrating elements 102, 108 can be periodic or random, and can be continuous or pulsed.

The vibrating elements 102, 108 can be anchored at any position or direction with respect to the filter 100. In some embodiments, the vibrating elements 102, 108 may be tuned (position-optimized) to target the highest ash deposits of the filter, such as the end plugs. In most cases, most of the ash deposits behind the filter channel as end plugs. By positioning the vibrating elements 102, 108 close to their end plugs, the vibrating energy is particularly concentrated on the ash-accumulating portion of the filter 100. Prior to purification, the location and length of the deposited ash can be measured. The length of the ash plug is determined by measuring the insertion length of a thin wire rod inserted through one or more channels of the diesel particle filter 100. Positioning of sedimentary ash is not a requirement, but it can be used to determine the optimal location for targeting sedimentary ash.

The positions of the vibrating elements 102, 108 may or may not be changed during the purification process. In some embodiments, the vibrating elements 102, 108 may remain fixed during the purification process. In other embodiments, the vibrating elements 102, 108 may be adjusted continuously or intermittently during the purification process. In one embodiment, vibration is applied to a particular portion of the filter 100 until there is no more ash to remove. The vibrating elements 102, 108 are then adjusted in position to concentrate the vibrating energy on the rest of the filter 100, which still contains deposited ash. Any vibration frequency and vibration force range can be used. One or more vibrating elements 102, 108 may be used.

In some embodiments, the end cap 104 and the ash collection bin 106 may also be fitted with radio frequency based filter soot and ash probe 110. The filter housing 100, the end cap 104 and the ash collection bin 106 form a microwave cavity. The radio frequency (RF) probe 110 may be connected to the control unit and power supply 16. The RF probe 110 can be used not only to provide information about the amount of ash and soot in the filter, but also to detect breakage such as cracks or melting in the filter. Any frequency range may be operationally suitable. At higher frequencies, the spatial resolution measurement capability increases. The measurements of the RF probe 110 can be used to determine when to clean the filter, and in some embodiments to determine when to stop cleaning the filter.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more connections 112 and 114 may be used. These connections can be part of the end cap 104, the ash collection bin 106, or both. Connections 112 and 114 may allow the use of airflow or any other suitable fluid flow for removing filtration residues (ash / soot) removed by vibration. In another embodiment, a vacuum may be applied to at least one of the connections to remove the filtration residue. Airflow or vacuum is not a system operating condition but can be applied. A pressure transducer (not shown) is used to monitor the pressure loss of the filter housing 100 before, during, and after the purification process, thus the efficiency of the purification system and the reusability of the purified filter. Can be provided as a guide.

The operation of the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described below. The accumulated ash is crushed by the vibration and force applied by the vibration elements 102 and 108. In one embodiment, the sedimentary ash can be crushed by applying a combination of strong force and bottom frequency vibration. The crushed ash can then be dropped into the ash collection bin 106 from the inlet section of the filter housing 100 by applying high frequency vibration and a weak force. In one particular method, the deposited ash can be crushed at frequencies below 60 Hz and the ash removed from the filter housing 100 at frequencies above 100 Hz. In other embodiments, higher frequencies around 1kHz may be used. Vibration can be used to remove ash, soot, and any other contaminants from the filter housing 100.

The duration of application of vibration in some embodiments can be less than 10 minutes. The applied frequency and force can be constant or variable. In one embodiment, bottom frequency and strong vibrations are applied for 2 minutes, then high frequency and weak vibrations are applied for an additional 2 minutes, and this process is alternated over a total purification period of 10 minutes. The vibration can be applied for any duration but can be less than 10 minutes or more.

The position, direction and number of vibrating elements 102, 108 during the purification process are variable or adjustable. The applied force and vibration frequency can also be variable. In some embodiments, the vibration and force can be changed by adjusting the voltage applied to the vibration motor or the internal weight on the motor shaft. In another embodiment, an absorber (such as a rubber mat or foam) is simply placed between the vibrating element and the filter. In yet another embodiment, if a pneumatic element is used, the pressure and flow rate can be changed.

In some embodiments, the purification process can be monitored and controlled using RF sensors 110. In those systems, each parameter of the purification process (vibration, force, displacement) can be adjusted or optimized based on the measured filtration residue removal rate. The purification process of the filter 100 can be stopped when the RF sensor 110 determines that the filtration residue of the filter 100 has dropped to a demandable level. In another embodiment, visual observation of ash removal, ash removal mass, or pressure loss in filter 100 can be used to determine the end point of the purification process or adjust process parameters. In yet another embodiment, the purification process may be terminated after a predetermined time has elapsed. Purification using any number of measurement systems and methods, including filter channel inspection using x-rays, terahertz, imaging, borescopes, and manual measurement of ash plug length using wire rods. The ash height within the filter 100 for adjusting each parameter of the process can be determined, or the time to stop purification of the filter 100 can be determined.

In another embodiment, the filter 100 is first heated above 650 ° C, preferably in the range 700-1000 ° C. This heating can alter (expand or contract) the ash plug deposits and thus facilitate their removal by vibration. Heating can be carried out using the engine's existing filter regeneration system, or an external heater or furnace.

Figure 2 shows a detailed additional example of the vibration purification method. A cross section of the three channels of the Diesel Particle Filter 200 is shown. The figure shows a porous channel wall 202, an inlet channel 204, a layered deposit along the inlet channel wall, and a plug-like deposit 206 at the rear position of the channel. Exit channel 208 is also shown. The applied vibrations 210, 212, 214 are shown.

Vibrations can be applied at right angles to each channel as shown by 210 and 212, or parallel to each channel as 214, or at any angle or direction with respect to each channel and filter 200. The direction of application of vibration may or may not be changed during the purification operation. Vibrations can be induced directly in each channel or filter, or through the filter housing. Vibrations 210, 212, 214 are used to crush, separate and remove ash or filtration residue 206 from each channel. In some embodiments, vibrations orthogonal to channels 210 and 212 can be used to crush and disintegrate the ash plug or sediment ash 206. The dismembered sediment ash can be removed by applying vibration 214 parallel to the channel 204 to move the channel 204 and drop it from the filter. The vibrations 210, 212, and 214 can be applied in any direction in any sequence.

FIG. 3 shows a specific filter 300 to which the ash collection bin 302 and the end cap 304 are fixed. The vibration motor 306 is attached to the top of the end cap 304. A vibrating collar 308 is also attached along the perimeter of the filter 300. The vibration collar 308 may contain one or more vibration elements 310, such as a magnetostrictive element or other suitable element. During the purification process, the position of the vibrating collar 308 may be adjusted to target areas of the filter 300 that contain a large amount of ash or difficult to remove ash, such as end plugs.

The vibrating elements 306 and 310 are shown mounted on the housing 300 or on the outer end cap 304 of the filter element housed in the housing 300, but the vibrating element, i.e. the vibrating motor 306, is filtered. It can be placed directly on the filter element, such as by placing it directly on the face of the. In other embodiments, the filter element can be removed from its housing 300 prior to vibration application. The ash separates and falls into the ash collection bin 302 due to the application of vibration by the vibrating elements 306 and 310. Thus, no air-derived ash dust is generated.

Figure 4 shows the ash purification station. The station is composed of a support structure 400, an isolation element 406, and a support surface 402. One or more vibrating elements 408 are secured to the support surface 402. The vibrating element 408 may be connected to a power supply and control unit (not shown). The support surface 402 is physically connected to the support structure 400 via an isolation element 406 that reduces vibration transmission from the support surface to the support structure 400.

The support fixture 404 may be connected to the support surface 402. The support fixture 404 can be mounted horizontally or vertically, or in any direction of the operator's choice. The support fixture 404 may or may not be used. Without the support fixture 404, the filter (not shown) can be held by the operator by hand or by some other means.

The vibrating element 408 is used to induce vibration on the support surface 402, and the induced vibration is transmitted to a filter arranged on the support surface 402. The position of the filter on the support surface can fluctuate during the purification process. The filter placed on the support surface 402 may or may not include the end cap 304 and the ash collection bin as shown in FIG. If the filter does not include an end cap 304 or an ash collection bin 302, an enclosure or ash collection bin or system may be mounted on the support surface 402 to collect and store the ash removed from the filter.

The vibration induced by the vibrating element 408 on the filter placed on the support structure 402 is used to crush, separate and remove the ash from the filter. The filter may have additional vibrating elements fixed directly to the filter, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, or the vibrating element 408 may be the sole source of vibration. Frequency, force, displacement, and other process control parameters that may use one or more vibrating elements 408 are also adjustable.

Figure 5 shows a vibration-based filter purification system applied directly to the diesel particle filter 508 built into device 500. The device 500 can be any device that houses the particle filter 508. The device 500 may be stationary or may contain one or more traction devices 502 for movement. The particle filter may be connected to the engine 504 via the exhaust conduit 506. Exhaust from the filter 508 may be directed away from the device 500 via a conduit 510. Particle filters 508 and exhaust conduits 506, 510 may be arranged horizontally, vertically, or at any angle with respect to device 500.

One or more vibrating elements 512 may be attached to the filter 508. The vibrating element 512 may also be connected to a power supply and controller (not shown). A connection 516 may be used such that the ash collection bin 518 can be connected to the exhaust conduit 506. A valve, plug, or gate mechanism 514 may also be inserted through the exhaust conduit 506. The gate mechanism 514 has a first position for flowing the exhaust gas from the engine 504 to the filter 508 and a second position for flowing the filtration residue on the upstream side of the filter 508 to the ash collection bin 518.

The vibrating element 512 can be used to crush, separate and remove the ash from the filter 508 while still incorporated into the device 500. In one embodiment, the separated and removed ash is blown out of the filter 508 and the exhaust conduit 506 by applying a backflow to the exhaust conduit 510 with the engine off. A fluid flow source such as an air compressor or an air blower can be communicated with the exhaust conduit 510 and the fluid can be blown upstream through the filter 508. The ash is carried in this stream and enters the ash collection bin 518 via the exhaust conduit 506. The ash collection bin 518 can be a container, bag, or second filter element. The ash collection bin 518 can be removed for disposal of the collected ash. A valve, plug or gate mechanism 514 can be used to prevent ash from being blown into the engine 504. Backflow application to remove ash from the system may or may not be required. In another embodiment, a vacuum system (not shown) may be connected to the connection 516 instead of the ash collection bin 518. In another embodiment, filter purification can be performed using vibration alone, such as when the filter 508 is mounted vertically.

A specific example of the purification method will be described below. The vibration applied to the filter is characterized by the thrust in the filter. Thus, different "shake" processes can be scaled and compared. Vibrations that suddenly lose momentum (that is, collide with a surface) can effectively purify the filter in a relatively short time. In one embodiment, the pre-collision velocity without sacrificing material integrity is about 5-10 cm per second. If it is faster than that, loud vibrations and sounds will occur. Therefore, the specific impulse that decelerates the filter almost instantaneously is &lt;0.1 m / s (standardized by the mass of the filter).

Each thrust can be generated in a harmonious fashion using either mechanical or electrical means using pneumatic vibrators, oscillating motors, magnetostrictive elements, piezoelectric elements, ultrasonic or acoustic transducers and the like. When magnetostrictive elements are used, these magnetostrictive elements can be driven in an anharmonic manner by a square wave-like driving current.

In a particular embodiment, the mass of the filter assembly can, mat, and sensor containing the DPF is about 70 kg. When the frequency of the vibrating element is f, the force application time is about 0.5 / f. The force F required to generate a specific impulse of 0.1 m / s with a mass of about 70 kg operating at 500 Hz is about 7000 N. The corresponding acceleration provided by the system is about 10g. The required power can also be calculated. The displacement in half a cycle is on the order of 50 microns. Therefore, the power required to drive the system is about 400 W.

When the frequency is low, the required power decreases, but the amount of displacement increases. Thus, at 60Hz, the required power is 800N and the power is about 42W. However, the acceleration due to the shake operation is only about 1 g. Figure 6 shows the conditions for a specific impulse of 0.1 m / sec at a mass of 70 kg. The lower frequency can be achieved using a conventional motor (unbalanced motor). The higher frequency can be achieved using a magnetostrictive device or other suitable device.

The magnetostrictive material is of the grade of a ferromagnetic material whose length changes when a magnetic field is applied. Some of these materials are magnetostrictive. At room temperature, TERFEN OL-D is an example. In one embodiment, three actuators of these materials are fixed to the support surface 402 as shown in FIG. 4 or to the vibrating collar 308 as shown in FIG. Each actuator is about 1 cm in diameter and 3 cm in length, but wider or longer actuators can be used. These actuators are driven by a high-power audio amplifier.

The actuator is about 100 microns long and requires hundreds of watts of power. The resonant frequency of the relatively short actuator is much higher than the operating frequency, and the magnetic field penetration is much faster. Three actuators operating at 500Hz generate about 6700N, which corresponds to the force required to shake a 70kg mass at 500Hz.

Actuator drive using a rectangular waveform is particularly beneficial as the ash will probably separate at this point and fall into the container in the bottom position if the downward movement of the filter assembly ceases. The direction of acceleration can be easily changed by driving each actuator in different phases. It is even possible to drive the support surface 402 (FIG. 4) at different frequencies.

The vibration-based purification systems and methods of the present invention may be applied individually or in combination with other purification methods such as forced air methods and heat regenerators. Filter load conditions and filter integrity (deficiency, dissolution) measurements may or may not be applied. Radio frequency and microwave sensors, pressure sensors, flow measurements, ultrasonic measurements, X-ray measurements, ash mass measurements, similar systems and parameters were also used to determine the effectiveness of the purification process. obtain. As an example, a detectable powder such as a fluorescent powder can be introduced into the backflow through the filter to detect filter defects. Other powders can also be used. If powder is detected on the side of the filter opposite to the powder introduction side, the filter may be defective. In-situ measurements or estimates of filter residue levels can also be used to control process parameters such as vibration direction, frequency, and forces applied during the purification process in real time. The purification process can be stopped after a length of time, after a predetermined amount of filtration residue has been removed from the filter, or after the level of residual filtration residue in the filter has been reduced to acceptable levels.

Purification can be assisted by adding charged particles to the filter inflow and neutralizing the charge that is present in the ash, soot, or other filtration residue and facilitates agglomeration and / or retention on the filter wall. .. Positive and negative charges may be added to optimize the neutralization. Charges of either polarity can be present in the same space, or can alternate between space and time. Each charge can be generated by an external corona discharge, among other generating means. Each embodiment and description is exemplary and is not intended to be limited thereto. The vibration-based purification system and method of the present invention can be applied to all types of diesel particle filters and all types of filters for them (eg, pleated filters, paper filters, filter bags) in their material composition, form or design. It is equally applicable regardless. In addition, the filtration residue can be soot, or ash, or any other substance that deposits in the filter. The filtration residue removed from the filter can be deposited in a plug at the end of each channel of the filter, layered on the surface of the filter, or in the pores of the filter.

100 diesel particle filter 100 filters 102 Vibration element 104 Filter end cap 106 Ash collection bottle 108 Vibration element 110 Ash probe 112 Connection 200 diesel particle filter 202 channel wall 204 channels 206 Sedimentary ash 208 exit channel 300 filter 302 Ash collection bottle 304 end cap 306 Vibration motor 308 Vibration color 310 Vibration element 400 support structure 402 Support surface 404 Support Fixture 406 Isolation element 408 Vibration element 500 diesel particle filter 502 Traction device 504 engine 506 Exhaust conduit 508 particle filter 510 Exhaust conduit 512 Vibration element 514 Gate mechanism 516 Connection 518 Ash collection bottle