Particulate Filter Ash Compaction Using Low-Temperature Melting Salt

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preventing ash from clogging particulate filters in vehicle exhaust gas systems require high temperatures, leading to excessive energy consumption and potential wear of exhaust system components, and are not applicable to regular filters without specially adapted surfaces.

Innovation Solution

Introducing a low-temperature melting salt into the particulate filter to form a mixture with ash, which is then compacted at a lower temperature, reducing pressure drop and extending filter service life without the need for high temperatures or specialized surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If high temperatures are used to compact and redistribute ash in the particulate filter, then the pressure drop across the filter is reduced and filter service life is extended, but fuel consumption increases and excessive wear of exhaust system components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter service lifeVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the ash by adding specific metal elements (such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) to modify the ash melting point and sintering characteristics. This allows ash compaction to occur at lower temperatures, reducing fuel consumption while maintaining filter service life extension benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces metal elements as intermediary substances that act as fluxes or sintering aids. These intermediaries facilitate the binding and compaction of ash particles at lower temperatures by forming eutectic mixtures or lowering the sintering point, thereby mediating between the need for ash removal and the desire to avoid high temperature operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If high temperatures are used to compact and redistribute ash in the particulate filter, then the pressure drop across the filter is reduced and filter service life is extended, but excessive wear of exhaust system components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter service lifeVSAvoidwear of exhaust system components
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By modifying the chemical composition of ash through addition of metal elements, the invention changes the sintering temperature parameter, enabling effective ash compaction at lower temperatures that do not cause excessive thermal wear to exhaust system components while still extending filter service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional ash removal methods are used, then the particulate filter becomes clogged with low-density ash deposits, but replacing the filter is costly and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter performanceVSAvoidfilter replacement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables the particulate filter to self-maintain by compacting and redistributing its own ash deposits through in-situ sintering processes. The metal elements added to the system facilitate this self-service function, allowing the filter to maintain performance without external intervention or replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the chemical composition parameters of ash deposits through metal element addition, the invention transforms the physical state and density of ash, enabling it to be compacted and redistributed within the filter structure, thereby maintaining filter reliability without requiring replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method allows for ash compaction and redistribution at lower temperatures, reducing fuel consumption and extending filter service life, while being compatible with standard particulate filters.

Implementation Method 1

providing a low-temperature melting salt to the particulate filter, thereby forming a mixture of the ash and the low-temperature melting salt, and bringing the particulate filter to a compaction temperature, thereby compacting the mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3577324B1Method of compacting ash deposited in a particulate filter by providing a low-temperature melting salt to said filter
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP3577324B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3577324B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3577324B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method of compacting an ash deposited in a particulate filter (4) for a vehicle exhaust gas system, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a low-temperature melting salt to the particulate filter, thereby forming a mixture of the ash and the low- temperature melting salt: and b) bringing the particulate filter to a compaction temperature, thereby compacting the mixture of the ash and the low-temperature melting salt. The disclosure further relates to engine oils, dosage products, engine systems (10) and vehicles (1) for implementing such a method.