The Inlet-Membrane DPF, which has a small pore size membrane formed on the inlet side of the body wall, has been developed as a next generation diesel particulate filter (DPF). It simultaneously achieves low pressure drop, small pressure drop hysteresis, high robustness, and high filtration efficiency. Low pressure drop improves fuel economy. Small pressure drop hysteresis has the potential to extend the regeneration interval since the linear relationship between pressure drop and accumulated soot mass improves the accuracy of soot mass detection by means of the pressure drop values. The Inlet-membrane DPF's high robustness also extends the regeneration interval resulting in improved fuel economy and a lower risk of oil dilution while its high filtration efficiency reduces PM emissions.
The concept of the Inlet-Membrane DPF was confirmed using disc type filters in 2008 and its performance was evaluated using full block samples in 2009. The Inlet-Membrane DPF showed low pressure drop and small pressure drop variation under several engine operation conditions, as well as sufficient durability verified under several evaluation conditions in 2010. This paper adds new data on an Inlet Membrane DPF for light duty (LD) application. Furthermore, the potential of the Inlet-Membrane technology for Heavy Duty (HD) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) on DPF applications were evaluated.