Comparative Assessment of DPFs of Different Materials: A Case Study on a Euro I Light Duty Truck 2001-01-1287

A test protocol, allowing for the evaluation of diesel particulate filters of different materials and of different sizes, located at various distances from the engine was developed. A total of 13 filter configurations were tested on a Euro I naturally aspirated diesel light duty truck with a fully passive trap system, utilizing only cerium-based additive in the fuel. It was proved that regeneration under constant urban driving conditions was always possible, at an exhaust gas temperature at the trap inlet in the range of 250 - 350°C. On a gravimetric basis, the efficiency of the traps tested concerning PM was in the order of 45 - 80% over the NEDC, depending on trap material and location along the exhaust pipe and reflecting the specific composition of the PM generated by the vehicle. No major effect on gaseous emissions (HC, NOx and CO) was observed. The fuel penalty depends on the regeneration frequency; with average trap load it was found in the order of 15%, with maximum values (just before regeneration) exceeding 30%.