Diesel Particle Filters (DPFs) using a fuel-borne catalyst to assist filter regeneration provide a uniquely advantaged DPF technology. More than 5 million diesel passenger cars in the market today are equipped with this after-treatment system. Based on this extensive field experience, improvements have been made to the durability and maintenance requirements of this technology, and the total system cost has been optimized. Recently, a new fuel-borne catalyst, Eolys Powerflex™ (named new Fe-based FBC) has been developed to provide solutions that comply with current Euro 5 and forthcoming Euro 6 requirements that take into account both regulated emissions and optimization of CO₂ emissions.
This paper presents the benefits of this optimized product. The soot oxidation activity of this new Fe FBC has been tuned to ensure fast and complete regeneration at low temperature and very low dosing rates in the fuel, thus reducing ash accumulation and improving the overall system durability. In addition to its basic catalytic properties, this product makes the complete exhaust emission control system more flexible towards all new types of fuels, particularly those containing biodiesel blends. It reduces maintenance requirements and maintains the power and emissions performance of diesel engines throughout their life. This is achieved by keeping fuel injection equipment clean.
Combined DeNOx and DPF systems are being explored as a means of meeting the EURO 6 standard. Fuel-borne catalysts are of great interest in these systems. This paper describes several possible layouts that minimize CO₂ emissions while keeping good DPF regeneration performance.
Finally, the use of fuel-borne catalysts in light- and heavy-duty vehicles, and in retrofit systems for off-road equipment and commercial vehicles will be reviewed.