Optical and chemical analyses of the influence of engine operating conditions on the characteristics of soot and ash deposits in diesel particulate filters

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Dieter Brüggemann
• Subject Area: Technical Thermodynamics ; Hydraulic and Turbo Engines and Piston Engines
• Term: from 2016 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 289214012

Particulate filters are essential for the separation of particles from engine combustion processes and thus also for compliance with the strict emission standards in traffic sector. However, the use of particulate filter systems leads to additional challenges for the manufacturers of engines, exhaust gas aftertreatment systems and lubricating oil. In addition to the thermal control during soot oxidation or regeneration of the filter, the long-term stability of the filter plays an important role. As the filter lifespan increases, non-oxidizable components are deposited in the filter and have a significant influence on the operating behavior.The findings in the present project depict the different characteristics of soot particles from different engine operating conditions. In addition to the differences in the agglomerate structure and the nanostructure, the influence of volatile components has led to a significant influence in the oxidation behavior. Accordingly, these differences in the soot characteristics also have a strong impact on the exothermic oxidation processes during filter regeneration. In addition, initial investigations have been carried out to characterize the ash that has been introduced into the particulate filter using an oil burner system.In the follow-up of this project, the fundamental influences of the inorganic components from different lubricating oil formulations on the oxidation behavior will be examined. The findings are intended to determine what effects play a role in the changed operating behavior of aged particulate filters and how these effects should be weighted.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants