Topic:
Materials Under Extremes
In order to reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions to meet customer expectations and U.S. EPA emissions regulations, diesel engines use an exhaust emission control technology known as the diesel particulate filter (DPF). The DPF is a ceramic (commonly made from cordierite or silicon carbide) monolithic filter in the exhaust system that filters PM from the entire exhaust stream during normal operation.Periodically, the DPF needs to be cleaned or “regenerated” to oxidize or “burn” the accumulated PM in the filter. The regeneration procedure occurs by raising the temperature of the DPF to approximately 600°C or higher where the carbon-rich PM readily oxidizes. The produced temperatures of regeneration can cause mechanical failure of the ceramic DPF, so longer and predictable service lifetimes are predicated on the understanding and management of those temperatures and thermomechanical stresses.
For more information please contact Andrew Wereszczak, at wereszczaka@ornl.gov.