Modeling Catalytic Regeneration of Wall-Flow Particulate Filters

The problem of initiating and controlling the regeneration of diesel particulate filters is the major obstacle in the wide application of trap systems in diesel-powered vehicles. The most promising solution approaches to this problem, in terms of minimization of system cost and of additional fuel consumption, are based on the use of catalysts to lower soot ignition temperatures. Various mechanisms have been invoked so far to explain and model catalytic filter regeneration. However, a significant gap is still observed between experimental findings and modeling predictions. This paper presents an attempt to shorten this gap, starting from the special case of fuel additive assisted trap regeneration. The mechanism proposed is based on a dynamic oxygen storage/release model of the metal oxides accumulated in the trap and is applicable to most types of fuel additives. The mechanism was embodied in an existing zero-dimensional regeneration model. The results of simple, full scale experiments are employed in the...