Regeneration device having air-assisted fuel nozzle

Abstract

A regeneration device for use with an exhaust treatment system is disclosed. The regeneration device may have a housing with a fuel passageway and a first air passageway. The regeneration device may also have an injector disposed in the housing in fluid communication with the fuel passageway and the first air passageway. The regeneration device may further have a combustion canister connected to receive a fuel / air mixture from the injector.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure is directed to a regeneration device and, more particularly, to a regeneration device having an air-assisted fuel nozzle.BACKGROUND[0002]Engines, including diesel engines, gasoline engines, gaseous fuel powered engines, and other engines known in the art exhaust a complex mixture of air pollutants. These air pollutants include solid material known as particulate matter or soot. Due to increased attention on the environment, exhaust emission standards have become more stringent, and the amount of particulate matter emitted from an engine is regulated depending on the type of engine, size of engine, and / or class of engine.[0003]One method implemented by engine manufacturers to comply with the regulation of particulate matter exhausted to the environment has been to remove the particulate matter from the exhaust flow of an engine with a device called a particulate trap. A particulate trap is a filter designed to trap particulate matter and ty...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the use of the particulate trap for extended periods of time may cause the particulate matter to build up in the medium, thereby reducing the functionality of the filter and subsequent engine performance.

Although this method of atomizing the fuel maybe effective, it is also problematic.

Specifically, the very small size of the orifices lends itself to frequent fouling and clogging.

In addition, the fuel pressures required for adequate atomization may be expensive to generate and difficult to accommodate.

This injection causes a rapid pressure drop in the mixture that results in the pressurized air expanding rapidly, breaking the fuel spray into fine particles.

In such an embodiment, the fuel ignites with a catalyst on the diesel particulate filter, thereby causing oxidation of the particulate matter on the filter.

Although the emission control device of the '810 publication may improve atomization and reduce the likelihood of fouling, its use may be limited.

In situations where the exhaust temperatures are below the predetermined threshold, the emission control device may be unable to regenerate the particulate trap.

In addition, because the emission control device of the '810 publication relies on a catalyst for ignition and combustion of the injected fuel / air mixture, the component and maintenance costs of the device may be significant.

In particular, the additional catalyst component may increase the initial cost of the device, while service and / or replacement of the catalyst component may increase the maintenance cost.

Further, it may be possible that combustion of the injected fuel / air mixture becomes unreliable as the catalyst ages and / or is consumed.

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