Deterioration of Diesel Particulate Filters in Relation to CI Engine Fueled with Biodiesel

The paper presents results illustrating the effect on Diesel particulate filters (DPF) in relation to rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and animal tallow methyl ester (TME) compared to Diesel (EN590). Measurements were performed in an engine test cell using a modern common rail light duty CI engine running at five different load points for more than 330 hours. Regulated and non-regulated gaseous emission such as NO_x and NO₂ were monitored before and after the DPF to characterize the catalytic activity. Detailed investigation was also carried out concerning the ash balance in relation to engine lubricant additives and fuel contribution.

Results showed an increase in NO₂ engine out emission when the engine was fueled with biodiesel. However, the balance point temperature for the catalyst was significantly decreased illustrating the opportunity to optimize the catalytic surface correspondingly with increasing amount of biodiesel being regulatory implemented. According to the soot and ash loading analysis of the DPF the engine oil was the major contributor to accumulation of ash in the DPF.