DIESEL EMISSION OXIDIZER SYSTEM (DEO) FOR THE CONTROL OF PARTICULATE EMISSIONS FROM DIESEL ENGINES

DUE TO THE ADVERSE EFFECTS ON AIR QUALITY, THE ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION AGENCY IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT CONTROLLING PARTICULATE EMISSIONS FROM DIESEL TRUCKS AND BUSES. IN 1991 AND 1994 NEW, AND VERY STRINGENT, FEDERAL EMISSIONS STANDARDS ARE SCHEDULED TO TAKE EFFECT. AMONG THE ALTERNATIVES AVAILABLE TO PERMIT COMPLIANCE WITH THESE STANDARDS IS THE DIESEL EMISSION OXIDIZER (DEO) APPROACH. THE DEO IS A COMPREHENSIVE TRAP SYSTEM USING WIRE MESH TECHNOLOGY AUGMENTED WITH AN ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR. THE DEO IS COMPOSED OF A CATALYTIC PRECONVERTER AND A MAIN CONVERTER (WITHOUT CATALYST). THE MAIN CONVERTER HOUSES THE WIRE MESH BEDS AND THE ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR. THIS DESIGN FEATURES MANY INNOVATIVE IDEAS TO ENHANCE TRAP FILTRATION EFFICIENCY, IMPROVE RELIABILITY, INCREASE SOOT RETENTION CAPACITY, AND PROVIDE SOUND ATTENUATION, IN ADDITION TO OTHER FEATURES. THE MAJOR INNOVATION IN THE SYSTEM DESIGN IS THE REGENERATION SCHEME. PHASE I WORK IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TO DEMONSTRATE THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PROPOSED REGENERATION SCHEME AS A RELIABLE MEANS FOR PARTICULATE TRAPS SUITABLE FOR LIGHT AND HEAVY-DUTY DIESEL TRUCK APPLICATIONS. PHASE I ENCOMPASSES ANALYTICAL WORK AND CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PROTOTYPES FOR THE DEMONSTRATION OF REGENERATION. PHASE II IS INTENDED FOR PERFORMANCE-RELATED CONCERNS.