Studies on Regeneration of Diesel Exhaust Particulate Filters by Microwave Energy

It is a new idea and beneficial attempt that the microwave heating technology is applied to regenerate the Diesel Exhaust Particulate Filters (DEPF). In this paper, the microwave regenerating mechanism of DEPF is studied and some laws in the process of microwave regeneration are found by experimental and theoretical analyses. Some basic measurements and calculations of microwave characteristic factors of three kinds of selected DEPF and the pure particulate are presented. A Microwave Regenerating Test System (MRTS) is set and the microwave regeneration of DEPF is tested. A mathametical model of two dimensional axi-symmetrical non-steady temperature field is set up which is suitable for microwave regenerating process of ceramic foam filters. The numerical calculation and practical analyses are stated. It is proved by these studies that the particulate in DEPF is selectively heated by microwave energy and moreover the microwave energy is less absorbed by the pure ceramic filters. The microwave regeneration of DEPF is feasible from the point of economic effects, social benefit and technology. The power of MRTS which makes DEPF safely and effectively regenerated can be controlled under 1000W, even around 600W.