Engine Bench and Vehicle Durability Tests of Si bonded SiC Particulate Filters

Modern filter systems allow a significant reduction of diesel particulate emissions. The new silicon bonded silicon carbide particulate filters (Si-SiC filters) play an important role in this application, because they provide flexibility in terms of mean pore size and porosity and also have a high thermal shock capability to meet both engineering targets and emission limits for 2005 and beyond.

Particulate filters are exposed to high temperatures and a harsh chemical environment in the exhaust gas of diesel vehicles. This paper will present further durability evaluation results of the new Si bonded SiC particulate filters which have been collected in engine bench tests and vehicle durability runs. The Si-SiC filters passed both 100 and 200 regeneration cycles under severe ageing conditions and without any problems. The used filters were subjected to a variety of analytical tests. The back pressure and ash distribution were determined. The filter material was also analysed.

In addition vehicle ageing was performed using the European driving cycle. A detailed description of the regeneration conditions and the results from analysis of the used filter will be presented.

This investigation proved the high durability performance of the newly developed Si bonded SiC materials. Si bonded SiC filters are making debut on the market in both fuel additive and catalytic soot filter systems.