Non-invasive pneumatic filter cleaning apparatus and method

Abstract

A filter cleaning apparatus preferably comprises a filter holding assembly, a vibration assembly, and a diffusion delivery module. The filter holding assembly may secure the filter within a cleaning chamber. The vibration assembly may be operatively coupled to the filter holding assembly and may be configured to vibrate the filter. The diffusion delivery module may reciprocate along a longitudinal axis of the filter and deliver cleaning air radially and substantially perpendicular to an interior surface of the filter. The cleaning air may be pulsated to enhance the cleaning effect.

1 . A filter cleaning apparatus comprising:
 an air source; and   a diffusion delivery module in fluid communication with said air source to deliver cleaning air to an interior surface of the filter, said diffusion delivery module including a diffusion pipe that terminates in diffusion nozzle that delivers the cleaning air simultaneously over substantially 360°.   
     
     
         2 . A filter cleaning apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the diffusion nozzle comprises a block to which a diffusion cap is connected, said block and said diffusion cap defining a gap therebetween through which the cleaning air from the air source is delivered toward the filter. 
     
     
         3 . A filter cleaning apparatus as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said block has a concave inner structure and said diffusion cap is substantially disk-shaped. 
     
     
         4 . A filter cleaning apparatus as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said block and said diffusion cap are connected to each other via a plurality of elongate fasteners. 
     
     
         5 . A filter cleaning apparatus as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the cleaning air from the air source is pulsated to enhance the cleaning effect.