Fuel Filter Adsorbent for Sulfur Removal and NOx Adsorber Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sulfur-containing compounds in internal combustion engine fuel streams reduce the efficiency of NOx adsorbers by reacting irreversibly with catalysts, leading to frequent desulfation and shorter catalyst life, which is detrimental to nitrogen oxide emissions and NOx adsorber longevity.
Innovation Solution
A fuel filter comprising an adsorbent column capable of removing, storing, and regenerating sulfur-containing compounds, allowing for controlled release during regeneration cycles without harming NOx adsorbers or engine exhaust emissions, thereby extending the life cycle of NOx adsorbers and reducing desulfation frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If sulfur-containing compounds are removed from fuel stream using traditional filters, then sulfur concentration is reduced, but the filter requires frequent regeneration which reduces system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel filter performs preliminary removal and storage of sulfur-containing compounds from the fuel stream before they reach the NOx adsorber. By storing sulfur in the filter's storage medium during normal operation, the system prevents sulfur from reaching the NOx adsorber, thereby extending its life and improving overall system reliability without requiring frequent interruptions for filter regeneration.
2Reliability
If NOx adsorber undergoes frequent desulfation to maintain efficiency, then NOx reduction performance is maintained, but catalyst life expectancy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel filter provides preliminary protection to the NOx adsorber by removing and storing sulfur-containing compounds before they can poison the catalyst. This preliminary anti-action prevents sulfur accumulation on the NOx adsorber, eliminating the need for frequent desulfation cycles and thereby extending catalyst life while maintaining NOx reduction performance.
3Reliability
If sulfur-containing compounds are stored in fuel filter, then NOx adsorber is protected, but filter capacity is limited and requires regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a discarding and recovering mechanism where sulfur-containing compounds are discarded from the fuel stream and stored in the fuel filter's storage medium. During periodic regeneration, the stored sulfur is recovered by purging it from the filter using a solvent or heating process, restoring the filter's capacity. This cycle allows continuous protection of the NOx adsorber while managing the finite storage capacity of the filter.
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 fuel filter effectively reduces sulfur concentrations to 3 ppm or less, extends the life cycle of NOx adsorbers by minimizing desulfation frequency, and maintains NOx adsorber efficiency without adverse effects on engine emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a sulfur-containing compound adsorbent for adsorbing and concentrating the sulfur-containing compound
Implementation Method 2
a sulfur-containing compound oxidizing agent or oxidation catalyst for oxidizing the adsorbed sulfur-containing compound
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream. In one embodiment, the fuel filter comprises at least one column comprising an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment the adsorbent is capable of removing sulfur containing compounds, especially sulfur containing aromatic compounds, from fuels used in internal combustion engines, especially diesel fuels. Also disclosed is an apparatus for extending the life cycle of a post combustion emission control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream and an emission control device. Finally, a method for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises passing a fuel through a fuel filter capable of removing sulfur containing compounds, storing the removed sulfur containing compounds, releasing a portion of the stored sulfur containing compounds, and sending the portion through the engine and into an emission control device.