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The modern Diesel engine is one of the most versatile power sources available for mobile applications. The high fuel economy and power of the Diesel engine has long made it the choice for heavy-duty applications worldwide. Over the coming years, global emissions legislation applied to heavy-duty Diesel (HDD) engines will become more and more stringent, necessitating the use of advanced emissions control technologies. In particular, the coming exhaust gas emissions legislation focuses on particulate matter (PM) emissions and emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). A filtration device can control PM emissions, and a possible technology for the abatement of NOx emissions involves NOx absorber catalysts. This paper describes investigations into the activity and system behaviour of a prototype HDD exhaust system based on NOx absorber technology. The system consists of a “single leg” containing NOx absorber catalyst that is bypassed during rich regeneration of the NOx absorbers.

In a consortium of European industrial partners and research institutes, a combination of industrial development and scientific research was organised. The objective was to improve the catalytic NOx conversion for lean burn cars and heavy-duty trucks, taking into account boundary conditions for the fuel consumption. The project lasted for three years. During this period parallel research was conducted in research areas ranging from basic research based on a theoretical approach to full scale emission system development. NOx storage catalysts became a central part of the project. Catalysts were evaluated with respect to resistance towards sulphur poisoning. It was concluded that very low sulphur fuel is a necessity for efficient use of NOx trap technology. Additionally, attempts were made to develop methods for reactivating poisoned catalysts. Methods for short distance mixing were developed for the addition of reducing agent.