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ASSESSMENT OF DIESEL PARTICULATE CONTROL: DIRECT AND CATALYTIC OXIDATION
Citation:
Murphy, M., L. Hillenbrand, AND D. Trayser. ASSESSMENT OF DIESEL PARTICULATE CONTROL: DIRECT AND CATALYTIC OXIDATION. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/7-79/232B.
Description:
The report discusses the technology and potential for disposal of diesel particulate by oxidation. Relevant properties of typical diesel particulate are given; note is taken of the small size (on the order of 0.1 micrometer diameter) and the presence of a portion extractable with an organic solvent. Available reaction rate data is used to derive particle lifetimes at various temperatures; these exceed likely exhaust system residence times. The use of catalysts to increase oxidation rates and lower ignition temperatures is discussed. Small amounts of many metals are effective in increasing the rate of oxidation by 2 to 5 orders of magnitude. Chemical reactor theory is used to derive ignition and operational characteristics of trap/oxidizers. Note is also taken of the tendency of these devices to go rapidly from a cold unignited state to an ignited state close to the adiabatic flame temperature of the fuel. Design techniques to ameliorate undesirable temperature excursions are presented.