Thermal Loading in SiC Particle Filters

Silicon Carbide (SiC) has been shown to have a high melting/decomposition temperature, good mechanical strength, and high thermal conductivity, which make it well suited for use as a material for diesel particulate filters. The high thermal conductivity of the material tends to reduce the temperature gradients and maximum temperature which arise during regeneration. The purpose of this paper is to experimentally investigate the thermal loading which arise under regenerations of varying severity.

An experimental study is presented, in which regenerations of varying severity are conducted for uncoated SiC and Cordierite filters. The severity is varied through changes in the particle loading on the filters and by changing the flow conditions during the regeneration process itself. Temperature distributions throughout the filters are measured during these regeneration.

A model for regeneration is presented and used for interpretation of observed temperature-time distribution at different locations in the filters. The model indicates a very broad progressing reaction zone extending to nearly the whole filter length. Results indicate a trade-off between regeneration efficiency, wall thickness, and peak temperature levels.