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This paper describes a three-dimensional (3D) visualization framework using terahertz (THz) waves for quantitative analysis of the distribution of catalyst washcoat loading and diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot deposits. THz waves, which are electromagnetic waves located between infrared and microwave in the electromagnetic spectrum, have good directivity and moderate resolution. Accordingly, a computed tomography (CT) technique has been developed to image the interior of an object using the spectral information of THz waves. This THz wave CT technique can be used to analyze the interior of various target objects, and has good penetrability of ceramic substances used as catalysts in automobiles. Against this background, a method using THz CT for nondestructive analysis of catalyst washcoat loading and the density distribution of soot was developed, and this framework was evaluated.

The authors evaluated the durability of current zeolite-type SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalyst system in terms of poisoning from engine oil components, such as phosphorus, sulfur, calcium and zinc. The engine oil types used included typical CF-4, a sulfur-free type and an ultra-high SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus and Sulfur) type, etc. After 500 hours' engine operation with these oils, the NOx conversion rates were measured and compared. The test revealed no serious deactivation of the catalysts, but we observed some trends concerning the poisoning and its effects on the catalysts' activity. We also analyzed the contaminants on the catalysts and studied their effects.

Single cylinder engine testing was carried out to clearly understand the test results of multi-cylinder engines reported by the Diesel WG in JCAP (Japan Clean Air Program) (1), (2), (3) and (4). In this tests, engine specifications such as fuel injection pressure, nozzle hole diameter, turbo-charging pressure, EGR rate, and fuel properties such as 1-, 2-, 3-ring aromatics content, n-,i-paraffins content, and T90 were parametrically changed and their influence on the emissions were studied. PM emission generally increased in each engine condition with increased aromatic contents and T90. In particular, multi ring aromatics brought about large increases in PM regardless of the engine conditions. The influence of fuel properties on NOx emission is smaller than the influence on PM emission. Some other fuels that have various side chain structures of 1-ring aromatics, normal paraffins only and various naphthene contents were also investigated.