Diesel Exhaust Particulate Control Techniques for Light-Duty Trucks

Exhaust aftertreatment will likely be required for the Detroit Diesel Allison 6.2L V-8 diesel engine to meet future light- and heavy-duty particulate and NOx emission standards. As GM's highest-volume diesel automotive engine, the 6.2L power plant is an option for Chevrolet and GMC trucks in both the light- and heavy-duty vehicle emission classes. This paper reviews the application of three different aftertreatment concepts to light-duty trucks: the catalyzed-trap approach, the additive/trap approach, and a newly developed mini-burner/trap system. System design and performance guidelines are presented, along with some construction details for each of the systems. An additive-based vehicle and a burner-based vehicle were tested in a varied but limited range of driving conditions. Both vehicles were equipped with. automated controls to initiate trap regeneration, and both also required additional engine controls to ensure proper emission and regeneration system operation. None of the regeneration systems evaluated provided satisfactory durability and reliability.