Abstract
A novel method for the removal of soot from a diesel particulate filter using pulsed electric discharges is presented. High voltage pulses of between 18 and 25 kV of nano to microsecond duration and with pulse energies of typically 100-200 mJ were applied to the filter via a series spark gap. Initial slow erosion of the soot layer proceeds via the formation of microdischarges. Subsequent spark discharges removed the accumulated soot more effectively from a larger filter volume. Average soot removal rates of ∼0.1-0.2 g/min were achieved at 50 Hz breakdown frequency by optimizing both electrode geometry and breakdown voltage. On-engine long term testing of the technology showed soot removal by pulsed discharge to be reliable, efficient and uniform; a total of 100 g of soot was deposited and removed over 18 filter regeneration cycles.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 467-477 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 20 Jan 2013 |
Keywords
- Environmental applications
- Microdischarge
- Plasma surface modification
- Spark
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry
- General Chemical Engineering
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films