Efficiently regenerated particle trap for an internal combustion engine and method of operating same
US7108739B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S55/10
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Particle traps are often used to reduce particulate emissions from internal combustion engines to acceptable levels. In order to maintain the particulate traps, they must be periodically regenerated in order to burn off the trapped particles. Strategies for efficiently regenerating the particle traps have been elusive. The present invention separates the exhaust flow into several flow paths. During regeneration, the flow paths are sequentially partially closed, and the particle traps in each of the flow paths are individually regenerated using electrically conductive filter elements. The present invention can be used to effectively filter particles from any combustion process, especially exhaust from internal combustion engines. The particle trap assembly achieves a relatively low pressure loss and efficient regeneration by supplying an oxidizer via a small cross-flow passage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.