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Diesel particulate filters have been in commercial use since 1986 in nonroad markets. Applications are diverse varying from underground mining equipment to marine vessels. This paper outlines the various applications in which diesel particulate filter systems have been used, different regeneration techniques and the situations for which they are suitable, and durability data.

Several previous SAE papers have discussed the direct on-line soot measurement device that uses radio frequency (RF) technology to measure filter soot loads in diesel particulate filters. This paper presents differential pressure measurement data from several different retrofit vehicle applications using various filter geometries. This data is discussed and correlated to laboratory test results. The durability of the system to urban buses is also outlined.

A series of demonstration programs have been carried out over the last three years to determine the efficiency and performance of diesel catalytic converters on urban buses for smoke and gaseous emissions reductions. Some of these studies and results were outlined last year in an SAE Paper No. 930132. This paper highlights the final results of the demonstration programs including the gaseous emissions and opacity reductions achieved on various types of diesel powered engines by using diesel catalytic converters. Also included in this paper is durability data obtained on the converters during these demonstrations.

SAE Paper 930131 outlined initial work performed on a diesel particulate filter system using a copper additive for regeneration. Laboratory evaluations of soot oxidation, fuel stability, and emissions reductions were presented along with preliminary field data. Since then, a total of thirty-four buses have been included in the North American fleet trials. The buses are powered by different engines and engine configurations. Results of the field trial are presented along with problems encountered and their resolution.

An earlier study (SAE Paper 920364) documented the ability of a Copper-based fuel additive to initiate regeneration of a particulate trap without external heat sources. Work performed with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority on diesel particulate filter systems for a 6V-92TA mechanical engine has been expanded to include 6V-92TA electronic, MAN and Caterpillar engines as well as an increased number of 6V-92TA mechanical engines. Both cordierite wall flow and fibre filter systems are currently being evaluated for performance and durability in field service. This paper outlines performance of the system which uses a copper-based fuel additive to induce regeneration along with emission reductions and health effects data. Additional data on compatibility of the copper fuel additive with typical commercial diesel fuels and lubricants is also presented.

Recently, 3000 catalytic purifiers have been sold into Santiago, Chile, for use on urban buses. The sale into Santiago resulted from over two years of demonstrating the performance of diesel catalytic purifiers in various Latin American countries. This paper highlights the results of the demonstrations including a variety of engine-types, opacity reductions provided by the use of purifiers, preliminary durability data and the present status of the use of catalytic technology in Latin America.

A cooperative R&D program involving Engine Control Systems Ltd. (ECS) and Consolidated Freightways, Inc. (C-F) has resulted in a diesel emissions control system for small to medium sized mechanical handling equipment. This paper outlines the design specifics of the system with an emphasis on the manner in which forktrucks can relatively easily be retrofitted. Both laboratory and in-field test results are outlined. The particulate filter system uses electric power to induce regeneration when backpressure rises to unacceptable levels.

An underground demonstration of prototype diesel particulate filters (DPF's) for heavy duty production vehicles was undertaken from 1987 through 1989 at Brunswick Mining and Smelting No. 12 mine in Bathurst, New Brunswick. The trial has indicated that the DPF's substantially improved the underground air quality and can reduce nuisance maintenance due to engine smoke. The trial included load-haul-dump vehicles equipped with both Caterpillar and Deutz engines, underground dump trucks with Deutz engines and bulldozers with Caterpillar engines. One filter logged over 4,000 hours of operation and it appears that the durability is adequate. Details of the demonstration are presented within this paper.