Experimental Evaluation of Fibrous Filters for Trapping Diesel-Exhaust Particulates

A test apparatus containing two raw-gas particulate sampling systems was developed to determine accurately the performance of various materials as diesel exhaust particulate filters. This apparatus was used in conjunction with a single-cylinder diesel engine and a series of fibrous filters to quantify experimentally the effects of filter face area, filter thickness, packing density and fiber diameter on filter performance. Time-dependent efficiency measurements made with this system were smooth and consistent for all of the filters tested and correctly reflected the changes made in these key trap parameters. 6 refs.